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

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Forests of Verona "​

" . . ." He was the reason Serena didn't play? He held her shoulders. "Serena, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have told you. You can play now, you can definitely play now. Do you want to go somewhere else?" he said, standing up and gesturing to the wardrobe.

Katsuya
OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

Serena shook her head quickly. "No, I-....." She bit her bottom lip as she squeezed the music box in her hands. "...Can...Can we go somewhere no one can hear me?" The blonde asked, looking up at Seth. There was like a plea in her eyes, like some sort of intense desire to play again. "I don't care where as long no one but you can hear me play?" She will follow him if he knows a place.

She really didn't want to get Seth into trouble. Even if it's just music and most people wouldn't think much of her song, the people around her would want to know where her inspiration comes from this time. Every one of their friends and family know that she plays songs by people she meets, experiences she goes through, or emotions she couldn't exactly speak up.

This was the hardest time to not play...

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Ruins of Paroosia "​

Seth agreed, and immediately led the way through the wardrobe and out on to the ruins of Paroosia. It was a lush forest now, thriving from years of Echo and Renee's care. Yet despite the peacefulness of the place, no one had returned to rebuild their homes here. It belonged to the creatures of the forest and all was snowy when they came out of an old garden shed.

Seth had turned this into one of his hideouts only Serena, Sen, Minnie, and Ricket knew of. Its where he kept his loot and good wine, and collection of ancient weapons. "Is this alright, Serena? I'm listening."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena followed, climbing in and out of the wardrobe, to the ruins of Paroosia. Violin in shaky hand.

She nodded, closing the door behind her as she walked out of the shed. Her dark red pea coat and golden blonde hair contrasted with the white fluffy snow as she walked. As she stood near a tree, Serena lifted her violin, placed it snug between her chin and shoulder as she tweaked the nubs to tighten the strings. Once she deemed her violin ready, she played...

Relief. It was like Seth was hearing her relief of seeing a friend again after surviving something and then it melded into worry and wary. The notes bounced around in bouts of panic, strings vibrated when she suddenly let out a screech that wasn't ear-piercing; it's more like someone had struck down with a devastating blow. Serena backed away, her face tensed. Brows furrowed, nose scrunching up a bit, and her mouth pinched in a frown as her violin continued to play her warring emotions.

There was a moment where her notes were quiet, uncertain as the song showed her ignored feeling; the one where she wanted to find someone important and just tuck them away somewhere...but she can't. She knows she can't and she felt helpless about it. With a sigh, Serena ended the song with a numbing still note. Still uncertain but calmer then the jumbled mess she played just now.

"...Seth, why do you steal?" Serena asked, looking at the snow below her as she lowered her violin and bow. "I just want to know...is it the trills? The riches? Both? None?" She wanted to understand him, his reasoning and goals for having this need to be a thief.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Ruins of Paroosia "​

Seth's shoulders drooped when he realized he had made her worry and feel helpless like that. And he felt torn inside, having a tug-of-war between what he loves to do and the person he's come to care about as much as his twin brother.

"It's the thrills." said Seth, looking at her to see if this was acceptable. "I love the challenge. It's what I'm good at and I enjoy it. Whatever I want, I can just get it, and I like that freedom. Like the whole world is my playground." he spread his arms. "I like the riches too, they buy me time. Like this heist, I'm set for a year that I can spend doing whatever I want, like being with you or Sen and Minnie, and traveling and eating good food."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

As Serena listened, her violin disappeared. She walked closer to the thieving twin and stood in front of him, pondering for a moment.

"...Okay..." Her hands cupped one of his, warming it up from the cold. " You like the thrills and feel like the riches from heists can give you time; you want to live in a good thing while taking risks. I can understand on loving something you want to do and make a career out of it...but..."

"What if you were caught?" She asked. "If not by the authorities, by the bad men? Sen wouldn't know nor would Minnie...I wouldn't know either because you barely tell me--I know it's because you don't want me to know in case anybody asks me but Seth, what about you? What if someone in your crew betrays you or something were to happen that you couldn't escape in time? What if it's too late to even help you?" Her thumbs rubbed his hand, feeling the calluses from his misadventures.

"...I'm not going to ask you to stop. It would be hypocritical of me to ask you that, but I do want you to know that I worry about you."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Ruins of Paroosia "​

Seth squeezed her hand then said very honestly, "Then I get caught or die. And I accept it. I'm not saying that I'm willing for it to happen, I train, and we prepare and have all kinds of back up plans and precautions so that we can come home, but if it fails and I get caught or die, then that's the reality of it." he concluded simply.

Then he asked what he was afraid to ask. "Serena, do you think we have a future together? Or . . . do you want someone who might get caught and possibly be jailed or become wanted for life while we have kids? . . . If James or Lydia find out you may have to lie to them just to protect me . . . I don't think we can get married publicly or for you to have my last name because of the reputation I now have . . . Do you still want to stay with me?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena looked up to stare at Seth with a small frown. He can see that her heart broke at her answer.

"...I don't want someone who's going to be an irresponsible father figure to my future kids." She squeezed his hand tightly. "I don't want to accept of possibly losing you to something that can be avoided...I don't care about reputations but I do care about you...I can't stop you from doing what you want to do...so..." She lets go of his hand, looking down with her golden hair covering her face with shadows.

"...I'm letting you go...you can be free from me too..." Her voice quivered, backing away from him like she was going to run to the forest. "I...I don't want to tie you down from something you love to do..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Ruins of Paroosia "​

" . . ." Seth looked like he was going to cry, but there was a somber acceptance to her words. He can't give that kind of life to her, it would be horrible. Serena deserves a happy normal life. When she let go of his hand and backed away, he could feel something important inside crumbling.

"You never tied me down, Serena. More like . . . I am the bad influence . . ." And the future he was offering her . . . well, it was a horrible selfish future to offer. " . . ." his breath came out rattled and croaky, as he looked at her soul to soul. "Thank you for loving me all these years."

The way he said it, it was like a good bye.


Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"You're not a bad influence-!"

Serena yelled at him. Her hands curled into fists as she froze in her spot. "You're not-!" She knows that as a fact.

"If you were, you wouldn't have told me it's okay to be angry long ago!" He's kind and emphatic.

"If you were, you wouldn't have checked on me after we were free from that bloody deathknight!" No one else has checked on her like Seth did nor could anybody understand what they went through except each other.

"If you were, you wouldn't have cared to get my violin or invite me to come with you to see a pretty view at the top of the tower! Or show me how wonderful it was to be up there!"

"So don't you dare tell me that you're a bad influence when all you have been doing is making sure that I was okay. Making sure that Sen and Minnie are okay! You never pressured me to do anything horrible! You never forced me to do anything terrible-! You supported me, you even helped me with my speech! No one has done that! No one even offered to do that! Don't you dare tell me that you are bad influence!"

Serena shot her head up, blonde hair billowed as she stared at Seth; he can see her azure eyes had thin slits for pupils. There were tears in the corner of her eyes too. Her infamous temper flared. She quickly marched up to him and leaned in, not letting up.

"Got it? Sure, you steal and have fun at the thrills; but Seth, you're not a bad influence if you haven't made me do anything!" She said. "You even showed me how to have fun-! You gave me wonderful memories, you showed me so many good things! So...So...don't say you're a bad influence....okay?..." She muttered the last part, staring very intently at the twin. Then she sniffed, wiping away her tears that's like never-ending.

"...I...I wish...you can see what I see in you....I do..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Ruins of Paroosia "​

That surprised him. "Okay, I won't say it again." he said looking humbled and affectionate from her words. His hand clenched as though he was keeping himself from holding hers. For a moment Serena right now looked like a treasure money couldn't give him. Something rare he couldn't get anywhere else. And once again he was torn between what he loved and what he was going to lose that he could never ever get anywhere else.

He really didn't want her to belong to anyone else.

But he'd have to give up thieving. And he doesn't want to. But Serena . . . It was all going in circles. But until he made up his mind, breaking up was the safest for her especially since, well, he's a criminal. She would undoubtedly get drawn into his thieving and he doesn't want her to make the choice of choosing between him and what's right. He knows she'll choose what's right, and if on the chance she'd choose him, she'll still get hurt and not be able to live normally and free. Breaking up is the best decision.

Seth smiled at her. "I didn't see that . . ." he clenched his hands. He really wants to hold her to thank her and let her feel how appreciative he was. "Thank you, Serena." he said with all his heart. "I'm setting you free too. You do what's right when James or Princess Mia talks about me. You stay true to yourself. It's okay. I'll be okay." he looked at all of her. "You're perfect the way you are, don't change. Not for me, nor for anybody." he smiled.

"I think we should part here." he added, his smile becoming a sad, trying to be strong one. His fingers were digging into his palms with how hard he was clenching his fists. He wasn't going to be able to hold his tears much longer.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Good!"

As she listened to Seth's words, Serena couldn't hold back her sobs anymore. Not after that. her hands went up to cover her face, tears streamed down from her cheeks and down to the snow. She wanted to hug him and not let him go, but...she made her choice and he wasn't going to choose her. She can see that and as much it hurts her, she's glad that she wouldn't be dragging him down from his choices.

"..." She couldn't even say goodbye as she cried. The blonde didn't want to see him go. Not at all. "I-I'm gonna m-mi-miss you..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" 3 Years Later "​

Seth blinked away tears, but it didn't work. He gritted his teeth. Suddenly, in a moment of weakness he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her so tight like he never wants to let her go. He cried. No matter how they go over this again and again, he chose to not give up thieving. They didn't part for a long time, but the pain, the eventual realization that their decision wasn't going to change, made it harder and harder to stay the inevitable. Then they parted.

Serena wouldn't find him here again in his hiding place. He had moved all his things somewhere, including all the other secret hideouts that he had, they were abandoned, nothing left inside. His enchanted wardrobe was anonymously delivered to Serena's doorstep, and even Sen, Minnie, and Ricket didn't know where he was.

As the years went by, news of more heists, including the famous disappearance of all the treasures in the treasurehold of certain merchants, and the rain of gold in impoverished places that until now had a hard time recovering after the war, became headlines. Word of a band of brigands called Velocity became the intrigue of the public --- they were like Robin Hoods who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, yet for some reason Queen Mia, Emperor Kenren, the King of the Jaharian Empire, the Clan leaders of the Storm Wall, and the Elves never became victims. This band was known for never using violence or blackmail, and making as little messes as they possibly could when robbing someone. They were famous for their illusions and tricks, playing as impostors, and especially in getting in and out of a place fast, which got them their name.

Then came the blunder of the decade, someone revealed the identities of Velocity and Seth was one of them. It was during the failed theft of a sky train carrying ancient antiquities. Someone had anonymously informed the special team of warlocks and warriors assembled by their victims, which included the king of a country, about the future heist of the train. There they were able to set up an ambush that failed to capture the thieves, and failed to stop them from taking the artifacts, but they were able to find out their identities. Now Seth and his crew were wanted internationally, and a big bounty was over their heads, enough to set one to live comfortably for life.

It was the afternoon after this just came out in the morning papers that James had sent a letter to Serena, Minnie, and Sen, asking if they could meet about this. Apparently, the Order had been asked by the public and the special team to aid in the capture of Seth. And James, who as usual was putting what's best for the majority before his own, agreed.

* * * *​

Meanwhile, in a certain underground slums beneath the Sonoran Desert, four heavily injured thieves were being attended to by a couple of cats from Ricket's clan, and an informant from the Cool Beans Guild.

"So, that traitor got away free. Are you sure you checked everywhere, Pipino?" said a voice.

"I'm sure, Seth. All the escape routes were covered, he must have struck a deal with that special operations team." said Pipino. "Hey, hey, don't move, Jeanne, there's nothing we can do right now except lay low while the heat dies down."

"That Jonathan!" yelled a lady's voice. "After all we went through, he got greedy!"

"Shhh, Jeanne, you're going to give us away. We're as angry as you, but now, more than ever isn't the time to lose our cool." said Pipino. "Let David rest, don't shout."

"I actually don't mind Jeanne shouting." mumbled another weak voice. "Even if she keeps quiet I don't think I can rest knowing that traitor ran off with our share. I should have known. I should have paid attention to the signs."

"We'll get him back, David." said Seth's voice. "He can't sell those antiques, not yet, while the heat's still hot. No buyer would risk it, not even the ones who invested in us."

There was a sigh. "Apart from this we now owe those guys millions." said Jeanne.

"No, we tell them up front to go to Jonathan for their money. The underworld's going to know we got set up in time. They'll know Jonathan has the goods." said David.

"He must be really confident. He must have a backer somewhere. We need to find out who he's working for." said Jeanne.

"We will." said Seth. "We'll expose him like the traitor he is."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena clung tightly, hugging back as they cried, realization hitting her hard like she just ran into a steel wall.

'No matter what I do' she thought miserably. 'I'm going to be alone...'

Then they parted. She never talked about it with anyone and she never played it. When the wardrobe was sent back to her, she knew it really was done. She didn't need to check if he was still hiding in the forests of Paroosia to know that he really up and left nothing behind...except for the music box he has given her on their last date.

With time, her name only became bigger as 'The Kind Violinist'. She'd play in concerts and gave most of the money away to charities that need them after checking their backgrounds; the rest of the pay, she would give it to her co-workers for their hard work on making her stage look wonderful. She never made it a big deal either. The only reason why everyone knows that little piece of information is because one of the charities bragged about it. If it wasn't for them, her kindness would be unheard; something that she wanted but cannot be helped now that it's out.

Her music can be heard in every country, echoed somewhere as everyone knows Serena plays to cheer others up and letting them know that they are not alone. It's the sound of someone who has been through a lot and yet will still share to others with a warm smile and a tender hand.

However Serena was hardly seen. She reasoned with the news once that she only wanted to concentrate on her music, not on her image. She didn't want anyone to really see how she felt as she played.

With friends, it's rare to see her bright smile or hear her cackling anymore. Even if Sen made her laugh with his jokes, she'd just quirk a half-hearted smile and that's it. Her hands never stopped shaking either, always fiddling with something and not playing what she wanted to play. Nowadays it's normal to see her like that as Renee once said to her brothers, 'It's like her inferno-like fire was wiped out and her heart was burned to ashes.' The Pendragon sister wanted to check on her soul once and Serena refused, saying that she didn't want anyone to tell her that her soul is colorless; she already knows that.

When Serena was called by James for a meeting with Minnie and Sen, she didn't react to the news. She just said, "Okay...I'll join you, James." before leaving behind a very worried Minnie who looked at her in mild disbelief.

************​

There's a small legend within the traveler and merchant communities.

They spoke of a woman who used to live in Paroosia, playing to her heart's content with her violin. She's known to be kind and caring to anyone that meets her, especially to a wounded or a wary traveler. Then one night, someone had murdered her in her home, slicing her hands off to keep as a treasured reminder. Ever since then, her spirit haunts the ruins of Paroosia, her violin can be heard faintly echoing in the forests but it was beautiful. Even rivaling Serena's playing because it felt more alive compared to hers as they believed.

Any of the travelers and merchants are welcomed here to rest, they say...unless they go into the forest. That's when they can hear a screeching sound, with a violent and loud 'Get away!', before they were blown out of the forests. Many had believed if the spirit blows you away, then you are cursed. So many of the merchants stay clear of the forests, only to enjoy her music. Sometimes they would see her image at the edge of the forest with a smile on her face as she played and hands...are gone.

A few times children who were curious about the spirit would travel inside the forests, making it as a game...

Oddly enough she would play with them, hiding and only revealing where she was by violin, leading them back to their families somehow. The children always said 'She was kind! The lady isn't scary, she even gave me treats! Her laugh was funny too!' When the adults asked what did she look like up close, not one can answer that. She never came close to the children, only leaving treats behind whenever they 'found' her as a gift.

Other travelers believed it's something else that's haunting this forest, like the dead soldiers of the war. Though it could not explain the faint but beautiful violin that's playing within the haunted forest of Paroosia.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sen Pendragon -
" The Order "​

Today, James didn't come as a friend and a brother, he came as a guardian; Sen was already looking uncooperative. His face was saying 'fat chance I'll help you'. And it was obvious whose side the twin was on.

"I'll get to the point." said James somberly. "I'm here to catch Seth and his three friends, and recover the missing antiques. Are you three willing to help me?"

Sen chuckled. "You're asking me that?" and there was a hard edge to his sarcastic tone. If there was anyone who held Seth dear as much as Serena or Sophie, it was his twin. Even after they went their own ways, there was nothing one wouldn't do for the other.

"Yes. Who would you rather catch him. Me and Lydia, or strangers hired by his enemies?" said James.

"I'd rather he not get caught at all, James." said Sen.

"Twenty one years is the maximum penalty for his crimes. Good behavior and community service can lessen his sentence. If he doesn't come clean he'll be a hunted man all his life. What kind of life is that?"

"He was doing fine as a hunted man, if he gets imprisoned that's going to kill his spirit the way you break a wild horse and put it behind a fence. No more mountains to climb, Seth will waste away in jail. That is much worse."

" . . . I can't ignore the crimes of my own brother. Do you know how embarrassed mom and dad are? How because of this doubt is being thrown on the Order and Renee? The public thinks we've been supporting his stunts because of their grand scale, even Cool Beans is being accused. Many people are being affected, Sen, good people."

"It's not my problem if they believe a lie. Seth's never pulled the guild into any of his crimes, nor the Order, nor our sister. Everything was arranged by him and his people, and you know that. Why worry about public pressure that isn't true? And even if this would have long term effects on good people, I still can't help you, because I have no idea where he is."

"Don't lie to me."

"It's true!" said Sen. "You know how Seth is, he'd never bring the ones he loves into his messes."

"Yes, but you go to his aid anyway."

"True, but he hasn't contacted me. I don't think he will contact me. I've been searching for him too, James, and I haven't found him at all. I got nothing to offer, and even if I did you know I wouldn't give him up. So that's that."

" . . . Serena, do you know where he is?" said James turning to the famous star.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena and Minnie listened on the brothers' arguments.

The young gunner sighed, staring at the brothers ping-pong one reason after another. Minnie felt conflicted as she can see what both sides are saying. Seth can be safer from harm by going to jail and do community service; however it will break his spirit and he would be a husk of what he used to be.

She wanted to say 'It reminds me of what Big sis did when she wanted to go to the Storm wall in the beginning.' to James, but she didn't. She didn't need to tell him that. She's pretty sure that James is simply worried about his little brother too and is only saying that because it's part of his job.

Honestly Pendragon men are too proud- 'Sei fits right in' she thought humorlessly.

The blonde violinist didn't look up when James asked. "No, I don't...but I will help when I can, James." Minnie shot her head at Serena, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Serena?" Minnie asked warily and the blonde shook her head shortly, her blue eyes revealed nothing of what she's thinking.

"I'm only doing what he told me to do: Be myself and act the way I want to act." Serena said before looking at James. "Don't expect much from me...and I know you're only doing your job, but you should ask your sister on how she feels before saying anything on her behalf." Then she stood up from her chair, a hand on the table as she was ready to leave again.

"I really doubt she cares about people believing that she's supporting her little brother and more on if he's okay. You know that better then anyone here, James." Serena mercilessly mentioned, wanting to remind James of what she did for him to keep his sight. "Sen? You have points too, but stop agitating your brother. He's at a crossroads and only doing his job."

"You know better then anyone if James could, he would shove you, Seth, and Renee in a closet, safe and sound." Serena mentioned again as she turned around and reached for the door.

"Serena?" Minnie repeated and the blonde shook her head again before leaving the room, done with this conversation.

The little gunner sighed again, feeling helpless in this situation. She wants to help Seth and yet make sure he's safe...but that's hard to do because either road she sees is one that no one can be fully happy about.

In the meanwhile, Serena walked in the hallways, her footsteps echoing. Her face stay stoic and calm. When she reached Kingburys' door, she opened it and went to her home; where she knows that she can be alone for awhile and think in peace.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sen Pendragon -
" The Order "​

Ouch, Serena was as blunt as ever. That made Sen behave and James rub the back of his neck, as she left. "Look, I know what we think is best for Seth is different. But why don't we let him decide that? You let Renee decide." said Sen.

" . . . "

"I know your loyalty is with your Order, but Sen is our brother. Maybe we should focus about whether he is okay, and not treat family like criminals."

". . . He chose to be a criminal, Sen, knowing full well the consequences. I can't have favorites. My choice affects a lot of people who depend on me." said James. "And I choose them over Seth whose committed crimes deserving of justice."

". . . For Serena's sake, I won't say anymore." he stood up. " Shall we go, Minnie?" he offered a hand. "We've got family to look for."

" . . ." James watched them go. He knew having Sen cooperate was unlikely, but maybe Minnie might help him see sense. He was surprised he got Serena's help, though. It wasn't much, but it was something.

After that the little gunner would of course learn that Sen was lying. Seth had contacted him for help, and soon the elite members of the guild were being secretly sent out to spy, mislead, and sabotage the efforts of the Order and that Special Operations team from finding Seth and his friends. And Sen and her will find themselves two weeks later on a ship flying to the desert of Sonoran.

* * * *​

Meanwhile, in the news, Serena would read and hear about the four thieves being chased all around Midgard, their last known location being the old kraken lair in Shoflo Ocean. It seems the special operations team have a very good informer on the group's movements, or so the public thought, but in reality, as Sen and James know, every lead seemed to be a dead end. Just some kind of distraction.

One day, on Serena's doorstep. She received an anonymous package. It was a big box but contained one little thing, the remains of a golem's core, and a note: "Help."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Serena Lock -
"Home quiet Home"

​

Minnie left with Sen, taking his hand. She peeked over her shoulder in thought for a moment.

Somehow...she had a feeling that Serena is right about James; if he could, he would help Seth in his own way...It's pretty obvious with the way he stayed quiet when Sen mentioned about how he let Renee make her choices. Perhaps...perhaps James really does see where Sen is coming from but just could not be in his side since there's a lot of people riding on his shoulders.

Maybe she's thinking too much.

Later when she heard from Sen that he lied, Minnie sighed and slapped his back. Kind of mad at him for not telling her earlier. "Well then? Let's get going and start planning." She said, wanting to see Seth again.

In those two weeks, she prepared everything her boyfriend and her might need before going to the desert of Sonoran.

*****​

Meanwhile Serena heard the news and wasn't having any luck herself. She used Queen Mia's network to try to find the four thieves or think of a place Seth would go to hide but she couldn't find any of them. Though she noticed Sen's reluctance to helping his older brother. 'Seems like they still can't get along.' She thought once.

Then one day, in front of her studio's doorstep, is a large box. Serena didn't open it. She did shake it and heard something rattle within. Letting her violin disappear and stopping her practice for today, she walked over to a very familiar wardrobe, going inside with the box.

The she came out another to a cozy living room, leaving her shoes inside. The floors are covered in plush dark maroon carpets with giant pillows all over, surrounding a low table in the middle and facing a fire place that's jutting out from the soft peach colored walls. There were blankets on the plush looking couches, colors array with a rustic kitchen connected to the living room. There were wooden stairs that lead to the second floor where her bedroom resides, always locked in case anybody finds her real home in the graveyard forest.

Once she came out of the wardrobe, she locked it, turning off the portal and placed the box on the low table. When she opened it and looked inside, Serena stared at the note.

"...Seth, you idiot..." She croaked painfully, reaching in the box to take out the two small items inside. She had to pack soon and ask a certain someone for help.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Manus -
" Beneath the Sonoran Desert "​

After four days of trudging through the familiar desert, Sen and Minnie found themselves before the gates of Manus, one of the cities of the desert cat folk, where old friendly faces from their war days greeted them warmly and ushered them inside. In one of the clay and stone houses lay three of the four most wanted thieves in all of Midgard, Seth was nowhere to be found.

"Sen, Minnie, you are a sight for sore eyes." said a lady with long brown hair, hugging them fondly. "My Seth talks a lot about the two of you, you and Ricket are his closest friends and family. Ah! We have never been formally introduced, I am Jeanne de Valois, you may have read from the papers years ago about a forger who forged fake notes from a queen that led to a missing diamond necklace? It made such headlines then, though they never knew it was me, it is nice to meet you!"

"You are very trusting, Jeanne." said Sen, shaking her hand.

"If my Seth trusts you, then I trust you."

"Your Seth?"

"He hasn't told you? We are dating!" said Jeanne.

"Oh!" The twin made a mental note to not say anything to Serena. "So, where is he?"

"He left." she told the two. "He received a package from someone and then promptly said he needs to go to the Farthing Plains. Said he needs to meet with somebody, though he did not tell us who."

"Alright. Well, me and Minnie are here to help you. We don't need to know your plans, just, what you need.

* * * *​

Meanwhile, in a certain ruined tower, where old engravings of wars between goblins and men stood solemnly against the crumbling walls, a hooded figure was sitting on top of the highest point, watching the rolling plains and enjoying the wind. Herds of short stubby, and shaggy horses grazed on the tall grass, while in the distance, the howling of wolves could be heard.

Seth looked down at a note he received days ago, and a small box in his hand. It was an old jeweled music box, encrusted in rubies, and the note contained only one word written in the handwriting of Serena: 'Help'

Despite his current situation, he came, wondering what it could be that she'd ask for his help. It must be very serious if she sent him this. He felt nervous . . . he hadn't seen her in three years, only heard her music play through phonographs. He wondered if she found someone else like he did, and if she was happy. He hoped she was happy.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Minnie Von Ironheart -
"Beneath the Sonoran desert"

​

Minnie stoically stared at Jeanne, blinking occasionally as she showed them around the secret hiding place.

She wanted to wince whenever the forger said 'My Seth' but resisted. It wasn't everyday that Seth can trust someone and he trusts Jeanne then...okay, but...The Seth she remembered don't normally let others call him 'Mine'. The thieving twin loves his freedom so to have someone call him 'mine' was a little jarring for the bluenette. Maybe Seth lets her since they are dating?

'Serena, I hope you're okay with this...' Minnie thought as she looked around and followed whatever instructions the group needed from them.

*********
​

In the fields where one can see the tower getting closer and closer, a hooded figure walked with a backpack of stuff she needed; full of medical supplies from a trusting source. In her hand is a note from Seth: 'Help'

Serena couldn't be more wary of the situation she's walking in. In all honesty, she didn't want to believe in the note. It's too convenient, more so with how it's being handled. Why, in the world, would Seth ask for her help when he can handle things without her clumsy self? No matter how much training she did or how much practice she goes through, there's no way that Seth would even ask for her help...so why now?

"...I hope I get to punch you..." Serena muttered darkly as she sneaked inside of the tower. Her hand traced the ruined and crumbling walls, memories of playing songs about everyone who was traveling together long ago...when Seth-

"..." The blonde woman cursed, knowing that her feelings are bubbling again. "Now is not the time for that...I made my choice." She continued on, looking up to see the high tower that she has climbed before...With a running start, Serena jumped and climbed the walls, not using her 'Springen' spell to bounce. To her, it would be foolish to use a spell that people might recognize it's her.

Arching her back to land perfectly on the other side of the crumbling bridge, the numbing blonde continued her way up until she reached the tallest tower...where she can see a figure.

"...Seth?" She called out, bringing her hood down as she stayed near the edge of the tower. Not moving closer or farther away from the figure in front of her.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Ruined Tower, Farthing Plains "​

"Serena?" The figure stood, and, lowering his hood, Seth's ember eyes looked at her the way an old friend happy to see someone he hasn't seen in a long time would. Then it was replaced by a look of seriousness. "I received your message." he showed her the note and the box. "What happened?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena's blue eyes didn't look at him with a happy glimmer. She looked at the box with disdain, coming up with a conclusion of her own. Her short wavy hair blew in the soft breeze as she walked over to him, her boot heels 'clack clack'-ed echoing. Her long cloak billowed in an epic fashion.

"Seth, dropped the box." She grabbed his wrist and tugged him to the edge. "We're leaving. I never sent you a note and never was in trouble. Someone sent me a note with a golem's core." It's a trap. Someone set this up and she wants to leave as quickly as she possibly could.

Even if she had to drag the man behind her after tying him up if he doesn't come with.

"Come on, Seth." She said numbly.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Ruined Tower, Farthing Plains "​

He didn't need telling twice, and together jumped off the edge with Serena.

BANG

Seth yelled in pain, convulsing in the air as he fell hard, jerking on the ground in blue electric shocks. Suddenly a bright green smoke flare shot up into the sky north of the plains. Camouflaged figures were standing up from the grass, and hurling shocking spells at the tower, as many more were sprinting towards them.

"D-down the ancient waterway, Serena --- don't touch me! You'll get shocked --- argh!" he was losing consciousness. "They want me, not you, so just --- " he fainted, spark and steam rising from his hooded form.

"By the order of the CSU, surrender Seth Pendragon!" cried a booming voice. CSU, or the Crisis Service Unit, was the special operations team assembled to take down Seth and his crew. "You are surrounded. Do not retaliate, or you will be dealt with lethal force!"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena jumped off the tower with Seth, narrowing her eyes as to cover the breeze and-

BANG

It was like everything went in slow motion for her as her eyes widened in shock; Seth got hit with something, convulsing in mid-air and landed on the floor hard. Then many figures that were camouflaged stood from their hiding spots. She knew it...

She couldn't believe on how low people are willing to bring him out, to even use her too...

The blonde was about to reach out and grab Seth but she flinched back when Seth warned her. Quickly thinking on her feet, she reached behind and took out a small ball. Her blue eyes glared at the group balefully and simply said: "Oh shut up!"

Then she tossed the small ball on the ground, a puff of dark blue smoke surrounded the blonde and twin, quickly spreading to the surrounding men as well. If they tried to get closer, the men will notice that it's causing them to sleep, so waiting the cloud to dissipate would be the better choice. Once the cloud disappeared, they wouldn't find Serena or Seth. Instead they would find two notes on the ground: One said 'Help' while the other said 'Losers' with a circled face that had it's tongue out.

Meanwhile, deep in the ancient waterways, Serena pulled on Seth's cloak, breaking a piece of electric-resistant candy in her mouth so she can carry him. Then once she felt a pulse from the candy working, she pulled Seth's unconscious body up and carried him in a piggyback. "I'm so punching you when you wake up..." She muttered quietly, making sure he is safely off the ground and cradled tenderly in her arms.

"I'm punching your older brother too." She muttered again, glaring at the darkness as she made her way to her secret home...

***********
​

The next time he wakes up, Seth will find himself in a cozy living room, on a plush couch. His head laying on a soft pillow. On the low table is a tray of light food for him to snack on with water to drink and opened medical supplies; he's wrapped in bandages. There's also a familiar wardrobe across the room too and it's currently locked. If he looked outside, he can see it's nighttime.

"..." Serena was there in the room too, writing a letter on the low table and sitting on a red pillow, looking solemn and angry.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Ruined Tower, Farthing Plains "​

Seth groaned on the couch. His fingers felt stiff and his back felt like little needles were dancing on his bones. "Where am I?" he muttered, then his eyes fell on a familiar wardrobe, and he almost fell from the couch. "Serena? You brought me here?" he said, feeling relieved that he was safe, and yet anxious for her own safety at the same time.

"You . . . got involved?" he blinked.

Katsuya