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

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Paroosia Forest "​

Seth had snapped his teeth at her finger like a feralligator.

The next day, the twin, very red in the face, mumbled an affirmative, "Mm." and followed Serena through the road. Honestly, this girl has been laughing ever since he got here. He was in disguise, dressed as a hunter complete with a couple of skinned and gutted frogs dangling from a stick with a wicker frog trap. He had woven for himself a hat made of long grass, and a rain cape made of reeds.

Seth had always liked the Paroosia forest and was fascinated with how much has changed in here the last three years, asking Serena to wait every now and then so that he can pick mushrooms or just appreciate the view. He was oddly taking his time.

"Check it out, Serena, it's a beautiful stag. I've never seen a white one with horns like that." he said during a lunch of fried frogs legs and chunky mushroom soup. They were camped downwind, on the rocky ledge of a ravine, beside a small bubbling brook, and Seth was on his belly, hidden between bushes and looking down at the forest below. "Like a spirit of the forest . . . it has green eyes too. It's very friendly with that mama duck and it's ducklings." he chuckled. "I can see why James likes them."

He started to absently hum a tune. "You know, James started liking deer after we saw a herd of them leaping across the meadow beside Star Lake in the misty wastes beside mom's home town when we were kids. There was this one stag, he had the biggest horns and he was standing so regally high on a hill watching all the other deer. We called him the ' Prince of the Forest ', because whenever he came down to graze all the other deer would stop moving and watch him for a while. He was like a loner, going off to the edges of the herd on high places, but he was actually watching over all of the deer. Every time we tried to sneak close he was always the one to spot us and he'd alarm all the other deer, then they'd run away. After that, James started to mimic how he walked, striding all regal." he chuckled again.

Katsuya
OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

Serena went up to change into a hiker's outfit: A long hooded off white coat to stay warm, a light blue classic dress that has a simple frill lining the ends reaching down to her knees and around her collar, and brown tights tucked into her seemingly large boots. She cut her hair about a month ago and didn't know what to do with it until she found a cute knitted paperboy hat and tucked it inside; leaving only few golden fringes curling around her pale pink cheeks and forehead.

She actually didn't mind waiting whenever Seth asked her to stop for a while and admiring the forest's growth or picking mushrooms. Whenever he wasn't looking at her, she would have this soft and wistful smile on her face as she gazed on and taking in the feeling of peace.

The blonde looked over at what Seth was talking about and her eyes widened. Her grin grew into a smile and quietly chuckled at how cute the scene is. "..." She listened, nodding in agreement when he mentioned about why James would like stags in the first place before giggling quietly. "Well that explains a lot of things about him." She sighed, taking a bite on the fried frog's leg, lightly bobbing her head to his hum.

"...I sort of want to play now..." Serena muttered. "How a 'Prince of the forest' would stride along and protecting everyone as best as he could..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Paroosia Forest "​

"Why don't you play?" shrugged Seth, kicking his legs absentmindedly in the air. "You won't be able to when we get out."

He picked his teeth with a bone and turned around to look at Serena expectantly. Tossing the bone into the warm coals, he helped himself to another frog and a bowl of soup, then settled himself comfortably under the cool shade of the bushes, like someone gathering up popcorn and chips before watching a moving black and white picture.

He gave her a thumbs up, "Ready."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"..." Serena hesitated, looking at the ground for a moment. Then she nodded shyly. "Okay."

Standing up, the blonde backed away a bit and summoned her ever precious violet-blue violin. She took a deep breathe, calming her nerves as she gracefully tucked her violin between her shoulder and chin. Checking on the pegs and tightening the strings taut, her thin bow was placed on top. Then with a peaceful sigh, she played her violin.

The strings trembled calmly like it's a slow beginning to an epic story that people of all ages would enjoy to listen, enticing her audience to sit down and listen the start of the tale. Serena spun slowly...carefully as she extended her leg back in a stop, arching her back as if she was having a waltz with a partner then hopped a bit so she can continue to dance. She had her eyes closed. Light-footed and limber as if she was a feline while she moved despite having heavy boots on.

Then the tune took a more curious approach as if it was someone who's appreciating something they haven't seen in a long while. Sounding more warm and adventurous, taking in the sights while finding new things to see; more surprises to have. She fluttered her sparkling blue eyes open, taken away by the tune as she smiled happily. Seth can even see her lips moving as if she had lyrics for the song. Her dancing is more lively. She spun around faster, her dress billowing and her hat flew off, landing on the ground as she jived with the tune. Freeing her golden locks into the wind as the morning sun's light shined on the strands. It even sounded like he can run and jump to roll around in the grass just by listening, having a time just imagining what it feels like to stare off at a cliff during a sunset with the wind blowing through his hair.

Seth would notice something different in her playing. In the phonograph, she sounded like she was just following notes to play but right now...This is what Serena means when she mentioned about being more alive.

With a sweet high pitched note, Serena ended the song. She arched her back, her hair touching the ground as her leg, once again, extended to balance herself. She had this dazed look on her face as she gazed into Seth's amber eyes...

Until she froze, blinking wildly as she tries to remember something and blushed bright red. Obviously happy with her performance as she simply fell on her back, landing on the soft grass. "Wh-what do you think?"

Spoiler: Serena's songs

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Paroosia Forest "​

Seth's chest swelled in joy to see her more alive, happy to see her happy. It's what he always wanted for her. Then he froze too when their eyes met, and looked away, red in the face as well. So . . . she was happy with him?

"You . . . sounded like your heart was really into it, that was better than your pieces in the phonographs." said Seth distractedly, turning around to probably look back at the white stag below the ravine. "It'd be nice to hear you play like that more often. It's like being whisked away into a story."

But she admits that they were never going to get back together, right? So it was okay to smile like that at her. As long as they were clear on that . . . " It was great!" he said earnestly looking back at her, as though to redeem his distracted comment. "Like you were you again." and he allowed himself to show how happy he was again.

". . . We're not going to fall in love again, are we, Serena?" he turned to her, honestly. "We're not even trying, and we just met again yesterday, and it's like . . . how do I say this . . . two magnets." he clapped his hands together. He sighed, then covered his face." Darn it, you're pretty, alright? Ugh, this is going to be a hard travel." he looked at her, his face saggy because he was pulling his hands down again.

Then he just lay back down on the grass, soul bared. He was obviously having an in-love dilemma with her and he showed it to her, asking, well, not really that obviously, for her thoughts on the matter.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena hummed in agreement, rolling to her side and curling around her violin a bit, pondering for a moment. "...It's the reason why I live here instead in the castle grounds. Because this forest...reminds me of good memories...yet I can't seem to do the same on the stage." She smiled sadly like she accepted her reality. "Have you ever heard of a hand-less spirit wandering around Paroosia and playing a violin, banishing anyone who comes in? That's actually me..."

"Paroosia just reminds me that even though I sound dead, I can still be alive in other ways. Like this forest is a new way of life after countless souls resting here. Some part of me is dead but the memories deep within is still alive as long I remember them..."

When Seth asked his question, Serena blinked in surprise. Then she blushed at his compliment, rolling on her back and leaving her violin on the ground as she lets her mind wonder off for a moment. Her brows furrowed a bit, worrying. This isn't an easy question to answer.

"...Remember what I said before? I already accepted that Fate wants me to be alone and that I'm tired of heartache." She reminded him though she sounded sad. "Even when I want to say 'Let's fall in love again'...I know that won't make you happy...not when you enjoy being free and I don't want to tie you down...I just want you to be happy..." She sucked in her breathe like she's trying to hold herself together. "That's all I want for you...To be happy with your life even if I'm not involved at all." She muttered quietly.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Paroosia Forest "​

Seth's heart leaped at, " . . . I want to say, 'Let's fall in love again'". He turned aside so that Serena won't see his face.

The rest of her words made him ask himself if he was happy with his life. Apart from the betrayal, it was pretty darn good. The thrill, the dangers, the challenge, outwitting authorities, going wherever he wanted, taking whatever he wanted. "I am happy, Serena. Except for all that's happening, but I wouldn't exchange this life for anything else." he said, his back turned to her. He played with a blade of grass, as he watched the light dance between the gaps of the bushes.

Quietly, he rolled to the side to look at her. Sun shined on her golden strands, bright blue eyes like refreshing pools. He seriously considered once again leaving the life of a thief. What could he possibly do with his time that was worthwhile? All he could see was just sitting in a house doing nothing. Boring. He was afraid of that . . . boredom . . . it was akin to being meaningless . . .

"Ne, Serena, what other things do you think I could do with my life that's worthwhile? And just as exciting as the life I have now?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena pondered to herself as she hears Seth rolling around next to her.

She looked over to see Seth's back and smiled serenely. 'His back wasn't as sturdy looking as before' She thought, 'He's definitely grown into a reliable person, hasn't he? That's good for his crew...' It wasn't as if Seth wasn't reliable before; he was and still is. It's just been a long time since she last seen Seth that she's now taking in the differences from before and today.

How she just wants to reach and-

'Hahaaa~! Let's not kid myself here. He should be happy with his crew and has a girlfriend right now - no way that appropriate, me.' She mentally scolded herself. Maybe she was a secret pervert like Seifer...

Sighing a huff, Serena quickly looked up at the tree canopy to see light peeking through the small openings the trees give and stream through. Just when she thought she could sleep like this, comforted that he's nearby, the blonde jolted awake and blinked rapidly. Then she turned her head to the side to see that Seth rolled back, facing her. Her face turned pink, flustered. His amber eyes shined in the light and there was an outline on his hair like a halo...curling around his face and-

'Stop. Stop. Stop.' Too much observing.

"...Uh-...Hmm." Serena hummed as she gathered her thoughts. "Maybe archeologist? Since you like to explore and look for items, discovering adventures and decoding runes. Items broker since you can identify an item if it's fake or not, but that's not exciting for you, to only do that...Hmm...or maybe an independent spy company with a crew of your own? That sounds like something exciting, outwitting the enemy while possibly stealing something from them like information, and then sell the information to someone who asked for the job. There's also the idea of finding items and stealing them away from someone as a job, but I can't seem to remember exactly what they are called...Oh! A recovery service-! There we go. That sounds pretty exciting and it's legal to steal from others in that case- heheh!"

"There's a lot that you can do, Seth." Serena said, smiling happily. "There's a lot of raw potential in you, I know for sure. Same with your teammates. I may not know them but if they can do half the stuff you can, then yea."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Paroosia Forest "​

Seth looked at the grass, not really seeing it as he pondered Serena's words. She has a point. And suddenly he feels kind of dumb. If he was completely honest with himself he did not want to waste away in jail . . . and all those legal options would allow him to lead an exciting life and yet still come home to . . .

He palm slapped himself. ' Baka, baka, baka! ' he reproached himself, all it took was this simple conversation and he and Serena could have . . . He wiggled into the bushes to die. I mean, it was nice, the life he led --- oh no, he's referring to his life in the past tense --- stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. You can't steal from countries if one was a good guy, but if one led a spy guild, then one can steal legally? He wasn't sure if that was legal. Or what if he started his own newspaper agency, and caught photos instead of the truth about the world that can send bad guys to jail? Like a detective too, looking for evidence. That's legal, right?

He slumped. He felt kinda baka. The solution was right here! If only they had talked more before breaking up. He rolled in the bushes.

"That's a good idea." he said evenly, which was a huge understatement of what he currently felt.

Suddenly he stood up and abruptly about faced. "Serena, I need to get to Frankia as soon as possible." he said, brushing leaves and twigs out of his hair. "And settle this problem of mine quick. Let's go immediately when you're done eating."

He gobbled up his soup and packed his fried frog in a leaf, and began to clean up their camp. He needs a quick ride to the Jahara Empire, after that he can reunite with his friends and go after Jonathan.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena blinked when Seth just palmed his face and wiggles into a bush, tilting her head a bit as she rolled on her stomach to stare at said bush. '...Aww~ He looks so cute- Stop. Stop. Stop.' The blonde plopped her head down on the grass, breathing in the earthy smell.

She's kind of confused as to why Seth is even asking, but she gave him the answer anyways. If he wanted to know, she will do her best to be honest and be informal. The blonde lay low on the ground, resting on her chin as she listened to Seth's statement.

Then she flinched in surprise when he suddenly stood up, letting out a yelp. "H-huh? Uh...Well obviously. You need to get to your crew right?" It seems like Seth has something in mind after arriving in Frankia. So Serena ate her food as quickly as she could, letting her violin disappear, and helped pack up their camp. She was struggling on tucking her hair in her hat as she was flustered from the surprise from before, wondering 'What in the world is Seth up to this time?'

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" One Week Later, Tolouse "​

The journey to Frankia was long. The main roads, trains, and ports of the kingdom were being watched and all around there were wanted posters of Seth with a bounty worth a fortune. There were also missing posters of Serena. The twin was surprised that she didn't become wanted too. "At least Lydia and James are protecting you. That or Renee gave my brother dear a talking to." he said, pulling down the two posters, folding, then tucking them in his pocket.

There was something reassuring about having powerful friends. He knew Johnny, Echo, Minnie, Kenren, Chenglei, and Sen wouldn't let anyone falsely accuse Serena. Made him think of her talk about being fated to be alone, that made him look ahead with a deadpan expression. Made him want to slap her shoulder. Which he did out of the blue when they were walking the streets of Frankia a couple of days ago disguised as an elderly couple out to visit their in-laws abroad.

"You're not alone." the wiry old man that was Seth, said suddenly, pointing a gnarly finger at Serena. He slapped her shoulder again. "Don't assign yourself a bad future, it's unhealthy and a very, very deep wrong against yourself."

He asked her to allow herself to have a chance. And kept poking her side or making her laugh.

Now they have come to Tolouse and are staying in the tavern they had once visited with Sen and Minnie together when they visited Hisaya. Seth's injuries had kept him somewhat limited, but he was exercising everyday and getting better. He had talked to Serena about this before, going separately once he was good enough to be on his own, and now seemed to be the time they part ways. They had been able to send a message to his friends and he was expecting them or one of them to come pick him up at the port town. He hadn't had any news of them for the past week and was quite anxious to know what's been going on.

"This is my Thank You Omlet." said grandpa Seth, presenting Serena a plate of rice with an omlet on top and ketchup spelling the words thank you, with a little stick drawing giving a v sign. They were in their room and the twin had just returned from using the tavern's kitchen as le old man. He pulled his mask off. "the egg's been fried in butter, and I added milk to make it fluffy. It has melted cheese, onions, a dash of salt and! --- a secret ingredient." he grinned. "That gives it a 'pow'!"

He sat across the table from her, and laid down his own omlet rice that had a ketchup drawing of a sea and a leaping whale that looked like a tadpole; he put down some salt and white pepper shakers, and a couple of cool drinks. And, with one leg propped up on the seat, began to dig in.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena was really glad that she remembers how to get to Frankia by foot too. As they saw their wanted and missing posters, she blinked in surprise before nodding in agreement. "It could be both or Lydia and James don't know what exactly happened to me since I used a smoke bomb." She didn't know why she's considered missing but for now, she counting her lucky stars. She has an advantage on searching for who sent that music box to Seth for that trap. It's been bugging ever since she saw it in Seth's hand and she hasn't stopped thinking about it.

Well...until a few day ago when they were walking as an elderly couple in the streets of Frankia. The short and slouching old lady that is Serena flinched when Seth slapped her shoulder.

"Ow-! Wha-?!" She gave him an incredulous look like 'What did I do to you?!' until he mentioned about her self deprecating belief. She looked down, solemn as she listened to his scolding and flinched again from his second slap. The blonde couldn't help it: she honestly believes that Fate wanted her to be alone so she wasn't hoping for anything from anyone anymore. While she wanted to argue back, all she did was sigh and muttered: "...I'll try...but don't expect much..."

Serena snorted and cackled when Seth made a funny joke or poked her sides in the right ticklish spot, making her squirm. Somehow...she's really touched that the thieving twin is trying to cheer her up.

Now when they are in Toulouse and in a familiar tavern, Serena took off her disguise once they were in their room and fluffed her matted hair. The wig was really hot and it made her sweaty-! So she opt to take a bath as Seth left to get some food.

Though...she didn't mean to come out with just a towel just as Seth came in. She scrambled back in the bathroom, blushing bright red from her chest to her head. "I-I'm so sorry! U-Um-! Can you pass my bag? Please?!"

Once she was dressed, the blonde couldn't look at the twin, staring intensely at the table in front of her until he placed a plate within her sight. Her lips quirked up into a smile at the cute stick figure before grabbing the salt. "Thank you, Seth." She took a bite and hummed, cupping her own cheek as she chewed. His omelet tasted so good-!

"This is yummy! I can definitely feel the 'Pow!' Hehkekne!" Serena dig in her food, pondering again; he can tell with the way she's staring without really seeing. "...Hey Seth..." Her blue eyes looked at him, peeking through the short fringes of her golden hair. "...You don't think that someone sent a note to Minnie and Sen too, right?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" One Week Later, Tolouse "​

Seth had spluttered when he saw Serena in just a towel, nearly dropping the omelets. "Uhhh, yeah." said a red Seth, who had also scampered into the hallway. He kept it as normal as possible as they ate, suggesting that if ever the other was busy with their room, they could stick a paper out the door other than lock it. He became happy when she said the omlet was yummy. "Raih?" he smiled through a mouthful of rice. "Hash am ema jhest!" he gulped.

"I don't know. It's possible, but he'd have to be really good to fool Sen with my forged handwriting. It's not just penmanship, but other signs on the letter that tell us it's really from him or me, kinda' like how Kenren covers his letters with his personal seal. Ya know, I picked up one of his orders once, I think Chenglei must have dropped it by accident because it had such promiscuous drawings on it complete with, 'This is what your prince commands you.' You really can't tell about a person's love life just by looking at them, he's actually more lustful than Seifer! Though no couple's as hard core as Echo and Johnny." he chuckled, pausing to drink from his glass.

"I heard of the legends of a ghost with no hands in Paroosia, have you also heard of the mysterious earthquake and a crater in Brusk this year?" he started, very amazed. "Well, it was caused by those two doing the do. I just stared at the papers." he shook is head. "How is Johnny still alive?" he began to laugh. "And that made me realize that the most hard core of all, is actually big sister Echo. Calm, mature, Echo. Isn't it amazing how a loved one can just unleash the beast inside you? Show you a side they don't show in public? I wonder if she's going to have a baby too, I'm surprised they haven't had babies yet --- I'm surprised Chenglei doesn't have a baby yet!" he chortled.

"I think me and Lydia are the only cherries in our group."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Once she heard what he said about the Penmanship and how hard it is to fool Sen with it, Serena pondered on the topic some more...until he rambled about other's love making lives. Then she just grinned, extremely amused.

"I caught Chenglei reading a very funny book that had position diagrams to do the do once. It was very funny how he kept dropping it and going 'H-hiiiie-!' I think he's somehow shy about it despite Kenren's lustfulness."

Why are they talking about their friends' love lives? Oh yea, their love lives are very funny...especially Chenglei and Kenren's.

"Though I did not know about that...I need to send a letter congratulating Echo for going crazy....again." At least she's not about to drown everyone with a punch through a glass tempered window. Serena already knew that Echo is nuts for Johnny...but to make a creator with an earthquake while doing the do? Geez...

Though she did smile warmly when Seth mentioned about still being a cherry. "...That's very sweet of you. Saving it for the right person and all..." Then she cleared her throat.

"I think we're getting off topic here. I'm asking because...well...I just can't help but think this whole thing is just too convenient. Like how did they know where to send you that note and about the music box you gave me? and now you tell me that someone needs to be really good at forging to copy our hand-writing - they fooled you with mine - they could've send Sen and Minnie a note too...Not just that, I find it off putting that all your past heist victims just knew where to spot you guys on your last heist and then come straight to the order to request your capture? It's way too convenient..."

Serena didn't mean to ramble but since she couldn't play her violin, she needed to talk it out with someone. Usually James listens to her whenever she's like this but since he's not here...

"I just....it's bugging me ever since I read James' file on your crimes. No one knew when you would strike next but then suddenly you messed up? Also...the meeting place in the tower, it's too intimate. Like the note sender knew the small details of our adventures and knew about my music box...Like I said, I never told James about it so it has to be someone who knew about the small details of our past and knew how to contact you...another thief..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" One Week Later, Tolouse "​

"Chenglei? Shy? But he's so reliable and calm, and he used to make fun of James a lot with flowers blooming and be all suave." said Seth, spreading around the ketchup before cutting another piece of the omelette with a spoon. "He also made Kenren swoon during his birthday party years ago, I thought the emperor was more of the shy closet one."

As he listened to Serena, she could tell he knew more than he let on. "We got . . . betrayed by one of our own." he said, putting his knife and fork down. Seth entwined his fingers and rested his chin on them. "That's how the authorities got tipped off and how they knew about the music box and the tower . . . because that traitorous slob became their informant." he looked up and there was deep hurt and anger in his eyes. "His name is Jonathan Wilde. I treated him as my best friend, told him my secrets, but the self-centered slob has always been the selfish sort, only giving if it didn't cost him. And right now we don't know where he disappeared to."

He sighed, and played around with his remaining egg and rice, but didn't eat. "That guy is a gambler with a huge debt to Marchris Rouge, a werewolf who owns a lot of high-end inns and a couple of popular gambling dens. He got pressured weeks ago and we all talked about how that sky train heist was going to help him pay all his debts. Maybe his debt was bigger than he let on, because then he sold us out. Us, his own friends. And we almost died! I think Marchris must have scared him good for him to high tail it. Whatever his reason was, and it better be good when we find him, he's not going to be forgiven."

He jabbed at his omelette and munched it angrily. "You always take care of your own. You never hurt family. That whole thing just turned my world around, made me feel like maybe you can't trust anyone, ya know, Serena?" he ate up the last of his meal, shaking his head. "I think I owe you an apology. I told everyone of my crew about you and us, and Jonathan was the one who helped me pick out that music box too. I promise from now on, I'll keep personal stuff about my friends a secret. If you ever get a letter that says it's from me in the future, it's not. Maybe we should have our own code or something."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"And we all thought that calm and mature Echo wouldn't be as hardcore...but she is." Serena countered with a grin. "Why can't reliable and playful Chenglei not be shy? It just means that he's only like that around Kenren."

Her eyes narrowed as she listened intently, hearing his side of this case. "It fits and we have a motive for why he would betray you guys; more money for his debt..."

She leaned back, crossing her arms as she stared at the ceiling. "Though I wonder if it's just gambling that he has such a debt...and why would he make it so intimate for you? I wonder if he's going to do that with your crew-mates' friends and family too...I'm guessing the Order is keeping him away from the debt collectors and this Marchris too..."

Serena didn't like that she and others will get involved...innocent people will be hurt by this if they don't know their connections to the Velocity crew and are not ready for it. She was lucky that Renee had the hind-sight to leave surprises in her bag because she knew...if it wasn't for that smoke bomb...Seth would be in jail right now...

Then she flinched when Seth stabbed his omelet, cringing from the violent 'clack' that's followed by the screeching between the fork and plate. Her blue eyes looked over at the twin, a small frown appeared on her face. Then she hesitantly...gently placed her hand over Seth's, hoping he knows that she's not mad at him for talking about his friends.

"...If you want, we can use music notes as a code? Not as just any code either. Something that only the both of us would know...a song perhaps?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Tavern, Tolouse "​

"You can say that again, like Johnny, how are you still alive?" he exaggerated. "Chenglei can be shy, it's just, I was surprised. There's nothing wrong with him, Serena, just him reading that book and going ' Hiee ' was unexpected. I thought he'd know, I mean, those two are in their late twenties."

When Serena placed her hand over his, Seth's eyes widened in surprise and he turned red. "Sorry, Serena." he said, after a moment, and withdrew his hand from the table. "I don't want to be touched there. It's a loyalty thing, my girlfriend would be sad. You can touch my shoulder, though." he said, then scooted his chair closer and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Friend gestures are okay."

He looked down, thinking. "A music notes code sounds good! Didn't we talk about this before during the war and start on it a little? Or was that James and you, I can't remember. But, yeah, I'm down with it."

For the rest of that afternoon, as they waited for word on Seth's pick-up, they were around that little table making their own cipher. The twin had taken the plates back downstairs, and came back with some mochi and chocolate covered biscuit sticks for them to snack on.

"This is strange . . ." he said, after a while as he lounged on the bed, memorizing their code. "My pick-up's two hours late . . ." It was now sunset, and he watched the sun go down the ocean as the last boat and zeppellin to arrive at port for that day docked.

The twin chose to have dinner in the room. He was pacing around, looking worried, until it was eleven in the evening. Because people could just barge in, he wore his disguise as he lay there on the bed with Serena, looking like a soundly sleeping tired old man, but every now and then she could see his eyes slit open just a little as his pupils roamed the two windows in their room, and then close. He was very still as he slept, and she could tell he was also listening to talk and rabble downstairs, where the tavern was lively with its nightly customers.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Pfft-! Just because they are in their late twenties don't mean squat. Maybe he wanted to learn something new." Serena responded.

She froze and flailed her hands a bit. "Oh-! I'm sorry! I d-didn't mean to-....Okay, right...shoulders." The blonde smiled awkwardly when he placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed. Then she dropped it to her side before shuffling her chair away, now very aware of his relationship status."T-thanks...Again, I'm really sorry for that..." Serena decided to be more careful with the touches if any at all. 'It's best I don't do any touches unless necessary.' She thought to herself.

"Yea, w-we did." She looked away, tucking her shaky hands on her lap to fiddle with her thumbs. "I'll show you a neat trick with music notes..." For the rest of the afternoon, Serena taught him about the deceptive cadence and authentic cadence. "Most people go with authentic cadence because we're used to hearing that note in an epic song, but if we use a deceptive cadence then the epic song would have a lower and sadder tone that most don't pick up unless you have advance training in music." She grinned deviously as she wrote the notes for the small song she made up for him to remember and the examples of what she's talking about. She made sure to hum it out too so Seth can hear the difference she's talking about.

"This is how we know when the other is in trouble, we'll be using the deceptive cadence instead of the authentic one. Just in case anybody sees and uses this code, all we got to do is hum out the note and hear if it'll end with B flat minor instead of a B flat major. Since the deceptive cadence ends with a B flat minor."

When Seth mentioned how late his pick-up was, Serena became more worried. Now that she thought about it...Wouldn't Sen and Minnie distract the SCU before the trap would even happen? The brother wouldn't let anybody try to take Seth away so...why didn't that happen before? "...What's going on?" She muttered quietly to herself as she lightly tapped the table with her finger.

As it was becoming late, Serena decided to try to sleep, disguised as an elderly woman. Though she made sure to keep some space in between them as she observed his subtle movements...something's not right...

"...worried?" Serena whispered, keeping her eyes closed like she was sleeping as she laid there.
Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Tavern, Tolouse "​

"Alright, B flat minor." he hummed the note as he drew it. "And this is B flat major." he hummed that note too. A music cipher is fascinating. It's not just the symbols, but the sound too that can hold a coded message, and he asked Serena if they could do a mix lyrics and tune message that mean totally something different once it's deciphered.

That night, Seth pulled the blanket up more snugly around himself. "Yeah . . ." he whispered through the folds. "I hope they're late because of the weather. Ne, Serena, after I leave, what are you gonna' do?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena grinned, telling Seth that yes, they can mix lyrics and tune that holds a secret message. So she thought up of other things he'd want to try out other than 'Help'.

She heard his blanket rustling. Peeking through her lashes, the blonde saw that he's hiding under the blanket, more snug. "...Check on Sen and Minnie, alarm James about Johnathon Wilde's scheming ways, and then...go back home." She sighed and nuzzled into her pillow, brows slightly furrowed. "After that...I have no clue...m-maybe...try to...I know I'm going to be more of myself when I play again..."

"And you? What are you going to do after seeing your friends?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Tavern, Tolouse "​

"Get back at Wilde." said Seth, his grey brows furrowing. When he doesn't like someone, he calls them by their last name. Then his expression softened. "Being more of yourself when you play sounds nice, Serena" he smiled, eyes still closed.

He had forgotten how comfortable it was to sleep beside her. He felt safer, and many a times he had fallen asleep to her violin. Best lullaby's ever. Unbidden, memories of them resting together came back. He'd get all shy whenever Serena would talk to him in carnal tones as they cuddled, but he liked it when she teased him, and she seemed to like teasing him too. Sometimes he felt like a hamster with a shark, but she never went further than what he was comfortable of doing.

In his relationship with Jeanne, he was the protector, like a fox with a smaller fox. With Serena it felt like . . . he was a hamster with a tame shark. Or tornado. He chuckled for no reason. He always considered her more powerful in battle, and there was a sense of safety to be found there, which made the nights more peaceful. His eyes slowly drifted shut, as the warmth, and her scent that reminded him of calmer days washed over him . . .

* * * *​

A young Seth, barely ten years old was hugging a yellow teddy bear with blue eyes. It was verrry big and verry cuddly. He was looking outside the open door of the flying castle, where it had recently rained and there was puddles all over. He didn't want his teddy bear to get dirty, but he really wanted to play with it outside.

On the steps was another toy, a squirt gun. That'd be more fun, he could play with the others, but he really wants to bring his teddy bear outside. Maybe he should just play inside?

It was a real dilemma, and he hugged his teddy bear tight, wishing there was a way they could have fun together.

* * * *​

Sometime during the night, Seth had rolled over and was hugging Serena tightly, whining incoherently about "playing . . .", and "rain . . .", and a "raincoat".

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena closed her eyes, just listening to Seth's breathing going slower and slower as he slept. It's a nice sound...a sound she can sleep to.

Later that night however, she hummed, fluttering her eyes open and wondering why does she feel heavy and-

'Seth's hugging me-! Seth's hugging me-!'

The blonde froze, bleary eyes are now wide open to see Seth hugging her. His head is almost tucked under her chin with arms wrapped around her slender waist as she can feel his breathe on her collarbone. Her face turned bright red, frowning and confused. Her once settled heart now pounded against her chest so hard that she can practically feel it to her fingers and toes too.

'What should I do?! What should I do?!' She panicked mentally, clearly uncomfortable.

This position brought too many memories from their past relationship; when they were still together. Sometimes when they slept together, she would just tease him as they cuddled and he seemed to like being teased. Even when he's really shy about it, he was always okay with her teasing him since she never pushed his boundaries. He...he tended to be really sweet with his touches when they cuddled too. He'd recite poetry, sometimes cupping her cheeks and just holding hands as his words cause her to swoon...

Serena shut her eyes closed, her frown pinched as she tries to stop the memories pouring in. Her hands curled into fists. He's having a good night sleep...she shouldn't wake him up just because he's hugging her. It's not like he knows what he is doing anyways.

So...this shouldn't hurt...but...

'...Just for tonight...'

With that in mind and giving in to her habit, the violinist brought up her chocolate chip cookie and warm ceder wood scented blanket, covering Seth's head enough for her to pull the wig off a bit; combing through his hair. She lightly wrapped an arm around his back, being careful about his healing wounds and letting him sleep soundly. She nuzzled her cheek on his head sweetly, sighing in a bit of relief and guilt.

In the next morning, Seth would feel his pillow breathing softly. He'd hear someone sighing quietly and a rapid 'thu-thump' under his ear. If he looked, he'd find a very red faced Serena, who's blankly staring at the ceiling without really seeing. Her eyes are a bit puffy and pink, underneath it are faint purple bags. Her hands are nowhere near him, laying beside her hips.

What his head was resting on...is her chest.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Tavern, Tolouse "​

Seth nuzzled contentedly on her chest, his tight hug now loose. Whatever his dream was last night, his hugging had been on and off, as he nuzzled against her cheek and sometimes smelled her neck for comfort. His tight hugs were usually accompanied by whining about wanting to play outdoors with his teddy bear, which he doesn't want to get dirty.

Knock, knock, knock

His eyes opened, and he noticed a couple of things immediately: his pillow was hard and soft at the same time; it had heart beats; it was rising and falling; it smelled nostalgically comfortable like flowers on a windswept meadow. Then his pillow sighed with Serena's voice. Seth looked up, his face turning a bright shade of magenta. He sprang out of bed immediately, clapping a hand on his mouth in shock, as though to keep himself from yelling in surprise.

"I'm sorry, Serena!" he whispered, stretching out a hand. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't ---"

Knock, knock, knock

"Grandpa, grandma, it's your niece, Elena. Are you two awake?" said a lady's cheerful voice from the other side of their door. "I'm here to pick you up!"

Seth was even more startled hearing that voice, lifting a hand to his heart as though he might have a heart attack. "That's my pick up. Er, quick! Disguises!" Still red, the twin adjusted his old man's visage and, slumping to a sleepy posture, shuffled to the door and opened it. "Elena!" he said in his grandpa voice. "Oh, it's good to see you, good to see you!"

"Grandpa!" A lady, a mechanic by the looks of her, with long brown hair and blue overalls smudged with oil, hugged him.

"Come in, come in. You're taller last I saw you, how's your mother doing?" The moment he closed the door, the lady's hug became tighter and more dear. "Jeanne, it's okay. I'm okay." he said comfortingly, his tone back to his old self's, as he rubbed her back.

"I thought you had been caught, or worse, dead." said Jeanne, looking up at him with teary eyes.

"No, no, Serena saved me. She helped me get here safely." he stood aside to gesture to Serena. "Jeanne, this is Serena, Serena this is Jeanne." he looked like he wanted to add something, but didn't.

The lady with the long hair dove at Serena then hugged her too. "Thank you. Thank you, Serena, for saving my Seth. Look, you two, we need to go. I'll fill you in on the details when we get to the ship, but we have to skidaddle pronto in three minutes."

Seth didn't need telling twice and packed up immediately. "What's the situation?"

"Your message got intercepted. We've got enemies going around town looking for the two of you, there's a couple down at the tavern with wanted posters. You're disguises are good enough, but these are people who know you, they'll likely be interrogating people who are walking around in pairs, so we have to move."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena just looked at him blankly as he apologized profusly. Then she sat up sluggishly, got off the bed, and poked his forehead. "...boop..."

She didn't really react to the knocks on the door. If anything, the blonde violinist simply put in her disguise of being an old woman before Seth opened the door and just smiled politely. So...this is Seth's girlfriend...

"It's not a problem." Serena said with a small grin. As she listened in to the thieving pair in front of her, the blonde had to wonder about something...

Why is her tone...so...weird? Maybe she's imagining things but the more she listened only to Jeanne the more she realized something.

Why is she so trusting with Serena around Seth? They are exs...yet here she is, hugging her and revealing everything...

"We should be careful when we leave." Serena's intention is clear. She's coming with and Seth can tell that she isn't changing her mind.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Shoflo Ocean "​

He thought they were just going to drop Serena off somewhere after they left port. He didn't expect her to really stay, when he tried again to convince her that she was seriously implicating herself in their group this time, despite her clear conviction earlier that she wasn't going to go anywhere, but stay she did.

They were aboard a Crown Javelin, one of Sen's design that made it to the market. He hadn't seen this one before and didn't know who it belonged to, but it looked well maintained despite the old sails. Jeanne was at the captain's wheel, while he manned the rest of the ship, adjusting the sails whenever the winds called for it.

Right now he was at the crow nest practicing his knots as he looked down on his girlfriend and his ex-girlfriend. He didn't think he'd be in a boat with just the two of them for company, he already felt awkward. Serena had booped him on the forehead earlier for his --- he can't believe he unconsciously did that, that was so improper, what would his mother say? --- hug, and he knew it was like she was saying it's okay. But he still felt embarrassed about it, he was usually very still when he slept. How long was he in that position? The whole night? Serena had such tired eyes, but she strangely didn't wake him, nor push him off.

Yeah, he knew that she likes him. If he was honest, sleeping like that was nice, like the old days. Come to think of it, he hadn't had such a good night's rest like that in a long time.

Meanwhile, Jeanne was chatting with Serena, talking about how she felt honored that one of the heroes of Midgard was going to help them. "You can sleep with us in the cabin, Serena." she said, pointing down. "It's warmer and not moldy, unlike the lower deck. And don't worry, Seth and I will respect your presence and not be all touchy feely. I mean, we both can sleep on the bed, while he takes the couch."

"Do you want to learn how to pilot ship?"

Katsuya