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

[Zer0]

- The Order -​

This night was bliss. His worries forgotten as he laughed then grinned back, saying, "Come back here!" as he chased Serena around the cottage, trying to mark her with flour too. Face covered with white hand prints, Seth enjoyed Serena's banana cream pie with ice cream and oatmeal cookies, by the warm brick oven. The furniture was covered here and there with dusts of flour, as they talked and drank, the twin smiling at her warmly as he watched her in this little cozy bubble they made for themselves.

Seth held her hand, and secretly vowed to himself that this time he was not going to let her go. This night together, he wouldn't exchange it for all the gold in the world. And for the first time, he understood where his real treasure was. Here in the smile of this cackling violinist who just covered his face in flour.

Katsuya
OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

"Nevvveeerrrrr~!" Serena cackled cheerfully as she ran.

He caught her a few times, dusting her face with flour and sometimes of her clothes too. She heartily ate the banana cream pie with ice cream and oatmeal cookies, staying warm by the brick oven; chatting with Seth as they drank milk together. She'd lean forward to wipe away his white and milky mustache, smiling wide. She never wanted this blissful night to end yet. It was like all their troubles were washed away for the night.

When he held her hand, Serena blushed red, smiling adoringly happy. Her thoughts went to what Seth told her a few weeks ago at the inn they stayed at while waiting for Jeanne; about his hands being off limits...she can hold his hands now...Holding his hand tightly, the violinist brought it up and nuzzled her flour covered cheek on the back of his hand.

She missed holding his hands...she really did...

Zer0

 

[Katsuya]

- Serena Lock -
" 1 year later, Paroosia forest cottage "​

The sun's orange rays hit the ever vibrant green leaves of Paroosia's forest trees, the soft blue and green shadows covered the grassy ground. A slight breeze rustled the leaves, grass, and flowers that are in the hidden meadows. There, standing at the edge of meadow, is a woman with short blonde hair. Her simple red summer dress billowed from the breeze as music notes can be heard from the woman's violin; the strings are singing happily as the women spun in place. Her red tinted lips melted into a wide smile, her sapphire blue eyes gleamed in joy.

Serena is excited. It's almost over; the year sentence is almost over in a couple of hours and her boyfriend can be set free again. This year has been a bit hectic for the blonde for several reasons. After revealing what's a lie and what's the truth with her violin, Scrimgour was sent to jail for a longer period of time while the infamous Velocity crew was presented with a lighter sentence for helping with their testimonies. Of course, she visited Seth. Almost everyday, she would visit him while bringing pies or other sweets she baked while they talked about what's happening with each other. Once he had permission to do community services with David and Pipino, Renee was the first one to come up to them and told them about their roles to help her help others in the Order.

She wasn't going to lie: it was funny to see Pipino and David get stuck from a very temperamental tree who wouldn't let them go from trying to steal it's fruits. Renee had to come down to tickle it with a feather and set them free before instructing them patiently on how to pick a fruit like a mother would do for her child.

Though Seth, David, and Pipino might or might not know this, but when Serena heard about Seifer taking care of Jonathon's debt; she went up to him and said that she's helping pay for it too. Her reason? "It's so you can go home and see your kids sooner then later. That and it'll be faster to pay the dude off with two sources of pay instead of one. I might not show it, but I have enough money to help too. So...shush and let me help you, Seifer as thanks for helping Seth and his friends."

Right now, she's just waiting excitedly for Seth to finish his last day of community service and come live with her...in their home.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- One Year Later -
" Azkaban Prison "​

"Huwaaa!" Seth and Pipino stripped off their prison clothes in one fluid motion. "Freeeeeeedooooom!" they yelled, posing in their arcane cages, waving the black and white stripes like flags; David laughed as he watched his friends dance around, feeling quite refreshed. Finally, their sentence was over.

The old warden who was flanked by stoic guards sighed. "You are all free to go --- and put some clothes on!" she barked sternly.

"Aye-aye, ma'am!" said Seth, and rushed out of his cage, a sun-tanned blur, and off to the guard to get his belongings.

* * * *​

"Oh, Sasha, my little mummy, were you able to sleep in that cramped box, you are very good to behave all this time, yes, yes you are!" said Pipino, as his sash nuzzled him.

They were outside the gates of the flying prison of Azkaban, clouds swirling beneath them, as they sat on benches waiting for the heavily guarded zeppelin that was to bring them to the land below.

"Well, I'll see you around, you old scallawags!" said David, who was arm in arm with his wife who had come to take him home.

"Take care, David!" said Seth and Pipino, and watched their friend step into an expensive looking airship, and disappear down into the sea of clouds.

The twin was kicking his legs up and down excitedly, waiting for his brother's airship. Howl and Sophie were coming, and so was James, Johnny, and a couple of friends from Jahara and the Orients. They were welcoming him home, and he could not wait to see them. And most of all, his heart was already beating fast to see her: Serena.

A year ago after the trial, he and his friends were sentenced to three years with community service and without parole. Seifer and, unbeknownst them, Serena, paid their debts and together with good behavior, lessened their sentence to just one year. Oh what a year it was, doing boring honest work --- well, sometimes boring --- Renee's garden over at the Order was no sunny patch. A lot of those plants were temperamental, like that tree that wouldn't let them go when they tried to pick up fruits. It was funny sometimes, like when they all came out of her garden sprouting mushrooms out of their ears, but the thing that made it most alright was at the end of the day, when Serena would visit him.

Every other day she brought him pies and sweets, which was a great blessing what with the two square meals of prison food; and they would talk together behind glass walls, or take walks around the compound while being watched by vigilant guards: the world class violinist and the infamous thief. She was his motivation to be good, including Seifer and Renee whose hard-earned gold he didn't want to waste by fooling around, and all of that persevering has come to bear fruit.

The moment he saw his brother's airship within view, he didn't wait for it to dock, he waved at his family and friends on the deck, took a running start, then leapt of the docks, heading straight for the woman in a summer dress and short blonde hair.

"SERENAAAAAAAAA! ~"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Annnnd he's jumping." Echo said, to which Minnie grinned in a teasing manner, waving back.

"It's fine," she said, watching Serena running forward with her arms open. "Seth has someone to catch him...again."

"SEEEETTTHHHHH~!" The blonde yelled back with a wide smile, leaning up and forward with her arms wide open; catching him before he hits the zeppelin's deck and spun around for a moment. Then she squeezed him tightly, leaving red kiss marks all over his face as she adoringly showed how happy she felt for him.

He can see Echo is standing with Johnny, Minnie's with Sen and holding his hand. Though Renee and Chenglei are not outside with everyone else; they might be inside for very good reasons. Two of them to be exact.

"I'm sure you're ready to come home now?" Serena whispered in his ear, leaving a kiss mark there as well.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Into Your Arms! -​

Seth hugged her tight, whining happily under her kisses. He cupped her cheeks and gave her a big happy smooch, adding another red lipstick mark on his lips. He was stamped all over with them, as he gazed at her with the face of someone embarking on a new adventure. "Yes, I'm ready, Serena." he smiled, caressing her cheeks and hugging her again. He did not let go for a long time.

"Welcome back, mate!" said Johnny, clapping his back.

"Brathaaaa!!" yelled Sen, rushing to hug him too.

"Seth." James nodded, smiling and clapping his back as well. Mr. and Mrs. Pendragon came forward and hugged everyone, Seth drawing Minnie and Echo too in one big group hug.

"Mom, dad, everyone" sniffed Seth, getting teary, as he held Serena's hand. "I'm glad you all came. Where's Renee, Seifer and Chenglei? I wanna' hug them too."

* * * *​

Meanwhile, down below, Kenren was looking up to the direction of the cheering and happy reunion. "Ready to go up?" he said, his arm around Chenglei's shoulder.

"Almost!" said Seifer, who was helping Renee.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena didn't let go either, nuzzling her cheek between his shoulder and neck. Her smile only grew brighter and warmer.

Echo sniffed and practically lifted everyone up with her hug. "Ohhh~! Seth, we missed you~!" Minnie squirmed her way out of the very tight and choking group hug, breathing in quiet relief. Then she looked at the group bear hug with a small grin.

"They're downstairs. I think Renee is trying to carry the babies." is what the gunner said.

*****

"There we go, sweetie." Renee cooed at her baby girl who's wiggling in glee after she's changed to a dry pamper. The soiled ones are tossed in the lidded bin. Her twin sister is sleeping in Chenglei's arms, mumbling random noises like a baby bird. The blonde man leaned his head on Kenren's, smiling softly at the family that's ever growing. Once Seifer and her have the twins in warmer clothing and held in fluffy soft blankets, Renee tucked them in the slings that's around the couple's chest.

"Okay! I think we're ready, aren't we, Garnet? Yes we are~!" Renee cooed playfully at the baby who's screaming in glee; waking her sister who jumped in Seifer's sling. She sniffed and looked afraid before snuggling closer to her dad's chest. "Sirius? Are you ready to go, sweetie?" Renee asked out loud to her oldest son. The mother made sure to include him in the twins' lives once they were born, always asking him if he wanted to help her with the twins and if he wanted anything while he helped her.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sky -
" Cool Beans Airship "​

Seth laughed when Echo lifted them, Sophie exclaiming, "Oh my goodness!", while Howl exclaimed in surprise cheerfully. They ended up falling and dog-piling on top of the other, the twin and Serena all tangled up with their family and friends. He looked at her, smiling as he pulled a stray lock of her gold hair away from her face, then kissed her.

"Um, you're kissing while on top of my butt, guys." said Sen, who was holding out a hand for Minnie to pull him out of the dog-pile; Johnny wasn't leaving the dog-pile as he was too busy hugging Echo; while James just chortled and helped his mom up.

Down below, Kenren had watched Chenglei affectionately when he held the little sleeping girl, secretly wondering if he'd like children, and had his arm around his shoulders the whole time they followed the two parents up the top deck. Seifer had shushed and accepted Serena's offer to help pay Seth and his friends' debt, and he was glad, because he indeed got enough time to come home and see his baby girls: Garnet and Lyra, twins, each with white hair, one with Renee's wings, and one with his stormy grey eyes.

"Heyyyy, hey there." said Seifer softly, cradling his scared daughter. "It's okay, daddy's got you. Dadd's got you, Lyra." he hugged her gently. "We're going up now, okay? Uncle Seth, the one I kept telling you and your sister about when you were in mama's tummy is here and he's excited to get to know you." He softly kissed her head, then chuckled as Garnet screamed in glee. "I think you, Sirius, and Garnet should go up first, Renee." he smiled.

'Ready, mama!' said Sirius, giving his tail to Lyra to hold. Her little hands clutched on his fur and she looked up from Seifer's chest to him. Sirius made a silly face, flapping his ears. Lyra smiled, giggling like a bird.

Seth was touched to see his sister's family. " One, two, three, four, and five." he smiled. "Sis . . . they're . . . they're like me and Sen . . ." he said, coming close, but not sure if he could touch them. They were so tiny.

" I know, right?" said Sen. "And both girls too."

Sirius was very protective of his sisters, watching how everyone was touching them and telling them not to touch their heads. He stood with his father as Seifer let Seth hold Lyra. The very shy girl, whined and clutched his father's clothes, but when Sirius looked at her the way he always does when he's speaking through someone's mind, she hesitantly let go, and held on to his tail, as Seth very gently carried her. One twin looked at another with big round eyes.

"Welcome to the world." he smiled.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena blushed when Seth kissed her, giggling when she heard Sen underneath them in the dog pile. Minnie grabbed Sen's hand and pulled him out, muttering how heavy everyone was, collectively. Echo just snuggled with Johnny, wiping the tears away by nuzzling his clothes and taking great comfort of the scent of her mate.

Meanwhile Renee's wings fluttered happily as she hears her family and friends. "Alright then. We'll go up first. Let's go, Garnet." She cooed at her children, making sure to keep an ear out for any whimpers from the twins or Sirius. From the years of just hearing people, listening for her family is something she will never tire. She finds them precious and treasure every noise her children makes, along with Seifer's mutterings to the babies and Sirius.

So when she heard Seth and Sen talking about her daughters, Renee chuckled quietly, holding Garnet very close and dear. "Yep. They're twins. Just like you and Sen." With her eyes open and looking a bit to the left of the older set of twins, she lifted her arms that's cradling younger twin. "Would you like to hold them, Seth, Sen?"

She couldn't wait to see her brothers holding her daughters through Seifer's memories tonight, wanting to paint this moment too.

As she passed Sen Garnet, she told him: "Be careful. She's really energetic." Just to prove her mother right, this little twin wiggled in his arms with a huge smile; going "Kyyyyyaaaa~!"

Lyra looked at Seth, blinking for a moment...

Then she smiled demurely, snuggling into his chest as she held Sirius' tail like a security blanket.

Chenglei ruffled Seth's hair brotherly. "Hello, young Seth. Good to see you again. I still have all your ninja books and scrolls that I have been meaning to give you."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sky -
" Cool Beans Airship "​

"Yeah, we'd love to hold them, sis." they said together.

Sen was surprised and held Garnet close so that she wouldn't fall. "Yeah, veerrrry energetic!" he said, looking at Minnie for help as the little girl tugged on his hair babbling playfully, like she's trying to say something, but he didn't understand her baby language.

Sirius's ears fluttered. As someone who talks through minds, he understands his sisters words well and often tells his mama and papa what is it they are wanting, or goes to get it himself if they're busy. 'Garnet thinks Uncle Sen's hair is grass and wants to feed it to Auntie Echo and Uncle Johnny.' he told Renee as he sat on his haunches close to Seth; Seifer was close to the older twin too, as though trying to reassure Lyra he is close by.

Seth smiled at the little girl and looked at Renee, Serena, and Seifer happily, "I think she likes me!" he said as though he got an early present. Sophie leaned on Howl's shoulder, looking at their family with a nostalgic sigh. Howl had his arm around her shoulder and said, "Remind you of us?"

"Yes, except you were the one with the feathers." they kissed. They were breathing deeply as they watched Renee with a motherly look over her kids and Seifer not taking his eyes of Lyra and Garnet; James asked if he could have a turn with Lyra, who looked at him with her big eyes and then snuggled back into Seth's chest.

"Ohayo, Zhou-sama." Seth bowed, "Taisho-sama." he grinned at them, "Thank you for keeping them, Chenglei-san, I can't wait to have them back! You think Lyra would like ninja stuff? Hmm, want to be a ninja or a swordsman, Lyra?" he said brightly at the little girl.

"Hello, young Senth." said Kenren --- his speech pattern is mimicking Chenglei's a lot recently. "I have servants who've been wanting to see you too." he gestured behind him and he could barely make out the flutter of a shadow that came and went like a passing bird, though no bird was up here. Seth nodded at them, they were the ones who taught him all he knew of stealth, real stealth, and their lessons have kept him alive all his thief years; Renee would feel a familiar presence that used to play hide and seek with her too years ago, that ninja-kun whose been Kenren and Chenglei's bodyguard for a long time.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Minnie just smiled at Sen as baby Garnet yank his hair. She walked over, very randomly and very lightly poke her button nose. "Hello small one." She greeted the energetic baby who laughed, waving her arms up and down. She still has Sen's hair. The gunslinger giggled her bird laugh which made Garnet look at her, pausing her tugs. Probably reminded her of Lyra's laugh.

"Thank you, my Twinkle. Garnet, my little gem. That's Uncle Sen's hair, not grass." Renee chuckled as she helped her little brother be free from her daughter's grip. "I don't think Auntie Echo and Uncle Johnny would like to eat his hair. No they won't~!" She blew into her tummy, making the baby laugh loudly and wiggling in Sen's arms. Minnie rubbed her cheek on Sen's, tip-toeing just to kiss him. Her hand reached up to softly rub his head where Garnet yanked his hair, hoping it would comfort the inventor.

Serena walked over, standing next to Seth to see baby Lyra with a smile and cackled a bit. The baby twins are so cute~! "Hi Lyra." She softly whispered to the shy baby who, now when she thought about it, looks more like an owl with the way she's looking at others only to snuggle back into Seth.

"Of course you can, James." Renee said with a smile.

'I want to know Uncle Seth more.' is what Sirius will hear from Lyra as she snuggles in Seth's chest. 'Daddy was talking about him. I want to know him more. Says he's a ... a cherry? That means he's sweet!'

When Seth asked her, Lyra looked up again and stared with wide eyes. '...What's a samurai? What's a ninja, big brother?'

"Ah!" Renee's wings perked up and fluttered happily as she turned around. Her smile grew wide, walking towards the area without needing anybody's help. Like she had her eyesight again. "Shinobi-chi! I know you're here! Hi!!"

Chenglei sighed, completely amused that a blind woman with barely any ninja training can sense their top tier ninja. He wondered if her children will have that odd quirk too. 'That is going to drive our men nuts or make them train harder.' He thought as he patted Kenren's arm that's around his shoulders.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sky -
" Cool Beans Airship "​

"Thanks." said Sen to Renee, holding the little lively girl lower so that she couldn't reach his hair and try to feed it to Echo and Johnny. He smiled at Minnie, for a moment looking like a father, as they leaned together over the laughing wiggling bundle of joy. Garnet's happiness was infectious, as Sen kissed Minnie and found himself laughing too.

"You want to play with, Auntie Minnie?" he said as Garnet made bird noises at the gunner, and stretched out her hands to her. "Hehe, she's looking at you so interestedly!" and he gently handed her over to her; Garnet slapped her little palms on Minnie's chin, curling on her jaw as she made the bird noises again.

Sirius told Seth and James exactly what Lyra said. James clapped a hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh; the twin went red. "I'm not a cherry! What does that even mean?" he said off-handedly, he knows what it meant. And when he caught Serena's eye he looked away, embarrassed. "And why are you laughing," he added to his older brother, "you're a cherry too!" that sobered up James.

"Hey, me and Lydia are getting there." chuckled James.

" Yeah, after twenty years. "

"Even if it takes twenty years of chasing, I will stay and chase all the way. She is worth the wait." said James, and smiled at Lyra, lightly squeezing her chubby little arms. "Did he ever tell you why he likes to save ---" he started to say to Serena.

"Shuuush!" said Seth.

James chuckled. "He's scared." he whispered to Serena.

"Shhuuuushh! I am not scared." said Seth, going red.

"Did I hear someone who is scared of ---" began Seifer.

"Shuush, not in front of Lyra." said Seth.

"But she already knows, I talked to her and Garnet a lot when they were in Renee's tummy." he bent down and kissed his daughter's chubby cheek. "I thought you were one, but you were actually two! Yes, I did, you know how much daddy loves mommy. When you grow up, choose a nice man who will care for you like mommy did for me, okay?" he kissed his daughter's cheek again.

When Sirius told him about how Lyra can actually understand and that she wanted to know what a ninja and samurai was, Seth began to tell her all about them and how cool and awesome they were, even handing her to Seifer for a moment ("I want a turn." said James; "Me too." said Johnny, who was looking at the babies like he wants to cuddle them the way he cuddles sheep; 'No, you will not cuddle them, Uncle Johnny!' said Sirius immediately, remembering the times Johnny had squeezed him so tight his eyes popped out.) to show off his ninja moves and knife throwing, inviting Chenglei to show off his swordsmanship too in a sort of mock battle.

In the shadows, Renee could feel an exasperated, but amused presence.

"It's alright." said Kenren. "You can come out. My shinobi have been dying to know how you've sensed them all this time. And yes, as Chenglei said it's been driving them nuts and making them train hard." A figure stepped out from behind the mast.

"Renee, it's good to talk to you again." he was wearing a kabuki mask, and he had a voice she had heard before. She was one of those who wore masks all the time, traveling with Kenren's soldiers when they were at the storm wall. If she remembered, he was a quite person, who mostly spoke Oriental with his fellows, yet she never saw him near Kenren unless he called him.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Minnie's cheeks turned pink when she thought briefly: 'Sen looks good as a dad.', kissing back.

The gunslinger careful cradled the tiny lively baby in her arms, closing one eye as her chubby tiny hands curled around her chin. "Do you...want to hear me laugh?" she guessed as the lively Garnet continued to make bird noises with wide eyes. Her smile grew warm as she laughed again; her laugh sounded like a tweeting bird and Garnet let out a loud squeal of joy. Lightly bouncing with the gleeful baby in her arms with soft warm eyes, Minnie looked motherly; the way she's only staring at the babe and playing with oh so gently.

Meanwhile Serena only smiled at Seth as he looked away from her. So she hugged him from behind, nuzzling her cheek on his back. She had to wonder why Seth is scared but...

"It's okay, James. Seifer. I don't care if he has a basket full of cherries," she started with a wide grin before kissing the back of his neck adoringly. "Seth's worth waiting for...and more." The blonde let's go of her hug as she watched Seth and Lyra, how the little shy baby actually laughed like a bird when her father cheeked her cheek. 'I love daddy too! I love mommy and sissy and big brother too!' Sirius heard Lyra say as she had her hands up to Seifer, wiggling a bit.

Then when Seth started gushing about ninjas and swordsmen, Lyra looked interested with wide eyes. Even more so when Chenglei agreed to having a bit of a mock battle with Seth, secretly wanting to show-off to the cute baby. She looked so excited as she watched her uncles move around in the mock battle. 'Daddy! Daddy! They're dancing! They're dancing like you but with sticks and more little sticks!' Sirius heard her say cheerfully as she clapped her hands a bit. 'Dancing is fun! Dancing is fun!'

As Renee listened to Kenren, she giggled. Her wings fluttering. "When I had eyesight, I saw an unknown shadow following Ken-chan around long time ago." She explained. "Then I got used to your presence over time in the warship. So whenever I'm in a room with Ken-chan, I would always keep an eye out for a rogue shadow and try to...sense how you felt at the time." She said to the quiet shinobi.

Then she gave the silent ninja an apologetic smile; her wings are flapping happily. "It's nice to hear you...again..." Her eyes narrowed a bit playfully at the mast. "...See, I knew you were Granny Zhou's neighbor! I knew it! I've been wanting to go up to you and poke your cheek for never saying anything but...I figured you're doing your job." Renee sighed, putting her hands on her wide hips.

"Would it be okay to know your name, Shinobi-chi?" She asked, wanting to connect the voice with a name.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sky -
" Cool Beans Airship "​

At basket of cherries, Seth looked back at Serena, as red as her lipstick marks --- actually they blended into his skin. And got pleasantly goose-pimply when she kissed the back of his neck. With one free arm he held her hands. "Um . . . I'm not scared of you, Serena. I like your affection, it makes me happy and (he covered Lyra's ears) . . . you can have my cherries." he said shyly smiling, knowing how he was being very sappy in front of his brother and brother-in-law; James just smirked at him and hummed one of the violinist's spicy tunes, while Seifer clapped the twin in the back proudly.

Seth liked showing off to Lyra too, wanting to make the shy girl smile more and challenged Chenglei to a duel with their weapons sheathed; in the background Kenren cheered for Chenglei, while Johnny, who was sad Sirius wouldn't let him cuddle his sisters, decided to cuddle the fluffy black dragon instead, to which Sirius made him float.

'Mama, Uncle Johnny is trying to trap me again.' he said, bounding over to her, as the film director went slow-motion spinning around in the air.

"My name is Shinobu Akira." said the shinobi, sounding happy to meet her too. He sounded like an old friend who knew her. "I see Sirius has grown up well. You have grown too these last six years. Grown into a lady, and now a mother." she could hear the smile in his voice. "I've never thanked you for all that you've done for my masters, so thank you, Renee, may you live long, healthy, and happy for all you've done for everyone."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

With a silent intake of air, Serena turned red. Her smile grew warm and silly as she squeezed and nuzzled Seth's arm. "..." He's not afraid of her. He's actually happy and likes her affection...

"I want to play...but later...when we're alone." She whispered the last part before lightly kissing the shell of Seth's ear. The violinist cheered for Seth beside Kenren as Chenglei agreed to the terms. He's going to have fun in this mock battle. Meanwhile Echo is trying to grab Johnny as he floated and spinning in slow motion. He's just out of her reach. So she sang to one of her potted plants that's hanging on her large antlers, a vine grew and wrapped itself around Johnny's ankle; bringing him close just so she can hold his hand.

Renee grinned awkwardly when Sirius mentioned about Johnny 'trapping' him. It's nothing to new to hear whenever the two are close by. Honestly she was surprised that Johnny hadn't hugged him earlier before picking Seth up nut she supposed it's because he's cuddling Echo...a lot lately. "My little Twinkle, Uncle Johnny wasn't trying to trap; he wanted to hug you." Because of his fluffiness. The young mother sat on her knees so she wrap her arms around Sirius protectively anyways, her wings fluttering.

Her head tilted as she listened to Shinobu, her grin melted into a warm smile at the tone. Ohhh...he's the same guard from before too...

Then her wings fluttered and flapped before covering her reddening cheeks, flustered. "Yo-you're welcome- I mean...Th-thank you- uhh..." It's a honest compliment from a very silent man. While Renee is starting to get used to hearing compliments about her accomplishments from the public, she tended to get flustered at the honest one-on-one conversations she has with anybody who just wanted to thank her. It's humbling to hear.

"Heheh...I won't lie: there are moments where I wonder if following my gut was a good idea but..." Her milky eyes looked over where she felt Seifer was standing and squeezed her son tenderly.

"I wouldn't change any of it. I'm just happy to help...and have the help of others too. Thank you for looking after Ken-chan and Lei-lei over the years." Renee smiled gratefully at the shinobi, her wings fluttering on her cheeks.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Paroosia Forest -
" Trail "​

"Sirius, you will miss my hugs when you grow up!" Johnny pointed at the fluffy black dragon, as he was pulled in by Echo's vine.

Sirius shook his head, 'Mama's hugs are better! You mess up my pretty fur daddy takes an hour to comb!'

"You mess up his hair?!" said Seifer aghast. "You do not touch the do, Johnny!"

'Yeah, you do not touch the do, uncle!' said Sirius, wrapping his tail around Renee as she hugged him and explained what Johnny was doing. 'But, mama, he doesn't stop hugging me, and I can't go anywhere because he won't let me go, and I have to be carried by him, and I don't want to be carried anymore because I'm a big dragon now.' he indeed had been wanting to walk or float on his own instead of being carried around all the time by Renee or Seifer, except when he's being cradled to sleep, he likes that.

Akira bowed to Renee, "It has been my honor to serve. And following your gut was a good idea, my lady." he bowed to Sirius as well. "May you have the blessings of Midgard." and he disappeared into the shadows.

"I feel like a balloon." chuckled Johnny, as he floated upside down, holding Echo's hand. His long pinkish blonde hair tied in a loose ponytail draped like a curtain around her potted antlers, as he swam like a frog in the air to hug her shoulders like an anchor. "Echo, none of the kids want to be hugged by me." he said sadly, "I'll hug you instead." and he nuzzled her upside down.Though indeed, after Seth, Sen, Minnie, and James had their turn with Garnet and Lyra, he took the little ones in his arms and hugged them gently, nipping their chubby little arms and cheeks and kissing them a lot, saying, "You'resocuteyou'resocuteyou'resocute! Awshibooboo, ayooshawushamsham ~" he smiled, and blew and nipped on their bellies. He told them about summons and how they are more awesome than ninjas or swordsmen, and gave a fire and ice show for their pleasure. It seemed almost everyone wanted to show off to the kids, because James joined Johnny, fully supporting his claim, and showed them Ifrit, who, after James had set free with a wish, decided to stay with him for some time as a very powerful fire summon.

"This is an ancient celestial being." grinned James, "top that." he said proudly to everyone.

"Nothing is more regal than being a king." said Kenren, calm and confident.

"Steampunk mechs look cooler." said Sen as though there was no contest, and then let them ride on a smaller airship that took them some distance away for a moment. He then smiled at Minnie knowingly, then pressed a big red button. His big airship suddenly transformed into a big-gunned, giant flying steampunk mecha, complete with fireworks and manly explosions!

"Wow." nodded the guys, impressed.

Seifer had his dimply smile as he watched how everyone liked his kids, feeling very happy and full. His family. This was his family. He wrapped an arm around Renee's shoulder and leaned on her head. "Renee, I'm so happy." he said, wiping his eyes, and smiled at her looking like he had everything he needed in his life.

* * * *​

After a big feast with everyone in the flying castle, Seth waved Sen and Minnie goodbye as the big airship flew off from the canopies of Paroosia forest. It was dusk now, and he looked to Serena, beaming, as he offered his hand to her on the trail that led to her cottage.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Bye, Akira-san." Renee said quietly before laughing at what her son and fiance said to Johnny.

"Samurais 're disciplined an' epic tuh watch." Chenglei chimed in after James, smiling with charm. Though he had to admit it...Sen's airship is very impressive.

"I hav' tuh agree wit' Youn' Sen'." The blonde samurai quietly mumbled to Kenren, grabbing his hand to give it a squeeze. "Steampunk mech looks cool, especially on a regal king." He kissed on his metal ear when no one was looking at them.

Minnie playfully rolled her eyes as Sen pressed the large button, hearing the other guys (that included Chenglei) to saying 'Wow'. Echo giggled as she was still snuggling with le upside down Johnny when she heard the gunner say: "Boys and their toys." She sounded very amused and yet...proud of Sen.

When Seifer pulled her in and leaned on her head, her wings fluttered and one of them wrapped around his head; hugging his head close to hers. She smiled back, breathing deeply as she just realized something. Her dream came true: She has a family of her own...and it's with the love of her life too. Her sightless eyes became watery and she sniffled. "I'm so happy too, Seifer..."

*******

Serena waved at Sen and Minnie, who are waving back, and turned to Seth. Grabbing and holding his offered hand, the blonde smiled back at the twin before leaning her head on his shoulder and started to walk towards her cottage...their cottage. "Hehehe-ahuck!"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Paroosia Forest -
" Serena's Cottage "​

The scent of the flowery meadow drifted around them as they walked to the cottage. Seth remembered he saw this in Serena's song once, being in a meadow surrounded by flowers, and here and there were scattered ruins from the old city, vines and moss growing over them, the nests of sparrows and robins tucked in the corners. It was as though her illusion was a premonition, and now it came true. All they need now are sunflowers, and as he told Serena about this, he asked her if he could plant some along the trail. He had learned a lot about gardening this past year.

As he held her hand, he had a gentle smile. "Ya know, Serena, I had feared a boring life, but right now I feel calm, sweet, and free. No need to hide, no need to run from the law, I can be here out in the open, and it feels so liberating!" he cried, stretching up to the sky. He looked at Serena and put his arm around her shoulder, leaning on her head as he listened to her talk. The cottage coming into view, he felt a warmth towards the place, and instead of thinking of it as an 'end' like before, he saw it as a new beginning, and was already looking forward to the rest of his life as a free man.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena nodded to the idea of planting sunflowers to the trail, really liking the idea. "Sure! Can I help?" Then she giggled to her hand. "I just know Echo is going to try to pick one up since she loves sunflowers."

As she listened to Seth, her heart skipped a beat, watching how happy her boyfriend looked as he stretched up to the sky. Somehow this reminded her of when he took her up to the top of the ruined tower to see a pretty view of the sky; it was that time she said something familiar. She felt so free up there...and now Seth feels free because she helped him get here. Just like how he helped her get up to the tower. Maybe she's over-thinking it or maybe she is ecstatic that Seth is now free, but she knows for sure that she will never regret taking Seth's hand that day long ago.

"...You don't need to be scared anymore..." Serena said, nuzzling her cheek on his. Placing a callus hand over the one that on top of her shoulders. "I'm really happy that you feel free again."

When the cottage came into view, the blonde pondered about something. Seth would see a mischievous twinkle in her eyes and before he can ask her, she leaned up to playfully nip on the shell of his ear. "Race you to our home." She whispered close to his ear.

Annnnd she ran off, cackling like a mad woman; obviously happy.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Paroosia Forest -
" Serena's Cottage "​

Seth jumped as he got the goose bumps again, then grinned. "Hehe, I'm gonna' catch youuu!" and bounded after her.

Having Echo over would be nice, she can toss him high up in the air again! And told Serena that of course she can help, they can even pick the seeds together to eat later, and said that he had never been to hers and Johnny's home. "I wonder if they have a sunflower field?" he pondered out loud, as he played cat and mouse with Serena, trying to distract her with, "Serena, your dress, hold it down I can see your knickers!" which was a lie, then dashed for the cottage door.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Serena Lock -
" Home Sweet Home "​

"Who knows~!" Serena replied quickly, keeping her eyes at the door. When Seth mentioned about her knickers showing, Serena let out an 'Eep!', holding her dress down---only to have Seth zoom passed her. The blonde let out a gasp. "Why you little-!"

She ran after him. Getting closer and closer until-

"Gotcha!!!" The cackling violinist practically tackled Seth down before he could go through the gate, rolling together on the grassy ground that went down a steep hill. At the bottom, when they landed in a cushion-y field of long grass, glowing fireflies will flutter around to get away from the couple. Serena couldn't stop cackling until she opened her sapphire blue eyes to see Seth is right. On. Top. of her.

"....." Her face is completely red and she smiled warmly, brushing off any leaves of sticks that may be in his auburn hair.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seth Pendragon -
" Home Sweet Home "​

Seth let out an "oomph!" when he was tackled. Laughing and protectively holding Serena close to him, as they rolled down the hill. His laughter stop too when they came to a halt, fireflies floating around them, as he saw her blush. The twin went red too, his legs kicking up comfortably as he leaned against her hand. His eyes went soft and warm.

Gentle lips met hers, as he pillowed her head with his hands. They've waited for this moment for a long, long time. And she could feel that he was like a lost traveler, who has found the way back home.

There in the grass Seth lay, watching the sunset lights around Serena's face dance, until time to them was only the rise and fall of their ruptured heartbeats. He kissed and he kissed until he knew no other taste and he no longer understood the pattern of the day, as he fell in love with the colors and the world between their eyelids.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Her thumb rubbed his cheek softly as her other hand went up to comb through his hair, kissing and kissing back. Slowly but surely the world around them didn't have a form, just colors of warm reds and oranges with cooling greens and blues. Right now...the only precious form she's aware of is the one over her, kissing her with such sweetness that she felt drunk in her stupor.

Serena cradled his head close, tender and loving. Her half-lidded eyes sleepily fluttered closed as a few happy tears rolled down from her reddened cheeks and dripped off her ears.

In one of their small breaks, she whispered: "Welcome back home, Seth." and they kissed again. Her thin arms wrapped around his shoulders, hugging him closer. She can feel their hearts beating together...as one.

Zer0

 

[Katsuya]

- Chenglei & Tsumiki Zhou -
" Palace, The Orients "​

The whole country of the Orients are lively these past few days as the Lunar New Year is getting closer and closer with each passing second. Kids are playing with the white snow as their parents tried to keep them close while buying charms and clothes. Some dragons flew over the city while others are walking around to spot something to their liking, also preparing for the long and joyous holiday. Market stands are slowly being decorated with bright red lanterns with golden yellow stringed tassels that billowed from the chilly winds. Strips of colorful paper are being stuffed in confetti poppers and gunpowder is careful measured for each firecracker, poppers, and fireworks. Vendors and sellers are encouraging potential costumers to get their items while musicians are playing in the parks, attracting some people to stop and listen to their songs. Some in groups, a rare few are alone, but all of them are good to listen to. There's even a few fire pits, already burning wood for those who want to warm up before going on with their merry way.

There's even golden printed pictures of the upcoming New Year's animal representative on some of the restaurants and stands' decorations: The earth dog.

"Oh look! Doesn't this one remind you of Meatballs?" A very grown up Tsumiki gestured at one of said golden pictures with her hand. The servant who brought it to her looked at her like she was odd for saying that the picture looked like a western food. Chenglei chuckled, amused.

"Yea, it does. I wondah if I should get one fur Yukio-san. I'm sure he would lov' it since da dog looks fluffah then normal." Chenglei and Tsumiki wore very warm robes. With the young and hyper woman, the colors are a soft gold with hints of pastel greens, blues, and pinks in the white outlined flowers. Her obi is in spring light greens with dashes of orange and reds. Around her shoulders is a faux fur shawl to keep her neck warm.

With the calm older blonde, the colors are muted with a light grey with a dull forest green. Over his shoulders is a simple white and black warm robe with a branch of blooming flowers design on the sleeve's wing. Loosely tied and hanged over his stomach is a white puff ball and in his obi, a simple black fan. His bright golden hair greatly contrasted against the pure white snow and skies with ever greying clouds outside of the large windows.

"What do ya think, Ken'en?" Chenglei's ash purple eyes gazed at the emperor with his charming smile. His arms around Kenren squeezed gently as he nuzzled his cheek into his clothes, purring happily. The low table in front of them is a mess in an organized fashion, scrolls and papers everywhere as they needed to approve some things while declining others. On Tsumiki's lap is a long scroll with a list of things that has the names of each artisan of every and any trade and musicians of all kinds; some check marked with approval. All of this mess is to decorate the palace in the way the emperor would like it to be. They already have flowers down, considering how picky Renee can be with the plants, oddly enough.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -
" Palace, The Orients "​

Kenren startled, "Yes, he would like a dog." he said distractedly. Between reading reports on the goings on of a secret meeting between merchants who are suspected at starting a trade for dragon dung as fertilizer and wondering if he should make it legal, choosing which decorations would look good with what and the flowers, and calculating the budget needed for an upcoming nationwide skating competition, he had been sneaking looks on Chenglei on the shiny reflection of a mirror across the room. He looks handsome in those robes and he's purring again.

Kenren swooned at that charming smile. "That is, if Johnny will let him have Meatballs."

Katsuya