'I've heard Captain Farala wanted to meet you soon in person, Rottenstien..
Boss Rumplestiltskin told me to convey this to you.. So, You better meet her by the XXXX boutique soon by Saturday, dude!'
Was.. What Robinhood said that day when we were hanging out together with his merry boys at school.
But.
My eyelids twitched while looking ahead at the blank road barely any known person around and let out a deep sigh.
It has been hours since I have come here. But, there is no sign of Farala-san.
The glass window of the boutique reflected my figure with brown haired wig, thick red turtle sweater and a dark colored mini-skirt paired with long white tights to protect me from the freezing frost around us. It was a disguise I had to wear since no one must recognise me from the scandal.
I played with my bangs and wondered if Farala-san might identify me. But, that's probably unnecessary, because she is the Fairy Godmother of my fairytale, a master of disguises and transformations.
Apart from that there were several other dresses inside the lamp lighted store including the similar model that I had just bought. Beside them was a folded calendar that broadcasted today's date.
Frowning at the number and looking up at the cold wintery sky above me, I caught the snow dripping from the sky.
I soon blew it off as my mind fell on other things.
It has been a month since I had last met Zeno.
I know it isn't long compared to the other months I had spent apart from him at the school.
Though, surely I haven't yearned for seeing him safe and sound as much as these days.
But, like Lady Mal told me about our forbidden relationship and what my own rational conscience tells me, I knew I shouldn't get close to Zeno-kun for the good will of the two of us.
The scandel was a warning for the two of us.
A wall that tells us to not go deeper into this.
I really wonder how I might respond when I could finally meet him someday.
I wish I could convey my genuine feelings towards him before permanently disappearing from his life. At least then I could forget about him and pave a way for his true fated woman.
I thought looking at my own bitter reflection still waiting for Farala-san when from a distance a familiar tint of soft blonde hair hidden inside a thick suspicious looking black hood caught my attention.
Pushed by a strange intuition, I abruptly turned back to get more glimpse of the individual in an incognito clothing.
I soon found myself staring at the one person I never imagined in my wildest dreams to stand there by the other store like any other normal person.
I was in shock to the point I was frozen.
When a gust of the cold wind blew past me, I felt like an eternity lasted before me on that second.
Many thoughts flooded on me. Those thoughts eventually invaded my mind and made me lose my senses.
He ...was t-there..
The one person I was forbidden to be with..
The one I have been desiring to meet for days so long that I almost lost my count..
How could he appear in front of me like this..?
My eyes overwhelmed with tears of happiness.
Before I could even remember every single thoughts of rationality that I had used to guard my heart in response to that person, I didn't know when I dropped my stuff or crossed the pavement between us but, I already found myself hugging him tight.
Seems like I wasn't the only surprised person feeling all these emotions because on this cold morning with the snow sprinkling on the rooftops of the shops, Zeno was equally surprised by my presense.
"Zeno-kun! Is this really you..? How are you..?! Is everything alright at the palace..?"
I cried followed by his own rantings.
"Yes it is. Everything is fine on my side. But, You seem pale and weak, Anastasia!.. I have asked Lady Mal to take care of you.. But, was it not enough..?"
He asked touching my face and examining me quickly. His voice trembled just like the happy yet anxious tears on his eyes.
"I am sorry I couldn't meet you soon.. I."
He said. But, I couldn't care more about his apology. I just hugged him back.
"It doesn't matter! You.. You are within my reach now, Zeno-kun .. Like a christmas miracle.."
I sobbed interrupting him.
"But- how is that possible.."
"Well, aren't miracles always possible when a Fairy Godmother's around..?"
The familiar baby blue haired fairy with an appearance of a cute 13 year old stood by the abbey leaning on a wall with an all knowing smirk.
"How is my christmas present you two..?" Farala-san asked purposefully.
"Farala-san..!"
I squeaked in surprise and understanding.
"Oh. So, that was the reason the king had no chance but to send me here. I was thinking why that mad dog had such a disturbed expression."
Zeno said rubbing his chin and then flashed a bright smile.
Farala-san and I mentally cringed at Zeno's informal language.
I soon found out that just like how Farala-san had Lord Rumple who had Robinhood to call me out here, this fairy in the same way also passed on the message to Cinderella who passed it to her husband who in turn passed it to King Charming at the same time.
The reason wasn't explained to us in any manner. So we never even had a chance for rejecting it.
There was also no way Zeno and I might have considered meeting each other like this if we had known about it before. Our scandel has still not lost it's fiery after all.
But, calculating all that, through her mysterious notice who else could have made a more inconspicuous reunion for the two of us other than one of the greatest matchmaker fairy of our land.
"B-But.. Why..?" I squeaked softly.
"With all this chaos going around you two, I know there is no way you would contacting fearing you might harm each other, something that might would create more unnecessary misunderstandings and anxiety as though that is not already present in your relationship. So, I just thought I must give you two a little push. That's all.."
Farala-san explained everything happening between us on the lines shred by shred like a pro.
I bit my lips feeling to control my overwhelming emotions more grateful than ever at her deed.
Farala-san..
She really knows us better more than we know about each other..
It is a great blessing to have her as my friend.
We were still talking about these this when another unexpected person rushed towards us in a hurry with bundles of paper rolls on her hand.
"I am here! I am here, Farala-sensie! Am I late..?! I am sorry for-"
The girl with wild naturally unruly thick locks popped her head behind those bundles.
"You!?"
"Y-You..?!"
The latter, Merida Dunborch was equally surprised. For some reason this scenario was exactly like the first time the two of bumped in to Farala several months back. A long time has passed since then including our strange relationship.
But, like then Farala-san was the same person who bought us back together, though I am not sure I am really comfortable about it.
"Haha. And me!"
Farala-san joked and looked at the three of us.
"Now that the gang is here. Let me tell you the real reason why you are here."
Her visage slowly turned super serious and we all knew something was up.
_______
A few minutes later.
"You want us to go on a trip to the Forbidden Junkyard village..? W-Why..?"
I was the first person to break out.
"I've received several suspicious reports from there.. Someone's keeping repetitive sonar contacts with a few outsiders and trying to create a regeneration spell.."
Farala-san explained in deep thought.
"Regeneration..spell..!"
"The spell to brings the dead to life?"
We all cried in a sync.
"Is it related to the Puppetire..?" Zeno asked suspiciously.
"Well, It could be or couldn't be.." Farala-san said dryly.
"I have no idea about it. But, one thing is for sure the person we are gonna deal with is not simple. They have to be extremely powerful or must have a strong source to perform ancient spells like those.."
Ancient spells ...
The kind of magic I have been studying with Iracebeth for a while now.
According to the books there were seven kinds of ancient magic. Creation, Destruction, Chaos, Darkness, Illusion, Amourette and Regeneration. They were superior than the other magic since they were used with the scared seals that were once used by the gods.
"Keeping contact with the outsiders..? D-Do you think there is a possibility they are selling our country's secrets..?"
Merida bought into a light of a new problem.
Farala-san looked like she had already thought of this. She looked a bit worried.
"B-But.. why us..?"
I asked doubtfully.
"I've heard the officials of Fairytale weren't really supporting you.. Is that true, Farala- san..?"
Zeno asked knowing the actual happenings of the court.
The issue indeed was serious enough for the countries to be working together. But like Zeno said selfish Fairytale royals doesn't really seem to bother helping the Fairy Kingdom though the Puppetire was an international hazard.
"Yeah." Farala-san agreed. "That's more of the reason why I could rest still and do nothing. So, will you three help me..?"
There was a little hesitation on her tone.
Farala-san was really a very humble person. She had all the rights to order us around as a Captain and call out several other strong members in the court. But, she still choose us.
This is one the reasons I loved this certain Captain.
"Of course..!"
I agreed and smiled brightly just like Zeno and Merida.
_______
During our little ride to the outskirts of the Forbidden village, Farala-san talked about why she summoned the three of us on this mission.
Zenon was likely called because he was a royal who was known to have been supporting the slums on the sidelines for a while now. Zeno had certainly helped them in many ways even training few to become the members of his secret Squads.
Merida on the other hand had her family ground owning the beach for many reincarnations as land owners and had also supported them. Merida also has a record of entering the beach when the most strangest thing happened, the sudden appearance of the face that painted on the faceless.
When I asked the reason I was invited Farala-san simply smiled and told me to figure it out. I have no idea why though especially since I have only visited the place once..
I looked at Merida who was currently conversing with Farala-san.
With her..on an unexpected punishment field trip..
All this while Merida and I haven't spoken a word to each other.
Granted, it might also be because Farala-san did most of the talking.
But, apart from that I personally know that must probably be because she hates me.
Of course I would too if someone treated me like how I treated her.
Well, Since the beginning we weren't really close. But, we weren't distant either. We had a very complicated love-hate relationship where both of us didn't mind dissing nor equally caring each other.
To be honest... I.. really do not know what would take me and Merida to be on normal terms again...
I clenched my fists and looked outside the window again hoping the view might distract me.
But, that's something that's never gonna happen for now..
So, whatever..
A deep sigh escaped from my lips just thinking about it.
Zeno who had noticed me suddenly clenched my palm that was rested on the couch and drew closer to me.
"They say everytime you sigh a small amount of happiness leaves you. What is it now, Anastasia? It seems you weren't all that happy to see me though you were practically shedding some tears?" He whispered on my ear.
I blushed abruptly at his sudden intimacy.
"W-What?! I never cried!"
I whispered him quickly.
"I-I had just got some dirt in my eyes at that moment. And, it only makes sense for me to get rid of it as soon as I could. I.. would never have ....missed you.." I said looking away.
"Of course. If you say so."
Zeno smiled refreshingly as though he just got fully energized by looking at my bashful face.
I was positive he was mocking me.
"Well, I was hoping you might be honest about how you missed me.
But, I'll pretend you just did because of you look so cute right now."
Zeno whispered again with a chuckle.
"S-Shut up with your nonsense!"
I yelled completely forgetting whatever grim feeling I felt about Merida or even my surrounding with Merida and Farala-san for that matter.
My feet accidentally-on-purpose hit Zeno"s toes in response to his ridiculous flirt.
"Ukk.. That.. really.. wasn't necessary.."
Zeno mumbled in pain.
"Ahhh! That's because! You Just Wouldn't Stop Flirting With Me, Baka Tako!!"
I cried again on top of my voice when I finally realised something
strange about the entire situation.
It didn't take me long to realise strong gazes being blazed at us!
I abruptly looked ahead only to see both Farala-san and Merida staring at us. Farala-san soon made a face palm while Merida was simply confused.
I panicked almost immediately.
Oh no. It's here again. Zeno and I acting intimate was totally alright with just Farala-san. But, with Merida my classmate.. I would be dead if she realises that I am close with the Second Prince!!!
"Merida-Chan.. As I was saying..."
Farala-san tried distracting her for our sake. But, it seemed Merida already got a clue about our relationship.
To add on to my worries, Merida looked more concerned at my affairs more than anything!
"That's all well. But, sensie.. You haven't introduced who this gentleman was.. And, Are these two actually much close than how they seem, by chance..?"
She pointed Zeno-kun gestured a whisper to Farala-san by time our carriage slowed down towards our nearing destination.
"Ah.. H-He's.."
Farala-san started but, in my anxiety I blabbered blunders before them.
"..A vendor!.. From the Fairytale Market!... No, he has a sword..! So he must be.. a blacksmith .. No.. A guard..! Who's- Um.. A-Ah.. I don't even know who you are..? Who are you mister stranger??!.."
Zeno who suddenly had his identity been swapped from a prince to a vegetable vendor to a blacksmith to a normal guard then again to a total stranger was rather baffled.
I think, I might have definitely frustrated cause he is twitching his lower eye lid now. Zeno soon cut me off with a sigh.
"Okay.. You've got us..."
My eyes widened in horror.
What!?
G-G-Got.. Us???
Is he really gonna just come clean and spill everything to her now..??
After all this time..??
Ahhhhhh! Don't do that!!!!! Ze-
"I am a humble servant, who's The representative on behalf of his highness, the Second Prince's soldier troops and Anastasia's childhood friend."
Zeno spilt the beans. But, fortunately not the ones I had in the mind.
"Ah.. Right.. The representative.."
Merida was surprised.
Isn't it more like he is the actual leader..?
I thought but, his words were perfectly right in complimenting the words Farala-san had said to introduce him to the 'two' of us before stating us his role in brief at the start of the journey.
Of course, Farala-san knew calling the Second Prince on a mission was a no simple request. That's the reason Zeno had to disguise himself as another person with dull clothing and nerdy glasses without a having Kuro-kun to escort him.
Just like a huge storm had just passed us, I mentally made a deep sigh as the wacky carriage finally stopped before the giant seemingly abandoned town gate.
Farala-san got down first, followed by Merida and Zeno.
"Oh... I see.."
Merida seemed to have bought Zeno's clever reply.
"I am Merida Dunborch from the Brave Fairytale.."
Merida introduced herself while I jumped from the carriage steps, still pondering these things.
"And.. I am.. Baron Nozen Alberchet. It's a pleasure to meet you. Miss Merida.."
Zeno greeted her and walked past us completely ignorant of the major blunder he had just caused.
A shock wave almost immediately sparked on my head.
I abruptly turned to Merida to find her already looking at me.
Oh crap!
I CoMpLetEy forgottt Zeno uses the name 'Sir Nozen' on his country disguises!?!
The exact same name I had confessed to Merida as the person I had a great crush on!
I thought I was not on good terms with Merida.
I wondered how long it would take for us to get back to what we had.
I thought we might stay like this, awkward till the end of our journey..
But, unexpectedly the second Merida heard that my 'solider' crush, Sir 'Nozen' was actually gonna stay with us on this strange journey, she totally broke the ice between us and started interrogating me curiously with a tons of different questions.
"Hey. Hey Anastasia ...! Is that him..? Is that really the guy you like..?? Sir Nozen..!?!"
"Ssssh.. Shh.. Be quiet. He might hear you..!"
I cried looking at the certain person who had no interest in bothering with the two highschool girls.
Plus, aren't we supposed to be on bitter terms..!? Did you just forget everything about it just because you have met my crush..?!
Just what kind of logic is that..?
"Then..! It is him right..?! Tell me! Isn't this guy the one you like..!"
"S-Shut .. Up.. I-It's nothing like that.."
At the mention of Zeno's name I couldn't help blushing from head to toe.
Merida was bewildered by how I looked. She however recovered in seconds and only became more excited than before.
"Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh!!! I have never seen you look like this before! You must really like this guy then!"
".....!!"
"But, it is good he looks totally normal and compatible to our range. It would be difficult if you had a crush on someone unreachable like the Second Prince. I am happy for you Anastasia!.."
Merida flashed me a bright smile.
I was truly touched by Merida's words.
This person.. I didn't realise it before.. But she really cares for me. She thinks I mustn't get close with someone I had no chance with yet could only get involved in scandals made to cause his downfall.
I looked at Merida feeling extremely guilty and gulped.
'Too bad. This ordinary looking boy and the other-worldly handsome Second Prince are the exact same person!!'
But, though was Zeno disguising as a commoner really that different from how he usually is..?
I wondered subconsciously turning my head to look at him.
True, his hair looks baggy with wet snow and messy front bangs. His oversized dark casual winter clothes are far from looking elegant or bright like how he usually is. He also wears enormous heavy googly glasses that totally hides his pretty blue ireses.
So, on normal terms one night even call him as ugly. Merida was just being kind by not saying such things about the person I like.
But...
Probably feeling my constant gaze on him, Zeno turned his head to look at me.
And when our eyes met, his face beamed with the brightest smile that even lit his eyes. With the soft snow crystal falling all around us, Zeno looked like he was sparkling with glitters.
Zeno really seems innocently happy that I am acting casual with him on this disguise. I feel kinda guilty I am always putting him in the edge..
(A/N: Sir Nozen Evolution 2: The elder version of Sir Nozen from Anastasia's childhood.)
Well.. Though.. The handsome royal Prince Zenon or my childhood friend this lovable dorky nerd, Sir Nozen..
He still looks just the same to my eyes..
I thought abruptly looking away confusing the ignorant Zenon as we all soon reach the town outskirts that was half buried inside the snow.
The roar of the waves were still brushing through our ears. The town looked exactly like our my last visit with Merida.
Abandoned and desolate like a ghost village.
There were many abandoned ragged huts all around us with no sign of life. It made sense as beside this was the great dump of the country's junkyard. I was positive many countrymen would have moved to another place at the city due to the lack of hygiene and pollution of the town.
It was obvious only people and orphans who had resolved themselves to die here are its only remnant. It is not unnatural this town is also the place that bred many thieves and robbers.
"H-Hello..?"
I called out pushing one of the doors through the hail storm and gently entered it.
"...."
Silence replied us.
"The place is still horrible as ever.."
Merida mumbled to herself looking around the house.
I touched a broken ballerina musicbox and listened to the soft melody that soon filled the silent room.
Farala-san and Zeno returned with similar reports of the lonely houses. They looked equally devastated and frustrated.
"I-I know, this place is supposed to be the Slums.. But.. Do people really live on these living conditions..? Just what is Fairytale doing..?"
Farala-san, a foreigner who was under the rule of the former and the current Fairy Queen who equally had strong sense of justice from a country with one of the least poverty rates asked us.
She then immediately placed her hands on her lips realising how rude she might have been to both Zeno and The Dunborch family who had been trying their best to protect these people.
"I-I am s-sorry.. I-I just.."
Farala-san immediately apologized noticing their conflicted visages.
But, Zeno stopped her with a sigh.
"It's alright.. No matter what the Second Prince nor the Dunborch family tried to change the situations.. We cannot do anything unless we get the authority of the King.."
"Of course why must the king care help these people when he could exploit the maximum labor from them at the lowest wages.. King Charming is a nefarious being like that.."
Merida sulked at the same time.
Merida told me.. the government regularly collects them often forcefully to make them work manual undesired labour in the city including the child labours. Any rebel against their orders were sentenced to death.
And. ... Everything is because.. They were not named since the collapse of the Three Fates...
It's too painful to think that..
We walked further into the snowy streets with our footprints following us on the path.
"It is better to be careful here though.." Farala-san alerted us. "We do not know who is out here and I am not sure the civilians might accept us that easily.. It's good to stay on guard and-.."
She was saying when true to her words we suddenly felt a shadow move through the corners of the abandoned huts..
"Tsk.."
"Alright.. Now,.. I am creeped out.."
I confessed honestly.
"Relax.. There's no one dangerous here-"
Merida started.
"Someone's already been here.."
Farala-san said. Unexpectedly standing a few more steps away from us..
The cold wind blew filling the silence.
To make matters worse, the footprints Farala-san showed us were not one but rather a cluster.
The howls of the wind grew louder on the background dashing on a leaf less tree ferociously though telling us to get away from here.
Soon enough, it wasn't long for us to observe that the noises around us to actually grow more louder than before.
In the next few seconds from the darkness of a certain broken hut several pairs of glowing eyes stared at us. There was no time for fear in front of a real battle. So, each of us got our weapons ready. Farala, her magical glowing wand, Merida her long bow and arrow, Zeno his strong black mana. And I, my sharp thread strings coated with red mana.
"Who's there..?"
I asked them.
"Come on out if you aren't scared..!"
A single short lean figure with a frightening demon mask and small knife came out from the darkness with a wary posture. She was followed by the other masked beings.
"Y-You.. guys....?"
A female voice seemed to have recognised me.
"Huh..?"
I blinked still not letting go of my guard.
The figure then suddenly removed her mask and revealed her bright eyes.
I immediately recognised the familiar cute golden locked child beneath the mask.
"Emily-chan!?!"
"Anastasia-nee chan! Merida-nee chan! Guys it's okay! They are friends"
The girl cried in delight and rushed over to throw me an enormous hug.
The other masked figures who we soon recognised as the other former faceless children soon joined us like Emily.
"Why are you here..? Nee chans..!! Why only now! We missed you so much!!"
Emily was the most chattering one of them all.
Farala-san was surprised at all this and smirked at me.
"I never thought you would have these junior fans.."
"Haha.. It just happened that I got detention from the principal and got sent to this place.."
I scratched my head awkwardly.
"It hasn't even been a year since you have joined but you have already got a detention by the principal..!!"
Zeno who overheard us mumbled.
"Should the principal really bully her students like this..? Should I just arrest us..?"
Zeno was really thinking seriously.
"No need! Stop over reacting."
I rolled my eyes.
"He actually has the power to arrest her..?"
Merida wondered.
"Ahk! No.. H-He's just joking.."
I managed chucking and glared at the latter immediately.
Zeno-kun!
"B-But what are you all doing here..? These grounds aren't safe as before.."
Emily said doubtfully.
"What do you mean..?"
Merida asked her.
One of the kids from the group came forward and replied.
"We have been feeling strange sonar energy being on the ground all around us.."
"I knew it.." Farala-san muttered as though conforming her doubts.
"We.. feel like we are always being watched constantly 24 hours.. Red onee-chan promised us we mustn't bother about it and that she would protect us.. But, we can't help feeling threatened.. There aren't many grown ups on our town.."
Emily said half trembling. The kids behind her looked no better. It was a cold weather and apart from the mask, they were poorly dressed.
Farala-san quickly made twelve ready made coats for them and smiled.
"Don't worry. That's the reason we are here today.."
She smiled.
The kids seemed truly relaxed by her comforting words.
Emily then caught the hands of both Merida and I and said excitedly.
"Ah.. It is already late and cold onee-sans. You must come to our shack and stay the night..."
"Oh.. I hope it isn't a bother.."
I was flattered by the sudden attention.
"No. It's not. We hardly have visitors and I am sure Red Onee-san would love that too..!"
"Red Onee-san..?" Merida caught the last word."Who is she..?"
Merida who knew many of the people here felt a unfamiliar.
"She is our lovely big sister! Oh, she isn't our real sister though. But, she's like our family. I am sure you'll like her. She's kind, pretty, nice, friendly and super sweet to us. She was a great friend of my big brother."
"Oh really. Then she must be a great person..then.." Merida smiled back.
"Ah! We are here..!"
"Yeah!"
"Hurry up Emily!"
The kids beside us rushed towards the door of an yet another small shack that hardly seemed to keep it's wooden logs on its place.
However when we entered it we soon realised the hut was more bigger than it seemed. It had just one big furnace in a the middle and a small kitchen at the corner.
The house was stuffed with many kids. Few were like us and few remained face less like the original forbidden children.
But, I knew inside this humble shack of theirs they were quite happy and filled their house with warmth.
"Red onee-chan! Red onee-chan! Is the supper ready?"
"I am hungry! Waaah!"
"Red-onee chan! Emily bought guests..!"
The kids yelled at the same time while entering the house. It was a clear rambling mess. I felt they were not being coherent at all.
"Emily ...did what..? I can't hear you jonny!"
A mature voice from the kitchen yelled back. It was positive she couldn't either.
Soon enough an extremely familiar looking young girl with a bunny designed apron and ragged red dress walked out from the kitchen, still holding a frying pan on her hand.
Like Emily said the girl was a pretty blonde with an age not more than mine. She looked like she could be a student in our school..
Maybe it was because she was..
The moment Merida and I saw her familiar face we were shocked beyond our minds.
The girl on the other hand immediately dropped the pan equally stunned like us.
"A-Anastasia..?? D-D-Dunborch..??!"
The girl cried.
"Iracebeth De Crimms..??!!?"
Merida and I cried at the same time.
"Red Onee-chan!! You already know these people..??!"
The innocent Emily cried excitedly.
__________
A/N: Hey all. I am back again with Anastasia, Zeno and Merida with a super long chapter! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!