Memories of a New Dawn

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?

“Cabin Fever – Part 2”

 

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

 

{Haru}

“So like I said, I have a plan.”

 

{Yuki}

(shaking off Haru’s grip)

“What is it?”

 

{Haru}

“We just have to make non-canon story specials to make Nika’s music shine again.”

 

{Yuki}

(trying not to laugh)

“T-That’s your plan?”

 

{Haru}

“Yes. It’s a totally original plan. We’ll be using Nika’s music as a template and tell a story from that! It’s brilliant!”

 

{Nika}

“Uhmmm… Haru-kun, isn’t it what we have been doing so far?”

 

{Yuki}

(laughing)

“When I thought you had a cool idea, I wasn’t expecting… THIS!”

 

{Haru}

(blushing)

“I… Oh never mind.”

 

{Yuki}

“Aww don’t be like that, Grumpy Uncle. We’ll think of something eventually.”

 

{Haru}

“Hmmm… I guess you’re right.”

 

{Nika}

“Thanks, guys.”

 

(Calabolt walks out from the bathroom)

 

{Yuki}

“Cala-chan!”

 

{Calabolt}

“Oh hey! Did I miss anything?”

 

{Yuki}

“Nothing too important. Hey!”

 

{Haru}

(looks fiercely at Calabolt while holding back Yuki)

“Are you sure you’ve washed your hands properly?”

 

{Yuki}

“Oh come on! We’ve been through this before.”

 

{Haru}

“As I said, we can NEVER be too careful.”

 

{Calabolt}

(looks at Nika)

“Yes, we can’t. But yeah, I even disinfected all the doorknobs and other surfaces that I’ve touched.”

 

{Haru}

“That sounds acceptable.”

 

{Yuki}

“So? Let me go!”

 

{Haru}

(sighs as he releases his grip)

“I really want to quarantine Calabolt. But I know that I will never hear the end of it. Do as you will but, don’t blame me if anything bad happens.”

 

{Yuki}

(whispers as he nests on Calabolt’s head)

“If only Kazan was here, he wouldn’t be so boring.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Kazan? One of your friends, Yuki?”

 

(Yuki nods)

 

{Haru}

“I wouldn’t call that braggadocious fae, a friend! An ally, maybe…”

 

{Calabolt}

“Ehhh?”

 

{Yuki}

“He’s just salty because Kazan isn’t here to help…”

 

{Haru}

“I do not need HIS help!”

 

{Haru}

(whispers loudly to himself)

“That no-good fae. He didn’t even let us know if he was alive. All he gave us was a box of unknown origin which I disinfected of course. And a key to who knows where.”

 

{Nika}

“Haru-kun… You do remember that we can all hear you, right?”

 

{Haru}

(blushing)

“I-I’m sorry, Nika. I’m just so frustrated. A pandemic is sweeping the world right now and that arrogant oaf can’t even be bothered to tell us if he is still alive!”

 

{Yuki}

(grins)

“Awww. So Grumpy Uncle does care about Ka-chan.”

 

{Haru}

(blushes)

“I-I do not! Besides! We both know that he creates way more problems than bring solutions.”

 

{Yuki}

(nods)

“I agree, Ka-chan can be a little bit of a… handful at times.”

 

{Nika}

(giggles)

“Well, I am sure he’s alright. And would definitely be glad that you both are safe and worried about him.”

 

(Haru turns away)

 

{Yuki}

“You think so, Nika?”

 

{Nika}

(nods)

“I know so!”

 

{Calabolt}

“Uhmmm?”

 

{Yuki}

“Yes, Cala-chan?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Oh, nothing. I was just…”

 

(the doorbell rings)

 

{Haru}

“I’ll get it.”

 

{Nika}

(peeks towards the front door)

“Hmmm? I wonder who could it be at this time?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Oh… It’s probably the delivery for the other items that I couldn’t bring with me.”

 

{Nika}

(nods and looks down)

“Sorry for making you work.”

 

{Calabolt}

(waves his hands)

“N-No, no! It’s ok! I didn’t have anything better to do anyway. Also, I needed a change of scenery. N-Not that your house isn’t lovely or anything… I mean, no… I… Err…”

 

{Nika}

(smiles)

“It’s ok! I understand what you mean. But thanks again.”

 

{Calabolt}

(scratching his head blushing)

“N-No problem…”

 

(Haru abruptly slams the door)

 

{Yuki}

“Hey! What’s wrong with you, Grumpy Uncle?!”

 

(Haru stands silent)

 

{Nika}

“Haru-kun? That was rude. You didn’t have to slam the door. Who was it?”

 

{Haru}

(looks towards Nika feigning ignorance)

“It’s an annoying little… I mean, I-It’s no one! No one at all!”

 

{Yuki}

“Then why does it sound like you know this person?”

 

{???}

(giggles)

“Of course he knows me, sweet little Yuki-chan. He just has a weird way of showing his affection, tis all.”

 

(the group looks behind)

 

{Haru}

“What?!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(slowly dusting off his clothes)

“It’s always a pleasure to see you all but, pleasantries aside… Let’s get going! We have much work to do!”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

 

If you don’t know who the Shopkeeper is…

He first appeared in “A Sweet Adventure” our 2020 Valentine’s special.

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?

“Cabin Fever part 3”

 

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

 

{Yuki}

“Wow, Creepykeeper-san! You’re so fast!”

 

{Haru}

“H-How?!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(smiles)

“Though I applaud your good sense of things and welcome your praises, little Yuki, I must mention that your observation is false.”

 

{Yuki}

“Huh?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(points to his right)

“Your windows are open.”

 

{Haru}

“Wha- and why are you here?!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(opens the door)

“Like I previously stated, please leave all your questions aside till we’ve reached our destination. Someone, or should I say, something is waiting for you all.”

 

(perplexed, the group walks down the streets lead by the shopkeeper)

 

{Haru}

(whispering)

“…I really don’t understand why we need to go to where this… this charlatan is taking us?!”

 

{Nika}

(looks around the path enjoying the daylight)

“Haru-kun, that’s not nice. He did say that it’s important. We need to, at least, give him a chance.”

 

{Haru}

“B-But… Nika, it is too dangerous for you to go outside!”

 

(Nika silently stares at the desolated road and keeps walking)

 

{Calabolt}

(carrying Yuki on his head)

“Leave it, Haru. The shopkeeper assured us that he placed a barrier that wards off the virus.”

 

{Haru}

“Even so… We don’t even know where he’s taking us.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Well, why don’t you just ask…”

 

{Haru}

“I…”

 

{Yuki}

“Uhmmm… Creepykeeper-chan? Where are we going?”

 

{Haru}

“Yes. I do believe we need an explanation now that you’ve made Nika go out from the safety of our home!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(grins)

“Tut-tut! More walking, or in your case, more flying little one. I’ll answer your cute little questions later. We’ve already kept this package waiting for some time now.”

 

{Haru}

“Package?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“A parcel, a mail, a box sent from someone dear…”

 

{Haru}

(slightly annoyed)

“I know what a package is!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(giggles)

“I’m just teasing you Haru-kun. Anyway, we’re here!”

 

(the shopkeeper stops in front of an old wooden door)

 

{Haru}

“Wait. I remember your shop being much farther away. We can’t have walked all the way to Quebec City on foot!?”

 

{Yuki}

(flies excitedly towards Nika)

“Ooooh! I remember Creepykeeper-san owns a sweets shop! Can we buy some Nika?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(winks as he enters his key through the shop door)

“Well, sorry to disappoint you youngling. I have the habit of relocating and repurposing from time to time based on my clientele’s needs .”

 

{Nika}

“Repurposing?”

 

{Yuki}

(peeks through the window)

“This doesn’t look anything like your sweets shop.”

 

{Haru}

(follows closely behind the shopkeeper)

“Yes. Nothing like a sweet shop at all.”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(opens the door and enters)

“Is it a crime to diversify my wares? I think not, no? Besides, toys are in vogue these days. And I, for one, wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to cash on this very profitable… venture.”

 

(Haru begrudgingly nods and follows in)

 

{Yuki}

(rummages through the aisles)

“Toys! I like this one! And this one! Oooooh! Can we get this one, Nika! How about this one?”

 

{Nika}

(nervously sweats)

“Uhmmm… I need to save money for the move so…”

 

{Yuki}

(looks longingly to Nika)

“Just one? Pretty please?”

 

{Haru}

(looks angrily towards the Shopkeeper)

“Yuki! That’s not what we came here for!”

 

{Yuki}

“Oh boo! You’re no fun, Grumpy Uncle!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(laughs)

“Well, if you would please excuse me. I’ll fetch that parcel for you.”

 

(the shopkeeper bows and disappears behind the counter)

 

{Haru}

“I still don’t understand why he brought us here. Why didn’t he just deliver it to our home? A toy shop and someone like Yuki doesn’t mix well.”

 

{Calabolt}

(looking towards Nika)

“Probably it is too big for him to carry alone.”

 

{Haru}

“But even still, don’t you find it too suspicious?”

 

{Calabolt}

“I don’t know. But that shouldn’t be our priority at the moment…”

 

{Haru}

“What could be more important than… Hey, wait! Where are you going?”

 

(Calabolt walks towards Nika)

 

{Calabolt}

“Hey, how are you?”

 

{Nika}

(sighs)

“I’m doing fine… I suppose.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Hmmm… You don’t sound fine to me…”

 

{Nika}

“I-I guess… Well, I have a lot on my mind lately. Especially with all the work that was postponed and the move to prepare for. I really don’t want to disappoint my fans.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Must be tough being a star…”

 

(Nika stands silently)

 

{Calabolt}

“Oh! I didn’t mean any disrespect…”

 

(Nika looks longingly towards Calabolt)

 

{Nika}

“Cala-chan, I…”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“I’m back! Here it is as promised!”

 

(Yuki flies towards the shopkeeper followed by the group)

 

{Yuki}

“Oh! What’s that? What’s that? Is that a present? Lemme see!”

 

{Haru}

(looks grudgingly towards Calabolt)

“Too big, eh?”

 

(Calabolt shrugs)

 

{Shopkeeper}

(moves the small box away from Yuki)

“Easy there little one! Your friend tells me that the content of this package is very fragile. Very fragile indeed.”

 

{Haru}

“Friend? What friend? How can you possibly know who we are acquainted with?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(grins)

“How indeed? Isn’t it such a small world?”

 

{Haru}

(glowing)

“Do not test me, charlatan! Choose your next words wisely or else I’ll smother you with thorns!”

 

(the shopkeeper chuckles making Haru even more annoyed)

 

{Haru}

“How is it that you know so much about us? Are you a spy? What are your true intentions?!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(smiles)

“I can assure you that my intentions are, without a doubt, pure. Only at the behest of our common friend, did I made the effort of fetching you all and give this to you.”

 

{Haru}

“And who is this common friend you speak of?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Hmmm… You’ll find out soon enough.”

 

{Haru}

(prepares to unleash his stored Majïk)

“Why you-?!”

 

{Nika}

(rushes in between the two)

“Haru, that’s enough!”

 

{Haru}

(snaps out of his rage)

“Nika, I…”

 

{Nika}

“I don’t know what your problem is with this man but he does not deserve this kind of attitude. For one, he is merely trying to help. We should be thanking him, not attacking him!”

 

{Haru}

(bows in disgrace)

“I-I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to…”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Hush now, no need to be in a fit. We were only bonding. Right, Haru-kun?”

 

(Haru tries to look away pretending not to hear the shopkeeper’s words)

 

{Shopkeeper}

“But I must admit all this teasing was uncalled for… Believe me when I say that I have my reasons not to give too many details …now how about we go back to why you needed to be here.”

 

{Yuki}

“The box?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Yes, indeed. As I said, our common friend left it here for you all as a gift of sorts. Shame, he did not mention any specifics on what the content is.”

 

{Yuki}

“So… You don’t even know what’s in this thingy, Creepykeeper-san?”

 

(Calabolt moves closer to inspect the box)

 

{Calabolt}

(whispers to himself)

“Odd… Why do I feel heavier just by looking at this box?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Sadly, I have no clue. The fae who gave me this box is quite erratic, to say the least.”

 

{Calabolt & Haru}

(whispers)

“Fae?”

 

{Nika}

(muffling her voice with her hand)

“Could it be…?”

 

{Yuki}

“Hmmmm…”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“However, as one of you might have noticed, The box emits a high concentration of Majïk. It wouldn’t be wise to walk alone down the streets with such a powerful beacon, no?”

 

(Haru nods)

 

{Nika}

“Is it dangerous?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“No. I’d say it’s quite safe. And HE did mention that the content will be extremely useful otherwise, what would be the point of bringing you here?”

 

{Calabolt}

“That doesn’t sound reassuring.”

 

(the shopkeeper nods)

 

{Yuki}

“Well, why not open it and check?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“I would very much like to, my dearies. However, he did not leave me with the key.”

 

{Haru}

(looks towards the shopkeeper)

“Key? What key?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Oh, did I fail to mention? He thought that it would be safer if the box and the key were separated. Of course, one would presume that my shop is one of the safest places in this realm in which leaving the box with me would seem highly logical. So, I assume he would have sent the key to you.”

 

{Nika}

“I think he’s talking about Kazan’s gift.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Oh yeah, the old looking key that came with the letter.”

 

{Haru}

“So, it’s Kazan’s fault we are in this predicament… It’s starting to make a bit of sense but… Why didn’t you just tell us this beforehand?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Remember when I said that time is of the essence?”

 

{Haru}

“Yes?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“He left me with specific instructions on how to open it. Call it another precautionary measure from his part. Also, he added that the effect would be more… dramatic?”

 

{Haru, Nika, and Yuki}

(nervously sweats)

“That sounds like Kazan, alright…”

 

{Calabolt}

“Wait, But I thought we only needed the key?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Indeed, but this box will only open during a specific timeframe… A full flower moon.”

 

{Haru}

“But that’s tonight! You should have told us about that before we left! I don’t even know where I hid that key!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“That’s a shame. Well, there’s always the next time… I’d say around May of next year?”

 

{Haru}

“Ugh… And leave the only trace about Kazan with you for a year? No! I’ll go get it now!”

 

{Calabolt}

“I think we still have time if you want I can go back to Nika’s place and I’ll-“

 

{Haru}

“No, no! Yuki is the fastest in our group. He can fetch it fast and come back here with time to spare. If only I could remember where I left it…”

 

(the group nods)

 

{Yuki}

“Uhmmm… But it’s not in Nika’s house.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Hmmm? What do you mean?”

 

{Yuki}

“Well, since no one wanted to bother with it…I kinda took it to my place?”

 

{Haru}

“You what?”

 

{Yuki}

“But… It’s shiny…”

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?

“Cabin Fever part 4”

 

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

 

(Calabolt, Haru, and Yuki walks through the forest path)

 

{Haru}

“I can’t believe you! Why did you take something that doesn’t even belong to you?”

 

{Yuki}

“Well, no one wanted it.”

 

{Haru}

“Ughh… We could have been safely at home by now.”

 

{Yuki}

(grabbing onto Calabolt’s hair)

“The moon is outshining our path tonight and the forest looks pretty! I really don’t understand why you’re always so angry, Grumpy Uncle.”

 

{Haru}

(snaps)

“That assessment is false and you know it! I love the forest as much as any other forest elf! And why are you always riding Calabolt like you would a beast? You can fly, can’t you?”

 

{Yuki}

(smiles)

“Aww… Cala-chan doesn’t mind. Cala-chan is strong!”

 

(Calabolt looks up to Yuki and smiles as Haru gives off a look of disdain)

 

{Haru}

“May I remind you that if the moon is already out, it means we only have a few hours left before it completely disappears… I don’t think this is something you should rejoice about. Don’t tell me you already forgot why we need this key…”

 

(Yuki shrugs)

 

{Haru}

(sighs)

“Whatever… We’re nearly there, right?”

 

{Yuki}

(slowly nods)

“My house is just past the bridge over there! How I wish Nika were here. She would have enjoyed the trip and the beautiful scenery.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Yeah, but Cussy called right before we left. It must’ve been important.”

 

{Haru}

(coughs)

“In any case, we are just fetching an item. We can do it ourselves and…”

 

(an echo of faint laughter rings through the path)

 

{Calabolt}

(looking around nervously)

“W-What was that? For a moment there… I could have sworn…”

 

{Yuki}

“…Cala-chan? Cala-chan?”

 

{Calabolt}

“H-Huh?”

 

{Yuki}

“Is everything alright?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Y-Yeah… I just thought that I…”

 

(the stream of giggles flooded back)

 

{Calabolt}

“There it is again! That sounded like…”

 

{Haru}

“Ignore them, Calabolt.”

 

{Calabolt}

(surprised)

“Y-You can hear them too?”

 

{Haru}

“The Dryads? Of course, I do.”

 

{Yuki}

(looking around)

“Huh? I didn’t hear anything! What are you guys talking about?”

 

{Haru}

“Well, of course, you didn’t. Dryads only reveal themselves to people they are err… interested in.”

 

{Yuki}

“That isn’t fair! I also want them to be interested in me! Someone told me that they were pretty to look at and fun to play with!”

 

{Haru}

(sighs)

“Kazan used to say the same thing… Although, I can understand why the Dryads won’t show themselves to this player anymore. They can’t forgive the cold stare he gave after he got bored of dawdling with them…”

 

(Haru stops)

 

{Haru}

“Now that I think about it, it’s to be expected… Knowing him… He may seem warm and welcoming at first but…”

 

{Yuki}

(ruffles his feathers)

“I looked everywhere but I really don’t see anything! Are you sure you guys aren’t playing tricks on me? It’s not funny…”

 

{Haru}

“The mind of a child might not comprehend it yet but… Mark my words, you do not want these female’s attention. Let’s leave it at that, shall we?”

 

(For a brief moment, Calabolt notices Haru shuddering)

 

{Yuki}

“Oooh! We can almost see my house from here!”

 

{Calabolt}

“Where?”

 

{Yuki}

“Over there! See the highest tree on the hill?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Oh… You live in a… treehouse?”

 

{Yuki}

(glowing excitedly)

“It’s a fort!”

 

{Calabolt}

(nervously sweats)

“O-Oh…”

 

(the group approaches the bridge)

 

{Calabolt}

(turns around)

“….mhmmm?”

 

{Yuki}

“Hmmm? What is it Cala-chan? Is it those pesky dryads again?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Uhmm… No. I hear something else… It’s like screeching noises and… Is someone being attacked?!”

 

(looking at each other, the group hurriedly runs toward the noise)

 

{Yuki}

(peeking from the bushes)

“Oh! It’s just the Dragulyths. They screech while feeding on those helpless shiny flowers.”

 

{Calabolt}

“B-But I thought I heard a cry for help…”

 

{Yuki}

(frowning)

“It might be from those poor shiny flowers…”

 

{Calabolt}

“But aren’t they just flowers…?”

 

{Haru}

“Hmmm? Shiny flowers? You mean the Bloomsprites?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Bloomsprites? They just look like dandelions to me.”

 

{Haru}

“Dandelions? No, and they aren’t flowers! They are what some faes call lesser creatures. But they are sentient just like you and me.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Sorry… So, they have Majïk?”

 

{Haru}

“In a way, all of us have Majïk.”

 

{Yuki}

“It’s always happening during this time of the cycle. The meanie Dragulyths keep scaring away and eating the shiny flowers.”

 

{Haru}

“Well, it is the time for Bloomsprites to mate and for the Dragulyths to prepare their hibernation…”

 

{Yuki}

(flies in between the Dragulyths and the Bloomsprites)

“I can’t take it anymore! Hey! I thought I told you to not harm the shiny flowers! Bad Dragulyths!”

 

(shocked, the dragulyths flew away)

 

{Yuki}

“That’s right! And don’t come back!”

 

{Haru}

“Yuki… They aren’t doing this because they are evil. It’s just the circle of life.”

 

{Yuki}

“I don’t care! I… ouch!”

 

(Bloomsprites turn on Yuki, stinging him repeatedly)

 

{Yuki}

“Hey! I just helped you guys! Why are you being so mean?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Maybe they thought you were going to attack them?”

 

{Haru}

“Hmmm… I heard that they are a bit territorial…”

 

{Yuki}

“Oww… let’s just get out of here!”

 

(Haru and Calabolt follows a fleeing Yuki to his doorstep)

 

{Yuki}

(panting)

“I think we lost em…”

 

{Calabolt}

“Uhhh… Yuki.”

 

(Yuki looks to where Calabolt is pointing at)

 

{Yuki}

“Oowww!”

 

(Bloomsprites attack Yuki as he approaches the door)

 

{Haru}

(whispers to himself)

“Is it because Yuki invaded their territory? That may explain the first wave but why do they attack Yuki relentlessly? Sure, they claim a large area for their own but we should have passed their borders by now… I haven’t heard of any Bloomsprite getting this aggressive to a fae. Maybe…”

 

{Yuki}

“Oww… Let’s just get inside!”

 

(Calabolt reaches for Yuki, shielding him from the Bloomsprite’s assault)

 

{Haru}

“Hmmm… Come to think of it, it’s been ages since I last visited.”

 

(the group take refuge inside Yuki’s home)

 

{Yuki}

“Welcome to my tree fort!”

 

{Haru}

“Ughh… Couldn’t you keep this place a bit cleaner? I mean, why do you need all this junk?”

 

{Yuki}

“This isn’t junk! All of these are my treasures!”

 

(Calabolt walks in the house, stepping on mountains of shiny trinkets)

 

{Calabolt}

(scratches his head)

“H-How can we hope to even find this key in time now? The moon is getting higher and higher?!”

“A Troublesome Gift – Part 1”

 

**********

 

{Shopkeeper}

(caressing the top of his head)

“Creator’s ghost! That stings!”

 

{???}

“I did not hit any vital points. It is your fault for taking so long.”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Alright, alright. I get it.”

 

{Yuki}

(whispering to Nika)

“Who is that?”

 

{Nika}

“Oh, that’s the girl I was talking to you about earlier.”

 

{Haru}

“The odd girl that kept you company while we were away?”

 

{Nika}

(nervously sweats)

“Yes, well… She doesn’t talk much so I don’t quite know what she is up to…”

 

(the girl stares at the group causing them to go silent)

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Oh! My apologies dearies! This is my wi…”

 

{???}

(heavily glares)

“Your what?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(coughs)

“My assistant… Mïllefo-“

 

{???}

(hits the shopkeeper)

“How many times have I told you not to call me that, you good for nothing pleb! Please call me Mïllia”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(reflexively protects his head)

“First of all, ouch! and secondly, would you be kind enough to open up a portal and bring us back to the shop.”

 

{Mïllia}

(sighs)

“I don’t get paid enough for this…”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Technically, I’m not even paying you so…”

 

(Mïllia fiercely glares at the foolhardy man)

 

{Yuki}

(whispers to Haru)

“Wow… Not paying his employee… I always knew that Creepykeeper-san was a bit weird before but now, this makes him a huge meanie in my books!”

 

{Haru}

(whispers back)

“I told you so, I knew he was a bad person!”

 

{Nika}

“Shush. There might be a good reason as to why he is so stingy…”

 

{Calabolt}

“But still… Poor girl…”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(nervously sweats as he steps in the portal)

“A-Anyway..! Time’s a wastin. We best be off! Follow after me, for the moon waits for no one.”

 

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

 

(the group steps out from the portal back to the shop)

 

{Yuki}

“Wait a minute!”

 

{Nika}

“What’s wrong, Yuki? Did you forget something?”

 

{Yuki}

“I just remembered!”

 

{Haru}

“Oh no…”

 

{Yuki}

“Toys!”

 

{Mïllia}

(closing the portal behind her)

“Is that everyone?”

 

(the shopkeeper nods in approval)

 

{Calabolt}

(smiles)

“Here we go again…”

 

{Yuki}

“I want this one and that one and… Oooh! A train! I wonder if there will be a place for a train set in our new house?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(snickers)

“Mïllia-chan! If you please…”

 

(the girl begrudgingly walks towards the counter, sits down, and opens the cash register)

 

{Nika}

“I’m sorry, Yuki. But we are in a hurry. We’re here for another reason, remember?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Hush, deary. Let the child be. It’s not every day that you see him this happy.”

 

{Nika & Calabolt}

(nervously sweats)

“He’s like that everyday though…”

 

{Haru}

“Why do I get the feeling that you’re just letting him do as he pleases because you are going to profit from it?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(whistles)

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about, Haru-kun…”

 

{Yuki}

(dropping his favourites on the counter)

“I want this one and this one and…”

 

(the cash register beeps as Mïllia tallies up the sales)

 

{Haru}

“We don’t have time for that now!”

 

{Yuki}

“Ow… Why’d you have to scream so close to my ear?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Well, you were a bit carried away.”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(grins)

“Hmmm… Anyway, let’s save this matter for later…”

 

{Yuki}

“Oh yeah! But since we are in a hurry… Has anyone wondered why we had to walk all the way here the first time we came? It’s so much faster to just use a portal! Why didn’t we do that in the first place?”

 

{Haru}

“Well, we couldn’t. As you know, the extent of our Majïk is greatly limited here in the human world. It is also common knowledge that we faes can only create portals to places we have already seen…”

 

{Yuki}

“Well, why didn’t Creepykeeper-san make a portal for us?”

 

{Calabolt}

“Hmmm… You do have a point here, Yuki…”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(nervously sweats)

“Well… You see… Let’s just say that for some reason I don’t have this Majïk you speak of, in this world… So, I must count on my dearest little Mïllia to do a bit of the heavy-lifting.”

 

{Mïllia}

“In truth, I do everything around here while he slacks off and annoys all of our customers with his nonsense.”

 

{Haru}

(nods and whispers)

“Not to mention his stalking habit… Anyway, he truly is a slave driver!”

 

{Yuki}

(distractingly plays with a toy car from the shelves)

“Poor Mïl-chan… How did you manage to keep this shop running?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(coughs)

“A-Anyway! Let’s get on with our business!”

 

(the shopkeeper moves behind the counter and reaches for the mysterious box)

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Your key, if you please mademoiselle. Place it here on the lock.”

 

{Nika}

(places the key)

“Like this?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Perfect! Now… Mïllia, kindly…”

 

(Mïllia gets up and pulls up the curtains)

 

{Yuki}

(moves closer towards the window)

“Wow! Was the moon this big when we arrived?”

 

{Haru}

(follows Yuki)

“I don’t think so…”

 

{Yuki}

“No wonder it’s called the Petal moon! It’s so pink like a rose.”

 

{Haru}

“Again, it’s called the full flower moo-“

 

{Shopkeeper}

(gets in between the two faes)

“Ah! Tonight’s moonlight is just right!”

 

{Haru}

(heavily panting)

“Will you cut that out!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(snickers)

“Cut what out, deary-?”

 

{Yuki}

(looks behind)

“Hey? Where did Mïl-chan go?”

 

(without warning, a broom heavily strikes the shopkeeper’s head)

 

{Mïllia}

(sits back and opens up a magazine)

“Manners!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Ow ow ow ow! It hurts you know!”

 

{Haru}

(grins)

“Serves you right!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“But I didn’t do any-“

 

(Mïllia glares at the shopkeeper)

 

{Shopkeeper}

(nervously sweats)

“Moving on! Look!”

 

(moon rays pierce through the window glass, dissolving the lock and key)

 

{Calabolt}

“I-It’s gone!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(lifts up the lid)

“Well, of course, it is. Tis enchanted after all. You just need to order a new one from me if you want to lock it again! I’ll even give you a discount, dearies!”

 

{Haru}

(fuming)

“Of course you would…”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(peeks inside)

“Ooooh! Interesting! This is very interesting indeed!”

 

{Haru}

“W-What is it?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Something beautiful and dangerous, like its current owner…”

 

{Yuki}

“Huh?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(facing the group)

“Here! See for yourself!”

 

{Calabolt}

(moves closer to Nika)

“Uhh, an orb?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Not exactly… From where I’m from, we call this crystal a Luna Lacrimae or in the common language Moon Tear.”

 

{Haru}

(moves to Calabolt)

“Luna Lacrimae? I have never heard of it.”

 

{Shopkeeper}

(snickers)

“Of course you wouldn’t! For you see, it is a lost magical art so ancient and rare that I highly doubt you would have ever come across it in your lifetime. Let alone, learn of it.”

 

{Yuki}

“So what is it for?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“Well to put it simply, my dear Yuki-chan. A Luna Lacrimae is a sacred relic that can greatly alter the Majïk of a fae.”

 

{Haru}

(protecting Nika with his wings)

“Alter? Wait! Is it dangerous for humans?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“I don’t suppose it’ll have any effect on them since humans do not possess any inherent Majïk. However, I wouldn’t suggest that any of you touch it willy nilly. Just a precautionary measure, you see…”

 

{Calabolt}

“Such an intense aura… W-Why would Kazan send such an item to Nika?”

 

(the shopkeeper shrugs)

 

{Mïllia}

(flips through the pages)

“He probably thought it would be safer in her hands.”

 

{Haru}

“Still…”

 

{Yuki}

(moves closer to the box)

“Hey! That’s unfair! Everybody got their turns! I wanna see it too! Ooh! Shiny!”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“I wouldn’t touch that if I were-“

 

{Haru}

“Yuki, no!”

 

(a flash of light envelops the room)

 

{Nika}

(looks around her)

“Huh? Why is it suddenly so dark? What happened to the light?”

 

{Calabolt}

(takes his hand away from Nika’s eyes)

“Oh sorry… I-I wasn’t thinking… M-My hand just moved on its own and…”

 

{Nika}

(blushes)

“I-It’s fine… Y-You were just protecting me…”

 

{Haru}

(slightly panicked)

“What was that?”

 

{Shopkeeper}

“I told you, dearies, not to touch it…”

 

{Mïllia}

“It was just a flash. Everyone is safe. No big deal.”

 

{Haru}

(nervously sweats)

“Nothing can unfazed this girl. You should take note, Yukïel.”

 

{Calabolt}

“Huh? Where IS he?”

 

{???}

“Uuuhhh… Guys?”

“A Troublesome Gift – Part 2”

 

**********