Chapter Text
The pair of dark green eyes fluttered open as a ball of fur nuzzled herself close. The dragon hybrid yawned before lifting her wing to reveal bells who was snuggling close to her.
She rubbed the cat's belly earning a subconscious purr from the still sleeping feline. I'm
Starz stood up before stretching out her wings.
‘My eyes are so puffy… had I been crying or something?’
Shaking her head and discarding her thoughts of that topic she soon remembered of a certain hybrid in the home. She wondered if they were still asleep, to be fair it was still extremely early.
‘Techno should be back’
Starz makes her way out of her room expecting to be greeted with the sound of shuffling around in the kitchen from the pinkette making breakfast for himself as he usually would but it was silent.
Weird. Techno didn't usually sleep in at all. Maybe he was just being extra quiet. The dragon wondered more out into the house hoping to see the hoglin maybe curled up on the couch with a book of something.
It wouldn't be the first time they'd done that.
Yet nothing.
She huffed scaly tail thumping on the ground once. She shook her head. Perhaps he already did his business and is just huddled out in his room? It wasn't often he'd break routine though.
The hybrid shuffled her way to the door at the end of the hall. She knocked. No response. Another knock yet the silence that filled the house only seemed to get thicker.
She didn't like this, she swallowed thickly before her hand found the cold doorknob. Cracking open the door testing if there would be a sound of protest yet it remained quiet.
Her eyebrows furrowed as she fully opened the door.
No one. She knew it was empty from the moment he wasn't out there. She just wanted to believe that maybe. Just maybe he hadn't left again without telling her.
She sighed about to leave until she realized something was off. More than usual. There were…things missing. Nothing of importance yet she could tell some of his belongings were gone.
The raven hair stepped into the room hesitantly. Expecting to be caught again like yesterday but again no sound of protest was uttered as she looked around the cluttered mess Techno called his room.
Her eyes found the desk, the map from yesterday still layed spread out. Now a smaller hand written note was placed on top.
Dread filled her stomach. Her eyes narrowed before picking up the piece of paper. She shook her head. She didn't even want to open it.
__
“Betes”
“Five more minutes” the royal mumbled, hugging the silk pillow closer to their body. The maid sighed and walked farther into the room. Getting on her tippy toes the redhead grabbed a hold of the curtains.
Opening them letting the sun rays shine through the window quickly lighting up the dim room. The ender groaned, tail flicking in annoyance.
“Your Majesty, your mother has called for you”
Aspasia spoke in her usual calm voice. Her clawed fingers ran across the soft fabric of the curtains.
“This early?” Betes mumbled, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. They sat up just slightly and turned to look at the short maid standing before them.
“It's urgent so I suggest you head down soon “ The redhead spoke up, walking over to the bed and gently and playfully flicking the royal's forehead.
They pouted before shaking their head messy hair falling into their face. Betes blew the strands away from their green and red eyes.
“It's usually always urgent though, “ They said with a yawn sharp fangs poking out slightly.
“Your Majesty,” Aspasia said sternly and with more urgency in her voice.
“Alright alright”
—
Now dressed and no longer looking like they had just rolled out of bed the royal before the towering oak doors of the tea room, fidgeting with the cuffs of their silk shirt. They sighed. It's just another meeting with mother, they told themself.
The sound of tea sets and plates clinking from being moved around filled the room as Betes opened the double doors.
“Mother” The horned hybrid whispered readjusting the crown on their head.
The tall ender’s ear flicked and she turned her attention to the younger royal, long white hair flowing behind her.
“Betes, It is good to see you up early this morning… We have a lot to discuss about my upcoming business trip” she said, clapping her hands together.
Their eyes widened in surprise and they looked around seeing if anyone else was surprised by the sudden mention of a business trip yet the maids continued their work peacefully.
Clearing their throat they looked at their mother in confusion.
“What business trip “ they mused, fiddling with the rings in their fingers.
“We have business with Yulla “ she stated simply making her way over to the shorter royal.
That made them only more confused. They barely knew they had any proper relations with Yulla.
“Yulla like…Down south Yulla?” Betes asked however it seemed more like they were talking to themselves.
The maids exchanged looks before quickly resuming their work. The ender's ear flicked in deep thought.
They knew they didn't pay much attention to meetings held, but seriously, they pondered when they even had any business with that kingdom.
“Mother if you don't mind me asking but when did we start a relationship with Yulla…we've barely had any trade records with them, “ Betes asks, stepping more into the room.
The now-sat queen let out a hum before taking a sip of the tea golden in color that filled her cup. Placing the tea cup back on the plate, Her red eyes stared at the younger royal, making them quickly look down at their feet.
She motioned for them to sit down at the table. Awkwardly they pulled out of one of the seats and sat down. One of the shorter maids pushed in their chair more while another poured them a cup of their own tea. Embarrassed the horned hybrid fiddled with their own hands.
“Well, our business with Yulla is usually on Hush hush as they'd say” She spoke smoothly, closing her eyes. “However we do a lot of trade with them they supply a big portion of our Fidelity's and research labs you know, especially after that breach a while back…I wouldn't expect you to remember that even if I we did tell you you were so young”
Clearing her throat she took a sip of warm liquid.” Anywho we have some extremely important things to discuss with them; Information is very classified so even sending letters would be extremely risky; I will go over there myself “ She explained with a nonchalant expression.
“That's a long way no?” Betes voiced, tucking a strand of hair that kept falling in front of their face.
“Indeed I'll leave by the next sunrise; I don't know how long it'll take to finalize things so I might be out for a week or two “ the snow-haired woman announced. She rested a finger on her chin before speaking once more.
“I know the kingdom will be well taken care of; however my only concern is you…”
The black and white hybrid perked up at their mother's words.
“What do you mean by that?” They quipped. The familiar feelings of curiosity filling their veins. Their tail waxed between the space of the chair, unable to stay still.
“Well, I trust you not to do anything idiotic while I'm away, however…not being able to know about your whereabouts at the snap of a finger makes me uneasy…”
“Where are you going with this mother?” they said, staring at their reflection in the tea. It got silent for a bit.
“I want you to come with me”
The room soon fell into an uncomfortable silence.
Bete's tail stopped as the words filled their ears.
“Respectfully Mother, do you think that's the best idea?”
The queen let out a small hum before shaking her head.
“Yes I do, I'm set on this choice you will be going with me, it'll be good for you to engage with our allies anywho, you are the heir to the throne no?” She spoke smoothly almost as if she didn't care.
However, if Bete's didn't know her so well they would have missed the way her eyebrow twitched slightly.
They swallowed thickly before shaking their head.
“It doesn't make sense to not have a royal home, I'm old enough to make my own decisions, along with that I can keep the castle too! It'll be a smarter decision to let me stay home!’ Betes argued back.
They've never opposed their mother's orders before. Taken back the taller ender shook her head before letting out a sigh. Trying to keep her composer, she smiles and looks down at her cup of tea.
“ Betes I understand where you’re coming from b-”
“But you don’t!” They shouted standing up causing their chair to move against the wooden floors. They quickly shut their mouth and looked down at their hands that were on the table.
Both of the royals stared in shock. Bete's cleared their throat before standing up properly. They bowed awkwardly.
“I apologize, Mother, I did not intend to raise my voice I'll be going now…My point still stands”
The horned hybrid mumbled.
Before the snow-haired woman could respond the young royal had already made their exit.
The maids whispered amongst themselves. After a few minutes, the queen cleared her throat.
“Your Highness perhaps they're right” A familiar voice sounded.
“Aspasia”
“Rán”
The redhead walked around and sat next to the queen. If it were any other maid this would seem bold.
“Aspasia I understand as their assigned caretaker you worry but as their mother I know what's best for them” She stated with her eyes closed.
A pair of gloved hands found their way into her lap before lifting them. The maid now stood signaling the queen to stand.
The white-haired woman did with a slight blush that spread to the top of her ears. “Listen that may have been the case If they were still a young child however a lot has changed since Lorine’s death; they've changed “
Rán gripped the shorter ender's hands tighter at the mention. She swallowed harshly, still keeping a stone face.
Aspasia brought a hand to her lips.
“My queen, if you would just listen to me, I suggest you try and let Betes do their own thing “ She spoke smoothly with a bow. She started to walk away, heels clicking against the hardwood floor.
She turned with a playful smile. “Oh and Ránny you look cute when you blush like that” she giggled before rushing off.
The white-haired ender was going to protest but she just closed her mouth and shook her head.
“That damn Aspasia” She muttered at her old friend's behavior. More importantly, she had some thinking to do.
Would it be a good idea to leave her child alone? She was torn between her motherly instincts and what she was expected to do but also granting them some form of choice.
She'd think about it later. She had preparations to get to where she'd make her choice by then.
—
“Seriously what is wrong with him!” The dragon hybrid spoke, pulling a thread through the cream-colored cloth that sat on her lap.
Betes awkwardly sat on the ground, bells snuggled up in their lap.
“I mean who even does that?!?! He goes off somewhere and then comes back for a day! Can you believe that” The raven hair exclaimed, throwing her arms up in the air.
The royal giggled a bit at her ranting but quickly silenced it. “Sorry sorry go on I'm listening”
“And then get this he leaves again without even telling me”
She huffed and ended the thread with her teeth.
“Sorry again for dragging you to practice again. It's probably really boring for you, especially since we're not doing much today other than fixing up props, “ Starz said apologetically.
“Oh no it's nothing, I don't know what I'd do anywho I don't really know this place too well yet” They quipped with an awkward chuckle.
Bells purred as the royal scratched behind her ear letting out little “kik kik's”.
The dragon hybrid let out another sigh closing her eyes. Her expression is more conflicted and deeper than before. The usual spark in her eyes dimmed slightly as her ears drooped.
“I just... I don't get it, Betes. “ She started setting the cloth down on the bench. Starz picked up her lion head. She gently rubs the ears.
“just disappearing without a word. No heads-up, no explanation, nothing but a stupid note saying ‘i'll be back’ I’m so tired of it…. But it keeps happening, and I just feel... ignored.” the dragon said, grabbing the sewing kit again.
She had actually damaged the head this time. The bells on the left ear had caused a slight tear. With a sigh, she pulled the needle through the rip before continuing her rant.
“ It just feels as if he doesn't …care?... Am I not important enough to deserve an explanation on why he's leaving or at least where is going I don't even have a clue where he cou-” she stopped herself hands stopping their motions.
“What's wrong?” Bete's asked confused and concerned about why their companion cut herself off.
“I…he left a note. I found it this morning when I woke up and found out he wasn't in the cabin anymore. I went to check his room but it was empty too.” She confessed.
“What kind of note?” The ender said sitting up straighter. Bells tilted her head almost as if she was listening as well.
Starz groaned, dropping the lion head in her lap, and rubbing her temples.
“ I don’t know! I didn’t even read it. I was so
frustrated with him, that's why I was so…snappy when you woke up. After he just disappeared again, I couldn’t deal with him leaving another cryptic message, so I didn’t even look at it.” The dragon hybrid huffed, holding her face in her hands.
She could feel her wings puffing up. Goddamnit she thought to herself.
“Gaxis! That stupid map… saw it the other day sure I had my suspicions but he has all kinds of different maps but it was something about…that map” she started mumbling, losing herself in thought.
“Yulla!” the half-dragon suddenly shouted.
The black and white hybrid perked up. “Yulla?”
“Yes! That's what he circled on that map…but it's so far from here why would he- no I don't know for sure…that note” The raven hair had been subconsciously pacing back and forth
“Should we head back to read it, you seem pretty worried you know” Betes suggested with a concerned look. Standing up they picked up the huge cat, bell ringing as she was moved up.
Before they knew it Starz had already picked up her lion head and had sprinted off.
“Hold up!” They shouted. Bells jumped down quickly, speeding up to follow her owner.
Her boots sounded against the cobblestone as she rushed past the avians who were working on their own props.
Luna and Airi watched confused as the royal ran after the familiar half-dragon and her feline. They exchanged glances before shaking their heads in sync.
—
The raven hair was quick to set her things down at the door Betes followed behind. Starz looked lost in thought. The horned hybrid watched as she mumbled to herself making a B-line straight to the room at the end of the hall.
They sighed. Their +6
mind couldn't help but wonder.
Yulla…
It was more than likely a coincidence yet it still made them think about that business trip. Yulla seemed so…out of place to them.
Their train of thought was derailed when the sound of Starz letting out a groan and then the sound of things crashing.
Betes was quick to get to her side. She wasn't hurt but the sight made their heart ache.
She sat on the floor hugging her knees. She wrapped her tail around herself. It seemed she'd knocked things off the desk in a fit of frustration.
“What happened?” Betes spoke softly. They sat next to the distressed hybrid. Awkwardly they placed a hand on her head; being mindful of the horns that sprouted from her head.
“I just - my suspicions were right…It's just I don't even know why he just didn't take me with him.” She pouted. She hated how emotional she was about this but this was…different.
This wasn't like other times. She suddenly got up, taking the royal by surprise. Clawed fingers grabbed the map that lay across the table before rolling it up.
She stormed out of the room.
Betes watched helplessly. They wanted to help but they didn't know…how. They cared so much about this person they still know so little about but it's like this part of them felt like they needed to help.
When they were about to stand up from their crouched position they looked at the note on the floor; now crumbled and balled up.
They debated whether to read it or to leave it alone out of respect. Yet again curiosity got the better of the young ender.
A pawed hand reached out for the paper. Red and green eyes moved as they read the paper.
‘ I know you're going to find this and I'm sorry for leaving you so suddenly; the voices are getting louder and I hate to admit it but I can feel myself get weaker; I have business to attend in Yulla, I can’t say for certain when I’ll be back, I believe you can hold down the fort on your own. You’ve always been stronger than you give yourself credit for, and I have complete faith in you. Just don't do anything stupid
-Techno’
Betes looked down at the note so much went through their head. They needed to check on Starz first. They stuffed the wrinkled paper in their pocket before heading out.
The ender walked in on the half-dragon stuffing things in a brown bag. Her expression was of someone who had their mind set on something. A mission.
“What are you doing?” the horned hybrid asked from the doorframe.
“I'm going to find that stupid idiot, it should take weeks on foot and days on a horse he shouldn't be too far if he left yesterday- wait horse…dammit he probably took one from the stables “ she answered mumbling the last bit to herself.
“Is that a smart idea? Do you even know how to get there, it's a whole two kingdoms away from here” The royal quizzed hands finding their hips. They walked more into her room. Looking around it was definitely…Starz.
“It shouldn't be that hard; there's a road all the way up until the forest even so I have a map,” She said, closing the satchel.
“Still don't you think you should think a bit more rationally it-”
“Listen I don't care I'm so tired of him going off without me I'm not little anymore! I want to go with him to see other places…Saitus has been the closest I've ever gotten to exploring h I'm so sick of being cooped up! I'm going find Techno and travel with him whether he likes it or not because Gaxis help me I'm tired of being left in the dark “ she spat her words quieting the more she spoke.
“Sorry I didn't mean to snap like that I shou-”
“Then I'm coming with you.”
Starz's eyes widened as she turned to the tall ender that stood behind her. They fidgeted with the cuff of their sleeves and looked down but their words were clear as day.
“What?”
“I'm coming with you…if you'd let me” They repeated. Starz blinked a couple of times.
“Why? Wouldn't your parents be worried or something we don't even know when we'd be back!”
“That's the point!”
“Huh?”
The ender sighed and shook their head. “I love my home and my people but I hate the responsibility I have. It's a weight that crushes me every day and every year I get older I know eventually I'll have to deal with it all…it's selfish but I want to escape”
The room got silent.
“As well as you're the only person I've ever been friends with I've felt more comfortable around you than anyone and it's this weird bazaar thing but I rather go with you so please let me tag along if I prove to be too much or not being able to handle it I can go back, so just…let me” The royal confessed looking at the half-dragon in her eyes.
“I…fine”
---
It was dark as they walked in the mud. The soul lanterns lit their path. A bell jiggled as the spot-colored cat walked in front of them.
The air was thick as Starz held the reins of the black stallion that the royal sat upon. The sound of goods against the cobblestone filled the air.
Betes wanted to say something. Everything happened so fast. Were they making a smart choice…is this what they truly wanted?
“Mortfei is so going to kill me, ” the hybrid said with a chuckle coming to a stop. She was laughing but her face seemed so dim.
“What am I doing Bets?” The raven hair spoke quietly. Her tail thumped on the ground for a second and her fist clenched.
She continued“This is the dumbest Idea I've ever had…and I've had a lot of really stupid ideas. I don't want to be in the dark anymore but I don't really know where the light is…I barely even gave an explanation to Mortfei…I did the one thing I was upset at Techno for”
Her eyes opened when she heard the sound of boots hitting the ground. Betes stood in front of Starz now. Their face laced with understanding.
“Do you want to turn around?” The royal asked.
The dragon hybrid looked conflicted but ended up shaking her head.
“So we'll keep going forward, together “
Starz's eyes look as if they almost lit up at the ender's words. This person she'd only met recently made her so safe. Why was that,? At the moment she didn't care. “Okay…” she responded with a weak voice.
“I'm going to hug you now okay”
Before the shorter hybrid could respond she felt arms wrap around her. Black locs fell on the royal's chest as the dragon rested her head.
She felt safe. She always been around Betes since the day they met. She was nervous about her performance but for some reason the person behind that mask in the crowd made her feel relaxed.
She closed her eyes and sighed.
“Thank you moonlight”
—
How does the whole…not touching water thing work?” The dragon hybrid asked, breaking the silence. The jewels on her horns sounded almost like wind chimes as she moved her head to face the ender that was already looking in her direction.
The stars in the night sky reflected in their eyes making them glow almost.
“Well, I don't really know how it works myself. It's a complicated system in our bodies…we have this thin layer on our bodies that allows us to pick up different things without changing them, usually with enchanted items I suppose “They started tail finding itself in their lap.
Starz cocked her head to the side confused where this was going. Betes felt themselves relaxed a little. They stared at their own pawed fingers before speaking again.
“ The downside to this is that our bodies don't react well to how do I say pure water…it messes with the coat I suppose…there's a lot of technicalities and loopholes with it even we don't fully understand why, “
Starz thumped her tail before looking up at the night sky. A cool breeze brushed against her skin making her close her eyes. The raven hair let out a sigh.
“Well I don't like water either so we have that in common “
The royal chuckled at her words and nodded.
When was the last time they felt this comfortable just talking? Other than Aspasia they didn't get to feel like they were…just another person. And even then the maid would remind them of their royal social standing.
“ I suppose you're right…”
A comfortable silence fell over the two
“We should get moving again. The map said there should be a village not too far from here,” Starz said, getting up and stretching.
“Here boy,” the royal called out. The midnight coated horse strut over resting his cold nose in the ender's hands. They rubbed his head causing him to close his eyes.
“You're good with animals you know, other than Cerberus all the animals I’ve seen you with adore you what are you some animal whisperer from a fairy tale “
Bete's laughed and shook their head. “Well I don't know about the animal whisperer part but I do have a lot of experience with horses”
“Ah…damn rich people “
The ender gave the dragon a glare and she playfully stuck out her tongue.
“Onwards!”
—--
“She what!”
The crows' words echo throughout the lab. His feathers puffed up. His eyebrows furrowed as he read the letter again.
“Was she really that stupid… why couldn't she just stay put ! If she'd just come to me I would have talked her out of thi-”
“Mortfei?”
The brown haired avian turned to meet purple eyes.
“You seem to be in a panic…”
“I’m…I just I'm… she's gone mints…I don't know what I'm supposed to do, should I go look for her what do…what do I ?”
“Slow down…”