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The forest was as big and abundant as it looked from the outside, except much less scary than what the servants had claimed it to be. Jougo had always heard tales of how the woods were enchanted, how the unwelcome would be met by a wall of thorns or a huge maze to which there was no return; How some came into the vast woods, never to be seen again. He believed every word of it, especially after hearing from his protector that indeed the place was enchanted, protected by the mother of the forest who sent away any creature that she deemed a danger to her home and her children.
The golden clad knight, had thankfully fallen into the “safe” category and now the forest welcomed him and the prince into its greenery with joy, especially after Mamoru had actually befriended the little forest creatures along with the Gem Beasts. It was as if they had always belonged there, and now; They all lived in harmony amongst the Melffy of the forest.
It didn’t take too long for the young royal to start walking towards the now visible clearing of the forest, noticing the small and humble wood cabin where his protector now lived amongst the gems, clearly content with the current life he was living. The two-toned brunet looked up, noticing the beautiful starry night, sighing softly as he relived memories of his long lost mother and her stories of the celestial bodies she so adored. He was instantly brought back to reality as Jougo could now feel the faint scent of apples and strawberries… Ah, the knight had baked yet another delicious pie, go figure.
The brunet began walking properly towards the cabin just as he saw the blond man slowly walk out of it, and he was about to say hello until he turned to the small tree stump that he usually sat in, was now currently being occupied by a small little pink rabbit. Its little nose twitching excitedly as it stood on its hind legs just as Mamoru approached it with some strawberries in hand to feed it. Jougo simply stared, blinking softly as he watched his protector kneel down to offer the pink creature some of the strawberries and after taking a few sniffs at it, it gently took them and ran off, followed by some other soft colorful creatures.
“Adorable, are they not?” Mamoru spoke gently as he slowly rose from the ground, a soft smile spread across his features. “They arrive occasionally for food. I don’t mind feeding them, they keep our forest safe and alert their mother when danger is near.”
“Are they friendlier than the Gem Beasts?”
“Pardon?” The knight looked at the prince who’s cheeks turned red at the realization that his question was spoken out loud.
“W-Well, it’s just that… Sometimes I think the Gem Beats dislike me, they don’t seem very fond of me” The prince admitted shyly.
The Gem’s protector smiled tenderly, clearly slightly amused and endeared by the prince’s honesty about his worries. The blond looked away, his attention now focused on the beasts he protected with his life, catching sight of Sapphire Pegasus not too far from the cabin, slowly munching on some greens. While Ruby Carbuncle ran in circles enjoying some play time with a little yellow fox-like creature, Amethyst Cat simply laid down next to Topaz Tiger who enjoyed watching Ruby play, Amber Mammoth already slept alongside Emerald Tortoise and Cobalt Eagle rested atop the cabin, watching for any potential danger or stranger around the greenery.
“I do not believe they harbor any negative feelings towards you, prince.” Mamoru’s voice was gentle and soothing, calming. He turned around to face the royal once again. “But, I do believe it will take them much longer to grow accustomed to your presence.”
“But they all hate me right now…! And I want that to change!” The prince whined, walking towards the now free tree stump and sitting on it with a big pouty expression, taking hold of his own red cape for comfort as he looked away to stare at the faraway trees, trying to think of a reason as to why the creatures would dislike him.
“Oh, they do not. Ruby likes you.”
“Only because you taught me how to make her spin with that little trick.” He pouted again, covering himself with his cape even more as if it was some kind of blanket, a habit he had developed as a kid as he now looked down at the pretty grass, recalling a small memory of how that had transpired.
Jougo had been sitting down on the bed inside the protector’s homely little cabin, watching as the blond began doing some sort of hand movements and the little purple carbuncle followed along. It really was like watching a master controlling his pets? Creatures? To some degree and it was amusing to watch as Mamoru lifted his hand up with a smile and then made his index finger do a little circle, which was followed by a happy cry from the carbuncle and a little spin. The prince giggled, finding this extremely enchanting and wonderful, clasping his hands together as he continued to watch the exchange until the golden-clad knight had turned his attention towards him.
“Pardon, prince, but, what is it that you find so enjoyable?” The masked knight asked, tilting his head in confusion.
“That thing you do with Ruby!” He happily replied as he stood up from the bed and walked towards them, the carbuncle looking at the brunet curiously as he approached.
“Ah, are you perhaps talking about the tricks Ruby likes to perform?” The blond inquired once again.
“Yes, that’s it! How do you make her do it?” A question full of innocence and wonder, he still couldn’t believe he was in the presence of the fabled Gem Beasts.
“Would you like to try?” Mamoru questioned a smile forming across his uncovered features.
“May I?!” The prince practically bounced as he received a small nod from the blond man, patting the seat beside him as Jougo took a seat right there, watching with wonder as the man talked.
For upwards of 20 minutes, the two-toned brunet had listened intently to the instructions given by his protector, eyes furrowed in concentration as he imitated his hand movements, his hand raised up slowly, the little spin of his fingers, but it seemed like Ruby had trouble understanding if she was meant to follow along with him and this had begun frustrating the prince’s attempts at bonding with the Gem. That was until the knight simply explained what was the problem with his attempts.
“Be gentle with her, smile and call her name followed by the command. I’m sure she’ll understand, then.”
The prince had almost doubted his words. He was sure he was applying exactly what was told, but Jougo sighed and decided to give it a go this time. The brunet looked at the carbuncle for another moment, their eyes meeting before a bright smile spread across the prince’s features. This made the carbuncle raise her little ears, clearly excited and giving him all of her attention. Then, her name came.
“Ruby!” Jougo called her excitedly and she jumped up as her name was called. He raised his hand, pointed out his index finger and made a little circle as he called for the command. “Spin!”
And this time she happily squeaked, spinning in circles and then jumping right after to signify that she was sure she had done a good job. The brunet’s features changed, the brightest smile he had ever expressed could be the only way to describe it, as he almost cried, immediately hugging the arm of the knight beside him excitedly.
“Mamo! I did it! I made her spin!!!” He exclaimed excitedly, nuzzling against his arm.
Mamoru laughed quietly, enjoying the presence of the royal so close to him. If this was all it took to make him smile so bright, perhaps he’d show him more tricks.
Jougo at that very moment had only began to wonder if Ruby only listened because the protector had been beside him. His little memory had been interrupted as Mamoru slowly approached him.
“But Ruby only listens when she likes you.” The knight moved to kneel down in front of the prince, his hidden eyes locking with the prince’s honey gaze, smiling gently he asked for permission with a whisper as he reached over to hold one of the prince’s hands. “Fear not, I promise they will warm up to you, your majesty.”
“I already told you not to call me that.. Jougo is just fine.” The brunet kept pouting, but, it was clear he was already smiling, a warm blush spread across his cheeks. Something he had noticed he couldn’t help every time he saw his knight’s smile. “But, that does make me feel a little better.”
The protector chuckled quietly, standing up as he still held the prince’s hand gently with his own. Carefully he helped him stand up properly and kissed his hand yet again, making Jougo’s heart flutter with excitement as the blond spoke once again, voice gentle as he offered something to the prince.
“What do you say.. If I teach you how to properly interact with all of the Gem Beasts? Perhaps then they’ll enjoy your company”
“But Mamo…”
“And” He spoke once again, interrupting the prince. “Perhaps.. offering them some pie yourself, might just help your case.” Another smile, that stole the prince’s heart again. “Of course, I’d be delighted to offer you a slice as well, Jougo.”
“I’d… love that.”
Jougo spent that entire night with his knight as the Gem Beasts and for the first time, they all smiled in their presence. Perhaps now things would turn in the right direction for the prince.