Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In a small village there lived many toons alike, and humans that were lively and peaceful but the story starts as it ends in the time of sunrise. Exiting the small but fertile land, was a small mouse who went by the name of Brain and his partner not far behind, Pinky carrying the not so light bag. Brain was a scholar and a designer of inventions and thanks to years of work, he improved the self moving wagon. They packed all the research but also their harvest Pinky grew. Due to the famine in certain parts of the country, they made sure they made a lot to sell and this year luck was on their side. Pinky was trying to throw the 13th sack of potatoes when he felt someone help him.

"Here let me help dad," Yakko, their eldest adopted son, grabs the bag for him and passes it on the wagon. "You sure you don't want us to come with? You know I can be a great assistant with history lessons and Wakko and Dot can work with selling at the market."

"Can't we come!?" Dot gave her best cute look as Wakko came up yawning but pleaded as much as his siblings.

"Aww!!!! can't we Brain? It can be a family business!" Pinky gushes.

"Yakko as much as I enjoy a decent debate with you, but I need you to be here and teach the young minds here. You'll be 19 in a couple weeks but for now you're needed here." Brain then heard his other children were groaning as they helped their dad with the rest of the Harvest. He will admit they were a handful, but they were not like the other kids, they were kind and fast learners and earned their titles as crafty and geniuses. "Rather feeling down, what will you each like while we're in Italy?"

"Oooh! Can I have a new dress?" Dot requested being the youngest. "I want to learn to make a different dress and I can learn from the new trend."

"Can you bring me one of those baked meat pies?" Wakko requested with hope. "I've been hearing about them and they sound good!"

"Of course my little kitten pups!" Pinky smiles with a "nyarf!"

Brain looks to Yakko as his eldest kneels to lift him in his hand. 

"What do you wish to have?" Brain asks, he won't say it but Yakko was his favorite child being a fast learner and quick witted and only a few he can have an intellectual debate for hours. Years ago, Brain had no intention to adopt but his life partner, ever the soft hearted, wanted to have a family and they found these young children in a broken down water tower. To this day they may drive him to insanity, but they have brought him the best days and luck. 

"Well nothing beats a good book pops." Yakko grins but Brain knew Yakko's heart was humble as ever. He would always want less if it meant his siblings got more.

"Now Yakko, as it pains me to say this, a book is not enough as a gift. Surely there must be something else you want. It is not wrong to be a little greedy." Brain pat his thumb.

"Well… there is one thing," Yakko pauses before continuing. "I want to grow lavender here and I have never seen an actual one, just only in books and never smelled one before. I know we mostly grow fruits and vegetables and lavenders don't really grow here at all, but I would like to grow one." 

Brain smiles. "Of course my young scholar son." He smiles, not something big but to his son, it meant the world. Just after getting everything settled, they were hearing the rooster roost out as the sun was at 8 rising.  "We should be going soon now." Brain and pinky got on their invented self moving wagon as their children were by the entrance. 

"We will be back before the full moon rises!" Pinky shouted. "Be safe my little pup cubs!!!" He shouted but was indeed crying on the way.

All three wave off before starting their chores for the day But Yakko goes in to get ready to begin the lesson of the day at the small little school in town. His pops and dad has been teaching there, well pops mostly, his dad does some days teaches arts and craft. When he finishes he goes to see his sibs setting up the table for breakfast. He was glad their parents took their breakfast to go and some other snacks with them.

"Alright sibs, the first day with responsibilities starts now so there's a lot of pressure on us to get everything done. With that said, you two are free for the day from school until tomorrow." 

Both youngsters stood tall like soldiers but giggled a bit when Yakko mimicked a general. "Now we know what to do so we do our best. Tough times call for tough measures but we will be great and come out victorious!!"

"Sir yes sir!!" They said together. 

Yakko tried as he might, failed to be serious and chuckled. “I better get going. I’ll be going now but please don’t destroy the kitchen.” he goes to get ready to teach at the school. Grabbing his pops bag, he also gets his coat. "Sibs, I'll be back by 2 when the sun rises during mid day!" He walks out the door.

"Good luck!!" They shouted seeing their brother head off.

Walking down the path, he was excited to teach on his own again meaning he will teach the kids a little funner way about the subject. Just as he made it to the entrance of town, he saw the side markets and shops opening up. He likes it here, but he did wish- 

"I see you're walking alone today." 

Was not ruled over by the Uppercrust. A Noble family that served King Salazar who had been pushing taxes but hasn’t been able to prove he was the true king. Something about a missing jewel so none of the people took him seriously and had been made thanks to the other kingdoms that ruled over this land. There were other Nobles but some rumored that they were murdered or ranaway. Some think they were held prisoner. 

All in all it was not bad but could have been worse.

"Young Bradford Uppercrust." Yakko spoke with no kindness but of boredom. As far as he can remember, Bradley was a short tempered spoiled brat with 3 older brothers and had a thing for wanting to be a bully. Well he almost bullied everyone. 

Everyone but him. 

"It's Bradley the 3rd but since it's such a lovely morning, I will let that slide." Bradley stood tall.

"It is especially when you trip." Yakko grins.

"Why yes- wait wha-!" And as predicted, Bradley tripped on a crack on the ground. 

"Gotta get to work but it wasn't a swell conversation with you!!!" Yakko shouted and left. If there was one thing he didn't like was his height. Call it curse, but he was only 5' 3.96 in and Bradley was 5'8. It was annoying when Bradley uses that to his advantage but Yakko finds ways around it. He not once ever let him put him down but when he tried to bully his sibs, welllll…. Let's say Bradley doesn't smile with his teeth anymore.

Entering the school house, Yakko goes in to unlock the doors and rushes inside to start the lesson and sees Tank walking in first along with the other kids, were a bit excited to not see Brain but did see Yakko and groan slightly. They enjoyed the lessons he taught, but given one homework both Mr. Brain and Yakko approved that it would last a good week.

Research report .

"Oh don't be like that, it's not so bad. At least this one is pretty simple." Yakko hears a bigger no from skippy. "This research is going to be on animals here. You can write about insects and it has to be 4 pages long…. Skippy you can write up to at least 10 pages."  

"Yay!!!" 

"Alright now," Yakko pulls down the slide to show the kind of animals that were around then talked about the different insects before moving on to other subjects. Each subject was, in order, science, Math, Literature, history, and lastly free time before the end of class which was around 3 o’clock but being the first day of teaching, they get to leave early. 

“Alright class, I will end school an hour early but tomorrow I hope you bring your assigned book to read out loud.” Yakko grins to see some kids were happy they got to leave early. When he was packing up and setting up the next lesson for the next day. He assigned the reports to all kids before seeing Tank requesting to do a report on bees.

"Sure thing. I thought you'd do a report on a mountain lion." 

"Nah, I wanna do it on bees cuz they seem cool." 

"Indeed they are. There's a book on them in the book shop." Yakko added. "Alright you better start going now so I can close up the school." 

"Hey teach, don't you ever want to leave here?" Tank asks.

"Well not really but I would be lying if I said no. I would like to travel one day, but for now I'm content." 

"Alright but teach, you shouldn't be content." Tank left with that.

Yakko just shrugged off and went to finish up.

"Hey Yakko!" 

Yakko stopped to turn to see his friend Buster walking inside the class, holding out to him a bouquet of roses but it was not the normal kind of bouquet seeing they were purple covered roses with a strong fragrance that hurt his nose. Here in Acme falls, there is a festival called the mid fall love. Valentines was a thing but for this town, it was a special thing where in legend if you give your admirer something special from you, and they accepted, it was to make them tied together like destiny or something. It has to be something really special that you treasure a lot and hold special meaning. The only problem is the festival only starts in the middle of fall but some like to start it early. 

A little too several months early . It was the 7th month on the 10th day.

"Buster, I like you as a friend and nothing more than that. Plus your nearly 1 year younger than me"

"Come on Yakko!" Buster placed the bouquet down. "We're best friends and I practically know you best!”

“Buster, you're the 3rd best after my sibs.” Yakko corrected him.

“How does that count?!” Buster pouts. “I mean, I come from a good family!”

“Just as I do, but I'm not gonna leave my family.” Yakko stated. “You don’t like it when I talk for hours,” he added. “Plus you doze off or get annoyed.” 

“I can grow to like it.” Buster insisted. 

“I would rather someone doesn’t have to grow to even tolerate it.” Yakko retorted and crossed his arms

“I can be good for you!" Buster keeps insisting.

Yakko took a deep breath, he didn't know when it happened but Buster always tried to get closer than he should, which wasn't bad if you reciprocate back. However, Yakko not only didn't have mutual feelings, Buster made it uncomfortable and overwhelming for him. Granted he likes hugs and cuddles but never from anyone outside the family. Before he and his siblings were adopted, he fought to protect his siblings snd people were never to be trusted. But after being adopted he tried to trust people and Buster was the few he trusted but many times he asked buster to stop, and he never does. "Look buster, I just don't have those kinds of feelings for you."

"But you can if you just let it happen! I mean if your siblings didn't keep coming between us-" 

Slam!!

Buster stops when Yakko slams the book down. He knew he just triggered Yakko when Yakko, shorter than him, stood tall and pointed at him.

"You do not get to blame my siblings for anything." Yakko starts and pushes him out of the class/ school. "Furthermore I am not changing my mind, leave now." 

He watches Buster shake a bit before taking his gift with him but stops. "I heard Bradley wants to propose to you. Are you really going to accept him because he's a marquis and I'm a baron?" 

"Just as I told you, I'll tell him the same thing, status has nothing to do with it and I just don't like you that way." Yakko didn't look at him, he would not like anyone to talk about his sibs like that. Not even Buster can. 

Buster frowns, he feels hurt and out of spite, "Well pretty sure you change your mind specially since his family is so much rich. You probably want that to help your family." 

Yakko ignores him as he hears him leave and not without slamming the door. He sighed, Buster was a nice guy but he wasn't always happy to hear him talk about history or anything beyond 20 minutes. That was one of the few reasons but it didn't really click to him liking Buster. He shook it off and finished before leaving and locking the doors. 

"Hey there Yakko!!" 

Yakko smiles to see one of the villagers, Slappy, who takes care of her nephew Skippy. 

"Hello Miss Squirrel, if you're wondering about Skippy, he's been doing good in class but does want to go to the next level in his education. I'll let pops test him there."

"Nah, I'm not here for him. I saw that a love bunny has fewer skips than a rock today so I came over here. Did you turn him down?" She asked.

"He'll be fine." Yakko was ready to leave but she stopped him. 

"Look me in the eye kid, you doing alright? You know Buster, he can't think straight when he thinks with-"

"Not in front of the kids!" Yakko cuts her off. "Look I'm ok and I'll be alright." 

"Uh huh, and I'm 21." She crosses her arms.

"Aw you look no older than 20." Yakko grins.

"Cheeky brat." She chuckles. "But seriously kid, this is more painful to say this, and it's me of all people; don't you want to be with someone?" She walks with him out to the road leaving the village.

"I want to be with someone as much as mosquitoes want salt but there isn't really anyone here for me." He walks with her, something he was grateful for because no one ever messes with Slappy around. "No one really likes me yakking away. Buster could barely last 20 min before complaining or dozing off." He holds onto his bag. "I just want someone who appreciates me for me." 

"A tall order for you hun." Slappy pats his back. "But I respect that. Just don't let these folks pressure you ok?" 

He nodded before seeing her walk back, walking with him nearly half way to his home. He waves her off and goes on the way home to see his siblings waiting for him. He felt happy with his life, what could he ever want more than this?

He hurried off to them and hurried up to see Dot and Wakko waiting. 

"Yakko! We made dinner!!" Dot shouted. 

"And we didn't burn the kitchen!!" Wakko shouted.

Yakko smiled, ran up to them and hugged them both. "That's pretty good progress! Let's dig in!!" Yakko enters their home but he was shocked to see the mess they made in the kitchen.

 It was gonna be a long night but the dinner was pretty good.

Late at night, Yakko tucks them in and reads them a story. When he hears them snoring lightly, he goes out and climbs up the ladder and up on the roof was his telescope he and his pops made and began looking out at the stars. Yakko gazes at the stars but he couldn't help but wish he had someone up here with him. If he had to describe the feeling, it could get lonely up here. He sighs and looks out the sky and looks to his telescope. 

“This will be a good easy week. I can feel it.” he lies back looking out to the stars.

He had no idea it was going to be a long week.

Chapter Text

For the past 4 days, Yakko was teaching the classes, Dot and Wakko were helping the students with their reports with him. He had been dodging gifts from Bradley and Buster at every turn he took. It was to the point of Dot and Wakko had helped him by destroying the gifts.

2nd day

During his usual mornings when he walks with his siblings, Yakko would have both dot and Wakko by his side and all three head to the school.

"So sibs, any idea what you're going to write about?" Yakko asks 

Dot hums away. "I was thinking about writing on the most cutest animal in the world."

"A water Buffalo?"

"A bat?" 

"Me." Dot exclaimed. "I mean I am a cat and a dog, and I'm unanimously cute so why not?"

Yakko was about to retort but stopped. "You know, you got a point there sis. I'll  let it slide but if pops doesn't give you a grade, not my fault." Yakko shrugs.  "What about you Wakko?" He looks to his little brother. 

"I was thinking about maybe writing about wolves or chipmunks." He shrugs.

"What an interesting idea." Bradley walks between Wakko and Yakko.

"In fact did you know the alpha wolf is the most attractive because they can be the best and strong and potential mate, like me." Brad puffs his chest.

"I thought you're a dog." Wakko interjected.

"He's more like a poodle." Yakko grins. "A show off and spoiled."

Bradley only grins. "But I am quite a specimen. In fact I am a beast in the hunt."

Yakko raised a brow and realized this was a bad attempt to hit on him.

"That's so very wrong on every level." Dot spoke.

"Thank you Bradley for that unnecessary information, but we'll be leaving." Yakko takes his siblings away and rushes into the school. 

When it was his break time however, he was being bombarded by Buster and he, again, attempted to flirt with him. 

"So Yakko, did you fall from heaven? Because you are out of this world." 

Yakko was furrowed and trying to eat his salami sandwich. "Why would I fall from there? I was crawling out." He simply answers and sees his time was up and had to leave. But as he enters he sees a bouquet of roses. "Class we're going to learn photosynthesis so please grab a rose."

Each student takes one but some were hesitant to take one. After they all got one (class of 15) there was one left for Yakko to use as a model and began explaining how it occurs before plucking the rose to find diamonds in it. "Well what nice rock kids! Now if anyone can answer this, they can have this one!" 

By the end of the day, Yakko was getting ready to leave when he saw an angry Bradley and an angry Buster arguing with each other so he snuck out through the emergency exit and hid until they left to lock up the class…. Which was until past sunset.

The 3rd day

Yakko was in the middle of teaching, when Bradley walked in and took a seat but was being rude by laying his feet on the desks. Any teacher would give attention to this but Yakko, has just the idea.

"Class as we know, gravity is what keeps us grounded. With that can anyone tell me the old saying?" He asks and sees everyone raising their hand. He even sees Skippy raising his hand out more. 

"Let's hear from our new student, Mr. Uppercrust." Yakko points him out but using his tail, pulls the chair under him and the whole class hears a thud. "That's right: what  comes up, must come down."

And leaves back to the front. "Now moving to the last part of class, free time."

  During free time Yakko was mostly helping students with their reading and ignored most of Bradley's antics until school ended. Yakko gave no word but pushes Bradley out of the class. 

4th day

When he was just getting out of the school day (no Bradley there) he was pulled by Buster to a small little restaurant.

"Buster, I need to get home." Yakko pulls away but Buster had a strong grip and Yakko was forced to follow but he had an idea how to get out of it 

It wasn't long till Buster left at the sight of a bloody steak (he's an omnivore), making Buster run off. "Thanks Mr. N, mind I take it to go?" He looked at the bat humanoid toon named Nosferatu. 

"Of course." He nodded. "It is for helping our little batlings with their reading."

"Your twins are adorable! They have bright minds." He smiles as the owner's hubby, Xavier, comes and trips over but catches the plate. When it was done, Yakko took it over for Wakko and Dot to enjoy and made himself a salami sandwich. 

But what made his days through the week easier for the eldest teen, just as Buster or Bradley tries to follow him, his siblings attack him with mud pies, irritating the rabbit and the prissy noble. 

Yakko wished his parents came back soon and it's been a challenge but two more days til they come home he can handle it. One thing he was thankful for, he had a strong patience for people and it was the fifth day meaning no school for two days. Being the eldest he was more mellow despite having the most chaotic responsibilities but he loves his chaotic siblings! He just has a limit to other people. But years of experience helps him with today's problems.

"Hello Yakko~." 

Like right now.

Yakko stopped his reading time, he was sitting just outside the small bakery shop where it was a nice day.  After school, he walked with his siblings out before letting them gather what was needed from the list as he was hoping to read a book on stars alone, but it seems it was not meant to be. He looks to see the young noble of the Uppercrust family, the spoiled child that takes and takes and rightnow he is taking his reading time.

"Goodbye Bradley, I just had an errand to do that I forgot. Thank you so much for the reminder!" He got up and slipped away but was blocked by Bradley's more broad friend, Tank.

"Tank, be a pal and let me go through will ya?" Yakko grins. "I'll let you skip classes for two days~." He saw Tank ready to take the deal when they both heard a cough.

"Tank, kindly bring Yakko back here. We have much to talk about." Bradley crosses his arms.

"Sorry, teach, I hope you understand." Tank answered.

"Well at least you have manners, I appreciate that Tank." Yakko patted his arm. "By the way, did you write that small report on bees?" 

"Well-" Tank was then stopped. 

"Tankoitz! This is the perfect time to study them! And the paper is due in three days! We must move forward and hurry on that paper dear student!!" He pointed out and Tank, not thinking twice or seeing the look Bradley gave, was led away with Yakko who was already telling him what to look for. 

"You big loaf!!" Bradley growls as Yakko waves him off and shows Tank where to go and soon leaves him to his studies.

"Alright Tank be advised to not Crack open the hive, but you can look at a good… 9 feet away." Yakko shows him the hive and tells him how he can but to be cautious before taking his leave. He sighed in relief, Tank may be a muscle to the brat but luckily time and time of tutoring and bribery, Tank was a pretty good guy that was nice to him and easy to fool sometimes. He makes his way to find his siblings when he sees Buster standing in his direct way, holding roses.

' Oh please not me!' Yakko saw Buster making his way to him. He then hears Bradley.

"Yakko!!" 

 Without a second thought, runs in the opposite direction and hurries off. 

Dot and Wakko saw their older brother running but not before seeing buster running after him and soon Bradley ordering his goons (minus tank).

"Time to help our dear big brother!" Dot smiles sweetly and Wakko nodded before they dashed through a shortcut. 

Yakko ran across the crowded street as he saw Bradley's goons running close when they started tripping over beads and acorns.

"Skips! You should be more careful!!" Slappy smirks.

"But you-" Skippy was cut off by Slappy as she shook her head.

"No no, you gotta take responsibility kid. As you see, I'm a responsible adult."

Yakko smiled before running away and soon ran down the alleys but could hear Buster coming close.

"Yakko can't we just talk!" Buster hurried a bit but as soon as he got close he got hit by a pie. 

"Bulls eye!!" Wakko grinned but deflated a bit to see the pie go to waste. "Woe to the fallen apple pie."

"Cheer up, Yakko will make us a better apple pie." Dot patted her brother's back before throwing tomatoes at the goons.

Yakko didn't stop as he hurried away. When he got a good distance, he sighed and found himself near the forest which was at the bottom hill  of the village. He smiled and just relaxed when he heard someone coming and hid in a box when they came up. Thank goodness being part cat.

"Oh Yakko~! You owe me a conversation~!"

Yakko kept hidden, hearing Bradley rummaging through the boxes.

"Look Yakko, we can be civil about this! You are quite charming for a boy! I mean not a perfect 10 like me but a solid 8!" 

Yakko rolls his eyes.

 "I need a good smart partner," Bradley looks around the back full of boxes of fruits. "I need someone I can get high regards and show off! I mean you're an orphan, a wild stray mix between a dog and a cat but it has its perks. Im a marquis! I'm rich! I can give you anything you want!" 

He hears Bradley close but keeps calm but tense when he's behind him.

"I mean if not you, then I would have to get the next best thing!" 

Yakko rolls his eyes, doubting he go after Wakko-

"Your sister is a bit too young but she's quite pretty." 

Yakko shook in rage but knew he was trying to get him to come out. The one rule everyone followed was no child under 19 is to get married. 

"Bet you're thinking I can't but I'm an Uppercrust!! I get what I want!"  

Yakko hears Bradley push the box over before going to where he is. 

"So Yakko will you accept my proposal or do I have to go get your sister?"

Yakko kept resisting to punch him when he heard something and Bradley running in that direction.

"You're not running away from me!!" Bradley shouted.

 Yakko peak and saw he left and took the chance to scurry off and jumped over the rails but felt someone grab his hand. He turns to see its Buster.

"Buster, let me go." Yakko stated.

"Yakko, please just listen to me!" Buster tries to pull him back but Yakko  pulls away from him. 

"Look Buster, you are a nice guy! But you have been pushing me in a corner and I don't like it!"

"That's because I love you!" Buster struggles to pull him over.

"But I don't! And I don’t think I ever will!!" Yakko kicked the Buster away but fell over to the other side and began rolling down the hill and into the forest. 

"Yakko!!" Buster shouts about to jump over when Bradley runs over pushing him back. "Thanks for the help, loser!!" He jumps over the rail.

Yakko tried to embrace the impact and luckily did and got his bearings but saw Bradley coming and made a run for it. He had no choice but rather ran into the forest everyone said was dangerous. He ran and didn't care where he went or that his foot was throbbing, he didn't want to deal with either of them. 

He ran until he found a fork in the path and looking around took to the left and hurried through and hid under a large oak and caught his breath. He lay back, breathing and curled to himself and looked to check his leg and felt there was a sprained right ankle. Luckily he's a toon so it'll heal quickly in a day.

"Yakko!!" 

Yakko froze and heard it was Buster but sounded too far and sat back not answering his friend. All the while he hears a snap and waits for whoever or whatever it was and soon he sees a large beast appearing before him.

It looks like a large wolf with horns and dark fur but had two sharp fangs protruding. As much as anyone would scream, Yakko didn't and couldn't especially if it meant someone could get hurt. He accepted his fate and closed his eyes.

'I just hope it's not too painful!'  

"Why aren't you calling for help?"

Yakko opened his eyes to look at him perplexed as the beast sat. He would be more shocked to hear a talking beast if he was like other people.

"Because I don't want anyone to get hurt. I mean look at you, you could probably out beat 12 men with or without weapons. I'm just a mere small snack." He then hears the beast chuckle and gets closer. He couldn't help but chuckle with him, he was either delirious or he reached a new level of zany.

"So you wouldn't let someone save you? Or let that person who's shouting your name to help you?"

"It's not about being a hero, I'm just a teacher, a sub mostly. I mean my friend would, but he's not exactly strong like this one guy, Tank." Yakko moves a bit to sit better. "That guy out there… he confessed to me about his feelings. I can't accept his feelings and I don't want him to use this heroic effort to get me to marry him." 

"Why not?" The beast lies next to him. "You're a charming fellow who is braver than most and pretty smart." He sat next to him.

Yakko chuckled when he said that and took a better look at the beast. He wasn't scary but his sharp teeth were pretty to the point (pun!) 

"Well one of the many reasons: I used to watch over him with my siblings, so he's, to me, a little brother. Another is he's nearly a year younger than me and he is not really capable of listening to me yak away for more than 10 minutes and believe me I can talk for hours. He gets mad when my sibs prank on him, which is almost everyday."

"Sibs?" 

"Siblings, I have a baby brother and baby sister that I adore and love. Here look." Yakko takes out a few photos and shows them to him. Usually people would get annoyed as he continued for a good hour about his sibling but the beast said something different.

"They're pretty nice to hear about. I like to hear more if you don't mind."

Yakko smiles, his tail wagging. "Well maybe next time I'll come by here and bring more pictures." Yakko grins. "So what are you exactly? I mean from one view you look like a wolf, but I can't exactly point it out-" 

"Yakko!?" 

Yakko groans, forgetting about his predicament and he sounded not too close but not too far either. "I forgot about him. Hey I'm sorry to ask this, but can you give me a ride to my home? It's going toward the setting sun's direction." He tried to get up but nearly fell but the beast caught him using his body. The beast helps him only to guide him on his back to sit on top. 

"Thanks and sorry if I'm heavy." 

The beast gave a rumble but didn't sound like a complaint so he took it as a sign he wasn't. Just as he got on, the beast went off pretty fast and Yakko kept hold and clings to him but he really was happy the beast came to his rescue and smelled pretty nice and yet so familiar but he was trying to keep focusing on clinging to the back of the beast. He couldn't help but lay against him and feel so relaxed. It took about less than 10 minutes till He then saw they were nearing close and he saw his home not too far and saw Dot and Wakko waiting outside for him. Yakko felt relief until they came to a stop. They were a good 10 min walk away but his ankle was not the best at the moment.

"If you're worried about my sibs, they're not so bad. I promise they got their rabies shots." Yakko jokes, hearing the beast chuckles a bit.

"It's not that… I'm not exactly prince charming." The beast on all fours moves towards him and feels Yakko pet his head.

"Hey, I'd rather take you than any prince any day. Plus it was nice of you listening to me. Hope we can do that again."  

"My pleasure." He moves to reveal a beautiful cane under his paw.

Yakko picked it up and thought how and where he kept this in. But what he said was. "It's beautiful." Yakko accepted the gift and saw it was the perfect height for him. "Well I better get going but if you ever want to come by, you're invited anytime here." He uses the cane and the beast goes without saying another word.

It took him a good ten minutes before he was tackled by Dot and Wakko anf he hugged them back tightly.

"Where were you!?" Dot being furious with her older brother, cried in tears hugging him.

"You never came back!" Wakko held him tightly.

"I got hurt and hid in the forest from Bradley's goons but a nice… gentleman came and helped me." Yakko even showed them the cane which he noticed was made of a special tree but the carvings had beautiful flowers carved into it. "Anywhere, he couldn't walk me all the way because he had a curfew time but he was so kind and caring-" 

"Are you going to marry him?" Dot asked.

"I just met him." Yakko reminded her. "Besides I don't think he was courting me-"

"But it's a really pretty gift he gave you." Wakko pointed out.

"How about we go inside and get dinner started." Yakko gets up with the cane and they walk inside. 

Buster just arrived at the home of Yakko and his family. He was ready to run when he saw him with his siblings but he couldn't tell his legs to move. He didn't know if he should go there but part of his guilt hit him more and turned to leave. He didn't expect Yakko to turn him down so many times. Just what did he do wrong? He gave him affection, he was offering him gifts and even tried to understand what he talked about but Yakko wouldn't love him back! And Bradley wants him now!? He can't lose him to Bradley! He kicked a rock away but then a thought came to mind. 

With that thought in mind he rushed back home.

Yakko goes to his room, thanks to Dot helping him, he uses the cane to get to his room which had a collection of some stones, books, papers with doodles and notes all around. He walks over to his bed and crawls in under his covers before thinking about the beast and reaches for the cane to find any clues to his new beastly friend. He had to admit, the cane was crafted beautifully, and even though it looked new, it was old too. He did find only one initial and it was "G" by the handle part.

"G huh?" Yakko placed it back against the night stand carefully and smiled before falling asleep. 

Yakko woke up to a grand room and was curious to see it was different before seeing it was a little boy by the door. Yakko shook a bit but something about him reassured him it was safe.

"H-heya…" Yakko reaches for him but suddenly everything goes dark.

Yakko groans to the rooster roosting and groans. He couldn't remember most of his dreams. He looked to see it was morning and tried to go back to sleep but all he could think was who the boy was.

Chapter Text

Side chapter

"Good luck!!" They shouted seeing their brother head off.

Wakko was waving off and stretches but looks to his sister already going inside. 

"Hey Dot, mind if I go out to collect some wild berries to make a pie for tonight?" Wakko asked.

Dot turned to her 2nd big brother and nodded. "Ok but not too late ok? I know you like to go into the forest to relax but it's also dangerous." She pointed out.

"I'll be fine. I'll stay close to the field." Wakko goes to the near edge of the forest, but passed the wild berry bushes and entered the forest. He goes by the cherry tree and under a patch of leaves was his sword. None of his siblings knew this or his dads, but he likes to practice with the sword. It was a cheap iron blade he saved up but it was worth it and here he is practicing in using the sword.

Wakko had for the longest he can remembered, had felt left out. Yakko has his smarts, Dot has her craft in making beautiful dresses and whatnot. But he was…. Different

Wakko unintentionally destroyed things when he tried to farm. He tries to study but he always gets bored. He tried cooking even! But they never go right. But with a sword, it felt right to him but alas he has a gentle heart. 

"Helloooo good sir!" Wakko perked to see but saw no one around. 

"Up here!" 

Wakko looks up to see a duck around his age, up on a tree.

"I got stuck! I need help!" The duck in green shouted. 

Wakko drops his sword and climbs, perks being part cat. He climbs up and sees the duck had his foot stuck. He uses his hands and breaks the branch off, perks being a farmer. He carries the duck down and jumps off.

"My hero~ surely you want a-" the said duck stops and sees his savior places him down before holding out a few cherries for him.

"Sorry it's just berries but I hope you like them. I don't know how long you've been up there, but you need to eat something." Wakko smiles brighty.

"I should be rewarding you my good sir." The duck grins. "Surely you want something-"

"Nyah! I'm just happy you're ok." He then sees the branch broke his sword in two.

"Oh dear! Your sword!! Please by all means-" 

"I can always get another one." Wakko smiles. "Well it was nice knowing you." 

"Can I at least know your name?" The duck smiles.

Wakko hums. ".... tell me yours first." 

The duck pauses and chuckles nervously. "N-now you can't just-" 

"Well then I will just call you pretty." Wakko smiles.

The duck blushes. "I-I-Im not-"

"You have pretty eyes and feathers. You're pretty." Wakko bows and takes his hand. "I bid you a good day." Wakko smiles and goes to another spot of the forest where he hid his wooden sword.

The duck however was shocked until he heard a snort. 

"Louie, you just failed the test!!" A duck looking like him but wearing a red tunic with silver linings was ready to scold him.

Louie glared slightly at his siblings Dewey and huey. 

"Look I got flustered!! I mean I've never been called pretty." He mumbles out.

"Well our mom, the goblin king, insists we try to trap and bound a person as part of our training. It is our task we lure people, humans or toons, to being our forever bound servant. Especially those of pure hearts!" Huey, explained.

"Remember we also can't give our names or else it's a reverse contract?" Louie crosses his arms. "Besides, have you seen him? He's pretty cute so I was trying to get him to give me his name first so I can make him my servant." 

"Right, cute." Huey rolls his eyes. Louie, the goblin of greed always wants or prefers pretty or shiny things. "It's my turn anyways and he seems to have a strong mana energy. If I capture him, I can do further studies on his mana." Huey stated. He was the goblin of pride, born on the day of pride, he took pride in being smart. "And I will pass with flying colors." He disappeared, leaving Dewey and Louie behind.

"Well I can't wait to try my luck. Toodles brouie!" And leaves.

Louie pouts and grumbles. He hates to admit it but it stung him if he wins stealing that cutey's name or heart. He pauses feeling his heart ache a bit.

"What is this annoying feeling!?!?" 

Wakko takes his wooden sword out from the bushes and grins, he is ready for training. Unknown to him, Huey was waiting for the right moment to appear and challenge him to a battle of wits but blushed when Wakko took off his blue tunic revealing, although slightly chubby, muscles. Huey blushes deeply before he moves to hide only to slip and fall into the lake. Now despite Huey having the appearance of a duck, his element was the fire. Not many know this but goblins of fire users, can't use water due to canceling their powers, but were taught to swim as in case of emergencies. Huey however…. Skipped too many swimming lessons.

"H-help!!!" He shouted and fluttered as much trying to keep his head but just as he was sinking, he felt someone dived in and brought him to safety. 

All he could take from it was the strong toon gave him a kiss but was pushing air into his mouth.

Huey pushes the toon but his face was deep red but saw the mix toon was happy. "You're all better!!" Wakko smiles.

"W-W-WHY DID YOU KISS ME!?!?!" Huey shouted in shock.

"Well you were drowning and my brother always taught me the proper ways of CPR. But you look sort of familiar-" 

Poof!!

Wakko coughed lightly but saw the new friend disappear but shrugged.

"Welp better go and dry up then." He got up and shook most of the water off and left. 

Huey appeared back after the knight (he isn't admitting he was handsome!!) and sat back before feeling the earth shook under him. 

"That kiss was mine!!" Louie glared.

"He kissed me!! I would have not if he didn't-!!" He blushes and hides his face in his red witch hat. He was a goblin of pride but after that han- that knight saved him, he owes him a favor but now he can't stop being shy around him!!! Plus he was pretty smart knowing what to do. Maybe he was pretty hand- SMART!!

"Well it's time for me to a-dew-it right! Lo and behold the goblin of sloth for the win!!!" He grins but his brothers groan when he uses his name as a pun. It was ironic because he was always active in adventures… just not much in studies or princely duties.

"Imma dew- Dewey it amazingly!!" He sang and disappeared. Dewey's elemental power was like his mom's, which was the wind and he was an extremist, like his mother which is why he's gonna need help from his friend.

"Hey beasty!!!" Dewey shouted at the front entrance to the beast's home.

"Dewey, what are you up to?" 

Dewey grins to see the beast appear from the opposite side. He didn't get or understand why the beast was immune to their powers or enchantment, couldn't recall Huey's explanation, but he did think the beast was pretty cool (and the only one up to talking to them).

"Listen, I need a favor to ask."

"Go away." The beast grumbled as he was leaving.

"Oh come on! I promise to give you a favor and you know a favor from a goblin prince is worth gold!" Dewey was honest about that.

The beast hummed but gruffed. "Fine, what do you want?" 

"I need your eyes." Dewey states but hears the beast growls. "Go away." He was ready to leave.

"I need you to look into a guy's heart! Like tell me what he wants! This way I can win him!" 

"Seriously, you goblins have issues in trapping people against their will." 

"Come on! It's not something bad! Just to pass a test! I won't harm him."

The beast was getting annoyed. ".... Fine. Take me to him." 

It didn't take long for the two to find the poor sap. 

"That cutey there!!" Dewey whispers, blushing how handsome the guy is. 

The beast rolls his eyes before looking but froze. His heart skipped a beat just thinking of that specific person he knew that guy was related to. "His greatest wish is to see his siblings happy. Something neither of you can offer." He answers and leaves.

Dewey was amazed to hear that because like him, he wanted nothing more than to have fun with his siblings and make them happy. Just somehow he felt his heart beat pretty fast. He disappeared and then reappeared.

"Yeah I couldn't because he's the sweetest guy." Dewey gushes.

All three ducks sighed in defeat as they each thought about the dreamy toon.

Dewey after a few hours, went to his friend who was waiting for something until he saw a toon similar to that cutey only he was short, leaving the village. 

 "Aww you're in love~" 

"It's a crush and I wish I could meet him. Even just for once but I don't want to scare him." The beast explains.

Dewey hummed but grinned. "Alright. For the sake of love!" He grins as the duck disappears. The beast huffed annoyed as he just watched the toon leaves. Almost ever since he first saw him, he fell for the toon but never once got to talk to him or the chance to be close. He heads back home shaking his head, doubting a chance as he was content watching him from afar. 

Few days later

The beast was taking his usual stroll seeing it was close to the time the toon would leave but it was the fifth day which means he stayed longer before leaving with things in his arms like books or necessary foods his farm doesn't grow. Just as he was walking,  he sees the three goblins, and rolled his eyes.

"Alright, what do you three want?" He liked them as friends but sometimes they can be annoying when they fight each other or ask to break some debate. 

Dewey flew by "We just happened to see your lover boy-"

"-Yakko is his name because those other toons shouted his name-" Huey cut off Dewey. 

"We aren't going to trap him since they said it and not him." Louie finishes

"What happened? Is he ok??" The beast was worried now.

"He's fine! He rolled over a hill I made shook a bit-" Louie said 

"I blew just enough to make him roll!"

"I told them not to!!" Huey shouted but all three saw the beast hurried off.

The beast hurried to track him and was quiet enough to see the young toon was hiding in the old oak tree and saw him curl himself in until he heard someone coming. The beast saw the toon run past the tree as the beast enchants the toon to keep running far enough. 

"Yakko!!!" 

The beast growls slowly but remembered there are some creatures like the McDucks that can't take names or ownership of someone unless it's given willingly. He turned back to Yakko and shook a bit. If he dares to step forward, he can scare him away but if he doesn't,

He took a deep breath and entered acting like this was the first time he saw him. 

He saw the toon was quiet and closed his eyes, accepting his fate. He will not scare him like this.

"Why aren't you calling for help?" The beast kept a few feet away and sat. He didn't know if he was making the right choice as he hears Yakko answers

"Because I don't want anyone to get hurt. I mean look at you, you could probably out beat 12 men with or without weapons. I'm just a mere small snack."

The beast could only chuckle and he saw yakko more relaxed even when he got closer. He felt his heart soar hearing him talk but mostly was calm and not afraid. He listened to the toon for nearly 30 minutes and wanted to keep hearing more-

"YAKKO!!!!!!"

The beast growls annoyed but saw Yakko was just annoyed too. He really wished he could do like the McDucks and steal him away, but he wanted to have Yakko accept him. He nearly felt his heart break out when Yakko asked him for help. He nearly wanted to steal Yakko away and fought himself as he took him home. He was blushing red the whole time when he felt yakko cling onto him and wished it was night so he could hold him instead. When they arrived, he gave him a cane. 

The cane always appeared to him and remembered a bit of his past. His dad gave it to him after he broke his leg in some practice he can't really remember. He froze thinking what if Yakko hates it-

"It's beautiful." 

Max felt his heart burst but held his tail down seeing it wasn't a normal tail. (He put on a charm so yakko couldn't truly see it.)

"Well I better get going but if you ever want to come by, you're invited anytime here."

The beast was turning redder than ever before rushing back to the forest. 

'I finally got to meet him!! He's more than great!!!' He thought happily before making himself invisible and watches the toons hunting Yakko running away as he glares at the bunny who looks like he was in a fight leaving the forest. He shook his head knowing whom and went to find the three mischievous goblins.

He sees them all three there by the old oak tree as if waiting for him.

"What did you three do?" The beast laid down and watched all three of them.

"What can't we help a friend?" Louie asked.

"No and for what reasons should I believe you were helping me?" The beast glares slightly.

"Well let us explain after you ran off." Huey clears his throat.

Earlier

"He didn't even say thank you." Dewey pouts.

Louie rolls his eyes. "Or heard we will accept a favor by knowing the cute knight's name."

"All in good times. Besides we can't hear his name or we won't make him stay with- I mean be our servant!" Huey turns red.

"Well if that's the case, then I will kinda share him. I mean he's going to be our knight." Louie grumbles, hating to share his soon to be knight. 

"Don't they look familiar?" Dewey spoke. "That older toon?" It took a long minute before remembering who he was. "Now I remember! He was that kid that helped those two rats we pranked on."

Louie and Huey's eyes were shocked.

"If that cutey finds that out, he'll hate us!" Huey shouted, turning red calling him cute.

"He'll never want to see us!" Dewey whined.

"Or want to be with me!" Louie cried but ignored their glares. "I mean us….. Mostly me."

They rushed and saw that annoying bunny was near before Louie used his illusion magic to make the bunny follow a different direction only to fall into a dug pit. 

"Hey we all thought of the same thing for hurting our cutey's brother." Louie shrugged. "Besides, each of us wants to get on his good side, might as well start now."

Present

"So you all literally chased out the other toons." The beast yawns. 

"Yep so could you do us the favor-"

"No."

"No? Why not?!?!" All three shouted and were shocked.

"Because you let Yakko get hurt." He glares. "So no." He stated.

The McDucks glared but knew they for some reason couldn't beat him with magic nor curse him, already cursed. "At least tell us about him."

"No saying his name!" Dewey shouted

The beast sat up seeing night came and stretched his back and sat a bit like a person. "Alright then. He is the middle child and pretty nice…"

By the time he finished the McDucks were asleep and the beast grabbed them all by the back of their tunics to drop them off before going home himself. He hopes to see his Yakko soon.

Louie was the first to wake up but he took out the cherries he was given. It wasn't gold or jewels but personally he likes them and goes to sneak out to plant the cherries and uses his magic but stopped thinking how the middle child would plant. He didn't know how exactly, so maybe tomorrow he could… bother the knight. 

He appears just close when he sees two weirdos hiding and using his flute began to play and knocks the weirdos to sleep before going over to the small passage he and his brothers found to prank the couple before waiting till he sees the knight.

When it was morning, the sun hadn't risen yet, wakko was getting stuff ready to farm before school when he saw the duck with the green tunic.

"Hello there, pretty!!" Wakko smiles.

"H-hi… can you pot seeds for me?" Louie asked.

"Sure thing!" Wakko smiles. "Are you a fairy?" He grabs one of the pots he made. 

Louie was hesitant to answer but saw the knight only smiling.

"It's ok if you can't answer. My brother taught me that fairies or most creatures can't tell their names. I kinda guess because you have pretty green eyes like green grapes. They're my favorite by the way and he said they shine like jewelry." He goes to grab dirt from a ceramic pot he keeps for fruits.

' Its ok to kinda tell him.' He thought

  "I'm.... Something like that. I can't say I'm sorry."

"Hey it's how things are in the world, nothing wrong with that." Wakko then poured enough before hindering him to come over. He takes out a small iron knife but looks pretty back away. It took a moment for Wakko to understand and throw the knife away.

Louie was surprised as he saw Wakko take a bite of the cherry before spitting out the seeds to plant.

"Why throw your sword away? Someone would attack you?" Louie asked.

"Well I'm safe, I can handle a fight, plus I saw you were nervous so I threw it. Besides, I can make some kinda knife." Wakko plants the seeds and hands the pot to him.

 Louie accepted it and although it was plain and simple, he couldn't help but like it alot. "Why did you kiss my brother?" He asked.

"That's who he reminded me of! It wasn't a kiss, it's called CPR. It's when someone can't breathe and you push air in their lungs. Can't push it through anywhere and plus he looked like he was drowning." He added.

"So you don't like him?" Louie asked.

"We Just met, liking someone takes time but I like being friends first. It's the best treasure next to family. Just like i like you as a friend too."

Louie was surprised. He didn't really think that way. He lives as a prince, doing crazy magic and his family being crazy. "So is your family nice?" 

"Oh definitely!! Wait, can I tell you their names?"

"You got nicknames?" Louie asked.

"big brother likes to Yak a lot but he's amazing! He can read books and have a huge memory like a library! He can even tell you about the stars! My baby sis is the best, she made me these clothes and even this hat. They can be zany sometimes, I'm zany too but I like it because it's never the same you know?"

Louie, being the middle nodded and thought back a lot of things. He puts the pot down and takes out something he keeps. "It's not exactly iron, but it's really sharp and will protect you. It's called a obsidian dagger." He looks away, not daring to look but feels he accepted the dagger and looks before blushing.

"I love it so much!! Thank you!" Wakko pulls him in for a hug. 

Louie blushes deeply before hugging him back enjoying the warmth. 

Wakko hugs him a bit more before letting go and and hears Yakko calling him. 

"Wanna join us?" 

"I'm good I gotta go-"

"Hey you are welcome-"

"I'm not nice! I can be evil-" Louie didn't felt right to be given the welcome, if he does, Wakko was practically giving him free access (he sneaks in but to be welcome was practically letting him stay there.)

"Hey you are pretty nice and I like your company and your brothers. I saw your other brother in blue too but you all are always welcome to come here." Wakko smiles and Louie couldn't stop turning red before disappearing. 

Louie reappear and places the pot by his window and smiles at his most treasured gift and although redder than the cherries, he couldn't help but like this gift.

He smiles blushing and hoping to see his friend again. 

Chapter Text

Yakko woke up and seeing it was morning and no school today, he didn't have to see either of those two! Yakko lies back in relief thinking this whole week was horrible! But then the thought of the beast made him think differently. 'Well, not really a bad week. He was kind enough to help me out and didn't try to eat me!' He looked at the cane and  wanted to do something nice for the beast and thought of a few things. "Well, he gave me a cane, maybe I can get him something nice?" He thought about it until he thought about buying him pieces of meat for him but then it was weird so maybe something else. For the meantime, he should get breakfast ready while his sibs are asleep. He gets up and goes under his bed to grab his box of savings for something reeeeally big that he can't say yet, mostly cuz there's too many prying eyes reading as of now.

Yakko looks out to the readers. "Now I can't say everything out yet or let you watchers pry into my private stuff. I have right to my privacy." He closes the door and not too long,  he comes out with a fresh set of clothes on and has some money he can cover for the meat or something nice. He gets out of his room and heads out to the kitchen to make breakfast for his sibs before thinking about his new friend again that was taking rent free in his head right next to astronomy.

The beast.

He had to say the beast was really kind and helpful, and didn't ask for anything in return. Yakko felt he has to give him a thank you gift and after thinking it over, getting some meat for his new friend was a good start. There was just one big problem.

Well,

Two big problems in the form of two noble brats.

He stopped just before entering the kitchen and was not feeling so happy now and was trying to understand the reasons why they were targeting him. 

First off Bradley.

Bradley hated him since they were ten and not ever showed any signs of liking him much less throw a hand of friendship nor a truce. "Something just doesn't add up." 

Then there's Buster. 

Yakko could read him like a book but that doesn't mean he likes him.  He knew Buster for 10 years and not once gave any impression he liked Buster. he knows well how Buster clings to someone he feels close to and the hard part is he mixes kindness with love. He didn't know when it began but Yakko knew when he started to invade his space. He'd thought Buster was doing this to protect him had he not  chased him around town or tried to drag him.

"But he's been doing that since I was 11." Yakko thought out loud as he sees Wakko outside farming. He smiles seeing his brother getting stronger (and taller than him! Seriously how did the tall gene hit Wakko and not him!?!?!?!) There was a possibility Buster and Bradley could be working together. 

 He shook his head and went to make his special sweet porridge with berries. "Its unlikely they be. They hate each other." Yakko began cooking, dismissing the thoughts and kept thinking about his list of errands. Yesterday they couldn't get their list done but he wasn't feeling safe to go out today. He leans against the counter and frowns. 

"I don't want Dot or Wakko to go alone, especially after what Bradley said," he crossed his arms. Bradley's threat was bothering him so much, he couldn't believe it was a bluff. Just as he was thinking what he could do, he heard a knock on the door and tensed a bit. "I can't deal with them right now." He mumbles, going to the door before getting it and opens to see someone he didn't expect.

"Tank?" Yakko opened the door even more before looking around to see if Bradley was there but didn’t see Bradley or any other of his goons. "Class isn't today." He sees a small set of papers in front of his face and sees it was the bee research.

"I know I messed up on a few things but I finished it." Tank looks to the ground, looking nervous. "I really got into studying it and tried to write everything down but it's not close to 4 pages."

Yakko looked at it and seeing Tank really did the work, only made him smile. "Why Tank this is the best report I have seen. Give me a second." He goes to get something from his room and comes back using the gold ink drawing a big star. 

"You deserve a high grade Tankoitz." 

"Thanks, teacher…. I'm thinking of working in this kind of field. I kinda like doing this research thing." 

"That's a pretty good idea Tank." 

"Thanks…. I mostly came to apologize for yesterday. I heard what Bradley said in the back alleys and I didn't like him threatening you with your little sister."

Yakko then realized who was the one that made that sound. "Tank, did you distract Bradley just for me to escape? I'm so grateful to you!" He grins, shaking his hands before having an idea. "Tank, would you be a friend and help out today?"

Entering town, Yakko was walking ahead as his friend Tank walked behind with Dot and Wakko as they were getting the grocery list done.

"Thanks Tank for the help today." Dot smiles carrying baskets of bread and Wakko grabs one of the loafs.

Wakko was eating one of the breads as he was carrying the other food in a basket. "You know you're a pretty good guy." The middle sibling between bites said.

"Alright sibs, and Tank, we gotta get some more stuff but I was gonna stop by the meat shop and make a beef stew with potatoes and carrots." Yakko practically can hear his brother drool over that. "Tank, want to have dinner with us?" Yakko asked.

"That sounds good." Tank spoke carrying some of the other groceries.

Yakko hummed before catching a glimpse of Buster and he was not too far but not once getting close to him. Be it Tank or the guilt after yesterday, Yakko was just relieved he was not coming over. He did see Bradley infuriated but what can he do? 

They made it to the meat shop and bought some meat. Yakko can see Dot and Wakko were excited but he saw Tank was suspicious about buying more meat.

"Yakko, can we get candy!?" His sibs asked them and he nodded. "Sure, just don't go crazy over buying it." He gave them a good amount for two of each. "We'll wait outside." Yakko waits with Tank outside.

When Dot and Wakko went in, Tank hesitated but asked. "Teach, are you trying to hunt something?"

"Not hunting, it's just," Yakko questions should he tell him or should he lie. "Trying a new way to preserve the meat. Nothing too zany." 

"Oh ok but… teach…. I saw you riding on a beast. I thought you'd, I don't know, wanna try to catch it?" 

Yakko went quiet but heard Tank continue.

"I won't say anything cuz I saw it was helping you, but be careful, ok? It can get pretty dangerous quickly."

"Thank you for being the friend I need right now Tank. Besides you know me, I can talk my way through danger." Yakko smiles and appreciates the big oaf. "You know Tank there are many types of geniuses in the world and they don't need to know everything. You are one kind of genius that can read a room better, and know what to do than I can."

Tank hums as a thank you. "Bradley won't go after Dot. He's not that much of a jerk but he's willing to say anything to get what he wants." 

"Thanks, Tank. I needed to hear that. I was scared he would though. Seriously, why is he so determined to make me his wife?" Yakko asked him.

Tank crossed his arms. "I don't really know. He went to a party but other than that nothing. 

Yakko tried to think of what but shrugged. Bradley goes to a lot of parties so it was probably nothing. "For once I got no idea but maybe if the writer could hint us a bit-"

"No" was written across the sky as it disappeared. 

"Well there you have it, Tank, a real stubborn writer." 

Tank nodded just as Dot and Wakko came out with their candy.

"Ready to go sibs?" Yakko asked.

"Yes please!!" They shouted as the trio and their friend headed away to home. 

After dinner Tank had to head home.

"Thanks again Tank,"  Yakko walked with him out to the gate. "You know if you want I'm sure pops can mentor you." 

"Thanks teach but I think I'll just practice on it. Besides, I don't think the chief likes me." 

"Pops doesn't like anyone, even with my dad when they try to decide on dinner." He pats his arm, "now go get going home safely." Yakko smiles but shook when Tank leaned a bit to whisper. 

"Teach, please be careful tonight if you go see your friend. Bradley has some of his guys out here."

Yakko nodded and saw him leave but tried to ignore the unexpected spook, he was relieved Tank didn't like him like that. He goes inside a bit quicker, not wanting to see or be bombarded by Bradley's goons.

"Yakko! I'm almost done with my paper! Can you check it out?!?!" Dot shouted.

Yakko felt normal, not running from two stalkers, he was just a big brother helping his sibs.

When it was nearing 9 pm, Yakko was tucking his siblings into bed. They didn't have to be tucked away, but it's been a tradition amongst the siblings and it was something Yakko enjoyed, it gave him a feeling of ease. "Alright time for bed." Yakko sat between them and ready to read when Dot stopped him. 

"Yakko, can you tell us something different?" Dot asks.

"Of course, what do you wanna hear about?" Yakko puts the book down and looks at each one. 

"Can you tell us about your boyfriend?" Wakko asked.

Yakko was startled, he nearly fell in the empty space rather than the chair. He sat on the chair again and cleared his throat. "Not my boyfriend but alright." He was a bit embarrassed. "My friend didn't give me his name, but I’ll tell you what he's like.” Yakko had to think about the beast. “First off, he's strong, tall, maybe taller than Tank's height." He had to guess but he then went on. "He's pretty and a bit scary too when he wants to be but he has pretty dark green forest eyes. He's pretty sweet and kind and he didn't try to woo me like two specific bozos. He did try to help me get home and even listened to what I had to say for a long hour and that says a lot." He goes on and not too long he hears them snoring lightly. He lets them be before going to get two pieces of meat from the ice box and hurries out. He sneaks out through the back quietly and walks over to the big tree like a cat and carefully climbs over on the trunk but pauses, hearing voices voices on the other side of the brick wall

“Do we have to really sit here and wait?” 

“Yes. Bradley wants to know everything about Yakko's routine so he can catch him.”

Yakko rolls his eyes hearing this before he quietly goes back down and uses his secret passage through the other side of the farm. It was a bit of an accident when he found it but it was a good one when he wanted to sneak out to the river and collect rocks and paint them to look like stars. He didn't take a lantern with him or else anyone could see him out at night. He did, however, bring a clear glass jar to catch some fireflies. 

When they were orphans, they used cattails but to keep a bit longer light for Dot, he used fireflies. He remembered back then but not everything before 7. He remembered his parents were Nobles, he thinks. He sometimes remembers his mom but his dad was a bit hard. It was really traumatic to the point it was mentally blocked. He remembered running and holding his sibs in the night and everything got fuzzy. From there he's been taking care of his siblings and it was scary. Every time he had to harvest berries or tried to learn how to hunt in the forest. Luckily he read about the wilderness and there were tomes people woule toss away books so he can keep learning. There were hard times when he had to hide his siblings when there were people and toons kidnapping oprhans or selling them, especially when they were toons. 

He thought his life would be hard until he came across pops and dad. At first part of him didn't know if he could trust them but it changed when they brought Dot to a doctor. They did everything to help her and felt he could trust them with everything. His life got better, his fears lessened as did his nightmares. As he caught some he thought back about his dream he had this morning. He has had a boy in his dream a few times years ago but it feels more comforting than the pain of being afraid of that moment he can't or won't remember. He catches a few more of them and grins, "I still got it." He whispers, catching a good handful. He shook off the fear before making his way into the forest 

"Not too scary at night." He mumbles as he enters the forest. With memories and direction, it took him 15 minutes before finding the old oak tree and looking around to call for his friend. "Helloooo beast~! Tall, dark and handsome beeee~ast!! I brought you something~!" He shouted looking around and sat at the rock before waiting until he heard a snap too close and waited till he felt his eyes being covered by two large claw hands. Yakko felt these hands were big and by the guess, rough and calloused but soft at the same time. He was relieved it was him. "And here I thought you weren't a playful beast." Yakko teases. He felt a bit of a shift but he was happy to know he was here.

"Why are you out here? In the middle of the night, where anything can kill you!? I could've killed you!" 

He heard the beast growling and sounded angry, but his hands/paws were gentle on him. He crosses his arms and retorts back with a grin. "Well I'd believe it if you weren't so gentle on me right now." He heard a gruff but he heard a fast swish sound from what he can assume was a  tail. That meant his new friend was happy to see him. "I wanted to see you because I miss you already." He smiles. 

"We just met." The beast said flatly.

He heard the beast growling but he noticed his breath was ragged like he was running. 'Did he run here?' He thought before giggling a bit how cute the beast can be.

"Can't I just come and see you and get to know you better?" He asked, touching his hands and felt the beast's hands shake a bit from the touch. He felt through his gloves were rough and reminded him of chickens or snake skin. He was wondering now if maxi was different at night? Like looking like a large wolf/ lion by day and a mixed chimera monster by night. Was that the reason he was hiding from him?

"Y-you can't look at me either! I'm not exactly easy on the eyes right now and I was hiding most of the parts of me using glamor." 

"Let me be the judge of that." Yakko gestures with his hands. He tries to turn around but he can't and feels the beast keep him there, forcing him to stay in his spot but Yakko wasn't just going to idle by. "Alright I'll just sit here being manhandled but have you eaten?" He takes out the meat from the bag feeling his hands firm but loosen a bit. 

He then heard a growl, not from the beast's throat. It was a growl from his stomach and he heard it again. He couldn't help but giggled how it was cute to imagine the beast being embarrassed. 

"I'll take that as a yes." He hands it out but keeps his head looking away. "I'll just keep my eyes away so you can eat but is it really ok I can't admire how you look? I mean I saw you during the day, I know you're not gonna turn me to stone. That's a gorgon thing.” Yakko added that last part and hears the beast grumble.

"You're not gonna give up on this." It wasn't an ask but more of a statement. 

"Well I have an open mind so no. I want to see you." Yakko grins, placing his hands on his lap. "So can you please give me a chance before you take it from me?" He asked. "If not then… I will keep quiet." He was still gonna talk but he was- he was surprised when the beast let go the second he said that. Usually  anyone, even strangers, would have not cared.

He didn't know why his heart was racing but he turns to see that the beast reminded him of a werewolf and a chimera mix with the horns and snake-like eyes and saw he had scales in color of red and purple. It made him think of garnets and amethysts and other gems of the two colors. Then he was surprised by the scorpion tail instead of the fluffy tail he saw earlier. All he could think was how enchanting he looked and cool. 

"You don't look bad." Yakko answers and cups the muzzle of the beast. He cups the beast's face and smiles. "I can't tell what animals you are a mix of, but I like that I gotta figure that out." He grins.

"How are you not scared? You have little siblings to worry about but in the face of danger. Why are you ok with it??" 

"Well for starters, I'm not your average kind of toon to let fear get to me." Yakko turned to sit and the beast joined him on the spot on the large  roots of the tree. Yakko saw he was a bit taller than Tank. "Another thing, I don't judge on appearance unless we're asking what to wear for the day." He sees the beast looking a bit more relax. That made yakko happy and his tail was wagging. He grabs his tail to stop. He turned a bit flustered. "A-anywhere, I think you're pretty cool and amazing." He can't really call him cute, something he can guess that's not what the beast will like. 

"You think I'm cool?" The beast asks with a raised brow but Yakko saw his tail wagging pretty fast.

Yakko grins before shrugging. 'why not, I may not get a chance.' he cautiously but scratches by the muzzle and not too long feels the beast head nudge to him. He keeps going and moves to scratch near the back of his head. He hears the positive whining from the beast. "I also think you're pretty cute for a beast." 

"I'm not cute." He grumbles a bit and whines like a puppy when Yakko's hands scratch behind the ear. It went on for a bit till the beast's stomach broke the silence. Not too long the beast accepted the meat but ate in a different direction so Yakko couldn't see the mess he made.

Yakko appreciated the concern but he was more curious where the beast lived and who he was. It's unlikely he's born a beast with the fact he can talk and form a sentence. He understands emotions and reads a person (a bit too good) but something about the beast gave him a feel of safety and he can't point it out what exactly that feeling he was getting

"So where do you live?" Yakko asked.

"I live somewhere." He answers between bites. 

"Somewhere? Is it next to elsewhere street and nowhere lane?" He jokes but knows that probably pissed him off but he hears a chuckle. 

"Maybe, its not to far from here but its hidden." 

Yakko felt a bit warm from the beast retaliate back playfully. "Well maybe later on i can find my way there."

"How about someday I bring you there? I don't think wandering around the forest is the best idea." The beast finishes his meal and Yakko helps wipe the mess on his face with a handkerchief he keeps.

"I would be happy to but would you let me bring my family with me? Its a family deal." He added.

"Only if they are not that scared they can come." The beast answers.

"I'll take that as a yes." Yakko chuckles but looks up to the sky. Its nice to see the stars out like this. "It's really pretty at night. You can see Orion's belt from here."

"Who's?" The beast looked around but didn't understand what he meant.

Yakko explains it as he showed him where to look and explained all about the stars and even planets. He was so passionate about them that he didn't notice time passing until near past midnight. "And that's why the star's are *yawns* made of gas." Yakko figured the beast fell asleep but saw him more wide awake than ever. 

"Can you tell me more?" The beast asked, sitting with Yakko on his lap. The root can be a hard spot to sit on so during Yakko's explanation, he moved his way to the beast's lap.

"I would but I can't and believe me I hate that I can't continue this. We can meet up later on tonight? I can even bring my telescope." He asked with hope, he was so excited to talk to someone about astronomy and maybe even about other things.

"I would like that." The beast answers but feels Yakko got off his lap and takes out the pocket watch for him to see. The watch looked old despite being polished over time and had lavender designs carved out but it was perfect in Yakko's eyes. It was after all his first fathers. 

"Here so you can know, but keep it safe." Yakko didn't know why but he can trust the beast. "Here is the time now so let's meet when the big hand goes here, the second time." He points to 9. He didn't have a necklace and the chain was too short to be a necklace but his pants straps were thin enough. 

"Mind cutting one of the straps for me?" Yakko asks and the beast cuts it with no problem. Yakko always carried a needle and a roll of thread and sewed up the ends to make a necklace for him and attached the watch before putting it on him. It made Yakko grin to see it fit nicely on the beast.  

The beast was amazed and saw Yakko yawned a bit and was ready to go when the beast stopped him. "I can take you back."

"Take me to dinner first-" Yakko woke up at that moment and chuckled nervously. "Sorry im just half asleep. What I mean is you know where I live but don't you need to go back to *yawns* somewhere…?" He was getting more sleepy but didn't know why he was so tired all of a sudden. Maybe it's been a long while feeling this relaxed. He thought and he laid against the beast and felt him hold him in his arms.

Chapter Text

Yakko was startled and woke up remembering one big question to ask.

"Wait what's-!" Yakko was surprised to find himself in his room to see it was morning. He swore it was around midnight!

He looked around surprised. "How-?!" He got out of bed, he felt really energetic after having a few hours of sleep but he didn't know if last night was a dream or not. He then paused, remembering his watch. He checks his pants before he looks into his coat pocket and finds the watch missing. Few of his treasures from his past were the pocket watch and the other was his mom's stone but to find the watch gone meant one fact.  "Wasn't a dream," he sighed in relief but was puzzled he didn't get to ask one question. "I wish I could ask him his name." He looks at the cane. "There's always tonight." He smiles before looking at the calendar. Tomorrow their parents will come back, meaning things will be back to normal but he was still worried about them. "I hope they're ok." He lies back down on his bed and looks up to the rocks painted as little stars hanged by strings. He remembered his dads helped him hang them up when it was a few months after being brought here. He smiles at the memory. He sighed, almost forgetting he was in his clothes from yesterday but he sniffed it smelling a nice fragrance of flowers he couldn't tell what it was. "Better change before anyone else notices.

Just as he was happy to make new memories with his new friend, he then remembered one, 2 small problems.

Two goons were asleep behind the wall when they were woken to a pail of water.

"Top of the mornin to ya two goons!" Yakko sang out and saw the two were spitting and coughing.

"Y-y-you!!!" One of them shouted.

"Me!" Yakko replied, mocking them.

"You know we work for Bradley-!"

"Look I get it you two were spying over my family's property-"

"We weren't-"

"Ah ah, let me finish." Yakko grins, cutting them off. "I can't get Bradley in trouble but I can get you two for the invasion of privacy and any other stuff too. But I'll let it slide if you get off my family's land and you tell Bradley this: leave me alone." Yakko glares and they scurry off back to their master.

"With that, I can go and make breakfast." 

 He made his way to wake up his siblings but saw they weren't in their rooms. The oldest for a moment felt a panic before hurrying out to find him, his thoughts were fearing the worst until he found them in the kitchen/dining room but just as he stepped foot in, there was food set on the table already there and Dot and Wakko were already eating. He calmed himself before putting on a smile. "Hey sibs, did you make all this?" He was amazed by the smell as he got closer until he took his spot between them.

"We thought you did!" Wakko said between bites. "This is the best breakfast ever!!" Wakko takes another bite of the sausages and eggs.

Yakko was perplexed before he got up, checking all the doors and saw they were locked. The windows were too small to sneak in with how little they were. All he could guess was this was the beast's work. He wondered if the beast did magic or was he an all time chef and master of pick locking.

 Either way, the beast was a real mystery alright and he can ask when he sees him. He took a seat in his spot and eyed the food hoping there wasn't anything odd. He took a bite and within seconds he nearly drooled to the taste and was almost scarfing down the food on his plate till there was nothing left.

He had to admit it was really good, even better than his cooking! 

"Yakko, who made breakfast?" Dot asked. "This is nothing like your cooking- which tastes good too but it's different."

"I don't know how to explain that." The oldest wasn't lying, not exactly, but there was indeed the beast in play in all this. All in all, he was grateful for his friend, the beast. 

"Was it that nice friend that helped you?" Wakko asked.

"Something like that but I didn't ask him though." Yakko was pretty sure the beast did this.

Just when he and the sibs finished cleaning the table, they heard a knock on the door by their kitchen that has a door that leads to the garden. "You two finish cleaning up, I'll be back." He goes to open the door and sees it's Buster who brought what looked to be a basket of fresh muffins but Buster saw Dot and Wakko were cleaning up the table, meaning they already had breakfast.

"Buster if this is some courtship, I'm closing the door-"

"Wait!" Buster stops him. "I brought a peace offering in… friendship." 

Yakko took a moment. "I'm not buying that. You literally chased me around with Bradley of all people! You tried to corner me and look where that went!" He pointed to his ankle that was wrapped up. "Buster, I don't want to accept this, even if this is as an act of friendship. Not after a week of this and it's not even near the festivities!" 

"So you would have accepted if I had waited?" Buster asked with hope.

"No Buster." Yakko was at his limit. " I don't love you and I will not ever." 

Buster shook, hearing all this and looked down. "Why can't you give me a chance?"

Yakko would have felt bad, but he didn't feel guilty about this, not after everything he put him through this week. "I need space, Buster, I need time before I can forgive you for any of this mess for the past week." Yakko closes the door and turns to see his sibs there worried.

"H-hey I'm ok! I'm-!!" He feels them hug him without a word and he hugs them tightly without a thought. He just felt overwhelmed and Busterwas not helping him. "Thanks sibs."

"Always Yakko." Dot hugged him tightly and Wakko nodded.

"Thanks." He had remembered he had to get a book from the shop. "As good as this feels, I still need to go to the bookshop and I can't ask Tank to keep being a bodyguard." Yakko let's go, and got up. "Can you guys stay here till I get back?" 

"Only if you stay safe." Dot crosses her arms.

"And you take this with you!" Wakko passes him his large mallet.

Yakko takes it and smiles.

Wakko grins ecstatically. "Definitely for Bradley if he tries to pick a fight with you." 

 "Thanks Wakko." He slips it in his pocket and gives them a hug. "I'll make lunch as soon as I come back."  He let go and took his coat before stepping out with his siblings up to the gate before leaving and his siblings waited by the gate waving him off. 

Entering into an odd quiet town, Yakko makes his way to the bookshop. He thought he could bring the beast a gift by reading to him something they can enjoy but he was curious what to bring. He smiles, thinking about it and then about poetry. He smiled thinking about it and soon his thoughts were on the beast. He was amazed by how someone so terrifying, can be so sweet and kind and helpful. He even made breakfast for not only him, his siblings too (he will admit Magic exists because he can't believe the beast can cook)! The beast didn’t judge him or get annoyed when he goes off and he likes learning stuff. He noticed the town wasn't so busy today, almost too quiet and creepy to him. It felt unnatural and if he really gave it more thought, he could almost feel a lot of eyes on him. As much as he enjoys attention, he enjoys it when it comes to teaching or making jokes and the minor small flirting here and there; but the attention today felt like they were waiting for something to happen . He shook it off and thought of the two toons being the cause of the unwanted attention. As he goes inside he sees the shop owner was adding books. Yakko begins to look for the books but stops to see one book of simple sweet poems. He thought about the beast and grabbed it before finding a new book on maps of the world and some books on adventures and Romance for Wakko and Dot. He grabs them before bringing all 4 books up to the desk. 

"Top of the morning Mr. Hobson." Yakko smiles. "Don't worry I brought in my borrowed books-" he reaches from his bag but notices Mr. Hobson was shaking a bit. Usually he gets like that from confrontations. It didn't take long for Yakko to guess why or who in his thoughts and sighed. "Which one?" 

"..." He couldn't answer at first but Yakko could guess who.

Yakko rolls his eyes. "Let's get this over with." He leaves his books on the stand. "Where is he?" Yakko asks and the shop owner leads him there. 

"I'm terribly sorry Yakko." The owner of the shop looks down

"No biggie Mr. Hobson. It'll be over in a bit." Yakko knows the shop pretty well so he can escape when he wants but he has questions only the one inside the back of the shop can answer. 

—------Trigger Warning ahead—---

When Yakko enters the storage/library, a small personal library which was like a mini maze with only one exit. Right when Yakko steps a bit further in, he feels his fur rise and move out of the way just as the figure attempted to tackle him.

CRASH!!!!!!

"Bradley, didn't anyone ever teach you that a gentleman should never sneak up behind a lady, or in this case a guy?" Yakko crosses his arms and glares down at the bratty toon.

"Can't I attempt to be Romantic? Isn't that supposed to be romantic?" Bradley tried to reach for help but Yakko kept his distance.

"That would be called harassment but in your case, sexual harassment." Yakko glares and keeps away as Bradley gets up. "Bradley, why do you want me to marry you? I doubt you want a trophy wife and of all toons, why me? We're not even acquaintances and I find you charming as pip." He sees Bradley was confused and Yakko just rolls his eyes. "I am being sarcastic." He was starting to regret this.

Bradley growls before taking a deep breath. "Can't I just like you? I mean you can be really cute." He smiled but saw Yakko was unfazed. "I have developed feelings for you and I will admit you're a worthy rival. Do you have any feelings for me?"

"Is the earth flat?" Yakko asks.

"Yes-"

"The answer's no! And jeez, even the tank knows that." Yakko was getting annoyed and aggravated by this. Bradley of all people never liked him, much less respected him! To say he likes him was like saying the sky is falling. "Bradley, you have not once tried to be nice. You have made fun of me, bullied me and other things. I could careless about you messing with me but you've hurt my siblings. Liking you is beyond happening because hurting my sibs is a no go. Speaking of sibs, I gotta go." He goes to leave when Bradley pushes him against a bookcase and pins him. 

"Look Yakko we're both adults here-"

"Speak for yourself." Yakko instigated.

"My point!" Bradley calms himself. "My point is Yakko, you can understand this for us both. You have perks being a guy and a toon especially." He smirks, grips his Chin a bit and forces him to look up. "And I'm rich and  entitle-"

"Spoiled brat that I'm not gonna fiddle with." Yakko pushes him away and sees Bradley seething a bit. 

"I'm a son of a marquis, I have resources that can take you anywhere-" 

"You can go away from me." Yakko instigated.

"And you are very intelligent-"

"So you do acknowledge I'm intelligent! I mean you called me crazy and zany." 

"Let me finish!!" He grabs him by the shoulders and forces him to sit. Yakko however glares at him. "Bradley, you're rich as a rotten fruit and for your information, you can't have the title of marquis since you have two older brothers-" and then it hits him. Not even two weeks passed, and that uppercrust lord was talking to pops to sell their land. "You've been harassing me just to own our land!" Yakko asked and pushed him away.

Yakko was lively! The farm is his home! He was not gonna let them take his home away! "Did daddy dearest promise you the world if you got me to marry you?" It was Yakko now pushing Bradley away. "Your dad tried to have my pops sell his land and he refused and what do you know, a whole week to woo his son." He pushes him away, "So when my parents left you thought getting chummy with me, you and your dad could easily take it?" Yakko pokes at Bradley in the chest.

Bradly glares down and grabs his wrist tightly. "Why Yakko, that's quite a story you're making and you know accusing a noble means punishment." He grips his wrist and without hesitating or with a thought, throws Yakko to the floor. 

Yakko tries to get up but Bradley pulls his legs and grips them. "You know Yakko out of every one here, you're the only person who won't bow to me." He drags him but Yakko tries to kick him in the gut.

"Bradley, let go!!" Yakko shouts and tries to punch him, Bradley, getting pissed, tries grabbing his arms and forces them over Yakko's head with one hand. "I'm warning you Bradley, get off or I'll scream." Yakko states trying to be calm but he was still trying to get away. He noticed something dark about Bradley was appearing and he didn't like this feeling.

"So what? My father owns everything in this town!" Bradley smirks, ripping open his  coat and a bit of his shirt.

Yakko struggles even more when he tries to get his arms free when he grunts. He feels Bradley gripping his wrist hard. "Let me go!!" Yakko shouted but shook in fear when Bradley was gripping by his belt.

"Scream all you want! Let them come in, they'll see smart mouth Yakko in the arms of Bradley Uppercrust- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!" His voice went high when Yakko kicked him between his legs, forcing him to let go and Yakko scurried away. He ran to the door and out. Yakko was already running out when Mr. Hobson stopped him and led him to another exit. 

—----- End of scene—-----

"Everyone is waiting for Bradley to come out with you and I don't think you want to go out that way right now." Yakko moved to the back exit but was given his books by the owner along with another book. Yakko just keeps walking, trying to control his breathing but his mind's racing around. He did his best to walk but when he got around to the front entrance of the town, he ran as far as he could. He held the books tightly, trying not to think what just happened as he slowed down enough to walk. He looks around to find himself in the open field and he tries calming himself. He looks at his wrists and thanks to the fur, no one can see the bruises growing but he can't stop the fear or the pain in his wrists. He felt his heart was racing and his chest hurting, his body wouldn't stop shaking and his coat wouldn't keep closed. 

A cold wind blew in his direction and instinctively tried to button his coat and shirt but looked down and saw a few of his buttons broken off. He tried to control his tears from falling down. He can't cry and he can't let anyone know what happened, at least not yet. 

Walking back home, he tried to calm himself by thinking of something or anyone that didn’t direct to Bradley. All his thoughts were about the beast, wondering if he was a person or a toon. Curious if he's cursed or born that way. His mind calmed a bit but his body was shaking, his breathing was nearly ragged. Just as he arrives home, he spots Dot and Wakko waiting for him and he hurries to them and hugs them tightly. "How's my favorite sibs-"

But Dot pulls away just as he hugs her and Wakko. "Yakko is it true you kicked Bradley in the d-"

"When did you hear about this?" Yakko was surprised how news spread.

"The pigeons." Dot and Wakko pointed out to the birds sitting on the roof.

Yakko shook his head. "Nothing flies by you three." He glares at the pigeons before looking back to his siblings. He could work with that. "Before you ask, I'm ok. He didn't even get a chance to lay a punch." He reassured them but he couldn't tell them what really happened. How do you tell a 14 and a 16 year olds something that was scary to you? "He was ready to put up a fight but he gave up after one kick! It was a dirty trick, but what can I do to end it quickly?" He shrugged but the moment flashed in his mind. He shook a bit and backed away and forced a smile. "Hey if you guys don't mind, I'm gonna go for a walk. Fighting with him was really something and I need to walk it off." He handed them all but one book and took off before any of them could say anything.

"Did you notice the buttons on his shirt were gone?" Wakko asked

Dot was getting worried how fast Yakko left. "We can ask him after, let's give him space. Fighting someone is a terrible thing, especially when it's Bradley." 

Yakko makes his walk into the forest, he couldn't show them his fear as he shakes, trying to keep his shirt and coat closed up. He hoped, seeing his friend could help but the more he thought about it, he felt his body shaking and for a moment he felt terrified. What if he didn't kick him that hard? What if he missed or worse!? He clung to his coat afraid and didn't get to think when he heard something coming and tensed up till he calmed down to see his beastly friend on all fours. He tries to muster his confidence up and smiles.

"Helloooo beastly~! I am so glad you're here! I brought you something but I-I I  !" He held out the book for the beast but froze when the beast sniffled against him before he heard him growling. 

"H-hey I'm ok!" Yakko pushes the beast's muzzle away. "I-I-I  got into a fight! I-I-" but the beast pushes more and pushes him to sit down with his muzzle. When he sat down the beast laid his head on his lap, signaling him to pet him. Yakko pets him and soon he feels a bit relieved but tired, and drained.

"Can you tell me?" The beast rumbles out feeling the nice scratches on his ear.

".... I…." Yakko shook and hugged the beast's head. "Mind a long story?" He asked against his mane. He got a better view being in a not so dark forest. The beast's body was a mix between a lion and a wolf but he saw he had a bit of scales which he wondered how had he not seen it?? But what was most captivating other than his horns were his eyes. They reminded him of emeralds or a darker jade. Either way he liked that he was pretty cool.

"Of course I don't mind." The beast answers, nuzzling him. "Only if you're ok talking about it."

Yakko hugged his head and shook a bit but calmed himself. "There are these two guys, one is a real creep, the other," he pauses a bit. "Was a friend but now, he's not so much." 

"Was it that guy calling for you?" The beast nuzzles him to keep going.

"Yeah, that same guy. He has been pushing feelings on me and no matter how many times I tried, he wouldn't listen. He was also the one that caused me a sprained ankle." He paused a bit before continuing. "Those two nobles wouldn't stop and one of them, the creep, al-al-almost did something." He stops feeling the tears pour out. "I- I don't get it, he didn't get the chance b-b-but why am I still so scared?" He asked. "Wh-why can't I feel ok?!" He cries more before the beast nuzzles him. 

"Because it's not right that he hurt you." The beast answers. "And even when you were able to escape, it's something not so easy to push away."

Yakko holds him close and cries it out. He held the beast's head and when he calmed himself it was almost 20 min past. "I'm sorry I showered you with my tears." He felt bad he cried over his 

head.

"It's alright, but you better go check on your siblings. I'm sure they are worried about you." The beast watched his eyes change from tired to worried.

Yakko gave the beast a hug one more time before getting up. "I'm so sorry we didn't get to read this." Yakko looked at the book and was flabbergasted to see it was romance poems. He sees the beast take the book and have it on the side. "Next visit then." The beast leans over and Yakko just hugs him. "Thank you." Just as he was ready to go, he had to ask at least one question. "What's your name?" Yakko asked.

"It's Max." The beast answered.

"Thank you Max for everything." He gives the beast one more hug before leaving but feels Max by his side. Yakko takes a deep breath and steps out of the forest with him and out on the field and near his home and sees Dot and Wakko were there waiting.

"Don't leave your home tonight." Max spoke. 

"And I was hoping to sneak over to see you. Will you… come by tomorrow night?" Yakko asked.

"Definitely." Max responds and nuzzles to his side. "Here," he moves back to reveal under his paw a ring. 

Yakko kneels to pick it up and looks at it. It was a beautiful ring that had designs of shooting stars on one side, and the other wolves howling on a cliff but the shooting stars had red and purple gems and on top was a moonstone that was glimmering.

"You know in some places, this means you're proposing to me." Yakko teases and puts the ring on and couldn't help but smile at this

"What if I am?" Max asks.

Yakko was wide-eyed, surprised and red till he heard Max chuckles. "I like you but I don't want to scare you, yet. This ring is so if you need me. If you need me to come, turn the ring around once. If you want to reach out to me, whisper to the stone and I will answer." 

Yakko was amazed and as a thank you, he hugs him.

"Thank you Max." Yakko pulls away, "I can't really say it, but I might. Just give me time first." 

"I will but if I cross a line, I'm sorry and please tell me." 

Yakko smiles. "I think compared to everyone, you'll have a good reason if you do cross that line. I'll see you when I see you or in this case talk to you." He starts walking up but begins to run to his sibs. He felt a lot safe with Max but he felt more grounded with his siblings and hurried to hug them both before going in.

"Your eyes are red! What happened?!" Dot asked, hugging Yakko.

Wakko looked back and saw something running into the forest but couldn't believe what he saw.

Yakko was struggling before thinking about it and hugs Dot and pulls Wakko in a squeezing hug. "Let's talk inside." He pulls away and walks with them inside.

 He took a seat and tried to think how to explain what happened but decided not to tell them the entire details.

"Bradley tried to do something that was almost crossing a line. He assaulted me and luckily I escaped. But," Yakko pauses. "I felt terrified. I felt helpless and disgusted after running because all I could feel was his grips and I thought I was ok after escaping. I thought I could bounce back but I can barely feel ok after seeing you both and seeing my friend." He felt tears coming down again.

He felt tears coming out until Wakko reached to dry his tears. 

"Did," Wakko stopped feeling wrong to ask him before changing it. "Did you get to use the mallet after?" 

Yakko shook his head. "It happened so fast, and when I got him off, I ran out. I just wanted to get away as far as I can from him." 

"Yakko, you did what you could. It's not your fault. And it's ok to feel that way!" Dot explained.

"Yeah! Bradley tried to force himself on you and you fought back." Wakko spoke. "Anyone in that situation would feel the same and possibly worse." Wakko gripped his hands tightly, scared of what would happen if his big brother didn't escape. He hugged Yakko tightly. "But it's not their fault either, just as it isn't yours. People like him are wrong."

Dot nodded and held his hand, "And no one has time to think! No matter what, you are not to blame. People like Bradley should pay!" 

Yakko just holds them tightly, feeling tired and drained. He touched the ring and held them.

Dot could tell it was not easy for her big brother but thought of something by changing the subject. "Yakko, we want to show you something but it's not ready." Dot didn't want Yakko to know yet but he needed something to cheer him up. "It's still in the making and dad and pops have been trying to help me design it. It's so you don't have to use those bandages." She smiles and takes him to her room to reveal she, Wakko and their parents made him a binder. Yakko was amazed and saw it was really amazing! It even had black fur to look real! But he could tell it was still in progress but it made him feel beyond happy.

"I helped get the silver and mold them." Wakko smiles. 

"It's almost done but we still-" Dot stops and feels Yakko hugs them both.

"Thank you guys so, so, so much." 

Both siblings smiled and hugged their older brother. "It's just it hurts us to see you use bandages and we know it's painful, this'll help better." Dot hugs him.

"Thank you guys." Yakko couldn't feel any happier before thinking about the beast. "There is something I need to tell you about my new friend…."

After an hour of explanation about Max, Dot and Wakko were teasing him in his room.

"So you do like tall strong men!" Dot giggles. 

"Max must be dreamy to you~" Wakko grins. "And he's good at cooking, a real catch!"

"Wha- what makes you say that!?!? I mean I flirted with girls-"

"But you get so talky with certain guys like Tank. But you must really like this Max! Is he going to be our brother in law?" Wakko asked, thinking about how this Max guy was really nice.

Yakko blushed deeply while holding the pillow. He hides his face into the pillow as his sibs talk about Max but hides his smile.

He just might have a crush on the enchanted beast.

Chapter Text

Yakko was lying in bed as he felt the night dragged and curled in his bed. As much as he tried, he couldn't sleep, he curled up to the pillow and frowned before looking at the ring and whispering.

"Max, are you there?" He waits a bit before hearing Max. 

' Are you ok? It's near midnight .'

Yakko smiles. "Well I was but I wish you could be here, just so we can look at the stars together. I was thinking of going up on the roof. I know you said I can't leave, but could you come here?" He waits before frowning and sneaks out to go on the roof when he sees the beast there by his window standing tall.

Yakko didn't care how he got here; he climbs out of his window in a hurry and hugs him.  "Thanks for showing up." Yakko smiles not wanting to let go before showing him where to climb up and shows him his telescope before letting him look into it as he describes which were which.

"You'll notice a planet with rings, that's Neptune. And there is another called Uranus." Yakko snickers and Max understands the joke and chuckles before pulling away and looks out to the sky. 

"This is amazing. I have never seen stars like this up close." 

"Well," Yakko smiles, calming his tail down as it was swishing about a hundred miles per hour. "It's really nice to share this night watch." He looks at the outskirts of the land and sees the town. However he looked out to the forest and was curious. "Do you ever want to explore the world?" 

"When I'm no longer a beast." Max sat by him.

"Do you know where you're from?" Yakko sat by him guessing Max is cursed.

"I can't remember anything since I was cursed. I do remember I was just a kid." 

"Did you piss off a witch?" Yakko kinda figured since it was a typical plot the author had in mind.

"I must have if they made me a beast, but I remember I was helping someone." Max frowns. "I hope whoever I helped, I hope they're ok."

"I'm pretty sure." Yakko sat closer but then remembered his sibs teasing. "What do you do when you're around here?" He asked but felt his voice raised a bit and felt his face flushed.

"Usually running or looking for something though I'm not sure. But since I met you, I feel like I don't need it anymore." Max looks out at the moon. "Whatever it was." 

Yakko only smiles all as he felt happy being with Max. He was already dismissing the thoughts of his sibs comments. "Hopefully whatever it was, it's not important. So any stories you can tell me? I can tell you just about anything, but I like to get to know you better." Yakko sat closer and for some reason the cool air felt colder. He blushed when Max held him close.

"I remember stories I was told as a kid. I can't remember how my dad looked but the stories he used to tell me, I kept in my heart." 

"I can't remember my parents either but it's more cause of trauma for me." Yakko frowns before he smiles. "Mind telling me one?" Yakko smiles as they see a meteor shower pass through the skies.

"There was once a special rose up on a mountain…."

Meanwhile

The goons were shocked when they arrived to see Yakko with someone there on the roof. They didn't get a catch or a glimpse of who it was as they both immediately ran off to tell Bradley the news.

Yakko didn't notice as he felt relaxed listening to Max. He smiled as he slowly nodded off. He felt like he remembered hearing this story, but kept listening to Max as he was falling asleep on him. He assumed it was because of how soft Max's fur was and how nice his voice sounded. "You got a soothing voice Max." He nuzzles into the fur. "Sorry I'm falling asleep." 

"Don't be. I like your voice too." 

Yakko blushes a bit as he holds onto him. "Please don't go yet. Tell me more stories." Yakko holds onto Max as he hears him tell another story of a princess and a goblin king. Yakko listened, more awake. 

Buster was walking down the road to the Farm, carrying a small bouquet of white tulips, yellow tulips and gerbera/daisies, hoping Yakko would find it in his heart how much he needs him and willing- 

He stops and hears two voices before hiding and sees it's Yakko with… Wakko? He kept quiet as he listened to them.

"It's pretty sad the princess chose a prince over the goblin king." 

Buster hears it's Yakko but paled to hear another voice. 

A male voice that wasn't Wakko.

"It's how my dad told me besides, I like to believe she would choose the goblin king."

Buster scoffed and shook his head. 'If he's trying to win Yakko, he's losing-'

"I would choose the goblin king over a prince."

Buster pauses. 'But a prince has everything-'

"What about a beast living in the Forest? I mean he's not rich or powerful-" 

"I-I would if he let me." Yakko replies 

Buster could practically hear the way Yakko was flustered, just from his voice. He's never heard Yakko like that and he felt his heart ache.

"I mean, give me time, date and all that, I would want to marry him. And plus I'll help him make a home together with me. I mean people and toons back then did that so why stop now,  you know?"

"Well I'm pretty sure the beast would, only until his prince is ready." Max spoke and without thinking, nuzzles to him and Yakko could only giggle. 

"Your nose feels funny!" Yakko giggles out and grins, hugging him. "Thanks Max." Yakko's face was getting redder by the thought before calming down and changing the subject. "I guess you'll be going then? I know you would want to hear more but I gotta save my voice for tomorrow school." Yakko gets up but frowns. "From the looks of it, you gotta go soon." Yakko spoke seeing a storm coming up. 

 "Seems so." Max notices Yakko getting ready to jump down before carrying him down instead. 

"Thanks for being a gentleman." Yakko smiles.

"Only for you." Max bows, ready to go.

"W-wait!" Yakko stops him. "Since the storm is coming, and you are probably very far from home, you have thick fur and a beautiful tail-" Yakko was going off. "Would you like to stay for the night?" He asked. He didn't want to let go of him yet. He didn't know if it was his sibs teasing or the mushy feelings he was getting, but it scared him if something happened to Max. Max hesitated but it wasn't long when Yakko snuck Max into his room.

He was relieved Max could fit through the doors but his bed was not big enough for them both. 

"Sorry it's not big enough." Yakko spoke but saw Max lay next to his bed. 

"It's ok, I think it's better I don't try to sleep on it. It will be hard to explain how you broke your bed." 

"Can't lie that a beast was on my bed- not in that way!" He had to stop getting his mind in the gutter. "Imma just go to bed." He quickly slips into bed, he was in his sleepwear already. He peeked through the blankets and saw the beast curled like a dog. Wishing he could save this memory and without taking a thought, he got out of bed and was by Max, curling against his side and trying to cover him with the blanket.

Meanwhile 

Uppercrust manor

SMASH!!!!

"ARE YOU CERTAIN HE WAS WITH SOMEONE!?!?!" Bradley was enraged to hear about this as he smashed another vase with lavender in it, to pieces.

"Y-yeah but we couldn't see who or how, it was really dark." One of the goons spoke. 

"Maybe it was that buster-"

Bradley laughs at that. "I doubt that. Buster has been harassing Yakko for a week, he is as close as I could be." Bradley sneers, but if it wasn't Buster, who else..? He paused but shook it off.

'Tank was up at his grandmother's home yesterday and just got here this morning. Completely in a different path.' He thought and thought as he held the buttons that belonged to Yakko. He recalled farmers can't own high, strong metal, but why would yakko have silver buttons? He knew that mix was not a fan of wearing fancy clothes, much less jewelry. He sent Yakko those roses and gave them all to the kids. 

He sat back in his chair annoyed, thinking about yesterday. 

He almost had Yakko. Had he not lost his cool, he would have had Yakko right then and there. He played with the buttons before thinking about Yakko, puzzled over a detail that bothered him. 

'If Yakko was hurt, how was he strong enough to escape?' He saw bandages there and being a farmer, it's expected to get hurt and being a toon helps to get back up, but it was bugging him. 

He felt irritated, the idea of someone with Yakko. 

Was that why Yakko didn't accept his gifts? His attempts and even as far as cornering him yesterday? 

He sat down on his chair in his room thinking about that day. 

When he had Yakko beneath him, Bradley had felt power over Yakko, something he never had over that stray. 

He can't say he hated Yakko, far from it. 

Yakko was different. 

He was a challenge, a person who wouldn't step down even when he had nothing to his name. He could say Yakko was never one to step down from a debate or a challenge. It was one of the few things he admired about Yakko. He can't say he loves him, that would be saying that Yakko was an equal. 

To him, Yakko was a grand prize he was trying to win and after yesterday, he felt something else. 

He felt Yakko fear him and he liked that power over him. 

"And all Buster did was watch. He didn't even try to stop me." Bradley smirks before scowling. 'But Yakko still slipped away.' He growls as he also thinks about the mysterious guy Yakko was hanging around with him. The only answer he could guess was this fool came through the forest since his goons didn't see them coming from the town. He wondered how close this stranger was to his prize? 

"It seems like someone else wants him too." He sneered, thinking someone was soiling his prize. Was the king doing this? He had a deal! He grabs a book and throws it at a statue. 

' Yakko is mine! '

He gets his coat and grabs his hunting gear. "We're gonna go and hunt in the morning." 

'No one takes from me. ' He states and dismisses his goons out, ignoring the letter from the king left on his table.

Yakko awoke to the morning rain, feeling a lot better after yesterday as he recalled the night but realized he was in his bed and not against Max. He rushes out of bed but stops to see a note by his stand.

" Morning ," Yakko reads,

" I'm sorry I could not stay but I hope you rest. If you ever need me, remember to reach out to me and I will come to you.

-M.

P.s you … look adorable…." 

Yakko blushes deeply and hides his expression but smiles a bit before placing the note away, safe in his drawers and saw since it was heavily raining, it meant no school but alas it also meant no parents coming today.

"So much for seeing them." He frowns and goes to sit on his bed and hold the ring to him. He looks at it curiously before thinking about it and keeps it on. He doubts anyone would notice. 

After getting dressed, wearing a lavender tunic and his tan trousers, he sees Dot and Wakko were already eating the food laid out for them. He thanked Max before joining them. After eating, they thought it best to clean up around and take a day off with the heavy rain pouring down almost like a waterfall.

During the break, which was around noon, Yakko was looking out through the window in the library. It was small but it was his comfort place. All he could think about was Max and how worried he was getting.

"Are you thinking about your friend?"

Yakko looked at Dot who was walking in,  bringing some snacks and orange juice they made.

"Yeah, I was hoping he could sta- come by." Yakko corrected himself.

Dot shook her head. "Yakko, we know he was here." 

Yakko was shocked. "Wh-why sweet sister-"

"Save it lover boy, you by far are loud, and we practically can hear everything. I'm surprised the roof held both your weights. He introduced himself to us," she added as she sat next to Yakko. "He's pretty nice and really something out of a book. Have you kissed him yet? He could be a prince." Dot exclaimed, smirking when she could see how red he was getting.

"I haven't. So… you guys… like him?" Yakko asked with hope.

"Well, he was pretty nice and talked to us for a bit. He told us how worried he was about you." Dot smiled. "And he is really good at remembering everything you talk about and that's pretty good. So yes, I approve of him." Dot added. "Wakko too just so you know."

Yakko smiled before hearing a knock on the front door, just as they heard the door open, there was a quick slam not long after. 

Yakko and Dot were confused till they saw Wakko walk in, annoyed.

"It was Buster, but I slammed the door on him." Wakko growls slowly as Yakko thanks him, he wasn't up to seeing him or Bradley at all. 

Just as they were relaxing, they got a letter sent by a bird seeing it was their pops, telling them they were coming home tomorrow,  if the storm passes. Yakko smiled in relief but was worried about Max. Was he in the rain? Was he safe? 

Yakko slumped a bit as he looked out the window. 

They soon heard the sound of trumpets in the distance and Yakko paled, thinking people were going out to hunt. He held the ring and worried if he turned it, Max would get hurt coming to him. So he did the only thing. 

"M-max, please don't stay near the forest. There's hunters and they can hurt you." Yakko whispers but heard nothing back until,

'I will be safe. I will see you tomorrow.'  

Yakko sighed in relief. Before a strong knock came from the door. Yakko got up to deal with it but took the cane with him as support until Dot stopped him. "Let's put the binder first, please? It's not done yet but I have a bad feeling." 

Yakko nodded but kept the cane with him.

After a few minutes Yakko was wearing the binder, it was a bit tight but it felt great as he saw how natural Dot made it appear. Yakko put on his tunic and went with his siblings and saw it was Tank at the door, but he wasn't happy as behind him was Bradley.

"What do you want?" Yakko was seething as he held the cane behind him as Bradley stepped into the home but Wakko stepped in front of Yakko, being protective.

"I just came to see you, I heard you've had an unexpected guest." Bradley looked at the simple home and sneered. "My guys told me they saw you with someone, so I'm curious on who he is." 

Yakko gripped the cane before feeling the cane handle move, surprised at the movement but kept calm. Tank was here and as horrible Bradley was, he knew Tank wouldn't let Bradley attack them.

He hoped.

"That was my brother with me. We were stargazing and Dot couldn't come up being sensitive to the cold air."

"Yeah! Besides, why are you being a peeping tom?" Dot kept by her brother's side

"Yeah!" Wakko glares.

Bradley growled, he knows Yakko met someone! "So you won't mind us passing through the forest to hunt? After all, I wouldn't want to disturb you-"

"You sure disturbed me alot for the past week." Yakko glared and was feeling anxious. He thought he was ok now but just being in the same room was beyond bothering him. "If that's all you came for, leave." Yakko glared down at Bradley.

"I would like to discuss something with you privately." 

"No thank you. Last time you tried to have me alone-"

"Was a fight." Bradley cuts him off. 

Yakko sees Tank was concerned, realizing Bradley didn't tell him about it. 

Coward  

"If you don't mind my sibs stays around-" 

"I won't fight with you, or try anything, just a simple talk." Bradley stated.

Yakko saw he was not leaving anytime soon so he looked to his sibs and nodded to them. 

"We'll break the door down." Wakko spoke but he didn't want to go. 

"I know you got my back, I'll be fine." Yakko smiles and shows he has the cane.

Wakko was confused but nodded and Dot was worried about him before stepping out as it was only Bradley and Yakko.

"Now Yakko-" 

"I want nothing from you." Yakko stated and continues. "I don't want to talk to you." Yakko held the cane out. "I don't want to see you or even hear from you."

"Now Yakko, people do crazy things when they're in love-"

"You tried to-" but Bradley covered his mouth and Yakko quickly pushed him off.

"You're a coward and disgusting." Yakko pushes him away. "Get out." Yakko growled out, still holding out the cane.

Bradley however smirks and walks toward him. "Yakko, I could care less if you hate me. You are mine because you live in my land, meaning I own you." He was about to get closer, when he saw a blade appear from some cane yakko had behind him. 

"I. Am. Not. Your. Property." Yakko glares. "Either you leave, or you're gonna leave with a huge mark on your face." He stated.

Bradley growls, seeing no sign of the fear Yakko had, but sees a ring on his finger. He stomps out and slams the door open as Wakko and Dot rush in. Yakko waited and when Bradley was out of sight, he fell, his legs gave out and he shook from fear. He could feel his siblings hug him. He knew it was overwhelming, but that was not enough to express how he feels now. He felt brave because his sibs were there but also the fact Max gave him a sword hidden as a cane, which was a blessing in disguise. 

Yakko had a thought and held the cane sword to Wakko. "You know I'm not good with this kind of stuff and just holding it terrifies me a bit." 

Wakko was amazed and Yakko smiled. "I know you practice it, seeing you practice in the morning sometimes when you think no one's watching." Yakko hands it to him. "Just, please be careful." 

Wakko accepts it before he hugs his brother tightly. "I'm going to be a great knight and I'll keep us all safe." He hugs him tightly.

Yakko hugs him and feels reassured and hears thunder boom out. 

"If we're lucky, Bradley got electrocuted." Dot spoke and all Yakko could do was laugh at that.

"How about we make something to eat? We can't go to school with the weather like this." Yakko pointed out and soon another thunder booms out.

"Yeah. How about we make it a day." Wakko grinned.

Yakko smiles seeing his sibs rush to the kitchen and looks out the window, hoping Max is ok.

"Yakko! We want to have pie!" 

Yakko takes a deep breath and goes to the kitchen before rushing in to see the mess they already made.

At night Bradley waited as no one came. He was getting annoyed as it was only him and two goons of his trying to wait till the unknown mysterious guy came. His mind was on the ring on Yakko's hand. It didn't look simple nor did it look new, but the gems on it were priceless. He's never seen a gem like that, it meant that whoever he was, was possibly richer than his family. 

'But the duke of Geraldine has been dead for 13 years' Bradley thought as his dad was there, seeing the death penalties themselves, but it was hard to know what happened after. He shook it off as he saw nothing yet as the rain died a bit, but no traces of the person yet.

Bradley got annoyed and decided perhaps he should go further into the forest.

' I can get a good hunt….' His mind wandered off as he went in. 

Yakko was worried as he tossed and turned in his bed, he was hoping to rest but his thoughts were on his parents and Max. Just as he was getting tired, he heard a bell ringing out and he shook in fear before looking out. He couldn't see what was wrong and decided to go out to see what happened. 

'I need to know. ' He ran outside and hurried to see not too far no signs of Max, but saw someone was hurt and saw it was none other than Bradley, who was bleeding on his side. He didn't care if anyone saw him, his heart was racing as much as his mind and ran into the forest.

"M-max!" He looks around until he hears a snap of a twig and hesitates to wait until he sees Max appear in the faint light but covering his left eye and sees gold of sort spilled and he hurries to his side to see. 

"Let me check!" Yakko cups his face to see it wasn't a loss of an eye but a cut over his eyebrow.

"I know you told me not to, but I heard what had happened through the ring and I needed to see you. I thought they all left already until I saw him enter deeper into the forest. He tried to attack me but he missed and I defended myself. I'm sorry, I lost the watch"

Yakko checked his face and found no marks or other new scars aside from the one on his eyebrow. "Hey it's ok, so long as you're alive, I'm happy as a clam. Will you be ok? Did he hurt you anywhere?" He asked worried now but felt Max nuzzle to him. 

"I'm ok. Did he try to hurt you?" Max asked and Yakko kept pressure on the wound.

"He didn't get to, luckily your cane helped me." Yakko wasn't a doctor but he studied enough about herbs and medicine especially when he took care of minor injuries Wakko and Dot used to get when climbing or running. He takes out from his pocket, a knife (Dot gave him after Bradley came to their home) and cuts off from his tunic strips to make bandages to cover the wound and takes out a small container of ointment he keeps and uses it for Max's wound before covering it with the bandages.

"It's not the best but it'll do."

"Thank you." Max gets up and Yakko stands by but knows he has to go. 

"You sure you're gonna be ok?" Yakko asked and Max nodded. 

"Yakko as much as I would like to have you with me, you have siblings that need you first. I will be fine." Max hugs Yakko and walks with him to the near edge of the forest.

Yakko however was hesitant before going but hugged the beast before leaving to go to his siblings side. 

Max watches but as soon as he sees Yakko was away, he growls at a man but sees this one was not bad, but could smell the faint smell of that creep .

"Look, I don't want to fight you." Tank dropped his weapon to show he meant it.

"Please, I need to know if you have a cure for my friend." 

Max glared down at the idea of helping that creep. But he had seen Tank help Yakko before. "Why would you help someone who hurt your real friend?"

"I know my friend is not the best, and a really spoiled brat, but I owe him for saving my life. I know they had a fight-"

Max growls. "Would a fight-" he stops, thinking about Yakko. As much as he wants to ruin that creep, that also meant hurting Yakko. It wasn't his right to tell him.

"Would a fight stop there? You've seen your so-called friend get into a fight with Yakko, what if it goes worse?" 

Tank warily looks at him. "You know something about the fight. Tell me." Tank hated to admit it but ever since he came back, Bradley was different. Something happened and he noticed how Yakko got anxious around Bradley, like he wanted to run.

"Not my place to say but I am telling you here and now, I saw your friend's heart, he isn't the good guy you knew." Max was ready to leave. "He'll be fine, he's just paralyzed but the venom reveals the inner heart of your friend." And Max disappeared into the forest. 

Tank was concerned and confused, but he had been feeling something was wrong even before that whole week started. 

He wished Bradley never went to meet King Salazar.

Chapter Text

It was nightfall as Brain and Pinky were close to home. The storm cleared up nearly hours ago and it was safe to travel.

"Gee brain, that is the biggest crowd ever seen listening to your speech on your invention!" Pinky smiles as he thinks about the big news for Yakko! He was soon grinning ear to ear about Brain and his speech about his inventions.

Brain nodded but alas he was not fully excited as he hoped. "It was a good success but it saddens me that we couldn't find lavender for Yakko." For some reason seeds not only were more expensive, but lavender has been sold to the Uppercrust and the baron Bunny. He didn't know what purpose they wanted with the plant but he was feeling uneasy about this. 

"Pinky, perhaps we should have a break here and pick up after an hour. I don't feel right for some reason." Brain presses a button to stop the wagon.

"That sounds splendid!! Nyarf!! I'll get dinner going! We haven't eaten since the mid day though I insisted we hurry out as soon as the storm lightens up." Pinky runs into the back of the wagon to get their meal going. Pinky was not as smart as Brain, but he felt something was wrong ever since that afternoon.

"I'll collect some firewood." Brain hops off the wagon and looks around. He collects a few twigs before seeing cattails near the lake and smiles a bit, remembering the first time he met the kids.

It was near the end of winter, and it was the coldest of the year. Brain and Pinky were leaving from another orphanage that didn't take kindly to mice. It was another failure to adopt and alas none of the kids didn't like the idea of having small parents much less having mice for parents. Brain was still upset at how the head owner of the orphanage treated Pinky!

"I'm so sorry Brain, I feel like I messed up our chance to have a family." Pinky frowns.

Brain took his hand and smiled a bit. "It was not your fault. We just had a small disagreement with the head of the orphanage. There will be a chance for us to adopt a kid." Just when they were feeling at ease, they hit a snag and one of the gears popped off.

"Again!?" Brain hopped off and checked on it before grumbling it loosened again. If he was stronger, he could get this thing to keep hold. Just as he went looking for the gear, he heard rustling. Brain stands firm and waits. When the person appeared, it was a child that was a mixed breed toon. From what he could see it was a child that was a little close to 9, maybe 10 and had black and white fur but had only pants that were stitched over a time. Brain did however see the boy hold a gear in his hands.

"Aww it's a little pup cub!!" Pinky gushes. 

The little child held out the gear to Brain but looked nervous and Brain could see this kid must have fought a lot. He shook it off before replying. "Thank you child, if you would be so kind as to give me the gear."

The child hands it to him but Pinky comes down from the wagon.

"Where's your parents? Are you hungry?" Pinky asked.

The child however looked away, the child's silence was the answer. "Are you alone? Any relatives?!" Pinky was as shocked as Brain. How can a child survive in the cold??

"J-just with my siblings…." The child answers and from the sound and appearance, the child was a boy.

Brain could hear the cracks in his voice meaning this boy hasn't talked long due to the cold. He lets pinky do the questioning as he puts the gear in. 

"Y-y-you n-need to turn the gear around." 

Brain perked and looked at the gear and didn't understand till he saw what the kid meant. The ridges were a bit different on one side and had more grip but how did the kid know?

"How do you know this?" Brain asked.

"W-w-well… I read books I find. There was this one this person tossed out called, 'wonders of -"

"'Wonders of mechanisms and the ancient world.' That is a complex book. How long have you read this?" 

The child hesitated before answering. "I have been rereading it for 3 months." 

Brain was amazed. Usually a large book takes an average person 6 months to understand it but this child however reread it in 3 months! Simply wondrous to find a bright minded child. He was curious now. 

"Tell me do you believe the world is flat?" 

"If you lay or look upside down, it curves. I also learned if it was flat, then we wouldn't have magn-magnetic pull to help us direct us where we are going.”

“Very impressive but there is more than that.” Brain explains as he pushes the gear back in before seeing the kid help him out with the gear. Brain watches the child help him and instructs the kid what to do next. When they finished, Brain was impressed by the kid but as soon as he was going to say thank you, the child was already gone. Brain had an unusual thought that took root and looked at Pinky who looked hopeful. 

“Brain I know we agreed on one but maybeeee…. 3 is a lucky number.” Pinky was hopeful and looked to Brain with the infamous puppy look. 

Brain took a deep breath, “I will think about it, but let us go see where the child went.” He sees his companion hop off and find the child's track  passing the road. The tracks lead them to see a broken down water tower. Brain and Pinky walk up to the entrance to find, and in the light what appeared to be two boys taking care of the younger sister and build a fire using cattails but can see the youngest one was sick. The two mice had the same idea and soon enough, Brain stepped forward with a proposition to the eldest child….

Brain smiles, collecting the cattails  in his small bag as he thought about it. But just as he was finishing collecting the necessity of the firewood, he heard something large coming his way and hid away just as the creature moved to the path but perked that it smelled like lavender. 

‘Perhaps I can bring Yakko a gift after all. ’ He immediately followed the creature walking like a man through a thicker part of the forest and through a tunnel made of trees and soon saw a light at the other end and found it was a grand garden and a large mansion that was grander than the Uppercrust who were richer than anyone! Brain saw the many flowers but he snuck around to find what he was hoping to find and by luck not just one but different species of lavender in perfect shape and so he had taken out the cattails out of his bag before looking for the pods and found a few and began collecting one of each seed pods. With this, Yakko could plant as many as he wanted! Brain was ready to run but stopped, looking at the flowers blooming beautifully. "Yakko deserved to have a real one." He looked around and cut one that was unusual. But just as he did, he hears a growl.

"Thief!" 

Brain held the flower tightly as the beast growled but he noticed he was on hind legs, sniffing him but looked less angry. But what caught his eye was the bandages makeshift seeing on it was a black stitch initially saying Yakko.

 "Where did you get that!? Is my son ok?!" Brain dropped the flower, "I meant no harm to take from you but what happened to my son?" 

Max seeing the reaction changed his mood.

"Your son helped me when I got hurt." Max figured he can tell him how but wondered should he tell him everything else? "We got to know each other for the past few days but I have been protecting him-"

"Why?" Brain was now concerned more than ever! "What has been happening? I need to know!"

Max was about to speak when he heard someone shouting.

"Brain!! Braaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiin!!!!!!" 

"Would you and your partner come in to talk?" Max asked. 

Yakko woke up feeling full of energy but remembered today was the day already getting dressed to wait in the morning. Yakko hurried outside wrapped in a shawl his dad made as he waited. 

"Brain, do you think Yakko will be ok with this?" Pinky spoke worried after talking to the nice cursed toon living in the manor. He recalled the manor belonging to duke Geraldine. "I remember that the Geraldines looked nothing like him." 

"What do you mean?" Brain raises a brow, he didn’t even know that.

"Well, I remembered working from place to place but the Geraldines were the first family I worked for. I was just a mere preteen but they were kind enough to let me work for them." Pinky replied.

"So this Max would have no blood relation to that family?" Brain was intrigued, especially knowing Pinky's background history while working for nobles here and there. However, something about Max's curse was complex seeing the changes between night and day but it was a relief for the young toon was a bright one and not spoiled. "Perhaps we can find some research on this curse and we can figure out how to help the young man." 

Yakko waited and soon he saw his parents' wagon coming up. He made a dash for them. "Pops! Dad!" Yakko ran to them mid way as their wagon came to a stop and he saw them and scooped them in a hug. 

Brain smiles in relief but saw the plant glowed and saw Yakko pulled away to reveal a red magnolia on his wrist. 

"Pops, before you get mad, I didn't get a tattoo, it just appeared." Yakko stated but couldn't help but hope it was permanent. 'This is really cool!'

"Yakko I know," Brain paused feeling bad about this now. "It was unintentional per say." 

"Pops, what are you talking about?" Yakko asked, shaking a bit now in fear if this was Bradley's doing.

Pinky however looks at the two. "I will head in and see Dot and Wakko." He started the engine and drove the wagon in.

"There are some things we need to discuss." Brain exclaims. 

Yakko was quiet until he nodded in agreement. "Mind we walk together? I have some things I need to talk about with you too." Yakko frowns.

Brain took his spot on his shoulder as Yakko walked down the road to the field of wildflowers, telling his pops everything including what happened with Bradley. When Yakko finished he could see that Brain was shocked.

"I should have listened to Pinky and brought you and your siblings with us!" Brain was beyond enraged! Bradley was beyond a cretin! He however calmed himself and looked to Yakko "I am terribly sorry you had to deal with this alone. I can't imagine how it was traumatic for you and the fact of all the people, Bradley! That disgusting pig!" Brain was enraged again as Yakko held the lavender and made him think of Max just from the smell. 

"Well I can't say I went through it alone, I had support during the whole week. Slappy helped me when I needed it and Tank was protecting Dot and Wakko with me. And," he pauses before continuing. "There is this talking beast named Max who has been a good friend to me. He gave me this cane and helped me after that happened." He held the flower closer. "He didn't try to hurt me. He kept me safe."

Brain hummed and crossed his arms as he listened. 

"And something about him feels different! He makes me happy and he really listens to me. He doesn’t want me to be like everyone else." Yakko added and goes on about him.

Brain had an idea what he was feeling but he couldn't tell him. "Yakko, there is something I need to tell you." Brain began to tell him about the plan of the creature now with a name he met and about the lavender but above all how he met Max. "I am unsure if this is the best plan or will be a kept promise, but I can trust he won't harm you. He told me almost everything except what Bradley tried.  But I am glad he is very loyal to you."

"I wish my leaving didn't have to be like this."

"Yakko, what is most important right now is you are going to be safe with him. I doubt Bradley and his father will sit idly by after the past days. I'm afraid tonight you will have to leave quietly and quickly." He pats his hand. "As for Buster, I will have a talk with that ruffian. He shouldn't have been that disrespectful to you."

Yakko thought about it. "I'm worried if….  Being away won't be enough? What if I have to marry one of them? If they threaten you or hurt-"

"Yakko do not think such foolish thoughts. I will draw the line and say this," Brain walks over to pat his arm. "You marry someone you love, not for anything else. Marriage is not something we can accept without love, that is saying a lot from me." 

Yakko frowns and curls in a ball.

Brain frowns and thinks about telling Yakko about his past. "Once a long time ago, I was to marry a prime minister's daughter. She was compatible with me being very intelligent. Though you would probably rival her in debates and chess." 

"If she was compatible and had everything, why didn't you choose her?" Yakko was amazed at how his pops could have been a prime minister.

"For starters, I didn't really have anything to my name and I dreamed of being a leader. That is until I met your dad." Brain smiles a bit. "At that time, your dad had lived in a stable. Nothing to own under his name but took care of the horse. I was at first confused about another mouse who had nothing. Why was he happy? Why be happy with little to own? So I asked him how and he simply answered 'I want to earn enough to have a family. We became friends at first but over time, I began to admire him. Of course he annoyed me from time to time, but he made me laugh and smile. He made me understand the meaning of things I couldn't understand. Of course I couldn't express my love for him because I was engaged and I couldn't hurt him. That was until I compared the fiance and Pinky."

"Is that when you chose dad?" Yakko asked.

"Yes and chose a different direction in my life. I learned later being part of the council, I never was going to have my voice out. Pinky gave me the idea that if I want to lead, then lead where the most focus is."

"Your studies and inventions?" Yakko asked.

"Not quite. It was my knowledge in the patriarchy system that brought me there. I felt I made more differences and I asked Pinky to leave with me." 

Yakko smiled hearing their story. 

"Yakko, you can choose where you want to be and who to love. Do not fall victim to the pressure of false promises." 

Yakko nodded. "I better get ready for the night but let's spend the rest of the day as a family." He gets up and carries his pops back home to see Pinky happy to see Dot wearing the new dress. 

"Oh my sweet little Dot you look beautiful like a princess!!" Pinky gushes as he serves Wakko the many foods but saw there was a set of things Yakko saw was armory and a sword.

Yakko goes to his dad's side and tells him about having a picnic later on.

Brain watches as he smiles a bit but looks to the lavender on the side. He hopes in his heart the plan will work.

When it was time to head to the school, Yakko was ready to go when Brain stopped him.

"Yakko, it is better you stay behind. I don't want you being harassed by Buster or that cretin." Brain stated. 

"But It's astronomy day and I saw Bradley was wounded badly by- something." Yakko was happy his dad was accepting Max, he didn't want to ruin it. Seeing the look on his pop's face, he sighed and gave up. "Ok." 

Brain nodded as he and Dot and Wakko left, only Pinky and Yakko stayed behind.

Upon arriving it was when class began and during the hours, Dot and Wakko were wishing Yakko was here as their pops explained about the subject. When it was recess time, they went out but waiting by the tree was Buster. Dot and Wakko glared at the rabbit and went to leave when Buster ran to them.

"Where's Yakko?" Buster demanded, whenever Yakko was around, Buster was kind. Since Yakko wasn't around, Dot and Wakko could see the real colors of Buster. 

"You have no right to see him!" Wakko states. 

"He doesn't need to be bothered by the likes of you." Dot crosses her arms.

"Tell me now!" Buster glares.

Dot glared back. "He's hiding in the book shop but-

"Why would he be there! After Bradley tried-" Buster stopped himself but Dot caught on.

"What do you know?" Dot was not having it but that look she saw in his eyes was remorse. She had a feeling with Buster, he'd be Stalking 5 ft away from Yakko but it was weird he wasn’t there that day and bothered Yakko . "Buster. What. Do. You. Know." She grabs him by his collar but the look he gave was more than enough and the only way he would know what really happened was if he was there.

"I couldn't do anything for him-" but he was hit by a mallet from Wakko. 

"You could have helped him!" Wakko growls and Dot stops him but glares at the rabbit toon. "He was your friend and you-!!" Wakko shook angrily. "What if-" 

"Wakko you know I couldn't!" Buster was trying to calm the situation. "I couldn't help him-" 

Wakko growls before pouncing and attacking Buster with punches. "Rubbish!!! You could have but yet you just let him try to hurt Yakko!!"

Dot stopped Wakko as everyone was watching. "Buster, you leave Yakko alone and never come near him again!" Dot bares her fangs at him.

"If you ever come near him, I will make you regret it!" Wakko shouted. 

Buster leaves and runs out. He knew he needed to make it clear with Yakko. ' I'm not the villain! ' He thought. ' Just why can't I have him be happy with me?! Why is he against me!? ' Buster loved Yakko ever since he came to the town. He was strong and brave and funny and he was so different from everyone.

Buster slowed down and looked around. He felt Yakko was special and he knew it when Yakko had that accident when he was 11. He didn't understand at first until he learned about the anatomy from his dad. 

'But I secretly kept Yakko's secret. I kept it because I had hoped one day, he'd love me.' He stopped running as he walked up to the bookshop, he frowned thinking that day. After his mom died, Yakko was there when he needed comfort. That was when Buster felt Yakko was the one. He felt Yakko understood him. 

But it was hard when his siblings kept getting in the way! His hands gripped tightly, ' They never let me be alone with him! His family never lets me get close! ' He knew Yakko would love him had he just not listened to his siblings and his adopted parents. If he could just listen to him, he will believe him when he tells him why Bradley was after him. He took a deep breath before going inside to talk to his true love and hopefully have him forget that guy he was talking to the other night.

Brain watched Bradley's goons enter just when Buster left. He didn't like the feeling when they were making their way to his class. He took a deep breath before they entered.

"Where is Yakko?" One of the goons demanded as a question as the other kicked the chair down.

‘ They truly are fools to try to be scary.’ "Yakko went to retrieve lunch for us." Brain was not letting them know he was at home. 

"Then how did he not leave through the front?" The smaller of the two smacks their hand on his desk. 

Brain did not tolerate disrespect but he knew they were trying to irritate him enough to expose Yakko's location. "You do know there is a back and a side and many other exits Yakko uses. Need I remind you Yakko is good at escaping as I have heard he eluded your boss many times this past week." He spoke calmly. "Tell me, how is your boss? I heard he was rather kicked in an uneventful spot and attacked last night. Only a fool would hunt at night." He sees them wince and glares. "That stray is gonna get what he deserves after that!!"

Brain eye twitch in distaste. He is trying so hard to keep calm, but no one calls his children a stray. "Do you know why my son fought dirty? Do you know what your boss almost did?" Brain glares. 

"We know Yakko was being rude to Bradley after he confessed his heart to him!"

‘ So they don't know or they might know and support Bradley. ’ "If that is all, then leave. My son does not need to affiliate himself with the likes of your incompetent boss." He points for them to leave but the goons merely laughed, making Brain glare.

Not even 10 seconds later the goons were thrown out and brain was by the entrance. "Children, it is time to come in." He spoke calmly. All the kids ran in as Dot and Wakko went inside but he could see they were not in the best mood either. 

No one during the class would dare ask them.

It was another few hours until school ended and Tank was more worried about Teach since the fight. He only knew what Bradley told him but he couldn't help but feel it was a lie. He knew Bradley and Teach had arguments and disagreements but this one recent fight, he didn't like the atmosphere in the manor since. At first he shrugged it off, thinking Bradley deserved it but-

"Tankoitz, may I speak with you?" Brain asked as all the students left.

Tank figured why and he hoped he could talk to the chief too. "Everything ok chief?" Tank asked and saw the chief was clearing his throat as if he was trying to rid any possible scolding.

"I wish to thank you for protecting my children."

Tank figured Teach told the chief but his mood changed when he heard the chief telling him the one thing he needed to talk to him about. "I need to ask you for a favor. Yakko will be moving away to a place to further his studies-"

"I want to escort him out but it's gotta be by tonight." Tank stated, catching the chief off guard but continuing on explaining. "Bradley and his dad are coming in the morning tomorrow to force Teach into a one sided deal. I know you don't trust me but I want to help out chief. Teach has been helpful to me and the only one who doesn’t treat me like I'm stupid." Tank added.

Brain looked at the tall brute but sighed and began to explain about the plan that was made between the beast as well. It was a benefit to keep Yakko safe.

"I'm sorry we have to ask you for this but we both know that while Yakko is gone, no one can know about where Yakko is. You know Bradley will do anything since the past week he's been targeting him." Brain was still confused as to why Bradley is doing this. But after what Yakko said, Bradley is dangerous and will by any means harm Yakko.

"Sure and I can make excuses like I'm working on fixing your home. If you're ok with it, chief." Tank adds to Brain. "I heard from Bradley he tried to hurt Yakko and… is Yakko ok? Has he been overworking again?" Tank recalled one time Teach tried to carry a heavy bag till he had to help him after Teach pulled something.

Brain raised a brow. "What do you mean by that?" 

"Bradley got a view of  bandages on Teach but he was annoyed how he was  still pretty strong."

Brain paled when hearing that. "What did Bradley see?!"

"Just bandages chief. He thought he had a chance in beating Teach. Though he told me Teach Challenged-"

"Tank, this is very important! How far did Bradley- how far was their fight?" Brain is worried now but he didn't know if he could trust Tank yet or what he knows. 

"Just that Bradley pulled his shirt, ripping the top buttons. He has them-" 

"Tank, please I ask this but no matter what, you need to get rid of those buttons!" Brain pleaded. 

"Of course chief." Tank answered without probing  any questions but if he was honest, he felt Bradley was hiding something since that day he came back and now so was the chief and Teach. "I'll be going but chief, whatever it is, please tell me what's going on after Teach leaves." He knew Teach won't say anything but to Tank, Teach was his friend. He left and made his way home to get ready.

Brain trusted Tank enough to do it as he left but he had to leave soon since Dot and Wakko were waiting for him outside. Something is feeling off more than ever since the head of the Uppercrust came to their home. A week before they left, the marquis insisted his son marry Yakko and of course as a father, Brain was against it. How he wished he told the truth to his kids instead, or took Pinky's suggestion to take the kids with them on the trip. Nonetheless, he cannot remorse about the past, but look to the future in keeping Yakko safe.

He hopes things will get better.

At home Yakko was doing most of the farming with his dad but he was so zoned out when his dad had to hop on his shoulder and shout.

"Yakko!!" 

Yakko flinched, nearly making Pinky fly but Yakko caught him in time.

"Sorry about that, I got lost in thought." 

"It's ok," Pinky patted his hand. "Yakko, is everything ok?"

"I'm ok." Yakko smiles but sees his dad could tell he wasn't and frowns before walking over to the tree with his dad in his hands. "I'm nervous being away from home. I'm sad about leaving." Yakko frowns as he sits. "I thought I would be happy when I get to travel! Having a good reason to leave. I don't want to leave like this." He frowned, his back against the tree. 

"Yakko, are you also worried about us?" Pinky asked.

"I am but I'm mostly sad I won't get to see you all."

"My little scholar, you will always have us with you." Pinky moved to sit on his knee. He gave him a reassuring smile. "Family is always together, even when apart. It's scary knowing you will be gone, but I know I will see you again! And when I do, you can tell me all your adventures!" 

Yakko smiles a bit and hugs his dad. "Thanks a million times." 

"Always my little star seeker. Which reminds me! Me and your father found a surgeon who can help you with sorting out a certain thing." Pinky was ecstatic. "He is a doctor in the surgical world that can help but unfortunately, he does not have the funds yet to proceed. Which is why your father and I are going to help in any means!" 

Yakko was shocked! "You gotta be joking! I-I mean it's the best news!"

"Yakko you are and always my son, I want you to be the best of you as you always have been." He smiles.

Yakko began to cry and smiled at the news but above all, how his dad made him feel unjudged.

Outside the brick wall, the goons were overhearing their conversation but unfortunately they couldn't understand well behind the brick wall thanks to the ringing that rat gave them. 

"What are they talking about?" 

"Probably some hidden extra toe or something." The other goon. "Probably not important." He remembered Bradley telling them not to tell him anything boring or gross. "Guess we don't have anything to tell-" but they stopped whispering when they heard Yakko was leaving soon. That was when they rushed out in a hurry to tell Bradley.

"Anything else you want to talk about?"

"I was also thinking about… Max " He was looking at the forest. "He helped me out and I guess it's not surprising he did that." 

Pinky smiles and pats his arm. "Looks like he is looking out for you. I think it's good you have a friend protecting you. What is he like? I met him briefly but I can see why you like him." Pinky sat and watched Yakko was excited to hear and began talking about Max and  Pinky couldn't help but smile. Yakko smiles a lot of times, but never like now. He didn't want to tell Yakko what his feelings are, he'll find out eventually or he already knew.

"Sounds like a good friend to have Yakko. Maybe when things are calm, he can come here. He is always welcome"

"Thanks dad." Yakko holds his dad close.

"Now let's set up the picnic before your father and siblings come home soon." Pinky jumps off and Yakko follows behind. 

When the sibs and Brain arrived home, the picnic was set and all joined together. As they ate together, Yakko's smile was there but it was sad and he knew his family were feeling the same.   Knowing he was going to miss them all but he put on a brave face and enjoyed every minute with them. He can see they too were trying.

When it was time for bed, Yakko had his sibs sit on his bed. 

"Sibs, remember that friend I told you about?" Yakko asked.

"You mean your boyfriend Max?" Dot teases but her mood changed when she saw Yakko was serious.

"Is he coming here to cook us something?" Wakko asked, already happy to meet Max but he saw Yakko's Face said otherwise.

"I," he pauses and frowns. "I will be going soon and I am going to stay with him." 

"When are you coming back?" Dot asked, hugging his pillow.

"I'm… I'm not sure."

"Is this goodbye?!" Wakko looks worried.

"No, not goodbye." He holds their hands. "Sibs you can come by with dad and pops anytime but if anyone asks, I'm going to study abroad-"

"Are you being chased out by Bradley and Buster?!"

"We'll hammer them away! Please don't leave!" 

Yakko hugs his siblings, tears were pouring out of his eyes. "I can’t stay with them around and whatever it is, I cannot let them hurt either of you. I know with Max I'm safe and plus he wants to meet you both too when he's ready. He's just really shy-"

"Is he a clown beast?" Wakko asked, worried.

"No, not a clown," He hugs them tightly, “He’s a kind and gentle beast who’s afraid of scaring you both away.” He smiles before he was saddened. "I know I promise you both I'll always be there for you and I mean it. I'm never too far and I will never leave your life." He hugs them tightly, biting the tears back. "But to keep you safe, I have to go."

"We'll miss you Yakko." Dot clung to him as Wakko was more quiet than before.

"I'll miss you both more." He began crying. "You're not just my little siblings, you're my best friends." He cried and felt his throat had a lump in it.  He never had to be apart from his siblings. He never wishes to leave them but now he has to for them. 

"Can we sleep here everyday?" Dot asked as Yakko nodded.

"Definitely." Yakko smiles and lets them go get their blankets as he pulls his blankets to the floor and makes his area to sleep just as Wakko came in with the teddy. Dot hurried to his side and made her area. Yakko reads to them stories and Dot was the first to knock out in Yakko's arms.

"Yakko, is Max really nice? I know he's nice, especially when he met us, but when we're not there?" Wakko asked.

"Yes." Yakko pulls him to a hug. 

"Is he scary around you?" He asked again.

"He's a sweet guy." Yakko smiles.

"Do you like him?" Wakko asked him.

Yakko turned red. "I have a crush..." 

"Are you and Max gonna have a baby? Am I an uncle already?" Wakko pokes his stomach.

Yakko couldn't stop turning red. He didn’t know how this was making him this flustered. "No no we are just friends right now so no baby yet-" 

"So it's possible." Wakko smiles.

"I- I-I mean- that isn't what I meant." He whispered and was getting embarrassed. He then sees Wakko giggles and Yakko pulls him to a hug and giggles with him. "Thanks, I needed that." 

Wakko held onto him. "Promise us you'll stay safe and come back?" 

"I will but you gotta protect Dot. Being a big brother is a big job and no matter what we gotta be good but most of all take care of ourselves too." 

Wakko nodded but kept hugging his brother.

"No matter what, I'll come back." Yakko shifts a bit and holds both Dot and Wakko together and lets them drift to sleep.

Yakko carefully got out and laid them on his bed. He kisses them goodnight, and tucks them in before kneeling and opening the chest to take out the necklace. He held it in his hand before putting it on and frowned.

'It's not a goodbye, just a laters. I'll  come back.' He puts on his best coat and about to leave through the front when his dad stops him and leads him out through the hidden basement. 

"Where is your son,Yakko!?" 

"I sent him to study abroad after what happened the past few days. I heard Yakko had a fight with your son recently."

Yakko hears its lord Uppercrust and when they got under their home, he sees through the small cracks of the floor the older Uppercrust was pissed off. 

"My son needs medical attention and the doctor asked Yakko to come to the manor to help treat the wounds but you sent him away!? My son needs him!" 

" He is not responsible for your son nor will I allow your son near Yakko." 

Yakko would have kept listening but he turns to see his dad opening a door to a tunnel. 

"This will lead you to the forest. Go now." Pinky whispers. 

Yakko hesitates but hugs his dad and leaves. He wished he could say his bids to pops but hurried off. 

Upon entering the tunnel, it was dark and hard to see but he had to use his senses to get there. He walked carefully hoping not to make a sound as he felt worried now how things would be. Will the Uppercrust leave them alone? Will they keep on harassing them? He was scared to think the worst but had to change his thoughts. He hates not knowing the answer but he hates thinking they'll hurt his family. As soon as he follows the tunnel's direction, he finds what feels like a ladder and carefully climbs up to find himself in a tree in the forest but what shocked him was seeing a hand out.

Chapter Text

Tank couldn't leave Bradley's side as he was being interrogated by Bradley, pacing back and forth in his family's infirmary room. Bradley was wearing a robe as his upper body was covered in bandages but Tank can see from the number of bandages, they were mixed with his blood and the purplish syrup like fluid that took 4 leeches to take out the venom. As the Teach's friend said, he was going to be ok but he was worried about the whole "revealing the true self" thing because Bradley kept a lot of secrets since the meeting with the king and now since the fight.

"Yakko could have everything he wanted if he just accepted the proposal! Money, jewels and anything! But noooo! He always has to get up and fight me! He always has to be prideful! Be so opposing!"

' This interrogation feels like hes complaining.' Tank thought  Tank can say he knew Bradley his whole life, they were good friends as kids ever since he can remember. But the guy he sees now wasn't thinking straight. Ever since his trip from Warnerstock, he's been more than pestering Yakko. And now, he looks like a lunatic. He noticed that an old pocket watch that belonged to Yakko was by the desk.

"Look Brad, I was just asking the chief if I can fix his roof, that's all."

"Liar!!" Bradley growls pointing at him. "You know something! Tell me!" 

Tank was seeing a man who was looking more and more like a creep, a vicious one. Which made him go back to the recent fight. Something about Brad's story doesn't add up. In all his years, Yakko doesn't like to fight. He wouldn't play dirty unless he was cornered and he would always push away, never kick. Something just feels wrong with Brad. "Look, the chief was asking about this past week. He thinks you and Teach-"

"Call him by his name! It's irritating that you give him nicknames!" Bradley shouted.

".... Yakko got into a fight." Tank was alarmed by Brad's personality. Brad was hiding something and that look gave him chills and it was creepy. He hadn't seen that look since Yakko embarrassed him when they first met. This time, he looked as if he lost his favorite toy.

"Did he say anything else?!" 

"Nuthin. Just Yakko going to London I think; Can I go home?" Tank asked.

"Report back but bring me something from his stuff! Something as a clue!" Bradley demanded.

Tank nodded but he didn't know what to do as he was ready to leave the room. He thought about bringing a different shirt but figured Bradley might know it wasn't Teach's. He was hoping Teach was safe. 

"It's odd," Bradley holds one of the buttons and Tank tenses at the sight of it. "Why would yakko wear silver buttons? Isn't it too high class for a farm boy?" 

"You know farmers sometimes carry silver to protect themselves from bad luck." Tank continues. "T-Yakko taught me that."

Bradley dismisses it and looks to the button before putting it down in the box. "Just do your job and bring me one of his shirts or something!" 

Tank leaves and goes to town at night, but couldn't go to help Teach with the spies lurking about. He was worried about his friend as he instead headed to his home.

'Please get out safely, Teach.'

"I demand you bring him back!!" 

Brain was keeping calm as he couldn't help but wish he could throw a thick heavy book at him. "And I told you already, my son will not tolerate being near Bradley. Your son has been harassing him."

The lord glared down at Brain and waves and dismissed his son's actions. "I told you Brain, Bradley loves your son, he will do anything to succeed in having him." 

Brain glares and grips his hands. "Does attempt to rape considered courtship?! How can you dismiss what your son has done!?"

"My son, unlike your flamboyant son, is a man. Your son is just merely picky and should have already known all men are like that. We are to be assertive-"

"How dare you think that is justified!" Brain glares down at this excuse of a man. "How is forcing one will over another is right?!"

"Do not shout at me! You are not in my level of class!" 

"I will not! So long as I stand my ground, Bradley will never see or ever get close to Yakko!" 

"I will get you and your children off my land if you don't tell me where Yakko is!"

"Do it! I would rather leave than have my children be around a monster! You can find another teacher!!" 

The lord Uppercrust ground his teeth and knew if they leave, then they won't go to Yakko. He recalled Brain was a smart mouse, an intelligent one who was not going to be anyone's puppet. If they leave, then they can never find that mix toon.

"I will give you a week until Yakko comes back." 

"Blasphemous words from a cruel man and I will not let Yakko return." 

"Oh I know you will," the marquis smirks Because if you don't, king Salazar will come here. And he will make sure you bring Yakko back." 

Brain froze hearing that snake's name, the same man who gave him a choice to withdraw from society or marry the prime minister's daughter. That man has made his life hard but his children gave him luck.

Which is helping him now.

"You tell Salazar anything, I will spread word of your son's sinful action and believe me Uppercrust, it will be worse than what I went through." Brain warned him. "And since Yakko is still considered a child until 19, Bradley who is 20, will be defaced as a predator. How will you be able to undo such acts especially him intruding during class times, harassing Yakko-"

"You dare-"

"Law is law Mr. Uppercrust!" Brain stated as he stood his ground. "Even law is upon nobles. So please do as you may while I do the same." 

The Marquis shook before he left. "You won this time you rat, but the second Yakko comes, he will not escape!!" And slams the door. 

Brain took a deep breath as Pinky entered the room and went to hug him.

"You did good, Brain." Pinky reassured him.

"But for how long?" Brain asked. "And why Yakko? Why target Yakko and especially bring that fake king to this matter?" 

Pinky shrugged. "I wish I knew but for now let's thank our lucky stars yakko is safe." Pinky frowns worried if their little star is safe.

Yakko was alarmed and nearly fell back  had the hand not caught his hand. When he was pulled out, he was ready to lay a punch until the moon's light  shone through the clouds. He saw who it was and let his lungs release all that air he held in. 

"You literally scared me!" He slaps his arm. "I was going to Somewhere Max!"

Max huff rubbing his arm. "And let you wander off and get lost? I would rather be here for you. I'm glad your dads told me where to wait." The beast sees Yakko wearing a nice lavender coat and on his chest pocket the flower.

"So you met my pops?" Yakko asked, clearing the dust off his coat.

"When we met, I scared your pops because he cut a special flower that takes a year to grow. He surprised me when he spotted the bandages from your shirt. After talking, we made that plan." He explains. 

"But why in one day?" Yakko asked, backing a step away. 

"I want to keep you safe. I was the one that said it in a day because I was scared and worried others would hurt you. I could protect you during the night, but during the day I can't. Knowing now anything can happen," Max lowered himself to the ground to show he was remorseful. "I'm sorry about Yakko." Just as he looked down, he felt two hands hold his head up and saw Yakko smile before hugging his head.

"So you were willing to look bad just so you could keep me close and safe? You know how to charm a lady. Just don't scare my sibs." Yakko chuckles.

"I promise but I think that's gonna be hard." Max replies back. 

Yakko looked at him before getting up and looked back in the direction of his home. "This will be the first time I'm gonna be far away from my family, unless you count the two times I came to see you." Yakko jokes but feels Max takes his hand. 

"They can come and you can always go back." Max spoke softly. 

"I will when Bradley and Buster either marry someone else or give up on me. Or they go to another continent." Yakko holds his hand as Max leads him into the deep of the woods. Yakko was getting tired before feeling drained after the whole week of this hullabaloo. He held onto Max for support until Max carried him in his arms.

Yakko curled up to him and nearly purred to the smell of what he learned was lavender.  "You know… * yawn * you smell like lavender…" he mumbles away.

"I've been planting them since I was a kid. They remind me of home." Max hears Yakko hums. 

"Did you * yaaaawwwwn * tried to go back?" Yakko asked. 

"I can't remember where home is or if i can." Max looks out to the sky. 

Yakko held onto Max and began getting tired. "I know in my heart, my first home is gone…." Yakko curls to him. "Maybe I can help you get home one day…. And then… zzzzzzzz " 

Max only smiles and carries him but stops and growls. "You better leave, or I will make you regret it." He bares his fangs out to the figure hiding behind a tree.

There standing behind and coming out was Buster, weilding a sword.

"G-g-give me back my Y-y-y-yakko!!" Buster shakes and sees the beast hold Yakko, his Yakko, in those flea covered arms.

Max growls at him. "Yakko is not an object." He holds him protectively and moves the sleeping Yakko in one arm. 

"Yakko, wake up! He's a monster!!" Buster shouts but Yakko wasn't waking up.  "YAAAAKKKKO-!" But he was hit by brute strength and sees his sword caught swiftly in Max's hand and points it to the shocked baron heir.

"Yakko is not going to be waking up anytime soon, just as you are not going to hurt him anymore." Max growls

Buster glares down, shaking from the pain. "You're just a monster who's going to kill him! He needs me to protect him-!"

"Like you did when he was attacked in the library?" He growls eyes glowing gold. "Or were you going to wait till that monster hurt him." It wasn't a question, Max saw through him.

"I-I-I care about Yakko a lot!! I-I couldn't do anything! You couldn't protect him either!!!"

Buster paled when Max broke the sword in one hand.

 "Don't you dare have me in the same boat as you! If I was there, I would not let that happen! I would not have let anyone hurt him. You just want him to reach you! I would make you suffer for putting him there," He raises his claws at his chest and buster feels the stinging pain from the tip of the claws until the beast pulls away. "But I am not going to yet because he is barely healing." He then grabs him by the collar shirt. "But if you ever come near him, I won't hold back." He bares his fangs at him with a growl. 

Buster shook and glared with fear in his eyes. 

"I'll find him! I'll-" He felt his mind was getting dizzy and his focus was going in and out. 

"You're not going to come near him, nor you're gonna remember this at all. But when you do, you'll heed my warning. Stay away from Yakko." Max sees him pass out and drags him to the edge of the forest. He carried Yakko away. Buster tried to reach out but he passed out, trying to reach Yakko but couldn't hold his consciousness long enough.

Chapter Text

In the morning, both Dot and Wakko were asleep in Yakko's bed but the first to wake up was Dot when the light shone over her eyes. She stirred awake before getting up, but saw that her oldest brother wasn't there. She looked around the room, hoping he was still there but couldn’t find him. Getting up, she searches the house all around. 

"Yakko?" She looked in every spot till she finally arrived at Yakko's spot under the tree. He wasn’t there. Dot whimpers before she begins crying, sitting on his spot.

Pinky and Brain rushed out to the field to see what the minor commotion was.

"H-he left." She sniffles.

Brain patted her hand. "The Marquis came last night. He had to leave earlier than he wanted. Dot, it hurt him more that he couldn't stay with you and Wakko."

"Maybe we can go see him," Dot insisted, "Please, I want to see him."

"That would be far too dangerous and we don't know how far Bradley and his goons are from us. Just watching." Brain spoke. "For now, we have to keep one detail as possible. Yakko moved to study abroad. No matter what, no one can know where he is."

Dot looks down just as Wakko runs out to them. Saddened, he walked over to Dot’s side and hugged her. 

Yakko wakes up to what feels like a cloud and mumbles more, curling into the soft bed, not wanting to get out. Just as he was getting comfortable, he remembered his siblings were waiting-  he shot up, sitting up on bed. 

The boy looks around to find himself in a large pastel lavender room with tan outlining the walls. He tried to remember how he got here, when he got in bed and-  he checked to see that his clothes hadn't been changed and sighed in relief. He lies back down before wincing as his body is sore. 

Frowning, he forced himself up again and walked over to the dresser, quickly finding dress shirts. Yakko gasped in amazement before looking at the other clothes. He found they would fit him nicely before exploring the other parts of his room. Before long he heard a knock on the door. 

Yakko froze before taking a deep breath and checking to see if his binder was still on. It was, but he still felt a bit sore after a while so he decided to wait a bit longer. 

He changed clothes first before answering the door. He shuffled a bit, clearing his throat. "You-you can come in." Yakko's voice was a bit higher and was embarrassing for him. This is probably just max! 

The doors opened to reveal an older woman who was probably around 60. She had the sweetest smile and looked like a maid or a nanny bringing tea. 

"Hello." The kind old woman said.

"H-hi. Um… where's Max?" Yakko asked. 

"He will be here soon, but I thought to start off the day, a cup of tea would help." She smiles while pouring a cup for him. She then hands him the tea and Yakko’s nose perks to the scent which was a mix of different flowers.

"Thanks, it smells nice. What is it?" He takes a sip before drinking it.

"It is chamomile tea with lavender in it. It's good for soothing the nerves." 

Yakko sips from the cup again before introducing himself. "I'm Yakko."

"I am Mrs. Potts. I take care of master Max and serve the manor." 

Yakko’s eyebrow raised, curious. "How long have you been here? How did you meet Max?" 

"Well, I served this manor for nearly 12 years and I met Max when he was 8 years old. I was traveling to work for the Uppercrust, which I was fired on the same day." 

Yakko sat up in surprise, that would make him 7 at the time when he and his sibs were out on their own. "Really? Why would they-" That's when he guessed at who would get her fired. "I'm gonna assume someone specifically was rude and got you fired." 

Mrs. Potts nodded. "The youngest was very rude and displeased with the tea and just one day, I was forced to leave. At the time my son was already grown up, he had his own family so I had to keep working. Just elsewhere." She smiles sadly. "But the Uppercrust made it harder for me to find work."

 Yakko frowns hearing that, especially someone as kind as her. 

"But that was how I met young master Max. It was a stormy night, and I was lost in the woods. I was quite alarmed at how bad it got and luckily I found myself safe under a tree, but sadly I was without warmth so I was nearly frozen solid.” Mrs. Potts chuckled. 

“When I woke up, I found myself here. I learned Max brought me home and he was very kind to leave me food. Though when I met him, I certainly had a fright but after looking past the beast, he was just an 8 year old child who was alone without any help. I decided then that I wanted to help him. Young Master has always been kind and I even taught him to cook and tried to teach him as much as I could." 

Yakko was amazed and realized Max was practically a year older than him but that Max had it hard as him. He wondered how many times he was hurt or misjudged. How long had he survived alone before he found Mrs. Potts? 

He wished he had met Max but then he wouldn't have met pops or dad. "Is there anyone else here?" He asked and continued to drink the tea. 

"There are some here that have come and go, some stay to help. Some are creatures that Max protects and in return takes care of the manor like the gardens. Well, except for the lavender and red magnolias area, he always took care of them before I met him. He said they were important."

"Like a king of a small Kingdom." Yakko smiled, thinking of Max. He sets the cup down, "If you don't mind, I'd like to go find him." 

"He might be in the garden. I will bring breakfast there." Mrs. Potts grinned as Yakko hurried off to see Max before walking right back, sheepishly. "Mind taking me there?" He asked.

After being led out, Yakko was in awe of the garden. It was almost like a forest. There were a few small creatures he saw but he didn't want to scare them off, but he did wave hello and sometimes asked for directions before coming to a part of the garden that was different. 

Yakko saw the beast on his hind legs and he was dressed fancy, messy fur was washed and brushed. It was a bit messy now as he was tending to the flowers but Yakko couldn't help but smile before spooking the poor beast who was so focused on making water flow.

"Heya Maxy~" Yakko surprised him and the water scattered all over the other boy. 

Yakko giggles and sees that Max was not mad but could tell he was annoyed. Then he saw what the beast was gonna do, a grin on Max’s face. 

"Max, wait- I’ll get-!" 

But it was too late. Max shook the water off like a dog, most of it splashing Yakko who was laughing and couldn't help it as he got some water from the pond and splashed it at Max. It soon became a playful water fight. 

When they were done Max used some magic to dry their clothes and they both sat under a willow tree, resting for a bit.

"Did you like the room Yakko? I didn’t know if you’d like it." The beast spoke a bit, looking awkward. 

Yakko watches him and couldn't help but  think Max looks more nervous and shy. 

"It's perfect Maxy." Yakko smiles at him. "If you don't mind, can we eat breakfast together? After that water fight, I'm starving." Yakko asked and although Max was slightly stoic, his tail had started wagging, almost a blur.

"Of course." Max holds his claw hand out for him and Yakko takes it. 

It was a different breakfast for him in the garden. He couldn't help watching Max trying to eat with a spoon before getting irritated. "Mind I try something?" Yakko reaches and holds his hand and sees Max nodded. He spoon feeds him and sees Max turning red and couldn't help but gush a bit as his tail wagging away. He had to admit it's pretty cool to see his teeth as he feeds him. Yakko keeps feeding him before showing him drinking the bowl and sees Max liking that way too. 

"Thank you Yakko. I'm sorry breakfast was weird." Max finishes as Yakko helps take the bowls as the owner leads him to the kitchen to clean them.

"It was cute." Yakko answered and was amazed his kitchen was big but it felt homely and seeing there was a table and chairs. "I know it's a proper thing eating at a dining room but want to eat in here or at the garden instead?" 

"I would like that." Max answers as they clean the bowls together. 

When they finished, Yakko could see Max was getting uncomfortable with the waistcoat. 

"As nice as you look in a waistcoat, how about you leave it off and we can have a tour." Yakko grins.

Max took off the coat and although he had fur, Yakko couldn't help but blush, thinking about the comments his sibs made as he took the coat in his arms.

Max only smiles as he takes Yakko to show him around the estate and tells him how he is allowed in almost all the estate except for the west wing. 

"Is it under construction?" Yakko asked.

"It's more like my personal area that's not the cleanest. Just try not to enter there. I'm worried you'll get hurt." Max held his hand. 

"I'll try but gotta warn you, my curiosity gets to me." Yakko follows him back to the gardens as Yakko was always awed by the garden and saw there were so many different marvels before thinking about his parents. Max, seeing him sad, hesitated but reached to hold his hand. "I'm sorry." Max spoke. "I shouldn't have made you leave so soon." 

"It wasn't your fault, last night, the Uppercrust lord came by asking for me. I was able to sneak out, but I didn't get the chance to say goodbye." Yakko hugs him by the side. "I'm just glad you found me instead of anyone else." 

"We weren't alone." Max answered and Yakko perked. "Last night that guy who was shouting your name, that bunny guy, found us." Max explains but didn't expect Yakko's reaction. 

"Did he hurt you? Are you hurt anywhere??" Yakko asked, worried  and was about to check him when Max reassured him he's ok.

"I did make him forget so he won't find you or figure it out but I saw something in his heart that was bad." 

Yakko was perplexed. "Wait, how can you see into his heart? Is that with anyone?" He paused knowing he had to know about what Buster did. "What were the wrong doings?"

Max hesitated. "He slipped a love potion in that food he was going to give you-"

"That jerk! He said it was a peace offering!!" Yakko was getting irritated. "What else did you see?"

Max frowned, keeping quiet, and looked at Yakko worried about his reaction. "Not until you take time to heal from everything. it pains me to see you hurt."

"Max," Yakko held his clawed hands. "I need to know."

".... He was there, and didn't try to help you. He was going to wait till he found a moment to be a hero." 

Yakko was shocked and shook in tears and cries. Max sat with him and cautiously held him close and Yakko held onto him. 

"Thanks for telling me." Yakko clung to him.

"I was worried you would not believe me." Max spoke 

"I believe you Max, especially when this is about Buster and everything going." He leans against Max before thinking about it. "What do you see in me?" He asked.

Max smiled and began his explanation. "You're very nice and loving. You also have been through alot but some of it is fuzzy to see. It's like looking through a foggy but colorful window." Max explains and all Yakko could think was how despite knowing about him, Max still wanted to hear it from him. Letting him talk about it, made his heart wanna jump out. "So even knowing me already, you let me talk and even ask me questions about me. Why?" He had to know. 

"Well because I first saw you, you are literally bright as a star. You light everyone around you and sometimes I envied those around you because they could talk to you and be with you. They get to know  you and I always wanted to get to know you first, hear what you would talk or teach. I sometimes get to see you when you leave the small town and there were days you were happy. Well until the past week." Max goes on. "To me you are like sunshine, you bright up and you shine so bright, I can still see you from afar," he pauses and sees Yakko was watching him with wide eyes. He covered his face feeling embarrassed now.

"Can you keep telling me more?" Yakko asked and Max was a bit more amazed. "There was one time I saw you at night, looking through that telescope."

"Y-you know, I can tell you more about space." Yakko stammers and. Saw was excited, explains and goes on before stopping as he sees Max was happy to listen just as he was amazed by someone who can literally read him like a book yet still wish to hear more from the book. 

"So tell me, what catches your eyes about me?" Yakko was curious.

"Seeing you looking at the stars is the best because you seem more at ease like when you're with your siblings." 

Yakko blushed a bit. "You know I would have called you a stalker if you didn't say all of that so sweetly." Yakko chuckles. "That's the sweetest thing anyone said without yawning or dripping with sarcasm." 

"I literally see it as I see it but I try not to know everything about you," he looks away a bit. "Before everything,  my wish was someday I could talk to you. And it was with luck and unfortunately three goblin ducks." 

Yakko perked. "Now I gotta know this. Who are they?" Yakko grins and Max only smiles telling who they are but not their names respectively (Yakko understood and was intrigued.) When Max was done, he was worried but Yakko was surprised and already getting protective. "So each of them tried to steal my brother's freedom and when they tried having you help them, you refused after finding out who Wakko is." 

"In my defense, I didn't know but it seems they like your brother more than just a potential servant." Max explains but saw as hard as Yakko tried, he only laid back. "Are you mad?" 

"Not mad at you but I'm mad at myself." Yakko looks up to the sky."If I had known Wakko like that knighthood stuff, he wouldn't have had to hide it before. I kinda had a feeling, but I didn't talk to him about it till after the incident with the house." He frowns. "I mean I wouldn't be mad that he likes it but I'd be worried! Being a knight isn't like being a teacher or something small, this is being a literal fighter!"

Max hums. "You know if you want, I can show you some of the swordsmanship he'll probably have to do as a knight." 

Yakko looked at him. "You know swordsmanship?" 

"I remember some things as a kid. I remember training and luckily kept at it. And it's a good time to meet my friend pj." 

As much as he doesn't like swords, it always irked him, but Yakko can see what Max was trying to do. "Alright I'll accept your invitation. This isn't some way of impressing me, is it?" 

"Would it be wrong, I said yes? I just want to show you what Wakko is training for. Maybe Wakko wants to do this because he wants to protect you and Dot just like you protect them." 

Yakko didn't think of it like that. But then that memory of Wakko looking after hearing what happened, ached his heart. "I could barely defend myself. I can't let him think he has to protect me."

Max got up and held his beastly hand/paw out to him. "I think when Wakko holds a sword, he's thinking of the times you had to protect him. It's different when you hold the sword, but I know Wakko idolizes you because to him, the one who protects him and Dot was you. He only wants to be there just as you have for him. When he holds the sword, he's thinking of how much he wants to protect his family." 

Yakko takes his hand and gets up. "I think you and Wakko would get along."

Max takes his hand but raises it to his mouth and kisses it. "I want more than to get along with you." 

Yakko blushed deeply and was trying his best to play it calm but he felt a bit a clutz especially leading the wrong direction to the training ground, which was also Yakko nearly tripping on nothing. Just one day with the beast was already making him fall for him.

Literally, falling twice in the path and nearly tripping over the cracks had Max not caught him.

When they made it to the training grounds, Yakko met pj who was a toon and although looked nervous, was pretty nice and had a good head as a sparring partner for Max. 

Yakko watched the whole time and he couldn't help but like Max training and despite a lot of goofy moments, Max was strong. He has seen Buster train, mostly dragged, but it wasn't near as good as Max. He took a deep breath, not knowing what to do if he ever sees those two again. He did wish to see his family again but for now he knows they are safe.

'But I miss them so much.' He frowns as he wishes a way to see them. 

It was near his birthday, July 22, and he was already trying his best to not feel depressed about it. He was at the moment in the grand library reading a third of the library Max had which had mountains of books from old to new. He was amazed by so many books he had to read them. He smiles seeing lavender and other flowers by his spot which was by the window where he can see Max training. He likes it but still he looks in the direction of where home is and frowns. 'I miss my siblings.' He gets up and goes to the section on swords that makes him think of Wakko before grabbing a book on princesses, the thought of Dot. He goes to one section and holds a book he hasn't seen in a while. It was the first book his dad read to them after bringing them home. He smiles a bit remembering pops was so awkward in reading to them.  Tears fell on the hardcover book. 

'I miss my family.' It pained Yakko that it will be the first year without his family. He could send a letter to them but what if it gets caught and that's a way they find him. He brings them back to his spot just as Mrs. Potts came bringing him lunch. "I'm afraid Max is off to do some patrol. There have been some bandits nearby." 

"I know Max will be ok. He'll probably make them run for the hills." Yakko reassured her but he saw Mrs. Potts was concerned. "It's just, I'm a bit sad I won't get to see my family on my birthday." 

"Oh my, when?" Mrs. Potts poured him a cup of tea. 

 "July 22." Yakko explains and accepts the cup and drinks the tea. "I wish I could celebrate it with them." Yakko frowns

Mrs. Potts understood, "Perhaps master Max can find a way to see them." 

Yakko frowns holding the book. "I can't go back yet and Max is protecting me. I can't ask him for more than what he's doing for me." 

Mrs. Potts comforts him. "If I may be frank, Max cares alot for you. He truly wants you to feel at ease and know this is your home. Whatever you want, he will get it for you." 

"I'm scared that what I want can get him hurt or worse." Yakko knew that first-hand.

Mrs. Potts understood. "Just talk to him." She pat his back. 

Yakko kept quiet as he looked out with worry. Just as he tried to shake it out, he saw three ducks he knew already that appeared in the library. 

"You're the 3 out for my brother." He calmly said but it spook them.

When they saw who it was, they all calmed "We are the mcduck princes of the goblins." The duck wearing green robe grins as the red robes looking wizard shook his head. 

"And you three are already on my nerves. My brother is barely turning 17 in 2 months and you three want to enslave him?!"

"What?! It's not a slave job! We want him now as a knight/ for research/to get to know more!!" All three said at the same time.

This however, only fueled Yakko's anger as he took out a large mallet and went to attack the three. Chasing them around, Yakko was so determined he almost caught them 3 times.

 While chasing them Yakko didn't know Max caught a glimpse of them as he and pj brought gold and some other creatures that the bandits kidnapped, seeing they were small sprites.

Max only watches from a distance as his friend pj was shocked to see how Yakko can be terrifying to scare three goblin princes.

"Yakko is pretty terrifying." Pj spoke.

"Yeah, but that's what makes him cute." Max smiles.

"Have you told him about the curse?" Pj asked as they took the gold to the treasury as they over time collected a lot.

"Not the entirety of it because I can't remember most of it." Max answers and pj looks at him worried. "It's confusing enough that I'm cursed as a beast, and he likes me but how can he love someone who has no past? Besides, he shouldn't be trapped here with me." Max looks at the reflection of the blade. "Yakko has so much to worry about, I can't do that to him." He then hears a crash. "I better go check that." He hurried out.

Yakko had the triplets caught thanks to a little trick he learned about goblins and one of the few things were goblins like anything pretty or shiny and he had his old necklace that caught them all in one trap surrounding them in a dome surrounded by salt. He caught them in the glass house of roses.

"Where did you get that magic stone?"  Huey stated, he was amazed by the energy it had and above all, to be crafted in beautiful carnations designs.

"It was my mom's." 

Louie was amazed but felt he should know this. "Any chance she-"

"She's gone." Yakko sat down and crossed his arms.

Louie was shocked but Huey was curious.  "How did you know we can't cross salt?" It was odd since toons or people know little about goblins. They were sneaky and reclusive to tell anything.

"My mom told me stories when I was small. She had a friend who was a goblin." Yakko explains. "Now that I caught you three, I get to ask 9 total questions without paying you for it."

"Wow, his mom knew that too." Louie spoke. 

"First question, why are you all so obsessed with my brother?" Yakko made it so it was considered one question. 

Huey and Louie and Dewey were quiet but suddenly they answered it out. 

"He's pretty nice/ he saved me without asking a price/ I like him." They all said it at once.

Yakko raised a brow and had to think carefully before he had made it clear. "Do you want to meet my brother, without kidnapping him?" 

They all beamed out. "Really?!" 

"Wait what's the catch?" Louie narrowed his eyes.

"Simple, I want to know why the two noble families are so determined to chase after me and I need you three to find out." Yakko stated. "My pops can help you get into town. Plus instead of having a knight as a service, you can get more gold with having the Uppercrust sons as a hostage-" 

"Hold on! Uppercrust as in Marquis Uppercrust??" Huey asked.

Yakko nodded and saw them curl in a private conversation. He was worried if they were gonna go against it until they finished. 

"You gave us something worth offering, especially for our mom, the king of goblins." Louie grins. "You see the Uppercrust stole something of ours, and you're that knight's brother, we think we can have a deal but we need that necklace." Louie points to it.

Yakko looked at it. "Why?" Yakko asked. He didn't have the heart to let it go. 

"We don't want to keep it," Louie spoke. "That stone is very special and  maybe our mom might know what it is and seeing you are its owner, it only means there is something about you and your siblings." Huey explained. "We won't keep it." Dewey stated.

Yakko looks to it and thinking about his siblings, he hands it to them. "So long as my sibs are safe, here." 

Just as he was about to hand it to Louie, Max blocks him.

"Yakko please don't make the deal!" Max was frantic. 

"But they can help me get what I need! And that is the answer to why the Uppercrust are after me. A way I can keep my sibs safe!"

"But this is your mom's necklace! Something she left for you!" Max stated.

"I know but I want to protect my sibs! My parents are dead but my sibs are alive and the only few that matter! I need to do this."

"But there are better ways and what if they don't use it?! Or they lose it or worse?!"

"Hey!!" The ducks felt hurt

"Why are you so against this?!"

"I'm against it because I-" Max felt tears pour down. "I never met my mom." He looks down. "And I know despite how foggy my memories are, I don't have any memories of her."

Yakko was quiet as Max continued on. "But you have memories of your mom and I can't let you lose something of her." He holds the necklace close. "You can get mad at me for this, but I am not letting you do this!!" Max felt tears streaming down but hears the chime 5 times. He sees the time and ran to the west wing.

Yakko was quiet as he didn't know what to do before shuffling the salt and pushing the dome off. 

"Um…. You got like 7 questions-"

Yakko ran off to follow after Max but just as he tried to enter, he felt a wall was there. 

"Max!!!" He shouted. He felt guilty about the whole thing before he sat against it waiting for the beast but when it was nightfall Yakko was out of it and curled up into a ball. He gets up and goes to his room and frowns. 'Real stupid of you Yakko.' Yakko falls onto the bed and sighed before falling asleep but winces at the pain from the binder. He growled annoyed before taking off but looking it over, there were rips and tears. 'Great! It's ruined now!' He groaned, he looked through before he found bandages and tried to make it look natural but it was a bit too tight. 

Yakko lies back, thinking about his siblings and again he cries. He misses them so much and he probably pissed Max off. He looked up to the window and saw the stars were nicer tonight and thought back of the night he hung out with Max. He hated being wrong, but for once he knows he was in the wrong. Just as he was going to go and apologize, he heard a knock and ran to the door but stopped to cover his chest, and hurried to open but saw there was a note and a box.

" Yakko  

I'm sorry I got mad, it was wrong of me. I have to leave the castle for a few hours but please know the kitchen is always open to you. I brought you some sweets and a gift. Please wait for me.

-Max"

Chapter Text

Yakko opens the box to find there were cookies made to look like flowers, but with it was his mother's gem in a new necklace. Instead of a thread, it was in a silver chain and had some other jewels that complimented it. He holds onto the necklace and cries a bit feeling like an idiot and hurries to look for him. 

However when he was ready to go find him, he shudders, and practically kneeled over, feeling so much pain before realizing that once a painful week per month hit him late again. 

"Great perfect timing." He hurries to go to his bathroom and tries to get something to help. "At least Max doesn't know." He mumbles out realizing it was two days before his birthday. He curls to a ball in the empty  and whimpers, wishing Max was here. That was when he got worried if Max would see him as a freak. He looked at the ring and decided his choice.

"Max, please come back to me. I'm sorry about earlier and I didn't think about you or how you would feel." Yakko hisses as it was getting overwhelming. "I just want to protect my siblings. Aside from my mom's gift, I have my siblings and they are the real greatest treasures. I-I can't lose them but I can't lose you too." He shook. "I-I need you here, with me so please Max come here because this is too." He rocks and whimpers. Just as he was crying, he was startled when the door burst open he could only see someone run in and hold him. 

Yakko was about to push away when he recognized the smell of lavender and flowers and the woods. He looks up to see it was not a beast but a dog toon that made Yakko's feel like his heart was gonna pop out of his chest and controlling his zany part of himself 

'Oh [censor] he's hot!!' He would be blushing if he wasn't in so much pain with this personal problem. 

Yakko, without thinking, reaches to cup his face.

"You're Max." Yakko stated and was relieved. 

"I'm me." Max spoke. "I didn't want to tell you or show-"

"Max if I wasn't in pain, I would be flirting with you right now." Yakko smiles a bit and sees Max called for Mrs. Potts and luckily she came in not long after, helping Yakko. Despite this being a surprise, Mrs. Potts only reassured him it was ok and cleaned the tub swiftly before helping him relax.

"Now young man, you relax as I go bring some soothing tea and the special linen."

Yakko was quiet. "You're not… mad?" 

"Dearie, why would I be?" Mrs. Potts smiled. "You are still the same young man I met. We are all born differently, it does not mean we're to be judged."

Yakko was amazed and felt tears. 

Mrs. Potts only smiled. "Now you relax and when you are ready, I will bring you fresh clothes and a nice cup of tea will be waiting for you." She leaves and sees Max was outside the room waiting and worried but not alarmed. 

"Seems you are taking this better master Max." She was happy to see that and relieved but saw he seemed to be not as surprised as she was. 

"Yakko is still Yakko to me. Is he ok?" Max looked anxious 

She would not ask him, this was Yakko to ask.  "For now he is alright but it seems the stress has put a toll on him and his health but so long as we let him rest, it will finish in a few days." She reassured master Max seeing his eyes were softer with relief.  

"This is my fault." Max sat on the floor. 

"Young Max, this is not your fault. Albeit it is a tad different, this is a natural thing." 

"I know that but he has to go through all this alone without his family." He frowns and looks down. "Just like he  was forced to be alone when that sick minded creep tried to hurt him. He has to always keep being alone-" 

"But you're here with him." Mrs. Potts told him. "And he is not alone so long as he has you. I will be back. Stay close to him." Mrs Potts goes. 

Max hesitated but walked in before standing by the door. 

"Yakko, I'm right here if you need me." Max blurted out.

Yakko in the bath perked and hears Max continue on.

"I want to tell you, if you need or want anything, please tell me." Max frowns. "Even asking me to step away."  

"Please don't leave." Yakko didn’t feel scared about his problem, he was scared of being alone.

"I'll stay for as long as you need me." Max spoke. It was quiet between them as Yakko was feeling relaxed.

"My birthday is on the 22nd."

 He said loud enough but hears the door a bit open. 

"I'm born on October 21." Max replies back but wasn't peaking in. 

"So you're near hallows eve! That must be lucky." Yakko grins.

"It fits pretty well for me. With the curse and all."

Thats when Yakko's curiositygot to him. "How does the curse work? You're on all four, then you get to walk on two. But you're here as a toon?" Yakko asked.

"It's to keep me trapped here." Max has a hand on the back of his head. "I can't exactly say the why or the how because it's part of the curse. I guess whatever it is I did, it's to keep me here."

"That cuts most of my questions down to a few I think." Yakko looks over to see Max was staying outside by the door and being a gentleman.

It was a long 3 min until Max broke the silence. "I am sorry for stopping you." He looks down. "I was out of line."

"Max, I was in the wrong." Yakko held the necklace to him. "It's been so long since I can remember her and part of me is scared to remember her. If I do, I'll remember the night she was taken… and my dad died." He looked to the ceiling and sighed. "That night when my mom had me and my sibs escaped, she gave me her necklace. She told me it keeps me safe and she would find us." He looks at his necklace and frowns. "But I never saw her again and that was when we were still running away. Since then, that memory it's foggy to remember." 

Max frowns. "I'm sorry about that." He looked to the window and watched the trees sway with the wind's direction. 

"Don't be. I can't remember because maybe I'm scared to remember the past." Lies back

"Is there anything else you remembered that made you happy?" Max asked.

Yakko hums, thinking of the dreams. "I keep dreaming about a memory of a little boy I met in the halls but it keeps changing so I'm not sure if it's real or just a hopeful dream."

Max was curious but he couldn't ask any further when Mrs. Potts came in and got up. "Yakko, I'm going to step out. I'll wait for you." He said and exited the room.

Yakko was thinking about what Mrs. Potts said as she helped him get dressed. After he was done, he steps out and sees Max there holding the tea and Yakko was feeling guilty because of how much he must have worried him. 

"Mrs. Potts said this tea helps." He holds it out and Yakko accepts it, their hands touching and shocking them but not retracting. Yakko takes a sip and it reminds him of dad's tea he would give him and Dot when they needed it. 

"Thank you…. Max, can I request something?" 

"Of course." Max walks with him as Yakko was getting red seeing this side of Max. If he thought too much about it, he felt his heart was gonna take off from him and jump in Max's hands. 

"I… can you bring my siblings here?" He asked. He knows he can't have his whole family but the one thing he wants most is seeing his siblings. 

"I will and I think I know a way." He smiles seeing Yakko was ready to cry. Max holds him in a hug. "It's going to be ok." 

"I'm sorry, I get too emotional." Yakko sniffs. "I know it hasn't been long but I miss them so much!" He cries into Max. "I miss my dads and my sibs!" 

Max holds him and doesn't let go. He lets Yakko say everything before bringing him to the library and with the blanket brought covers him and holds him from behind.

"Can you tell me something more about them?" Max asked.

Yakko began and he doesn't any details out about them. "You know the first time I really trusted them was not when Dot got sick. It was when I first had this." He spoke, hinting what it was.

"Really? That must have been scary." 

"It was terrifying!" He stops thinking of his original parents. "My whole childhood I knew I was a boy. It felt right being a boy and my parents," he pauses before continuing. "My parents, I remembered, let me choose. I remember they did a lot for me when I was a kid. Asking for books mostly because I love books!" He smiles remembering that but still foggy. 

"When they went to do their duties, they were not always home." He added remembering the long halls of some grand home. "I think I was alone in a big home. I remember another home that felt like a real home." He frowned before he felt remembering a kid there. "And I remember that kid. He was there sometimes but told me he had to leave for something but promised me he would be back. I think that's before Wakko was born. When wakko was born, I felt happy to have a brother and when Dot was born I was so happy to have a little sister!" He cries. "But I sometimes feel I failed them when we were on our own." 

"You're an amazing big brother Yakko. You single handedly took care of them and you did the best and here and alive." Max reassures him.

"What if I kept asking or wanting something is what led that bad in?" Yakko cried. "I remembered asking if I can see my friend again and not long after my father got s-s-sick-" He pauses, shaking in a panic and Max holds him. He can hear Max saying something but it was blocking out and remembered a man was by his dad side, his dad coughing out-

Yakko passes out in Max's arms. 

"Yakko!"

It was nighttime in the home of the Welles, Brain was at the moment going through the recent homework but he was however going through places to live in outside the grasps of the baron and Uppercrusts power. He saw there was but it was a good near 2 weeks trip to go over the mountains to get to fantasia. But his mind was distracted thinking about Yakko. 

"Brain, it is getting late, perhaps you should call it a night." Pinky comes in bringing him a cup of tea he and Dot made together. 

"We need to leave and get away. It won't be long till they plan a way or threaten us."

"But you can't let it stop you from getting rest." Pinky sits by his side and hugs him. "I am worried about our little star, but he will hurry to come back if he learns we're not ok." 

Brain holds him back. "I fear I failed them all as a father. I fear they may go after Dot and Wakko." 

"But what saves them is the law. So long as they are under the age, they cannot harm them. But sometimes laws can be bent."

"Which brings a horrid thought; Bradford marquis insisted on bringing Salazar here. What are their reasons for allying with a fake king? They know it won't be long until he's forced to step down, his ruling is near and no proof he holds the ward of late king William Warners."  

"I wish I knew Brain but as the old saying goes, sometimes you can't see through murky water unless you dunk your head in." 

Brain hums before questioning something he never wants to know. "Pinky, do you ever wonder about…. Them?" Brain asks and sees Pinky was quiet. 

"Sometimes but I'm scared of knowing if their parents are around." Pinky looks down. "Those what ifs, it terrifies me so much because I'll lose them."

Brain held his hands. "I fear we will have to find out about them to understand why Yakko is targeted by the Uppercrust. It is odd but if we learn, we can find a way to protect them."

Pinky was thinking before recalling the symbol of the watch Yakko showed him. He wasn't intelligent but he had a good photographic memory and right now he was remembering the designs of the pocket watch on the inside.

He began drawing it out and remembered all the details.

"There was one odd thing though, I remember that symbol but I can't recall." Pinky hums doing his best to remember where he saw it. 

Brain looks to see it was of a cat outline with lavender surrounding it but had in the middle at the base of the crest, a sword wrapped with the cat's tail as if holding it and an odd shape shield at the bottom. "It is odd how unique this crest is but it is a start. But the shield is awfully familiar." He hums but shakes it off. "Let me find an outside guild, hopefully we can get some answers." 

That's when they hear someone knock on their door and see it was Wakko. 

Wakko has been quieter than usual since Yakko left and has been training with the sword for two weeks and can see the lack of sleep. 

"Can I go practice outside?" Wakko spoke but his voice was hoarse.

"Alright but be careful, if you feel or hear or see something off, hurry back in." Brain spoke.

"Dear Wakko, are you alright?" Pinky was worried so much about Wakko, it hurt to see him like this.

"I can't sleep." He said. "I'll be outside." He said softly and hurried out. Wakko goes to  practice but thinking about Yakko, he was worried about him. 

'I miss my big brother.' "I wish I can see him." For the past weeks everyone went about their days, skippy and slappy were worried about Yakko. Others didn't care about him but every time he saw Buster, all he could think was how it was his fault! 'Him and Bradley did this!!' Wakko slashes at the scarecrow harshly and pants in anger. 'If I had went that day, Yakko wouldn't have gotten hurt!' He shook in tears. 'If I was stronger,' He bit his screams. Sometimes he wished they were in that old abandoned water tower. He thought about it but it scared him at the thought Dot  would not be here today. "I hate being useless." He sat on the ground, wiping his tears away. Just as he cooled down he hears something and quietly snuck up on the tree to look over. Just as he did, he growls to see it was him.

Buster.

Trying to sneak in.

AGAIN.

Wakko growls before stopping himself and glares down and climbs down grabbing a rock before climbing up and throwing it at him.

"Ouch!!!!" 

"You're not allowed here." Wakko growls. "Get out!" 

Buster looks up to see Wakko. He remembered that night he found himself in the entrance of the forest and since then he couldn't remember why he was there. "W-wakko please! Where is Yakko? I need to talk to him." Buster tried to reach to him but Wakko snarls, and had his hands curled into a fist. "You have no idea how much you hurt him! How you could let that happened! I wish I had told Yakko that!!!" He bared his fangs out to him.

Buster glared and felt his body shaking with anger. He hated Wakko the most because he always clung to Yakko, and he always stepped in between him and Yakko. "I love Yakko. And I would-"

"You don't love my brother." Wakko cuts him off. "You only want to keep him like Bradley." 

"You say that but I bet he's just as happy he's away from you! A useless brother who can't think for himself!" Buster spat venomously.

Wakko growls and jumps out to attack him and swings at him.

But Buster dodges his attack and hits him but gets kicked hard on the side.

"Wakko, its all your fault he couldn't be happy!" Buster shouted but got kicked across his stomach hard and coughs but keeps trying to hit him.

"Then why did you let Bradley assault him?! To be the hero?!" Wakko was practically punching him as he got hit too but he didn't care. "You think comforting him would change his view over you!? You have any idea what Yakko could have been if Bradley hurt him!" He punches him with everything until he feels something grab him and stops to see it was some plant vine thingy.

He looks to see Buster get sprayed by some pollen knocking him out. He looked around to see it was Pretty.

"Yeah he's out and won't remember what happened." Louie says and releases him from the plant but stops him from attacking using the plant. "Hey! This isn't you. What would your brother feel if he heard you attempted murder? I know I'm not in the right to talk but you shouldn't stoop to his level or that uppercrust jerk." Louie looks over the jerk and hums at an idea. "If you really want to hurt him, let's try another way." He grins with a plan in thought. "And since it's pretty late, we gotta hurry."

He grabs his hand, and teleports them to the edge of the village and instructs Wakko what to do and let Wakko drag him to what he said. When Wakko came back, he saw his hands were hurt. Without thinking, he grabbed his hands. He began cleaning his hands with an ointment he was working on. Being an earth mage in training, Louie was to learn healing magic like his dad… only he was not able to conjure it. He can only make ointments and potions for the time. "I'm sorry for what happened to your brother. I can't Imagine the pain your brother was in." He treats the wounds. "I can understand why you got mad and honestly if it were me," he takes out some bandages he has with him. "I'd hex him to be a frog." He wraps it up but sees Wakko was crying. I-" 

"I miss my brother." Wakko sniffles thinking of the times Yakko would treat his wounds for him. He would always smile and told him it's always going to be ok. "I miss him so much." He cries and whimpers like a wounded puppy. 

Louie felt a twist in his heart. He didn't like seeing him like this and knowing he could, he can't without a price.

Or unless he serves him. 'Ah phooey! I'll get scolded later.' He kneels down and held his hand. "My name is Louie duck." He blurted out. 

Wakko was shocked as  pretty- Louie continued. "Since you know my name, I am forever to serve only you." He exclaimed swiftly. "Tell me what you want, and I will do it." He exclaims.

Wakko was amazed before asking what he wanted more than anything in the world. "Can you take me and my sister to go see my big brother?" 

"Yes." Louie was then practically carried by Wakko back to his home. All he can process was being carried in the arms of his Knight and he wants to keep being in his arms.

Chapter Text

Yakko woke up to find himself in a library, but he knew it wasn't his home or with Max. It was a home he hadn't thought about. 

'I can't!' He curled in on himself. 'I don't want to see it again!' 

He shook in tears, afraid to leave, when he heard small rocks hitting the window. He turned to look at the window before opening it to see a boy. 

"Yakko!" 

Yakko, as a child, opened it to see a boy covered in dirt. 

"I brought you flowers!" The boy spoke.

Yakko smiled and without thinking, jumped out of the window. 

"Yakko!!" The boy rushed to catch him, and all Yakko felt was levitating in the air in time before the boy caught him.

"Why do you always do that?! You could get hurt!" The boy scolded, but Yakko could tell the boy was really worried.

Yakko smiled and hugged him. "But I know you'll always catch me -" Yakko tried to say his name, but it didn't come out. 

"Promise me you’ll try to be careful when you go back to -?" 

Yakko felt a pang in his chest. He wished he could understand what the boy said or where he was talking about. But he wished he knew the boy's name.

"I don't like going there. I feel so alone. Mama brings me to grandpa's home but I wish I could stay here." Yakko laid his head on his friend's shoulder. 

"I have a gift." 

Yakko turned and was in awe to see a shining star appear. 

"It's a star." 

"I wish, dad taught me to make a glow ball appear. It's like a star but it just lights your path." The boy's orb disappeared but Yakko hugged him. 

"I love it!" Yakko purred and saw the boy's smile, but just as he remembered his face, the boy pulled him into a hug. 

"I don't think you're ready to remember yet and it's ok. You need to rest first." 

Yakko wanted to ask, but he fell asleep.

Yakko woke up to the slight rays of light hitting his eyes. He groaned, trying to wake up, and found that it was the afternoon. He perked, hearing a slight rumble, and looked to his right to see Max asleep on the side, holding his hand. He was still astonished about last night but couldn't help feeling guilty for passing out. 

'I thought I would be ok talking about them.' He thought, but after that flashback, it was terrifying. His ears drooped and he carefully laid back, perking at the sudden realization.

This wasn't his room.

Looking around, it was a reddish and purple room and looked to be a bit destroyed with claw marks and torn curtains and ripped paintings that looked to be old but lost their value.

'A bit is an understatement.' He looked around the room and saw there were a lot of different stones that were around. One caught his eye, which was the same one that was on the necklace. He sat up a bit too fast, forgetting his little problem that forced him to curl up, waking Max up - who was a werewolf - and leaning over to check on him. He pulled him to his side and held him. 

Yakko leaned against him, feeling a bit calm thanks to Max's body heat. He felt like he was curling into a heated up blanket. 

"Th-thanks, Max." Yakko didn't know what to do to calm his mind, and it wasn't the pain he was thinking about. 

He liked Max a lot more than he thought. 'I literally blurted out that I would flirt with him because he's hot! He probably thinks I'm shallow!'

Max on his thoughts:

'Should I keep holding him? He smells so nice and something about his smell right now is driving me to keep him here! I want to keep holding him here with me! But what if I hurt him!? What if he hates me!?' Max struggled with his mind, but it was even harder now when the one he was falling for was here with him!

Just as the two were having problems deciding on their thoughts, Mrs. Potts knocked on the door and entered right in to see them both struggling with what to do.

"Master Max, I need to help Yakko replace his linen. May I please take him back to his room?" She could see them both click as Max handed Yakko (with some hesitation) to Mrs. Potts. She then led Yakko out to leave for the east wing. 

When they were far enough she was relieved. "I am relieved I came in time." 

"Wait, why? He was helping me keep warm." Yakko was confused as to what Max would do to him. 'Cuddle me to death?'

Mrs. Potts sighed as she had hoped he understood. "Yakko, Max is cursed to be a beast, and that means his emotions can change instantly or on impulse. However, like a beast, he can react to love stronger as a beast." 

She brought him to his room and sat him on the bed as she sat on a chair. "And you two are young adults, but a bit too young."

"Yeah, I get that, but what does that mean with us? I lo- like the beast a lot but I'm not going to up and kiss him! What if he doesn't like me that way!? I mean, I hinted in the past chapters- mind, they are long pages!" He glared at the author.

"True, very true, just as I know Max has very mutual feelings for you. However, as the beast, Max may be dangerous." 

Yakko was still confused, but after 5 minutes processing and repeating what she meant, only then did he realize what she meant and hid his face with his hands. He'd admit he could be oblivious. 

"That- that." He’d read books with romance and when he was very curious, read those passionate books. He’d never really imagined it happening to him, but he was in a possible chance.  

"I mean, I-" He paused, seeing the mother hen coming out of Mrs. Potts. "Will be a responsible adult and follow Disney rules. Or try at least." He added. 

She shook her head. "I trust you, master Yakko, to be careful but I worry it may scare you more or be overwhelming. His emotions as a beast are very strong and can be out of control." She patted his arm. "Just please be careful."

"I will, and besides, I don't think I'm ready for that level of romance yet." Yakko couldn't tell if he was reassuring her or himself.

Mrs. Potts brought him a new linen that was already set in his drawers.

"Thanks." Yakko smiled a bit, but just as he was calm, his door slammed open and two people zoomed in on him. He barely got a moment to recognize who they were before tears were welling up.

"Wakko!? Dot!?!" He started to cry and without any warning, he was tackled down by his sibs and he didn't care. He held them tightly. "H-how?!" 

"Louie helped us get here but he's tired out." Wakko smiled, seeing Louie by the door and passed out. 

He hugged his brother until he recalled what Buster said. He pulled away, getting worried now. "B-but we're sorry if we came in-"

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you both!" Yakko pulled Wakko in a hug. 

"How much I miss you both." Yakko cried so much.

Wakko hugged his big brother, the fear and doubt from earlier washing away in relief.

 "We missed you a lot." Dot was calm, but Yakko could see she was crying a lot and didn’t sleep well either. 

Yakko didn't let them go until he had to, when he heard his stomach growl and felt embarrassed. His siblings, Dot mostly, scolded him before Yakko led them to the kitchen to cook together.

"So where's the lover boy?" Dot teased.

"Giving us space and sparring practice. It's around that time." Yakko spoke but saw his sibs were surprised, especially Wakko. 

"What kind?" 

Yakko grinned. "How about after I change, we can go see?" 

Max all the while let them have their time together as he was training on his swordsmanship, but all he could think about was Yakko and if he was ok and if his sibs were ok too. 

"Max, you're zoning out again." PJ waved his hand in front of his face.

"Sorry, it's just that I found out Yakko's siblings came and I was hoping they like the place." Max put the sword down. Thanks to his magic, he could change his height a bit while inside the manor grounds, but outside it was harder because of the curse. 

"I'm sure they like it." PJ patted his back. "They have a whole day to spend looking around." 

Max nodded. His instincts internally wanted to be with Yakko, but he was worried he would be overstepping boundaries or scare Yakko off. He perked when he smelled Yakko's scent. It was interesting to him because Yakko had a strong and sweet scent that was unique and odd. It was earthy and citrusy and it fit Yakko well but it was mixed together. It was how he knew about Yakko’s secret, but it smelled different, as if the earth was supposed to be more overwhelming than the citrus even though it wasn't.

Just as he was focusing on where Yakko was coming from, he was surprised.

"Hey Maxy!!!" 

Max was surprised to see him and his siblings here.

"H-hey!" He looked to see Wakko (he remembered their names by heart) was amazed and was looking at the different swords, but Dot was looking at him more as if she was determining something.

"Sibs, this is Max." Yakko smiled, holding Max's beastly hand. Max, although he already met them, was still shy around them. 

"Nice to meet you guys again." Max smiled.

"Are you and Yakko gonna marry?" Dot asked. "Will we be expecting a baby nephew or a niece?"

"Both?" Wakko asked, his attention still on the swords.

Both Max and Yakko turned deep red, not knowing how to explain or answer. 

"We are getting to know each other/ it's complicated." They both said. Both looked at each other before Yakko was giggling. "Sibs, me and Max are figuring it out as we get to know each other first . Right now we're friends.(?)"

"Right, well if you two do get married, I want to make the suits." Dot affirmed it.

"Do you want to train, Wakko?" Max asked Wakko with a smile. "I'm not a knight, but I know how to use a sword."

"Really?? But won't I get in the way?" Wakko recalled the times he tried to train with a real teacher with Buster one time, thanks to Yakko, but it ended just as it began when he was 14.

"I don't mind, but hope you don't mind we'll be using wood swords during training. They are a bit heavy too, like the real ones, but they are pretty strong."

"Yes please!!" Wakko nodded excitedly, but just as he took one, it was a bit heavier than what he was used to. However, Wakko was excited to learn to properly use a sword, and he was determined to learn. 

Yakko and Dot sat in the benches as they saw Max showing Wakko how to hold the sword properly. Yakko perked to see not too far were the ducks, but seeing the green one he was less mad. During the entire time, Yakko was amazed by Max. He was at the beginning nervous but Max was really being a good teacher to Wakko. Max was stern but he was patient with Wakko, which was something considering not a lot of people were with Wakko, well either of them really. Wakko was really determined and during the whole time, he saw his little brother was happy. He couldn't help but smile the entire time until Dot asked for a tour around the manor.

"Sure thing. I think there's a literal room for materials you can make clothes out of-." Yakko was pulled away to show her. He couldn't help but smile and look back as Max and Wakko were still training before showing her. 

"That reminds me, can you fix my binder?" He asked.

"Yakko, already tearing it, what would you do without me." Dot sighed.

"That reminds me, dad wrote a letter for you." She took out a letter. “And if you don't mind, me and Wakko can visit."

"More than all the books. How was Wakko?" He asked.

"Sad, but it doesn't help that Buster was being a jerk yesterday-" Dot stopped but felt Yakko pat her back. 

"It's ok." He reassured her. "Tell me, I want to know." 

Dot frowned but told him everything from the past week. After everything, they made it to the room full of materials of all kinds!

"This is amazing!" It made Dot excited as she was looking at all the fabric.

"I can make a better binder for you! And a dozen!!" She squealed. "And maybe a better set of wardrobe when you want to impress your boyfriend." She grinned.

Yakko was baffled and turned red before thinking about it earlier. "Dot, can you teach me how to sew? I want to make Max something."

Dot was practically squealing and seeing so many kinds, she was already choosing a variety. 

"I think that's enough for now. Let's take a break." Max saw Wakko was nearly tired out but was trying to keep going. 

"I- I can keep going!" Wakko was nearly swaying but Max helped him up. 

"One rule you need to remember, know your time to take a break. You did pretty good but you need to work on deflecting." Max spoke, seeing it was nearing late afternoon and sunset was coming close.

"Do you like Yakko?" 

Ma nearly tripped but failed to dodge the stand and fell into it.

Wakko winced before answering. "I know he likes you too but he's not really the type to confess his feelings first."

"I like your brother a lot." He got up and began sorting the practice swords. "But I don't want to push him. He had that for a week." 

"Thank you for protecting him," Wakko frowned. "You saved him a lot, more than what I can do." 

"Hey, you have done a good job too." Max walked over to him. "You were there when he needed you. I couldn't help him when he needed it." He frowned.

"I couldn't either!" Wakko curled in. "I couldn't help him that day."

 He thought of what Buster said. "I am useless." 

"You are far from that." Max stated. "You didn't know what was going to happen." 

Max sat with him. "When Yakko told me, I was so angry at the ones that did that. But I felt guilty because I wasn't there." 

Wakko understood that really well.

"But I did what I could for him, but I could tell he needed you and your sister. Even now, he still does." He smiled. "You guys give him so much strength. I wish I had siblings."

Wakko perked. "Can we come and see him?" He asked. 

"Of course, you and Dot are always welcome here." He smiled. "You can come by anytime you like and it would be cool to have a friend to protect Yakko with."

"R-really? I want to be the best knight ever." Wakko grinned. 

"We'll be the best protectors." Max smiled and Wakko smiled before seeing not only Louie but red and blue who were there watching. 

"Seems like you got a fanclub." Max got up and saw it was almost sunset as Wakko went to see his friends. 

Max smiled before getting up to see how Yakko was and saw Wakko was running up. 

"I'm hungry." Wakko said and perked to see Max's hand out to him.

"Me too. Let's go find Yakko and Dot." Max smiled. "And make something together." 

Wakko took his hand and was curious as he got up. "Does Yakko really talk about us?" 

"Almost everyday, and when he doesn't, he's missing you both." Max answered. "You know, the first time we met he talked about you guys. He didn't want to stop but we had to because of that guy."

"Buster? He's horrible!" Wakko growled but heard Max growl too. "Did you meet him?"

"Something like that. I met him and that cretin at different times." 

Wakko snorted after hearing that nickname Yakko said but was quiet. ".... were you the one that hurt that creep?" 

"He attacked first," Max stated. "But, partially, I wanted to hurt him for hurting yakko."

"I won't tell Yakko that; I really hope he marries you." Wakko grinned. "Thanks for keeping him safe." 

"I should thank you. If you and Dot hadn't come, Yakko would not be as ok now."  Max led him into the manor to look for Yakko and Dot and found them in the fabric room. Yakko was struggling in sewing as Dot was fixing the binder.

Max perked as he saw Wakko rush to Yakko's side, but the second he looked up, he hid the material away from Max's eyes.

"You're back. How was it?" Yakko smiled while getting up as Wakko was happy to hug his brother.

"Wakko did pretty good on his first training so it will be more challenging in the next training sessions." 

"Then we gotta plan everything out." He let Wakko go, who was excited as he felt happy to see Yakko more than happy; he looked more relaxed. He looked at Max and saw the same look the beast had and saw Max turned to a not beast.

Dot looked at Wakko before nodding. "Hey Max, can Wakko and I talk to Yakko privately?" 

"Sure thing, I can make dinner for you guys.” Max stepped out and made his way to the kitchen.

 Dot waited before she and Wakko were smiling. 

“We approve of loverboy.” Dot stated.

“When is the wedding?” Wakko asked. “Can I be your best man or do I have to fight Max's friend or Dot?”

“I am the maid of honor.” Dot smacked his arm.

“Not the way you hit like that.” Wakko rubbed his arm after the second hit.

Yakko would have been red as a cherry but he felt more happy that his siblings liked Max. But he was nervous to ask Max until he thought of the festival.

“How about I ask him during the night of the festival? It's about two months from then and it gives me time to practice. That and it’ll be a good birthday gift for Max-"

"Told you he's gonna propose first." Dot smirked.

"No way, it's too early! What if Max proposes first? We gotta wait." Wakko insisted.

Yakko couldn't stop blushing with how embarrassed he was getting, but he did know one thing:

 He felt things were better now.

Meanwhile, 

Brain was at the moment reaching out to a guild that had resources to find information he needed. He made a quick letter to the guild to meet at a near edge town that was a day’s travel by horse. For him with his wagon, it was less than a half a day. He entered the duckling's tabby that was hidden in the woods and a more secluded bar that was for outlaws. He entered and kept his head down, ignoring the ruffians before taking a small booth alone. As he waited, he saw a duck appear from the back room and internally groaned. 

"You're the head of the guild? I thought being a merchant was your thing…. Daffy."

"Hey, don't mock me, I can have investments from everything." Daffy glared. "I heard you became a teacher, guess ministry ain't your thing?"

"You already know why." Brain jumped off. "Best to talk elsewhere." 

"Relax, you church mouse, I own this place. And it'll cost you a pretty penny." Daffy leaned back.

"We have business and of all people, I trust you, but we need security to talk alone. Besides, you owe me a favor." Brain crossed his arms. "I helped you find better trade routes and have more quality resources for a lower price and taught you to-"

"Don't list them out! Alright, fine, we'll go to my private office. I feel like I'm getting a headache." Daffy muttered some curses, picked up Brain, and brought him to his room. The room looked like an office if there wasn't a bed on the side and as he could guess, a lavishing bed.

Brain hopped off to the desk and took out a folded paper his size. "I need to find out about this. My partner drew it out from what my eldest had in his pocket watch." 

Daffy took it and shrieked. "How did you get that emblem?! That's the oldest family! The Noir family!!!" 

"Explain." Brain was alarmed Daffy knew about it more than he did.

"The Noir family was a prestigious family, a really really rich family. They were the original Dukes that served the late king Warner and the most loyal. Well, was; they were murdered by that faker, Salazar." 

Brain paled. "Murdered? For being loyal to the late king?" 

Daffy nodded. "Some of it is fuzzy but I think the duchess was protecting the king's first born, but was declared missing when Salazar took rule. Though before, the duchess had two kids." 

Brain thought about his kids. "Did the duchess have a son and a daughter?" 

"Yep, she was pretty smart and well, really financially supported so she didn’t marry anyone cuz then her husband would have taken her title. She had a lover and her kids came from the same dad. Pretty sure she will give you a run for your money cuz she had a big IQ and was ahead of her time."

Brain stiffened thinking back to Yakko. It wasn't a trait but Yakko was indeed very intelligent, he was even at a young age. "Were there any pictures?" 

Daffy hummed and looked for a book and found it, containing all the noble families and it was rare because there wasn't any other copy. He flipped through the pages.

“Here we go." He showed Brain and he shook in shock. There he saw Angelina Noir, the duchess. 

"Gotta say she's pretty, but shame she's dead."

"How?" Brain looked at Daffy. 

"She was being interrogated by Salazar to expose the king's son's whereabouts… but she ended her life to protect him. Or Salazar killed her." Daffy shrugged.

Brain covered his mouth and shook. "I have to go. No one knows about this." 

Brain was very firm and burned the drawing. ' No one can find it. I need to talk to Yakko about the watch.' 

Daffy was alarmed but shrugged. "Is that all you wanted to know?" 

"Yes, you answered more than I asked for. This conversation does not leave this room."

"Alright, but you better be safe. Salazar has been tightening security up on the borders so don't think of leaving anytime soon." Daffy puts the book back and grumbles since most of his trades were delayed or cut off.

Brain was irritated, "Is there a way to sneak out?"

"Are you planning to leave?" Daffy asked. "Cuz I was thinking of leaving. It's getting barbaric out there." 

"I was planning to and if you have a way, I'll pay for it." Brain  insisted.

"Hmmm… maybe, but it might be about a year away. I still got investments here." 

"Mind I buy some of your stocks? By then I can have enough to leave with my family."

"I'll see about that later. You better get going." Daffy waves him off.

Brain nodded and leaves.

Just as brain left, Daffy was curious now about what Brain asked about and opens the book about the royals showing William Warner and the steward Salazar but the child but instead was of the necklace that was the royal gift from the Noir clan. But something bugged him when his mind cracked remembering that shield. He was gonna get rich! Daffy pulls a rope and soon walking in was his apprentice plucky.

"Yeah boss?" Plucky asked.

"I need you to send a letter to send a letter to the * sigh* the carrotte guild. I need to talk to the leader in a week." Daffy writes a quick letter to send and hands it to plucky. 

Plucky perked to see on the seal was in gold meaning it was a business deal but couldn't open it.

'Shucks! Guess I'll have to ask Buster after.' Plucky knew Buster was the nephew to Bugs, the owner of Carotte and also a rich viscount. He wants in on the deals and gets rich filled with fame.

"I'll get to it!" Plucky rushes off.

Chapter Text

Brain made it home when he smiled to see Wakko and Dot were home as well, waiting by the gates. As soon as he came to a stop, both of them hugged him all as he had felt relief as they headed inside to talk of news about leaving for fantasia.

"I'm afraid it'll have to wait," he sat down and held a cup of tea Pinky had ready for him. "It seems there are guards doubling over the border so we need to make sure we don't raise suspicion by not only waiting, but keep as normal as possible."

"So we can't see Yakko as much?" Dot frowns. Wakko frowns as he was hoping to train more but thanks to Max teaching, he'll work on it! ' I'm going to be the best knight!'

"Unfortunately so. We will need to also be cautious with the marquis and the baron keeping eyes on us." Brain was curious as he thought was it possible the Uppercrust knows about the children's background? It would explain and make sense but he would have to get more answers but its something he will need to talk about. "There is also something we need to discuss. Something," he holds Pinky's hand. "We are afraid to talk about but we need to and what we learned." 

"Is it about our parents?" Wakko asked and held onto his arm. "I overheard you and dad and… honestly, I am afraid to know. Even Yakko doesn't talk about it." 

Brain was quiet and saw Pinky was worried. 

"Does Yakko know?" Brain asked.

"Yakko, remember more but its always traumatic for him." Dot frowns. "He gets scared because he gets nightmares a lot." Dot remembers the times Yakko would mumble and cry in his sleep.

Brain thought back of what Daffy mentioned. ' What if Yakko's nightmares relate to the duchess? That means Daffy's facts are not fully adequate.' But something didn't make sense till he felt he came to a dreaded conclusion. 

Pinky could tell Brain had his mind result to something he couldn't say in front of  the children. "For now let's get to bed my cub pups. Tomorrow is going to be the start of a new challenging day, we'll need our rests."

Dot and wakko, although they saw the time was early, knew they had to wake up early. 

As soon as they left, Pinky waited before they walked to their room and closed the windows smelling rain and that the marquis goons were there. He sat with Brain on their bed and held his hands. "Brain, please tell me."

Brain frowns. "I fear I can't, because whatever I say, can make it harder to hide. And the walls have ears. Which is why I need to find proof if it's true."

"And if it is?" Pinky asked.

Brain paused thinking of his horrid theory "We will need to move quickly before anyone else learns aside the marquis and the baron. They may even know already but not enough to prove it." 

Pinky could feel the dread in his heart and the fear their children could be in danger. Or specifically Yakko being in danger.

Elsewhere 

Bradley was annoyed, passing weeks and no sign of Yakko Warner! He was by far annoyed that he felt more impatient than usual every day of waiting becomes seconds to breaking something. Nowadays his control over his anger was weakening, and his obsession over Yakko increased by the minute. And worse of all, that wound on his chest hurts more and oozes that disgusting venom every time he thinks about Yakko.

He wondered what the devil that venom did to him. Ever since the attack, he felt more… himself is what comes to mind. As if everything he kept in was coming out but each time he is, as close to it, aggressive, he coughs that venom out. Luckily he has medicine to ease it, and for some reason all the lavender they grew calms him. But it does not stop his mind from thinking about Yakko and what he wanted so dearly. He wants to trap Yakko in a cage, trap him in his bed and make him his prize. He wanted to get rid of everything he loved so he couldn't rely on anyone or reach out to them.

And knows he belonged to him.

He growls, gripping the lavender and ripped it apart. 

' The first thing I want to get rid of is that lover of his! He couldn't disappear without help and my father literally made sure he could not escape!' He grabs a bowl and tosses it before puking out a black like substance before calling a maid to clean it up as he goes to the garden to breathe. He stops to look at the pocket watch and takes it. Since he pulled it off that beast,  He tried to open it but nothing worked. No tools or even trying to melt the lock, It's as if it's enchanted.. He saw that beast had it but he had no idea where he saw this watch somewhere. He almost could recognize it but his mindset was on a dizzy spell, as if something was blocking him from remembering.

Just as he was leaving to the gardens there was a messenger waiting and knew who he was from. He hates having to report to this lowly peasant. He enters as if he was the king! When he finds that prize, he will be wearing the crown!

"What do you want?" Bradley glares,  crossing his arms. "If it's about the deal, tell him to grant me time to meet him. We need to update the deal." 

The messenger only sneered. "The king wants a report on the whereabouts of you know who." 

Bradley only sneers back before his mind darkens. "Look I had it under control and was this close to getting Yakko but I didn't get any hair or something from him. Not to mention your king failed too in finding him. Isn't that why you have guards on the borders?" He lied, he didn't want to give up the buttons he had, he felt possessive over the stray's belongings. "Why not collect the other orphans? Aren't they royalty enough?"

The messenger only chuckles. "You fool, those impure brats may look similar to the boy, but we have had spies learn she had a lover. They don't have royal blood. We want the eldest."

Bradley glares at hearing that annoying roach talk. His thoughts darken before he thought out something that almost made him jolt. 

' Kill him.' 

"And it is late, so I want a room ready for me." The messenger sneered as he walked past Bradley.

 Bradley grips his hand and smirks. "Please allow me to lead you to a better room. But we would have to go across, through the garden." 

The messenger did recall it was where his parents were and knew it was lavishing and nodded, following him. When they crossed the path in the garden, the said messenger perked at the newly made pond. "How grand! I say it must be deep and new." 

"My mother had it made. She had even brought a beautiful collection of koi fish." Bradley smirks. "In fact, they might be out soon." 

The messenger kneeled over to see but Bradley however pulled out a knife, he keeps always on his side. He had such wicked thoughts and kneels down. "If you use the shine of the knife, it'll attract them."

"Such ridiculous creatures!" The messenger laughed but as he laughs he was pushed into the pond. He swam up before rising to the surface. "Are you-!"

CRACK!!! 

Bradley hit him with a bust that was on a pedestal and saw the body sink. He watches and smirks as the roach sinks in. He kicks the pieces in before leaving to his room. He felt good after killing that bug before he once again coughs out the tar again. He just merely wipes away as he thinks about Yakko again. As soon as I find Yakko, I will make his lover watch and then kill his lover! He smiles at how he can make Yakko in fear before thinking how soon he can even make the king bow to him after he kills him too in public. Once he has his prize, no one will ever question him. He will truly enjoy breaking Yakko down like the stray that he is.

"Bradley.. what have you done this time?" 

Bradley tenses up and looks to see his mother was taking a stroll. He knew his mother was out in Paris for business. "Mother I can explain." He could never hurt his mother and he feared she would be shocked-

"If you were going to kill somewhere, have him near the roses. At least they can bloom a deep red. I will have the staff pull him out and drop it in that new hole." She covers her face with a fan. "Besides I hate how he was tainting and soiling our home."

"You're not upset?" Bradley was relieved but alarmed and heard his mother scoff.

"Why would I? I do the same when your father soils himself on harlots." She walks over to him, she cups her son's cheek. "I will not let anyone steal my sons rights to their title of this family." She spoke as she checked his wound. "Now then, out with it. Why are you after this stray, that farm orphan boy?" She holds out her arm for him to walk with her.

He gladly escorts her as he smiles. His mother truly understood him out of all the family. She can probably help him better than his father. "What if I told you, Yakko belongs to both a strong clan and a dead king?"

She looks at him and hums. "Then I say you have my sharp eyes. I wish you would have been honest with me in your letters, I could have helped you better."

"Well I failed on that thanks to my father."  Bradley spoke annoyed. "The closest I got to was getting buttons from him." He stopped when his mother stopped. 

"Buttons you say?" She looks at her son. "My dear boy, have you been using your full brains? You already have the key to finding my future son-in-law." She spoke. "I have someone in mind who can help but they can't be touched in hand. If so, then we will need something from him." 

"I am terribly sorry, mother." He felt stupid! There goes his chance! "I have been foolish to hold them. I have been holding silver buttons-"

"Silver you say? Tell me more about this Yakko, my sweet son." She spoke, curious that a farmer boy would wear silver. "Do his siblings wear silver?" 

Bradley had to think before answering. "His brother wears copper or bronze." He thinks about the youngest. He then noticed she did. "But his sister does." He then notices his mother was thinking. 

"Tell me what you know about, my boy." She asked.

Bradley thinks about it, and then the bandages come to mind. "He was wearing bandages that day I…. Courted him." He explains. 

"You enforced your masculinity on him? What have I told you, you don't use force." She scolded him. "And I think I have a clear idea already but I need to speak to one of the boy's parents." She adds

"Father tried to talk to that teacher." Bradley grumbles.

"Then we speak to the other." She answers. "You might have an heir with the boy more easily." 

Bradley was confused as she walked his mother to her room.

Chapter Text

Yakko was waking up to the morning rain pouring outside. He got up in a rush before reminding him where he was. "Right, I literally forgot." When there was heavy rain like now that was unexpected, Yakko and his family would rush out to cover some of the harvest from drowning. He gets up to look out and sees the thin barrier Max made kept the rain from pouring  too much but it made him in awe how cool Max can be. It's been more than nice with Max, and each time feels like he was falling more for him. It's so ironic how he may look like a beast, but he's kind and sweet and everything. He blushes thinking about him before realizing the time and hurried off to change and puts on the lavender colored binder and puts on his clothes his sister made for him and grins how it fits nicely. He rushes to the door before colliding into someone. Yakko groans before seeing Max with breakfast on him. 

"Morning Maxy! Sorry about that." He lifts the sunny side egg to see Max was only smiling.

"No worries Yak, I was going to surprise you with breakfast for your birthday. I should have knocked." 

Yakko was surprised before grinning. "I like it alot Max. Thank you lots. How about we clean this up, and make breakfast together for everyone." Yakko gotten pretty well with the small creatures living in the gardens or hiding in the shadows.

"We can but you'll be ok with that on your birthday?" Max asked, hoping to make it special for him.

"It will be because I get to spend time with you and it's more fun with more people in it." Yakko grins. "Plus it's also a thank you to them for being kind and helping me." Yakko added.

Max knew the creatures living here would be grateful as he gets up and cleans up the mess of the breakfast. 

Yakko waited outside Max's bedroom, thinking to himself what they will do for his birthday. He was curious until Max stepped out wearing the clothes Dot made for him that fit him.  He couldn't help but admire him, he was still amazing even as a beast. 

"Ready for your day?" Max asked, bowing to him and holding his hand out.

Yakko blushes a bit but grins taking his hand. "Aren't you being a gentleman Maxy." 

"Only for you." Max clears his throat and Yakko walks with him down the hall, and down to the stairs. Getting to the bottom they were surprised by all the residents that lived in the estate, holding out gifts and food they brought to share with the birthday boy.

Yakko was shocked before looking at Max who was in on it. "Is this the surprise you had planned?"

"One of the few. I told them and they all wanted to show how thankful they are to you so we planned a breakfast surprise and in case my goofiness slipped, this is breakfast plan 2." Max smiles sheepishly but turns beet red when Yakko kisses his cheek. 

"Thank you Max." Yakko didn't know how to express his feelings in words so he rather showed it.

Max watches him thank the residents as he accepts the gifts they brought or made for him. He however kept his gift hidden from Yakko's eyes as he was worried what Yakko would do.

They led Yakko to the spot in the garden where the other residents that were hiding in the trees, had gifts for Yakko. Everyone each gave Yakko a gift or gratitude as he too was happy to be here. By the time he thanked everyone, it was afternoon. 

"That is really something for a birthday morning." Yakko grins, holding a basket of handmade gifts. He was really amazed by the gifts and had fun spending most of the morning with them and Max. He didn't know what to expect before entering the library, only to be tackled by two blurs. 

"Yakko!!" 

Yakko held two of his siblings from the impact, surprising him. "I thought you guys couldn't." 

"We had help." Wakko smiles.

Meanwhile-

Louie was grumbling as he was keeping the charm up as he looks annoyed as if we're his brothers. None of them couldn't go with the siblings as they were keeping track of the goons coming and going.

Back to the enchanted estate.

"That's really nice of them." Yakko smiles but didn't see his parents- he began crying to see his dad holding his gift.

"'Ello my little star!" Pinky tried to hold his tears but cried seeing his little cub pups altogether and seeing Yakko here, and safe, made him filled with joy.

Yakko runs to hug his dad. "Is pops here too?" He looks around in hope.

Pinky shook his head with a small frown. "He wished he could but the marquis has been rather keen on eyeing your father. They think he knows where you've been hiding." He held a small hand over Yakko's finger.

"Well not far from the truth but I know he would have come." Yakko smiles a small smile.

"He did ask me to bring you something." Pinky added and wakko held a letter to Yakko. "I know you have been having a hard time with everything around, but your pops met someone who is willing to help. I didn’t get to meet him, but it explains everything in the letter." 

Yakko opens the letter and reads the letter and reads there is a doctor trying to improve a method for toons in his type of case. Yakko was wide eyed before he looked at his dad with hope. "This is amazing!" 

Max by Yakko perked and smiles to see Yakko was more than happy. He then thought about it. "When will he get in contact with the doctor?" 

Pinky perked at Max.  "Well, we won't know until their father gets into contact with the doctor but last I recall, the doctor was heading to Paris." 

Max only thought of something but he'd figure it out later. For now, his focus was on Yakko. "Hopefully we can get into contact with him." 

Yakko could feel hopeful with the news. He wished his pops were here. "Thanks dad." He holds him in a hug. 

Max watches them as he gets up to go. "Yakko I am going to go and do my usual rounds." 

"You're not staying?" Yakko asked and scolded himself and reminded himself It was an important task. 

"I'll be back," Max patted his shoulder before pulling him to a hug. "Besides, I want you to have time with your family. You need this time with them." 

Yakko smiles and hugs him back-up tightly. "You better come back soon. I want to cut my cake with you." 

Max only grins and to make Yakko blush he tried to kiss his cheek but instead licked his cheek. His heart soared seeing Yakko smile and playfully scowled. 

"You big ball of fur!!" Yakko shouted at the running beast.

"I'll be back!!" Max shouted and left.

Yakko only giggles and felt his heart swooning but was brought back to reality when he sees his dad and sibs were watching them. "It's kinda complicated."

"Oh my pup cub found himself a special love! Wait, then I have to talk about the talk. " Pinky gasped but gushed to see his pup cub was bashful before thinking about something. "Oh dear, and I don't have what you and your father had set up for!"

"No-nope! We don't!" Yakko was trying to stop his dad. 

"Now now my little star seeker, you need to know the basics! I wish your father was here to help." Pinky sighed as Dot and Wakko were giggling away.

All Yakko could do was wished he didn't need the talk. ' Is it too late to join max?'

After that "talk" they did spend most of the afternoon together in the kitchen. As a Welles tradition, they would cook together the birthday star their choice. Yakko of course wanted to make everyone's favorite with them and did so and brought it to the garden. Yakko felt happy being with his family but he couldn't help but miss Max already. He missed time back home but being here with Max, it was different. He felt a different kind of miss.

"Yakko," 

Yakko perked out of his thoughts and looks to his dad who smiles. "When I fell in love with your father, I didn't tell him my feelings. I waited a bit too long and I wished I told him sooner." 

Yakko didn't understand until it clicked. "But what if I'm not brave enough to tell him?"

Pinky smiles, patting his hand. "My little star, you will always find a way to be brave. Love is scary, life is scarier but it's ok to be scared. But don't let scary get to you." 

Yakko was quiet but then did have an idea but he wouldn't mind waiting a bit more.

When it was near sunset, Max was stretching after all that running on 4. There was no bandits or poachers but he was worried about anyone possibly finding this place despite whoever cursed him, made it impossible to find. But he was curious that few have found it which he was worried about two creeps finding their way here. He could seek out that witch who promised to help him in exchange for his venom which for the witch was something valuable to study but wouldn't be coming back for another two months or 4. ' She's always running from the law.' He thought but he was grateful to her because she was kind enough to teach him basic magic as a kid, even if it was only a few spells from time to time. But she did give him a spell book, one of his gifts he wants to give to Yakko. He sneaks in the back of the garden but just as he was sneaking in he was ambushed by a figure but he already knew who it was. "How was your birthday with your family?" 

"It was great but I wish you were there." Yskko grins, letting go from the hug. "I know you did that so I can have time with my sibs and dad. I'm grateful you were being nice but next time you're sticking around." 

Max only nodded before looking around, wondering where they were. "Are they still here?" 

"Unfortunately not, they had to go back with Buster trying to keep peering over the wall to see if Wakko or Dot was there. One of the ducks, the blue one came by with the blue one too to bring them back." Yakko took his hand as they head in to the hall.

Max frowns knowing if it were different, he could spend the whole day with all of his family. "I'm sorry you didn't get to spend time with them more." 

"Hey you were being the best today. Which is why I would like a birthday request." Yakko grins mischievously. 

Max was a bit worried but only grins. "What would you like to request?" Max could think of what they can-

"I want to dance." Yakko states and sees Max practically trip over his feet. "Dot made you some clothes for tonight so I will meet you in the library. And don't be late!" He shouted as he ran off before he could let Max refuse or say no.

Max was nervous until he was dragged by pj who was listening in along with Mrs. Potts, who was told from Yakko about his request for Max. 

Max was getting dressed and saw not too long he was getting dressed but saw he hasn't changed but recalled summer days were longer near the end of July. He was dressed in a reddish coat and was nit wearing shoes but was wearing a sense of slacks for the bottom sole of his feet.

"Now Max, I did ask Lumiereto play the violin but he Said to have the piano set up. Maybe we can do something else."

"Just don't forget what luminare taught you!" Mrs. Potts added. "Hopefully this can-"

"I could care less about the curse!" Max stated. "This is Yakko's birthday, it's not about me or my affection. I want to make this his day, his special day. No creepy jerks or the curse or anything." He felt his heart was beating fast and feeling nervous beyond anything but he held his gift close and took a look over before leaving to meet Yakko's room but his heart nearly flew when he saw Yakko stepped out dressed in a 2 tone lavender suit but there were small designs of lavenders. It had simple decorations and it fitted him beautifully. 

"You look amazing." Max was a few feet away but stops before bowing and holds his hand out, remembering what Lumiere taught him along with Mrs. Potts. 

Yakko was a bit flustered and took his hand but Max took him to a different direction, making him confused until Max brought him to the hall. Yakko got more confused until Max took him to a room he hadn't seen and it was a ballroom and saw it was sunset still but it amazed him half of the ceiling was more glass and could tell it was fixed up over the years and saw plants growing at the sides and saw the murals although faded, were of a forest them and the ceiling was paintef with the night sky. It was breathtaking.

Yakko looks around as Max takes out a small music box. Yakko perked before he sees Max used a bit of magic to make the music box enchanted.

"I know it's not exactly a violin, but it's a special music box I found when I first came here.." Max then makes a few glow orbs appear and they float above to the ceiling and it illuminates like stars. 

Yakko was so amazed before looking to Max and could tell he looked nervous. The shorter of the two was blushing because this was new and something he never felt but the past weeks he was understanding it and it made his heart feel like it was on a run. Max was patient and understanding, he didn't push him or forced him to be with him. 

Yakko bowed back before taking his hand and felt Max take one hand but stopped when he had to lay his claws on his hips. He can tell how the enchanting beast was worried until Yakko moved his large clawed hand on his hips, and placed his hand on Max's arm. 

"I trust you Maxy."

Max was so worried and nervous until he heard those words, it made him feel reassured and began dancing with Yakko as the music box began playing. Max remembering the steps, led as all he kept his eyes were on Yakko and saw how happy he got. 

As they danced, Yakko felt happy and more than ever and he felt nervous. Instead of waiting till the festival, he wanted to tell Max how he feels. He wanted to say those three words. 

"Yakko," 

Yakko looked up and sees emerald eyes glowed a bit. 

"Are you… happy?" Max asked.

Yakko smiles. "More than I ever thought I could."

"If I were to ask… something you're probably tired of hearing…. But can I…" Max stops, feeling like he was saying it wrong. "What I want to say… You know it-" but he was stopped by Yakko, placing a finger on Max's mouth.

Yakko was feeling flips in his stomach and couldn’t help but feel excited. "Tell me." 

Max's heart was running over time and blurted out. "I wish to court you." Max blurted out. He turns red when he sees Yakko was wide eyed but how fast his tail is swishing. "I like you Yakko and I want to court you if you allow me. But if you don't ready-"

"I like you too," Yakko stops him. "And I want to court you too." He stated. 

Max Scorpion rail swishes and rattles from its movements and before he can even think, Yakko pulls him into a kiss. His eyes were wide and his heart was beating fast and felt so much and held Yakko to him and felt himself change and kissed him back. 

When they pulled away, neither could say how happy or find the words to speak but instead showed it through their dance. They didn't know what would come to their future, but they knew no matter what it is, they could face it together.

Chapter Text

Ch. 10

When plucky arrived the next day, he was tired as he got to the guild's building which was a simple and basic cafe restaurant. But at the top was the office of the owner and leader of the guild. He groaned having to pay a ticket for a meager train and there was no high class train available! ' When I get rich, I'm gonna be getting rid of those lowly trains and own all the high class trains!!' He grins hoping he can even own as much, more than his mentor! He hurries up and shows his badge to the security before being led in. He follows the halls till he is led but hears shouts down the hall.

"If you're not going to help me, then I'll find someone else!!" 

Plucky rolls his eyes knowing Buster is at it again. Ever since his ' soulmate' ran off with some guy, Buster had been raving mad for weeks. ' I swear, why go after a farmer boy? There is little investment!!' Then there were other rumors about Bradley searching for that same guy. ' What is with this farmer kid? Is he some golden spoon???' He was thinking of searching for him at this rate and selling him to the highest bidder! I mean he would give Buster a discount, he's not that evil. Bit with the older brother gone, he could get a shot at wooing pretty dotty. He smiles seeing her work and if he wins her, they can make a business together and he- they can get rich (and then cut her off)

Just as Buster storms off plucky waited before entering in and sees the leader and the uncle to Buster was sitting in his chair looking bugged. 

Bugs bunny, Viscount and leader of the guild

"Plucky, please come in, have you eaten?" Bugs sees the young kid hadn't eaten and already a staff member rolled up the cart of food for him.

"Thanks! I rushed all the way here! Daffy had me personally bring you this letter!" He takes out a letter and sees the leader accept it and opens it to read seeing it was empty. "Hey kid, how's about you go eat in the Cafe and I'll call you up after." 

Plucky puzzles but nodded and went downstairs. He goes down to see a sadden looking rabbit who was completely deflated. 

"Hey rival, I see you're all dapper." Plucky walks over to sit with him. 

"What do you want?" Buster was not in the best of moods. Ever since that day, Buster couldn't help but tried to find ways to locate Yakko but his memory has been hazy and part of him knows he met someone that knew where Yakko was going! But all he kept seeing were these monstrous eyes full of hate on him.

"Look, I get you're looking for him, but if he left on his own, he doesn't want to be found. Plus after what you told me, I don't blame him for running away from Bradley. He's getting psycho. I even heard his mom came back from who knows where! She's evil!" Plucky knew alot about that woman! 

She was twisted in the head.

"And if I can find Yakko, I can protect him!" Buster shouts. He misses Yakko being there for him, comforting him and supporting him. He was really like his mom and sometimes wished… yakko could change his mind being a boy. Especially if they were to have kids soon or some day.

"Buster, you can't protect him." Plucky stated. "And you can't with your messed up back. What can you do to protect him from Bradley or his mother?" Plucky was being honest about this. By class level and power, Buster was below average in power. 

Buster frowns before thinking of a horrible idea but he had to. ' I can make a deal with the king.' " You let me deal with that." He answers back but he stops seeing someone he didn't want to see at all.

Bradley and his mother Hilda von Uppercrust.

Buster tenses up as they walk as if they own the place and they see bugs enter in and lead Hilda up and Bradley sees them together and smirks walking toward them. 

"I see you're walking alright, Buster." Bradley smirks. 

"What are you doing here? Come to try out my uncle's best cakes?" Buster crosses his arms.

"Actually yes." Bradley took a seat. A waiter comes, takes his order and orders a certain cake that was off the menu but was served only for Buster.

lune sur une crème nuageuse

 Buster curls his hand in anger. ' How dare he!!' . It was a dessert he felt reminded him of Yakko. It was a cake he remembered Yakko once tried to make. 

Bradley  smirks as he sits and waits. "You know Buster we have a common goal, of course that makes us enemies. But if you cut down to it, we are possessive people. And sooner or later when Yakko shows up, and he will, we're practically gonna tear each other apart. But," he pauses as they serve him tea. "The real enemy isn't each other, but someone who has him right now. Yakko couldn't have escaped so easily, unless he had help from someone with more power." 

Buster glares down and plucky was confused before it made sense. Someone higher than them could have gotten Yakko  out without a trace. Someone with more power.

A Duke would have that power or even a prince. 

Buster felt anger, his blood boiling and could be steaming by now! 'When did they meet? How did they meet?.... How close are they???' He felt betrayed and wondered did if this guy promised him the world?! He promised first!! Yakko is his soulmate!

"With that said, we don't stand a chance against an enemy we don't know by ourselves. What if we work together and kill this third party and share Yakko?"

Plucky rolled his eyes. "You mean Yakko's lover-"

"Don't you dare say that/ he can't be!!" 

Plucky couldn't tell who said what but after a second look, both were just as delusional. "Sheesh." 

"Anyhow, what I want from Yakko is something I can't say yet, but if you work with me, you'll have the answers. Believe it or not, Yakko is special to me; we almost became friends when I broke my finger as a kid." Bradley wasn't lying, the one fondest memory he had was when he stupidly broke his finger and he had to do a recital on the piano. "Yakko was there one time and despite our animosity, Yakko was kind to help me. I told him how much I needed to make my father proud, and how much I wanted to make my mother happy. I guess Yakko understood that well. He must have remembered his mom a bit." Bradley felt his wound ease a bit. "So he made it so that it looked like I was playing and he was able to play that echoed. If only I showed more kindness to him, maybe we could have been friends. But I couldn't because I have to work to become titled marquis. And showing kindness is a mistake. Especially when my father found out and I was told Yakko told him."

"What a heartfelt story." Buster remembered after that they went back to being enemies because it was he who told Bradley's father. He didn’t want Yakko to be friends with Bradley. "So why do you want to share him? After all this time?" Buster asked. 

"Because I only need what Yakko can give me and you want Yakko's heart. I don't care about his heart. I want what he doesn’t know." 

Buster was perplexed and crossed his arms. "No thanks." 

"Such a shame." Bradley said as his cake came but smirked. "You know Buster, I wondered if you were never here, I think Yakko would be my friend after that day. I know you told my father." He smirks, licking the frosting off the fork to taunt. "And maybe he would have been more open to tell me his dirty secrets. But I bet you don't even know some either."

"As if! I know more about Yakko than you'll ever know!" Buster growled, his heart was beating like a drum and his anger grew. 

"Right, like he ever told you the times he stood home for a few days because of his p-"

"Its not her fault she has bad cramps!!" Buster shouted but shook and covered his mouth.

"Pancreas." Bradley only smirks widen. "So you knew some but she didn't tell you. Oh wait, he didn't. Yakko was always more in between than he led on." He finishes the cake and smirks at the cherry. "Now we both know Yakko's dirty little secret~." He eats them, showing buster, no matter what he will do, he will win. "Thank you for that." He gets up as his mother comes back annoyed but calm as always. He escorts her out and they leave.

Buster shook as he was duped and tricked!!

Plucky was shocked and confused trying to understand Two psychopaths' minds.

"So was he willing to work with us?" Bradley asked, annoyed Being in that tacky restaurant. 

Hilda sighed. "No as expected. Did you get what we were really after?" She asked. 

Bradley smirks. "Yes, you are right, Buster knew." 

"I told you that rabbit knew more than anyone. Which gives me a better way to deal with that idiot Pinky. But to find Yakko," she hums annoyed. "I have no choice but to find a witch to bring Yakko to us but she lives on the outskirts in hiding. It'll take months to track her."

"But I want Yakko now!!" He glares and hacks out the poison. 

"All in good times Bradley, but you can't bed a princess if you are sick." His mother spoke. "Unless you want one of your brothers to take your place to have a healthy heir, you need to get better. And this witch is who we need to get everything." 

Bradley growls and sits back. She is right and if he wants to keep Yakko, he needs his strength. He can wait and he wouldn't let anyone claim Yakko!! He would rather have the bastard child over his family if he can't! He smirks knowing how much Yakko would do anything for his baby if he has, which was annoying him now. But he would have to protect the bastard baby from his mother. He can plan everything after he gets better. For now he has to wait.

'Soon, you'll be mine Yakko!'

Bugs was annoyed that Hilda came but he got what he needed to know and with Daffy's unexpected help, he needed to reach out to an old sweetheart. He goes back to his office and begins writing explaining in detail before he sends it on a special dove. "Be quick ok?" Bugs spoke and the bird flew off in speed. He and his old sweetheart had a thing between them that couldn't last, mostly because his old flame was to get married and it was a mutual end. But he will admit he misses him. 

"I hope Mickey helps my other niece and nephews." He smiles. They weren't his biological but Angelina was the closest to family. And after years of searching, he finally got a lead. But that also means he can't let Buster know being delusional and a dummy. That, and he doesn't really see him and Yakko as a couple.

'Poor idiot doesn't know at all what he's doing.' He sighed and held his locket out revealing him and Angelina Noir as kids. "I wish…"

After a week of his monsteration ended and Maxy being his heated pillow and support, Yakko did begin opening to asking Max. He even got better and closer to Max and he's been happy. He even made his birthday special and sweet. There was something Yakko asked for his birthday. It was something he couldn't ask anyone. And being 19 now, Yakko asked him to dance with him.

It was the best birthday he had. Yakko felt Max expressed his feelings to him and Yakko did tease him but he was happy. They both decided to go out together to get to know each other better. 

Courtship.

And since then, Max would bring him gifts he made and Yakko would do the same and even read to him. He did have something on the side for Max for the time of the festival and it was something he hoped Max would love. And that was a form of proposal. He couldn't explain it but he knew Max is the one. He has gotten close to Max through a form of special training. No it was not THAT . ' besides I promised I would try not to….. But I'm not a Disney character.'

No, it was something even he himself was surprising and thought it was zany even for him

How to use magic. 

He came to a realization after Wakko came to his first official training, Wakko has once a week training. Yakko knew he was weak physically. Dot was tougher than him and she's the youngest. He can't wield a sword, or strength, so studying magic was his last resort since then Max was happy to teach him. He mostly was taught defense which was pretty amazing and he has potential! But after some practice, Yakko was back in the books to understand the basics of magic, which was no different than math, something he can do.

"Why not actually try to use magic!" 

Yakko closes the book and turns around to see the ducks behind, watching him. "Don't you three have better things to do?" He asked. "Besides, I like to read what I'm going to do first." He added. 

"We were gonna go home but then we noticed you have been studying the ideology of magic for 6 hours." Huey spoke. "And it seems you have no idea how to conjure magic." 

Yakko crosses his arms, one thing he doesn't like is generally people thinking how he can be ignorant.

Louie and Dewey rolled their eyes as Huey went on until they froze when they saw a streak of lightning almost hit them. All three were wide eyed at who did it. 

"Yeah, before running your words out, ask how much I learned. Max was very kind to teach me how to conjure what element I have."

"No way!! I have never met or seen someone use storm magic! And without using a practice wand!" Dewey shouted. 

Yakko tilted his head confused. "Aren't you goblins all about magic?" 

"Well we are but we also have limits to what we can do. Even some animorphs toons can't use magic that well! But you can. But storm magic are usually wild and uncontrollable." Louie explains. "But you got the hang of it."

Yakko was perplexed and was curious now before frowning a bit. "Do you guys know any spells to gain back memories?" 

"No but we know someone who might. It may take some time." Huey spoke. 

Yakko thought about it but after reading his pop's letter, he knew sooner or later he needed to look back into the past.

His past.

"But let me talk to Max about it first. I don't want to make a decision without him." Yakko added.

"So is Max your husband already?" Louie asked.

Before Yakko can answer, the blue one teases. "If he is, toss your bouquet to me!" Dewey smirks. "And I can be your in law!"

"Hey I'm going to marry his brother!" Louie glares.

"Clearly he should marry the oldest- if he wants to!" Huey stated

Yakko however was getting ticked by them and without thinking, conjure sparks.

Max was training Wakko when they heard a loud boom which they weren't shocked about. It meant Yakko was either practicing, or found three targets. Either way, Max didn't mind, he can fix it. Since Wakko and Dot couldn't come together to see Yakko,  they took turns.

"Is Max getting better at magic?" Wakko asked.

"Yep." Max smiles. "He's doing pretty good with the books I've collected. But I wish I was better at magic if it wasn’t for the curse." He looks down to his reflection. 

"But you gave him way more than he can hope. Even made him a small hunting knife." It was one of the few things Yakko was ok with as a weapon especially when using it to pick apples or fruits. 

"But he needs a proper teacher." Max reminded him. 

"Hey Max, how do you know magic," Wakko was curious. Max knew a good level of magic but it comes naturally for him making Wakko wonder about Max.

Max was puzzled a bit. "I'm not sure. Because of this curse, I can't remember most of my past before coming here." 

"Do you want to remember?" Wakko asked, sitting for a break.

"I do but then I'm a little anxious because what if I was a bad person? Or what if there was someone waiting for me?" Max frowns. "Those what ifs messes with me. Besides, I like who I am now and how I made myself today."

Wakko was surprised but knew the small tell tale signs that he sort of wished to know. "Maybe remember your family?"

Max smiles a sad smile. "I wish but whoever put the curse on me, could hurt them so I would rather not."

Wakko frowns before hearing another boom. "What if Yakko wants to remember?"

"I'll be there with him." Max answers affirmably as he walks with Wakko who gotten a bit taller

"No matter what?" Wakko asked

"No matter what." Max walks with him as he sees Yakko chasing out the triplets. Wakko watches them disappear as Yakko comes up to the entrance. He was used to running a lot but not this much. He blushes looking ragged but Max only smiles and hugs him before carrying him.

"How about I carry you back inside. Pretty sure the triplets got you tired." Max nuzzles his and Yakko although pink only grins. "They did not succeed, I haven't passed out." He grins.

Wakko only smiles at the two and wonders just when Max will propose. "Hey for my birthday, can I have a nephew or a niece?" 

Yakko was covering his face as Max was not knowing how to answer that.

"I'm joking." Wakko chuckles, he was happy enough his brother had someone he could be happy with. 

Wakko smiles a bit as he watches them together. "I better get going though, it's almost late."

Yakko wished Wakko could stay the night but with everything going on, it's impossible for now. "Just get home safe." 

"Also here," Mrs Potts came up bringing a basket full of fresh blueberries. "I hope your fathers will like these." 

Wakko beams and thanks her as he sees 

Louie appears and hides behind Wakko. "Ready to go?" He asked Wakko, who smiled, and held his hand to him.

"Ready Louie." Wakko waves to his brother, it was sad but he knows Yakko is safe. Wakko waves before disappearing with the prince. 

Yakko waves back but lays his head against Max. "Thanks Max."

Max replied with a nuzzle as he carried him inside with Mrs. Potts but she went to her room as they went to the library. Max sat on their spot by the window as he held Yakko as his body turned to himself and sat more comfortably grabbing the book they were reading together.

Yakko laid on top of Max before thinking about the previous conversation he had with his siblings about remembering. "Hey Max, I was thinking," 

"That we should sneak in the kitchen and steal some tarts Mrs. Potts made?" Max asked. 

"That too but I was thinking, maybe I should find out about my past." Yakko spoke. "Those gremlins told me I had more potential than a normal toon should, and despite knowing bits my parents are nobles, I know there is more to remember. The only problem is that trauma. I need to get around that." He frowns, ever since the night, its like something is stopping him from remembering.

"Maybe we can ask someone who studies in the area of the mind?" Max asked. 

Yakko hums. "Only problem is if I step out, they'll know." 

Max thinks about it before he thinks of an idea. "Then we have someone who can bring them here."

Yakko perked and turned around and sat on his lap. "We can ask Mrs. Potts to find help!"

Max was deep red, he was getting used to Yakko laying on him but there are other times like this he was too shy. "Ye-yep." 

Yakko grins and hugs him just as Mrs. Potts came in. "I brought tea-!" She stops seeing the boys before leaving them as she knew they were not doing  anything extreme but she knows young love is hard to stop. 

Max all he can do was hold Yakko back and nuzzles him but for a moment he saw something, 

Max held onto the little boy when he was 7 as the boy smiled.

Max held onto Yakko and shook it off but Wakko's words made him think about remembering. But there was that deep fear of who he was in the past. 

"Maxy, thank you so much."

Max felt his head a bit dizzy, memories a bit hazy but he ignored it and holds Yakko close. "Always for you."

Chapter Text

It was to be in four days that Mrs. Potts was leaving with pj being her guard to north of austria to get in touch with the one that can help Yakko remember but after a bit of searching through letters max kept, the recent was a about 5 months and it was sent from Austria, which was more than a week travel due to the weather making it a month. It would be a long while for going and returning so Max made sure they had enough to travel and be safe.

“So are you excited to travel outside the estate?” Max asked, he was at the moment in the training grounds with pj. He knew pj was going to be excited to travel again but he was nervous about seeing his dad if he ever crosses paths with him.

“I'm a bit nervous, having to cross through the mountains where my dad probably has his guild of thieves.” the said friend deflated a bit. It was known from what he told his friend, his father was a count. However, he had a secret business working with bandits and would steal anything if the price was right. It was something Pj didn’t want.

“If you take the path Yakko helped mapped out with his pops, I’m sure it’ll get you out safely.” Max finished sharpening his sword, looked at his friend. “And plus Yakko made you those little charms.” he smiles thinking of the time Yakko told him about his dad making those charms to keep travelers safe. His dad taught him how to make them using flowers and ribbons. He kept the one Yakko made for him when he started living here.

“How do you feel? This is technically the first time you and Yakko are gonna be alone without Mrs. Potts around.” Pj can already see the small tint on his cheeks.

“We might just- you know we’ll-” Max was stopping himself, he was a bit nervous. They would have the other residents, but they mostly live outside. He didn't know what they could do but he was blushing deeply! They might cuddle or do something crazy! ‘Like sleeping under the stars together!’ He didn’t know if Yakko would be ok with that!

Meanwhile

Yakko was distracting his thoughts through books but all he could think about was spending time with just Max. Granted he was excited because they can relax without Mrs. Potts' popping out of nowhere when they were cuddling or him laying on top of Max when they nap. But then there  were times when he did see max train, day or night, he blushed deeply seeing how strong he is. And he will say he likes when he’s… goofy. He didn't know why but it fits him and he likes that about him. ‘And his eyes, and his cute smile-’ he felt his cheeks burning thinking he would like to further their relationship. But he didn’t want to scare him-

Yakko shuddered, feeling anxious when he recalled that time Bradley attacked him. He frowns, no matter how much he was happy to be with Max, he can't get past what happened, his body would feel wrong and overwhelmed. It terrified him when they get to that point, will he be ok? Or will he push Max away because of that trauma? He then thought of the number of times he was held by Max, he never felt scared or disgusted. 

He felt safe,

He loves how nice being in his arms (they are comfortable). He felt more than comfortable being in his arms and presence. 

He looks out the window and smiles to look out at the training grounds and sees Max. his heart was skipping a beat. He knew whatever or whenever, Max would not, and ever, force him to do anything he didn’t want to do.

The next day,

“Safe travels!!” Yakko shouted, he clung onto Max along with the other residents of the estate. 

As they were no longer seen, he and Max and the others went back into their work/ task. However, just when Max was going to do his usual tasks, Yakko stopped him. Max felt his heart flutter.

"I would like to ask you to have a lunch date in the garden." Yakko smiles.

Max blushes and nods. "Yes." He saw Yakko grinning excitedly and at that moment Yakko hurried inside to make lunch. “Let me help!!” He followed his boyfriend into the estate.

Near afternoon,

When it was time for their lunch date, they brought the basket of their lunch they made together, and fruit the residents gave them on their way to the willow tree. It was a nice place for them to have their lunch and the shade would keep them from the heat of the sun. 

As Max placed the large blanket, Yakko looked to the setting of the sun and saw it was not far from the afternoon time. He was hoping pj and Mrs. Potts were alright, even though Lumiere was there with them to coach the carriage.

“I'm worried about them too.” Max held his hand, making the short of the two ears perked up. 

Yakko wondered if Max could read minds but they already came to know some of their little quirks and hints. It wasn't surprising so he answered. “I'm worried if they will be ok. I know why they are doing this to help me remember, but what if it doesn't work?” He was getting worried about the ifs until he felt Max held him in his lap. 

“Hey if it doesn't, then we will find another way.” Max nuzzles against him and feels Yakko lies against him. “And whatever happens, I will be there to hold your hand, and help you get up.” 

“I will too but just so you know, I might need help.” Yakko jokes and hears Max chuckles before he feels Max places his muzzle against his cheek as a kiss. It made him feel warm and his heart fluttered before turning to kiss his muzzle. To Yakko, Max could be a monster and he still loves him. He fell for him even before seeing his toon side. “I like you alot Max.” He felt shy saying the other L word but he can see Max was still happy with that, his tail wagging really fast. 

“And I like you more.” He licks his cheek before keeping him in his arms. He didn't understand why but he was scared Yakko would disappear if he let go. The feeling felt familiar but he dismissed it as he nuzzled against Yakko. 

Yakko was blushing as he felt happy being like this with Max,  being in each other's arms. He has hugged Max a lot, he initiated the hugs, but when Max holds him like this, it feels different. A good kind but stranger than usual. He clings to him a bit before pulling away, “Let's eat our lunch before it gets cold.” He cups his face before kissing him on the nose. He did notice Max looks a bit different, his features had less scales and his large paws felt softer. 

“Ok.” Max hesitated but let go of Yakko but he could not figure out this feeling that was more than giving affection. He watches Yakko as he takes out the food and Max reaches over to help. He will figure it out later, for now he wants to enjoy his time with his love.

But the feelings didn't sway away. It only grew more each day as it had since he first confessed to Yakko. Ever since then, those feelings would come out slowly from each touch he and Yakko shared. Be it from the smallest touch by the tips of their fingers, to holding Yakko from behind as they read or nap together. Max felt his body was heating up from the touches he or Yakko gave to each other but it was not painful to pull away. 

one night when they did their nightly dances, that night was different.

Yakko and Max were dancing like always and when the song was over, there was a new song they wanted to try and it was a slow to fast beat from the instruments Max enchanted. At first the song was slow, it made them feel like they were dancing in a dream. Max was feeling relaxed, being not the beast version of himself and Yakko's smile was bright. They were content with the slow pace. 

However, when Max looked into Yakko's eyes, and then his smile. He was always happy to see his Yakko smile but beyond the smile, his heart would feel more than fluttered when he saw his lips. That was when the music began to change. Max's hand that was placed on his hips, moved to Yakko's back, making Yakko perk as he felt Max leans down to kiss. 

Yakko of course kissed back but he felt the kiss was more firm as they danced away and the tempo was increasing as they kept dancing. Yakko felt his heart racing with each kiss until he felt Max's tip of his tongue lick his lips. He was used to Max's affections when he's a beast. First time Max tried to kiss him as the beast, he licked his face. It was cute and funny and different but he liked it. But this affection was different. It wasn't playful or sweet. 

It felt tempting, like a trap that can keep him in.

Yakko felt the tip of the tongue again and without a thought of rationality, he allowed it. He gasped as he felt Max took the lead of the kiss that made him dizzy and held onto Max for support. He moaned between the kisses and just when he was about to reciprocate, they jumped from all the instruments falling. This shocked both of them and were panting from the kiss. 

Max was shocked and looking at Yakko, how disheveled he looked, he was turning red. “I-I-I-it's getting late it seems.” He blushed, feeling his hands were around Yakko's hips just above the base of his tail. He lets go before catching yakko again, seeing he didn't have a good footing. He lets Yakko stand while holding him before letting go and kisses his palm before pulling Yakko to a chaste kiss. He was getting hot a bit but he tried to control himself. “We should get some rest- i-in our- our own rooms!” He spoke and without thinking kissed him again and Yakko reciprocated the kiss. 

Yakko was blushing at first from the kiss on the hand, and then the chaste kiss but when Max kissed him again he kissed back. He couldn't help but giggle as Max pulls away and bows a gentleman's bow and looks flustered before feeling embarrassed. “Want another kiss goodnight?~” He teased but he didn't expect Max to do the opposite. 

He thought he'd run off.

 ‘Not pin him to the wall and kiss him out of his mind!’ Yakko was too dazed to care until Max kissed his neck and bit him. He yelped and felt a flip in his stomach but he didn't get a chance to say. He saw Max shocked when he pulled away. He had dread in his eyes and hurried out. Yakko could only slip down and his heart was beating like it was on a run and all he could think of was Max and what happened. 

However after that night, Max was running away each time he wanted a kiss or so much as to talk. Not even hugging him was a chance when the owner of the mansion ran off. Max would go straight to patrolling or training for hours till even past sunset and dinner. 

Yakko was in his bed trying to process what happened that night. Max was perfectly fine at the beginning, they danced, and then they kissed. Thst was when he was feeling flips in a weird way thinking about the kiss. It was different than all the kisses and tried to recall everything. 

He couldn't nor could he sleep with all the feelings and tried to understand them. When he got up he decided to change clothes and head down to hopefully see Maxy. He knows he'll just hurry off until he is dreadful but has to plan it to get max to talk to him. 

Later in the evening.

Max was tired after patrolling all day. And it was not worth it until he had to remind himself why he was doing this. 

Keep Yakko safe

Max sighed as he was feeling like an idiot as he makes his way to the kitchen. He frowns, missing his time with Yakko and their dates. He then blushes thinking about the kiss until he thought about the bite. He didn't know what possess him to do that, all he can think was how much he wanted Yakko more. He was trying to think if it was to eat him or something else. Or… was it the curse? He began feeling things he never felt but he also feeling need to make Yakko his more than just love. He was scared and worried if he was like those two creeps that tried to take Yakko from- he shook his head. ‘ Max, Yakko is not yours! He is not an object to possess!’ He thinks to himself. 

He stops and looks at the small charm he took out of his pocket. He loves Yakko, he loves him since he first saw him. He loves how Yakko was smart, quirky, zany. He loves how his eyes even though looks black, if you squint, you can see the hue of purple. He loves how his eyes sparks when he talks, thinks, feeling all the feels. He could fill a book about his love, but he was worried that could overwhelm his ma- boyfriend! He slaps his hand over his face. ‘Maybe its the beast trying to take ove. It made a conscience now’‘ He makes a turn but stops and felt the back of his neck his fur stood up. He felt he was stepping into a trap and backed away. Just as he did, he dodged a net. He learned for the past years to sense danger and he was glad as he turned to see who before feeling a body and arms wrapped around him. He looks down to see it was indeed Yakko. 

“Y-yakko-!” He blushed when Yakko kissed him. He didn't know what to do but when Yakko tackle him down for a kiss he reacted by holding him protectively. Max didn't have time to process or reciprocate when Yakko pulled back. 

“Maxy, you have been hiding from me for the past 2 days. So for the next few days to come, I'm going to surprise attack you with kisses until you tell me why.” Yakko started making Max blushed deeply. Yakko leans to him and kisses him before going. “Night Maxy~.” 

Max was again replaying what happened and felt his heart racing and tried to resist chasing him. Partly he felt his curse was indeed surfacing even during the day! He groans as did his stomach but part of him, again, wanted Yakko. “I'm so going to lose him.” He mumbles but blushes liking the surprise attack he did. He couldn't help but want tomorrow to come. He could tell him but he wanted to see what Yakko was gonna do.

 5 days later

‘To think I thought I was the slippery one in our relationship .’ Yakko thought as he lies in bed blushing when he touched the small bruise called a hickey formed under his fur on his neck. For the past 5 days since that night, they have been playing cat and mouse, and sometimes he was the mouse. But yesterday, went a bit further and rather sat on a… bump Max had after a heated kiss, hence the hickey. Yakko was a blushing mess after and he didn't get a chance to stop Max because Max kept apologizing for it. He didn't at first think why until today. He recalled the assault that almost became worse and then it clicked why Max was avoiding him before the chase.

 “I know I can be dense, but no wonder why!” Yakko holds the pillow to him and frowns. “He didn't want to hurt me like he did.” Yakko didn't know whether to thank him, or clonk him. “I need to find him.” He stated and paused before thinking of where he could be before knowing and guessing.

Max sighed as he was (embarrassed and feeling like a coward) hiding in his old spot in the attic of the estate. It was the one place he hadn't shown Yakko yet and it was hidden thanks to some magic and it had a glass ceiling to see the stars. It was a planned date but he hasn't thanks to the chase and the incident that made him feel like a monster. He didn't have the heart to tell Yakko why because he was scared of hurting Yakko. He is full heartedly in love with Yakko but the curse was coming out more than before and he was worried he could hurt him. He was worried if the beast was now appearing in the night and he was afraid one morning he'll wake up to Yakko either gone or dead. He was wondering now was he no different than that monster that was threatening Yakko and attacked him. He doesn't know the limits or the degrees of the curse and he was afraid to lose Yakko and be no different than those creeps. 

‘I rather lose Yakko in a broken heart over losing Yakko to death or traumatize him.’ He felt dumb doing this but he doesn't want to force himself on Yakko like he did in the kiss. Just when he was feeling hopeless, the door on the floor flipped open. Max yelped and saw Yakko climbing up. 

“You’re by far better at hiding than I am! But I am not mad at that!” Yakko stood up and ran and stops, sitting across from him, giving him space. It reminded him of the time they first met. He remembered how max gave him space when he approached him. Only instead he sat across and reached out his hand to Max. “Max, tell me why you're hiding from me. And no don't try to change the subject, I want to and need to know…. Was I a bad kisser?” He needed to lighten the air and sure enough Max relaxed and slowly moved to sit on his lap and hug him. “Max, you can tell me the real reason why you are hiding away. I mean I had fun with the chase, but yesterday you panicked when you're… don't make me say it.” He covers his face against him. “But I wasn't scared- well a bit but not a bad scared.”

Max was perplexed but instead of answering, he held him to his chest, releasing that breath he held in. “I'm just scared of losing you. And when that happened, I just got scared. I was scared I was no different than them! The only difference is I'm a literal beast that can kill you!”

Yakko was surprised by the answer and stifled a laugh until he couldn't. 

“Yakko I'm being serious!” Max frowns but instead of Yakko stopping, he feels Yakko wrap his arms around his neck. “What if the curse hurts you?! I can't hurt you!” 

“Max it's not the curse.” Yakko smiles and kisses his cheek and sees the sunset coming. In his opinion, he wished it was because he was a bad kisser (he never kissed anyone) ‘I wish Mrs. Potts could have explained this. This is so typically disney!’ 

“Max what your feelings are part of yourself. Not a curse or magic though love is supposedly the greatest magic. And you're definitely not like those creeps. You didn't do what he did, you stopped and were worried about me.” He cups his face and kiss him a small kiss. “That is the one of the many things I love about you Max. You don't use force, you respect and be this sweet, dorky self I love so much.” Yakko blushes, he didn't know how to explain more. “I would… I like to explore those feelings… with you when you feel ready.”

Max was processing all that Yakko said until he understood what he meant. He blushes hearing love but he was still worried. “B-b-but I can still hurt you! What if I-!” He stops and feels the kiss but it was more special and he reciprocates the kiss. It wasn't needy or forceful or heated, it was their special kiss of reassurance. He wanted more but he felt his love pull away.

“Max, I love you.” Yakko stated and he practically saw Max was turning redder than an apple. He was at first, gonna make Max say it, but this is so much better. Especially when Max needed to hear it. “I'd rather be yours than anyone. The curse, is a part of you and whether or not it gets lifted, it is a part of you. I love everything and all parts of you.” Yakko kisses him on the nose.. “And Max, again, you're not like the creeps, you wouldn't hurt me. I want this deep love more because it's with you and only you.” He nuzzles against his chest.

Max holds him close and nuzzles him. “I love you Yakko, more than anything in the world.” He places his head against his and feels Yakko kisses his cheek and chuckles before feeling Yakko cups his face and kisses him.

“You haven't been giving me proper affection for a week so I am not letting you go.” Yakko grins and clings to him as Max keeps holding him as they share tender kisses that later lead to something more.

In the morning Yakko woke up in Max's arms and smiled tiredly before hissing at the soreness of his lower regions as he recalled the memory of last night. He clung to max more and couldn't help but smile thinking of last night. But only blushed deeper. ‘You know, Max is really a beast.’ He thought but didn't care. He felt happy and he couldn't help but feel less conscious about his body. He waited a bit till he was ready to get up. He sat up but when he looked at Max, he was nearly spooked to see him not a beast!!

“Max, you need to wake up.” He nudges him gently and sees Max sitting up, making him turn red seeing some scars, he was pretty built.

Max sits up enough to only pull Yakko to him and mumbled out. “5 more minutes.” He nuzzles to Yakko's neck. 

Yakko blushes but he really needed to get Max up. It took multiple nudges and 5 min of cuddles, Yakko's choice, and kisses till Max woke up and nearly spooked himself to see he was himself when the morning came.

“H-how is this possible?” Max looks at the mirror before he puts on trousers quickly as Yakko did the same knowing where Max was going but grabbed Max dress shirt to wear before following him out. 

Max ran out in a hurry and stopped just by the edge where it meets the forest. He felt nervous and scared until he felt Yakko held his hand but was panting. 

“You… know… I am… not as fit as fit…” Yakko pants away. “You're gonna…. Carry me back home after this.” He caught his breath and entwined his hands with Max's. “Whatever happens, happens.”

Max nodded and looked to the forest before taking a step forward and felt his body shift and change. He saw, through the puddle's reflection, he looked more like a werewolf than before but his scorpion tail was there. 

Yakko looked at the change, he felt guilty seeing they didn't undo the curse but looking at Max, he looked… relief. “Are you mad or…?” 

Max looks at Yakko and goes to hold his hands and nuzzles his face. “I'm relieved it's still with me. I mean I hate the show, but,” he looks at Yakko and cups his face. “It helps me keep you safe and this curse has led me to you and I love you.” 

Yakko nuzzles into his hands. “I thought it was like those silly fairy tales with the whole true loves kiss. But when you changed, I-I thought you'd hate me or be mad I'm not that true love's-”

“I will not hate you and I couldn’t be mad at you for what's already a part of me. You are my true love because you love me for me and you helped me see that I'm still me even as a beast.” Max nudges his head to his. “I don't want some fairy tale dream everyone writes off. I want to be with you for the rest of my life as we are.” He blushes after saying that, getting shy. “O-only if you want to be with me! I mean we may have, y-y-you know-” He stops when he's pulled into a kiss.

Yakko felt his heart soared and all he could do was kiss Max for confessing to him. When he pulls away, he smiles. “I want to be with you Maxy. Curse and all.” 

Max  was so amazed by Yakko, he swore he fell in love all over again before picking him up and nuzzles against him. He carried him back to their home. Max entering back turned normal again and could only feel he was the happiest in the world

“You know I just realized something,” Yakko nuzzled Max's chest. “Since the beast is still you, like you said, have you ever thought of trying to shift to yourself during the day?” 

Max paused before thinking. “No, I mostly kept thinking how I couldn't because it was a curse.” 

Yakko looked at Max before thinking about it. “I mean whomever cursed you, wasn't exactly pissing them off, or something bad you did.” Yakko then thought about before. “Whatever it was, maybe you can be yourself outside of the estate during the day. Just practicing to be more accepting of it? I mean it can work but-” 

“Always find a way.” Max kisses his cheek. “Thank you Yakko.” 

Yakko blushes and only hides his face against his chest. He felt there was something that changed more than before but he just couldn't point out what it was exactly.

Chapter Text

A month to near 2 months later, near hallows eve.

It was during midday as autumn was already falling and the once green lavish forest was soon turning to the hues of red orange and somewhat goldfish leaves, reminding everyone, winter was coming early. Since the unexpected change, the couple had something more together and when their time alone became special, and their love was deepening. They do, however, make more time to help the residents of their home be ready for hibernation. 

Yakko always curious and always excited to learn, was even taught by some who did small basic survival skills, showed him how they setup for the coming winter. However, the residents brought Yakko gifts. The residents were happy Max found someone to share his life with and would give Yakko, what he learned later, were considered wedding gifts. Yakko was embarrassed how they knew but it wasn't a secret that he and Max were more intimate. It just makes him feel more bashful when the others know about that. 

Yakko was still thankful to them and surprising him he also considered the residents family. Just when he was helping them carry a basket of roots and berries, he perked up to see a bird flying into their home. “Sorry everyone, but I gotta see the recent letter!!” Yakko placed the basket down, and hurried as some of the creatures waved and shouted their gratitude to him. He hurried inside and ran to the library and saw Max beat him to the letter. 

Max was the first to get it, already reading it. “They did find out the whereabouts of that doc.” He explained as he was, as Yakko calls his normal form, his puppy form and his beast his beast. Since Max was starting back to square one, they had to make some nicknames to his normal self and his beast self being they were him and he was just different by height and features. But since then, he was trying to change from his puppy form to beast form and when he's in the forest a reverse practice. He has gotten better but he can only stay as his puppy from outside the forest for only 2 hours without using magic. However during his training in the forest, he learned using magic during the day can drain him faster but being a swordsman more, helps him but he knew he had to train himself to work with magic because wielding a sword won't be much if he's trying to escape or deal with others that used magic. 

“Where is he?” Yakko went to sit with him, he was reading over his shoulder. 

“He's in Paris. They can't leave the country yet due to the border being guarded but pj's dad is helping them. And it's pretty surprising since his dad is the leader of thieves and cons.” Max reads the letter with Yakko now moving on his lap on the duvlan. 

“I think my pops knows about pj's dad. But if the doctor is in Paris, then that means we'll have to go there ourselves. There's no telling when he's gonna go.” Yakko spoke but was worried with the residents being unprotected. 

“There might be a way, but it's going to require their help.” Max spoke and saw Yakko was not too excited.

“Not those wombats….” Yakko grumbles annoyed.

“....... so you need our help.” Louie grins as the other two were sitting and eating the cakes Yakko made.

“Yes.” Yakko was sitting next to Max who was a beast (Yakko requested it). “We need to get to Paris, but we need to also have our home protected… and we think you three… can help us.” Yakko bit his curse words back. 

“Can you guys help us?” Max asked.

“Well we can but…” Louie looks to know it all brother.

“We’re gonna need that necklace.” Huey stated. “We three can teleport you two but protecting a land worth, gonna need some boost of power.” Huey added.

“it's a raw carved magic stone that has a lot of magic stored up and it can help us make a barrier, not even magica the witch can break.”

“who?” Yakko asked, not surprised about witches, but he felt he should know who she is. 

“She's a powerful witch but has been beaten by our uncle Scrooge who's pretty powerful himself. We have fought magica a few times.” Huey took pride.

“But she was originally a good witch until she lost her brother who turned into a crow. That and her niece left her.” Louie recalled that Lena went to search for her father.

“but we always save the forest but lately she ran off somewhere.” Dewey added.

Yakko looks at Max and after a bit, he takes off the necklace and hands it over to them. 

“We'll give it back, just need to borrow some.” Louie exclaimed as he held the necklace before handing it to Huey. He walks over to them and takes their hand but looks to his brothers. “You two better not do anything without me.” and disappeared with them.

“Well, time to do another job.” Dewey grins and jumps off. 

“I'll make the protection barrier, you get a fur sample of them.” Huey stated. “Mom said to get enough.” 

Dewey waves out to him as he goes to get them but wondered, did his friend look a bit different? And why was his boyfriend glowing a bit? He shrugged off and hurried to look around.

Paris

Yakko and Max and Louie appeared, but the second they got there, Yakko felt sick and ran to the nearest Bush.

Max didn't ask and was already patting down and rubbing his mate's back. “Yakko, you're not feeling well.” 

“Just a small cold, I'll be fine.” Yakko smiles at him and fixes himself up but frowns, seeing on the walls of a wall were numerous wanted posters of him. “Well so much going in the city without problems.”

“I got just the thing but you can't take it off.” Louie  looks through his side bag he carries. “It's easier casting a spell, but it won't last. Here it is!” Louie takes out a small set of brass earrings. They looked simple and had a small dull gem on the top of them. He hands them to Yakko to put on. 

Yakko was however not fond of needles but already sees Louie bringing out a needle and sterilizing it with the heat. 

“It'll only hurt a bit.” Louie grins and sees yakko was shaking a bit. 

“Max, c-can you hold my hand?” Yakko shook at the sight of the needle. He shut his eyes and felt Max hold his hand as he let the terrible goblin do his job. 

It wasn't long till Louie finished and saw Yakko was told it was done and Max was hugging him in comfort. He only rolled his eyes but then thought of the knight and wondered if he was like his brother. The thought made him smile at the knight reaching for him for comfort.

“Is it supposed to work?” Yakko looked at himself but what he didn't see was that it did and instead of himself, he was a cat that was Grey with a black nose and his cat ears had a black tip.

“It really works, only me and Max can see you as you.  Everyone else just sees a cat.” Louie answers. “But stay together, Paris has the most guilds here hiding around here. Some being from that fake king.”  Louie changed to look what he assumed was a crow toon. 

They all nodded and headed into the busy part of Paris. The part they were in was a busy street and luckily even with Max a bit of a werewolf, he looked no different than a timber wolf. Yakko clung to Max as he not only didn't like huge crowds, he was for some reason, felt really possessive. Max however wasn't focusing on the random looks, he was more concerned over finding the doctor. If he had to think of Dr. Scratch, he was most likely in the vegetation section but it was hard because he had never been here. 

“Max, any idea where this guy is? We need to find a place to stay for the night.” Louie pointed out to the time of sun was near sunset. 

Max looked around. “Well Dr. Scratchansniff would be in the vegetable sections of the market-” 

“I know where it is!!” Louie shouted and pulled them both to the other part of the city. 

Yakko clung to Max as he tried to keep up. Just when he slips, he felt Max reflexively caught him and carried him off like a bride. He couldn't help but like it and curled into his arms as they hurried off. When they got there, Yakko was amazed by how big the vegetation section was. He knew his dads would be so thrilled. He felt Max wiped his tears away.

“You feeling ok, sol?” Max asked, using the nickname he gave him when they began courting. “We can always invite them over when we come over.” 

Yakko only smiles and nuzzles his hand. “I just miss my dads. I don't know why I'm in tears.” he frowns but purrs when Max kisses his head. He couldn't help but feel happy now. 

But that feeling didn't last.

“What happened to my shipment!?” 

Yakko paled to see it was none other than Buster bunny who was getting upset. He hid behind Max as he only could think of was hiding.

“I didn't order these! I ordered lavender seeds!” Buster glares down at the owner of the vendor.

“I-I'm sorry sir, but the seeds were already bought off by lord Uppercrust who is supposed to be coming soon-”

“Then I will pay double!!” Buster stated. “Do you have any bouquets freshly cut? I am to see my fiancé, I was told he was here in Paris.”

Yakko felt scared but felt Max's arms holding him tightly and blocking him as they listened.

“Out of my way.” 

Yakko turned to see Bradley there scowling at them before being shoved away by one of the knights. Yakko felt Max hold him but pulls Yakko Far away from them.

“Why hello good sir, I'm Luis P. Canard, can I interest you in some well crafted brooch?” Louie grins and uses some charm to wing him in. Even knowing when there's a situation, Louie finds a way to sell or find an opportunity. Especially when it came to rich dumb nobles.

Brad looked at one in particular, seeing the purple one looking like a flower. “Give me that one.” He tosses him a silver coin.

Louie accepts it (thank his luck he wore gloves). “Happy to make business with you~” He grins as he watches Brad puts the brooch on and walks over to mess with Buster.

Max glares down at Louie but sees there was something else the little goblin had planned seeing that knowing grin on the duck'sface. “That wasn't some quick scheme.”

“Nope. What better than to know their plan  then listening in a good distance.” Louie whispers. “Don't worry it'll record everything so as soon as we find a place to stay in, we'll hear and see everything.” He then grinned hiding that pocket watch he stole without the creep looking as they left to get far away.

Yakko clung to Max as he hoped to not be seen by them but he was curious how they knew he was here. 'Just how did they know? Was their home safe??' He didn't know how or why but what mattered was finding the doctor and fast! He cling to Max's arm as they hurried off. He was about to take a side glance out of fear if they were looking back but Max stopped him. He looked to him and saw Max glaring behind before they were able to disappear in the crowd.

Bradley for a moment felt something familiar about the cat's eyes as he was making his way to the botany vendor. He didn't know why but it felt too familiar but he didn't get a chance when that tall brute held the cat away. He for a moment, wanted to reach out for the cat but he couldn't because of that tall freak! 'I could have gotten a better look if he didn't got side tracked buying that brooch.' And then he felt the . 

No, not glare. Bradley felt paralyzed by that look. It was a silent death threat. The white part of his eyes somehow turned red like blood. For a small moment his wound was nearly felt as if he was stabbed in the chest again! All he could do was watch them leave and he shook looking down the second he caught sight. He shook it off, reminding himself not to get carried away! His sources told him Yakko was with his lover in the near area of the church. He could only assume Yakko was getting married and he was not allowing it!! He needed to get him before that king did or that idiot bunny! He ignored that bizarre couple and was already dealing with that idiot Buster. 

Later near evening

Yakko, Max and Louie were already staying over a inn (not own by any guild, or nobles) as it was belonging to two chipmunks. 

Yakko was at the moment being dried up by Max first. It was something they both like to do together.

“Something on your mind?” Max asked, noticing how his tail curls with worry. Thanks to his training, he was now able to be in his puppy form full time in the night.

“How did they know we were going to be here?” Yakko was puzzled and creeped out by how far their obsession was.

“I really hate how I almost lost my cool.” Max frowns and feels Yakko turn and hugs him. “But I would've fight them if they did try to hurt you.” 

“Which I thank you for.” Yakko grins. “I guess finding that doc is gonna be harder now.” Yakko frowns, annoyed that they couldn't either enjoy the day or find the doc.

Max frowns and thinks of an idea. He lifts Yakko like a cat (ironic) and carefully lies him back and holds him around the stomach instinctively. 

Yakko blushed when he did that, he thought he was initiating this time, always gets so shy when he tries. But the second he nuzzles by his belly, he really calmed down. He smiles and petted his fur, grew a bit long, and felt calmer. “Thanks Max.” Yakko smiles and holds Max's head in his arms.

Just as they were calm, there was a knock on the door. Max perked but being suddenly cautious in seconds, he was in midway through. 

Yakko sat up and tried to calm his already growling mate, reminding him they can't stir suspicion yet.

 Max usher him to the bathroom before he can say no but also reminded him that they can't chance any suspicion. He opens the door to see who.

“Why did you came here, uncle bugs?” Buster was puzzled as he came to see his lying uncle.

“I knew you did go through my paperwork but I need to talk to you.” Bugs spoke but the second he entered he sees there, in his worst appearance, Bradley. “So the rumors are true, you are working with him, knowing he hurt yer friend.” He tsks at him.

“I'm not, he entered my room without asking.” Buster glares at his uncle and Bradley.

“Just like you tried to force yerself on an innocent boy now man. Just like yer father.” Bugs steps away just when Bradley tried to throw a punch. “And easily annoyed like yer mum. I wouldn't over exert yer strength with that poison in ya.” Bugs added.

Bradley growls  “For your information, Yakko is a girl-”

“Hey I feel like I'm a girl some days, I like to be both too.” Bugs shrugs. “Anywho, I came here to warn you both, stop yer search on the young lad.”

“How dare you!!” Bradley growls.

“How dare I? You assaulted him, while he was still considered a minor at the time. And you,” pointing to his nephew. “Fer trying to use a love potion.” He glares down at him. 

“I love him!” Buster shouted.

“Buster, he's not a replacement for yer mum. It wouldn't be real love .” Bugs spoke 

Somewhere not too far, Yakko and Max were watching what Louie was showing them was happening right now. 

Yakko was surprised by Mr. Bugs who he heard about and he's just as he- he paused hissing as he got a headache and for a second remembered a memory, seeing him.

“Yakko.” Max was holding hi, concerned over yakko.

“I-I-I'm ok. But I think we need to talk to Mr. Bugs. I can't explain it but I think I know him.” Yakko spoke. He sees Max was already going to get dressed as he did. “I know you want to keep me safe, but I can't just sit and hide because of them. I need to do this too.” 

Max knew Yakko would not take no for and answer so he kissed him. “Then in case we get separated, use the ring to teleport back home.” Max holds his hand. “If we get him and if it happens, take him with you. Lou will get me home too.” He reassured him. 

Louie was ignoring the tender moments as he was watching the scene but pales. “We need to find him fast!” Louie stated pulling them both out in a hurry. “Their gonna try to force that guy to talk!!” Louie uses his magic to track where Brad is seeing Brad was using a well known ring to call guards. He uses his magic to teleport them using the watch. 

Yakko and Max perked at it before they realized what it was! “Thats-!!” And they disappeared and reappear in the side just outside of the luxury hotel (owned by Bugs’) and hears a fight, assuming it was the hotels personal guards as they see Bugs literally walking out as Yakko steps out to see him but froze when the Grey bunny looked shocked. 

Before Yakko could say something, Bugs ran to hug him. “I can't believe I finally found nephew.” Bugs hugged him tightly. “You may be hidden in a cloak, but I know those eyes from anywhere. Plus I can see through that disguise.”

Yakko couldn't help but cry as he clung to him. He started to remember but it was cut short when they heard Bradley and Buster shout. 

“Uncle!/ Get that rabbit!!” 

Yakko took his hand and they ran to Max but they were blocked by Bradley's goons. He felt bugs kept Yakko behind and pulls a sword out. 

“There's no need to fight!” Buster shouted. “Just tell us where's Yakko!” He walks over to bugs but he froze when his own flesh and blood, raised a sword at him.

“Get back.” Bugs guards Yakko as he was nor being his usual calm self. 

Bradley looked to the cat he recognized earlier and looked to Bugs and realized something before laughing. “I can't believe it! You were literally here!” He smirked before thinking about that bear looking thing was touching his possession.

Buster was confused but it took him a second before realizing. “Yakko?! H-how?!”

Yakko was shaking as he turned and pulled  his dagger out at the goons who were getting close. He was looking around knowing they were surrounded. 

Max was being held back by Louie. “Max if you go out, they are going to hurt Yakko. We need to wait for a perfect time.” He whispered. “there's too many guards and we can't rush out there.” He saw the beast was coming out and he knew well this could either kill him or trap them all. Louie knew there was only one thing left to stop Max. “Max if you go out there, Yakko and the baby will be in more danger.” Louie stated. He had a hunch but he used the blood sample from the rag they used to clean his ear with and used a potion to get curious but he found out from the plant it bloomed purple, but there was a small bud that was growing. He pulls out the plant to show Max and sees the beast although there, was still slowly dissipated.

“B-but-” Max stopped and looked to yakko who was keeping stern. “I can't just watch…”

“Max, I will find an opening. I won't let them take away your mate, Wakko's brother.” Louie reassured them. 

Yakko was keeping calm as he keeps holding his dagger out. He knew they needed a chance to get out. He did one thing and stood in front of Bugs, and held his dagger against his throat. He saw both Brad and Buster reaction changed. 

“Llower that dagger, Yakko!!” Buster shouted and took a step but went back when Yakko made a mark and they saw ink and blood drip.

“Take a step closer, and I will do it.” Yakko stated. He knew they will bunch around him but he was biding time enough to plan. “Either let us go, or I'll do worse.” Yakko held the dagger to his chest. 

“You love your siblings, Yakko.” Bradley knew bringing out his siblings would stop him but he regretted it now.

“Then you should know I would die for them, Brad . I would rather die than be yours. I rather grow a life without you or you,” He looks at Buster with a glare. “In it.” Yakko said it loud enough and hoped Louie heard it. “But I gotta say it be horrible if a storm hit.” He added and put his hand behind to gesture Bugs.

Bugs perked but hesitated till he sheathed his sword and waited till he sees a moment to react. 

Bradley and Buster were confused seeing the sky was clear. But they didn't get a chance when they were flashed by lightning. No one had a chance to  cover their eyes as they were blinded and when their senses came, the two were gone.

Bradley was shocked and growling out in rage. “Dammit!” He shouted. “Search around!!”

Yakko and bugs hurried off as they were running away and when he saw Max  he ran faster than before and tackled him. He felt Max held him tightly. “I was trying to but I couldn't-” 

“Maxy I know. I'm sorry I got you scared.” he saw the curse coming out but he didn't  care. 

“Wait, Maxy is real?” Bugs was surprised but heard the guards were coming till some plant was growing out of the ground. 

“We need to go, now.” Louie spoke.  “We need to hide, using my magic will tire me out and I can barely teleport us three.” 

“Then you three hurry out.” Bugs spoke. 

“No way! Please come with us! I need to know about my past!” Yakko stated. 

Bugs was going to say he can meet up but Max spoke. “Yakko needs all of his family safe. He will only try to find you.” 

Bugs sighed but nodded as he sees Max carrying him as they begin to ran. He couldn't help but smile, knowing Angelina would have been happy to see Yakko carry on the family magic too. As they ran, Louie made sure to block their paths but the more he used his magic, the harder it was to keep it up. Bugs carried the duck in one arm as they ran out. But just as they hit a dead end, they knew they needed to find a way out and sadly they were not in his territory. They soon heard the guards coming but were far enough. 

“Over ‘ere!!” 

They look to a man who was although wearing a hood, Max recognized the voice and hurried in the open wall. Bugs followed him in and closed in time before the guards came.

Yakko saw the room looked like a simple hideout but saw it looked like a clinic. 

“Dr. Scratchansniff?” Max asked and Yakko tried to stifle a laugh. Max rolled his eyes but was glad Yakko was calm. He was worried how to tell Yakko what he learned.

“Max, gud to see you! Has yor curse lifted?!” The man in a cloak revealed to be a bald man with thick glasses and although looked tired, he was very lively. 

“What happened to you? I was trying to find you.” Max shook his hand but he saw the Doc look to Yakko like he was a new discovery.

“Otto! I was wondering where yuv been. You got thinner.” Bugs smiled making all three shocked. 

“Bugs, I have not seen you since ze time Angelina gave birth to her daughter.” That was when the doctor perked up, and looked at Yakko in shock. “That's her eldest son!!” 

“It is, though he got more of her side.” Bugs spoke. “She couldn't use magic well, but she sure wields a sword better, but it was horrible in archery.”

“Can you please explain about Yakko before going down memory lane?!” Louie shouted. 

“Right but I guess my sources were right.” Bugs spoke. “You don't remember at all. It's a long story to tell, and a sad one.” Bugs added and sat. “But I am amazed your imaginary friend was real.” He looked at Max who was shocked. “You used to tell yer mum about this friend who was living in the forest that did magic. We all thought it was just yer imagination but you did gave a good detail of him.”

“Me and Yakko knew each other?” Max looked to Yakko as did he. 

Yakko then realized why he was so easily feeling safe about Max and all Yakko  could feel was happy and cried out, happy he met Max before but sad that he couldn't remember.

“You need to relax, if you overstress, it can hurt the baby.” The doctor spoke.

This made Yakko shocked but it took a minute before feeling so much emotion all at once. 

“It's true,” Louie said and was going to pull out the flower but couldn't find it. “I think I dropped it. I can-”

“I believe you.” Yakko stopped him but was wondering why he hadn't gotten his monsteration yet. It was already two months without it and although happy, he was getting worried. “I guess you can say I had a gut feeling but it only startled me when I was at a flight or fight moment.” He recalled that small moment, he had a flash of a kid he saw when he held his dagger over his chest. He thought it was thinking about his siblings but he only saw one kid. 

Bugs wasn't too surprised but that only meant Yakko had a target on his back if the king knew. He was getting word since a month ago, the king was getting antsy more than before. He wondered if the king had that thing with him. “I think we should start getting out of here first.” He looks to the doctor. I'm sure the king knows and with those two puppets, he'll be blocking all exits. Even with magic.” He looks at Louie. “I'll explain everything after we get out of here.” Bugs stated as he and Otto moved a few pieces of furniture around and the trio saw symbols on the floor. “To leave, we're gonna need something from ya Yakko.” He spoke. “You need to use blood. Just put yer hand on the symbol and think of a place you wanna go.” He added.

Yakko held his stomach before taking a deep breath and kneeling down. He was getting nervous  but felt Max hold his free hand. He smiled before he closed his eyes and thought of home. And in a flash they all disappeared.

Guards broke into the hideout not too long but found nothing as they tried to search the hidden clinic.

Out in the streets,

The small flower of purple was left outside of the building. Someone stepped over and picked up the flower before crushing it. “You two brought me here, promising me the bastard child, but now there's two out there!!” The man, the fake king, Salazar growls as he threw the plant to them.

Bradley looked to the bud that was growing in the midsection of the flower's stem. He shook in rage to see someone touch his possessions!! He then thought about the overgrown man before recognizing him. That same beast that stabbed and poisoned him!! ‘So he let a beast touch him, and yet he wouldn't let me even hold his hand!’ He grips his hands how much that little harlot could let a monster break him. ‘ When I find him, I will really make him see I can be just a beast as that freak!!’

Buster looks at the plant confused until it dawns on him that Yakko let someone touch him! ‘He was supposed to love me!!’ He then began remembering that night and shook in rage and fear.

Salazar only sneered as he was going to go down when the building exploded. Salazar was guarded, but he was enraged to see it gone. “Now we can't find that freak of nature!”

“We could have found him if he didn’t have help-” Bradley was stopped when Salazar stopped him.

“What help?” Salazar glares .

“His Uncle, Buster here, helped him.” He glares, he didn't say anything about the man, it was to be his pleasure to kill him.

Buster glares at Bradley, how much he wanted to punch that face. “But I tried to stop him from taking him away! He had-” 

“Oppose against you!” Bradley cut him off from saying about the man that was with Yakko. “Shouldn't we go after his guild!?”

“If I go after his guild, I might as well go into war with another king and I can't without that royal blood.” Salazar glared at the two and left. “Now I need to leave or else I will be the one dealing with your mess!!” He leaves, disappearing away.

Buster clenched his hands before glaring at Bradley. “You should have told him about that monster.”

“And let him get to Yakko faster? Pass. Besides, I want to kill that monster myself.” He glares at the small bud blooming before leaving. He didn't want to use it but he had no choice, he'd have to use that pocket watch to find it- he stopped checking his person and barely realized it was gone!!!

Chapter Text

When they all appeared, Yakko thought of the home where he and Max lived in 

This wasn't his home.

 Before Yakko, the sight of the night sky  was nearly covered by clouds. His ears were starting to pop due to what he can assume was how high they are now. He shivered when the cold wind blew at him but it felt more like small needles prickling his face. 

Yakko also smelled the strong scent of pine in the air but the tense feeling of fear crawled on his back when he turned to see the halls of what was his old home. He still doesn't remember but it's coming to him just as that memory was luring back. Just when he was starting to feel overwhelmed by the cold, suddenly he felt warm and looked up to see Max covering him with his coat. It gave him a bit of relief and protection from the sudden change of the cold and the anxious dread crawling up his spine. He looked at the rabbit, glaring slightly at the Grey rabbit and the doctor. 

“You lied to him about going home.” Max kept Yakko behind him and Louie. “Are you trying to help them?” He growled and was shifting a bit to the beast. Despite what Bugs said, being Yakko's family, he was also that blue rabbit's uncle. He didn't know what the gray rabbits had planned to help Yakko, but if he was working with that jerk- his mind stopped when he felt Yakko holding his arm to calm him.

“I am not trying to trick you into a trap, believe me when I say I was removed from the family three time, this being the 4th now. This is somewhere no one knows. It's about a day's travel from that small town you and your siblings are living in. I was hoping at least, gives us time to show you your first home.” Bugs spoke. “And I can tell you know this place, am I right?”

Yakko looked around and got up. He clung to the coat and looked out to the vast green mountains. He turns to look to them but froze for a moment when he saw a projection of himself as a kid, running across this balcony and into the hall. He walks over to see the kid version of himself running to two people. Alas he couldn't see their faces but just foggy clouds covering their faces but he knew who they were. “This is where I used to live. And where I was born, I guess?” 

Bugs nodded and began walking with the doctor, waving to them to follow. 

“Are we really going to follow that psycho’s uncle?” Louie asked but his question was more for Yakko to answer. “What if he's working with him and just biding time?”

“I don't trust him either.” Yakko answers. “But he knows my parents and if he did, Buster would have been here so he might not be trusted. For now we'll just have to play by ear, and figure it out when we come to a fork in the road. Besides, our only escape is you and you need to rest.” Yakko added seeing the youngest(?) Looked like he was gonna faint. “So how about we ask him to give us answers tomorrow.”

“I think that's the best idea for now.” Max agreed, he could tell Yakko was getting overwhelmed by the feelings just being here. 

Louie wanted to object but he was tired and hungry. “I'm gonna go grow some Fruit.” He mumbles.

When Louie left, Max held Yakko to him. “Want to talk about the place or…?” He looks into Yakko's eyes. 

“I know and you know how badly I want to remember to figure this out.” Yakko felt Max cup his face and held onto it. “But what if I'm scared to learn the truth behind my parent's death? What if I was the reason that Wakko and Dot don't have their parents?” Yakko cries and hugs Max tightly. 

Max holds him tightly and kisses his tears and nuzzles him. “They did what any loving parents would do. Protecting their kids. And they do have parents: you and your dads. You took care of them and you protected them without even a second thought. You are an amazing big brother.” He smiles at Yakko and sees him calmer.

“Thank you.” Yakko then looked to Max, thinking about what bugs said. “But I also want to know because of what he said. He thought Max was an imaginary friend. That can't be just a coincidence.” He could tell Max was now the one having doubts. 

“Wh-what if I'm not?” Max frowned but Yakko cupped his face and gave him a kiss. He melted into the kiss and held him close. “I don't want you to build up hope and it ends up in ruins.

“Hey we'll figure that part out if it ever comes to it, ok?” Yakko smiled at him. “Whatever the past, doesn't woven our future. I know my future is you and me and our little bun in my oven.” 

Max laughs and blushes when he has that laugh occur but he doesn't mind it when it makes his sol happy. He nuzzles against his sun before taking his hand and follows Yakko to see the doctor and the rabbit. Upon walking up they heard the two talking. 

“I still say you should let them rest, it is stressful for him already just stepping foot in here.” 

They could tell it was the doctor speaking. 

“I know it is but in case you haven't notice, my nephew is nutso and seeing him working with Bradley, let me tell you, the mother is as venomous as she is cunning. The second she hears this, she will point to a few of Angelina's places and I will not let her touch Yakko.” 

They perked together hearing this. Max was still lenient to trust the rabbit but he could feel Yakko shake, he can only assume it was hearing about the creepy jerk's mom. He holds him close and whispers. “I'll follow you whatever you choose.” Max spoke.

Yakko nodded and took his hand making them step in. “I know this is alot coming here but….” Yakko pauses when he felt a light squeeze from Max's hand to reassure him whatever he wants he's ok with it. “I want to keep going.” 

Bugs looks to the doc who was concerned. The said rabbit looked guilty “You sure kid? Because-” 

“You know and I know sh-she is terrible and I-I know well what she'll do. So I need to know.” Yakko stammers a bit and squeezes Max's hand unintentionally but feels Max rub his hand in comfort. 

Max watches the rabbit and sees he was really showing guilt around him. 

“How's about I lead you to one specific room instead. Like you said, we don't have all the time in the world.” Bugs was trying to compromise for Yakko. 

They began their walks to the east hall, learning the west hall was the rooms mostly. Yakko shook a bit at the idea of returning to his old bedroom. As they walk through, Yakko noticed the walls didn't look new or destroyed. That was when he began to see what he knew were memories and saw there were paintings that hung there before. “What happened to them? The paintings?” 

“Taken by Salazar, though I don't know if he hid them or he destroyed them.” Bugs spoke. 

Yakko nodded but gave no more to talk. It was strange to have an uncle with someone who literally has been harassing him.

“How are you his uncle when you're that jerk's uncle?” Max asked. 

“Max!” Yakko scolded but he did wanted to know but he also knew why Max asked:

Max hated Buster with a passion and as much as Maxy loves him, he was not going to follow without knowing the gray rabbit's history and his part of why helping his nephew's enemy (Max). 

“It's fine kid, it's only fair.” Bugs replied. 

Yakko only kept quiet as he held onto Max. 

“Well, believe it or not,” Bugs held out a locket and threw it to Max. “His mom appointed me as Yakko's guardian. I met Angelina when I was 4. Originally we were arranged to be married. But the thing is I saw her as a sister, and she saw me as a sister and a brother.”

Yakko was amazed. “So you…?” He didn't know how to ask about finding someone to relate to. ‘ Sort of.’  

“Kid, there are times I'm a boy, and times I'm a girl. I don't like to keep to just one.” Bugs added. “Plus Angelina only trusted me because she terrified me.” He giggled.

Both Max and Yakko were now wondering more about Angelina/ Yakko's mom but didn't ask any further. Max was still hesitant to trust them but seeing Yakko more relaxed, he was willing to be open to trusting him. ‘But if he tries anything funny, I will make him regret it.’

Passing through they came to what made Yakko stop. It was a garden, although different, was kept in shape. He can already guess Bugs was the one keeping the garden up but there were these flowers that were different that caught his attention and walked into it. Yakko looks around before walking cautiously to the edge of what looked to be a cliff. He looked over carefully and saw how high they were. He gulped and thanked whoever put a fence here.

 “Your mom had a lot of ways to keep intruders away but she had a way to sneak out.” 

Yakko looked at Bugs until he looked to one part of the garden. He walked over to the fountain that no longer had water in it.

Yakko looks around it before he steps over to it and looks at the tree carved statue. It is like a twisted but beautiful willow without the long branches sprouting out wildly. Its branches served as a way for water to flow out but he noticed one part of the fountain had a small branch that was barely noticeable. He pressed on it a bit until he heard gears and whatnot creaking. He stepped back as the tree grew but saw the bottom began breaking apart and became steps that went down and continued on till after more than a few minutes passed. He can only guess it was that far below.

“Good to know you remember that.” Bugs walks over to him before pulling another branch and closes it. “It was an escape route, though it was also your way of sneaking out to play with Max, whom I thought was an imaginary friend. But now I know he's real. I wonder if Angelina knew?” 

“But how do you think I'm that friend?” Max asked. It was surprising to know but why do Bugs remember? ‘ Does it have to do with whoever was around the curse?’ He wondered just how far the curse affected rather than who. If it was not far enough, then wherever this rabbit was, didn't affect others. But it was still a lot to understand.

“Yakko was really good at detailing and talking about anything and everything.” 

“When did I start talking about Max?” Yakko was very curious when and for how long. He then sees Bugs was thinking about it.

“You were around 5 years old when you started talking about Max. One day out of nowhere, you were talking about Max to me and your mum during dinner. You made a new friend who was amazing at magic. But you went into detail about Max and how he looked.” Bug looks to Max. “ ‘Max has the most amazing green eyes! He has fur like the earth, and he has these adorable floppy ears and an adorable tail.’” 

Max was blushing red and couldn't exactly doubt that question but at the same time it could also be from the rabbit twisting and messing with them. 

“Hey I know it's hard to believe my words, you're practically saying it with your eyes kid. I swear that was Yakko's exact words because he told me, every single time I came by. At first I thought it was just you being a lonely kid. Seeing Max here and now, all that's missing is something you didn't want to mention.” 

Yakko perked, it was something he had to hide if he didn't trust Bugs. “I kept something hidden? Now I know that can't be true.” 

“Well I tried prying it out, even bribing with new books. But no matter what, you wouldn't explain it. Your answer was always, and I quote you kid, ‘ I'm protecting Max .’”

Yakko and Max were wondering now just what it was. Max mostly wondered just who he was? Is he now keeping Yakko and his baby safe? Or is he putting Yakko and their baby in more danger?

“I honestly think it had something to do with Max living in the forest because there was nothing here in the forest. It was why I thought Max was just an imagination. Now I know.” Bugs shrugs but there was something else Angelina said, but he was always sleeping on her when she talked. ‘ That and the numerous smacks she gave that knocked me out.’

Max was surprised but was wondering why can't he still remember? He shook it off, refocusing back to the main task. “Who are Yakko's parents?”

“Well,” Bugs looks at Yakko and smiles. “It's why it would be easier if I take him to the room.” Bugs once again led the couple and the doctor, who was keeping tabs on Yakko's state of well being. 

Max was keeping Yakko close to him but he was starting to feel worried if he truly deserves to be with Yakko after this. 

“Hey,” 

Max perks to hearing Yakko and looks to him before blushing when Yakko kisses his nose. 

“Don't think about the ifs, and I can practically hear your thoughts.” Yakko holds his hand. “It's going to be ok.” 

Max lifts his hand and kisses it. “I believe you, just wondering now what made you keep one thing about me a secret.” 

 Otto was watching and couldn't help but smile seeing they are really good together. He recalled the time when he met Max, it was by coincidence but Max helped him escape some bandits. He recalled Max and the nice lady explaining about Max and his amnesiac state. It led him to finding a way and now after so long, he just might have the solution.

Bugs led them once more until they arrived, and found Louie trying to pry open the wall using his magic tools. “Here we are but it seems your friend beat us to it.” He points to a wall. 

Yakko was confused until he once again sees another projection of his memories only he sees his mom pressing a certain brick. Yakko copies the same way and soon enough he sees the wall split open.

“I tried that!” Louie shouted. 

“About that little duck, only the noir clan can open the secrets of the house.” Bugs spoke. 

“Is that why you brought me here?” Yakko asked. 

“Yep but its not to steal gold, I'm more of a carrot lover. I figured your mom's pocket watch can show you.” 

Yakko and Max was now recalling the watch. 

“Your mom stored memories in it but it only works inside that room. It's why I brought you here, kid. To help you explain who your mom is by literally having her show you.” 

Yakko perked but looked at Louie as Max glared at the little thief. “Hand it over.”  Yakko stated.

“What pocket watch? Can't be that one I stole from the creep.” Louie wavered but mumbles away as he hands it to Yakko using a glove. “Not my style anyways.” He mumbles.

Yakko held the pocket watch out to Bugs. 

“Actually you gotta go in there yourself. Again here in this place, you're the master key.” Bugs pushes his hand with the watch back to him. 

Yakko hesitated but took a deep breath, and walked up. He stops to see, again the projection of his mom showing how to open it  and follows until the door opens.  He tried to reach for her but the projection of his mom disappeared. He steps in, scared to see a body lying somewhere. But the more he looked around, he found it was beautiful. It was like a combination of his pop's study and a library but instead of tools, there were magic items and globes all around. He then sees stones with gems inside that looked beautiful but perked up to see a pedestal in the near back. He was about to pull it out, he stopped. “I can't be lifting stuff with you in me.” He rubs his stomach. “Hey Max, can you-!” He blushes just when Max comes into the room that fast. He remembered how many times Max came to his call and how he could be a mile away and Max could find him. He wondered if it was because of that mating mark on him? He shook his thoughts away before they hit into the gutter as Max moved the pedestal in the middle. “Thanks Max.” 

“Only for you.” Max smiles and looks at him worried. “Nervous?” 

“More than ever.” Yakko said with his tone soft. He feels max hug him but the mood ends when they hear Louie shout at Bugs. 

“You really got sticky hands. Look, you can't steal the stuff anyway.” He showed Louie by throwing the stone through, only to reappear in its stand. 

“Phooey.” Louie grumbles and crosses his arms.

Yakko shook his head but looked to the hollow shaped bowl in the stand. He examined it, and it looked like it could fit something small. He took out his watch, and placed it in but saw nothing happened. 

“You gotta flip it over and open the back of the watch.” Bugs instructed. “She came here a lot and stored memories away whether it was important, or something silly. She was a real prankster.” He smiled at the memories. “But it's only open to those that have her blood, related wise.” 

Yakko recalled a time when Buster couldn't open it up when he took it. He then wondered if Bradley tried to open it. He shook it off as he did what Bugs instructed and when he did….. nothing happened. “Is the pedestal broken or something?”

“It's just a stone stand.” Bug answered and saw Yakko was glaring at him. 

“Then how does it show me my past?” Yakko was wondering if Bugs is like his nephew. His tail was showing how aggravating he was getting. 

“Well it's your mother's past. That little watch there,” Bugs pointed out. “Was your father's wedding gift to her.” Bugs goes over and holds out a small knife.

Yakko staggered but was soon blocked in view by a protective Max.

“Easy there big fella-” but Bugs moved back slowly, he can already tell Max was protective over Yakko and with the baby growing in his nephew, he was really gonna go feral in him

Max was already a beast, his tail changed to a scorpion tail as he was looking more like the first time he met Yakko. All he can think of was protecting Yakko, he was growling his deep growl at the rabbit- no his enemy! Just as he was getting ready to attack, he froze seeing Yakko and stiffened when he hugged his muzzle.

Yakko wasn't afraid of Max, he understood why Max reacted this way. He kisses Max on his head and nuzzles against him. He can't let Max hurt himself despite the room somehow expanding around them. “I know you're not up to trusting him. I also know you reacted to how scared I got.” Yakko pets him and sees Max was still himself. He smiles and reassures him. “Please trust me.” He nudged his head to his and felt Max calmer until he changed back. He kisses him in gratitude. “Thanks Maxy.” 

“I'm sorry I overreacted.” Max frowns but feels another kiss on his cheek.

“Hey it's not bad, I panicked too. You know well I don’t like sharp things. Unless it's you.” Yakko could tell Max was still worried. He didn't blame him, this was still an uncle who's related to Buster. He knows Max can't trust Bugs so easily, even if he held all the answers. “How do we know we can trust you?” Yakko was asking for Max, he needed Max to feel at least reassured.

“I give you my word as the head of the guild. I won't betray you.” Bugs held his hand up. 

Yakko hesitated but acknowledged it but instead took out his own knife. It was the knife Max gave him, showing and reassured Max. He went over to the pocket watch, his hand over it. He winced, but he pricked his own hand. He squeezed the small wound, and let it drip into the watch. Yakko blushes feeling Max was already tending to the fresh wound and bandaging it, Louie gave his small kit to him. 

But soon enough, they perked to see something glowing from the watch. They all watched as a small orb appeared and was amazed by the small orb it began projecting with memories revealing Angelina's past. 

Yakko was wide eyed as he saw his mom was around his age when he met his dad who was the prince of WarnerStock and later on, king. He felt tears fall down his cheeks when it changed and sees his mom was now holding him as a baby and sees Bugs there and his father, there, by her side though they were later bickering and she smacked them both. He watches everything happen as he keeps holding onto Max and then remembers that night. He cries hard remembering his dad was protecting him when that man tried to kill him with a sword. 

“He… he tried to protect me. My dad.” Yakko cried, Max held him close. He remembered his dad blocked that man, but the man was faster and stabbed his father in the chest. He remembered his dad held the sword in and told him to run.

He remembered almost everything. Everything but Max. “Why can't I remember Max?” Yakko rubbed his tears away, he didn't understand even after remembering his time with his parents-! He stops. He thinks about it and recalls the little boy in his dream. There was something blocking him from remembering.

Bugs looked to him and then to Otto. “Well we were wonderin’ the same thing. We only knew you escaped but we didn't know how. At the time, I was being blocked from entering the border. Otto was forced to leave the country after Salazar tried to imprison him to tell him everything. But after something, I was able to hurry inside but something was definitely weird. It was like no one knew about you or your sibs. I was relieved but worried, because in a month after that, Salazar was rounding up any toon that looked close to you. During that time I tried to find you, but there was some mighty strong power protecting you from being found.” 

“Was it from my mom?” Yakko asked, seeing there was a room for magic. 

“Oh your mom was completely terrible at magic.” Bug explained.

Yakko was deflated and confused and waves his arms at the room. “Then why have a magic room?!” 

“This was your grandfather's, he taught her the basics and she could barely do it without exploding stuff.” 

Yakko was dumbfounded but made some sense. “What about my dad then?” He asked.

“Like me, your dad had no magic potential and he was a king.” Bugs moves to the clean board showing him how it works. “Small lesson, toons like me or others that are in cities or made by man, can't or shouldn't be able to use magic cuz technically we were already from magic with the exception of procreating, and rulers like Mickey who was made to wield magic. Only the exceptionally magical creatures that are also toons could. I mean the closest to us using magic are using stones or wands and etc.” He showed the process. “But say if you were born from a magical creature, then you can use magic. You and your sibling can use magic but there are chances they can't.” Bugs spoke seeing the three were listening in more and were curious. 

“Angelina told me before that supposedly, yer grandfather, or great grandfather, was a demon.”

Otto nodded. “It was true though! In fact that was the other reason why Salazar hated Angelina. He hated magical toons, he thought they were the devils or unnatural. Though he hated any toons.” He added. 

“So that explains why Yakko could use that kind of magic. And his mom knew about goblins.” Louie added. He remembered huey detailing that Goblins were considered close to demons but he was curious about another thing about Yakko that came to mind. “So why does Yakko come out purple?” 

“Well if we are talking about his family tree ink, it's hard to say but I think you mean his gender.” Bugs spoke but frowned. “You see when this doctor, Otto here, checked on your mum, he learned she was pregnant with a baby boy. Salazar did something to alter Yakko but I think he was just trying to kill you.” 

Yakko was quiet. “Not even out in the world, I was already getting murdered. Tough crowd.” He half-heartedly jokes.

Max held his hand before he moved and had Yakko sit on his lap. “So Yakko was a boy originally.” 

Bugs and Otto nodded. “But we had to lie and tell Salazar you wer’ a little boy with health problems especially when those traits were to appear.” Otto explained. “Ze council agreed to let Angelina live peacefully to take care of you. However word got out of William having his first heir, you. So zey had to acknowledge zat you were the first crown prince. At least until your father sired another child. Which never happened. He was truly faithful to your mom.”

“So, to protect your little siblings, we had to lie about their birth father.” Bugs explained. “By saying they were my kids. And your father was…. Livid.” Bugs answered and can tell Yakko was shocked. “Again, I didn't have any romantic relationships with your mom, I was smitten at the time with a prince. Sadly it didn't work out with him. I was a Viscount, he's next in line to the throne with a princess who was really nice. That and their laws were more strict.” 

“Do you miss him?” Louie asked, he was the most quiet.

“I do but I can live with it. I loved, I lost, but I grew. Sadly my nephew doesn't learn. By the way, he knows about the whole gender, something about an accident you had. He told me the last time I saw him. And being an idiot by blurting it out in public. Something I can fiix.” Bugs added and this only made Yakko look horrified. 

Yakko leaned against Max, his head was getting filled with questions that were just giving him headaches. That was when he realized why Bradley and Buster were trying to, at this point, possess him. But he wondered if Bradley knew about it too. ‘ If Buster knew, and he's working with him, he probably knows already.’ He wanted to get mad, he wanted to cry, he wanted to do something! He felt Max hold him in his arms and soon not long they were alone. Yakko then began to cry, he cried so much because as much as he was angry, he wasn't mad at his mom or mad at being exposed…. Nope he was pissed at that idiot. He was,  however, still sad. He was heartbroken, knowing his mom tried everything to keep him safe. “I knew I did something wrong.” 

Max kept quiet as he let Yakko vent. He understood Yakko was feeling hurt because he felt that way for a long time. “Sol, you didn't know what was going on, or who was good.” He comforts Yakko. “I know for a fact, you didn't do it on purpose. This was not your fault.” He cups his face, “You are the kindest person I ever met. You try to give people a chance, it's on them if they hurt you or break it.” Max nuzzles against him and keeps him close.

“What if I'm the cause of your curse?” Yakko asks but blushes when Max nips his neck. “Max, I know you've been trying to initiate, but I can't do it in my mom's study room. And there's strangers downstairs.” He looked at him but saw Max chuckles.

“It's worth it if it stops you from thinking the most zany idea, and you're zany.” Max grins.

“Yeah, zany to my Max.” Yakko teases but he got what Max meant.

“Yakko, I don't regret having this curse. And whether it is or not, It only brought us back together.” Max kisses the spot before nuzzling him. “So no, I wouldn't hate you. Knowing me, I did it knowing I kept you safe. Or I pissed off an angry witch. Either way, I wouldn't change how we met.” 

Yakko smiles before thinking. “I know I said I wanted to remember my past. I still want to, but I want to remember now more than ever because I want to remember you.” He looked to Max with hope. “There's a whole spot in my memory I can't remember and it got your name on it. So I want to do this.” Yakko looks at him. 

“Didn't you just say you can't do it here?” Max teases Yakko who was blushing in embarrassment. He hugs him in apology. “I want to remember too. I need to remember who I was, who we were before.” He spoke, feeling Yakko hug back.

 When they calmed down a bit, they went downstairs to see Otto and Bugs but no Louie. ‘Gold hunting’ they both thought. 

“Hey doc, if I can't remember Max, that only means, it's in here locked away, in my head right?” Yakko looked at the doctor who nodded.

“Going down memory lane?” Bugs asked.

“Both of us.” Max spoke. “We’re hoping that method you told me can work.” He looks to Otto.

“Of course!” Otto spoke with excitement to try his method he kept perfecting. “But to do it, it must be somewhere you both have a strong presence in.” 

Both looked at each other and only thought of the place that caught their attention coming here.

Chapter Text

 The forest.

“You're sure it's safe coming out here in the morning while it's dark?” Bugs asked as he was now following the couple's lead.

“You said I came here sneaking a lot, maybe this is where we're needed to be to make it work.” 

“We did talk about going back home,” Max added. “But ever since coming here, I started feeling weird. Like a familiar, weird sensation I haven't felt for so long. But it didn't happen until we entered the forest.” 

Bugs couldn't understand but the two did. So he brought them thick blankets from Angelina's secret room. He didn't get to protect Yakko and his sibs but this time, he will keep Yakko and his baby safe. 

They walked a bit until they stopped and came to a spot which when looked, it was by the garden's view from a good distance. 

“I think it's good here.” Max spoke as Bugs set the blankets down. Yakko and Max lied down as they held hands. 

Otto took out a special small jar and with a pinch, spread it over them. “As you drift to sleep, zink back to the past. You will be walking in zhe steps you took before. And you will go through the events. But should you recall your present, your past will try to remind you where you are.” Otto spoke as he let them drift to the abyss of their memory. 

Yakko and Max was closing their eyes, 

Feeling they were sinking in, 

Drowning until their minds went to black. 

Yakko shifted to wake up, but he felt he was holding hands with someone. He looked out to see the sun setting as soon as the moon in its smiling Crescent rose. his thoughts cleared, forgetting what he was thinking. He looked up to see he was in his mama's garden. It was near night  and the cold wind blew during the spring. He sat up from his spot, trying to remember what he was doing before until he heard a voice calling for him.

“Yakko! Time to help me take the bread out!!”  

Yakko beamed after hearing that voice! “Momma!!” He shouted and got up but stopped seeing a reddish flower by itself , by his side. Without a stop in his mind he can feel it was special. He looks back but for some reason he leans down and smiles before he kisses the flower on its pedals before he hurries off to her. He ran in to see his momma was by the entrance of the garden, but he ran faster than usual and nearly tackled her. He didn't understand why but he was crying so much.  

“I miss you momma!” He looked up and saw her smile, that pretty smile she always had- ‘ wait! It's have! Why would I say had?’ It only made him cry even more.

“Sweetheart I was only gone for an hour.” She picked him up, and carried him inside. “I also gotten a letter from your father, he said he will be coming in a few months to see you.” She smiles but it changes when Yakko cries a bit more. 

“Do I have to go to the palace? I don't like it there.” Yakko whimpers. All he ever felt there was the harsh cold atmosphere of the council. They were colder than the mountains. ‘ And mountains are meant to be cold! They just choose to be cold!’

“I know my little star, but it's not something I can change.” She kisses his cheek. “But it won't be until the end of the 2nd month from now.” 

Yakko pouts but when she called him star he felt someone called him. He knows someone did but he couldn't remember so he just shook it off. “Does that make me Persephone then?” He pouts but it changes when he hears her giggle. He smiles but he feels something different. ‘I know that there's something I'm not remembering.’ he couldn't help but yawn, clinging to his mom, as if she was going to be taken away.

“ Let's go in the garden

You'll find something waiting

He heard her sing, he felt he heard this somewhere.

“Right there where you left it lying upside down

When you finally find it, you'll see how it's faded

The underside is lighter when you turn it around .~”

He clings to her and holds onto her. He didn't understand why but he feels like if he leaves and comes back, she won't be here.

“Everything stays right where you left it

Everything stays

But it still changes” 

He remembered someone was humming the song to him but there was something else. He tried really hard but he fell asleep and looked to the garden. He sleepily reaches out and remembers for a moment. ‘I need to know where… he is…’ But he realized no matter what, he was falling asleep and clamps onto her.

“Ever so slightly, daily and nightly

In little ways

When everything stays.”

Angelina smiles and feels tears falling down on her cheeks but wipes them away. She carried her son back into his room as she kept on singing the song. She wanted to hold her son a little more before she loses strength. It had been a long while since she carried him like this.

Maxy, promise me son you'll be safe going out. I don't want to lose you too.

Max shifted himself awake as he swore he heard a voice just now but as he sat up, the light blinded him, making him forget what he was thinking about. He realized he fell asleep in the forest. He gets up with a headache but it wasn't his main thought. He was trying to remember where he was. “Why am I here again?” He asked out loud but no one answered. That is until it clicked in his head why he came this far from home! He was looking for a flower for his dad! He remembered now! “I gotta find that flower before dad comes back from seeing uncle Mickey.” He smiles and gets up quickly but stops. He sees a simple lavender flower alone. It didn't look great as a rose or brightly like the daffodils but for some reason, it was really special to him. He carefully steps around the flower,  afraid of hurting it. He kneels down and for some reason, he leans down to it.  “I'll be back.” He whispers, and kisses it and hurries off, not sure if the pretty flower heard him. He didn't have time to think about it when he knew his dad was going to hurry back from Fantasia to see his Uncle Mickey who was a prince in love. Max bleh at the thought but suddenly shook his head disagreeing with himself before something was making his heart beating fast. He saw something, but he just couldn't see it. He will probably remember later, he needed to continue on his hunt for the flower! Unconsciously he couldn't help but look back as he ran before tripping over a small pebble.

“Stupid Goof curse.” He mumbles before running off

“I'll be back.”

“Don't go.” Yakko mumbles before he wakes up. He didn't understand but he felt sad when the voice faded out of his thoughts. He got up and looked around for the voice before he found himself in his room. He felt a bit anxious but felt his hand holding something again. He looked out to see it was morning so he rushed to get some clothes for himself and ran out to the bathroom. He couldn't stand staying in his room for a minute but he just couldn't understand why. 

An hour later.

“This is so stupid!” Max searched every ground around the forest for this small garden he heard that held the flower! This flower, never been seen since that marquis upperbutt jerk built that gross looking place over it!! He shook it off as he continued, remembering the other fairies directed him  the flower was supposed to be here, somewhere. He then looked at that mountain looking Boulder and decided why not. 

“I'm in a goose chase already.”  He grumbles, expanding his wings, revealing golden orange wings like a luna moth but had red linen at the edge of his wings. He flew up across but was blocked by some invisible barrier! He huffed but at a glimpse he saw it!! Numerous of them!! He grinned before flying down and made his wings disappear. They were cool but most of the fairies didn't like his wings that were not like his dad's, silver and green with orange at the rims and were more butterfly like.

 They were more like his mother's eyes who was an elf toon. He was told that after giving birth to him, she passed away. He frowned but shook it off. “I like walking anyways.” He grumbles but he was looking another way until he hears something and sees a Grey bunny, carrying a bag, enter through a hidden passage! Max grinned before changing his small size and flew fast before it closed. He followed the rabbit toon but for some reason the guy annoyed him alot. 

Just as they finally reach up (and messing with the rabbit) Max sees not so long, a beautiful garden and sees there were numerous plants everywhere and the house carved from the mountain! 

“Where have you been!?” 

Max froze and hid in a tree as he saw a female toon with a crazy amount of chaotic energy, glaring at the rabbit. He felt the lady was familiar somehow, but then thought for a second, he saw someone in his head. 

“Sheesh, I came as soon as I could Angelina. I had to -erm- see my friend.” The Grey bunny spoke. 

“Uh huh. You know how important it is to keep the glamor up so he won't suspect the baby. It's hard to keep the illusion of how a rabbit baby is reproduced when using time-limited glamor spells.”  Angelina, he guessed, looked just as annoyed as Max. 

Max was curious before he looked at her belly. Although she looked slim, he could see the bump that was there but was hidden away. The perks of his eyes were like his mom's, they can see the best and the worst of anyone where as fairies, sees only the good. The gray bunny is nice, but he still thinks he's annoying. “Like a dumb beetle.” He mumbles hiding in the tree. 

“Salazar has been pestering William to have an heir and I hate it when he does it in front of Yakko. I would have smacked him in the face if I wasn't pregnant again.” Angelina sighed but she wished she could shoot an arrow at him.

“You'd punch him or even shoot an arrow. Besides, he doesn't know this one's really from Williams.” The Gray bunny stated. “He'd be turning black and blue.” he snickered.

Max perked but for some reason he felt angry hearing about that name. 

Salazar. 

He didn't know why, but his heart twisted in anger and he felt so much hate for someone he never met. He tried to shake away the hate. It was weird, fairies are not supposed to feel like this. He wondered if it's because he's part elf.

“Or try to kill them like he tried to Yakko.” Angelina frowns.

 But the name Yakko, he didn't know why but he really likes the name. In fact, his heart suddenly changed and felt it beating hard. He never felt this before but he'd rather feel this than that awful feeling but he felt sad hearing that. 

‘How can a cruel man hurt him- ’. He stopped feeling a headache as he was wondering what he was thinking just now; however it was gone just as it came. He shook it off and waited till they left so he could search his way around the garden. 

He couldn't help but explore it! It wasnt grand as the forest but he can feel something about it was special. The one that caught his eye the most was that unique lavender tree. He wondered if the lady liked the smell or the color but something about it felt familiar. He noticed his hand felt warm again. He was going to think about it but his mind reacted when he hid away again. He heard a voice but it sounded like humming coming from the tree. He flew to the voice as if he was in a trance through the branches until he found the owner who was reading a book that looked heavy for him at the base of the tree. He was amazed that this kid was really glowing like a star! He didn't know why but he had to see him, he was like a big light and he was a moth, entranced by the light. He got so close, he practically changed when he saw eyes like the night sky when it had stars staring back at him! 

Max stumbles back when he sees this toon was like the lady, only he was prettier. He didn't know what to say but the black and white with a red nose did.

“Was that magic? How did you change sizes? Does it hurt?” Yakko was already thinking of so many questions! He looked at what he knew was a pup toon, and was pretty too, different from him. But one thing made him need to ask one thing and for some reason his heart was practically screaming at him.

“What's your name?” 

“Maximillian Goof-!” He froze and felt stupid! He was so dazed into his eyes, he told him his name!! Magical creatures, especially the toon types, are not supposed to know that!

Yakko smiles. “I'm Yakko Alvin Warner Noir.” 

Max froze hearing him give his name. “You're not supposed to tell me your name either! I wasn't supposed to say my name either!” ‘ He can't marry him like this! ’ He didn't get why his heart was beating so fast again but it calmed down when ya- that kid began to ask.

“Why?” Yakko asked. He already likes the guy, and he's already adorable to him. And something about him made his heart sore.

“B-because… that's only if you are proposing marriage to them! And I can't! We can't!” he spat out. It was different for fairies compared to goblins. Although giving your name meant ownership, if the other gave their name too, it was proposing. For goblins though, it was not for marriage. He looked at the kid and he was around his age. He turned red when Yakko hugged him. 

“But you look pretty cool! And your magic is amazing! All I do is make sparks.” Yakko spoke and showed him. 

Max perked when Yakko showed him and he was amazed to see him do that.

“I'd be happy to marry you.” Yakko smiles.

“We're kids.” Max said bluntly. 

“Then let's start off as friends. Please?” Yakko asked, practically begging him with his eyes. 

Max was going to say no but looking at the boy and for some reason thought he was cute, “Ok.” He mumbles but seems the kid heard him enough and is hugging him again. He couldn't help but smile and hug him back before he carefully pulled away. He was already having trouble trying to talk to him. “C-can I ask if I could have a flower from your garden. Now that we're friends, I feel bad stealing a plant from you.” 

Yakko grins and follows Max to the spot and sees they were the flowers he was looking for called the moon lily. Yakko was going to carefully cut it but instead went to get a small pot and carefully replant it into the pot. “Here you go.” Yakko smiles but knew Max was never coming back after this. It really made him want to cry. 

Max was about to take it but stopped and knew if he leaves, he won't have a reason to come back. “Um, I also got to get another plant. It's a purple one. But I can…. Comeback? Pl-plus the moon lily can't be in the light. S-s-so I can come back tonight.” Max spoke and can see Yakko smile, his tail wagging fast. 

“Since I can't call you by your name, how about… Luna?” Yakko asked. “Or lune?” 

Max hums liking the Lune. “Only if I can call you either muca, or anar.” 

“I never heard of those words.” Yakko spoke but he was feeling happy like he knew what they meant. “I like them.”

Max giggles a bit. “The first one comes from the fairy tongue, the other is from elvic language. I'm a mix of the two toons. 

“Momma told me I'm a literal mix of animals cuz my great grandpa couldn't choose one.” Yakko smiles. 

Max could only nod but smile, meeting someone who was like him but shines a lot. “So where do you know those two names?”

Yakko was practically beaming when he told Ma-lune everything about the words. He even told him about where the words derive from. 

Max never met someone who was this happy, or explained a lot, but he likes being around the kid. He felt deja vu when he felt he learned this but it was too familiar. However he didn't get to think more or remember when he heard yak- anar's mom called him. 

“I better get going.” Yakko got up but Max held his hand. Yakko blushes feeling lune grabbed the hand that has been pulsating since- but it blanked out as he felt it faded and focused on Max's- Lune’s hand. He can tell his new friend didn't want him to go, and neither did he. “I will come back tomorrow Lune.” He was about to go when he stopped and came back to hug his new friend. He felt tears fall again. “You can come here anytime you want.” Yakko smiles and gives him a bracelet belonging to him to Lune. 

Unlike most fairies, he was immune to silver and iron thanks to his mom's side but it only made him an outcast. But here and now, it made him feel special at that moment before seeing Yakko- Anar going inside. 

Max waited before he jumped off and flew but saw there was no barrier anymore and he didn't know if it was from Yakko or the bracelet. He didn't care because he would not ever take off his gift. 

Yakko returned inside as he saw his mom and uncle Bugs were setting up the table. 

“Mom! I made a new friend!” Yakko shouted and ran to her. 

“No hug for me?” 

Yakko looked at his uncle Bugs and glared. “You're late.” 

Angelina only giggles as she sees her dear friend feigned hurt. “I told you he was not going to be happy.” 

Yakko crossed his arms and looked away. “You promised you would be here yesterday.” 

“I know but my friend said he needed me more. And you know I can't leave a friend hanging.” He told his nephew but Yakko looked away. “Then I guess you don't want this gift I gotcha.” He holds out a box. 

Yakko peeks a glance at him and looks away before he pouts more and hugs him. “You have to promise you'll come back on time.” 

Bugs smiles hugging him. “I'll try my hardest. How about we go firefly hunting-” 

“I can't!” Yakko stated. “I have to meet my friend later.” 

Bugs perked as Angelina was astonished. ‘ But there isn't anyone around for a day.’ She thought.

“His name is Max but likes to be called Lune and he is the best!” Yakko continues on telling them about  Max for a good 15 min. “And he is the best because-” Yakko paused wanting to talk about his wings but he was worried they might not see him again if they go search for him. “- he is amazing!”

“Wow kid, can I meet your new friend?” Bugs asked, he figured it was an imaginary friend. He had one but she moved on. 

“No you can't see him.” Yakko took a bite of his food. 

“Yeah, I can't see him anyways.” Bugs added and looked at Angelina. 

Angelina smiles and clears her throat. “Yakko after lunch we need to talk.” She spoke softly, reassuring him that it was nothing bad. 

Yakko nodded and took his time to eat.  When finished, he went with his mom and uncle to sit in the garden. 

Angelina knew it was more comfortable for him to hear what she has to say to him in a place he enjoys spending time. She was worried about what Yakko would think. 

Yakko waited for one of them to say something. He felt once again that deja vu before dismissing it as he sat across from his mom and Bugs sitting in between.

“Yakko,” Angelina pauses before continuing. “There's something I need to talk to you about before its time… you see…. You will be….” She was nervous as Bugs, who was sitting on a chair, was quiet. 

Yakko can tell his mom was nervous and goes to hug her.

Angelina was surprised but expected her son was keen on this and watched him comfort her. “My little star, I need you to know certain things.” Angelina looked at Bugs and he nodded. “He will be called a a half brother among the nobles but he is still your brother no matter what.” It pained her to lie to her son but if they ever try to force the truth out of him, and they may, she will have to let Yakko believe than know and be forced to tell the truth. “Do you understand?”

Yakko tilted his head but nodded but looked at Bugs. “... do I have to call him dad? I already see him as a dad too, but I call him mostly uncle.” He knew and understood his parents were forced to separate, those cold people tell him every time, and although uncle Bugs was nice, had  not call him dad. However he was as much there for him as his father is.

“W-well,” Bugs was now the one embarrassed. “I don't want you to feel worried you have to change your views-”

“Why can't I have two dads?” Yakko asked. “I don't think that's bad, is it?” He looks to his mom who was quiet before giggling. 

Angelina couldn't help how much Yakko always surprised her. And how much Yakko is more wise for a child his age. “I agree with Yakko. What about you Bugsy?”

Bugs was wide eyed but knew Angelina was enjoying this. He looked at the kid who was giving the puppy eyes. “.... I don't mind, but this has to stay between us, ok? I don't think your father will be as ok with this as you kiddo.” 

Yakko only grins and hugs Bugs excitedly before running off to his room.

Angelina only giggles as she sat relaxed. She felt more relief and can tell Yakko can trust in Bugs as much as his father. 

“You do know Yakko is gonna tell his father. Willy is gonna be chasing me with a sword.” Bugs spoke but saw the duchess was smiling. “How are you happy with this?” 

“Yakko trusts you. At least he will have someone to stand by him when he needs help.” Angelina felt relief. “But when he's older, he's going to need someone else to walk by his side.” She frowned before blinking at something in the sky but shook it off, thinking it was just a twinkling star. 

Yakko runs off to his room. However, his body froze, something for some reason made him scared coming to his room. 

“Anar?” 

Yakko looks up to Max's- Lune's voice. He was confused before he was surprised to see Max as a small fairy but his wings were different now! They had an outline of dark purple and within it were pale blue like the moon and they were glowing an outline of a halo like a comet flying across the sky. He holds his hands for Max to sit on. “You look cool like this.” He smiles in awe. 

“Th-thank you,” Max was not ever complimented like this before. He shook the feeling from giving him hope by changing the conversation. “I was kinda  watching what happened, but I couldn't hear you from a distance. And being small doesn't help.” Max huffed and annoyed. 

“But you're really adorable, in a nice way. I have never seen a fairy before so I’m really grateful.” Yakko enters his room, feeling a bit brave with Max. “And your wings are beautiful.” He couldn't help but be in awe of them.

Max though was quiet. “....Not everyone likes my wings.”

“Why not?” Yakko brought him to his bed.

“Fairies have bright but spring-like colors. It's normal to have these colors but,” he paused looking down. 

Yakko frowned and held him to his chest. “You can tell me.” 

“It reminds them I’m not like my dad,” He looks up to his friend. “My dad has these beautiful butterfly wings that are like a kaleidoscope with beautiful colors and gold. Most of the fairies don’t like that I have moths for wings and  that my wings don't shine like my dad. Especially when they change under the moon.” 

Yakko frowns and understands that too well. “I get that too.” Yakko places him on the bed and sees him shift to his non fairy self but his wings were there. He curls to himself as he thinks about the castle. “I'm a prince who nobody wants to be a king. Mostly because they don't approve of my mom.”

“But your mom is nice and cool.” Max frowns. “And you're smart and nice…. And cool. So why not?” 

“Apparently It's because my mom's family is not as blue blood as them.” He shows him using his oil lamp. He brightens it enough to show his fur was purplish and not black or blue tinted. “My ink or I think blood is more purple and my dad has dark blue. Apparently, blue is supposed to be the ideal for toons because purple is supposed to be for royals symbolically . I'm not supposed to have a higher status or “ruin” whatever royal tree. That and I don't listen to what they tell me to do.”

“Well I like that you're purple. It makes you look cool and really pretty unique.” 

‘ You look beautiful .’ 

Max felt his heart racing, feeling he said those words but looking at Yakko he felt those words wanted to come out but shook it out. “And those people have no idea what they're talking about. You are going to be a great king.”

Yakko didn't know why, but his words meant alot to him. He hugs him tightly. “Thank you.” Yakko cries, no one, aside from his mom and uncle, ever believes in him. He clung to him before letting go. “Better go get the flower while it's night time.” He added getting up.

Max follows behind but he couldn't help but grab ahold of his hand as they snuck to the garden.

Since that night, what was one request, became two, and then became 3. But after the 3rd time, Max instantly comes by to see Yakko and spends time with him. Something about him made Max feel more than happy. Each time spent with him, made him feel feelings he didn't know were there but he couldn't explain it. He did each time, when it came to the forest, he would carry him over to the forest to show him around. 

One time, when it rained one day, Max tried to hurry to see Yakko but it was pouring and he didn't want to try to dry his wings for a while. But just as he was going to hurry back, he saw Yakko was outside, waiting for him at the bottom of the mountain by the secret entrance. Max hurried into the entrance but saw Yakko was drenched to the bone. 

“I-I wa-was worried yo-you we-were h-h-hurt-!” Yakko sneezed and Max frowned, seeing how caring Yakko was as he helped him before ending up carrying him to the young prince’s home. He hurried inside but rushed, not because of being found out, he needed Yakko to get warmed up. He perked when he heard Yakko's mom coming but rather than hiding away, he helped Yakko to her.

“B-B-but-!” Yakko stammers.

“No buts. You’re drenched and you'll get sick!” Max stated as he heard his friend's mom coming.

“Yakko!” Angelina rushes to him as Max stands firm. “Thank you so much. What is your name?” 

“I'm Max miss. Yakko was waiting for me outside so I am so sorry.” Max bows.

Angelina only smiles and thanks him. “you'll need a change of clothes too so please come along.” 

Max followed and after an hour, Max was wearing what he can assume were gray rabbit's clothes as his clothes were being dried up. He was relieved that rabbit wasn't there, even after seeing how kind he is, he still didn't trust him. He walks up to Yakko's room and sees him asleep as his mom was tucking him to bed. He was about to ask when the said mother of his friend put a finger over her lips to shush him and hither him to follow down which he did.

Through the walk to the kitchen, he remembers every direction, he was a bit nervous.

“So you're this imaginary friend I heard so much about.” Angelina spoke with a smile.

“Y-yes ma'am. Are you going to make me leave for good?” He asked. 

“Nope.” Angelina answered. “I would like to invite you to the cookies I baked.” 

Max was confused but followed her to the kitchen he and Yakko sneaked in for those during the late nights when it was too cold. He sees her open the pantry and bring out a jar of cookies. “I am sorry for sneaking in without your permission.” 

“I want to thank you for being my son's friend. You're the first person he opened up to for a long while.” Angelina sets some cookies on a plate for him and goes to the pot to make tea. “Mostly everyone tried to deceive him or trick him. Bugs the only friend Yakko calls uncle.”

“You mean that Grey rabbit?” Max asked as he grabbed a cookie to take a bite. “I don't really like him. He keeps asking about me from A- Yakko.” and he has another reason for something else.

“I know, but Bugs cares about him like a dad. He worries about him but I will tell him to stop. Though you will have to keep hidden from him.” 

“Why?” Max asked.

“Because I like to keep something special for Yakko.” Angelina spoke. “As you know, Yakko is a prince, I'm sure you're more than familiar with that. And it is not because Yakko told you. I already know who you are.” 

Max looks worried and looks away. He hasn't told Yakko yet, and didn't want him to know. He was afraid he'll look at him differently. ‘Like everyone does .'

“I think you should tell Yakko that. He won't see you any different.” Angelina was watching over the pot. “I know you're a fairy but when I saw you, I knew you were very similar to an old friend of mine.” Angelina had a guess about Max being a fairy but she knew just who he was when she remembered an old friend.

“Can I keep seeing Yakko?” Max was willing to prove Yakko's mom anything she asked if it meant he can be with his friend. “He's the best friend I ever had that doesn't treat me like I'm a jinx or something bad.” 

“Only if you do this quest for me.” She sat down with her cup of tea. “It is to protect Yakko from danger when you're with him.” She stated. “So please stay by Yakko's side here. And I will train you properly with a sword since Wakko is already born.” 

Max perked when he heard her say that. Fairies don't really learn to use a sword, but as far as he can remember, he wanted to learn how to use a sword. He was never given a chance and here it is, especially if it means he can protect Yakko. He stood up and let his wings out and bows to her. “I, Maximillian Goof, will protect Yakko Alvin Warner Noir with my life.” He stated. 

Angelina smiles, feeling part of her uneasiness lighten. She can already see even when it happens, Yakko has someone on his side.

Chapter Text

Yakko woke up groggy and better but he tried to remember what happened before feeling something next to him that caught his attention. He turns to see a bear laying next to him. He picks up the bear and smiles before he hears his mom's voice and peeks out to see, through his window, his mom and Max are training? 

He ran out the door and hurried to go outside. Just as he hurried he stops hearing his brother, Wakko awake. He looks out before going in and checks on him. He couldn't believe he was almost a year old already! He saw Wakko needed a diaper change and remembers how his mom did it before doing it himself and did ok for his first try. He didn't like the smell though. He tossed the diaper into the shoot to the furnace before he carried his brother gently and walked outside carefully. 

“Let's go see Max.” He smiles before walking outside to see them. 

He walks up and peeks from the side, watching Max train. He can tell that his friend was really good at it as he took a spot on the bench. He watches but for a second, he thought he saw someone that looked like Max doing the same thing but winced when he felt a sting in his head. He shifted but held his baby brother close and looked up. ‘ What was I thinking? Oh! Max is so cool!’ He smiles seeing Max although lose, was happy to keep practicing.  

Since that day, Yakko and Max grew closer with each day until it was time for Yakko to go to the castle. It would be the first departure from each other but hopefully won't be too long till Yakko comes back. 

Yakko was getting ready to leave, he had Rusk the bear, Max persisted that he take him with him. He frowns wishing he didn't have to leave but he had to only to keep the peace, and he missed his dad.

“Hey.” 

Yakko turns to see Max and begins to cry. He couldn't hold it in, he was really gonna miss him.

“It's only going to be for a few months.” Max hugs him. 

“It's still 4 months away. I don't wanna go.” Yakko said between tears. 

“That's why I got you something.” Max holds out a box and sees Yakko surprised. “But you gotta open it when you go on the road. Promise?” 

Yakko nodded and hugged him before hearing Bugs. “I'll miss you Lune.”

“You can call me Max.” Max hugs him back. He didn't want to let him go. “And I'll always miss you. But I know you'll be back soon.” He was forced to let go when his best friend was called again. He changed to his small fairy self and hid away as Yakko placed his small box in his satchel before going and hurried off. He ran to his mom and gave her a hug and Bugs too before he saw Bugs holding a gift out. 

“I know you asked for a watch like your mum but I thought this would be better.” Bugs smile.

Yakko opens it to see it was a beautiful wooden music box that had lavender painted on and it was small enough to carry. He opens it and cries to see it was his momma's lullaby. He sniffs and hugs him tightly.  “Thank you, dad.” He said between tears. 

Max, hidden away in the inside pocket, was surprised by this and thought, maybe the rabbit- Bugs isn't so bad. 

Bugs only hug him. “We'll come to see you on Christmas lil’ star, but I'll be going with you. Gotta make sure you get to your father unharmed.” He spoke and let Yakko go as he went into his father's carriage.  

Yakko sat and he saw Bugs sitting differently and kept quiet as the carriage went.

When they were far away, Yakko opened the box Max made for him. Inside his eyes were wide at the attempt to make a ring made of a raw amethyst stone, but inside was a small set of bottles of colorful ink. Yakko sees Max written to him, in fairy, he begins to read it.

Dear Anar,

I hope you like the gift. Inside are inks I made with some help. Each one has their special gift. But the purple one is my favorite. When you write, the words will be sent to whoever you think of and they will hear your words. So please write a lot to me.

Yakko giggles and rereads the letter, it makes him happy. He looked at the ring and smiles before holding it close to his chest

“I can't wait to see Max when I come back, mom.” Yakko takes out the gift Max brought him. 

Bugs only smile. 

Months passed and like the seasons, they changed. Max trained each day with Yakko's mom when she came back and trained until they had to stop for a while during the rainy seasons. Max did learn alot from Angelina as she explained to Max the tricks in making potions as well as a possible magic tools she wished to make for Yakko when he's older.

Yakko wished he was back home as he was taught the etiquettes and all what it means to be a king. The etiquettes from his father's teachers, the way of the king from his father. But when it was time to go back, Yakko was keeping as much as he could from running as he walked to the carriage. He had to keep calm and not give the people any chance to mock him. He holds the cracked ring he tried to keep safe but it was ruined, thanks to the jerk steward, Salazar.

He had it as a necklace and one of the nobles' sons teased him and they got into a fight, he won, but he was punished by being locked in his room.

Yakko goes out as the knights stood tall, only they were nice to him. But when he looked up, he had a hard time not running. At the end of the carriage, he sees his mom and in shock, Max is dressed in a squire uniform but on his shirt was a lavender. Yakko did his best to control the urge as he walked in. He knew his dad was watching in his office. He knows he couldn't escort him due to the council keeping him in a meeting.  

Yakko bows before seeing Max do the same, and holds his hand for him. 

“Prince Yakko, please allow me to help you walk into the carriage.” Max cleared his throat and felt a bit embarrassed. 

Yakko didn't hesitate to take his hand and entered inside the carriage.

Just as Angelina was about to follow she stops and hears someone calling her.

“Duchess Noir!” 

Angelina huffed a sigh before seeing it was one of Hilda's minions. “Dare I ask?” She glares at the gopher who scoffed.

“My lady ask to speak to you-” 

“No thanks.” Angelina answers. “I need to go and not speak to low level dwellers. It was unfortunate to hear from her. Goodbye.” Angelina waves off as she enters the carriage.

Yakko waited for a bit but the second the curtain closed, he hugged Max tightly. 

“You're here!!” He cries. 

Max comforts his friend and hugs him tightly. “I had to make sure you came home safe.” 

“Max insisted he come, so I asked his father to let him.” Angelina smiles as she watches them talk as they begin to move.

Just as they were, a carriage came up and practically came close. Angelina raises a brow. Until they were forced to stop thanks to some wagons stopping them.

“Lady noir.” 

Yakko shook a bit hearing that voice and clung to Max. He never met her nor did he wish to but something about her was horrifying for him and he hid behind Max. 

Max however, didn't like the lady at all. He could tell from peeking out she was a bad person but then there was someone there that made him feel really mad. That hate came back twice and felt a headache but he kept seeing someone appearing in his mind he never met.

“M-max?” 

Max blinks to Yakko's voice, shaking his thoughts before holding his friend close to him.

“Uppercrust.” Angelina said with no care. “I was told your son was harassing my son.” She looked and noticed the horrible woman's son was there but looked away.

“Boys will be-”

“If I were to punch you in the face, can I say, “it is formality for girls?” Angelina asked and can practically hear the married woman grinding her teeth. “If you are not having your son apologize, then we will be taking our leave.” 

“I want to talk to you about an arrangement-” 

but the woman couldn't finish when Angelina's carriage sped off. Yakko clung to Max as they were moving too fast. it wasn't until night-time they made it to an inn. 

“Well boys, we will be heading off tomorrow and be home by nightfall if we go as fast as we did today.” Angelina smiles but sees them both asleep. She only smiled and sat next to them. She wished she could feel at ease, but she knew something bad was coming to them but for now she will protect them with all her might. Just as she looks outside she sees William and she smiles before sneaking out and hurried to see him. She ran as fast as she could before tackling him. “I missed you.” She cries in his arms, no matter how far they were apart, or no matter where, she will always hold hope he will be waiting for her.

“I miss you Angie.” William nuzzles to her and purrs. “It was hard but I was able to sneak out with help from a stable boy named Pinky, but I feel bad he will get in trouble.” 

“I can send a recommendation letter to my friend Bugs-” She stops and giggles when she sees William was getting jealous. “You do know Bugs loves me like a sister and I suppose you heard from Yakko.” 

“I know we are waiting for the right time and evidence to usurp the councilmen, but it's painful to make them believe that my other son is his.” 

“I know my love, but there are too many spiders in the palace. Hilda tried to reach out to me. I didn't give her any time but I know what she wants.” She frowns. “We will need to keep Yakko's secret better. I know you trust your friends, but I fear they may be attacked too. We will have to work a way by next year. Bugs said he met a candidate for a councilman but he's too young but noticed another thing.” She paused and looked around and didn't see anyone but took William away into the woods to speak and put the glamor on him in case they were to be found. She felt and knew something but couldn't change it no matter what. She led William out, blushed remembering the times when they snuck together. ‘That's how yakko was born.’ 

 By morning, before dawn.

Yakko was asleep when Max nudged him awake. 

“Yakko, there's something I wanna show you.” Max whispered excitedly as he saw Yakko wake up but was only half awake. Nonetheless,  Yakko slowly woke up and followed Max and snuck out to see what was the surprise. Yakko was led by Max to the edge of the woods but Yakko was shocked to see other fairies in the air dancing. 

Yakko was amazed to see this as he had never seen fairies like this. He noticed they were dancing and looked around for the answer till he saw two fairies in the center. Yakko didn't have to guess, he was seeing a fairy wedding. 

Max sees the fairies dancing, Max looks to Yakko and thinks about it, his heart racing. “Y-yakko?” 

Yakko looked at him but was flustered when he saw what Max did. He was bowing but he held the lavender out. Yakko was shy but he accepted the flower and saw Max hold his hand out for him. 

Max didn't know why but he was a bit nervous as he was taught the etiquettes of fairies but never really stuck to him and the one time he wished it did. He brought his friend out here and tried to make it fun for him and he felt he was messing up. When he sees Yakko take his hand, he tries to dance like the fairies but when he keeps messing up, he sees Yakko was still having fun. He smiled and kept dancing until they had to hurry back. 

However in the morning, they were ambushed. They were just stepping down the stairs when they came to see the lady of the Uppercrust and her three sons.

Angelina glares as she had spent her time with William only for her mood to go sour at the sight of Hilda. “What can I do for the inconvenience?” she smiles but her real words were (why the hell are you bothering me?!) 

“My two sons are on their way to the academy in Fantasia but how fortunate I am to see you here.” Hilda spoke.

Yakko peeked  to see the two elder sons bow to Yakko but he could read what they were silently saying. “ We are not a part of her scheme.” 

He met Bradford and Brandon, not really bad but still jerks when it's convenient around for their parents. He hated to admit it but they were the nicest to him in the palace. However Bradley, he is a two face snake that was just horrible. Yakko met Bradley, by force, during class and was forced to attend a few social gatherings by the council.

 All in all, he hates Bradley. 

At that moment Yakko and Max were sitting under the tree as Yakko read to Max. 

Bradford and Brandon were more for sparring practice, they were hoping to work for knighthood in the outskirts.

Max was glaring at the boys as he stood by with yakko.

“Bradford and Brandon aren't the ones to worry about. Bradley is the worst.” Yakko spoke as he too, glared at Bradley.

Max tenses up and grips his hand so tightly he feels more despised to the youngest. He was growling more when the two older brothers and Bradley walked up to Yakko.

“Your highness,” Bradford bows lightly. 

“You know you don't have to do that here.” He looks to the oldest, 13, and can tell he was being respectful to him. 

“Yeah I know, but it's still common courtesy.” Bradford smiles, “Besides I still am giving you respect even if you weren't the prince.”

“Even as a platypus?” Yakko rolled his eyes hearing the two chuckled. “So what's bringing you and your brothers and your mother here?” Yakko asked, holding Max's hand when Brandon pushed Bradley up.

“Our mom's a different story but we're here to make Bradley right the wrong he did to you.” Brandon, 11, spoke, pushing their younger brother. “Out with it.” Brandon crosses his arms 

Max stood in front of Yakko when Bradley came up and both 7 year olds already hate each other. 

“Move, stray .” Bradley growls.

“Make me, poodle. ” Max growls back. 

Yakko was trying to understand what was going on, they had never met before and they looked like they were ready to fight. Yakko's head stung a bit when he heard a voice. 

  I own you

Yakko shook, trying to remember but it faded away.

Max stood his ground as he didn't want this creep- this jerk near Yakko. He sees him seething and pushes him away.

“We are going to talk alone!” Bradley sneers and goes to reach Yakko when Max pushes him away. 

Max keeps Yakko behind him. “Don't ever touch Yakko again.” He growls.

Bradford and Brandon read the room and took Bradley and bowed. “We're sorry this happened.” They said and forced Bradley to bow. They got up and took Bradley away just as Hilda stepped out enraged. 

“See you never!” Angelina shouted.

Max glares at Bradley before looking at Yakko who is quiet. He frowns worried. “Did I do something wrong?” 

Yakko shook his head. “I just don't like him, he is mean and tries to bully me. I won't let him get to me and I can beat him.” He holds his book and saddens. “But I don't want him bullying you.” 

“I wouldn't worry about me, I can handle him because you're important to me.” Max takes his hand. “So we got each other's back.” 

“Lune (Max asked Yakko's mom to call him that when outdoors) and Yakko!!” Angelina shouted. “Time to go!!” 

And they left without hesitation. Coming home was easy but of course Max hid away in a yakko's coat when Angelina saw Bugs not too far from the distance. But after returning, both Max and Yakko continued their fun and even taught each other both sides of the world and it was beautiful.

Of course, soon Max's training had to hold off for a while a month later when Angelina told them she was pregnant again just before the new year. Dot was born in 3 months, a little early but with all the love, yakko,  Max and Wakko would be there to help Angelina.

When it came to late spring, 2nd year since they met, Yakko sighed and looked out. It was almost time to go to his father's castle again. He hated to go there and this time he knows the two older brothers won't be there to help as much. He wished Max could come with him-

"Yakko!!" 

Yakko, perked and looked down to see a certain fairy, covered in dirt, came by his window with his wings out. He smiles seeing it was Max but he brought him flowers to grow in his garden from the fairy world.

"I brought you flowers from my dads tree! I want to plant it here for your baby sister!" The boy shouted. He saw that Yakko's mom left not long so he can assume they had about a half a day unless he stays hidden when Bugs comes (he usually does).

Yakko smiled and without thinking, jumped out of the window. 

"Yakko!!" Max drops the flowers to catch him. "Why do you always do that?! You could get hurt!" The boy scolded, one of the few times he calls Yakko by his name is when Yakko pulls these stunts. Or at times at night when it's peaceful.

Yakko smiled and hugged him. "But I know you'll always catch me Max.”

“Promise me you’ll try to be careful, especially when you go back to that big weird thing again. A castle?" Max teases him. 

"You got it right.” Yakko grins and clings to Max as he flies down to the garden. “I don't like going there. I feel so alone and I don’t like learning what they teach. Mama brings me to grandpa's home in the capital, but I wish I could stay here forever." Yakko laid his head on his friend's shoulder. He hated being alone there and his mom surprised him with a baby sister. How can he go now?! “Want to see my baby sister again?” 

"Ok, but first,” Max placed him down, “I have a gift for you." Max held his hands together and made what appeared to be a shining star. 

"It's a star!" Yakko smiles excitedly. “You're giving me a star!?” 

"I wish, dad taught me to make a glow orb appear. It's like a star but it just lights your path." The boy's orb disappeared but Yakko hugged him. 

"I love it!" Yakko hugs him tightly. “You gotta teach me! That way when I make it, I can think of you and I won't be so alone when I go to my father's castle.”

“After we go see your sibs.” Max answers before being pulled by Yakko away.

It was near dark when they were in Yakko's room. At the moment Yakko was practicing the spell Max showed him and only made small orbs appear. He got better at it in a couple hours but decided to take a break. They were relaxing on his bed as Yakko played the small music box his mom got him. He hadn't used it much before, but he and Max would play it between time and time again. 

“Can I live with you in the forest? Even if it’s just for a day?” Yakko asked as he was getting tired and sleepy.

“Not that I'm against it, I would say forever, but aren't you going to see your dad soon? Going to that big looking thing?” Max asked.

“A castle, and yeah but… I don't like it there.” Yakko hugs the bear Max gave him last year before his trip to his father's castle. It made him feel less alone. “They think I don't belong there or anywhere-”

“Yakko you're a prince no matter what! You're kind and smart, you'll be a great king.” Max spoke sitting up and saw Yakko sat up holding the teddy bear.

“But then I'll be forced to marry someone and I don't want to.” 

“Then you can say you're already married to me when we’re older!” Max stated. “B-but it's customary for fairies to make a quest for their partners to be.” He looks away embarrassed. 

“Like what?” Yakko asked. 

“W-well something you want me to do like, bringing some gem from a cave or fight a dragon?” 

“That sounds weird and rude. Why fight a dragon that didn’t do anything? What about elves' customs?” Yakko asks.

“From what I learned, making things.” Max shrugs. 

Yakko hums. “Maybe when I'm older, you can make me something.”

“Is that a quest?” Max asked. 

“Nope. I'll think of something that won’t involve a dragon.” Yakko grins.

Max only chuckles as Yakko drifts to sleep. He carefully tucks him in and smiles.

However, as it was near time for Yakko's 7th birthday, Yakko was already at his father's side. Max was at the moment training with Angelina but he couldn't help but feel worried for some reason. It was the mid afternoon when he was feeling something off the whole time. When they took a break, Max was going to go home early when he felt the back of his spine shiver when he heard a faint voice shouting from the distance. 

“ Angie !!”

Max hurried out to the base of the mountain as did Angie and they came to see someone coming. 

It was a man he recognized to be William 

“Angie!!!” William shouted as Angelina paled. When the said king got close, she gasped to see Yakko was curled against his father. “I had gotten wind of Salazar rounding an assassination on Yakko.” He got off the horse as Yakko was helped by William. “They had attacked our friends Angie. Have you gotten word from Bugs?”  

Max, who was staying hidden, saw the look of shock and fear in his friend. “Yakko!!” He ran to Yakko's side but nearly stopped when Yakkko ran to him in tears. Max didn't care from the looks Yakko's dad gave, he held onto Yakko in comfort. “You’re safe.” He could feel Yakko's tears wetting his shoulder but he didn't dare stop him. He picked him up before carrying him through the stairs. 

William looked to his love for answers as Angie could only answer shortly. “It's a bit of a story.” Angelina spoke as they hurried off inside.

It was sunset when Yakko was finally resting, and finally let go of Max. Max couldn’t help but feel anxious to leave his friend but he had an idea that could protect yakko and his siblings. He was thinking about it since his dad told him about moving the fairies back to fantasia. The young knight in training went to see Yakko's parents but not before whispering to Yakko.

“I’ll be back.” He was relieved he didn't leave yet, or that his dad didn't stop him from going. He was heartbroken to learn his dad was sending all the fairies to Fantasia. He wondered if it was because of what was happening now? Either way, he was not leaving without Yakko and his siblings. He walked over when he was overhearing lady Angelina talking to William as they were discussing what to do. 

“If I haven't gotten word, it only means that Salazar is cutting all contacts. The Geraldine lord went missing a week ago.” She frowns. “And I fear they already have most of our friends locked up…. Or worse. It is only a matter of time before they find us. They will keep eyes on the border. How do we get our children out safely?” 

“My dad and the fairies are going to Fantasia!” Max shouted. I-if you allow me, I-I can take Yakko and his siblings with me.” Max spoke.

“It is the only plan we have. Bugs can't get past thanks to his brother keeping him away. Daffy I don't trust at all. Max is the only one we can trust.” Angelina spoke. 

William frowns but nodded. “You go get Wakko and Dot, I'll wake up Yakko.” 

“Max, please come with me.” Angelina spoke as she led him to Wakko and Dot. 

Yakko woke up to not feeling Max with him, feeling a bit scared but gets up when he hears his door open. “Mama? M-max? D-dad?” He asks but screams and moves away from the intruder that enters his room.  

“You little monster.” 

Yakko tried to run to the door but the man, Salazar, blocked his path. “S-stop it!!” He tried to zap him but Salazar dodged it.

“You think I will follow a freak like you?! You are the very monstrosity I will not allow to sit on the throne!” He swung his sword but it didn't land a hit. 

Yakko turns to see his father came in time blocking the attack. He watches as his father attacks and moves Salazar away. 

“Yakko, run!” William shouted.

Yakko tried but his legs wouldn't move. He shook in tears as he tried to use magic again but it was as if something was blocking it. “I-I can't!” He cries as he tries to stand up and tries to crawl, his legs feel like lead. He found the strength to move but he sees his dad was thrown to the wall as Salazar makes a dash to ram his sword into Yakko.

It happened too fast as Yakko saw his father take the blow but kept the sword stuck in his . Yakko didn't know if he was screaming or shouting as he felt hands grab him and saw his mother taking him away. He tried to run with her as he could, but his mind kept repeating that moment. 

Angelina led him to a secret spot by the fountain as she heard the knights coming from the front and hurried out as the entrance closed up. Yakko looks down to see Max was keeping his siblings safe as he rushes to him and cries. He was relieved Max was alive, he feared the monster attacked him or worse.

Max didn't have to know, he held Yakko tightly with one arm free. 

“Yakko, Max,” Angelina said, kneeling down holding out the music box, the pocket watch and a cane. “Max this has a sword in the cane, use it when you must. It was my father's.” She spoke. “Yakko inside this music box, has your father’s family stone in it, it will be the sole proof you are the heir along this watch. It holds something very important. Your uncle will tell you when you get to Fantasia.” 

“Mama, please! I can’t lose you too!” Yakko whimpers but feels her kiss his head. He then sees her do the same for Wakko and Dot.

“Yakko my little star, I will find you all again.” She smiles. “And no matter what, I will always be with you all.” She urged them to go as she stood firm. Yakko watched as he could only see her back and ran, holding Dot as Max carried Wakko. 

It wasn't till nightfall when they came to an estate, it looked abandoned but Max searched first before leading them inside. Max, using magic, sent a small moth to his dad, hoping he would get his message and he used his magic to grow an apple tree for them to eat. Max collected the apples before he brought one for Yakko but saw Yakko was quiet and in so much anguish.

“Hey, she's going to come, she probably has to hide for a bit.” 

Yakko was still quiet until he cried. “I couldn't run. And my f-father- he….” He covers his face. “It's all my fault.” 

Max frowns before using his magic to distract Wakko and Dot as he sat next to him. He holds him in his arms and rocks him. “He did what any father would. Just as my mom did what any mother would.” 

Yakko cries and clings to him. “I'm so sorry i got you in this mess!” 

Max only held him as he frowned. “I need to tell you something.”

“Are you going to confess your love?” Yakko asked half a joke. “It would be really bad timing.”

“W-when we're old enough I will!.” Max blushes. “I should have told you before that I'm…. I'm a prince of the fairies. I wanted to tell you but I was scared. I thought you'd think I was using you. I know it's 2 years late but I was scared and I-!” He stops when Yakko hugs him.

“You’re still my Max.” Yakko sniffles away. “Maybe they can let me marry you because your a prince.”

Max smiles before pulling away, moving Yakko's sibs to him. He blushes before he holds Yakko's hands and begins chanting away before Yakko feels a warmth on him. When it finished Max faltered a bit. It alarmed Yakko but Max reassured him. “I-I'm ok. Just put a spell to keep you and your sibs safe. Something my dad taught me.” 

Yakko smiles before looking at the music box. He places his siblings down before opening the music box. Inside, he sees it’s his mother's necklace. He perked before trying to put it on.

“Here, let me.” Max offered his help and Yakko accepted it before he noticed a flash of a memory of someone helping him and his heart raced a bit. He kept thinking about it as he was looking at the music box. He didn't know why, but it felt different. “Since it's my birthday, can I request something?” 

“I'll do my best.” Max spoke and suddenly he was getting a familiar feeling.

“C-can you dance with me?” Yakko asks but they stop when they hear the gates open up. He was about to look when Max stopped him and went first but shook and ran to Yakko's side and grabbed their siblings to run through the back and hurried through the dead garden and into the forest. Max had Yakko carry his siblings as he held the cane as they tried to make a dash away. Yakko was then stopped when Max stopped. “We need to hurry out!” Yakko whispers. 

Max looks at him and frowns. “Tell me your quest.”

Yakko paused before tears were pouring out. “N-no! I lost my mom, my dad! I c-can't-” Yakko feels Max hug him. 

“I promise I won't die. I am keeping your mom's promise.” Max spoke. 

Yakko cried and hugged him tightly. “Th-then my quest for you is to not die! And come back to me! No matter what!” Yakko held his hand out with Wakko and Dot clinging to him like possums. 

Max takes his hand and it glows. “And my quest for you is to wait for me. No matter what. Please, D-don't accept anyone's gifts o-or feelings. I- I know it's selfish of me but I will promise to come back to you! And I will make you happy!” Max spoke as their hands glowed up and soon faded. Max smiles and nudged Yakko to go but he sees his anar stop and turn before kissing his cheek. 

“My mama said you kiss someone you like for luck. S-s-so you better keep it.” Yakko tried to stop crying. His head was feeling different as if something was trying to make him sleep but shook it off.

“I will, now go.” Max pushes him off as he sees him run. He takes a deep breath before going back and uses his magic to conceal Yakko's tracks as he waits for the man who was a villain  to come out. Not too long the said villain came out of the building. The brave hero saw through his eyes, the villain had magic but the source was in his necklace. Focusing on it, he recognized that energy and knew who it was. “Release the Duchess!” He held the cane, he couldn't let the vile man know he held a sword until it was the right time. 

Salazar smirks, holding a music box he was familiar with but drops it to find it empty. He held the small purple gem. “You hear that Angelina, your star pupil, is ordering me around.” He smirks as he conjures magic using the necklace and attacks the boy. “I have been wanting her magic for the past many years boy! She thought I wouldn't look her son's way if she said she didn't have magic, but someone I requested used a stone to determine if he and she can, and I was right! But I rather kill that freak of nature than let it sit on the throne!” 

Max dodges the attack but knew this magic, chaotic, was something he can't beat but he needed to buy Yakko time so that the Vile monster couldn't find him. Max knows the monster is only telling him because he expects to end him. ‘ I am going back to Yakko and bringing his mom to him!’ 

It was almost half an hour after he said that. Max was barely holding up as he used his magic to attack and sneak close to get the necklace. It only pissed off Salazar to learn he was a fairy.

“You filthy beast!” Salazar uses the magic to force Max down. “You and your wretched kind is the reason humanity is below!” He raises his sword but stops when he sees the music box. He knows how to make this abomination suffer. When his knights finally came, he made his order. “Bring me the scrolls!” He shouted and the knights that came not too long, brought a small chest to him. Max can see they were full of cursed magic. The kind no one like the man should have. “You are a filthy beast, let's make you one so everyone will see what you truly are.” He smirks as he begins chanting.

Max felt in pain but he didn't care. The basics of curses was having to manifest in your intentions. He has to make this man say it differently enough to protect Yakko and his sibs. “I made sure you can never find him! Yakko is probably far away from you!” He shouted. 

Salazar stopped midway and growled. “I will make sure you won't be remembered by him just as you can't remember him!” He smirks as he sees Max's memories sent to the music box. 

Max sees his past fading and bites the tears and keeps hold of the box from him. “I may not remember, but my heart will and it's not forever! Everyone will know what you did! When Yakko goes to King Mickey!” 

This made Salazar pissed off as he grabbed the boy by the neck, forgetting the curse hadn't been set yet. “You and those brats will be forgotten by everyone here in this land! And neither anyone will ever find you here, neither will I- Wait! Stop! No!!” He shouted as it was too late, the curse was set. Salazar drops the scroll as he tries to run away but he only got far outside of the abandoned property as were his knights too who tried to escape. 

Max held the scroll to him as he saw it disintegrate but held the piece close to his heart.

“I need to no matter what find them… I need to find him… I need…” He fainted as everything went black. 

Yakko ran as he stopped and waited by the water tower that was broken down. He looks back to see a bright light flash and reaches out.

“Max!!” but it was too late as everything went black 

Max opened his eyes and saw it was night as he looked around his area and found himself in a nearly destroyed building but saw a music box gleaming by the reflection of the little moon that was out that night along with a cane. He looked at it confused but tried to remember. But nothing aside from his name. He knows his name was Max but he feels like he's missing something. He touched his back and felt something was pulled off but got up and ran out to the back. “I gotta find it…?” He steps out only to change and froze feeling his body was changing to something that was painful. He felt his jaw was stretching, his bones extending as his chast was warming up like a furnace. He arches his back as his body was feeling strenuous of pain. When it ended he felt his face and body were different.

“Hello!?!?! Prince!?” 

He hears voices and hurries back to the property changing back. He shook in tears and cried as he felt so much alone.

What he didn't see was his father's fairy knights looking for him but couldn't find him. 

“MAX!!!” Yakko woke up in shock and cries. He felt his heart racing and pacing as if he was running. He looked around frantically until he sees Bugs- dad reaches to him

Bugs kneels down to calm him. “Yakko, your ok-” 

“Dad, it's not ok!” Yakko shouted and looked to see Max, not seeing the shocked look of Bugs, was by his side but he wasn't waking up. He shook in fear that Max was reliving everything again. 

“Why isn’t he waking up?! MAX!? MAx!!!” 

“Its ze potion!” Otto was worried as he didnt know what is keeping max from waking up but feared it was due to the how much Max was trying to remember or that the curse is affecting him. “Or the curse that is making him forget and reliving everything.”

Yakko shook in tears as he kneels over Max. He finally remembered his first and only love only to find him trapped in this state. He hugs Max and tries, with all his might, to reach out to him using his magic. “Max! Come back to me…!” He held his hand in fear. “Y-y-you promised you'd come back.” He was not aware he was using his magic and held his hand. “Please don't forget me.” he whispers. 

Chapter Text

MAX!!

Max opened his eyes as he found himself in a void. He was remembering and not remembering at the same time but his heart remembered Yakko.

“Max, you grew up so well.”

 He recognized her and looked to see who before bowing to her. “L-lady Angelina! Y-you're here!” 

She stood and smiled. “You kept your promise.” 

“You're alive! And if you're here, Yakko needs-!” Max was stopped by her. He looked up but saw she was transparent like a ghost. “You're not exactly here…. Are you?”

“I’m afraid not.” She smiles sadly. “Max, you need to keep Yakko safe and take him to King Mickey. Salazar wants to take Yakko's Magic and his right to the throne. Max I am so sorry but even when you get your wings back, the beast's curse is permanent-” 

“Lady Angelina, you need to see him!” Max held her hand. “I don’t care about being a beast, you need to see Yakko, Wakko and Dot!”

Angelina was perplexed but she couldn’t help but see how much Max truly grown to be a good man for her son. “I wish I can, but even if i can transfer my magic, Salazar will use that to find Yakko.” She spoke, showing the image of the necklace yakko has. “I put a part of me in the family gem but it's to keep Yakko hidden. It's why there is so much limitless magic in it. If I reach out to my son, Salazar will use that to find him. It is the reason why he is searching for Yakko. Our magic grows stronger because of the generation. It is not a lie My grandfather was a demon made into a toon. Each generation is different as the magic grows stronger. Yakko's magic is practically a never-ending power because it is the opposite of mine. His magic is bright and beautiful and he and his siblings have gifts that makes them special. So please protect my little stars.” 

Max cried a bit, and felt his body fading. He felt that same warm energy he knew was Yakko trying to reach to help him leave and come back.

“Max please know Salazar is remembering because my magic in the curse is fading but that also means Yakko’s magic is growing stronger. People will remember Who Yakko is, so you need to make haste to get him out of this land from the trashy Uppercrust and that obsessive baron and that faker of a steward.”

“Wait! Don't you want me to send a message!?” He reached and held her hand.

“Thank Brain and Pinky for me!” She smiles. “They did an amazing job being dads!” 

“No! Your kids!!” He tried to hold on. 

Angelina pauses and smiles before whispering as Max and soon he disappears. She sat and cried a bit, it was her chance to reach out to her son but as Yakko was able to remember, she held some of his magic she noticed he left behind. She held it and saw it was his memories and cried. To see him grow, to keep standing, he was so much like his father. She then perks to see a little child standing there. She can only smile and can tell who they- who she is. She kneels and hugs the little girl. “I am so happy to see my first grandchild.” She smiles before seeing her fade like her dad. “Welp-” she stood up. “Time for me to wait to make my move.” she spoke as she looked out through her prison to see Salazar was losing his mind. 

Max wakes up and sees a scared Yakko over him. 

“M-Max! D-do you know who I am?” Yakko asked, his fear was elevating when he looked at his mate.

Max stood quietly until he pulled Yakko into his arms and kissed him. He feels Yakko tense before relaxing in his arms and kissing him back. When they let go, Max held him close. “How can I forget you, when this whole time I was trying to remember you, my Anar.” 

Yakko was wide eyed before tears ran down and he held onto Max. All these years they were practically waiting for and searching for each other. “I was so scared when you didn't wake up. I thought you were reliving everything again.” He kissed all over his face and couldn't let him go. “You did everything to protect me.” He nuzzles against him. “And you kept your promise, you came back to me.” 

Max smiles and holds him in his lap. “And you did too. You waited for me.” He realized that not only his memories of Yakko came back, But who he is was coming back slowly. He knew the rest of his memories were in the music box. He was startled when Yakko moved to his back and recalled one part of him was not here.

 It made so much sense now to Yakko as he touches Max’s back. He was wondering why he would wait outside for so long. He thought it was because he likes being out. All this time he was waiting for Max to come back to him.

Placing his hand on his back, he thought back to the many times he saw his bare back, Max had these incisions like scars that made him wonder what it was. Now he knows what Salazar did to him and why Max couldn't remember who he is. There was a book in his mom's library about fairies. 

“Their wings are very special Yakko.” Angelina spoke as she held Yakko under the willow tree. “Do you know why?”

“It's to fly, right?” Yakko asked and heard her giggle.

“Yes but it is because it helps them with their magic, like a wand.”

“What about us?” Yakko asked.

“We're a different story.” Angelina holds him. “But to take fairies wings off, is tearing apart who they are.” 

“Why would someone do that?” Yakko asked. “That's just cruel.” 

“I'm afraid there are people like that but there are good people like you.” She holds him.

“I won't do that! I'll help them get their wings back!” Yakko smiles as he thinks about Max.

 Salazar took not just his memories but a part of Max. Yakko could feel the tears starting to pour out when Max turned around to hold his hands. “Can you remember everything?” He asked

“Almost, I can't remember who I am exactly.” Max can tell Yakko was saddened to hear that. “But there's something else important.” Max stated, cupping his face. 

“What could be more important than getting your memories? Max, I remember who you are! It's why you can do more than one kind of magic! You need those memories!” Yakko couldn’t let Max not be able to remember.

Max shook his head. “My memories are safe in our home but I found out something bigger!” He had Yakko sit with him. “Your mom's alive and I saw her trapped in a necklace Salazar has with him.” He saw Yakko was shaking and held him tightly. “I was able to talk to her, she told me that the people of the land are going to remember, but that also means there will be people after you. Salazar wants to trap you and take your powers like he did to your mom. But when the curse fades,” he frowns, hesitating to explain that painful part.

“My mom disappears too. She told me curses can be undone but if the said person who made the curse dies, then it's lifted.” Yakko shook in tears and looks to Bugs. “Isn't  there a way to save her?” 

“Well, the only toon I know who might be capable of doing this, is king Mickey. Or another witch but listen, if we get you to Fantasia, you can reach out to him, show him the proof and you can fix everything.” Bugs explains though it was in his belief a long shot. “As sweet as the moment is right now, we gotta go. And we gotta take you to Fantasia like the night before.” 

“We can't, not when there's people we love here.” Yakko stated. “if we leave, they won't be safe!” 

“Kid, I know you got a big heart, but I doubt Salazar would think about them.” He sees Yakko was unfazed. “.... But you're right, your siblings and parents are not safe. We will only take them and that's that. I know you want to protect your friends but you staying here in this land is not going to protect them. I will get your siblings and parents, but you gotta go, now.” Bugs was determined to get Yakko safe no matter what. 

“I'll go get Louie.” Max spoke as Yakko went with him. 

Yakko hurried with Max as he took his hand. “Is it really the only plan we can do?” He asked, the thought of leaving his mom behind again, it hurt him. 

Max slows a bit back as they walk. “What do you want to do?” 

Yakko was thinking. “I would say steal the necklace but if that murderer knows that I know about my mom, he's going to expect it. I can't say I'm a pro, but I doubt I'm strong or good enough to fight.” He then looks at his belly and rubs it. “Not to mention we're having a baby.”

“I can do the fighting for you.” Max held his hand as they kept walking. “And would keep you and our baby safe from danger.”

Yakko came to a stop just before the stairs. “There is something I need to get first. C-can you come with me?” 

Max nodded and they headed up the stairs and headed to the one spot in the house he tried to ignore. 

He makes it to the one room he was terrified to see. 

His room,

The room that had his father's death. 

Yakko shook as he was scared of going inside when Max stopped him. 

“Let me go first.” Max goes in and checks to find it was empty but saw there were faded stains. “It's clear but, are you sure you want to go in?” He asked. 

“Y-yes.” Yakko answers and sees Max holding his hand out and Yakko takes it. Yakko enters and sees the faded stains and tries not to break down but he clings to Max before taking deep breaths when Max holds him and breathes with him. 

When Yakko was calm enough, he goes to his bed and pulls out a small chest and reveals there was Max's bear. “I kept him here safe and after remembering, I wanted to give our baby something special.” He smiles a bit and sees his mother's hunting bag she gave him and takes it, putting the bear in safely and blushes seeing the stone ring. 

Max remembers it and blushes deeply. “I can make you a new one.” 

“I would love that.” Yakko smiles. “We better go find that duck. I think I know where he is.” He knew one place his mom showed him. 

In the basement

Louie was using every kind of magic spell to open the vault but nothing!! Not even the old rag with Yakko's blood!! He grumbled before hearing two sets of feet coming and turned to see Yakko and Max.

“Got any luck?” Yakko crosses his arms.

Louie only glares at him. “.... no.” 

Yakko walks over to the vault and just grabbing the handle, it opens. He reveals the vault held gold and gems and is miles deep across. 

“Wow.” Louie spoke, ‘That rivals uncle scrooge’s treasure room!’ He was about to touch it when Yakko stopped him. 

“Yeah it won't work. Mom enchanted it so that if anyone that isn't a noir, it only fazes in their hands.” Yakko gets some gold and silver coins but grabs some magic stones and gives them to Louie. “Here, I know it's not gold, but the stones are worth more.” Yakko then grabs a few gold small statues. He and Max and a hesitant Louie leave but sees the vault seals up and disappears. “It's still there, just hiding.” 

Louie hums but holds the 8 stones and smiles a bit. “Thanks. These could get us to Fantasia faster.” 

Max was quiet as he saw Yakko’s mom's swords and took them. “I think it's best I take them for our journey.”

Yakko nodded and wondered a bit. “Did she say anything else?” He asked. 

Max smiles and takes his hand. “She did but she gave me instructions to tell when all three of you are together.” 

Yakko pouts but could tell it was special and hums. “Alright I can wait.” He smiles.

Max takes his hand and they head out. 

Just as they got to where they left Bugs, they saw he was in a disagreement  with some duck.

“Why should I obey you!? What will I get in return?!”

Both Yakko and Max look at Louie who scoffs. 

“Not related at all.” Louie glared.

Yakko looks at Bugs before making his move and walks over to him. “You can have 3 gold statues from the Noir vault!” he exclaims. “If you get my siblings and dad's out to Fantasia, I will give you three golden statues of pure gold.” He saw the black duck wide eyed.

“ y-your majesty!! I-I-I will make it my first task!! Bye Bugsy!!” And the magic ball clears away. 

Bugs looks at Yakko knowing Daffy's logic. 

“I said I would give it to him,” he held out 3 small golden statues and gave them to Bugs. “And as promised we're going. After we pick up something and make sure the others are safe at home. It's almost winter so that means they'll be hibernating.” Yakko added and hurried off with Louie and Max. He however stopped and ran back to hug him. “Thank you for trying to protect me…. Dad.” Yakko pulled away as he ran to Max and they in a snap disappeared.

Bugs didn't get a say as they already disappeared but only smiled after being called dad. He only shook his head but felt they were going to be ok. He sighed and looked to the doctor who was quiet. “Something on your mind?” 

“Max couldn't remember ze part of his background but if he can keep remembering, perhaps he can remember himself in time.” Otto spoke. “Unless there was something that Salazar took from him. It makes sense why he can't remember everything.” 

 “Best we go and meet up with Daffy.” He looked to the doctor but perked to hearing someone coming. He took his sword out and made the Doctor hurry to the manor to use the spell to escape. He waited and when they appeared he raised his sword at the unwanted intruder. 

Chapter Text

Side chapter

After ch. 11

Pinky was and always humble. He is always thinking about his little cub pups and has dreamt of their possible marriages and how he wishes they each be blessed with a love like he and Brain shared. But he was distraught after hearing the truth from Yakko escaping a horrible moment.

Those were one of his nightmares. He never wanted his cubs to live in fear. Nor be far from home. He had to stay strong for his son when he saw him leave, he had to keep faith he was safe. But above all stand firm to keeping his secret and where he was hiding. 

And right now he was forced to stay strong in front of his nightmare, Marchioness Uppercrust, the woman who terrorized him when he was young and barely able to work. It was unexpected when he was told to meet with her in her grand tea garden. He even saw the given clothes that was a reminder he was nothing more than a slave under her. He shook when he remembered until Dot came in, bringing him some tea. 

“Hey dad I came to bring tea for our-” Dot walks over before seeing what he was trying to hide and glares at the tacky clothes that were in the box. “You’re not wearing that.” 

“But dot-”

“Dad,” Dot gave a firm stance as she picked her dad up in her hands. “You're amazing and don't need to wear stuff given to you that make you feel uncomfortable. Besides, I already made something for you to wear that matches with me.” She smiled and carried him to see. “And I am going with you. No buts!” 

In the garden of the Uppercrusts, was a tea party that only few were allowed. But however this was a facade. She merely said it was to make Pinky come and be cornered. However, she was not expecting to see Dot come with Pinky. To anyone, they would believe Hilda was the object of perfection in the nobility. However behind her manners and title, she was sadistic and scornful. She above all despised one woman but sadly, this her and her eldest brother were mere spitting image of their mother. How she hated the woman.

“Why Dot, I was a bit surprised.” ‘ Surprised that you are not learning your place.’

“Well you know what they say, the more people in a party the better.” Dot smiles. “And by the looks of it you need it. This is the worst party I've been to.”  

Hilda only grins but her anger steams Quite up. “Well I must correct-”

“What's to correct? Your party stinks like your roses we crossed.” Dot stated. 

Pinky, who wore a nice coat and a sunflower dyed dress shirt with designs, was getting nervous but felt relief having her here. He is always proud that she speaks her mind. He wishes he was like Dot. 

Hilda bit her words back, she has her ways and one of them is to get Pinky to talk. “Dear dot, would you like to go and explore the garden?” She asked. “A young child should explore and have fun.” 

“Why thank you ma'am. I might go around.” Dot grins.

Pinky tensed but calmed himself, he didn't want to let Dot go or else she may run into Bradley- 

“Hey boss!” 

Pink looked to see it was Tank coming up and felt relief to see him. “Actually Dot, go and explore with Tank.” He smiles, “It is a lovely idea.”

Dot looks to her dad, thinking twice now but she sees he means it and she nodded. “Ok.” She gets up and goes with Tank. “Be back!” She smiled and hurried out with Tank. 

“Tank, can you show me around?” Dot asked.

“Sure thing kiddo, but I need to talk to you too.” Tank added while they walked. 

“What do you want to talk about?” Dot asked but feign shocked. “Oh tank! Do you have a secret to tell?!” 

“Dot, you know already I like to read about bees.” Tank looks around before looking back at the kid. “Can you tell me what really happened in that fight? Everything has been hectic since then. Brad has been obsessed with finding Teach. I need to get those silver buttons too but kiddo, I need to know why Teach ran away.” 

Dot frowns and looks down. She didn't want to tell without Yakko's permission but Tank should know this too especially since he is a good guy.

Tank seeing how in a matter of seconds, Dot was uncomfortable. “So it was not some typical fight.” He had his suspicions but the real reason he hasn't been asking was because Bradley been having him do more trips out in the Ports Bay. He's also been forced to travel north up to something Germa for a doctor. He only assumed it was for his wound but the more he heard who the doctor was, the more skeptical he got. Finally he was able to come back and got to see Dot. Out of the three Welles, he was more careful with her because she was like a lil sister to him. 

“Tank, the thing is -” Dot was about to explain when she hid behind Tank when Bradley was just walking out of the room.

Bradley growls as he gets word that Yakko was not in Britain! He was already getting impatient that princess was indeed getting help from a royal or a duke. ‘I can't fight a class higher than me. I doubt Buster could. ’ He should tell that pretentious king but that'll ruin his plans to-

“Hey Brad,”

Bradley looked to where the voice came from and glared to see Tank here. It has been aggravating, keeping Tank from those low born who could tell him the truth. Tank could probably be the closest to tracking Yakko since he knows him best. ‘ what if he likes Yakko too? Should I-’

“Bradley, you asked me to talk to you about something?” Tank kept Dot behind but it made him more alert than ever when she gripped his tunic and was shaking. He couldn't assume it was fear because Dot was not ever scared. 

“Yeah, go get my new sword! It's in my collection room,” he gives him the key. “ And go get the doctor.” Brad coughs and hacks up the black stuff. “It's messing with me again.” He grumbles. 

“Alright.” Tank answers and waits for Bradley to leave. Luckily he does and when he was no longer in sight he felt relieved. “Alright Dot-!” He turns to see she is gone! ‘ Yakko is gonna scold me!’ It was worse than death in his opinion.

Dot snuck away and ran into Bradley's room and searched around for some clues till she found under his bed letters from the king. She found the top to be recent and took it before looking around to find something very familiar in a bowl by his bed. A ring of the Uppercrusts and a few silver buttons belonging to her brother. She grins taking it and hid the letter and buttons in her secret pocket in her dress. She began hurrying out to run around the corner and back to her dad. She hurried out back to the garden. She makes a quick turn and smacks into someone.

“Watch where you're going-!” 

Dot zooms past, not wanting to talk or hear what Bradley had to say. However her attempt failed when she felt a grab on her hand.

“Now where are you going little Dotty ?” 

She felt already disgusted being near him, but to feel his hands on her own, it felt clammy and utterly revolting. “I am here with my dad as I can guess you already know.” She yanks her hand away and gets a good look at him. He was looking worse than normal, worse than any sickly person would look. “I gotta go back to my dad-”

“Tell me where Yakko is.” He glares. “I know you and your brother must know something!” Bradley knew they must know something where Yakko's whereabouts-

“leave my brother alone!” She crosses her arms. “He is better wherever he went! Maybe has a better lover-”

“I swear Dot! If you say another word-” but Bradley was cut off.

“Face it, you monster, Yakko is happy and free from Buster and most of all you! You assaulted my brother!” Dot glares.

“Dot that is -”

“Oh so you and Buster chasing him around isn't harassing? I forgot, nobles are such snooty patooty jerks!” Dot place her hands on her hips. “Oh I almost forgot! Nobles like you enforce yourself on others that are lower status.” She growls Seeing bradley was not fazed by this. “You tried to force yourself on my big brother.” 

“He was being a coward.” Bradley stayed calm as he looks down on Dot. Amongst the three orphans, Dot was more vocal and aggressive than her siblings. He wanted to just crush that little neck of hers to keep her mouth shut. “And last i remember, Yakko and I were to discuss our relationship-”

“A rapist and a delusional creep, thats a obvious red flag.” Dot sneers at him. “Whatever hope you got getting Yakko, you will never get him or touch him ever again.” 

Bradley lunges at her but it was futile when Tank just appeared and gripped his hand. 

“Tank!! Get out of my sight- aaaah!!!” Bradley hisses when Tank grabs his arm.

“Tank!” Bradley changed his feature. “Go and-” but he froze and his usual grin fallen to a crescent strained smile.

Tank hearing what Dot and Bradley said was hard to believe but to see Bradley reaching for Dot by the neck, that made him protective,

And angry

“So you didn't fight Yakko, and you don't deny what you were doing was wrong.”

“Tank! B-buddy! You gotta let me- aaaaagh!!” He cries in pain as Tank was nearly breaking his arm. 

“Listen Bradley and listen good,” Tank glares. “Never Touch and never Go near Dot and Wakko.” He grips his wrist and hears Bradley cry out. “I  should break your wrist right now and make it so you can't even use it anymore.” He glares down at him before releasing him. “Take my kindness as a last debt paid to being your friend. I was there for the wrong pal.” He leads Dot away but keeping her from looking back but she turns around and kicks Bradley in the nethers.

“That's for my brother!” Dot hisses and runs back to Tank.

They walked Back into the garden area, both quiet and having their thoughts processing what happened. 

“Dot, I'm sorry I didn't see what Bradley did. Or I did but couldn't believe it.” Tank looks away.

Dot looks at Tank and smiles a sad smile. “I would scold you, but I think if Yakko was here, he'd say something like ‘you were trying to be a good friend.’” 

Tank frowns. “I feel horrible, he was alone with Bradley in your home! What if he got hurt?!” Tank knew Yakko was mature but to handle stuff like Bradley alone, it made him feel sick. 

“That’s what I thought too.” Dot crosses her arms. “But you know Yakko, he can't let people be part of his problems.” She shook her head. “I love my brother, but he can be dumb.” 

“When I see him again, I'm gonna give him a scolding!” Tank states and hears Dot giggles.

“I want to see that.” She smiles. “Thank you Tank for protecting me.” Dot felt easy to not feel scared. She was afraid of what Bradley would have done. Just when she sees her dad, Tank stops her and pulls her to the side. 

 “I want to know about your son.” Hilda spoke, rather, demanded to know. 

“Which sons? I have two boys.” Pinky may not be book smart, but he already knew what they wanted to know. And he knows Hilda better than anyone else. One of his worst memories was drinking that horrible tea she would make that had stuff that tasted awful.

“About Yakko.” She spoke. “You see my son, how do I put it, has seemed to fall for him so deeply but is wounded to know Yakko ran off with some boy. Your son broke my son's heart.” 

Tank and Dot felt disgusted hearing her say that. They didn't know if she knew or she is still in the dark. But Tank knows how well Hilda can be vindictive and vicious. She was vicious to Yakko a few times but never could break his smile.

“Mrs. Uppercrust.” Pinky took a deep breath, he remembered how Brain stood up for him and how each of his cub pups protected him, “I don't know where you heard that. Yakko was by himself that night.” Pinky answers with a smile.

Hilda stops and looks a bit appalled hearing Pinky call her as such. He was a mere pushover and practically obedient. She knows when he's lying and here he is, keeping that dumb smile of his. “Surely you cannot believe that-”

“I know what you want Mrs. Uppercrust, and I will answer with honesty.” Pinky stated, trying his hardest not to stutter. “Yakko left without anyone because I helped him leave.” He beams. “Yakko is my son, and your son tried to hurt him. As a parent, you should know a parent would do anything to protect their children. So if you think I know where he is or went, I don't know.” He smiles.

Hilda glared down at him! He's just a peasant! He shouldn't even be smiling at her!! She seethed before standing up. “You will tell me the truth!” She growls. “If you dare hide-”

“Then I will tell everyone that your son is a monster!” Pinky blurted out. “He tried to-”

“My son is a gentleman!” She sneered. “And your little gender confused girl has no idea how lucky she is to gain such affection!” 

Dot tenses. She looked to Tank who was not surprised or confused. She would have to ask him later on. 

“You're horrible!” Pinky shouted, he never liked raising his voice. He was taught to never raise his voice at a noble, even if they were in the wrong. But hearing how it is a norm for a monster to harm someone, that is wrong! And it hurts him everyday knowing Yakko had to deal with that alone! “How can you call that love! Love is precious! Love is kind! What Bradley-”

“You dare say my son's name!?” Hilda smacks him hard. She sees him getting up, glares down at the rat. ‘I will show him his place!!’ “You are nothing but a rat!”

Pinky shook, memories of the past hit him hard but the thought of his kids made him keep his strength. “Bradley is nothing more than a monster.” He glared and shook. “And I know that Yakko is safe wherever he is. And he is better off without someone like him.” Pinky gets down, the shakes still have yet to go away and nor is Hilda when she goes to grab him.

“You insolent-”

“Don't you dare touch my dad again!” Dot grabs her arm and pushes her away. “You  are as disgusting as your son!” She picks up her dad and glares down at the now raging woman. “We’re leaving.” Dot takes her dad away.

Hilda shook and for a moment she thought of that foul mouth- “YOU WILL REGRET THIS ANGELINA!!!!” She growls but Dot still kept moving and left with her dad and Tank. 

As soon as they left, Dot and Pinky let go of the breath they had. 

“Dot I want to sat is I'm sorry-”

 “Dad you were so brave!!” Dot smiles with so much proud in him, praising him for standing up to him. “You are amazing dad!”

Pinky smiles, hugging her back. “Well, I was scared but I don't think I could put up with being pushed by her anymore.” He frowns, “I'm worried about Yakko. Somehow she knows about him and possibly will find him if we go to see him.” 

Dot frowns. “Well, we'll take care of ourselves and leave this town soon.”

“Imma need to leave soon.” Tank spoke and saw Dot frowns. He pat her head. “Kiddo I'll be fine. I promise and it's time I leave anyways. I got a letter to move to Fantasia and I'm taking my family with me.”

“Will you be ok?” Pinky asked, he knows how far Hilda will go to keep a secret, and he doubts Bradley will let this go. 

“I will be, besides, I’m not his main concern right now, and with little left of our friendship, I am leaving.” Tank bid his farewell, promising to bid farewell to Wakko and to teach.

As the two Welles departed home, Dot was lost in thought, one thing bothering her the most out of today was how that Vile woman knew about her name? 

Chapter Text

Buster frowns as he looks out the window, he was thinking how much it pained him to know that his own uncle was against him this whole time. ‘ How could he?!’ He thought with his heart aching. It was painful to see his own uncle stood between him and his chance to have Yakko.

“You know, this is our greatest opportunity.” 

Buster glares down at Bradley who was holding that flower. He was glaring down at the small white bud below the flower. It reminded him of that agonizing truth that his happy dream, his hopes of making a fantasy, was destroyed. It was the ultimate reality that Yakko was claimed by someone else.

And it was Yakko's who chose the vicious beast.

“How's that an opportunity? The fact that Yakko is carrying an abomination from that monster! What if it hurts or kill him?!”  

“I doubt even Yakko will be taken down by that and despite it being a bastard child,” Bradley was smirking looking at the bud. “This cursed abomination is now a real weakness that Yakko made for himself.” 

Buster raised a brow, he didn't understand until he realized what he meant. “You're not serious, we can't use that thing! Even I wouldn't!” Buster was shocked to think of that! “And even if that makes Yakko listen to us, did you forget that freak of an enemy?! He's a monster!!” 

“Yes, the same monster that poisoned me, and made you almost crippled. But he isn't a prince, or a duke.” Brad smirks and coughs up again. “That means we can hunt it like the beast it is. No one but Yakko will miss it.” 

Buster shook in anger, it pained him hearing that. He looks back outside. “I hate it even more, knowing that the beast is closer to Yakko than anyone.” ‘More than me.’

“Come to think of it, I'm curious how you learned about Yakko's secret since that tacky place of your uncle's.” Bradley raises a brow. “I mean, Yakko couldn't have told you that.”

“How did you get into wanting to marry Yakko?” Buster asked, glaring at him. “Since we are working together, at least tell me.” 

“Fair.” Bradley smirks. “But please, you first.” 

Buster looked at him, then he thought back to the day. “It was a month after his birthday…” 

1 month after Yakko's 11th birthday 

Buster was walking down the path to the Welles farm as he brought Yakko some Fruit from the market. He heard from overhearing the mice that his friend (crush) was forced to stay home due to a stomach problem he had since the morning. He remembered his dad said fruits help the stomach. He figured he could be a good friend. When he made it to the property, he checked himself over before he smiled and ran to the entrance to the door.

Bradley snorted after hearing that. “Just curious, did you think he would want to see anyone ?” He raises a brow and sees Buster glaring back. 

“Do you want me to continue?” Buster was getting irritated.

“Please, carry on.” Bradley sat back.

Buster knocked on the door and waited. 

And waited.

After five minutes, Buster was annoyed and decided to search for a way in. When he walked around the house, he found a window and saw it was a small window. Seeing he was a bit short to reach up, he decided to stack stuff and was able to make his appearance. 

“Yakko its-” but Buster only saw a glimpse before getting hit with a book. 

“Buster! Look I'm sorry but I don't want to see anyone!” Yakko, who looked pale and sick, was glaring out before closing his window and closing the frame with it.

Bradley laughs. “Seriously?!” He couldn't help but actually recalled Yakko throwing a book one time at his goons when they were bullying Wakko. 

“It's not funny!! That was the most painful hit from Yakko!” Buster crosses his arms.

“So what did you see?” Bradley was curious. 

Buster was a bit quiet. “... I saw blood and ink. A lot of it stained his pants. ”

Bradley was quiet as he was bit repulsed to hear that, reminding him of the wound that would not heal at all. By his guess, it was either unexpected or the first time. “What did you do?” 

Buster was quiet. “I went to my dad. At the time, my mom wasn't feeling well.” 

“Dad! Yakko is in danger!!” Buster shouted 

His father, Raymond, was in his office as he was confused. “Buster, did Yakko get into a fight with the Uppercrust? Again?” 

“N-no! He's bleeding!! A lot!” Buster exclaimed.

Raymond froze. “What do you mean?” 

Buster hurried to him. “His pants were covered in blood! H-he was curled in a ball struggling and when I just looked, he hit me with a book-”

“Buster, your friend is fine.” Raymond stated, realizing what his son was talking about with just that detail. 

“No he isn't!!” Buster was shocked and repulsed to hear him say that. 

“You mean she .” He spoke. “Your friend is not exactly a real boy. Buster what you said sounds like what is called the red petals cycle for girls.” 

Buster was confused as he looked at his father. 

Raymond however explains. “Some girls have their cycle late but they developed this as part of becoming a woman. By the sound of it, your friend is confused but this means you need to protect her.” 

“What do you mean?” Buster was confused now. 

“If Yakko is hiding this, then you need to help her, but also to not let her know you know. Trust is something you need to earn in order to win her heart. If you want yakko to love you, you need to win her trust.” Raymond stated.

Buster was amazed but smiled in excitement. “I can be hi- her true love!” 

Raymond smiles and nods as he thinks of his first love. “I want to help you where I failed. I lost the girl of my dreams to your uncle who gave her up! Never let anyone take your chance in love, Buster.”

Buster looks to his father with determination. “I promise.” 

“So your father knew about Yakko's secret too.” Bradley then thought back to the years. It made so much sense now.

“My dad was right, and yet I failed.” Buster glares at the thought of that beast. “So long as that monster is there.” He looked at Bradley, and the thought of the beast.

“We'll have Yakko soon enough.” Bradley stated. “We just have to get him before that fake king.”

“Speaking of that, how did you make it your goal to marry Yakko? Did it have to do with that fake king?”

“Yes and no.” Bradley leans back as he thinks back then. “I was going with my father, on account my older brothers refused to return from Fantasia. They became knights there and liked their supposed freedom. I, however, being a good son, went with my father.” He recalled it was a boring get together event. “It was the anniversary of the late king's death. I was there to socialize with other nobles. It was pretty boring to the point I would rather be back at home.” Bradley rolled his eyes remembering how most girls there were bland. “I did what every young adult would, sneak away. Of course that was when I was exploring the halls. When I also heard the conversation of that old fool, Salazar, talking to his necklace.” He looks at Buster. “For a moment I thought he was insane blabbering away about a lost prince. Of course at the time I was curious and made my appearance.

At first he was going to kick me out, but I insisted he let me in because I was an Uppercrust. He must have thought I was like my father when he began sugar coating it.”

“I believe it.” Buster crossed his arms. It wasnt

“Anyhow,” Bradley glares, “I of course offered to serve him a drink, and got him drunk enough to spill. And he did.” Bradley smirked. “He told me he was in search of the missing prince because by 20, he was supposed to appear as it was dated on the secret, not 19 years old. He told me he put it early because this way when it happens, he can claim rule with no one knowing. He even showed me, foolishly, a picture of the king.”

“Yakko's father.” Buster stated.

“Bingo. Of course the next day he threatened me that if I told a soul, I would die.” Bradley sighed annoyed. “But I of course took this as an opportunity to gain his favor to find and control over the last heir. But in reality it was a chance for me to take the chance to rule.” He smirks.

“But that failed. Very hard.” Buster snided, he mocked with a smirk but alas he was no better with yakko far from him.

“Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Watchman.” Bradley retorts back, making Buster flinch. “But of course I wish it was different. Thanks to our failures and that beast, we need to find Yakko first before he turns 20.”

“What about Wakko and dot?” Buster asked.

“Apparently they are half bloods. Your traitorous uncle's children.” Bradly answers.

Buster was shocked to hear that and couldn't believe it. “They are nothing to me, not going to see them as family.” He glares especially at the thought of Wakko.

Bradley then had a plan. “Perhaps you wouldn't mind if we use them. After all,” Bradley smirks. “Yakko does love his siblings more than life itself. Maybe even more than that beast…..”

Meanwhile 

Bugs attacked the intruder and when he saw who, he was not going to stop.

“Ray Ray! How's it been?! Still serving as a traitor?!” He blocks the sword and dodges with ease.

“You don't get to call me that! In fact, I hate it so much!!” Raymond glares, attacking Bugs with so much anger towards him.

Bugs however blocked his attacks and with a trick, unarmed him as his sword flew off from his brother's grasp. He held his sword up. “Raymond, I'm not gonna kill you. However, I am asking you to leave.”

“How could you destroy your own flesh and blood’s dreams!?” Raymond glares.

“Are we talkin’ about you or my delusional nephew? You made him believe he should push his love into someone.” Bugs held his sword against his brother. “And you didn't care about how Angelina felt at the time.”

“Yet you took my chance! You and William took her away from me!” Raymond shouted. “You knew I loved Angelina! You knew how I felt! William had the world to give her! Wasn't my world enough!?” 

“Raymond, Angie asked me to help protect her title. And she never wanted the world, she only wanted to protect the people she loves. But she couldn't love you the way she loves William.”

“Didn't you love her too?!” Raymond glares. 

Bug frowns at his brother. “I did love her, and I understood what she needed. She needed a family and I embraced being her family.” Bugs smile. “And I grew past that loss because I gained something worth more.” He thought of Yakko and his sibs. “But you; you didn't listen to her or respect her wishes. You couldn't stand that she was already in love with William!” He took a deep breath. “Raymond, what you're doing for your son, it's not healthy. You can't keep clinging to the hope of succeeding that dream. Yakko is a good kid,” he smiles. “who has a heavy responsibility and he doesn't-”

“ She's the future queen!” Raymond stated. “She needs a king! She needed me- Buster and he will be good for her! Not the Uppercrust or anyone!!” He shouted.

“Do you think Salazar is going to let Yakko, the true prince of this land, take the crown?! He would rather kill him and anyone that threatens his plans!! Ray, he killed our friends!” 

“They were never my anything.” Raymond spat those words so coldly.

Bugs kept still. “Was B'Shara enough? The woman who gave you a son, did she hold any part in your love?” He watches Raymond go quiet, nothing to say.

Bugs looks away before he takes his brother's sword, the same sword B'shara gifted him. “‘ May my love be with you.’ She gifted you this and you not once cared about it.” He held it up. “I made a vow to her I will protect Buster, but to never strike you. I'm not gonna break that today.” He looks down at Raymond. “Leave Raymond.”

“Where is Yakko?” Raymond glares down.

“Honestly I don't know. They snuck out of here hours ago. Probably going north by now.” Bugs shrugs. “Goodbye, baby brother.” and goes on to leave to get Otto at a secret meeting spot. But as he turned, felt a pain on his side and before he could think to understand, he was trying not to fall.

“Then you're as good as food for the beasts.” Raymon sneers. “Buster will find Yakko, and he will be the hero Yakko loves. Just like I should have when Angelina's home was attacked.” He continued. “I only said enough to keep her imprisoned, but I didn't know William was there. I felt so relieved he died, but it pained me that Angelina was gone. I will do the one thing you couldn't, kill Salazar.”

Raymond drops the knife. “I will be sure to tell Yakko you were a brave uncle.” He leaves to go by his carriage to track Angelina's daughter.

Bugs tiredly tried to get up but he was already passing out.

He tries hard to keep focus but couldn’t stay awake long enough as his brother leaves him to die.

In the home of Yakko and Max. 

They appear and sees Louie's brothers there. Huey looked drain as Dewey was lying Back, just as tired as his brother.

“Took you long enough!” Huey got up but Yakko and Max hurried to check on the residents.

“Is everything ok?” Dewey asked. 

“A big problem actually.” Louie spoke but bit his truth about Yakko's pregnancy. “And something really good for mom.” Louie spoke. “But we have a bigger problem. The barrier that keeps this place hidden, has an expiration date.” 

Huey and Dewey were shock as Louie explained. “Apparently the curse that's keeping Max hidden us fading away.”

“So then Max won't be a beast anymore.” Dewey smiles hearing it sounded like good news but Huey could see that wasn't the case.

“From what I learn, the beast curse is like a permanent scar on Max. It like it became a part of him. But that's not just it.” Louie pauses. “Yakko is a prince.” 

“Mr. Grump there???” Dewey was shocked but saw Huey was thinking deeply.

“It makes sense. Didn’t you guys notice he had a tint of purple fur? He's a toon but his fur faintly tinted purple which caught me odd because toons are mostly made of black ink. Toons with special color are rare and to have purple is a symbol of nobility.” 

“We gotta bring them to mom. Maybe she will know what to do.” Dewey spoke, but Louie was not for the idea. He didn't have the heart to tell his brothers that he was nervous to see his mom. They have never seen each other since and lived with uncle Donald here but only saw their mom from time to time like a year to two. Their mom, to Louie, was almost like an acquaintance. But why was she wanting to know about them ever since that day they failed to get Wakko. He felt it had to do with Wakko and his siblings. 

“Come on!!” 

Louie looked up to his brothers already running out to talk to Max and his mate about their plan. He wondered what he should do.

Meanwhile 

Yakko and Max were relieved to see the residents were still safe as they all came to see the two masters of their home. Max smiles to see they were ecstatic to hear he and Yakko were creating a family.

Yakko, as he stood with Max, couldn't help but notice how the magical creatures living here see Max as their king and protector. He wondered if it was a natural thing or was it because Max protected them without a thought. He then sees them were shocked but not willing to leave.

“It will be almost winter! We can go far beneath the ground master Max!” one of the small creatures shouted. “We will be fine masters even without the barrier! We will wait for your returns!” 

It was heartbreaking that they had to leave soon, Yakko really wished they could stay  but after seeing them all, it made Yakko feel happy that they will be ok but sad not being able to see them again. “Thank you so much. I'm sorry we can't stay long.” 

“Stay safe, master! Go and be safe!!” The other residents urged them off. The couple wave to the Residents as they all go back to burrowing deep into the ground.

Looking back at them until he looked forward, Yakko was already in tears and Max only held him close.

“We'll be back.” Max nuzzles him as the residents were already setting for hibernation. 

“When everything is done, I want them to have a real safe place. I know they'll be all safe.” Yakko looks at his belly and then to the residents. “Hopefully they can see the baby grow up with us.” 

Max nuzzles him as he leads Yakko inside and began their way to their shared room. On the nightstand, was the music box. 

Yakko goes over to it and smiles a bit. “I can't believe all this time, this has your wings.” He looks at the small picture of a moth in the middle but noticed the music box was having cracks. He hoped it meant in a good sign as he carefully placed it in his bag. 

“Do you want to see your family?” Max asked. 

“I do but I think our best shot is to have that green one bring them here.” Yakko answered and was quiet. “Would it be wrong to rest for tonight?” 

“No, we didn't get to do that so how about we do that?” Max holds him tightly. “Sol, you need to rest.”

Yakko nodded but he couldn't help but feel worried. He took a deep breath, trying to distract his thoughts before deciding on a way to cool down. He pulls Max with him to the bathroom.

Max didn't understand at first until he realized just before Yakko could open the door. He was blushing. “Are you sure it's safe!?” 

 “Luney~ we're stressed out, we need this.” And see him standing firm.

“What if I- Y-you know!” Max couldn't really say it.

“Then be gentle.” Yakko answers and teases.

“....” Max could only blush hearing yakko say that and knew he was teasing him.

“Max there is more than one way to have fun just as there are ways to relax.” Yakko grins. “Besides, you won't hurt me or the baby.” 

Max couldn't help but feel embarrassed and follows Yakko.

Later that night,

Yakko and Max, in their sleepwear, were laying together with calm minds. Max was holding Yakko on top, unconsciously massaging his belly. After all the events happened, all they can think now was the baby they're having.

“So are we gonna talk about sleepy?” Yakko couldn't help but curl to max.

“Sleepy?” Max asked.

“beats better than just calling it a baby.” Yakko sits up on Max. “Do you got a better name to call them?”

Max sits up and blushes but a name did catch his attention. “Clover.” 

“Like the 4 leaf clover?” Yakko thought about it. They did have a lot of luck in the past months. “I like it. Little clover.” 

Max smiles and blushes a bit. “Do you think clover will be cursed like me?” 

“If they do, I bet they'll be the cutest little beast.” Yakko smiles, his tail wagging away at the idea. “And I think you might like the idea too.” 

Max frowns a bit. “But what if it's a bad thing? I grew up with it but I wasn't born with it. What if they don't  like it?” 

“Now Maxy, having the beast is not always bad. They will love it and wanna know why?” Yakko grins, wrapping his arms around him. 

Max holds him close, “I do.” 

“They will love it because they will have two great dads who will love them and not let them feel alone in the world.” He kisses Max's nose. “And they'll love their dad who's the best ever.” 

Max couldn't help but smile at his answer and kisses his nose back. “Thank you.” Max holds him closer to his chest. “There is something I'm curious about.”

“The baby's gender?” Yakko asked.

“Nope, I am happy with either gender. What if we have more than one?”

Yakko perked.  “Why Maxy, you're already pushing for another baby? And I thought I was forward.” 

Max was turning redder. “I meant there might be more than one baby.” He tried not looking at Yakko but then looked at him shyly. “And I wouldn't mind having more than one.” He mumbles 

Yakko smiles and looks at Max before thinking back on the baby until he thinks of the possibility. “If we do get more than one, let's let them choose if they want to be a king or not.”

Max looks at Yakko and holds him. “Do you want to be king?” 

Yakko was quiet. “Is it wrong that I don't want to be a king? I mean I know I can, I learned a lot. But,” he frowns looking back at everything. “What if I can't marry you like my dad couldn't marry my mom?” He lays on top of Max a bit. “The reason he couldn't marry her was because my mom's family wasn't “ blue blood ” or old blood. Another was because my father was favoring my mom…. Which wasn't a lie. But it's different with us. I doubt they would let us marry even when you be a hero-” 

“You're already predicting the future?” Max smiles. 

“Of course you are, you're my hero. But this isn't some Disney story where the hero could get what they want. Not everyone will be happy. Plus we have two very opposing nobles who's hunting us like it's open season.” Yakko frowns. “And seeing them doing this whole thing, imagine what it'll be when there's more like them waiting for a chance. I don't want to be king if I can't have you with me as my co-king.” 

“Why co-king?” Max sits up kissing his head. “I thought I be your queen?” 

Yakko was quiet before he laughed and nuzzles against him. “I think I fell in love with you again.” He always guessed anyone would take king instead of queen but to hear Max say that, felt so much different. “Can I ask why?” 

Max didn't even hesitate his answer. “Because you are a king and being a queen is still equal to a king, just makes me think of your mom if she was queen. She protected your father. That's what made me think what a queen is. Plus I rather they acknowledge you as the king because you are the king.” 

Yakko blushes deeply and kisses Max before tackling him down. When he pulls away, he purrs. “That is very romantic of you to say, Maxy. But if we're both honest,” Yakko purrs and kisses his way to his neck. “You're my king.~”

“W-we just-” Max blushes as Yakko kisses him again.

After time together, Max held Yakko close to him as he listens to the breezes blew outside. All he could think was worries about the king remembering not of him, but where. He can handle two pompous noble brats, he can handle being a monster. However, the fear of losing Yakko and their baby, kept his mind alert. Holding His sol close, he made a silent vow,

I will keep you both safe. To my last breath.

Chapter Text

 The next day, 

Brain and Pinky were up early as it was time to go to the school to give a lesson and of course it was crafts day for the kids. As much as it would bring joy to them, since the last meeting with Hilda, the number of students seemed to have dwindled. Some of the parents have been either bribed or threatened to pull their kids out. Some parents that didn’t take the bribe or followed the threats, kept their kids going to school. 

Brain was grateful to some of the parents, but it was hard keeping the stress from bothering him and amongst those who noticed were only pinky and the kids.

“Brain, I was thinking we should let the kit cubs stay at home for the day.” Pinky was grabbing his coat and his husband’s. 

“Be a wise decision with those goons trying to corner them nearly every day.” It was horrible that it was becoming a norm to them with the threats and the ever so loathsome Marquis and baron coming so often asking about Yakko. When it began, it was the week after Yakko left. Marquis had tried to threaten Brain only by threatening to double their taxes. That was until Raymond intervened as if he was a valiant hero.

 Brain knew better than anyone that Noble does not  help without a reason and the fact Raymond is Buster’s father was best to be wary of the baron. It was at first a surprise the baron reaching out to help them.  

Raymond was willing to protect Brain and his family at first, without any indication of paying him. Brain, of course, asked him without having to ask. “Surely there is something we the Welles can do to help. We cannot simply accept your noble heroic act.”

And the baron did in fact, had a request from him.

“I wish to meet Yakko and offer him a job as my governor for Buster when he of course returns. You see, Buster is in need of a teacher and Yakko is very intelligent. In fact if he chooses to, i can give a recommendation to the court council!” Raymond smiles.

Brain gave a simple answer. “Quite a recommendation, but Yakko despises politicians and from my experiences, it is a rather foolish aim in this era of politics. Besides that man Salazar will never allow a low born, even an orphan, to be part of his court. Not to mention your son harassed him and even dares to allow Bradley to attempt a disgusting act. Surely you can understand as a father, our children come first.”

Brain knew well that day Raymond saw him as a threat and he too began to intervene by spilling lies about him. Things Brain made sure did not reach his children’s ears.

Brain and Pinky told Wakko and Dot not to let Yakko know about this mostly because it was not worth adding fuel to Yakko’s worries that will make him return back. 

However this past months, Both the Marquis and the Baron had been non stop in their constant need to interrogate them all or ruin their reputation as a farmer and a teacher. 

“Hopefully I will get word from Daffy when we can begin to leave.” Brain knew it was too high to hope on Daffy, but with luck on their side, it will be sooner than later.

“I know Brain but I got this terrible feeling in my gut that doesn’t sit right. What if they use us leaving as a crime?” Pinky had been feeling this since yesterday after finding out Bradley and Buster went to Paris hearing rumors about Yakko. Although it will take them a week to come back with the unexpected storm, Brain and Pinky hope this would keep their son safe from those psychos. 

“Those two are far from Yakko, even if our son is elsewhere, it is still a distance away from him.” Brain takes his coat and they go off to work, letting the two rest.

When they arrived, they saw the twins of the couple that owns the restaurant but their features are what caught their attention. Both twins held a heartbroken reaction toward the schoolhouse. The mice looked to their direction of focus and saw there was a break in through the entrance. They hurried to see that their little home of knowledge was desecrated and nearly ruined. The only few things that was beyond repair were the books and all the work the children did over the years.

One of the twins, Nox, was going to help clean when Pinky stopped him. 

“Nox! There is broken glass all around! You can get hurt!” Pinky blocked his path. 

The young bat mix toon frowns. “B-b-but yo-you cannot clean th- this alone!” Nox was the quiet of the two due to his speech impediment as his sister, Morticia, was the outspoken and outright aggressive by nature she likes to call as being protective. 

“This is outrageous!” the young said sister growls. “Mr. Welles, you know as we do it is those rude people by those UpperButts! I say we- we- We throw stones in their windows!!!” She shouted.

“Mor, th-that i-i-i-is a crime-”

“It is fair!!!” Morticia proclaims.

Brain couldn't agree more with the young child, Nox was right. “As I respect you young lady, your brother knows well. Besides, it's best for you two to go home for today.” 

The twins, although nodded, frowned as they ran off. 

Brain and Pinky saw that it would take a whole day. What was deflating, is knowing this will continue on until they give up where Yakko is hiding.

Hilda and her husband were walking down the small village, feeling pristine and ever so gleam, hearing their order went through. 

“It won't be long now.” The Marquis grins thinking of knowing without the school, those Welles will have no choice in the matter but to kneel and do what they order.

“Soon our son will have the crown in no time.” Hilda smirks behind her fan as they were going to the well known restaurant when they saw it was closed. 

“Why are they closed? We made reservations.” The Marchioness was shocked until she saw there was a sign saying.

“We do not serve the Upper-butts!” 

Hilda's grip tightened on the fan so hard, she broke it.

“Brain, I don't think it will be safe to teach the kids here.” Pinky looked worried while cleaning up. “If they are willing to ruin the whole building, they might attack the children.” 

Brain understood that well but it was something he knew but wished it never came to as a result of this opposition. “We cannot teach any more.”

“Hey we have an order for the Welles!!” 

Both Brain and Pinky perked to see the couple along with their children, the twins, holding brooms and other cleaning supplies. 

“Our children told us about what happened,” the burgundy haired father, Nos, said as he walked in as his husband, Xavier, went to pick up the tables to move them. 

“Kids, you're our look out. If you see the other kids coming, keep them from entering. No biting Morticia.” Xavier reminded their daughter.

“No promises!!” They heard her shout from the entrance.

Both Welles were surprised but more than appreciated the help. 

“We cannot thank you enough; but you shouldn't do this.” Brain knows this will only make them a target too.

Nos carefully collects the glass and other sharp pieces. “As if we could care about their opinions. Besides, we are doing this as a gratitude for all you have done for our children.”

“That, and you have been patient with our kids which is really huge for us.” Xavier added as he joined in sweeping. “Plus it's part of our apology.” Nos added

“Why do you need to apologize? You’re a big help!” Pinky smiles.

“This is about the past problems your son has been having with those two spoiled hooligans but there is something we saw that felt hard to… keep quiet.” Nos tried to say it without stating it out loud. “But we couldn't come near you due to those goons lurking around everywhere.”

“It’s about that day before you both came back,” Xavier states as he goes to close the doors. “We saw your son running out from the back of the bookshop scared, well like he was attacked.” Xavier explained. “We were doing our usual walks but there was a big crowd in front of the book shop. We were gonna go through the back to pick up a book for the kids when we saw him run out from the back. We went into the shop to ask when we hid and heard Bradley shouting and raving things that were horrible.” 

Both Pinky and Brain froze but felt having a hard time asking.

“We heard that demented monster frantically talking and shouting things that sounded so wrong.” Nos explains and couldn't and wouldn't repeat as he was disgusted just by thinking about it. “What made it worse was as soon as he left, that rabbit came out and ran. Luckily he didn’t see us, but he looked as if he was- in a word to describe-” Nos tried to find the right word.

“Disappointed, like he didn’t like how it happened. We don’t know why he was there to begin with but luckily he didn’t notice us as he ran out.” Xavier crossed his arms, irritated now thinking this was cooperation between the two or that there was something in it for that rabbit. Either way he didn’t like it.

“We didn't tell anyone about it, and we didn't know how to ask Yakko without scaring him. But now after putting two to two together, I think it was safe we didn’t ask because if someone saw us going or overheard us, that would be too much for him to handle.” Xavier felt bad thinking of the times they could have helped though. “We know it's late but we want to help as much as we can if that's alright.” 

“You keeping that hidden, was more than enough.” Brain spoke. “As much as I am glad there are witnesses, we cannot easily expose this truth.” 

“But we can't let that-that monster out and go after Yakko.” Xavier was angry at the thought of it. He was ready to go over to the UpperButts home when his partner stopped him.

“Love, if we expose the truth, it may deface Yakko, and may do more harm than good.” Nos reminded him. “Remember the time I told you? It may be known that the king will help the monster and could corner Yakko into a marriage.” 

Brain perked upon what Nos said. “What do you mean?” 

Nos goes over to look out the broken windows before coming back. “I was ordered to help make some grand meal under the Marquis' order a long while back. It was when that vile disgrace came back from the fake King's Castle just as you two left for Italy. A few days before that courtship nightmare week. I overheard the Marquis talking to that repulsive son about doing what the king ordered. I didn't get to hear it well, they were whispering and the music was playing out but I heard them talk about what the king was looking for but I had to leave back since it was late in the evening.” 

Brain tense more now finding the pieces fitting in this scheme of the man. ‘That means the king might have already known about Yakko. But why did he allow Bradley to go after Yakko?’ Brain can only assume that would make Yakko give up his crown but it's not enough. There is something missing he is not seeing. “Thank you for telling us this.”

Nos only nod. “We were also thinking of leaving soon. We have our passes checked and technically we can leave since Fantasia is our homeland.”

“That and we did our way of bidding our goodbyes to those nobles.” Xavier added.

“How will you be leaving?” Brain was curious and wondered if they could leave with them. 

“By train. We have had these tickets we saved for a while but with everything happening, it's time we leave. We're leaving in two weeks to get everything in order.” Nos answered. “The only positive thing, since we and our children are from Fantasia, they cannot stop us or object to us from leaving.”

Brain felt puzzled but a bit envious of their luck. However it seems they too understood the situation that is occurring in the land of Warnerstock.

Pinky frowns. “I do hope we see each other again. It is a shame this is happening. Yakko would be sad to hear about this.”

“When you do see him, please tell him we bid him the best of all luck and he stays safe.” Nos said.

”And away from those life sucking monsters.” Xavier added before getting a look from his husband, being a bat. “Hey! We all know it and I don’t care if they hear me, they are a bunch of creeps.” Xavier huffs and puts back the tables. “And you're not an energy sucker. You're my love sucker.” He winks.

“That somehow sounds more repulsive.” Nos rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.

As soon as everything was cleaned up and settled, Brain was still determined to close the schoolhouse. “I’m afraid even with the class cleaned up, I fear they may do harm during the day when the children are here.”

“You know, you could teach the children at the farm?” Nos interjected. 

“That can be a good idea, but I don’t know if that would be a safe idea.” Brain had thought about it, but with the two nobles around looking for clues, he couldn't give them the chance to steal or find a clue.

“Well in any case,” Xavier looked to his husband who nodded. He holds out a small bag. “It's not much but we hope it helps you guys in your travels.”

Brain and Pinky were surprised but then again the said couple were the most supportive in the financial department, especially when it came to their children. The couple left with their children, but Brain and Pinky were wondering now what to do when Wakko and Dot came in. 

It was already an hour before lunch but they wanted to surprise their parents with a picnic. Dot took notice of the class being clean but saw so many things missing.

“Kit pups, there is something your pops and I need to tell you.” Pinky frowns.

Brain clears his throat. “We decided to close the school for good.” 

Wakko was shocked to hear this announcement. “Wh-why?  

“With the Uppercrust and the Baron getting more involved and acting violently, we cannot teach the classes anymore. The children’s safety, and your safety, is a priority.” Brain answers but he can see this hurt the young teens, this was after all their third home.

“But listen, kitpups,” Pinky smiles, reaching for his two kits. “We will be alright, thanks to the years of saving.” Pinky knew this was going to be some bumps in the road, but they will be out and far away from the crazies and loons. And above all, they’re going to reunite with their eldest son too! ‘We’re gonna be a full family again! ’

“Mr. Welles!” 

All four heads turn to the new voice to the door. There stood by the entrance, a tall rabbit toon, his stature adorning expensive but ludicrous clothing that could pass for royal if they had bad taste, stood by with his nose raised and a foul sneer rose.

“Mr. Welles, you and the,” the man sneers, “the other commoner, is to report to the manor of Baron Bunny.”

Both mice looked between each other but soon there was another, who too, adorn expensive and just as ridiculous, sneering down. 

“The Uppercrust wants a word with the couple of mice that goes by Welles.” The errand said. “Much more important than the Baron’s request.”

Brain looked at the two before he clears his throat. “We will speak to both in our choice of destination for the meeting.”

Both teens look worried. It wasn’t the first but they knew well how both noble families are but what worried them the most was how it can be a trap.

”Very well-“

”Fine, then please do tell us now where and when.”

Brain wrote on two pieces of paper before giving it to the two servants and they left. “Meet in five days at noon.”

The two servants left, leaving the family to themselves. 

“Pops, where did you choose?” Wakko was already asking, his nerves were getting to him but the already quick answer worried him. 

“I asked them to meet at the only restaurant here. It is the only place they have no control and this way we won't be cornered in their homes. But we need to start planning when to leave without them knowing. This will give us some time for now.” Brain had his arms behind his back, he was already thinking of ways to get into contact with Daffy, but now even letters were being confiscated before they were sent or being delivered. “But we need to find a way to let Yakko know where we’re going and to stay away from the village.”

“I know my friend will be coming soon, or his brothers to tell us. He said they were looking for the doctor Max knew.” Wakko was hoping they would get any news but he was hoping most of all, his brother was safe. 

It had been a few days since returning home, and of course the morning sickness was dulling down. Already setting up his gifts ready to see his family before the creeps came back. He was very determined and hoping things will get better and that he can get his family out of there without the Marquis or the Baron having any wind that he’s there right now. However, he knew that, despite the fact that Bradley and Buster are about maybe a good three days away before getting to the small town, they know his secret, and it won’t be long until everyone knows.

He looks down at his stomach and rubs where the baby is sleeping.he was thankful clover was calming down a bit. “Don’t worry Clover, I won’t let nothing happen to you.” he said softly to his baby.

“We won't let nothing happen to Clover.”

Yakko turned around and smiled to see Max was already dressed and ready by the door of their room, but he knew that even with the good progress of the curse, being manageable, it won’t be long till someone takes notice of Max and his features. Which is why, and hating it, he had to ask one specific duck to help him get to sneak into his family‘s home without alerting any of the spies waiting inside the forest and probably around his family’s property.

“You know, I hate asking that one specific duck, the green one, to help us out.” Yakko grumbled, thinking of having to owe that duck more already than they should.

“I know, but we wouldn’t have gone this far without Lou and he did help us get to your siblings and your parents home. It is a bit of a win for him to see your little brother.” Hugging him from behind, he could already tell how much Yakko doesn’t want Louie to be anywhere near Wakko, but if this was the only way that they could get to the Welles home without any problems, this is it.

Grumbles under his breath, he hugs his mate with all of his love. He knows very well that no matter what he could always feel better with Max by his side.

“If only I knew more spells, if I could practice better, we wouldn’t have to ask them for help. I just want our family to be safe. The one thing I’m scared of the most, I'm gonna be Frank, is knowing that after everything we’ve gone through, there’s still more questions I have.” Yakko meant Max’s past and his family. Since he is a fairy, then that means that someone must know where his clan is or even his family. It pained him knowing Max sacrificed everything for him and his family.

“Hey hey, my moon,” Max pulled him closer as they sat together in the bed. “ I know who I am right now, and I am your faithful knight and we will not ever be apart again. We’ll get your family safe and we’ll figure everything else out after.”

Yakko was not one for looking back into the past, but despite the fact that his past was not as dark or horrific , it still painted him, knowing that Max gave up everything for him. He leans against his chest and holds onto him, as if there were gonna be no more moments like this when they go. “Thank you Max for being my rock. I love you.”

“And I love you more than anything in this world, and even more than the moon and sun itself.”

“Even if I was a worm?” Yakko mischievously grinned at him.

“Even if you were a worm.” Max kisses his shoulder. “I wish there was some way to talk to them without anyone knowing.”

Just as they were thinking of ideas, they heard a cough and saw Huey walking in. “I have a solution.” Huey spoke. 

The next day, Dot was working on the farm early when she saw those goons watching her. She grabs a shovel, a rock bigger than her hand. She throws it up in the air and whacks it with the shovel and the rock hits the goon hiding. “Go on!! Scram!!” She shouts and sees the goon running off. She shook her but saw a red bird flying to her and landed on her shoulder. “Just so you know, this isn’t a Disney movie. I will make you fly if you poop on me.”

“Take me inside.” Huey whispers to her. “I’m one of your brother’s fr-friends.”

She didn’t even keep a second long and hurried into the house. It was only an hour pass for Huey to explain what he brought, a blank book that when written, would send its word to its twin book, and vice versa. 

“We can talk to Yakko now using this book and even if they were to try to take it, they won’t know how to use it or track down Yakko.” Brain was already understanding it as he brought out 4 different color inks. If someone did understand what this book was, they would assume writing and impersonating any of them would fail if they used plain black ink. 

Dot already reached for the red ink as Wakko grabbed the blue ink and their dads the color burgundy for pinky and green for brain. Each wrote to Yakko who it was writing to him and when Yakko wrote back, no words could describe their feeling of relief and happiness. 

Yakko was the happiest as he read what they wrote. “Think I should tell them about Clover?”

“Do you want to?” Max asked, hugging him from behind.

“I want to but it doesn’t feel right you know? Plus I want to see their reaction when I tell them.” Yakko grins. “I may be thrilled to tell them, I don't want to ruin the chance through pages.”

Max only sat with him and agreed, he wasn’t also ready to hear the scolding from his siblings and parents just yet. He looks down and already Yakko was writing in detail about their adventure in Paris, and he was already writing on the fourth page. He was beyond amazed by his love’s literacy and how much he can write in 5 minutes. When he finished it was already on the 20th page of the book.

“I’ll take a pause for now. Let them read it and then respond.” Yakko leans back against Max.

“How long does it take for them to respond?” Max was curious and impressed how much Yakko wrote but hadn’t written about his uncle. The young cursed Max was able to keep track to Yakko’s detail writing after some time yakko retaught him to write.

“I give it five minutes but usually pops and dad would skim it through.” Yakko shrugs.

 But after a small time, an hour, yakko was feeling anxious in the waiting game he was not good at. “Usually pops would be writing back by now or dot would be commenting something.”

Max was already massaging his shoulders from the tension building up. 

“Maybe they had to tend to something? They do work around the garden this time right?” he was getting worried too, something didn’t feel right in his gut.

“Yeah but it- I mean I can be overthinking this- but something big would keep them from writing back.” Yakko then paused with his features turning from puzzled to worried. There had to be something going on over there, 

“We have a problem!!!” Dewey shouted before Louie could say but he was panting and his features were red.

This worried the couple, Yakko more scared. “What happened?” He was trying not to think the worst.

At the Welles residence

Pinky and the Brain sat down across from the Marquis and his wife, who were smirking down at the farmers. They came to their home unexpectedly when they were supposed to meet in two days. 

“It is rude to enter our home unannounced.” Brain glares. In front of them was a man by their side; he can tell just from his clothes, ridiculous at that, was an errand man from Salazar himself. “May I ask why one of Salazar’s men is here?” 

“He is king Salazar, you rodent!” The man sneers, “I bring a declaration ordered by the king.” He unrolls the said scripture. “The Wells, land and property, are to be owned by the Marquis Uppercrust.”

Brain was very well aware of what these fools were up to. He was counting on this as an excuse to leave. This way, it would be perfect to say they would be leaving for another town. “Then allow us to pack our things-”

“Oh you think that’s just it?” Hilda smirks behind her fan. “Wait till you hear all of it,”  she giggles as if this was the funniest thing she heard. 

“The king declared that all Welles members shall stay here under arrest for the crime of stealing money.”

Brain glared but not flinched but Wakko was the first to voice against the accusation. “Now wait a second! We don’t steal, especially from them! We’re chaotic neutral toons that prefer to make mischief and work hard.”

”And charged for destroying one of Uppercrust Property.” The man sneers.

“Now that’s something I would do.” Wakko crossed his arms but gets smacked by sister.

“We will pay the money back. By law we have the right to pay it in full if we wish to be free from jail. His highness loves nothing more than power is money.

“Actually, this can be undone, if you are willing to marry off your first born to Bradley Uppercrust. If they do not comply, then you all are to  force your daughter as a replacement for their eldest child in marriage.”

“This is outrageous, and disgusting!!” Brain crumbled out his visage and the paper he ripped off as much as he could, and threw it back at the Marquis.

Hilda, however, only smirked as she knew that this would only end with Yakko taking the bait. Bradley sent word to her, and explained everything, especially knowing that Yakko is truly a bloodline to both the Duchess and the late king William. Hilda will make sure that her son gets the world. “As you can see, this is a decree by the king himself giving us the right to make use of this decree. Unless another higher status than us can vouch for you, which there isn’t. It only means you and your family must be arrested.” She grins, “Even if you paid the tief, that also means that no matter where you go or where you can try to hide, you will always be branded as traitors to the king.” 

Pinky glares down at Hilda, knowing full well that she’s playing dirty tricks once more just so that way she could get what she wants. If they try to run away or they try to leave, just like she said they would be signed as traitors and would be put to death just for stepping out of the village. And the fact that if pinky and brain dies, that could only mean that Dot will be sent to slavery and Wakko would be forced to serve in the army knowing that fake king would kill Wakko there.

“Of course we will be nice and give you at least a week to bring your son back and none of these problems will ever occur again.” Marquis stood up and felt triumphant.

Brain didn’t say a word, his thoughts and planning are becoming harder and harder to make. But one thing was very clear: they had less than a week to escape.

Just before the Marquis and his wife are ready to leave, they all hear a knock on the door. When the Knights of the Marquis open it, they reveal it to be a messenger, but have the symbol of the carrot that belongs to the infamous count.

“I am here to deliver a message for Miss Angelina the second and Wakko Welles. As part of the will that my lord has left behind, you are to come to the funeral that will take place in two days in the grand Marquis Bunny home.” 

Both Dot and Wakko saw that upon the message and the letter, their presence was needed.

Marquis Uppercrust however was distraught. “How can he be a Marquis?!? I am the only Marquis under the King's rule!!”

“Well, you see Bugs Bunny had the title way before you when the Late King William passed on.” The messenger answered. “That means that whatever decree that you had laid out right now is to be null and void until the funeral has ended. Traditionally the funeral is to be held for one month.” 

“Then that is all right,” Hilda said with a calm voice, but her smile had not left. “Perhaps this will be a perfect time to see what that bunny has left behind.”

The mice knew that Hilda would do whatever she could to ruin their hopes and chance of escaping. But one thing that alarmed both of them was the timing itself was as if planned.

Dot and Wakko had no choice, but to accept what the messenger had given them. The only problem was, however, whether to expect the best or the worst from this.

Meanwhile, in the hidden, enchanted home,

A couple and the triplets watched the whole thing happen, there was relief, and at the same time, fearing the worst. This only means that wherever they go, there is a good chance that they’re expecting Yakko to appear.

But Yakko was beyond horrified about the situation but also about the news of his uncle.

It was devastating to hear the news about his adopted father was now gone. 

“Did they know how he died???” Yakko asked the ducks, Max held his hand and comforted him but still the tragedy that the man that took care of him at a very young age, who risked everything to keep them safe, is gone. “It’s all my fault.” He whispers and tears were falling.

“Yakko, this is not your fault.” Max held him close and comforted him as much as he could. “What if it’s a lie? What if they’re baiting you to come out? Knowing that they were planning to do what they did right now, who knows what they’ll do next and who knows what’s going to happen.” 

“I know it could be a trap, it could be them waiting for me to come out. I have to see if my dad is there or not. I just can’t sit around or leave without knowing if it’s him or not.” Yakko looks at him eyes full of devastation and desperation. “I lost my father because I couldn’t run. I need to know at least if this is true or not.”

“I know you're scared, and feeling a lot to hold, but all we can do is just wait for a chance to see what happens.” Max places his hands on his shoulders to keep his eyes only on him. “Trust me and trust your siblings, they are not going to give up and they are as smart as you. And whether it is or isn’t true, Bugs would be angry if you got hurt. Don’t rush in without a plan.”

“Well we can’t leave to see them, or teleport them here.” Huey spoke. “But we can deliver messages. They got that journal.” He looked through his side bag and grin to find what he was looking for.

Meanwhile 

Dot was throwing rocks at the small made figures of the snotty Uppercrusts and Buster. She glared at the Hilda doll and threw a rock so hard, it was  enough to tore the head off. ”Take that rotten old hag!!!” She glares.

“Sheesh!” 

Dot rolls her eyes before seeing the last person she wanted to see.

“Talk about beauty and a beast.” 

“What do you want, Plucky. I don’t have time for your schemes or your cheap knock offs!” Dot glares grabbing the broom and ready to use it like a sword.

”Cease fire! I came to help!” Plucky held out his hands up. “Look there is something you should know about-“

”Pass!” Dot glares and walks off but not until Plucky blocked her. 

“Come on Dot! You gotta trust me!” Plucky knew who’s side to be on and he was on his own side. But with that said, he needed to be on the side he knew was a winning underdog.

“Like you tried to scam me with those cheap fleece?!” Dot glares. “Or that you're a delusional fool like Buster?”   

“I admit, he is getting weirder, and too delusional, but I’m not here to help him! I know why he and Bradley-”

“Plucky!” 

Plucky yelps and tried to hide behind her. 

Wakko was returning home, carrying logs of wood he cut with the ax, his few and only way to relieve stress after the horrible news.

“You are by far not allowed here!” Wakko was really angry to see that scam artist here again!

“Look I came to tell you both what I found out!” Plucky shook but just as he said it, Wakko dragged him with his free hand in as Dot followed. Plucky was forced to sit down as he saw their adopted parents were there.