Chapter Text
A week later, as the dim light streamed through the narrow window of the prison cell, casting long shadows on the cold stone walls, Tyler Dream cautiously approached Lord Ruthven, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Lord Ruthven was butt naked and looked at Tyler. "Here to mock me are you? Beware if this was a normal prison I would have already broken out but damn this fairy magic." He pouted and sat down.
"I feel a connection," Tyler blurted out, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he quickly averted his gaze, realising his unintentional fixation on Lord Ruthven's chiselled pecs.
Ruthven stood up and smiled. "Grovel before me and you might kiss them." The gears of his brain were spinning rapidly to think of a plan to escape.
Tyler's body instinctively responded to Ruthven's command, his knees sinking into the cold, damp floor of the prison cell, surrendering to a gesture of submission before he even had time to comprehend the implications of his actions.
Tyler's lips gently pressed against the tops of Lord Ruthven's feet, succumbing to the overwhelming compulsion, and he found himself uncontrollably pressing his lips against the tops of Lord Ruthven's feet, a gesture of reverence and subservience that illustrated the depth of his commitment and loyalty.
Ruthven smiled and put his other foot on top of Tyler's head. "They shouldn't let you in here but I don't mind, this will go perfectly along with my plan, now be a good kitten and push your head through the bars, I know you can because you're a cat."
Tyler pushes his head through the bars of Lord Ruthven's prison cell.
Ruthven grabbed his head and pulled and turned until Tyler was completely through the bars. "You sure are an adorable fool and a useful one at that." With those words Ruthven bit Tyler's neck and nibbled on his blood. "Very sweet, this is the best one I tasted so far and that's saying something for how old I am."
"I-I shouldn't betray my friends..." Tyler stammered, his words wavering as he struggled to resist, "b-but I... I can't help it..."
Ruthven smirked and chuckled. "You're weak-minded, how perfect for me, you're my best disciple, the rest are too smart for their own good you get what I mean? They wanna betray me at every step of the way, now isn't that just straight up stupid? You're so cute!"
"Please don't tell my friends what I've done," Tyler pleaded, his voice filled with embarrassment, "we've just gone through a week of intense Pneuma training together, if you ever escape..."
Ruthven pinned Tyler to the wall. "What is this Pneuma? And how can I use it as well? Tell me everything, you cute slave!"
"It's... it's life energy," Tyler explained, his voice strained, "it's like electricity, but it comes from concentrated breathing."
Ruthven sighed. "I can't use it in that case but show me it."
Tyler closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing, and as he took deep, deliberate breaths, a vibrant yellow aura of energy began to emanate from his body, illuminating the room with its radiant glow.
Ruthven took it all in. "What can you do with it? Also I found something odd in your blood." Ruthven pulled a red string from between his teeth. "Watch out with what you eat, cutie."
Tyler's fingers gently grazed Lord Ruthven's pecs in a loving manner, as he explained, "It's my Psyche... it gets stronger with more Pneuma."
Ruthven looked curiously at Tyler. "What the hell is a Psyche? And what can you use it for and how does it work? Tell me everything!"
"Psyche is a physical manifestation of the soul," Tyler explained, his voice filled with conviction, "it's a visual representation of life energy, and Pneuma, being the life energy itself, makes it stronger."
Ruthven thought. "How interesting, unfortunately I can't use both since I'm neither alive or breathing but you can use it to get me out of here." He smiled and stroked Tyler's head in happiness.
Tyler nuzzled into Ruthven's hand, wrapping a leg around him while standing, and asked with genuine curiosity, "Do you have a soul?"
Ruthven shakes his head. "What is a soul but a miserable little pile of secrets!" And held Tyler's high in the air and spun him around.
Tyler's hand shot out a red string from his index finger, as his paw unravelled into a delicate thread of crimson from the wrist, swiftly weaving and knotting a noose with precision.
Ruthven looked in surprise. "You're gonna hang me but why?" And smiled as his plan went into perfect action.
"I'm going to help you fake your suicide," Tyler whispered, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty, "by 'hanging' you, since you can't breathe, and then, I'll get the guards to transport you out. Anything for you, my lord... anything for my master."
Ruthven smiled a big smile. "Well well this goes perfectly according to my genius plan, make sure to make everyone drunk first, I have observed that fairies can't say no to gifts so that will work in our favour, also make sure to put me in the moonlight after you hang me, it will heal me."
"Yes, master," Tyler obediently replied, his voice tinged with unwavering loyalty, as he turned to fulfil Lord Ruthven's request of getting the fairies drunk.
The fairy guards happily accepted the booze and all fell a little later on the ground shitfaced drunk. "Guess the fact that they are so small means that alcohol hits harder," Ruthven noted.
Ruthven threw the noose over the roof beam and put a chair under it. "Well here I go." And kicked the chair away.
As the fairy guards lay scattered on the ground, incapacitated by their indulgence in alcohol, Tyler swiftly scurried away, his paws barely making a sound, to seek the aid of the remaining fairies, urging them to gather and perform a sky burial for Lord Ruthven, their delicate wings carrying his lifeless body high onto the hill, where it would be exposed to the ethereal glow of the moon.
The fairies flew away, lured by the promise of more alcohol and didn't even give Ruthven a second glance and left them alone.
With a sense of unwavering devotion, Tyler sat down on a grassy hilltop, his tiny form cross-legged on the soft earth, the gentle breeze rustling through the surrounding trees as he patiently awaited Lord Ruthven's resurrection, his unwavering loyalty etched into every fibre of his being.
Ruthven opened his eyes. "So far so good but now we need to find a good hiding place that is not associated with you or me and fast before we are spotted." He smiled at the cutie Tyler.
Tyler, his body filled with adoration, nuzzled his face into Lord Ruthven's pecs, his voice filled with affection as he whispered, "And get you some clothes, unless you don't mind being like this~"
Ruthven squished Tyler's cheeks. "Oh you adorable fool, you are so obedient it's almost worrying, anyway let's scram now!"
With unwavering determination, Tyler led the way through the moonlit night, his figure moving swiftly through the shadows and narrow alleyways, until they reached an abandoned warehouse nestled near the towering structure of the water treatment plant.
Ruthven opened the door and went in and looked around the place. "This smells of decay and death, it's perfect!"
Tyler guided Lord Ruthven through the dimly lit expanse of the abandoned warehouse, their footsteps echoing against the dusty concrete floor as he led him to a weathered bed tucked against the far wall, its worn mattress adorned with a faded blanket.
Ruthven smiled and laid down. "This bed is good but I don't need sleep but thanks anyway." He said and Tyler smiled like the adorable goofball he was.
Tyler responded, "I'll try to get you some clothes as soon as I can."
Ruthven slipped under the bed and looked around. "Bring me a couple of nails and a hammer, I'm gonna use that blanket to make mini-drapes so you can't see what's under the bed, pretty smart right?" He said with a giant wicked smile on his face.
Crawling under the bed beside Lord Ruthven, Tyler snuggled against him affectionately, his voice filled with adoration as he whispered, "Very smart, master."
CUT TO:
INT. BATHROOM
Clifford, a towering snow monkey man with piercing blue eyes, stood at an impressive height of six feet and five inches, his broad shoulders filling the space as he entered the expansive bathroom, his figure draped in a well-worn janitor's outfit of blue coveralls.
Piltdown the artificial missing link, half-ape half-man, looked at Clifford and smirked. "Make sure not to fuck up this time."
With determination in his eyes, Clifford got down on his knees, gripping the sponge tightly as he retorted, "Don't worry, Piltdown, I won't fuck up this time. And hey, I've got a date with that girl I've been talking to on the phone for a week. Today's the day I finally get to see her!"
Piltdown looked at him surprised. "A week? That's quite short, tell me everything about your date and your location and activities."
Clifford grinned, excitement evident in his voice as he shared, "She's a blonde, she loves Tim Burton movies, she has the cutest dog, and we're meeting today at the Katz Café!"
Clifford exclaimed excitedly, "She's a blind date!" before sighing in resignation as he crawled towards the next toilet, full of piss, his head positioned directly above the bowl as he reached to flush it.
Piltdown smiled and looked at the ground where he had left a banana peel, Clifford didn't see it and landed with his head upside down in the toilet and accidentally flushed as well spinning him all the while until he got nauseous and pulled out by Piltdown. "My God that was not my intention but it's still pretty damn funny!"
Clifford coughed and spluttered, his voice filled with disgust as he complained, "Ugh, I just got a mouthful of piss, and I'm completely soaked! I'll have to shower before meeting Kassandra now."
Piltdown smiled and extended his hand towards Clifford. "Forgive me."
Clifford cautiously extended his hand towards Piltdown, his eyes filled with a mix of hesitation and curiosity. As their hands made contact, a sudden jolt of electricity surged through his body, his fingers tingling and muscles tensing in shock, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Piltdown smiled and opened his hand. "The classics, never forget the classics, now hurry up and shower before you're too late."
Clifford quickly headed towards the shower, swiftly removing his stained janitor uniform and turning the knob.
Suddenly he was covered in green oozing slime which covered him from head to toe.
"Is this another one of your pranks, Piltdown?" Clifford grumbled, his voice tinged with annoyance, as he tried to wipe off the green oozing slime that now covered him from head to toe.
Piltdown giggled as he looked at Clifford. "How did you guess?" He sarcastically remarked and closed the door that Clifford had forgotten to lock behind him. "And don't forget to close the door."
"Can you set it back to water? I can't go on a date covered in slime," Clifford pleaded, his voice laced with desperation, as he tried to scrape off the sticky substance from his skin.
Piltdown shrugged, "I wouldn't know how, anyway you gotta go now you're running out of time and it's not proper to let a lady wait." Piltdown tapped his watch repeatedly in front of Cliff.
Clifford hurriedly turned to another shower, his fingers gripping the knob tightly as he slowly twisted it, anticipation building as he eagerly awaited the rush of water.
Slime again hit his face and Piltdown giggled. "What was the proverb again? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." He fell on the floor and rolled laughing all the while.
"I'm going home to my own shower or I'll be late for my date," Clifford muttered with exasperation, his voice tinged with frustration, as he turned away from the scene and briskly made his way towards the exit.
Piltdown looked at him. "No time for that but I can give you a lift in the back of my car." Piltdown ran outside and came back with a garbage truck. "Get in, we're going to your date as fast as possible."
"I can't come to my date covered in slime. I'd rather be a few minutes late," Clifford protested, his voice filled with urgency and concern, as he tried to reason with his mischievous friend, reluctant to board the garbage truck in his current state.
Piltdown used the crane of the garbage truck to grab Clifford and drove off as fast as possible. "Too late, mate."
As the garbage truck sped away, Clifford's frustrated moans echoed through the air.
Piltdown drove like a maniac and made several near crashes. "Phew almost forgot this truck is your property now, I don't wanna get caught for speeding." He arrived at the Katz Café and dropped Clifford to the ground and drove off quite fast.
As panic surged through his veins, Clifford's mind raced with possibilities, his eyes darting around the café, searching desperately for a glimmer of hope, his thoughts fixating on the bathroom as a potential salvation, envisioning himself frantically scrubbing at the sink, using an excessive number of paper towels, clinging to the slender thread of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, he could salvage his appearance and salvage the evening ahead.
Suddenly he was called out, "Clifford is that you?" And he turned around to see his date stand there with her sunglasses fixed on him. A small and indistinguishable breed of dog sat on her feet.
"I- I- I- Uhh... Yes, it's me," Clifford stammered, his words stumbling over each other as he struggled to regain his composure, his face flushing with embarrassment and his mind racing to find an explanation for his dishevelled appearance.
Kassandra was wearing white pants with a white dress and was sitting down on a chair at a table for two. She grabbed the second chair and pushed it in the direction of Cliff toppling him over. "Have a seat."
With a mix of embarrassment and resignation, Clifford slowly picked himself up from the ground, his body feeling heavy with defeat, as he lowered himself into the chair, his posture slouched and small, his presence diminished.
Kassandra took off her sunglasses and Clifford saw with a shock that she had pupils, unfortunately she placed her sunglasses ten centimetres left from the table dropping them to the ground. "Well shit not again, who moved the table?"
As Clifford's eyes widened in surprise, he swiftly bent down and retrieved the fallen sunglasses from the ground, his fingers delicately grasping the frames as he extended his arm to offer them back to Kassandra.
Kassandra grabbed the sunglasses and put them on the table after carefully tapping it several times and said. "This is fine." She grabbed Clifford's face and felt all over it in curiosity.
"Can I, uh, use the bathroom real quick?" Clifford timidly inquired, his voice filled with a hint of unease, as he desperately sought a way to clean himself up before Kassandra discovered the slimy mess that clung to him.
Kassandra nodded as she poked her little finger into his big nose. "How did you get all this slime over you?" She innocently asked.
"Uhhh, I spilled something," Clifford mumbled, his voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and nervousness, as he desperately tried to come up with a plausible explanation for the sticky mess that covered him.
Kassandra smiled. "It's so that I can smell you since I'm blind. How thoughtful of you, you're perfect boyfriend material I can tell."
Clifford's smile widened as he replied, "I'll just be a few minutes to clean it up now," his voice filled with relief.
Kassandra nodded. "Don't be long." And looked at her dog.
As Clifford hurriedly made his way to the bathroom, he meticulously scrubbed himself with soap and wet paper towels, the water cascading over his body in a desperate attempt to rid himself of the slimy residue, popping a few of the bathroom mints into his mouth, the refreshing taste mingling with the scent of soap, and with a mischievous grin, he stuffed a handful of toilet paper in the front of his jeans, hoping to create a more impressive appearance, all in an effort to present himself as the perfect, confident partner for Kassandra.
Kassandra turned her head in his direction as he came back and sniffed his face. "Smells pretty strong. I like it." And patted her dog "His name is Argos and he likes you already."
"I'm glad," Clifford replied with a warm smile, his voice filled with a mix of relief and genuine happiness.
Kassandras smiled as well. "I can hear it because he's pissing all over your leg at the moment, he likes to mark my friends."
A rosy blush crept across Clifford's cheeks as he glanced down at his leg.
Argos was indeed pissing his leg and looked up at him with puppy eyes.
"Uh, it's okay," Clifford stammered, his voice filled with a mix of embarrassment and reassurance, as he quickly tried to regain composure, "I was...uh...going to buy new pants anyway."
Kassandra smiled and patted his head. "You're very hairy, I like hairy men, help me recognize them better you know."
Chuckling awkwardly, Clifford replied, "I'm a snow monkey. I don't think I mentioned that before."
Kassandra squealed and pulled Clifford in for an all-body hug. "I love those, they are so cute! Look at them while they are bathing, well not looking as you can but I listen to audio descriptions."
"I'm glad," Clifford murmured softly, his voice filled with warmth and gratitude, as he returned the gentle hug from Kassandra, cherishing the connection they shared in that moment.
Kassandra tickled his armpits. "Your cheeks feel really nice."
"That tickles," Clifford giggled, his cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and amusement, as Kassandra's playful tickled across his armpits.
Kassandra giggled adorably. "You're so cute with your ticklish cheeks." And tickled even harder. "By the way, can you describe this café for me?" She gently asked her new boyfriend.
Between his uncontrollable squirming and fits of laughter, Clifford managed to gasp out, "It has brown wooden stools, black and white checkerboard marble floors, and red booths."
Kassandra smiled and gave him a cute kiss on his cheek. "Smooch." She said and turned her head. "What can I order in this place?" She asked Clifford, calm and collected.
Clifford, calmly and attentively, picked up the menu and began reading through the options, listing them off one by one, "It has banana pudding, candied apples, caramel apples, cinnamon coffee cake, iced lemon cake, cheesecakes, key lime cupcakes, cookies, double fudge brownies, vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, strawberry ice cream, cookie dough ice cream, Oreo ice cream, and banana ice cream, peach ice cream."
Kassandra looked panicked. "I'll take whatever you will take."
Clifford smiled reassuringly at Kassandra and replied, "I'll have strawberry ice cream. Two strawberry ice creams, sounds good?"
Kassandra nodded. "That sounds very sweet just like you."
With a gentle smile on his face, Clifford made his way to the counter, his steps steady and purposeful, as he approached the cashier and placed an order for two scoops of creamy, strawberry ice cream. He reached into his wallet, retrieving the necessary amount, and handed it over to the cashier.
Kassandra waited for him and suddenly experienced a shock which made her blood run cold she called out to Clifford, "Watch out for that banana peel." As a banana peel was thrown behind him.
"I thought you were blind?" Clifford questioned, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and curiosity, as he stopped just in time, his heel hovering inches above the banana peel.
Kassandra twiddled her forefinger together and looked shyly at the ground in shame. "I have a little secret to tell you, Clifford."
"What is it?" Clifford asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity and concern, as he looked at Kassandra with a gentle expression.
Kassandra looked at him. "Since I was born I had these visions you see of the future, sometimes they are right, sometimes they are wrong, the time I receive them is completely random and the subject of them is random as well but they led me to you."
"They did?" Clifford asked, a mix of surprise and intrigue colouring his tone, as he wondered to himself if this meant that their meeting and potential relationship was somehow fated.
Kassandra smiled. "I need your help to find someone since you have eyes." She thought deeply and made a mental list. "He's very tall and thin almost skeleton thin, he has white skin as in snow white and black hair, raven black, he is very skinny and has long arms and long hands and long fingers, he's almost like a living corpse, he's also a foreigner and is pretty old, have you seen anyone who matches that description." She asked as she gave a perfect description of Viburnius.
"I don't know them, but I'll do my best to help you find them," Clifford replied, his voice filled with determination and kindness, before asking, "Are they a friend?"
Kassandra shook her head. "That's all I know." And sighed deeply.
"Okay, I will help you find them," Clifford assured Kassandra, his voice filled with sincerity and a willingness to assist her in her search.
Kassandra smiled and pinched his nose. "You're so sweet and fluffy, by the way do you have the ice cream already?"
"Oh!" Clifford exclaimed, realising he had momentarily forgotten about the ice cream, before quickly retrieving it from the counter, serving them both a scoop, and extending a spoon to Kassandra with a warm smile.
Kassandra sniffed the ice cream and bit the spoon. "Delicious!"
Clifford gently lifted a spoonful of the creamy, cold treat to Kassandra's lips, his smile widening as he found the act of spoon-feeding her to be delightfully intimate and filled with a touch of romance.
Kassandra smiled and said to Clifford, "Sit perfectly still and close your eyes." He did it and got a spoon full of ice cream up his nose. "Surprise!" She said sweetly as she didn't realise her mistake.
"Thank you," Clifford chuckled lightly, his playful spirit shining through as he licked the ice cream off his nose, finding amusement in Kassandra's innocent mistake.
Kassandra smiled and she put the spoon on the table. "Tell me more about yourself."
"I was born in Ogasaru City on September 7th, 1993," Clifford began, his voice filled with a hint of pride, "and I'm six foot five inches tall." He mumbled a little, almost sheepishly, "I also took a criminology course at the University of Aster City."
Kassandra smiled. "You're so tall! Wow and I'm so smol and petite, I may not look like but I'm pretty old, anyway why did you do criminology?"
"I was hoping to become a detective or an investigator," Clifford explained, his voice reflecting his passion and determination.
Kassandra smiled. "I knew I was right in choosing you." And swayed from side to side looking adorable and happy.
"Aww," Clifford responded, a blush creeping onto his cheeks as he couldn't help but find Kassandra's adorable swaying and happiness utterly endearing.
Kassandra kissed him on the cheek by surprise and blushed. "Oopsie." She thought deeply. "How do you find someone if you only have the physical description? I always wanted to know."
Clifford pondered, "I could check the internet and maybe post fake acting listings using that description."
Kassandra nodded. "Sounds perfect." And smiled at her dog. "Do you hear that, Argos?" The dog nodded and looked at Clifford.
"I'm glad," Clifford replied with a smile, his eyes focused on his DreamCorp cell phone as he diligently searched for social media accounts matching the physical description.
Clifford found one and told Kassandra. "His name is Viburnius and he's the general of the armies of Fairyland." Kassandra asked, "What is this Fairyland?"
"Fairyland is a newly independent state that recently emerged from Darkwoods," Clifford explained to Kassandra.
Kassandra thought. "What do you know about it?"
"Not much, I just heard about it on the news." Clifford admitted.
Kassandra thought. "How are we gonna approach a general? And how do we explain that I had visions about him? Sounds like a story to me and I know the truth so what chance do we have?"
"Well, it's worth a chance," Clifford replied optimistically.
Kassandra nods. "But do you have any plans to find him?"
"We could just head to Fairyland and ask for him, that would be our best chance," Clifford suggested.
Kassandra nodded. "Let's head there now after you paid."
"I paid when I ordered," Clifford reassured Kassandra, getting up from his seat and gently taking her hand, ready to embark on their journey to Fairyland.
Kassandra looked at Clifford's phone. "You got a message from Viburnius." And pointed at his vibrating phone.
Curiosity piqued, Clifford swiftly retrieved his phone from his pocket, his eyes tracing the glowing screen.
Kassandra spoke aloud. "He says to meet him at the water plant at midnight and come alone, sounds pretty ominous if you ask me" she nodded. "But it's exactly what we're gonna do."
"Was that another vision?" Clifford asked, his brows furrowing in concern as he contemplated the situation. "Should we reconsider our plan to go to Fairyland and instead wait until midnight to meet him at the water plant?"
Kassandra nodded. "Yes it's pretty weird, my visions."
"How do your visions work exactly?" Clifford inquired, his curiosity evident as he tried to comprehend the mysterious and undefined nature of Kassandra's visions.
Kassandra shrugs. "That's what I wanna know as well, also invest in Halloween decoration stocks now!" She shouted.
"Will do," Clifford responded.
Kassandra blushed. "Sometimes they are useful, unfortunately you will only make a little bit of profit because I shouted it so hard everyone could hear it, people are pretty easy to influence."
"It's okay, they are pretty useful," Clifford reassured with a smile.
Kassandra smiled and kissed Cliff on his cheeks. "So soft!" And squealed a little bit. "Unfortunately I don't always know why I get them." And sighed and pouted while crossing her tiny arms.
"Maybe if we figure out why you're having visions of Viburnius, we can also find out the reason you have visions," Clifford suggested
Kassandra shook her head. "If it were only so easy, anyway how late is it now? How much time until midnight?"
Clifford glanced at his phone and replied, "We still have a few hours, so we can continue our date and head there just before midnight."
CUT TO:
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING NEAR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Tyler was giving Ruthven a back massage and stood on his back stomping him with his paws. "How does it feel?" Ruthven smiled. "Pretty good, you're one awesome minion."
"I am simply the Igor of the two, it's all for my master," Tyler replied.
Ruthven smiled. "You're a better Igor than the last one, he didn't follow any of my commands and got rebellious so I kicked him out, funny thing his first name was actually Igor so you're a better Igor than Igor." He chuckled and stroked Tyler's chin and smiled.
Tyler blushed, his cheeks tinged with a soft shade of pink, as he nuzzled Lord Ruthven's hand, feeling a wave of affection and contentment wash over him, the twinge of jealousy towards the previous Igor fading away.
Ruthven smiled and noticed Tyler's blush. "What a cute kitty cat you are, you want any food?" He got up and headed to the fridge.
"Yes, master," Tyler responded obediently, his voice filled with a submissive tone as he acknowledged Lord Ruthven's offer for food.
Ruthven smiled and put a cat bowl on the ground and threw a sausage in it. "Here's your food you adorable kitty cat."
Tyler delicately retrieved a fork and knife, gracefully kneeling at Lord Ruthven's feet with utmost reverence, his head respectfully lowered as he meticulously sliced the sausage in the bowl, savouring each bite with a sense of devotion.
Ruthven smiled and grabbed a bowl with milk. "Here's your drink." And took away the fork and knife and put them in the dishwasher.
Tyler's delicate hands lifted the bowl of milk to his lips as he took a sip.
Ruthven smiled and looked around. "How did you know about this place?"
"I enjoy taking walks and found this place to be pretty remote," Tyler explained with a gentle smile.
Ruthven smiled and thought. "This is nice, you know any other places in case this place gets compromised? Always handy to have a back up plan you know." He smiled and tickled Tyler.
Amidst his squirming and giggles, Tyler managed to gasp out, "There's an abandoned movie lot."
Ruthven smiled and tickled him more. "Do you know any other villains in this city? I might want to recruit them for my goal."
Between bouts of uncontrollable squirming and laughter, Tyler managed to plead, "Stop, I'm going to wet myself! I don't know of any villains, but maybe I can recruit a classmate."
Ruthven smiled. "Not a classmate, no no no if they discover your identity they can identify you easily, we need someone who doesn't know any of us two hmmmm, I might know just the guy."
Curiosity tinged Tyler's voice as he asked, "Who, master?"
Ruthven pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't remember his current name but he's at the water plant at midnight so let's meet him then." He smiled and tickled Tyler's chin.
With a soft, affectionate nuzzle against Ruthven's hand, Tyler whispered, "Yes, master."
CUT TO:
INT. WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Meanwhile Piltdown was to his knees in water trying to fix a pipe at the water plant. "Holy …." He shouted as he got hit in the face by a water spout and swept off his feet. "If only Clifford was here."
Under the dim glow of a crescent moon, Clifford strode purposefully towards the water treatment plant, his tall figure casting long shadows on the deserted streets, with Kassandra.
Meanwhile Ruthen and Tyler were making their way at the other side of the water plant and broke open a fence and got in.
As Clifford cautiously entered the water treatment plant, his eyes scanned the dimly lit surroundings, the hum of machinery filling the air, his keen senses alert for any sign of Viburnius.
A man stood before him and pulled out a flamethrower. "Get down on the ground and freeze!"
With a calm and protective demeanour, Clifford gently guided Kassandra down to the ground, his strong hands reassuringly guiding her into a prone position.
The man was clothed in a red fireproof hazmat suit and just stood there menacingly recalling his evil plan. "Hmmmm."
Clifford's voice carried a hint of negotiation as he asked, "Do you want money?"
The man pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. "Could you read my plan for me? I forget it and my glass has begun to condense." The man calmly and gently handed it to Clifford.
As Clifford's eyes scanned the neatly written plan, he hesitated for a moment before reading aloud, his voice filled with a mix of confusion and concern, "One. Go grocery shopping: Pick up essentials like milk, eggs, and bread. Don't forget the fresh fruits and vegetables. Two. Do laundry: Sort clothes into whites, colors, and delicates. Wash, dry, and fold the laundry. Three. Clean the house: Vacuum the floors and carpets. Dust all surfaces and clean the windows. Four. Pay bills: Gather all the necessary bills and invoices. Settle payments online or through mail. Five. Take the car for maintenance: Schedule an appointment with the mechanic. Get an oil change and check tire pressure. Six. Organize paperwork: Sort and file important documents. Shred unnecessary papers for disposal. Seven. Plan a dinner party: Create a guest list and send out invitations. Decide on a menu and prepare the grocery list. Eight. Acquire necessary supplies for the kidnapping. Nine. Execute the kidnapping at midnight: Move swiftly and discreetly to avoid detection. Subdue Kassandra and transport her to the safehouse. Ensure minimal trace of the abduction to avoid suspicion. Ten. Await further instructions from Lord Ruthven: Keep Lord Ruthven updated on the progress of the operation. Follow any additional orders or directives provided by Lord Ruthven."
The man nodded and put the piece back. "And you must be Kassandra." He said as he threw her across his shoulder. "Pleasure to meet you, you know you are pretty light, should eat more." And looked at Clifford. "You're not in the plan so I don't know what to do now, guess I'll have to eliminate you, no hard feelings."
Clifford's voice erupted with urgency and determination as he shouted, "Let go of Kassandra!"
Phoenix shook his head. "Ain't gonna happen big boy, the plan is the plan and I will fulfil it!" He began to walk away ignoring Clifford.
With unwavering determination, Clifford's muscles tensed, propelling him forward in a burst of speed as he charged after Phoenix.
Phoenix ran off. "This ain't part of the plan!" And tried to outrun Clifford. "Why are you doing this mate? This is not how it's supposed to go, you weren't even supposed to be here."
"You're kidnapping my girlfriend!" Clifford's voice boomed with a mix of anger and determination, echoing through the air as he effortlessly closed the distance between him and Phoenix, his incredible speed leaving no doubt that he would soon catch up.
Phoenix thought of a plan to stop Clifford and put Kassandra down and aimed his flamethrower at Clifford. "Get burned!" He said while firing his flamethrower.
As flames erupted from Phoenix's flamethrower, Clifford's reflexes kicked in, his body instinctively dropping to the ground, narrowly avoiding the scorching heat.
Phoenix hit Clifford's butt and smiled. "And if you can't stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen!" He laughed maniacally.
Clifford clenched his teeth, his face contorted in frustration, as a pained groan escaped his lips while he felt the impact on his rear end.
Phoenix smiled sadistically. "Can you smell what I'm cooking?"
Clifford's nostrils flared as he instinctively sniffed the air, a mixture of caution and curiosity evident in his expression.
Phoenix slapped his face. "I'm cooking you, you big dummy!"
In a sudden realisation, Clifford's eyes widened in shock as he leaped into the air, his legs kicking up in frantic motion, upon discovering the back of his jeans ablaze, his startled cry echoing through the air.
Phoenix sighed. "Better keep your head in the game or I'll toast it!" And shot another flame at Cliff who barely dodged it.
Fuelled by a surge of determination, Clifford lunged forward, his muscles tensed and veins pulsating, as he charged towards Phoenix, his hands outstretched, desperately trying to wrestle the flamethrower out of Phoenix's grip, their bodies locked in a fierce struggle for control.
Phoenix struggled as well. "Can you knock it off? People are trying to work here and I'm late for my meeting, please hurry up."
"Meeting?" Clifford asked, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of confusion, momentarily pausing in his attempt to gain control of the flamethrower.
Phoenix used that opportunity to hit him on the head with the flamethrower. "Top secret! Now please be as good as to die fast!"
Clifford stumbled backwards, his body losing balance as the searing pain radiated from his temple, causing him to collapse to the ground, his left paw instinctively reaching for the injured area, his face contorted in agony.
Phoenix stood over him and tried to get the flamethrower to work. "Dammit that shock was too hard." And began to beat Clifford with the defunct flamethrower. "Just die already!"
Summoning every ounce of strength, Clifford raised his forearms in a defensive stance, gritting his teeth as he endured the relentless assault from Phoenix's blows, his muscles straining under the impact and his paws absorbing the force, determined to protect himself from the brutal onslaught.
Phoenix hit him again and again. "I don't even wanna be here! This place is my weakness! You don't wanna know how much stress I'm experiencing right now so please give up already!"
Clifford refused to give up, his spirit unwavering, despite the relentless onslaught, showing determination and resilience.
Phoenix's clothes suddenly caught fire and continued to burn until he was naked. "Yo what-the-fuck is this?" He said with a red bird head.
To Clifford's astonishment, an ethereal manifestation occurred as a ghostly purple monkey man with three heads materialised beside him, exuding an aura of strength and power, emanating the essence of a protective guardian.
Phoenix pointed his flaming finger at it. "What the hell is that?" And shot a flame out of his mouth. "And how the hell did I do that?" He asked Clifford, completely confused about the situation.
Clifford's eyes widened in astonishment, his gaze fixated on Phoenix who was engulfed in roaring flames, his mind racing with bewildered thoughts, as Clifford's mind pondered the possibility of extinguishing the blazing flames with water, the ghostly purple monkey man swiftly swung one of its many powerful arms, connecting with a forceful punch against a nearby water pipe, causing it to burst and douse the fiery spectacle in a cascade of water.
Phoenix pouted. "What's going on? This just doesn't make any sense you know?" And got up before falling on his beak because he got swept away by the strength of the water.
As Clifford's gaze shifted towards the enigmatic ghostly monkey man, a sudden realisation dawned upon him, his eyes widening with astonishment as he comprehended the profound connection between his thoughts and the creature's actions, a revelation that filled him with a sense of awe and wonder.
As Phoenix got swept away by the water he saw someone else. "I'm taking you with me!" He shouted as he swung his arm and disturbed Piltdown's balance and made him fall in the stream.
Hearing Phoenix's shout, Clifford's heart raced as he quickly made his way to the stream, his eyes widening in concern as he spotted Piltdown struggling in the water, prompting Clifford to dive into the cold depths, his lungs screaming for air, while the ghostly monkey man flickered briefly before extending its spectral arm to assist Clifford in pulling Piltdown out of the water, their collective efforts ensuring Piltdown's safety.
Piltdown looked at Clifford. "What the hell is going on? Also I need your help to fix that damn leak! It's been keeping me up all night trying to fix it!"
Clifford's eyes widened in astonishment as he shifted his gaze towards the ghostly monkey man, witnessing its numerous arms swiftly and skillfully repairing the damaged water pipe, only to be left in awe as the ethereal entity gradually dematerialized, merging seamlessly into Clifford's own form, leaving him with a newfound sense of power and purpose.
Piltdown stood up and looked at Clifford and leaned on him. "Imma tired." And fell asleep of sheer exhaustion on Cliff.
He woke up because there was water dripping on his head. "Say how did your date go and why the hell was that bird dude naked?"
"Kassandra!" Clifford shouted in alarm as he rushed over to check on her, his voice filled with concern, "Are you okay?"
Kassandra asked him, "Does it look like I'm okay?! That was a genuine question by the way." She stood up and slipped.
Clifford swiftly caught Kassandra as she leaned against his broad chest for support, and with an apologetic tone, he explained, "I'm sorry, but there was this guy in a hazmat suit with a flamethrower, and then a phoenix, and suddenly a ghostly purple monkey man with three heads appeared and caused a water pipe to burst."
Piltdown blinked repeatedly. "Damn somebody has drugged this water with powerful hallucinogens, I'll call the police for it."
"I've been possessed by an evil spirit. So that's what I'll call it, [Evil Spirit]" Clifford explained.
Piltdown slapped Clifford in the face several times. "Out of this house demon! Out of his house! The power of slaps compels you."
"Ow," Clifford said, rubbing his cheek tenderly, as the 'evil spirit' stubbornly refused to leave despite the repeated slaps.
Piltdown shrugged. "Well that was all I could do." And looked around. "Hey can you demon sweep the floor? It's awfully wet and I wanna go home to sleep, you know." He searched for a mop.
Clifford turned his back on Piltdown and Kassandra, as the ghostly monkey man effortlessly glided across the wet floor, clutching a mop that it had procured from the janitor's supply closet, leaving behind a trail of pristine, dry tiles in its wake.
Piltdown slapped Clifford's ass. "Damn son that's a fat ass!"
Clifford turned around, his normally pink face turning red with embarrassment, as he realised that his jeans had been completely burnt in the back, leaving his butt cheeks exposed for all to see, the scorch marks tracing a path of charred fabric that revealed his plump, round derrière.
Piltdown laughed at it. "You need to see a doctor, that ass is too fat!" And rolled over the ground laughing all the while.
Clifford, his paws trembling with embarrassment, desperately attempted to cover up his exposed butt cheeks, his massive paws struggling to shield his ample posterior as his blush deepened.
Piltdown stared at it and came to a realisation. "Why the hell is your ass showing? It's like a full moon! It's so big and bright."
"It-it-it-it was the flamethrower," Clifford stuttered and stammered, his voice filled with a mix of embarrassment and nervousness.
Piltdown smiled and gave Kassandra a powerful pat on the back causing her to fall face first on Clifford's butt. "Have fun!"
"Not in front of my girlfriend..." Clifford whispered to Piltdown, his voice filled with a submissive tone, as he helped Kassandra up.
Kassandra said without shame. "You got a nice ass, would make a great pillow for me to rest my sleepy head on." And smiled.
Clifford, his face covered in embarrassment, turned to Piltdown with pleading eyes.
Meanwhile Phoenix got up after the water stopped washing him away and looked up in the face of his master. "Hi………" he said shyly and Ruthven sneered at him. "Looks like things didn't go to plan did they?" And stomped on Phoenix's face quite hard.
Tyler's expression flickered with worry and a mix of jealousy and admiration as his eyes shifted between Lord Ruthven and the battered Phoenix, a blush colouring his cheeks as his gaze lingered on the position Phoenix held before quickly returning to his master, revealing a web of emotions tangled within him.
Ruthven smiled. "Fine guess we have to find it ourselves, we are looking for a girl called Kassandra, you can recognize her by her white clothes, everything she wears is white and she has white eyes as well, very easy to spot, now let's search for her."
Tyler's eyes scanned the sprawling water treatment plant, his gaze darting from one corner to another, searching for any trace of a figure draped in pristine white attire.
Ruthven searched as well and spotted Clifford standing next to Kassandra. "There she is but who's that next to her?"
"I don't know, but should I get her?" Tyler asked, his voice filled with a mix of uncertainty and eagerness to assist Ruthven in their search.
Ruthven nodded. "I'll stay hidden so I can provide backup."
With cautious steps, Tyler closed the distance between himself and Clifford, his gaze fixed on Kassandra.
Kassandra looked at Tyler and walked over to him and kneeled down. "Pspspspsp." She said while extending her hand in his direction. "I smell a kitty cat," she said and smiled cutely.
"I'm not that kind of cat," Tyler replied.
Kassandra looked adorably shocked and panicked. "I'm so sorry!" She shouted and came close to Tyler and hugged him.
"It's okay," Tyler murmured, momentarily forgetting his objective.
Kassandra gave him a kiss on his head and smiled. "You smell so nice! Anyway, what's your name?" She gently asked Tyler.
"Tyler Dr-" he began to say, but his eyes quickly darted towards Lord Ruthven's hiding spot, silently seeking guidance on whether he should divulge his full name or keep it concealed for the time being.
Ruthven pinched the bridge of his nose and nodded. "You went this far you fool better yet finish it, your name is very easy to come by." He whispered very softly towards Tyler.
"Tyler Dream," he finally uttered, mustering a confident smile as he glanced back at Kassandra.
Kassandra kissed him on the cheek. "Such a cute name for a cute kitty." And lifted him up and spun him around in joy.
"Can you come with me?" Tyler asked, his cheeks flushing.
Kassandra nodded and put her tiny soft hand inside of Tyler's paw. "Lead the way cutie pie." And smiled warmly at him.
With Kassandra's tiny hand nestled securely within his paw, Tyler began to lead the way, his steps filled with a sense of purpose and anticipation. However, just as they were about to embark on their adventure, Clifford, a towering figure with muscular arms crossed in front of his chest, stepped in front of Tyler, casting a shadow over their path.
Kassandra didn't notice it and walked into Clifford's chest with her face. "Cliffy! Nice to see you're still here." And began to smile.
"How do we know he's not with that phoenix guy?" Clifford questioned, his voice laced with suspicion, as he peered down at Tyler, his gaze probing for any signs of affiliation with their elusive adversary.
Kassandra waved at him. "He's not evil, look how cute he is."
"We don't know who's after your visions," Clifford stated firmly.
Kassandra hugged Tyler firmly. "I saw him in a vision as well, he will take me to Viburnius." And looked at Clifford pouting adorably.
Confused by the mention of visions and unsure of how to proceed, Tyler's eyes darted towards the hidden figure of Lord Ruthven, seeking guidance or some semblance of direction amidst the unfolding uncertainty.
Ruthven thought deeply as well. "Error I don't know how to proceed, just take her along and we'll think of something."
Tyler took the lead, his grip firm yet gentle as he held Kassandra's delicate hand in his paw, guiding her with unwavering confidence, while Clifford cautiously followed from a distance, his watchful eyes never straying far from the duo's path.
Ruthven smiled as he looked at Kassandra and gently stroked her head. "She's so cute! Anyway Tyler, you got her dog?"
"Dog?" Tyler's eyes widened in surprise, his hair standing on end, as he echoed Ruthven's question.
Kassandra looked down at Ruthven's leg. "There he is." Argos was biting Ruthven's leg quite hard and wouldn't let go.
Panic surged through Tyler as he frantically waved his arms, attempting to shoo Argos away from Ruthven's leg, his movements a blur of urgency and concern, desperately trying to free his master from the clutches of the determined and tenacious canine.
Kassandra pulled Argos free from Ruthven and patted him. "Who's a good boy yes you yes you are." She said sweetly towards him and smiled at Ruthven who smiled back in pain.
"Are you okay, master?" Tyler asked with genuine worry etched in his voice.
"Yes I'm fine," he said with a smile full of pain and limped away. "Now to get to our new base without that monkey seeing us, you got any idea, Tyler?" He pointed at Tyler.
"Well, maybe one of your other disciples, someone better adapted to water, could serve as a distraction for the monkey while we make our way to the new base," Tyler suggested.
Ruthven smiled and pulled out his phone and called someone. "They are on their way now let us scram!" And he ran away.
Tyler ran after Lord Ruthven with unwavering loyalty and determination.
Kassandra smiled as she ran with them. "This is fun." And patted Argos while simultaneously running. "This is an adventure, Argos."
"A fantastic adventure," Tyler exclaimed.
Argos bit on Ruthven's dark blue jeans, he was also wearing a black t-shirt and white shoes. "Knock that off, I just bought it!"
In a panicked frenzy, Tyler flailed his arms and lunged towards Argos, desperately attempting to shoo the mischievous dog away from Lord Ruthven.
Argos bit Tyler on the arm and Tyler ran around in a circle trying to swing the dog off.
With a mix of determination and pain etched on his face, Tyler mustered every ounce of strength to pry Argos' jaws off his arm, his sleeve stained with blood as he finally managed to free himself from the relentless grip of the tenacious pup.
Kassandra suddenly gained a scared look on her face. "There's something wrong here, he wouldn't attack a person unless…."
As drops of blood trickled down his arm, Tyler gently lowered Argos to the ground, his eyes filled with concern and uncertainty.
Ruthven grabbed Tyler's head and squeezed it. "What are you gonna do about this?" And pointed to the huge hole in his pants.
It revealed his underwear to be blood red with black bats on them. "This is rather unfitting for a vampire of my stature."
A flush of embarrassment spread across Tyler's face as his gaze shifted downward, catching sight of Lord Ruthven's red boxers adorned with whimsical black vampire bat prints, his mind racing as he pondered a solution, when suddenly, a spark of inspiration ignited within him, causing the blood dripping down his arm to transform into vibrant red thread, skillfully weaving itself through the fabric, seamlessly repairing the tear in his jeans and restoring the modesty that had been momentarily compromised.
Ruthven smiled and patted Tyler. "You sure are one handy catto." Kassandra listened to the noise and couldn't make out what was going on. "What just happened?" She calmly asked Tyler.
"Just uh, stitching some pants that your dog tore," Tyler replied.
Kassandra stepped back. "Where is Viburnius? My vision said that he should be here but he is not, something is wrong."
A deep groan of concern escaped Tyler's lips as his gaze shifted apprehensively towards Lord Ruthven.
Lord Ruthven suddenly got attacked at the throat by the dog and wrestled with it while Tyler tried to help, Kassandra made her escape. "Oh gosh I wonder what will become of me now."
Tyler panicked as he struggled to pull the dog off Lord Ruthven, but then a spark of inspiration hit him, and he quickly used the red threads formed by his own blood to fashion a makeshift leash, swiftly regaining control.
Argos calmed down immediately as if it was his plan and looked at Tyler with a grin on his face, meanwhile Kassandra was running away and fell over nearly everything. "Ouch."
Tyler's gaze shifted from the grinning Argos to Lord Ruthven, his eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and anticipation, silently seeking guidance on how to handle the peculiar turn of events with the dog.
Suddenly she bumped into somebody and looked up, it was Viburnius who grabbed her wrists and looked at her. "Hello there, what are you doing here on such an odd time? And you sure are cute," he said, distracted by Kassandra's beauty and smiled at her and she smiled back speechless.
"Take us to her, boy, go ahead, boy," Tyler urged the dog, his voice filled with urgency and determination, as he desperately sought a way to reunite with Kassandra.
The dog sniffed the ground and began to run, being followed by Tyler and Ruthven and also Clifford and Piltdown as well. They all arrived at the warehouse where Kassandra was hiding and they all looked at one another and said in choir, "What the hell are you doing here!" Phoenix was sleeping on the bed.
Argos, with an air of mischievousness, darted around Tyler and Lord Ruthven in a frenzied circle, the leash made of Tyler's red thread swirling around their legs as if Argos had planned this all along.
Ruthven and Tyler fell on each other and groaned in annoyance. "Well this is an unexpected development to say the least," Ruthven said with an angry scowl on his face.
"I can release the leash, but the dog will get away," Tyler muttered, his voice tinged with frustration and a hint of concern, as he weighed the options before him.
Argos rolled them over with his nose and paws and tied them up by rolling them over the ground several times. "Woof!" He barked happily and looked at Kassandra who patted him.
Tyler and Lord Ruthven found themselves tightly bound together, their limbs entangled as if Argos had expertly woven a web of the red thread around them, and after a brief moment of squirming, Tyler made the decision to recoil the thread back into his wrist, freeing them from their unexpected entrapment.
Ruthven stood up and held Tyler close to him. "I've only had Tyler for a day and a half, but if anything happened to him, I would kill everyone in this room and then myself," he threatened the rest of the people in the room.
"I will do anything for my master," Tyler declared, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty and devotion.
Ruthven tickled his chin. "Now that's a good kitty." And smiled widely at the rest of the persons. "I will think of a plan now."
Tyler nuzzled Lord Ruthven's hand affectionately, his tail swaying gently as his ears perked up, eagerly awaiting the details of the plan, his eyes filled with unwavering trust and anticipation.
Viburnius looked around. "Can anybody explain what's going on?" And waited for an explanation.
"Viburnius?!" Tyler exclaimed in panic, his chin still resting in Lord Ruthven's palm, as his eyes widened with surprise and concern at the unexpected presence of the newcomer.
Viburnius nodded. "It is I!" And pointed to Ruthven. "And you're gonna go back to prison." Ruthven shouted back "You never take me alive!" He pointed Tyler at Viburnius like he was holding a gun "Get him Tyler!" And threw Tyler at Viburnius.
Tyler's hand formed a tight fist, their thumb raised above it, while their index finger extended forward like a gun, as a vibrant red thread shot out from their fingertip with incredible speed, wrapping itself around Viburnius as Tyler was launched through the air like a projectile, aimed directly at their target.
Viburniuss spread out his arms and caught Tyler in a big hug. "Hello Tyler, long time no see my friend, how you been?"
Caught completely by surprise, Tyler's body stiffened as Viburnius enveloped him in a tight embrace, causing the red thread that bound them both to entangle them further.
Viburnius smiled and wrapped his fingers around the threads. "You're mine now, all mine! And I won't let go ever again!"
Tyler squirmed helplessly, his movements only serving to further entangle himself with Viburnius in the intricate web of red thread.
Ruthven was distracted and got hit on the head by Kassandra. "Ow!" He said while rubbing his head and looked at her, "That ain't very nice." Kassandra stepped on his feet. "Trying to kidnap a blind person ain't very nice as well," she replied annoyed.
"How did you even find us?" Tyler asked Viburnius.
Viburnius smiled. "I followed the thread of Ariadne." And pointed at a thin red thread coming out of Tyler that went on for longer than the eye could see. "My intelligence has provided me with a means to track you down wherever you go, pretty smart right?"
Tyler let out a frustrated groan.
Viburnius pinched his cheek and smiled. "You're so cute when you groan, you know?" He hugged Tyler very closely and didn't let go.
"Let me go," Tyler pleaded.
Ruthven thought of a clever scheme to save Tyler but then he realized the opportunity he had. "Can't refuse this chance." And grabbed Kassandra and threw her over her shoulder before heading to the sewer pipe. "You've been a great audience."
As tension filled the air, Tyler squirmed anxiously, their fingers trembling as they swiftly recoiled the vibrant red thread back into the confines of their index finger.
Ruthven stared at the sewer pipe out of which a giant butt protruded and felt his jaw drop. "Dagon! I told you to go in after me." A booming voice replied, "I don't have a watch remember." Ruthven was in obvious distress and thought of something, meanwhile Viburnius was inspecting Kassandra. "Hmmmm."
A blush crept onto Tyler's cheeks as they laid their eyes upon the colossal, scaly fish butt protruding from the sewer pipe, a sudden realisation dawning upon them that Dagon must be the peculiar name of the disciple Lord Ruthven had urgently called for during their unexpected adventure at the water treatment plant.
Viburnius grabbed Tyler and stared him in the eyes. "Look at me, look at me, I’m the captain now, forget about that dude."
"You don't understand," Tyler protested, their voice trembling with conviction, "Lord Ruthven is my master, connected to me by the red thread of fate, my blood yearns to be consumed by him, and I consider myself lucky to worship at his feet."
Viburnius spread his fingers and turned them into scissors. "In that case I just have to cut that thread." And smiled maliciously at Tyler and Ruthven. "Snippity snap," he said while imitating a scissor cutting thread.
"You can't cut the red thread of fate," Tyler exclaimed, their voice filled with determination, "you can't change fate!"
Viburnius smiled. "Nothing is determined silly." And cut the thread of fate that connected Tyler and Ruthven. "I am the danger."
As the thread of fate connecting Tyler and Lord Ruthven was severed, a strange sensation coursed through Tyler's being, leaving him feeling both disillusioned by the sudden disconnection yet inexplicably tethered by the remnants of his love, devotion, and unwavering loyalty, his emotions caught in a delicate balance between the detached thread of fate and a lingering faith in his enigmatic master.
Viburnius grabbed the thread of fate and wound it around his own neck like a noose. "Didn't I say you were mine?"
"I'm sorry," Tyler whispered softly.
Viburnius pulled Tyler closer on the string and replied, "You're not sorry, you're adorable." And kissed him on his cheek. Ruthven stood there confused and didn't know what to do. "What's going on?"
"I'm sorry, master," Tyler murmured with sorrowful eyes, their voice tinged with regret and a hint of longing.
Viburnius patted Tyler. "I will treat you better than that man." And pointed angrily at Ruthven who felt scared for the first time in his life and tried to run away but tripped over Argos and fell on his face.
"But... I liked the way he treated me," Tyler's voice wavered with sadness as they spoke to Viburnius, their thoughts swirling with confusion and introspection, questioning what it meant about themselves and their feelings for Lord Ruthven, unsure if their love was genuine or merely a result of the red thread of fate that destined them to be lovers.
Viburnius plucked at Tyler's heartstrings. "You're mine now and forever got it?" And softly stroked Tyler's head and smiled.
Tyler's eyes fluttered closed as they leaned into Viburnius's touch, surrendering to the gentle strokes that danced across their head, feeling a sense of comfort and belonging as they nuzzled into the soft caresses, a moment of solace amidst the tangled web of emotions that enveloped them.
Viburnius smiled and looked at Ruthven. "What are we gonna do with him?" He nuzzled Kassandra and Tyler in a group hug.
"Please, let's not put Lord Ruthven back in prison," Tyler pleaded.
Viburnius shook his head. "I have to, you know that, he can't be allowed to walk freely, he's too much of a danger to you."
Tyler's posture drooped, their head bowing in a sigh of resignation, torn between their love for Lord Ruthven and the undeniable danger he posed.
Viburnius smiled and squeezed Tyler's cheeks. "We need to think of a better way to imprison him, since you know him the best it's your choice," he said while sadistically smiling.
"Maybe... somewhere without moonlight," Tyler murmured softly, their gaze shifting sadly towards Lord Ruthven, their voice filled with a mix of sorrow and determination.
Ruthven pouted and put his hands up. "I give up, I know when to quit." And smiled ominously at Tyler and Viburnius who cuffed him with silver handcuffs. "You can never be prepared enough" Viburnius said.
"Please, let me visit Lord Ruthven in prison," Tyler pleaded, their voice filled with desperation and longing, their heart yearning for the chance to see Ruthven, even if it meant behind bars.
Viburnius nodded. "You're allowed to see him on a screen but you two can't communicate with being listened to, I won't put you in danger ever again." Viburnius said with a smile on his face.
Tyler's breath escaped their lips in a heavy sigh, their shoulders slumping in the weight of resignation.
Kassandra bumped into him and whispered, "Beware of him."
"It's okay," Tyler reassured Kassandra in a gentle whisper.
Kassandra pointed to Viburnius but because she couldn't see she inserted her finger into his nose. "He's a dangerous one." Viburnius sighed and removed the finger gently. "I'm not."
"I'm going to miss you, master," Tyler whispered, their voice filled with a mixture of affection and sorrow, their arms wrapped tightly around Lord Ruthven.
Ruthven whispered in his ear, "Continue with the plan as normal." Viburnius pushed them apart and gestured for Ruthven to be taken away by the fairy cops who just showed up after his call.
Tyler's body quivered with a mixture of pleasure and anticipation as Ruthven's whispered words lingered in their ear, a tingling sensation coursing through their veins, and they reluctantly waved goodbye, their heart heavy with the weight of the impending plan.
Kassandra thought deeply and sniffed Tyler's hair. "You smell sweet," she said and smelled Viburnius. "Your smell I can't place."
A rosy blush spread across Tyler's cheeks, their fur standing on end as they nervously ran their left paw through their hair.
Kassandra suddenly stood still and didn't move. "Oh my," she said while she encountered a vision which left her shocked.
"What?" Tyler asked, their voice filled with concern and curiosity, their eyes widening as they awaited Kassandra's response.
Kassandra went limp from shock and got caught by Viburnius. "Wonder what she saw." He laid her down on the bed and looked at Tyler. "What's your plan now?"
"We should figure out what caused her vision and take care of her," Tyler suggested, their voice filled with determination and concern.
Viburnius shrugged and pointed at Clifford and Piltdown. "What we gonna do with those two?" Clifford and Piltdown just stood there for the entire time with their jaws dropped to the ground.
"That's my girlfriend, if anyone should take care of her, it's me," Clifford declared with a mix of protectiveness and determination.
Viburnius shrugged. "Sure but what did she see in me?"
"I don't know, I don't even know how her visions work," Clifford admitted.
Viburnius shrugged. "This is all very vague, how about we sit down to think about it? I know a cool café down the road."
"Katz Café? I know that one," Clifford replied.
Viburnius nodded. "Let's head there now, I'll send the fairy army to clean up this place, I'm very good at delegating my duties."
With gentle strength, Clifford cradled Kassandra in his arms, her body limp against his chest, as he carefully navigated the streets towards Katz Café.
Viburnius smiled. "Being the general of an army brings along a lot of opportunities for one's political game, anyway we're here."
Gently setting Kassandra down in a plush booth, Clifford ensured her comfort as he carefully adjusted the cushions behind her, while Tyler took a seat across from him.
Viburnius sat down as well. "So any questions new guy?"
"What do you plan to do with my girlfriend?" Clifford inquired, his voice laced with a mix of protective concern and a hint of scepticism.
Viburnius thought deeply, "Take her in for questioning and research, a oracle can be handy when you know how to use it."
"I want to come with," Clifford asserted, his voice filled with unwavering conviction and loyalty, determined to stand by Kassandra's side and protect her throughout the process of questioning and research.
Viburnius nodded. "Having a familiar presence might do her good but for now she's a real Sleeping Beauty, I wonder how that happened." He stroked her cheek and the hairs on it went up.
"If we find out what her vision was, we might figure out what caused it," Clifford suggested.
Viburnius looked at Piltdown. "And what's his story? He seems frightened out of his mind so I need you to speak for him."
"He's my 'friend'," Clifford replied, air quoting the word friend, as he gestured towards Piltdown, his tone tinged with a mixture of fondness and amusement, "and co-worker. I rescued him from that phoenix guy."
Viburnius looked at Tyler again and thought deeply. "You got any ideas about all of this? What's Ruthven's plan? You must know a little bit of it."
"Lord Ruthven wanted her for her visions," Tyler responded, "and he has disciples helping him."
Viburnius folded his fingers together and leaned his chin on them. "Tell me everything you know about the disciples."
"Just that he has them," Tyler began, his voice tinged with a mix of caution and uncertainty, "and he calls them when he needs them."
Viburnius thought deeply. "All this is very odd why would he let himself be taken in, unless he wanted to get taken away…"
Tyler's gaze shifted slightly, his lips pursed as he made a silent decision to withhold further information, allowing Viburnius to delve deeper into his thoughts.
Viburnius thought deeply. "Anyway did you hear any of his thoughts while you were connected to him, anything at all?"
"It wasn't like a psychic connection," Tyler replied, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and vulnerability, "but rather an overwhelming sense that I was destined to serve and be Lord Ruthven's lover."
Suddenly Kassandra woke up and stared at everyone.
"Kassandra!" Clifford exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of relief and concern as he locked eyes with her, the intensity of the moment palpable in the air.
Kassandra looked at him and was confused. "What happened? Why am I here and who are all those people, Viburnius?" She asked him and he blushed and was confused as well.
"You fainted," Clifford interjected.
Kassandra looked at him and tilted her head. "How peculiar and who might you be?" she innocently asked Tyler.
"I'm Tyler," Tyler replied, his confusion evident in his voice as he tried to make sense of the peculiar situation unfolding before him.
Kassandra nodded. "I remember you now, sorry that I fainted." She gave him a soft kiss on his cheek and turned to Clifford. "I have something to tell you and you ain't gonna like it."
"What?" Clifford asked nervously, his voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
Kassandra pouted. "Sorry but I can't be your girlfriend." And pointed to Viburnius. "Cause I'm already married to him." Viburnius looked shocked. "Well well well this is odd."
"I understand..." Clifford responded, his voice tinged with a sense of deflation as he processed Kassandra's unexpected revelation, a mix of disappointment and acceptance intertwining within his heart.
Piltdown slapped him on the back. "Forget about her, you got me!" And chuckled while patting Clifford on the back hard.
Turning and leaning on Piltdown with his chin resting on Piltdown's shoulder, Clifford muttered dejectedly, "It's not like you can be my girlfriend," the weight of his emotions palpable in his voice.
Piltdown grabbed his chin and raised it up. "Who needs a girlfriend when you can have a bro like me! Look at it."
A slight blush crept onto Clifford's cheeks as Piltdown gently lifted his chin.
Viburnius looked at Kassandra. "What did you see?" Kassandra looked back. "Everything." And thought deeply about what to reveal "Check my back," she said as she pulled her shirt over her shoulders, on her back were two vertical slits that looked like cut off fairy wings. "I'm one of your kind, big surprise."
Clifford's eyes widened in astonishment as he beheld the two vertical slits on Kassandra's back.
Viburnius looked at them and licked them. "Yes that tastes like fairy alright but who cut them off?" He asked Kassandra. "I'm what you call a changeling, my parents replaced me with a little baby from a human household and I'll lived there all my life being abused and bullied for my nature, humans sure are evil."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Clifford expressed sympathetically.
Viburnius put her shirt back on her back and smiled. "Anything else you seen?" Kassandra nodded. "I saw a baby version of you getting swapped by a little fairy girl and that little girl was me."
Clifford's mind whirled with astonishment and confusion as he tried to comprehend the revelation.
Viburnius was shocked as well and sighed deeply. "All my life has been a lie and so has yours," he said to Kassandra.
"So you're both fairies, and married?" Clifford asked.
Viburnius shrugged. "Well to be honest I don't know what's real anymore and what's not, I might be a human or might be a fairy but I'm most certain that I'm me." And looked at Kassandra lovingly "Say what's that about that marriage stuff?" Kassandra nodded. "That was a vision of the future you see." And smiled.
"Well, I accept you both," Clifford responded warmly.
They hugged each other and drew Clifford and the rest in for a big group hug. "Yippee!" They shouted in choir and smiled.
Clifford's massive arms enveloped everyone in a tight, warm embrace.
Viburnius tried to struggle a bit as his ribs were cracking. "H….elp," he said weakly as he pressed against Kassandra.
As Viburnius weekly uttered his plea for help, Clifford's eyes widened with realisation, his arms instantly releasing their tight grip.
Viburnius shook his head and sighed. "Damn you're strong."
"I work out," Clifford replied with a playful grin.
Viburnius playfully poked his abs. "I am surrounded by cuties!"
A faint blush crept up Clifford's cheeks as Viburnius playfully poked his defined abs.
Viburnius smiled as he tickled Clifford's belly. "I love fluffy!" And tickled Tyler and Piltdown as well. "This city is perfect!"
Clifford squirmed and giggled as Viburnius tickled his belly.
Viburnius looked at Tyler. "What's your reaction to this information?"
"I'm just happy that you know the truth," Tyler replied with a relieved smile.
Viburnius nodded and suddenly gained a light bulb above his head. "I participated in a lottery and won tickets for a cruise!"
"We could celebrate your soon-to-be marriage on the cruise!" Tyler exclaimed excitedly.
Viburnius nodded and said, "Alright who wants to go?"
Clifford let out a sigh upon realising that Kassandra would be marrying someone else and raised his paw, while Tyler raised his own paw.
Viburnius pointed at Clifford. "You first what's on your mind?"
"I'm just a bit disappointed that Kassandra is marrying someone else, but I understand that it's fate," Clifford replied with a hint of resignation in his voice.
Viburnius waved his hand. "No such thing as fate, you can date her if you want, your life is nothing but the blink of an eye so I won't mind," he said while smiling at Kassandra who smiled back.
Clifford's eyes lit up with a newfound excitement as a wide smile spread across his face, his tail wagging eagerly, envisioning the precious moments he would get to spend with Kassandra on the cruise, the anticipation filling his heart with joy.
Kassandra smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "You are such a cutie pie you know?" And hugged him tightly.
Clifford wrapped his massive yet gentle paws around Kassandra, embracing her tightly, being mindful of his own strength as he held her close.
Viburnius looked at his wife and looked at Tyler. "I learned this from you, you should be proud of yourself, you're a good teacher."
Tyler smiled proudly.
Viburnius did a head count. "Me, Kassandra, Clifford, Piltdown, Argos, Tyler. Anybody I'm forgetting?" He asked Tyler.
"I think that's everyone," Tyler replied.
Viburnius grabbed Tyler's shoulder. "And Ruthven ain't coming along do you hear me? I am certain of it and don't want anything else happening, just a vacation with the six of us and nobody else!"
"I understand. I'll make sure I enjoy the cruise while Lord Ruthven is in prison," Tyler reassured.
Viburnius smiled. "50/50 chance he breaks out anyway all my workers are huge slackers you know and that is pretty annoying."
"Yeah, I know," Tyler replied.
Viburnius sighed. "But they are unfortunately the most qualified ironically since they are the least likely to free the prisoners."
"Let's not worry about Lord Ruthven," Tyler interjected, attempting to steer the conversation away from the topic of his potential escape.
Viburnius shrugged. "You got enough time to pack, the boat leaves next week, over seven days so mark the date."
Clifford, with a determined nod, turned on his heel and briskly made his way towards his room, his stride purposeful and his mind already envisioning the essential items he would carefully select and neatly fold into his suitcase. Meanwhile, Tyler, his excitement palpable, hurriedly left the room, his steps light and quick as he headed towards his own abode, where he would meticulously gather his belongings, ensuring he had everything needed for the adventure that awaited him on the cruise ship.