Chapter Text
Thousands years ago a there was a being of power named Gaxis who lived among mortals,
they were the demi-god of longing. They would drive mortals to great heights and often depths of despair.
Gaxis spent their time weaving desires and dreams of love into the fabric of the universe.
Silent Prayers from those yearning for a better future filled his ears day and night; He'd answer their prayers- Gaxis was bound by their divine nature to never satisfy their own longing. It was like a paradox that defined their existence; always wanting.
Lavina was a mortal avain who lived in a quiet village; she never quite fit in with the people around her; she always longed for something she couldn't name nor understand.
On a winter night when the sky was inky and the Stars that were scattered twinkled brightly; Lavina found herself in the ancient shines that were once dedicated to long forgotten deities.
She didn't know what brought her there but she found herself kneeled down in front of Gaxis’s structure that was overgrown with vines.
Gaxis showed themselves the figure otherworldly and full of beauty Lavina found herself entranced.
Their meeting was destined and was always going to happen— their fates were always intertwined.
Lavina stood before Gaxis seeing her reflection in their own longing — Gaxis felt fulfillment. Their souls bound together their relationship transcended past the boundaries of a mortal and superior being.
Lavina would visit everyday until she grew sick and Ill; despite Gaxis's best efforts Lavina was still moral.
One fateful evening Lavina passed in Gaxis’s arms; the night seemed to stand still - to keep Lavina’s soul the demi-god performed a ritual, a side effect being some mortals being soul bound in the same way they were.
____
“And that my dear is the folklore today and why we celebrate” The raven hair spoke with a smile on her face watching as the young ender traced their hands over the pictures in the book.
The older royal’s attention turned to the door that was now opened. A short horned maid bowed her head before clearing her throat.
“Your majesty, your wife is back from her trip” She spoke softly.
The taller ender smiled and clapped her hands together before picking the toddler off her lap and at setting them on the bed.
The maid excused herself with a nod and left. The young royal watched as the woman closed the book and placed it back on the bookshelf.
“Betes let's go see Mama, yes?” In response the child smiled and held out their arms. She quickly scooped up the child I'm her arms and exited the room.
___
“Excuse me-sorry I'm sorry, coming through- ACK “
The black and white hybrid squeaked as they bumped into a person causing them both to crash and tumble. They really weren't used to how crowded the streets were; it's probably worse because of the festival.
They quickly made sure their hood was still secure on their head before looking to see if the other person was alright.
The cat hybrid who looked to be in his early 20s stood up and patted the dust off his clothes.
“I am so so sorry sir - a-are you um okay?” They stuttered out an apology frantically waving their hands.
“I'm fine but those mooncakes definitely aren't. I don't know what I'll sell at the festival now” he said with a slight chuckle mentioning the now smooshed pastries on the cobble ground.
“Oh my void I am so sorry! I can pay you back I promise!” The Royal apologized once more. They scrambled to find the bag of coins in their cloak pocket. When they looked up they could see a few familiar figures a few stands back.
Royal guards.
They cursed to themselves before quickly tossing the entire bag full of money into the cat hybrids cards.
“Sorry again, hope this help gotta go!” They quickly spoke before hurriedly scurrying off. The man stood confused before shrugging his shoulders.
The royal huffed to themselves as they quickly made their way to the other side of the market.
‘It's all over if the guards catch me- Mother won't let me out of her supervision if she finds out I snuck out especially on a holiday like the day of eternal bonds…I really don't want to go to that party though- I want to actually experience the festival for once’
They thought to themselves. The cloak they wore kept their identity hidden but it was still risky. They still stick out like a sore thumb as not many common folk are enders.
They soon remembered that masks were a big part of the festival; at least from what they can remember they used them in traditional dances.
‘I’m sure I could find a mask for cheap with the little cash I still have left” Betes mumbled under their breath before taking at the handful of coins they still had.
They ended up finding a mask that was pretty cheap. It was a moon mask and the design had it in which the eyes were closed. They quickly paid and put it on immediately feeling more secure.
—
The Young Royal found themselves watching a play that was held by the locals in the town square. They watched as the people moved around the stage in such a way it was memorizing.
They also admired the well built props and how intricate the costumes were. Oh how they wished to see things like this every year.
As the play came to a close the actors and narrator all huddled on stage and took a final bow.
However the masked hybrid couldn't help but notice one of the actors in particular. They had never seen a hybrid like them before it was hard to describe them.
Betes just shook their head and clapped along with the rest of the crowd.
—
As it got later into the day the royal found themselves enjoying the festival more and more. It was full of things they've never seen before from Amazing theatrical performances and puppets shows to the street food and music.
The royal did their best to try and stay away from guards who were more than likely looking for them.
Eventually it was getting darker which meant ribbon binding and offerings would soon take place.
Bêtes excitedly placed the golden trinket in the shape of a flower they'd been wanting to use since they were little on the stone in front of them.
They never got to participate in festival activities because of the ball their mothers would put on for the more rich folk and sometimes their allying Kingdoms.
The horned hybrid went to grab the dark blue ribbon from in their pocket and stood up to tie it around next to the other ribbons.
“Usually you make a wish with these…what would I wish for-” Betes spooked under their breath. Their multicolored eyes widened when they realized their trinket went missing.
They soon spotted a gun-powder colored cat with it in her mouth. The royal sank down to their heels at the cat's level.
“Hey you little cutie that's mine I'm just going to take this back no-” as they went to stick out their hand the feline started to run; the bell around their neck ringing in the process.
Betes was taken back but quickly got up and chased after the cat. People watched confused as the tall hybrid ran through the crowd of people after a cat.
The gray cat cut behind a building that led to a more isolated park area. The masked royal stopped for a bit to catch their breath.
The same actor from earlier sat on a bench in the clearing, She had black hair that faded into a green and pointed yet floppy ears.
At first Betes thought she was an again but they're extremely rare to come across and there's almost none in the kingdom; but they didn't have the second pair of wings on their head like most avains did; On top of that they had yellow horns plus a green tail with yellow accents. They couldn't really pinpoint what she was exactly.
She seemed occupied with something.She let out a yelp when the cat jumped into her lap.
“There you are, Bells! “ They said with a smile scratching under the cat's chin. She noticed the flower trinket and gently took it from Bell’s mouth.
‘Her name is Bells, how iconic ‘ the royal thought. They cleared their throat making their presence known.
“oh! Hello there…hey wait a minute I recognize that mask! You're the really tall person I saw in the crowd earlier “ She beamed her dark eyes crinkling as she smiled.
Taken back by how upbeat they were, Betes scrambled out a response.
“Oh yeah aha- right you were one of the actors for that firefly performance - It was really good by the way…” They mumbled the last part. they rubbed the back of their arm to soothe their nerves.
“Anywho! I'm Starz, the one and only dragon, at your service and this cutie is Bells” She said confidently.
‘So they're a dragon? But their wings look a lot like an avains..but I guess it explains the horns and tail’ the royal thought
“Wait, I didn't know dragons lived in the kingdom let alone anywhere near here…” The Royal said mostly to themselves but Starz overheard.
“Well I'm not fully dragon technically just partially as you can see“ She said, outstretching her feathery wings.
“Plus I don't actually live in the kingdom. I usually come into town for the festival to perform shows with my crew since the locals love our shows” She continued putting her hands on her hips ; her mischievous smile never falling.
Betes let out a hum in response.
“Oh right the flower trinket was mine I was kinda gonna use it for an offering -” they soon remembered why they even came over. Starz let out an ‘ah’ and quickly handed the golden trinket back to the enderian.
“Sorry about that Bells like to just take things especially if they're shiny— anywho Can I get a name or am I going to have to just call you masked stranger?” The green dragon spoke, raising an eyebrow brow.
The hybrid felt a weird strong sense of security around Starz.
‘It wouldn't be a problem if I took off my mask just for a bit right? They did say they don't even live here plus there don't seem to be any royal guards around ‘
Betes thought, trying to justify trusting this complete stranger for absolutely no reason.
They removed the moon mask from their face before shaking off their hood. They cleared their throat.
“I'm Betes nice to meet you “ the hybrid introduced themselves with a shy smile. It was followed by a little silence. The dragon looked over their features and their eyes seemed to false with something the royal couldn't describe.
This made them panic internally but it was quickly crushed when Starz smiled before extending her hand for them to shake.
“Never met an enderian before! Awesome sauce! “ The dragon hybrid spoke excitedly.Betes let out a soft chuckle before reluctantly shaking her hand.
“So you said you really only come into town for the festival, correct?” The Royal said, sitting down on the bench.
“Yup” Starz responded, taking a seat next to the black and white hybrid.
“Why is that exactly? What's so special about it” Betes asked, tilting their head slightly.
Kicking her feet she brought a finger to her chin and let out a hum.
“Well where I'm from most people don't really believe in Southern folklore so we don't really celebrate the day of enteral bonds so that's why I usually come out here to put on big plays like that here instead; “
“Does that mean you live super far from Saitus?” The young royal asked ; curiosity about the half dragon in front of them growing more by the second.
“No…I live not too far actually, which reminds me I should probably gather my things if I want to be home before the sun rises“ She shrugged her shoulders.
Puzzled, the enderian shot the raven hair a confused look.
“But it's almost midnight and the closest other civilization is about 2 days away on horseback. How could you make it there before then?” Betes questioned.
“Well that's because I don't live in Lyia, I live much closer” Starz stated simply.
“Sorry if this is a bit intrusive but where do you live-” The taller hybrid said, biting the inside of their lip.
“Mmm well I couldn't just say exactly however I could show you since we're like totally best friends now butttt you'd have to keep it a secret “ the dragon said crossing her arms.
‘Wow she is…oddly trusting I'm basically a stranger to her but I can't say I'm not curious…ack but I have to head home soon Mother's probably already really upset…’ The royal thought.
“Best friends?—I would really love but I've gotta get home really soon since it's already dark out and I don't know how long of a journey that would be…” Betes said scratching the back of their neck and avoiding eye contact.
Starz let out a little hum before a mischievous smile spread across her face. Her hands found her hips before she confidently spoke.
“Well if you want we could meet back up here tomorrow since I was planning on coming back to get some pastries from my favorite bakery here since it's always closed during the festival “ Starz stated ; tail swishing behind her in a slow motion.
‘She must not live too far away if she can come back the next day just for some pastries… there's no harm in sneaking out again…if I don't get caught that is’
“Fine, you have yourself a deal…”
“Hooray! Meet me here around three, does that sound alright?” The dragon hybrid asked in which was followed by Betes nodding their head.
“Perfect well in that case it seems we both should be heading our separate ways no?”
“I uh yeah”
“Welpp see you around Bets “ Starz said getting up. She Stretched out her wings before picking up the satchel that sat on the bench. She started to walk more into the forest area that boarded the park. Bells quickly followed behind.
Before disappearing into the trees the dragon turned on her heels and waved to the royal. They waved back.
Betes let out a sigh and tried to collect what just happened… were they really going to do this?
They just shook their head before slipping their hood back on along with the moon mask. They quickly turned back to where they could see the streets lined with lamps.
——
“Your majesty! Where have you been?!?”
“Aspasia! Funny seeing you here…in my room “ the young royal said letting out an awkward chuckle .
The shorter enderian just pitched her nose bridge before letting out a sigh. “I've been worried sick about you! You're lucky your mother was so busy that she hadn't noticed your absence until Maybe an hour ago”
“Oh…I'm in big trouble aren't I?” Betes asked , forming a frown. The horned redhead shook her head no.
“Fortunately for you I managed to convince her you had already retired for the night by then…now answer my question!”
“Ah- sorry Aspasia and thanks… um I kinda snuck out “ they said fiddling with their fingers.
The maid shot them a look before playfully rolling her eyes. “ I know that, but where you were exactly!” she said putting her hands on her hips.
“Town…I really wanted to see the festival in person, I never get to and these fancy parties are always the same “
Aspasia’s gaze softer before a small smile formed on her face.
“You know… you remind me a lot of your mother when she was younger” The maid said, cradling her face in her hand. Betes just quirked a brow
“She didn’t like big, old fancy parties like you…believe it or not she always seemed adventurous, never enjoying having to deal with her studies or Royal duties, you know how many times she convinced me to sneak out with her” a She said with a sigh.
“Are you sure you're not thinking of someone else?” The multi-colored eyed ender asked jokingly; their mother was always so serious they couldn't imagine her as the rebellious type.
“No really she was like that before she met your Mom; Lilith really did bring out a different side of her, she became the complete opposite of how she was growing up with me, Lilith was fun ,energetic and out there and Nova became the responsible one— anywho ahem enough about your mother, did you at least have fun?”
“Oh! Yeah it was actually really fun- it was so nice seeing the people interact everyone was really nice “ Betes beamed before sitting on their plush bed.
“I should be scolding you right now but…as long as you had a good time…and that's all that matters to me as long as you're not hurt” the redhead said, crossing her arms.
“I’m sorry for making you worry…um I guess I should tell you then” the Royal said with a nod. They took off their cloak and set it next to them on the bed. They let out a yawn and stretched out their body.
“Where are you going with this your Majesty?” Aspasia spoke softly with a hint of curiosity in her voice.
“Well… I kind of promised I would meet up with someone Tomorrow” Betes said, mumbling the last part under their breath.
“Your majesty…”
“I promise I won't be long! ” The taller enderian said, clapping their hands together in a plea.
“I don't know, you know how your mother is about you just leaving the castle especially after you know…” The maid tried to reason.
“Please this person is really weird- wait that's the right way to describe her- I'm just super curious and there's to many questions and I just -”
“Fine but be back before sun down and you better start paying more attention during your piano lessons “ Aspasia said, cutting off the young royal.
“Wait really?!?” Betes asked with a smile slowly spreading across their face.
The red head just rolled her eyes and nodded her head. “Your mother may not be think you're ready for the outside but I do think keeping you isolated and basically buried in paperwork isn't the best so if you really want to do this I'm granting you that freedom but I'm trusting you not to do anything stupid and to come back safely “ She said sternly.
“Now I'm going to head off to bed now you should do the same it's past midnight”
“Good night Aspasia”
“Good night Betes”
——
The dragon swung her feet back and forth as she sat on the bench. She munched on the puff pastries she had brought not too long ago.
She really didn't know why she was about to let this stranger follow her to the village. She's not very trusting towards enderians anymore after the whole incident but here she is letting one follow her home because they seem curious.
She couldn't blame them; she was as curious about them as they were her. It was strange, really strange. She's never trusted anyone this fast before; she was always cautious and awkward at first but it's like she wanted to tell this stranger everything about her.
It was honestly kind of scary. She herself didn't know what caused such a switch up. She fiddled with the moonflower charm that hung from her side.
Starz was snapped out of her thoughts as her ear twitched in response to hearing footsteps along the grass. She looked up to see Betes as tall as ever.
The green themed half dragon stood up quickly picking up the bag of pastries.
“Bets! Glad you actually showed up here I saved some cream puffs from starlight sweets” The dragon offered the bag.
The bag has a cute sheep in a chef's hat on it littering the packaging.
‘How cute’ The pawed hybrid thought their tail swayed slightly. They gently took the bag full of pastries from Starz.
“You ready we have a little bit of a walk”
Betes nodded and Starz smiled before swiftly turning, the gold jewelry on her horns jingling.
——
The duo walked in the forest for a while mostly in a comfortable silence. Eventually Starz stopped abruptly. Confusion hit the pawed hybrid as it seemed to be anything past the wall of vines.
They would have to go around it if it was too thick. They reached out to move past a few of the vines. Before they could, however, the sound of the shorter hybrid's voice startled them. “Don’t touch them!”She yelped quickly, grabbing their arm and pulling it away from the yellow vines tangled in one another.
“oh Is it poisonous? '' The hybrid asked, balling up their hand and keeping it close to their chest. Starz hummed and nodded her head before speaking.
“They are extremely toxic for most hybrids and only a few animals can touch them without getting extremely sick. They're called halzey vines. They only grow around here and unless they’re growing fruit which is only in spring, they are a no-go. Their bright yellow color should be a warning in itself” The half dragon explained.
Starz puffed up her wings before spreading them out to their full wing span. Betes quickly backed up out of the way to not get hit directly in the torso by accident.
They watched as Starz moved away from the first layer of the yellow-ish vines with their wings. She turned to the taller figure before tilting her head. “
“ Are you coming or what, what are you waiting for?” She asked, referring to the opening they created.
Betes’s eyebrows knitted as they backed up a bit from the vines
“But what ab-”
“The vines won’t set off their toxins if you use your wings as an umbrella, feathers are light enough to not trigger anything, It's safe”
The Ender stood still not sure if they wanted to continue, they fiddled with the ring on their finger before giving Starz an unsure look.
“You have my word, I pinky promise you'll be fine”
Curiosity burned through their veins and they just sighed defeat. Still hesitant, Betes spread out their own pair of wings. The shorter hybrid helped them adjust their wings to keep the vines from touching them.
When they made it out of the wall of Hezly they stood at the entrance of a village. Different shops lined the streets and it was a breathtaking experience.
What first stood out the most was the water fountain that looked almost identical to the one in the garden back at home. The only difference is that it seemed to be in much better condition.
The royal garden wasn't tended to regularly after what happened, Betes sometimes tries to keep the followers alive but for the most part it's basically falling apart.
Another thing that took the royal by surprise was the fact It seemed to cater to avians as a lot of the homes were perched on trees like huge birdhouses. They've never seen these many avians in one place before.
They're supposed to be super rare yet here they are. Just living in this…village hidden from the outside world. The architecture of most of the buildings is quite old so they have to have been here a real long time. They wondered just how long.
Have they been living under a rock?
“Um Earth to Betes's?”
“Oh sorry, this place is just really gorgeous, you really just live here, I'm jealous” They said with a dramatic sigh.
“Oh please I'm assuming you live in the richer part of Satius judging by the fancy clothes and the fact you're well an ender
, I've only been there once…despite everything I have to admit it was a sight for sore eyes” Starz said confidently as usual.
Betes wanted to question what she meant by “despite everything” but just dropped it and shook their head.
“No really this place is so cozy and lively it's refreshing from what I'm used too”
“Anywho let's keep moving”
After a little bit of walking down the streets, the two made it to a more grassy area. The sound of a familiar bell rang through their ears.
Behind quite a thick tree was a gray-furred cat curled up on a and a not-so-familiar pinkette’s lap.
Bella purred and rubbed against the stranger’s hand. He scratched behind her ears making her let out an affectionate meow.
He had long light pink hair that faded into white at the end. It was braided down his back neatly. His red eyes that were cloudy and relaxed were framed by glasses. He had pointy ears with pink fur on the ends. Tusk-like teeth poked out of his mouth. He was covered in freckles and scars that stood out against his pale skin.
“Techno, I’m back, and I bought cream puffs like I promised, the strawberry ones are yours” Starz said, placing the bag down next to the piglin.
The dragon plopped down on the slightly damp grass next to the pinkette “And who’s this? “ He responded, monotone voice catching the royal off guard.
“Oh right, Techno this is Betes, Betes this grumpy guy is Techno” The raven hair spoke tail finding its way into her lap.
“I met them at the festival yesterday and’ Bells kinda stole found them” She continued,seeing the concerned yet intense glare from the piglin hybrid.
“And you completely trusted them enough to let them in here? “Techno quizzed.
“And you said you met them yesterday correct ?”He added Before She could get the chance to answer.Starz bit her lip and looked at the ender who stood awkwardly behind her.
“Um…so um yea…”
“So basically you let a stranger into the village? I- this isn't like you; you know how you are around new people especially how you are around enderians so this is just out of the blue I'm so confused, this” The pinkette ranted out sternly with a sigh.
He stopped rubbing the cat's belly, which she wasn’t too happy about but just cuddled up in his arms.
Betes watched awkwardly, they were also confused about the enderian thing.
‘I thought I was the first enderian she had met? At least that's what she said…I want to ask but right now doesn't seem like the time' The pawed hybrid thought to themselves.
“Well, I trust them..strangely enough..for the most part they seem different…” Starz whispered looking down at her lap tall, swishing back and forth anxiously.
You
The piglin let out a long sigh before fixing his gaze on the tall hybrid. Techno pushed his glasses up on his nose bridge.
“So where are you from?” He asked the ender. Betes was caught off guard but cleared their throat.
“Uh The Satius kingdom...From the Arctic regions, uh like Starz said we met at the festival…” They responded, fiddling with their own hands trying to calm their nerves as Techno basically examined them like a hawk.
The piglin let out a grunt but just shook his head and sat back against the tree trunk. Relaxing just a bit.
“Sorry Techno is very strict with new people, he just doesn't trust people super easily that's just how he is so don't worry about him basically giving you a death glare, I'm sure he'll warm up to you eventually you just gotta give him a chance “ Starz apologized scratching behind her head.
Betes let out an awkward chuckle. A small shy smile pulled at the corners of their lips.”Well I don't blame him you're very trusting, I'm no better since I literally followed you into the woods but you know, it seems like he just cares for you a ton” the royal said in response.
Techno mumbled something under his breath making the two chuckle a bit.
The piglin stood up suddenly and looked through the pockets before finding what he was looking for. He pulled out a slip of paper. It was crinkled and the handwriting was messy.
“Starz”
The deep monotone voice called out. The raven hair’s ears twitched Making her turn her attention to the piglin. Her eyes found the piece of paper. The pinkette quickly neatly folded the crumbed paper to the best of his ability. He handed it to the short dragon hybrid.
“I have to do something really important. Would you mind if you and your new little friend give this to Minty really quick? “He asked before turning to pick up the brown satchel that had been sitting next to him. He pulled it over his shoulders before turning back to the duo.
“Sir, yes Sir ” Starz said with a grin spreading across her face.She took the paper carefully before stuffing it into the pockets of her skirt.
Techno smiled softly before ruffling her hair making her yelp and swart away his hand, He looked up at Betes.
“You take care of her yeah? Keep her out of trouble, If Starz trusts you so do I. '' He said, turning away from the two. He began to walk in a different direction before stopping in his tracks.
“Please don’t screw that up,” He added.
It sounded almost like a threat and it sent shivers through the ender’s spine . The tallest hybrid quickly nodded in response. Before the two hybrids knew it the piglin had disappeared. They sat in silence for a while.
The sound of shifting fabric filled the air as Starz stood up.
“Welp, it’s best we get it going then” She spoke finally, breaking the quiet bubble.
The young royal quickly followed her actions and stood up as well. Brushing off any dust or dirt that could be on their pants.
Betes turned to the large resting cat and picked her up. She was quick to crawl up on their shoulders.
“Lead the way,”
——