Chapter Text
A perfect day for me? I’d say…light rain at night, as the animals get ready to sleep or wake up, a big book and a warm cup of tea in my hands. That’s my perfect day, and I would be having that perfect day, if! My sister hadn’t signed me up to give a bunch of speeches to people, but I can’t really say I hate them, even if they hate me too. I will be their king, so I'll have to suck it up!
A few years ago, or at least a lot of them, an unexpected villain attacked the Kingdom of Dreamria, a symbol of unity. The villain burned down more than half the kingdom, which is still being repaired to this day. The royals and heroes of this kingdom: Flames, Aqua, and my parents Lovendy and Darkness. Had lowered their guard throughout the years, and this villain was far stronger than them, leading to their inevitable failure. The people were angered, saying that these heroes, these “Elements” were incapable of protecting the common-folk, as their strong and “uncontrollable” amounts of power and magic worsened the situation. That they created unnecessary destruction and violence.
Now ,Elements still exist, some out in the open, some hidden, and some facing discrimination and abuse. I, as king , will unify Elements and the people, by protecting them all from any harm. I will make sure that the Kingdom of Dreamria remains a symbol of unity. For all of us.
I waited to see if the people applauded, or at least stayed quiet, but no. Here came the boos and- did that guy just throw me a fucking baby?! Hate me more than you love your child, got it. What bad parents!!!
I walked backstage, my friends awaited me, we don’t really have staff, they all quit after the attack. So my friends volunteered this week to help with the coronation. I know people have to accept help, but I just feel like I don’t deserve it. So instead of going with my friends, I walked out before they saw me, to go and get some fresh air, you know? It’s relaxing. I took a more secluded route, holding an umbrella above my head. The light raindrops hit it, making small thumping sounds against the umbrella’s protection. The birds and squirrels hid in their trees and a few crickets began to make a few noises somewhere far away. It’s just what I needed to forget today’s events. As I walked, I saw this weird pink blob in the distance, the color being so bright that it’s annoying, I should’ve worn my contacts…It approached, was it floating? Before I could call out I felt how it trapped me in its weird and sugary, sticky…hair? Oh. It brought me back to the venue, it was my sister, Nora. She was the Love Element while I was the Dark Element. She loves nearly anything, probably loves stalking me too! Why can’t I walk in peace!?
“ Phan!” She exclaimed
“What?”
“Why did you run away!?”
“I didn’t run away, I walked away”
“Oh look at me, I’m Phantum and correct people over stupid shit!” She said, trying to mock me.
“Well it’s true!”
Nora is quite the energetic person, she finds opportunities in everything, even illegal ones, I hope they're helpful one day. Nora then showed me my phone, I must’ve left it backstage before giving the speech. I saw how my friends had left me messages after leaving and finishing up for the day, guess it was fine. I didn’t want to be ab other to them.
-Zoe P.: “Take a break”
-Sol L.: “Are you alright? I hope you like the makeup I did!”
-Zach W.: “Murder (In minecraft)”
-Magma F.: “People are shit”
-Jason S.: “If you want tot get drunk, i’ll give you as much as you want if you come around the bar”
-Sam F.: “Are you ok!?1?1”
So supportive, but I could do it myself, after all, I was the best candidate for king, and I'm one of the strongest people in this world! I think? At least that's what I have been told.
People are weird. Some people lave you alone, while some are sitting outside my home yelling at me to kill myself. I could if I wanted to. Fall and leave my body on top of them? The evidence would be full of their DNA, maybe then they’ll shut up. Wait what? Don’t think that! Stars, what is wrong with me?!?! (Stars is like saying God)
No matter how many days pass, or how many speeches I choose to give, people’s opinions don't change that quickly, “Unless I do something big, it won’t work Nora”
“Sing then?”
“No.”
“COWARD”
“I am going to kill you in a very murderous way”
She was fun to be around though, she was entertaining and the majority of her ideas were good. Today we were looking for people to do volunteer work and help with the coronation’s preparations, and like you’d imagine, no one showed up! Yay I guess. As I was about to leave, someone who didn’t seem much older than me, with lilac hair, and surprisingly sparkly blue eyes, came over to talk to me.
“Are you Phantum?” They asked
“Yes, how can I help you?”
“I’m just here to volunteer, may I?”
That was a first, I haven't had a first in a while. This was a rare occurrence, not many people even want to look our way. What a nice change of pace. I quickly called for Nora, and when she arrived, I could practically see her heart begging to jump out her mouth from excitement. I swear this person looked like they were going to run away like a cat!
Their name was Jamie, as Nora guessed at least. I never really got their gender. They're like…how the fuck do I put this. Okay, two ways, they're either like a cute cat, who's gender you can only learn by checking, or! Or. Those anime boys.
As far as I know, we had a bunch of guest rooms, and when I told them to choose one of the vacant ones, they guessed, which is fine, but something was off. The way they expressed themselves or did the things I told them to help with, they did it with no second thought, as if they were mindlessly doing it. It was slightly concerning. The look in their eyes had no signs of life, or passion, which who could have while sweeping a ballroom? But every single person I've ever seen has some look in their eyes that tells you they have the passion or hope for something, a hobby, or going to a family. It was strange to see someone with what seemed like no will. The question I'm asking myself is whether it's a will to live or free will. Maybe I'm just reaching, I really need a small distraction from everything. I keep finding reporters and protesters outside the gates. Is it normal for me now? Yes. Do I like it, not when they throw bricks at my windows. I think Jamie likes working in the more isolated rooms, like the throne room, it has multiple windows, but it's away from people, ill keep that in mind.
It wasn't even noon when they came up to me and told me they had finished. We also don't have a chef, so I've been making food for everyone who comes in. Now it includes Jamie, who apparently runs on water.
“Jamie, eat something, you're working hard, thanks by the way,” I told them.
“No thank you, do I go clean something else?” They asked.
“Clean this plate of food with your fork and mouth,” said Nora.
I gave her a look to shut up. I get mot many people like to eat so early, but we had been working so hard, ive gone to meetings and interviews left and right, Nora has bought the decorations, by her fucking self at like, I dont know, spirit Halloween or some shit. I should pay her back. And then Jamie, who has been helping Nora set up and been sweeping multiple rooms. The moment my train of thoughts is bombed by her loud voice did I remember I had an interview. I wish one of those flying bricks hit my head so that I could skip it, but sadly the dining room had no windows. (My opinion would change the day they broke the room with a wrecking ball.
I ran off to the interview, I can't be late! If I am, that damn reporter will tease and humiliate the shit out of me, I don't like getting nervous, these people aren't even worth getting nervous for! I feel like I'm gonna throw up. As stupid as it sounds, I hit my head on a pole and when I woke up a small kid was burying me in small pebbles, I did pass out in a park, thank goodness she didn't at least drag me out into a sand box and bury me in sand, I dressed pretty today, wait, what am I forgetting?
“Shit! The interview! Sorry for swearing kid,” The little girl forgave me, but I can tell she was holding back a shit ton of laughter.
My head felt like it was full of bees, I couldn't think clearly and every now and then I felt random pain, mainly at the front. I don't need my face to look any more gross than it already is. I looked up, stars, did I hit myself that hard? It's nighttime, how long was I out for? I hope a bird didn't poop on me, or a crow. Or a vulture tried to eat me. I stood up and dusted myself from the rocks, the little girl stared at me, she seemed nervous, is she upset that I interrupted her…pebble stocking?
“Sorry little girl, but I have to go, you picked nice pebbles though!” I said.
The little girl smiled softly, but i could still see her shaking in her small boots, “You have nice boots”
The little girl thanked me, but her small palms were still shaking. She's lost ,isn't she? Even worse, at night.
“What’s your name?” I asked her
“Amanda”
“It's nice to meet you Amanda, I’m Phantum, are you lost?”
“My mom was talking with her friends for a while”
“I hate when that happens it's so boring.” I sighed and she continued to talk while tearing up,
“I got bored and saw you sleeping, so I tried to wake you up, but you didn't, and she kept talking, so I grabbed the rocks and put them there, and then when I tried to find her, she wasn't there!”
The moment she started crying two parts of my brain activated: The first one being the part of me that wants to throw a crying child out the window, and the second one, is the empathetic one. I think I will listen to the second one, “Why don't we look for her, point me in the direction you saw her last”
She pointed left. I offered my hand and she took it, I think I've seen this little girl before, oh! She has been at multiple of my speeches. Why do parents involve little kids in political bullshit? This girl is wearing Hello Kitty boots and a hot pink sweater. What part about that tells you she wants to listen to you rant about the future of the kingdom? Her little outfit is good though, her mother picked nice clothes ill give her that.
As she walked, her little boots lit up too, so cute! Focus Phantum. The woman I'm looking for is tall, stupid, loud, wait no, physical characteristics. Tall brunette, and natural make up. I know because I've seen her yell at me during speeches. Such a fucking bitch. We walked up to a small plaza, there were multiple performances and shops set up. I wish I had money right now, the jewelry here is so cool! The little girl. I forgot her name, she got tired so we sat down. Such an irresponsible mom, how do you lose a small chi-...oh, its that easy I gues, “Oh fuck!”
Where did she go?! Why are little kids so little! I hate this, if that kid gets lost then I'm just as bad as they say, I led a small girl to the most packed place tonight and let her just leave my sight! What if a man offers her candy?! Find her! I kept looking and looking, “Abbey! Wait-no. Ashley?! A-Amanda! AMANDAAA!”
I rush through the crowd. As they give me weird looks, I look worse and worse. I can already hear what they'll say “Prince Phantum, kidnapped and lost a child!” Oh ill be ruined! Focus focus! I turn around, children are like moths or birds, attracted to shiny and bright things. The performances! I rush to the stage and there she is! At the fucking front along with the other kids. Guess I'll have to just watch. I've seen this show a million times, mom used to take me and Nora at least every weekend. Don't have to ask why we stopped. As the show progressed, I couldn't help but feel like something was wrong. The protagonist was acting differently, he was sloppy and asking for his line constantly, id just say its burnout. I wish it had burned out. In the fight scene, he suddenly went off script, using his fire to attack the dragon, the puppeteer got scared and dropped it, running away. The villain tried to calm him down, only to be burned. Screaming in pain and agony, the protagonist continued. The children ran away, I quickly found Amanda and told her to hide with the other kids. If they had responsible parents, they would keep an eye on her. After I had that sorted out, I quickly rushed to the villain who had been let to burn on the stage, what can I put it out with? A cloth? Would catch fire, water bucket? I don't want him to be in pain. Just do something!
“Help me!” He yelled out to me. I ran and grabbed him by the collar, the heat burning my fingers, I led him to the fountain quickly and put him out.
“Are you in any pain?” I asked him
“Why did you take so long?!” He screamed.
“I had to take care of something”
He gave me a skeptical look, and then looked at the direction of the alley with all the little stands. The protagonist had gone there, which was the worst possible outcome, if i had to fight this guy I would have to do it discreetly. That way they won't point fingers at me. It doesn't matter now, what is most important is to find him and stop him. The people laughed at me when I told them what was happening. Why do I even bother? I kept telling them that a man dressed in a prince outfit had burned down the stage and he came here. All I got was an eyeroll and what I'm pretty sure is a slur, that was new, at least they are trying new things.
What could cause such an action of violence? Alcohol? Maybe that's why he was slurring his words, but then the staff would notice the liquor smell. Something odorless, burn out would be sugar coating it, but it seemed like his coworkers wanted to help him, so they would've helped him beforehand. A drug, I've heard a few circulating around lately, mostly they just make people disassociate, surprisingly always looking at the stars. I've heard rumors of a drug called a Black diamond. Diamonds are a symbol of destruction, as they were used as a shield. Or a signature for an old villain, or more of a war criminal I guess. That must be it. But I wonder how much it last, maybe only five minutes since I haven’t seen any fire-
I saw smoke and panicked. I rushed to the scene only to find a merchant cart had stumbled into a food cart, causing the smoke. The men laughed at me. I'm not surprised, the police must've caught him before I did, I should go check on Amanda.
I'm pretty sure everyone’s right. Elements aren't needed. I am not needed. Amanda had found her mother who yelled at me, accusing me of trying to kidnap her and burning down the stage. Which wasnt possible,im not a fire elemental, or carry things that start fires. Also the culprit was obvious. I don't like today, the start was fine but the end was embarrassing. I wonder what everyone’s doing back at the palace, did Jamie actually eat? I hope so, I don't want them to go hungry. I bet Nora’s already asleep, it's amazing how some people flip a switch and fall into deep sleep, im envious. No medication helps me do that. I walked out the plaza and found a special someone, the protagonist, throwing up in what I'm sure he mistook for a trash can, which was one of those holes in trees. How high can he be?
“ Hey jackass!” I yelled at him. He quickly looked at me, he had foam coming out his mouth and burns on his arms, he really did go all out, so much that his fire proof body got burnt. As I was about to take him out he lunged at me, it was as if he were a wild animal with rabies. He paused for a moment and put something in his mouth, it was a Black Diamond. The moment I saw that pill, I was on high alert, my parents trained me since I was little, and we’re in a secluded spot away from people, it’s perfect! No one will suspect anything! The protagonist got angry, his hands tensing and his neck showing off its veins, his mouth foamed and his eyes turned red with a thirst for blood. He roared and erupted in blue flame, slowly burning his weakened body as he attacked me. I tried to get him off me by not harming him further, but his skin was hot and it immediately caused my hands to burn, creating a few blisters on the red skin. One punch worsened things, there was no possible way to not injure him. I quickly blinded him. The light around him disappeared, leaving him confused and panicked, he groaned in pain, his fire was there, he felt it melt his skin, something no fire elemental thinks is possible, he’s scared, just what i wanted him to be. A gauntlet forms around my hand where my gem is, and one swift punch to the stomach makes him throw up blood and the drug. The small Diamond’s capsule is clear and empty. The man panted and cried, “What happened…Where am I ?!”
“You took a drug and attacked children, asshole”
“Drug? I-Im not an addict!”
“I don't care”
I sat him down on a nearby bench so he could calm down, I disappeared the gauntlet and brought back the light slowly so that his eyes could adjust. He looked scared and defeated.
“When the cops get here explain your part and ask them to give you an ice pack, Sorry I punched you so hard”
“It’s fine it was necessary, just don’t touch me again element,” He sighed
“ You’re gonna tell them I did it, aren't you? Are you one of those?” I asked
“No, I'll tell them you helped, but that doesn’t mean that I like you”
“Thanks, goodnight then”
The moment I got home, I went straight to my room. I didn't want anyone to see the burns on me. Today was weird. I might not fall asleep until like,4 am, but just walking around the castle is fine, it's already midnight. I could cook some food, something simple and homey. As I bandaged my hands, I can't help but feel like the pain is familiar. Normally I wear a facemask, I don't like my face, or how I look for that matter, I mean I'm strong and so on but I can't help but feel unlikeable. I took off my mask so that I could clean my face and teeth and all that, boring shit, but I'm not unhygienic. I changed clothes and before stepping out, I saw something new in my room, a big mirror and a new,whole, shiny mirror. Who got rid of my old one? Did Jamie throw it out? It was shattered in a million pieces before I liked it that way. Now I can see my face clear as day, its hideous. That giant scar right on the corner of my mouth, I hate it. I've been called many things, and two of those are impulsive and reckless. I try not to be anymore. I was an idiot and convinced my friends to help me fight a villain I apparently didn't know enough about. All of them got hurt worse than me and this scar us a reminder that somewhere inside them, they might hate me too. Maybe I shouldn’t think that way, it's no wonder I can't sleep at night with that mindset.
I walked around the empty halls of the palace, to some the silence and absence of life would be terrifying ,specially at night. To me it's comfortable, no one to judge, no one to hurt you and also the fact I grew up here. When I reached the hall with multiple guest rooms, I made sure to make my steps as quiet as possible. I didn't want to wake up Jamie after all. It’s sad I couldn’t get to know them better today, there’s still tomorrow though, maybe I could ask them what their favorite food is and make it, or maybe order some, or maybe get them some coffee? I wonder what kind they like, something sweet for someone sweet? Their favorite show, franchise, fruit, flower, weather, song, color, smell, anything! I want to learn all of it. Wait-What?! What am I thinking? I barely know them, so why do I feel like this? I mean I guess they are cute in general, but I can't fall for someone right now, I have to focus on my kingdom! If I lose focus for just one second, who knows what may happen. But I guess they're part of my kingdom, so I guess I can focus on them, focus on how cute they are, I bet they look even cuter sleeping, like a cat curled up into a ball!
If I look inside their room to see how they look asleep is not weird right? It's just for a second! And only the face-Why is their door open? I looked inside but their bed was empty, then I heard their voice, they were talking over the phone with someone. At this hour, maybe it's a scammer? I listened closely, it felt wrong to listen in on their conversation but it's just not normal to call or talk with someone at this hour, I mean neither is walking around your home but I'm an insomniac.
“Yes, no one suspects anything..hm? The prince? Well I haven’t seen him all day, I’m not sure what he-...Of course, I am sorry for my ignorance ma’am,” They would whisper into the phone.
Who are they talking to so formally? You’d talk to a boss that way, who do they work for then?
“In the morning?! B-but we agreed on-...Yes,sorry for talking back. Yes, you’re right,” They responded.
This boss sounds like a bitch.
“I’ll have the crown for you by the morning,” They said-
Wait what-