Chapter Text
Western harbor, Queendom of Roses…
“Mom, mom! Look, the sailors are back!” The child exclaimed excitedly as a ship docked at the harbor.
The woman chuckled and knelt down to the child, “Do you want to see them that badly?”
The child's eyes gleamed with joy as he frantically nodded to his mother. The woman giggled as she stood up, holding the boy's hand in hers. “Let's go then. We'll miss them if we don't hurry.”
“Right!”
***
“Captain, we've hit the dock!” A young redhead shouted, letting the captain and other crew members know that it was time to set the anchor.
“Preparing to set down the anchor!” A blue haired youth yelled to the navigator.
The navigator took one last look at his chart before replying, “You're ready to go!”
Clank.
Chains started to sound as the anchor dropped down into the water.
After a few more minutes checking if the anchor safely latched onto the seabed, the four crewmen then took their stuff and went down the ship.
People gathered round the dock to greet the crew with some small gifts at hand and flowers to give to them.
If you're wondering why the people are doing this, well…that's because the crew is famous for their tales out at sea and their unrivaled knowledge of the paths of the ocean.
Most people would say that they navigated through the most treacherous of storms, and that they’ve also encountered and survived many dangerous creatures out in those deep azure waters.
The people then decided to give the crew an alias of “The Queen's Sea bound Sentinels” as people mostly relate them to the four guards of the Queen of Hearts.
As they stepped afoot the harbor, the townsfolk immediately started showering them with gifts and flowers with children also running towards them to ask them about their daily lives out at sea.
.
.
.
Around 20 minutes passed before the crowd dispersed and the people got back to their usual routine.
“Haa…finally. I was about to suffocate with that amount of people.”
Cater chuckled as he replied, “Y'know Acey, you've actually gotten a lot better at handling the crowd.”
“Cater’s right. You've handled it a lot better now.” Deuce added.
“Oh please, it was really hard holding back on those kids who were tugging at me nonstop.”
The other two chuckled.
“Hm? Where'd Trey go?” Cater looked around and didn't see any sign of a green haired man in the vicinity.
“I think he went to his friend for a visit.” Ace replied.
“Oh yeahh, he did say that. Anywho, you two wanna go grab a drink?”
Ace and Deuce looked at each other before saying in unison, “Fine by us!”
“Let's go then!”
“Aye!”
***
Velvet street, House no. 142A
Knock. Knock.
The door opens to a redhead wearing pajamas with slightly dishevelled hair.
“My. It looks like you've overslept Riddle.” A green haired man stepped on his doorstep as he took off his hat and held it to his chest.
The other grumbled, “I did not mean to oversleep, but due to some inconveniences…it happened.”
“Let me guess. The train arrived later than usual yesterday, right?”
“Yes.”
He turned his heel and gestured to Trey to head in. The other respectfully obliged.
.
.
.
Trey settled into one of the chairs in Riddle’s living room. The familiar quiet settled over him, calm and comforting just like it always had back then.
Riddle went back to his room to change into more casual clothing before heading to his living room. When he arrived, he sat at the opposite chair from where Trey sat.
Riddle placed tea on top of the coffee table beforehand and gestured to Trey to have a spot of tea with him. The other smiled and took the offered spot of tea.
Trey took a sip and spoke, “It’s been a long time since I've chatted with you.”
“Likewise, it has indeed been months since we last chatted with each other.” Riddle smiled.
“Indeed. So, how have you been these past few months?”
“Quite fine. I've been teaching at a university near the capital and it's been quite pleasant teaching there.”
“You've been teaching law, yes?”
Riddle nodded and spoke, “I've also managed to get a placement at that school as the head teacher.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Trey said, setting his teacup down with a soft clink against the saucer. The steam curled up between them for a moment before he continued, voice calm and measured.
“I presume you’ll continue teaching at the academy for the next few years as well.”
“I won’t be.”
Trey’s hand paused mid-reach for the sugar. One eyebrow lifted, just a fraction. “Oh? How come?”
Riddle took a slow sip of his tea first, set the cup back down precisely, and only then replied.
“I’m planning to join you and your crew.” His tone was even, as if he’d just commented on the weather.
“What?!” The cup in Trey’s hand rattled against the saucer. He set it down quickly, blinking once as if he’d misheard.
“Riddle… you’re serious?”
“It is exactly what you’ve just heard,” Riddle said without hesitation. “I want to join you and your crew out at sea.”
Trey exhaled and pressed his fingers to his temple, trying to smooth out the surprise on his face. When he spoke again, his voice was careful, the way it got when he was choosing his words.
“Riddle… why so sudden? And what exactly is your reason to join us out at sea? You do know that the sea isn’t as forgiving as people think it is. It’s long hours, unpredictable weather, and not nearly as comfortable as a classroom.”
“I know,” Riddle replied. He set his cup down and folded his hands on the table. “I’ve read the logs. I’ve studied the charts. I understand the risks.”
“Then you also know there’s no going back once we leave port,” Trey pressed gently.
“So tell me. Why now? Why leave teaching for this?”
The question hung between them, and the only sound was the faint tick of the clock on the wall…until Riddle replied.
“The reason is simple, I want to follow the path I couldn't follow back when I was younger. Now that I no longer have chains tied to me.”
His mother.
“That's right. His mother had already passed away due to an accident 3 years ago.”
Sudden memories then resurfaced like a wave.
Riddle's mother was a revered person in the Queendom of Roses, known for her excellent medical skills and sharp intellect. Yet…you can't say that she was a good parent.
.
.. •
… •
.. •
.
14 years ago…
Western harbor, Queendom of Roses
“Hey, wait up!” Riddle called out to the other two ahead of him.
“Hurry up, Riddle! We'll be late!” The purple haired child called out.
“I know, I know. Just— slow down a bit!”
“Hey, we're already here!” Trey waved at the other two.
They arrived in front of a large building with signs hanging at the sides about a popular crew coming over to tell stories about their life out at sea.
“Finallyyy. Took you long enough to get here.” Chenya chimed.
“Alright. Let's head in then. Hm…?” Trey turned to look at Riddl. e, who was standing there with an awestruck expression.
“Yoohoo~ Riddle back to twisted wonderland!” Chenya waved a hand in front of Riddle, bringing him out of his dazed-like state.
The redhead shook his head and clasped his hands to his chest as he spoke, “Ah. Sorry about that.”
“No worries.” Trey smiled as he continued, “if anything's troubling you, just tell us. We won't push you into something you don't wanna do.”
“Oh no, it's not like that…” Riddle waved his hands up front.
“Hm? What's troubling you then?” Chenya’s head floated in front of him, startling him a bit.
“Ah. It's just that…”
The other two looked at each other and waited for Riddle to continue.
“... it's my first time meeting actual crewmen.” Riddle mumbled.
“Hey. It's fine!” Trey placed a hand on Riddle's shoulder as he added, “it's our first time meeting a popular crew as well, right Chenya?”
“Yep yep! There's no need to be so nervous now, we're nervous too y'know?” Chenya chimed again.
“It doesn't look like you're nervous, really…” Riddle crossed his arms.
“Hmm~ maybe. But still! It's our first time here too, so don't be nervous.” Chenya exclaimed.
“Alright then.” Riddle gave a small reassuring nod to the two.
Trey then spoke, “Since everything’s settled, let's head in then!”
“Right!” The other two exclaimed.
.
.
.
.
Inside…
“Woah…there are so many people around!” Chenya remarked as he looked around and saw waves of people all over the lounge.
“There are so many people…it's so crowded here.” Riddle mumbled.
“I don't think we can get through at this point.” Chenya pouted.
“Hmm…” Trey looked left and right, finding a way where they could pass through the crowded place. He grabbed both Chenya and Riddle's hands and spoke to them, “let's hold each other's hands so that we won't get lost.”
“You found a way through already?” Chenya tilted his head and Trey nodded in response.
“Over here.”
Trey guided them through the crowd of people and headed to a staircase hidden from the people's view.
The other two followed, hand in hand as they climbed up the staircase that led them to a higher part of the lounge, the second floor.
“Hey, look! There's a small stage in the middle.” Trey slightly leaned against the railings as he looked down at the crowd.
“Uhm…is it really alright to watch them from here?” Riddle queried.
“I'm sure it's fine. There aren't any people up here and we got a good view too! It's a win win.” Chenya spoke as he plumped down on a chair and looked down at the stage, waiting for the crewmen to start sharing their story.
“If you say so…” Riddle sat on one of the chairs as well.
Not too long after, the crewmen came out and started their story telling. The three excitedly watched as the crew started telling their tales about their lives out at sea.
The stories they told were about how they sailed through the waters of the infamous Coral Sea and how they conquered and survived the most treacherous of storms.
As time passed by, a story suddenly piqued Riddle's interest…the story about the merfolk living at the depths of the sea.
“It might have been a coincidence…but those creatures do roam the sea until now.” The captain of the crew spoke in an almost hushed tone.
The crowd then broke out in both laughter and anger, which shocked the three children looking at the second floor of the lounge.
A man yelled, “I thought that you lot would tell us actual stories of your lives out at sea! Not some fairy tales!”
Half the crowd insisted that it was mockery and half made fun of the crewmen saying those words out loud.
The crewmen tried to calm the crowd, but they suddenly broke into chaos. Not believing their words even a bit.
“Uh-oh. I think it's getting heated already.” Chenya said.
Sudden fast footsteps were heard not too far from them as it called out, “You kids! What are you doing up here? This place is off limits!”
“We need to get out of here! Hurry!” Trey shouted as the other two followed him from behind, running.
“Get back here!” The man shouted as he then trailed them from behind.
The three of them ran down the staircase and ran towards the raging crowd of people.
“...ey!” the voice was muffled because of the people's voice. But they were almost out of the crowded place…
“Trey!” Chenya yelled.
Finally hearing it, Trey snapped up and looked at Chenya.
“Chenya— what…” his breath hitched. He noticed that Riddle was gone.
“Where'd Riddle go?”
“I was holding his hand but I slipped and he got left in the crowd…I was trying to call you but the people were too loud.” Chenya explained.
“No…this is bad. We need to find him!”
But finding him, while still inside the dense crowd, was no simple task.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
After minutes of moving through the crowded lounge, they still found no sign of the redhead. Worry written on both of their faces as they continued to maneuver the sea of people.
People were throwing all sorts of stuff at the stage while the guards of the lounge tried to calm down the situation.
Soon, they both managed to get out of the crowd and decided to look outside the building for any sign of Riddle. It was already night, around 6pm. It was past the time they usually head home, and way past Riddle's independent study time.
When they managed to find the other not too far away from the building, they attempted to call Riddle…but what they saw…stopped that attempt immediately.
A woman's shout could be heard from afar, “Riddle! What do you think you were doing?! Skipping independent study time for going to the harbor?!”
“Mother I—”
“QUIET.”
Riddle bowed his head down in fear.
“I do not want to hear any more of your excuses! If you want to become a perfect rose, you shall obey every rule that I say and teach. But look what you've done now, you have yet broken another rule.”
“Mother…I didn't mean to.”
“Didn't mean to? What nonsense are you spouting?! You broke your own schedule! That alone is unforgivable!”
Riddle bit his lip, trying not to let his tears drop.
“And so you shall be grounded.” His mother added.
Riddle's head shot up, “Wh-What? But Mother—”
“There is no room for if's and buts here. You broke a serious rule, and therefore a punishment will be done. Now off! I'll be adding more study lessons for you.”
Unable to deny what she said, Riddle nodded and followed his mother back to their house.
Trey and Chenya couldn't do anything to help their friend out…so, they stood there, behind crates, hiding from view…
.
..•
…•
..•
.
Present…
After the talk, Trey left Riddle's home and slumped back to his apartment. Sighing as he agreed to let Riddle aboard their ship for the first time and meeting his crewmates.
Meeting his crewmates…
“Oh Great Sevens…what do I do?” he placed his palm over his face, then groaned.
Well technically, he only needs to follow what he and Riddle agreed on so…that pretty much was already settled.
So there was only one thing left…
“I need to call Cater and the others,” he muttered.
He stood up from his bed and reached for his phone from the small bedside cabinet. He then dialed Cater.
.
.
.
Bzz…bzzz…
"Huh? A call...?" He pulled his phone from his pocket and glanced at the group. "Uh, hang on a sec." He cut his chat with some friends short to pick it up.
***
“Hello?”
“Cater, it's Trey.”
“Oh Trey, it's you! What's up? Is something the matter?”
“Well, something is…”
“Hm? By that, you mean what exactly?”
“A friend of mine wants to join the crew.”
“You're not joking, right?”
“I'm not.”
“Wait, really? A new recruit?! That's great to hear then!”
“Huh, thought you'd have second thoughts…”
“Hahahaha! Oh no, I won't, really~”
“So, when’s the meeting?”
“I'll introduce him tonight if you and the other two are free.”
“We’re free tonight. They'll be visiting at my place later too.”
“Your place then?”
“Mhm~ See you and the new crewmate later~!”
“Thank you, Cater. Good bye then.”
“Bye byee~”
Call ends…
***
“Phew…” he sighs in relief, “let's just see how this goes then.” Trey slumps back to his bed and waits for evening to roll in.
.
.
.
Evening...
The evening rolled and Trey went to Riddle's house, in a car, to get him.
Knock. Knock.
A few moments later, the door opened to a young man wearing a white turtleneck under a black coat, paired with black slacks. The coat had some embroidery of rose patterns with a crown pin on the left side of it.
It was casual clothing suited for meeting with other people.
“Ready to go?” Trey asked.
“Of course.”
Trey slid into the driver’s seat and shut the door with a soft click. The car smelled faintly of leather and a hint of sweets.
In the backseat, Riddle settled himself carefully and comfortably, smoothing out his coat before clicking the seatbelt into place. He didn’t say anything, but his posture was rigid, eyes already fixed on the road ahead.
Trey buckled up as well. He adjusted the mirror, and turned the key. The engine hummed, low and steady. For a second he just sat there, letting the car warm up as he watched the idle lights on the dashboard glow.
Then he drove.
The tires rolled over gravel, then asphalt, and they merged onto the road leading away from Riddle's place.
Streetlights passed them in a rhythm, washing over Riddle’s face in the backseat and then gone. Trey kept both hands on the wheel, driving with that calm, precise way he usually does. No speeding, no sudden turns. Just smooth.
They drove past shops closing for the night, past groups of students walking the side streets, and past the taller buildings.
That meant they were getting closer to the center of town. Up ahead, the capital’s outline started to show. It was lit up. It was sharper and busier than the quieter roads they’d just drove through.
Finally, Trey slowed and turned down a narrower street lined with apartment buildings. He parked in front of one with faded brick and a small lit-up number by the door.
“Here we are,” he said, then cutting the engine. The hum died, and the quiet settled in again.
Riddle unbuckled his seatbelt and got out with Trey.
They stood at the front door, already preparing to knock on the door. The apartment was right in front of them.
Trey chuckled, “Don't be so nervous. The others are good guys, trust me.”
“That doesn't mean that I have no right to get nervous.”
“Then I'll knock.” Riddle nodded and let Trey knock on the door. Not too long after, a man with orange hair wearing pajamas came into view.
“Ah, it's you two! Welcome, welcome!” Cater waved his phone up front as he beamed with glee.
Trey smiled as Riddle looked at the man in front intently before speaking.
“You must be Cater Diamond. A pleasure to meet you, my name is Riddle Rosehearts.”
“A pleasure to meet you as well. We can cut off pleasantries here though, since this'll be a casual night with a new crewmate. Now let's head in!!”
Cater wrapped an arm over Riddle's shoulder as he dragged Riddle inside his apartment.
“Huh— wait!” Riddle tried to retort but it was too late.
Trey stifled a laugh and followed the two in front of him.
“Oh Cater…”
***
Living room…
Cater's living room design was simple, a bit classy though, but cozy nevertheless. The one that catches the eye of whoever visits this place would be the frames at the leftmost side of the room. Each one is a memorabilia of his time on the ship with his crewmates, and his time in both high school and college.
Trey on the other hand, looked around the room looking for two of the youngest crew members.
“Cater, where's Ace and Deuce?” Trey asked, while hanging his coat on the rack.
“Hm? Oh, they're upstairs. They said they'd bring out the board games, but they're taking quite a while though…” Cater replied as he made Riddle settle down on the couch.
“Should I check on them?”
“No need. I'll check on them myself, brb!”
Cater left the living room and headed upstairs to check on Ace and Deuce, which left Trey and Riddle to themselves in the cozy atmosphere of the room.
Trey sat down on a seat next to Riddle. He then casted a glance at the redhead only to see him looking…stiff.
“Riddle, is something the matter?”
“Ah. No, no. I'm quite alright.”
“Are you sure? You look a bit pale.”
Riddle took a deep breath, then continued, “I'm just nervous. That's all.”
Trey laughed.
“Why are you laughing?” Riddle's eyebrow rose.
“Haha…it's just, you've never been this nervous before.”
He crossed his arms and answered, “Meeting your entire crew…is something to be nervous about.”
“If you're anxious about talking with my crew, there's really nothing to be worried about. I assure you, they're fun to be with.”
“Hm…if you say so.”
The both of them strayed from the current conversation and talked about a different topic instead while waiting for the other three.
Meanwhile…
.
..•
…•
..•
.
Guest bedroom…
(a rarely used room. This is where Cater usually stores things he rarely uses, this includes the board games he told Ace and Deuce to get.)
“I wonder what's taking those two so long…” Cater thought as he walked upstairs to get the two.
But was immediately hit by something he didn't expect…
.
.
.
“Ace— Hey…we can't do it here…” Deuce spoke in a hushed voice, almost like a whisper.
“It'll be quick, promise.” Ace replied as he bit the other's nape.
“Mnghh…” the other whimpered.
The air between them felt thick. Both of their breaths came quick and uneven, and Deuce started to become slightly lightheaded.
Ace’s hand hovered near the top button of Deuce’s shirt, then started to unbutton it. He still kept Deuce pinned to the wall as he undid the buttons and nipped at Deuce's neck occasionally.
Deuce on the other hand, tried to hold back the moans that tried to spill out of his mouth but eventually came out as small whines and whimpers.
Well, before they could go any further, the door suddenly gave a long, tired creak, and both of them snapped back to their senses. Heads then turned towards the sound in perfect sync.
Cater was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, and one eyebrow arched. The hallway light hit his smirk just right.
“Looks like you two are getting heated here, huh?” His voice was all casual, but that amused smirk gave him away completely.
“C-Cater!”
Ace and Deuce scrambled away from each other so fast they nearly tripped over themselves.
Deuce jerked his collar up, hands going up to hide the red marks against his neck, clearly Ace’s handiwork. Ace, meanwhile, was doing his best to look innocent while subtly covering his own lip, still pink and a little swollen.
Cater clicked his tongue and shook his head, but the grin never left his face.
“Y’know you two could do that once getting back to your shared apartment, right? Privacy’s a thing, boys.”
“We-We’re sorry…” Ace and Deuce bowed their heads at the same time, cheeks burning.
“No worries,” Cater said, pushing off the door frame and standing up straight.
The teasing edge softened, but his eyes were still sharp. “You two can get away with it this time. But there’ll be no next time. Got it?”
“Yes sir!” The answer came out in perfect unison, louder than they meant it to.
Cater let out a low laugh and rolled his shoulders. “Aight. Since you’re both good again… help me get the board games down from the shelf. The guests are waiting.”
Ace and Deuce exchanged a glance, equal parts of relief and mortification, sighing in relief before they continued to fix themselves and then trailed after Cater down the hall with the board games in hand.
.
.
.
“We’re back!” Cater chimed.
“What took you three so long?” Trey turned his head towards his fellow crewmates, more specifically to the two behind Cater.
“We had to look everywhere in the room to find the board games. Turns out, the board games were placed under the bed.” Cater replied.
“I see then.”
“Hm? Is the one beside Trey the guest?” Deuce whispered to Ace.
“I think so.” the redhead whispered back.
The three of them placed the board games on the table and sat at the opposite couch.
An…awkward silence then came next.
But Ace broke that silence first, clearing his throat like he’d been waiting for an excuse. “You’re the new crewmate Trey told us about, right?”
Riddle straightened up a little in his seat, hands neatly folded in his lap. “Ah, yes. A pleasure to meet you. My name is Riddle Rosehearts.”
“Likewise. The name’s Ace Trappola.” Ace grinned and stuck a hand out across the table. Riddle took it in a firm, and polite manner, giving exactly two shakes before letting go.
“And I’m Deuce Spade. A pleasure to meet you as well.” Deuce leaned forward too, offering his own handshake. Riddle nodded once and shook it, a little smaller nod this time, but still proper.
“Take some snacks, there’s plenty to go around,” Cater said, sliding a family-sized pack of chips toward the center of the table. He placed a smaller pack Riddle’s way.
Riddle glanced at it, then waved his hand just once. “Apologies. I…don’t really eat these.”
“Ah. Sorry, my bad,” Cater said, pulling the chips back with a sheepish laugh.
“It’s alright,” Riddle replied, tone even.
And just like that, the room went quiet again. The awkwardness hung in the air.
Ace fiddled with the chip bag. Deuce stared at the table. And Trey pretended to be very interested in his glass of water.
Trey finally coughed into his fist and turned toward Riddle, trying to steer things back on track. “So… would you like to hear about our trips?”
Riddle’s whole demeanor changed in a second. He perked up, eyes bright. “Of course!”
“Phew…” Trey internally sighed.
“Alright then, I’ll start off with a story about our trip at Briar Valley!” Cater chimed in before anyone else could, already settling back in his seat, ready to tell the story.
“Eh? Who said you could go first?” Ace crossed his arms, mock-offended.
“Why not? I’m the navigator, right?” Cater teased, shooting him a wink that made Ace roll his eyes.
The other three chuckled in response.
Cater cleared his throat dramatically, slapping the table, although not that loud.
“Now, let’s get started!” He leaned in, and just like that, the awkwardness melted. As the story time was starting.
“So, we went to Briar Valley a few months ago to deliver some cargo…”
.
..•
…•
..•
.
Briar Valley…
The harbor of Briar Valley bustled as different ships docked. Some unloading cargoes and some doing maintenance to their ships.
.
.
“All good! No damages!” A man below yelled.
“Aye, thanks!” Ace waved as he waved from the deck and headed to the Bridge to report to Trey that the inspection of their ship's done.
.
.
“Captain, the inspection’s done.”
“Got it. Let's get the maintenance ready.”
“Aye.”
As they were getting ready to do a maintenance, a ship docked near them.
The ship looked…odd. Simple, but really odd in a way they couldn’t name. Their eyes locked on one thing: the Styx symbol branded into the hull. A shiver ran through them. And then—
Slam!
Cater slammed open the door, huffing as he frantically told them, “The fae prince just got down from that ship!!!”
WHAT.
All of them rushed to the deck to see things more clearly.
And indeed they saw something really unprecedented.
Guards gathered round the ship, making a large magical barrier so that nothing bad would happen to the common folks around it.
Then, the fae prince, Malleus Draconia got down from the ship, with a slightly irritated expression.
He then got escorted by three guards that helped him get into a carriage, that then set off to Thunderclap mountain.
It was a fast event, yet a really rare one.
“Woah…” Cater said, mouth agape.
“We should get in doing the maintenance before we head down to see what that was all about.” Deuce said, taking the others a bit off guard as he suddenly spawned out of nowhere.
“Yeah…we should.” Ace replied.
After doing the necessary paperwork and maintenance, the crew headed down the harbor to ask about what happened. But one sly navigator sweet talked his way out and instead headed to a nearby cafe.
“Hehe. I've been dying waiting to get in this cafe! Well, I just hope the reviews are right about this place.”
And the reviews were right about the cafe. The place was packed, with customers coming and going, either take out or stay to chill inside the cafe.
Cater headed to the counter and ordered a drink before sitting at a nearby table. He took out his phone and took pictures of the place, and then posted them to magicam.
“Excuse me, but may I sit here?” A deep voice called out.
He then looked away from his phone to see a man with black hair that had pink streaks dyed.
“Oh, uh yeah, sure.”
The said person sat on the seat in front of him, letting out a heavy sigh. He was wearing a thick coat, even though it isn't cold outside.
“Having a bad day?” He asked instinctively. “Whoops…”
“Hm?” The other looked at him and chuckled, “No, no. It's just we had to get someone stubborn earlier.”
“A family member I presume?”
“We're actually not blood related, but I do see him as one.” The other waved his hand.
This piqued Cater's interest and asked him, “Oh, really? Can you tell me what happened then?”
“Well, he actually snuck out of the castle to visit the one he's courting at the Island of Woe."
“Snuck out the castle…?” Took him a while to realize what that meant and then...realization immediately hit him like a truck, “Could he be talking about the fae prince? Wait, then that means the man in front of me is…one of those guards?!”
Cater started to sweat, how did he just casually talk to one of Briar Valley’s Royal family guards???
“Hello? Are you alright sir?” The other waved a hand in front of him and Cater snapped out of his train of thought.
“Haha…sorry. I didn't mean to space out.”
“Khee hee. You just realized that I'm one of the Royal family's guards, yes?”a smirk crossed the other's face.
“How did he…?” Cater thought first before responding,
“Well…yeah…I did.” Cater smiled sheepishly.
“There's no need to fret about that. Let's just keep this chat casual.” The man in front of him smiled happily.
“Heh, if you say so.” Cater eased up.
Suddenly, their drinks arrived at their table. The waiter bowed and left then after.
“So, do you wanna know the details of what happened?” the fae in front of him offered.
“I'm actually more curious of how it happened.”
“Khee hee. I'll tell you then.”
The man in front of him told him about what happened.
It turns out the fae prince and the Watchman of the Island of Woe had a misunderstanding and it caused the prince to immediately teleport to the hidden island to clear it out to avoid any further misunderstanding and possibly…a fall out between them.
Meanwhile at the Island of Woe, due to the sudden appearance of the prince in front of the watchman’s door, the other had to take him out of the place, clearing their misunderstanding before making him (the fae gave in) ride the ship back to Briar Valley.
“So that's why the prince was pouting.” Cater couldn't help but find the story cute and amusing at the same time.
They chatted more about what happened and after a few minutes of chatting, the other's phone buzzed.
“Oh, dear. I need to head out for now.”
“Oh sure, no probs. But before you go, can you tell me what your name is?”
The other smiled, “The name's Lilia Vanrouge. Now, care to tell me yours? It’s a fair exchange after all.”
“I’m Cater Diamond.”
“Cater Diamond, eh? Oh, you're one of those famous crewmen, yes?”
Cater nodded.
“Khee hee. It's was a pleasure to have a chat with you Cater, but I must be off now. The Queen's calling me. I'll see you around when I see you around, Goodbye!”
“Likewise. Goodbye Lilia!” he said out loud as Lilia waved goodbye and teleported out of sight.
The fae's near him stilled and looked at him with shocked faces. He didn't get why they were staring at him like that.
Literally... He didn't get why.
.
..•
…•
..•
.
“...and that's what happened.”
The room fell silent…and Riddle's face deadpanned, almost fully drained of color.
“Eh? Was the story too much?” Cater tilted his head, thinking that the story was too bizarre…well, it was actually.
“You…” Riddle mumbled.
“Hm? Did ya say something Riddle?”
“You just casually had a chat with one of Briar Valley's Ex-General in a cafe?!” Riddle blurted out.
Cater looked at him for a moment, blinking, then covered his mouth with his hands.
“No way…So, that's why the people around me looked at me with shocked faces.”
“Dude, you literally talked to an Ex-General! That's like, a once in a lifetime opportunity!” Ace sputtered.
“How in the world did you not recognize him???” Trey facepalmed.
“I didn't know, okay?!” He retorted and then continued, “But…I did get a pic with him during our chat though.” Cater showed his phone to the others.
“You…really are something…” Riddle then turned speechless after that.
“But to be honest, the story he told us was also something.” Deuce chuckled.
“I know, right? Talk about having a loyal lover.” Cater said, as he ate a chip.
“A royal, loyal lover.” Ace corrected and the others laughed.
They continued telling stories about their trips long into the evening.
One story followed another, Cater’s dramatic retellings from Briar Valley, Ace’s adventures in the Shaftlands, Deuce’s steadier and more calming stories in Fleur City (well...not that calming tbh), and Trey who quietly filled in the details they had forgotten.
Laughter eventually filled the room, broken only by brief pauses to refill drinks and eating snacks. The board games remained untouched on the table, and the snack bowls gradually emptied.
Time passed without notice. When Riddle finally checked the clock, two hours had already gone by since they began.
The atmosphere had shifted from formal introductions to easy familiarity.
Eventually, Riddle placed his cup down and adjusted his posture, signaling the end of his evening.
“It's already late. We should get going.”
Cater nodded, as he acknowledged that it was indeed already late in the evening. It is already 10pm.
The others then followed Riddle's lead. Deuce stifled a yawn, and Ace stretched, the sound of the chair softly creaking the comfortable quiet.
"Oh geez... I'm getting sleepy." Ace spoke.
"Same here..." Deuce followed.
"Well, let's better not waste any more time and head back before you two collapse from sleepiness." Trey replied.
"Yeah, I don't think that'd happen." Ace retorted.
Trey chuckled then took his keys and offered to drive. He then insisted that none of them should walk home late at night and that his car had enough room for all three.
At the door, they expressed their thanks to Cater, their voices low as they blended with the quiet of the hallway.
Cater remained leaning against the frame, arms crossed, with a knowing, amused expression. A final reminder about their earlier conversations. Trey acknowledged it with a brief nod.
With one last wave, they stepped out into the cool night air. The harbor laid quiet in the distance, its presence felt more than seen. The car started with a low hum as Trey pulled away from the curb.
Riddle sat in the passenger seat, posture composed as always, while Ace and Deuce settled in the back. The remnants of their stories lingered between them, a comfortable silence replaced the earlier chatter.
The drive was slow and unhurried. Streetlights passed overhead in steady intervals as Trey made a stop.
Ace and Deuce were dropped off at their home, doors closing softly behind them. When only Riddle remained, the road grew quieter.
Soon, the car approached Riddle’s home, the night settled back into silence. He looked back at Trey and gave a small wave before heading inside his house.
“Haa…what a pleasant night.” He sighed contently as he headed upstairs and took a quick bath and slipped to his sleepwear then after.
Turning off the lights, he slipped beneath the blanket comfortably. He looked at the ceiling for a bit and then drifted off to sleep.
“Good night…”
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
…un.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
…r…un.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Run.
.
.
.
“Haa…haa…Trey? Chenya?!” The young boy called out as he got lost inside the crowd of people, but eventually found a way out through a back door…and now he's outside in a small alleyway.
He went out to the cold harbor. It was really past his independent study time. The sun had already set and the stars and moon started to show.
Are you scared…?
A nonexistent voice called out in his head.
Mother will find us soon…
You better run…
Before…
She gets here…
He did run. Down the harbor he went, footsteps echoing against damp stone and wood as the night air bit at his lungs. He scanned the docks, searching for at least a small hiding spot, between crates, behind a moored boat, anywhere the shadows felt thick enough to hide him.
But something caught his attention before he could slip away.
A tune. Faint at first, carried on the salt breeze. It wasn’t enchanting him or weaving any kind of spell. It was simple, almost childlike… a few notes repeating, soft and steady, like someone humming to themselves just to pass the time. Against the creak of boats and lap of water, it stood out.
He followed the sound and it led Riddle past stacked nets and coiled ropes until the harbor narrowed, the water widening into a quiet cove lined with rocks. There, perched on the edge of a boulder with his legs…well, looked like legs from a distance, dangling over the dark water, was the source.
He got closer, keeping his steps light.
Moonlight fell in thin silver bands across the surface, and as he got closer, the figure resolved into something impossible, one he heard from the crewmen earlier: a mermaid.
Teal scales shimmered with every small movement, catching the light and scattering it like broken glass. The boy’s head was tilted down, eyes closed, humming that same simple tune as if the whole harbor belonged to him.
Riddle was awestruck. The sight rooted him in place. It wasn’t fear, or confusion…it was wonder, and curiosity. He wanted to get closer.
“Just a few steps more.” He thought, Riddle then moved towards the boy, carefully.
Then his foot came down on a dry stick half-buried in the stones.
“Ah.”
The crack was small, but in the quiet it sounded like a gunshot. The mer in front of him snapped upright, startled, and spun around. Heterochromic eyes, one a deep grayish green and one gold, locked on greyish blue ones.
For a heartbeat neither of them moved. The mer tilted his head, slow and curious, as if trying to analyze the boy standing behind a rock. He didn’t look afraid. If anything, the mer’s expression was open, and curious.
Reassured by that lack of fear, Riddle took another cautious step forward. The distance between them shrank. The mer seemed to want the same thing. His tail shifted in the water, ripples spreading outward, and he leaned forward just slightly, as if about to speak or reach out.
Then a shout.
A woman's shout.
The sound was too harsh, wrong for the quiet cove. The mer’s expression changed in an instant. Without a sound he slipped backward off the rock and into the water, teal scales flashing once before he vanished beneath the surface.
At the same moment, a hand clamped down on Riddle’s arm from behind him, cold and unyielding and—
.
.
“AH!” Riddle woke with a gasp. Cold sweat trickled down his temple and soaked into the pillow beneath him.
The harbor, the moonlight, the mer…all gone. Only the dark of his room remained, and the frantic beat of his own heart.
“It's that dream again…” He buried his face in his hands before mumbling, “I need to clear my head for a bit.”
He got off his bed and took a lamp from the cabinet near him. He lit it up and headed down to the harbor.
He usually does this if that dream comes back. As he's also hoping to see that mer again every time he goes there.
Waves splashing around, it's the usual sound you'll hear at the cove at night.
Step.
Step.
Stop.
He stood silently at the small cove, the moonlight shining through the leaves of small trees.
He let out a sigh.
And then a groan.
A…groan?
He didn't groan, he just sighed. So where did it come from?
Another one followed.
“Is someone injured?”
He started to look around the place, to find the source of those groans.
“It looks like it's coming from that small cave over there…” he thought, as he followed the sound towards the small cave.
“Hello? Is anyone…there?” As he peeked through the entrance, he saw something he didn't expect.
A mermaid.