Chapter Text
“Get a move on Ollie boy!” A certain small creature with a lantern piercing call out to the young boy with the stick and book in hand.
"Wait Mr.Drippy!” The brunette known as Ollie boy begs, clearly exhausted.
"But Ding-Dong Bell is just down the way.” The tiny tyke that is Mr.Drippy gestures to the forest ahead through the hills of greenery and flora as just then the heavy echoes of hooves makes the two turn, their eyes wide at the herd coming at them.
"What do we do?” The young boy panics perturbed at the incoming herd.
"Run for it! AHHH!” Mr.Drippy sets off.
"AHH!” Oliver too terrified to move, crouches down covering his ears just taking the herd, grateful that none bash into him as the herd go on their way.
"Right let’s get a move on shall we?” Mr.Drippy appears before Oliver once more to tell him, moving on ahead.
"Huh? Hey wait for me!” Oliver cries, chasing after Mr.Drippy.
Quietly, a woman with long locks of ruby red descends down from her hooded robes as she sits in a forest of some sort, grey glare into the fierce flames of raw red with faint flickers of orange ombre as she prods pokes at the fierce flames frowning.
“Would you stop that!? It hurts!” The flame fumes speaking up.
“I wouldn’t have to if you could grow a stronger flame.” Firmly, the woman rebukes continuing to prod poke the fire.
“Yeah well I can’t, thanks to a certain someone…” Said spitfire snippily snaps back at the woman, her beady black twitching tense from the fierce flames words, feathers forming from around her arms as she quickly plucks them aside, ignoring the sharp sting following from the action.
“Tch…” The woman clicks her tongue tiredly tossing the stick into the fire for the fierce flame to feast upon happily. She sits silently on the greenery below, feeling the faint teasing touch of grass tickling her side almost as she sits amongst the forest frowning, silently staring down at the faint glow of her wrist of the emblem embedded into her skin scowling at the sight spotting some frail feathers falling into the fierce fire before her.
She hears the soft sound of footsteps. She doesn’t even bat an eye to the small bud-like creature coming over to her side silently sitting down by her side.
“You got some food I assume…” The woman assumes as the little bud-like creature sets some berries down waving a small stick about the place panicking, almost alarming the woman.
“What’s wrong?” She couldn’t help but question the familiar frowning when hearing the sharp sound of a scream and roar of some sort.
“Don’t tell me that guardian’s at it again.” Annoyed, firm feathers begin sprouting from the arms of the woman making her tut tiredly, noting her nails beginning to grow into claws almost as she frantically plucks the feathers away.
“Seems like it.” The flame flickers making the woman tut tiredly as with ease she scoops the feeble flame in her hand watching it transfer into the pendant dangling down her neck as she takes off, the familiar following behind her as she arrives at the scene.
“Hm?” Humming, she turns towards the scene, eyes expanding at the young boy before her, what was a kid doing out here? All alone at that…the woman couldn’t help but frown from the sight, especially with the roaring beast about to strike at the teeny tiny familiar running at the beast. The woman couldn’t stomach this not for a single second as a flurry of fierce flames soon surround the screaming beast taking the bruised battered beaten boy aback as he gawks gapes at the pillar of fire.
“Did…did I do that?” Oliver asks amazed.
“No you did not.” The stern strict voice of the robed woman tells the young boy.
“Huh?” The young boy turns to the robed woman.
“What on heavens are you even doing? Trying to fight that thing you are a child!” Cross, the robed woman glares down at Oliver.
“I…I wanted to repay the tree back…” Oliver stutters slightly.
“The tree?” The robed woman quirks her head to the side.
“Oi Ollie here had it handled!” Mr. Drippy tells Oliver.
“Ollie huh…you okay Ollie?” The woman eyes the boy below.
“H-Huh?” Oliver eyes expand at the woman with familiar long locks of ruby red and beady black eyes.
“I asked if you were…” The woman begins brow furrowed when…
“Ms Thea!?” Oliver couldn’t help but stare stunned at her.
“…Thea?” The woman blinks befuddled.
“Oi Olly what you on about?” Mr. Drippy demands from Oliver.
“S-Sorry you just…you look like someone I know…” Oliver bows his head pained.
“Riiight…not answering the question, leafy fix him up would ya?” The redheaded woman ruffles her long locks of red, glancing over at the seedling below.
“Leafy? Whoa you have a familiar too?” Oliver stares stunned at the seedling below.
“Wouldn’t really call her that…she sort of just appeared one day and hasn’t left me alone since. “ She admits to him.
“Bloody heck didn’t think I’d see someone else in these woods!” Mr. Drippy admits, amazed.
“And I didn’t think I’d see a fairy…been a while since I seen one of you lot. Anyway, what’s a kid doing out here in this forest?” She couldn’t help but ask.
“He ain’t some kid he’s the pure hearted one.” Mr. Drippy reveals.
“…Riiiight…” She draws out.
“I’m Oliver this is Mr. Drippy, what’s your name?” Oliver introduces himself.
“Hilda…” Hilda answers.
“Hilda, what kind of name is that!?” Mr. Drippy blurts out.
“What kind of name is Mr. Drippy?” Hilda counters cooly calmly.
“I’m sorry to have bothered you…” Oliver bows his head.
“Hold on…I’m not just going to let a little kid like you stay in the woods alone, not after seeing you do something as reckless as that honestly…!” Hilda frowns at Oliver.
“R-Really?” Oliver says hopeful almost.
“What? We don’t need you, I can teach the boy what he needs to know!” Mr. Drippy scoffs.
“But Mr.Drippy you said I need to find one of the seven sages, isn’t she one of them?” Oliver ponders.
“Seven sage? Afraid not.” Hilda answers.
“What? But you’re so powerful!” Oliver argues.
“Thanks for the compliment but I’m not from here so I doubt I’m the sage in which you are seeking.” Hilda admits.
“You’re not? Wait are you from another world too?” Oliver gasps.
“Ollie boy you don’t want your pure heartness to be corrupted by her.” Mr. Drippy warns worriedly watching Hilda.
“I can hear you.” Hilda deadpans.
“Corrupted?” Confused, Oliver turns to Mr. Drippy.
“I can practically smell the dark magic off her!” Disgusted, Mr. Drippy points out.
“Once again…I can hear you.” Hilda frowns, arms crossed.
“But you saw her attack she could teach me and I could help her find this person. Maybe Old Father Oak could help her? We’ve beaten the guardian now anyway.” Oliver argues.
“I…oh fine but you better watch yourself if I feel even an inch of Ollie’s pureheartness .” sway I’ll teach you what for.” Firmly, Mr. Drippy warns.
“…I’m sure. So what are you planning then?” Oliver wonders.
“We plan to beat Shadar.” Mr. Drippy tells her.
“The Dark Djinn…?” Hilda frowns.
“That’s right Ollie’s pureheartness will save the land from what that dark djinn has done!” Mr. Drippy admits.
“And I can save my mom.” Oliver beams brightly.
“…Riiight.” Hilda draws out.
“The guardian he headed towards the deepest part of the wood do you think he’s back to normal now?” Oliver wonders.
“Your guess is as good as mine. I mean he did attack me before but I never really did what I did just then I simply avoided him so maybe this time he’ll go back…” Hilda considers.
“Maybe but that weird look in his eyes has gone now. I reckon he’ll probably take some time out to get his head together and then it’ll be right back to the old guardianing!” Mr. Drippy assumes.
“But what made him go all screwy like that? You don’t think it was…” Oliver begins but…
“Course it flipping was! Had Shadar written all over it! We’d best watch our backs if we visit any more forests.” Mr. Drippy assumes.
“Saying that you get guardians everywhere…” Hilda argues.
“True anyway we did what we came to do we’d best get back to see old treeface eh? Might be able to do something for that claw of yours.” Mr. Drippy assumes.
“Claw?” Oliver’s eyes expand when noting said claw, swearing he saw feathers.
“It’s fine. Come on.” Hilda asserts, clutching said arm as they go find an old familiar tree.
“Hm you did well to calm the guardians of the woods.” The tree greets the group.
“We didn’t really do anything.” Oliver sighs sadly.
“Aye it was thanks to Hilda the guardian didn’t kill us!” Mr. Drippy admits.
“Ah the foreigner…you have very old blood.” The tree takes note of the still silent Hilda.
“...So I hear.” Hilda hums.
“…the air around you, you have dabbled in the dark arts.” The tree takes note of, eyeing his claw-like hand.
“And if I have…?” Hilda raises a bored brow.
“You should be careful such powers can come at a heavy cost.” He warns Hilda.
“So I’ve been told.” Hilda huffs.
“Your arm…it’s back to normal.” Oliver gasps.
“Told you it would, it just takes time…” Hilda dismisses.
“Time you will find harder and harder with each transformation.” The tree warns Hilda.
“Look just give the kid what you promised him so we can be on our way.” Drained, Hilda orders.
“Very well I indeed found what I was looking for but first a gift by way of thanks. I entrust to you one of my closest companions: The Telling Stone. His knowledge of our world rivals even my own. I thought he might help you on your journey. I’m sure if you ask him nicely he will tell you anything you wish to know and the other thing…the locket this is what you came here for is it not? It is a vessel for fragments of the human heart.” The tree hands them the locket of green and telling stone.
“…heart huh…” Hilda grunts.
“To rescue the heartbroken you will need the Locket and the spells required to use it .I will give you those as well.” The tree tells them.
“Thank you so much Father Oak!” Oliver smiles.
“Hmm! Such a well mannered child! Unlike some I could mention.” The tree glares at Mr. Drippy.
“You don’t know me.” Hilda frowns.
“He was talking about me, you ninny!” Mr. Drippy barks at Hilda.
“Hm some things are as unchanging as the forest…no matter you had best be on your way…” The tree advises.
“Agreed.” Hilda agrees.
“Now boy…you must come and see me from time to time and tell me of your travels. I look forward to hearing of your progress.” The tree tells Oliver.
“Yes sir!” Oliver happily agrees.
“I take it we’re leaving then.” Hilda assumes unamused.
“Aye time to head back to Ding Dong Dell and mend a broken heart!” Mr. Drippy hollers.
“Okay!” Oliver smiles as they head off towards a gate. A cross crowd glaring at two guards, mainly one guard in particular.
“Is he still not going to let us in!?” One of those in the crowd wonder.
“Looks like he’s still the worse for wear eh?” Mr. Drippy takes note of the lazy guard.
“He’s been like this all this time?” Hilda frowns.
“Yep.” Mr. Drippy nods.
“And the ruler of this place has done nothing?” Hilda couldn’t help but frown further from it all.
“Yep.” Mr. Drippy nods.
“Why am I not surprised?” Hilda grumbles.
“Mr.Drippy miss Hilda, we have to help him!” Oliver insists.
“Why are you looking at me?” Hilda frowns.
“You know what to do don’t you?” Oliver assumes.
“Course not.” Deorra scoffs.
“Eh…?” Oliver blinks befuddled.
“This is foreign magic to me, your chances are with the fairy…” Hilda deadpans.
“Oh…” Oliver trails off.
“She’s right now I better explain, first thing you’ll need to do is take the locket treeface gave you and fill it with the piece of heart ouer friend is missing.” Mr. Drippy tells Oliver.
“Uh…the piece of heart?” Oliver blinks befuddled.
“That’s right, one of the bits we’re all made up of deep down.” Mr. Drippy says to Oliver.
“The bits we’re made up of? I don’t understand.” Oliver frowns.
“Neither do I…” Hilda admits.
“Hm how do I put it? Ah you’ll work it out soon enough man first off what that guard’s missing is a drop of good old fashioned enthusiasm. Find some and give it to be him he’ll be right as rain.” Mr. Drippy tries to explain.
“But where do I find enthusiasm?" Oliver ponders perplexed.
“Perhaps from the other guard…” Hilda takes note of the more upbeat guard stretching and such.
“The other guard?” Oliver perks up at the other guard.
“He’s got more get up and go than a sack of squirrels if he hasn’t got some enthusiasm to spare I’m a monkey’s uncle!” Mr. Drippy smiles at the guard doing some exercises.
“How he isn’t opening the gate in the other guard’s stead I do not understand.” Hilda frowns.
“Ask nicely and I’m sure he’ll give you a lend of it.” Mr. Drippy smiles.
“Sure I’ll try my best um excuse me sir could I…?” Oliver approaches the peppy guard.
“I wish I could but I’m afraid I can’t open this gate without my colleague's permission!” The guard admits.
“Oh no it’s not that…we just want to borrow some of your enthusiasm.” Oliver reveals.
“Haha well if it's that you’re after I got plenty to spare.” He happily agrees.
“Thank you sir! Uh Mr.Drippy how do I…?” Oliver turns to Mr. Drippy after thanking the guard.
“Look at the pages old treefacer gave you, it’s the take heart spell.” Mr. Drippy tells Oliver.
“Take heart huh? Sure!” Oliver does just that taking some enthusiasm into the locket.
“Tidy looks like you’ve got yourself a locketful of enthusiasm now just use the give heart spell! “ Mr. Drippy tells him.
“Indeed, just give it to the colleague.” Hilda adds.
“Okay here goes!” Oliver does just that.
“Beautiful, it worked!!” Mr. Drippy perks up at the newly roused looking guard.
“Neato!” Oliver smiles.
“What’s happening where am I?” The guard stirs scowling.
“At work where you’re meant to be doing your job.” Hilda deadpans.
“Well well well you’re back with us I see!” The guard perks up at the other.
“Yes I feel so strange as if a weight ha been lifted from my heart I feel better.” The other guard admits.
“Thank goodness for that I was worried about you.” The guard tells his fellow guard.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t myself but I’m back now and ready to work harder than ever.” The guard promises.
“Ah yes cause it’s so hard standing still all day.” Hilda scoffs.
“Well then these fine people have all come to visit our great kingdom. I think we had better let them in.” The guard decides.
“Indeed we had this way everybody!” The other guard hollers as the gates finally open for the group.
“We’re finally here! We’re finally in Ding Dong Dell!” Oliver cheers at the sight.
“Indeed we are Ollie-boy there were a few unseen snags on the way I’ll admit.” Mr. Drippy agrees, amazed.
“I take that I’m one of those snags.” Hilda notes Mr. Drippy’s dirty look sent her way.
“You said it, not me but all’s well that ends well! And I was going to take you to see the old Treeface eventually anyway! Righto on with the wand hant!” Mr. Drippy decides.
“The wand hunt?” Hilda raises a bored brow.
“The boy needs a wand after all.” Mr. Drippy scoffs.
“…I was wondering what was with the stick, surprised you even need one…” Hilda admits.
“Didn’t you have a wand when you were young?” Oliver looks up at Hilda.
“No wands or staffs are mainly for those that either struggle due to being a beginner or those of old age who’s magic has dwindled over time so no I don’t need one nor will I ever need one.” Hilda admits.
“Oh…am I not powerful enough then?” Oliver worries.
“No I…urgh I worded that wrong, it’s perfectly fine for you to have one, you’re still a beginner I’m sure with age you’ll learn to rely on wandless magic.” Hilda tuts tiredly.
“Do you think you could teach me some?” Oliver asks hopeful.
“Sure…” She shrugs.
“Now the king of this place knows a spell or two, let’s see if he can help us shall we?” Mr. Drippy decides.
“A real life King? Sure! I guess that means we should head for that big old place over there huh?” Oliver assumes.
“I would assume so.” Hilda hums.
“Jeepers, it’s so different!” Oliver gasps at the medieval looking kingdom.
“Indeed as expected of another continent I suppose.” Softly, Hilda hums.
“How different is it from where you’re from Hilda?” Oliver couldn't help but ask.
“Well for one we don’t exactly have cat people.” Hilda eyes said cat people.
“No?” Oliver says surprised.
“No.” Hilda deadpans.
“Stop staring you two, it's rude!” Mr. Drippy hisses at the pair.
“But look at those goofy clothes…” Oliver argues.
“Goofy? Are you blind? You’re the goofy ones round these parts! Or well creepy for you!” Mr. Drippy tells them.
“Says the man with a lantern for a nose piercing.” Hilda crosses her arms over her chest.
“Huh?” Oliver takes note of the crowd forming around them.
“Hey look at his funny clothes!”
“Look at her funny tattoe…!”
“She looks like the dark djinn! Please don’t hurt us!”
“Dark djinn huh…” Hilda hums at her robes.
“It’s cause of those dark robes of yours you stick out like a sore thumb!” Mr. Drippy tells the pair.
“Do we really look so strange?” Oliver wonders.
“Who cares?” Hilda dismisses.
“These lot do clearly, we’d better get you a new outfit before they put you too in the zoo!” Mr. Drippy decides.
“Not my fault they don’t understand fashion…” Hilda crosses her arms over her chest.
“Come on you two!” Mr. Drippy orders.
“Okay…” The two grumble following Mr. Drippy.
“I’m sorry you two but no matter how trendy they are over in Motorville or how whatever it is you came from Rora your clothes are just plain out of place over here!” Mr. Drippy tells them.
“Are they really that strange?” Oliver frowns.
“Yours look strange but at least you don’t look like some dark magician unlike a certain someone over here.” Mr. Drippy promised Oliver.
“Hey not my fault you guys just aren’t with the times.” Hilda sneers snippily scowling.
“But… this is all I have…!” Oliver argues.
“Then we’ll have to buy you some new ones, there’s loads of shops here in Ding Dong Dell mum, none of them must sell clothes en’t it?” Mr. Drippy decides.
“Must we waste out time with such thoughts?” Hilda grumbles.
“What do you…whoa!" Oliver gasps when with a wave of her hand, his clothes are changed.
“How about this?” Hilda asks as she gestures to Oliver’s new attire.
“You really have no bloody clue about the fashion here do ya?” Mr. Drippy frowns at Hilda.
“What do you mean? He looks great!” Hilda insists.
“Yeah for scaring people he looks like the dark djinn himself!” Mr. Drippy insists.
“Urgh you’re no fun…!” Hilda tuts tiredly.
“Come on I’m sure there’s somewhere we can go to fix you up Ollie boy.” Mr. Drippy promises.
“Okay…” Oliver trails off.
“This is a complete waste of time…” Hilda tuts tiredly.
“Um excuse me. Do you sell clothes from this worl-Uh I mean do you sell…regular clothes?” Oliver enters the small shop.
“Clothes dear? Oh hoot I’m afraid we don’t have any in stock at the moment." The owl woman answers.
“Such a shame…” Dryly, Hilda remarks.
“Don’t tell us that mun! Have you seen how the boy’s dressed? He’s a flipping embarrassment! One’s scaring people, the other is just plain old confusing them!” Mr. Drippy tells the owl looking woman.
“And you’re a great source of confidence Mr. Drippy!” Hilda glares lightly at Mr. Drippy.
“They’re getting funny looks wherever we go! My street cred is in ruins!” Mr. Drippy fumes.
“You…have street cred?” Hilda says surprised.
“Hoo! A fairy! I used to see your kind all the time! But I’ll bet children these days don’t even know hoo you are.” The owl woman smiles at the sight of Mr. Drippy.
“Youer telling me! Kids these days mun! Disrespectful, ignorant, downright rude.” Mr. Drippy grumbles.
“This coming from the guy who literally ripped into us just a moment ago!” Hilda huffs.
“They wouldn’t know a fairy if it kicked them in the flipping shins! Not like you eh Missus? Now about these clothes…” Mr. Drippy turns back to Hilda.
“Yes dear whoo now let me think ah now I come to think of it there was a traveller hoo left a set of clothes here once upon a time…he’d bought a new outfit you see so he left his old one behind but I’m afraid there’s only one.” The owl woman recalls.
“Oh such a shame, Oliver you’re going to have to take the bullet I’m afraid.” Hilda tells them.
“B-Bullet?!” Oliver stutters stunned.
“It’s a saying.” Hilda dismisses.
“Roughly human shaped is it and cheap? I shouldn’t doubt tidy we’ll take it even if we get stares from people from miss terrifying other there.” Mr. Drippy cheers.
“If they really are scared, Mr. Drippy, at least they’ll leave us alone.” Hilda reasons.
“…I guess…I just hope it doesn't cause trouble down the road.” Mr. Drippy sighs.
“But Mr. Drippy-“ Oliver begins but…
“Yes yes now I remember he was the one hoo…yes he said they were very special clothes made from the fabric woven from the fibres of the Sky tree if I remember rightly. Lovely and comfy, extremely hard wearing and lucky to hoot. The only problem is the size, I’ll need a few hours to make alterations. It would look good on you, otherwise could you come back tomorrow morning?” The owl woman requests.
“Course we can mun! how’s about that then Ollie-boy there’s lucky!” Mr. Drippy cheers.
“Neato thank you very much Ma’am!” Oliver thanks her.
“Hoo hoo hoo a pleasure my dear toodle hoof or now until tomorrow…” The owl woman waves them off.
“Tomorrow’s flipping ages away mun. I’d like to go and see the King right away, like but we can’t go till we’ve got your outfit sorted en’t it?” Mr. Drippy reasons.
“I guess not…” Oliver sighs sadly.
“Not from the looks of the sky it is…we should probably find an inn for the night to rest, wait for the clothes to pick them up. How’s that sound?” Hilda reasons.
“Fine if we can find a place with your creepy robes?” Mr. Drippy frowns.
“Oh would you shove off? I’ll take off my robe when we get inside how’s that sound?” Hilda snaps scowling.
“Hmm…I’ll answer when we’re kicked out of the bloody door.” Mr Drippy huffs.
“Come on.” Hilda grumbles going on ahead into the inn.
“Welcome to the one of the Cat’s Cradles chains of Purrenium inns! We purride ourselves on our purracticality and purricing!” The woman warmly welcomes the trio.
“We’ll take a room.” Hilda tells the woman.
“Ppperfeeect! Your custom is always appreciated Mmyoh you look a little unusual…you two are travellers I puuresume?” The woman purrs pleased.
“You could say that.” Hilda remarks.
“Then I encourage you to take a nap at each of our inns wherever your travels may take you!” The woman tells them as they all head to bed.
“Oliver…Oliver…” A familiar voice calls out to Oliver.
“Huh? Mom? Mom!” Oliver perks up at the sight of his mother.
“You’ve done so well to make it this far Oliver.” She smiles softly at him.
“Mom…is this…a dream?” Oliver couldn’t help but wonder.
“You must listen to me now Oliver. You have to go to him…to face him…and when you do…you’ll learn the truth. Promise me no matter how hard it is.” She requests of him.
“Hm? Mom who’s him? Mom, what do you mean?” Oliver couldn’t help but ask.
“He’s someone very…important to both of us.” She smiles sadly at him.
“But who is he and where do I have to go?” He questions her however…
“It’s alright sweetie you’re already on your way. Don’t give up Oliver no matter how hard it gets…” She begins to fade.
“Mom…mom! Mooom!” Oliver cries calling out to him however he is helpless to her fading form…
“It should be safe now…” Awake, Hilda stands before the fireplace, opening the gem cap of sorts, a small spark eagerly leaping onto the logs in the fireplace, fiercely feasting on the logs.
“An actual fireplace, been a while since you treated me to one of these!” The fierce flames beam brightly by the logs.
“Yes well don’t get too comfy we may not be staying here long…” Hilda warns a hand to her hip as she watches the eyes of beady black stare back at her.
“We never stay long anywhere.” The fierce flames grumble.
“For good reason .” Hilda reminds the flames.
“Why are we even bumming with these guys? A fairy and some kid, why?” The fierce flames ponder perplexed.
“I can’t just leave the kid alone, even I have some semblance of standards.” Sternly, she reminds the flame.
“He remind you of him…?” The flames couldn’t help but ask as Hilda couldn’t help but sigh sadly thinking back…
The sharp sizzle of the pan echoes in a small kitchen of sorts, the young brunette stuffing his face full of food as the younger Hilda tends to the frying pan, hearing the soft sizzle of the bacon.
“Did you clean your room?” She asks the young brunette boy.
“Yeees…” The boy draws out.
“So if I go and check it’ll be clean?” She raises a bored brow to the flinching boy squirming in his seat until…
“URGHH!!” He rushes back over to the stairs heading up.
“…What are you doing?” She follows him up the stairs staring stunned at the mess of the room of the formulas and serums.
“I-I-I nothing…” The young boy promises however…
“Doesn’t look like nothing.” Hilda observes.
“I…I just I…I wanna grow a beard!” The young boy whimpers.
“…Say what now?” The younger Drora quirks her head to the side.
“If…If I can change forms like you two can I can help right?” Hopeful, he asks her.
“…Huh?” She blinks befuddled.
“If I help…I won’t…I won’t be thrown out right?” He assumes.
“Markl…” Hilda softens sadly at the young boy before her.
“They’re probably fine, you know Howl wouldn’t let him die.” The fierce flames bring back Hilda.
“And what if Howl were to die, what then?” She challenges the flames.
“…Hilda…” The flames soften sadly at her. She knew it was too dangerous to stay, especially with that mark of hers, bringing them to her doorstep was one thing but bringing them to the others…she couldn’t do that. She wouldn’t let that hug touch him.
“Not even going into how much of a pigsty it’s going to be when I get back…” Hlda couldn’t help her face of dread.
“Mom!” Oliver cries calling out, taking Hilda aback.
“Hm?” Hilda turns to blink befuddled at the sniffling state of the boy.
“Mom…mommy…” The boy whimpers weakly curling in on himself, the tears freely falling.
“Poor kid…he’s…” The fierce flames turn to the boy.
“Crying…” Hilda whispers.
“Mommy…” Oliver whimpers weakly slowly stirring his beady blues meeting her black pearls.
“You okay kiddo?” Hilda asks Oliver.
“…” Oliver sniffles sadly.
“Hey it’s alright…” She sets her hand on Oliver.
“Mom…mommy’s gone…I miss her so much Thea!” Oliver whimpers in her arms.
“Thea…?” The fierce flames frown.
“Must be my soul bond…” She mutters under her breath brow furrowed.
“Eh?” The flames blinks befuddled.
“How troublesome…hey it’s okay, it’s alright…” Hilda comforts the sniffling man.
“I miss her so much…mommy…” Oliver continues weeping in Hilda’s arms.
“Bringing back any memories boss?” The fierce flames asks Hilda.
“…Just shut up Spitz.” Sternly, she orders the flames comforting the young boy in her arms…
“Morning you three and what a purrfectly fine morning it is too! You slept well, I hope?” The woman warmly welcomes the trio.
“Ta Missues see you soon! Righto Ollie Boy, Magic girl back to that owl shp en’t it?” Mr. Drippy reasons.
“Indeed.” Hilda nods watching Mr. Drippy go on ahead.
“…Hilda…” Oliver shyly approaches Hilda.
“Hm?” She turns to Oliver.
“I…I’m sorry you had to deal with that last night…me calling you…” Oliver begins but…
“It’s fine I assume you know my soul bond.” She assumes.
“She…she used to look after me when I was little.” Oliver admits to her.
“That so…still…guessing it’s pretty recent…” She hums.
“Hm?” He raises a befuddled brow.
“You losing your mother…” Hilda exclaims.
“How did…?” He couldn’t help but ask.
“These things aren’t easily especially for a kid your age.” She states.
“Have you…?” He couldn’t help but wonder.
“Yeah it was a long time ago though.” Truthfully, she admits anguished at the thought of the sobbing sickened woman, coughing crimson bedridden.
“Do…do you still miss her?” He asks her.
“…Everyday.” She whispers, eyes closing thinking back to it all…
“…mom…” Oliver sniffles sadly.
“Look kid I get this may be some semblance of escapism for you but that doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to think or talk about this sorta stiff sometimes.” Sternly, she reminds him.
“Hilda…” Oliver whispers weakly.
“If you ever want to talk…I’m here.” She tells him.
“…Thank you.” Oliver thanks her.
“Hoo! Hoo! There you are dearie you’ll be happy to know your clothes are ready!” The owl woman warmly welcomes the trio.
“Tidy! Best try them on then eh Ollie-boy?” Mr. Drippy turns to Oliver.
“Sure!” Oliver nods.
“I’ll just pop and get them for you dear. Wait there I shan’t be a moment!” She promises.
“Yes Ma’am thank you very much.” Olvier thanks her.
“Here we are.” She hands him the fabric.
“Good now go change.” Hilda orders as he does just that.
“O-Okay what do you think?” Oliver asks as he shows his new fit for them.
“Huh? Ooh that’s trendy you look proper sharp Ollie-boy!” Mr. Drippy compliments.
“W-What do you think T-Hilda?” Oliver asks her.
“You look nice.” She shrugs.
“Isn’t it a little…goofy? I mean…a cape?” He asks anxiously.
“What we may see as goofy they may see as good Oliver.” She tells him.
“I guess…” Oliver bows his head.
“Don’t be silly dear! It hoots you down to the ground!” She promises Oliver.
“…hoots?” Hilda blinks befuddled.
“T-Thank you very much Ma’am!” Oliver smiles.
“So how much do we owe you?” Hilda wonders.
“Hoo! For those old things? Don’t be silly dear you’d be doing me a huge favour just taking them off my hands!” She smiles.
“Really?” Oliver beams brightly.
“You sure?” Hilda warily watches the old woman.
“Hoo hoo hoo! I can’t remember the last time I did any sewing. It was an absolute hoot dear, think nothing of it!” She tells him.
“Thanks Missus there’s lucky Ollie boy looks like we owe this place another visit or three!” Mr. Drippy smiles.
“We sure do!” Oliver agrees.
“Now that’s out the way, we should go meet this King.” Hilda reminds them.
“Yeah time to go meet the king…I’m kinda nervous!” Oliver admits.
“You’ll be fine.” Firmly, Hilda assures Oliver.
“Ah you’re after an audience with the King Tom are you? Well I’d be more than happy to let you though…” The guard allows.
“But…?” Hilda notes his tone.
“But…I’m afraid that’s just not possible at the momemtn…” The guard sighs sadly.
“Knew it.” Hilda tuts tiredly.
“H-Huh? But why?!” The guard ponders perplexed.
“One of the King’s hapless aides have allowed his meowjesty’s beloved pet fish to escape into the palace moat. That red herring is the King’s pride and joy and a highly endangered species to boot…I doubt his meowjasty would be bale to replace this one if he were to lose it…what was that aide of his thinking I don’t know. Anyway to cut a long story short everyone in the castle is busy looking for the King’s red herring at the moment. I’d advise you to come back another day.” The guard explains.
“Uh alright guess we’ll go what do we do guys?” Oliver asks as they leave.
“It’s obvious isn’t it?” Hilda frowns.
“It is?” Oliver says surprised.
“The palace moat…if I’m not mistake that moat’s connected to some of the rivers that run through towns." Mr. Drippy recalls.
“You think it could have swum through town?” Oliver assumes.
“I reckon it’s possible, yeah why don’t we have a look just in case? Can’t do any harm can it?” Mr. Drippy reasons.
“On the contrary finding that fish would make the king indebted to us he’d have no choice but to give this wand of his to Oliver and perhaps a future favour at that, if he values it so highly.” Hilda couldn’t help but smirk slightly at the thought.
“Gee I hope we find that red herring then.” Oliver smiles.
“Me too let’s go fishin’!” Mr. Drippy hollers as they head off to find the red herring.
“Excuse me sir have you seen a red herring around these parts?” Oliver asks a civilian.
“Folks around here tell their children that the King Mice lives down Ding Dong Well, it’s only a story but the thought sends a chill down my spine.” The civilian admits.
“And the thought has done nothing for our investigation, come on boys.” Hilda encourages.
“O-Okay!” Oliver and Mr. Drippy follow.
“Found it.” Hilda whispers, her eyes turning pitch black, her eyes turning yellow spotting said red herring flapping within the water.
“You have?” Oliver says stunned.
“See that shadow, the shy bit of red peering out.” Hilda describes as fine feathers sprout out.
“There’s our herring!” Oliver soon spots it.
“You’d better go and take a closer look though just to make sure en’t it?” Mr. Drippy reasons.
“M-Me why do I have to do it?” Oliver frets.
“You’re young. You can do it.” Hilda dismisses.
“Yeah who else is going to do it? Freddy the fish inspector? Come on just hop on them rickety looking bits of wood you’ll be fine!” Mr. Drippy encourages.
“Aww gee guess I’ll try…ah!” Oliver gasps.
“Knickers it got away!” Mr. Drippy curses.
“S-Sorry!” Oliver apologises.
“Not your fault we didn’t really have the equipment to get it anyway, he most likely went back towards the palace come back over Oliver.” Hilda promises Oliver.
“O-Okay.” Oliver nods as she helps him get back but…
“Come on after him!” Mr. Drippy hollers as Hilda raises her hand and…
“Got him…! So this is the king’s favourite fish huh?” Oliver smiles as the fish is levitated up in the air by Hilda in a ball of water.
“Tidy that’s a red herring if ever I saw one! Now we can get an audience with the King. Now let’s head back and see that palace guard shall we?” Mr. Drippy cheers as they all head back to the castle.
“You again? I’m afraid we still haven’t located King Tom’s pet.” The guard frowns however…
“This one you mean?” Hilda reveals said floating fish.
“We came to deliver it to the King.” Oliver reveals.
“Is that…? Goodness I’d know the regal scarlet tones of the King’s beloved red herring anywhere well I’ll be!” The guard gasps.
“I reckon he must’ve swum out through the sewers into the town like.” Mr. Drippy admits.
“Is that so? I must let the other guards know right away! Ah if I remember right you were…” The guard begins but…
“Here to see the king? Yes.” Hilda cuts them off.
“Yes of course. But with him in his current state…” The guard begins to worry when…
“…don’t tell me he’s broken-hearted too…” Hilda groans.
“You could say that…did I mention that the person charged with caring for the King’s red herring just let it escape?” The guard asks.
“Did I mention you’re changing the topic back to the King please?” Hilda scowls.
“Just listen. Everyone in the palace has grown terribly lax of late. So lax that we need to enlist the help of passing travellers as you know only too well. I probably shouldn’t be telling you this but the king himself has been indolence personified and it seems to be rubbing off on his subjects.” The guard explains to Hilda.
“Of course it has.” Hilda huffs.
“Indolence?” Oliver frowns.
“Another word for laziness.” Hilda answers.
“Oh…” Oliver draws out.
“I’m afraid so. Well perhaps being reunited with his beloved red herring will gve him the boost he needs!” The guard reasons.
“Tidy we’re off to see the King!” Mr. Drippy cheers as they all head in.
“A pleasure to meet you, your meowjesty?” Oliver bows before King Tom slouched on his throne.
“Wait…he’s an actual cat…and he has a fish for a pet?” Hilda couldn’t help but frown.
“So it was you who delivered one’s treasure back to one mmm?” Tom hums.
“That’s right.” Mr. Drippy nods.
“Y-Yes your meowjesty.” Oliver shyly nods.
“And…you wish for a prize hm?” Tom assumes.
“Look at you catching on…” Hilda smirks slightly.
“Go on…ask him…” Mr. Drippy encourages the worried Oliver.
“Come on, don’t be shy…” Tom calls out to Mr. Drippy.
“You’ll be fine.” Firmly, Hilda promises.
“Well your meowjesty um…” Oliver begins but…
“Out with it now!” Tom cuts Dresrosa off.
“We need your wand!” Oliver reveals.
“One’s wand you say mm…wait WHAT DID YOU SAY!?” Tom perks up at his words.
“Oh and the fat cat can stand…” Dresorsa says surprised.
“Quiet do you want us to get kicked out!?” Mr. Drippy frets frowning.
“That smell…could it be?” Tom rushes over to them, beginning to sniff them.
“Perosnal space much…?” Hilda pulls Oliver into her side he hides behind her
“That’s right your meowjesty. He’s not from our world!” Mr. Drippy tells Tom.
“And you…the smell of gunfire and ash…you’re from a whole other continent…” Tom sneers snippily sniffing at the glaring Hilda looking repulsed almost.
“Yes, yes we get the picture now could you back off?” Hilda orders.
“You tell oneself to back off?” Tom gasps insulted.
“I’m telling a guy scaring a child to back off yes.” Deroa remains resolved.
“Hmm…” He hums.
“Your meowjesty he’s the one whose power freed me from my prison!” Mr. Drippy reveals.
“…prison?” Hilda frowns.
“What!? You mean he broke his spell? This little boy?” Tom gasps.
“…yes.” Mr. Drippy nods.
“Do you understand what you’re saying fairy? Once you defy him there’s no turning back?” Tom demands from Mr. Drippy.
“Why did you have to say that?” Oliver frets.
“It’s alright Oliver.” Hilda assures the young boy.
“I know, I know, I know but…” Mr. Drippy continues trying to talk sense into Tom.
“But what precisely?” Tom wonders.
“Well you know he might be able to-“ Mr. Drippy begins but…
“Hmm…it’s not one’s concern you may not have the wand now begone.” King Tom decides cutting them off.
“Say what!?” Hilda scowls sharply.
“Does that mean no wand Hilda?” Oliver turns to her.
“…Looks like it lazy cow…come on.” Hilda tuts tiredly as they leave.
“So how do we get the wand now?” Oliver ponders perplexed.
“Something wasn’t quite right about our royal friend.” Mr. Drippy takes note of.
“I take it you mean him being brokenhearted…” Hilda frowns.
“That’s right brokenhearted, he is or I’m brokenheaded.” Mr. Drippy exclaims.
“The king is…?” Oliver says surprised.
“Lacking enthusiasm it looked like.” Mr. Drippy adds.
“And because he’s brokenhearted the whole kingdom’s been dragged down with him.” Hilda adds.
“What are you waiting for? Lt’s go find the piece he’s missing!” Oliver declares.
“Blimey you don’t need much encouragement do you?” Mr. Drippy remarks.
“The guard outside was short on it too remember? We should ask him for more.” Oliver reasons.
“Nononono mun! Don’t go doing that! there’s a very important rule about borrowing pieces of people’s hearts!” Mr. Drippy frets.
“There is? What is it?” Oliver ponders.
“Well you can’t go, taking the same piece of heart from the same person twice see? One little scoop off the top is all that’s safe to borrow.” Mr. Drippy tells Oliver.
“Gee I didn’t know that…I’ll be sure to be real careful from now on. So what do we do?” Oliver wonders.
“Clearly we find someone else with some enthusiasm to give to the king.” Hilda concludes calmly.
“Exactly it’s a sleepy old place but there’s bound to be someone somewhere!” Mr. Drippy insists.
“The only problem is where? Ding Dong Dell’s not exactly village sized after all.” Oliver points out.
“You might even say it’s proper massive.” Mr. Drippy adds.
“I guess it kind of is.” Hilda concedes.
“In something of a quandary are we?” The stone tablet reveals itself.
“Flipping hec mun don’t scare me like that!” Mr. Drippy hollers.
“I forgot you existed…” Bluntly, Hilda admits.
“Hi Mr telling stone!” Oliver perks up at the sight of the tablet.
“You seemed perplexed my young friends, I thought you might benefit from a dose of my knowledge.” The Stone tablet takes note of.
“Wow that’s nice of you.” Oliver beams brightly at the tablet.
“I take it you heard of our issue…” Oliver assumes aloofly.
“Indeed in times like these just look to your locket!” The tablet tells Oliver.
“Um what do you mean?” Oliver ponders perplexed.
“Well not only can it carry pieces of heart the locket is also extremely sensitive to their proximity it will glow when they are nearby.” The tablet tells them.
“So it tracks enthusiasm and other feelings down…” Hilda concludes.
“Indeed it will glow a verdant green.” He adds.
“Neato!” Oliver smiles.
“Now sally forth and see ye your piece of heart young adventurer!” The stone hollers.
“Thank you telling Stone.” Oliver smiles.
“And if you ever find yourselves in need of knowledge again you may consider me wholly at your service farewell for now friends!” The stone returns to Oliver’s pouch.
“Well that was useful!” Oliver smiles.
“Righto let’s have a look round for someone with a drop of enthusiasm to spare.” Mr. Drippy decides.
“Got it let’s go!” Oliver declares determined as they go find some enthusiasm.
The soft sound of footsteps echo against the pebbled pathway of stone below as Oliver, Mr. Drippy and Hilda venture through. Hilda looks back over at her hand, eyeing the ring adorned upon her finger, eyeing the flickering flames, a set of eyes briefly meeting her own before fading away as they look around Ding Dong Dell, determined to find some enthusiasm.
"Hilda…” Oliver shyly calls out.
"Hm?” Hilda turns to the boy below.
"This magic with the locket it’s new to you?” Oliver asks of her.
"Yes, that is correct.” Hilda calmly confirms.
"But how come? You’re clearly experienced.” Oliver asks.
"Because the magic of this land is vastly different from my homeland.” Hilda tells Oliver.
"Really?” Oliver says surprised.
"Yes although similar runes and the feel it isn’t exactly the same means in which I learned or well performed.” Hilda tells Oliver.
"I don’t understand.” Oliver frowns.
"It’s hard to explain, you see when we use magic we take it from the land, from the air…” Hilda tries to explain.
"From the air?” Oliver says surprised.
" it’s like the alphabet or a different language there are some phases of the common tongue from my home within the works of magic that I recognise and while I do have some of familiarity with the spells of this land, I’m still adjusting with the spells I do know and can use through the use of this land but using my rather advanced spells here from home won’t work.” Hilda tries to explain.
"What kind of magic, then do your people look into? You think you could teach me?” Oliver asks hopeful.
"I don’t think my magic would suit you Oliver.” Hilda makes a face.
"Why not?” Oliver wonders.
"Cause you’re too purehearted Ollie boy!” Mr. Drippy speaks up.
"Eh? What do you mean Mr.Drippy?” Oliver turns to Mr. Drippy.
"I mean she’d just stain ya, a bad influence is what she is. If she even tried to touch an emotion she’d corrupt the enthusiasm!” Mr. Drippy assumes.
"I am right here.” Hilda scowls at Mr. Drippy.
"Am I wrong?” Mr. Drippy barks back.
"My amulet…! It’s glowing!” Oliver gasps when looking down at his glowing amulet.
"Tidy! Then there's someone round by here with a piece of heart to spare, en't it?” Mr. Drippy smiles.
"And the only person close is…him.” Hilda looks over at the boy with the pot on his head holding a broom.
"And look at him, mun! He can barely stand still, he's so eager! Jackpot!” Mr. Drippy smiles.
"You mean you think he has some enthusiasm to spare?” Oliver presumes looking over at Hilda.
"That would seem to be the case yes…” Hilda calmly confirms.
"I’d bet my lantern on it! Let’s go and get it shall we?” Mr. Drippy smiles rushing ahead.
"Wait Mr.Drippy!” Oliver calls out but it falls to deaf ears.
"How do, Saucepanhead? I don't s'pose you fancy doing us a favor, do you?” Mr.Drippy comes up to the child.
"Hey! Stop distracting me! I'm busy!” The child glares at Mr.Drippy.
"Busy why I…!” Mr. Drippy begins mad when…
"Might we ask what you’re doing little one?” Hilda calmly kneels down before the child to ask that.
"Protecting the town from the mice, of course!” The young boy slams his broom on the ground.
"Mice? Oh yeah, I remember hearing about the mice who lived in Ding Dong Dell…” Mr. Drippy recalls.
"Those mice are a menace! They're always running around, getting up to no good. But the grown-ups are too lazy to do anything about it! Most of them hardly notice when the mice steal things, and the ones that do don't seem to care! Well, Tommy Stout is not going to stand for it! I know the mice all live down in the well, so I'm standing guard here. Any mouse that comes this way is in for a battering!” The boy known as Tommy tells the trio.
"Well, well! We were right about this one! He's bursting with enthusiasm! Over to you, Ollie-boy!” Mr. Drippy encourages Oliver.
"W-What are you talking about!?” Anxiously, the boy glares at the trio.
"Maybe we should tell him before you try anything…?” Hilda gives Oliver and Mr. Drippy a look.
"Well, King Tom seems to be really short on enthusiasm right now…” Oliver tries to explain but…..
"And that's where you come in, Tommy-boy! You've got loads of the stuff! If we gave some of it to King lí out quick sharp!” Mr. Drippy cuts Oliver off.
"Yeah... So we were wondering Tommy if you could share some of your enthusiasm with us?” Gently, Hilda asks of the young lad.
"Of course! I'd do anything to help the King!” Tommy happily agrees.
"Thanks Tommy!” Oliver smiles, happily performing the spell, taking the small shred of enthusiasm for the King.
"Wow... That was strange... Well, now I know what magic feels like!” Tommy says smiling, clutching his chest amazed.
"Strange? What do you mean?” Oliver asks the boy.
"People like us are rather rare Oliver, so its probably rare for them to see magic let alone be involved in it…” Hilda calmly explains to Oliver.
"Oh…!” Oliver exclaims.
"So, does this mean King Tom's going to be all right now?” Tommy asks, concern clear in his voice.
"He should be and once the King’s back to normal the rest should follow.” Hilda assures the boy.
"That's right, mun! Your enthusiasm is going to put spring in everyone's step, en't it!?” Mr. Drippy exclaims.
"That's great to hear! Until then, though, I'd better stay here and keep an eye out for the mice!” Tommoy decides as the trio head back to his Meowjesty.
"Your mewojesty…” Hilda calls out as they approach the throne to the purring cat calmly lazing about upon his throne once more.
"Hm? Mmmyoh... You again. One is becoming rather tired of these constant Interruptions…” King Tom stirs sleepily rubbing at his eye.
"S-Sorry, Your Meowjesty. It's just, we have something for you…” Oliver tries to explain but…
"Yeah, we picked it out especially for you, Catface! It'll get rid of that tiredness of yours in no time! Give you a new lease of life, it will! Strong teeth, glossy fur-” Mr. Drippy cuts Oliver off to continue when…
"I-I'm not sure that's-” Oliver shyly tries to interject but…
"Mmmyohhh! That sounds just the ticket! This accursed fatigue will be the death of one. Dealing with all these visitors has taken its toll…” King Tom complains.
"Not to worry Youer Meowjesty! A little bit of enthusiasm is all you need, en't it!?” Mr. Drippy assumes.
"Hmm…” Oliver nervously takes out a familiar locket, eyeing it anxiously when a familiar hand is set on his shoulder, bright blue meeting coal black.
"You’re fine.” Firmly, Hilda assures bringing a small smile to Oliver’s lips as he uncorks the locket, a ruby red flame familiar to the group coming out, melting into the fluffy fur of the king cat’s chest as to their surprise…
"Hmm? What the devil was one up to?” The King pops up.
"Your Meowjesty! Please, tell us your back to your old self!” The guard by the cat’s side asks.
"Why one is ten times more energetic than one has ever been! But one feels…different somehow…” The King replies, moving about.
"That would be thanks to Oliver here you feel so well your meowjesty…” Hilda calmly clarifies for the King.
"Mmmeow, is that so? One certainly didn't feel oneself for while there. It seems one is in your debt. What would you claim as your purrize, hm?” King Tom asks of the child.
"Tidy! You know what to ask for, en't it, Ollie-boy?” Mr. Drippy assumes.
"Oh, uh, sure! We'd uhh...we need a magic wand, Your Meowjesty.” Oliver asks of Tom.
"Mmmyohhh, is that so? Strangely, one feels as if one has had this conversation before...Now one thinks of it, there is a wand, one purrized very highly as a kitten hidden away safely in one's bedchamber. Wait…!” THe king gasps, his eyes wide.
"King Tom….?” The guard by his side says surprised.
"Yes one remembers now that rat…!” Tom realizes.
"…Rat?” Hilda frowns.
"That filthy rat took the wand!” King Tom sets off.
"King Tom where are you going!?” His guard calls out but…
"One must get one’s wand back!” King Tom bellows before taking chase.
"Cor Blimey seems we’ve given the fat cat too much enthusiasm!” Mr. Drippy remarks.
"Come on, we should follow him.” Hilda asserts.
"Right!” Oliver nods as the group go after the King, their eyes wide when seeing the feline face off against some rat.
"Your Mewojesty!” Oliver gasps.
"Need a hand?” Mr. Drippy offers.
"Oh it’s you three! Look- one has retrieved one’s wand!” King Tom reveals said wand.
"And one is about to be hit from behind if he doesn’t do something!” Panicked, Hilda tries to hint but…
"Say cheese!” The rat strikes, bonking the king at the back of the head.
"Ah the crook did infact…struck one…ooh…!” King Tom free falls to the ground.
"…idiot.” Hilda sighs.
"That'll teach you to turn your back on me, you old tomfool, you!” The rat laughs victorious.
"That is one huge rodent!” Mr. Drippy notices.
"You lot work for the fat cat do you?” The rat assumes glaring at the trio.
"Uh no we uh…we…” Oliver begins but…
"Oliver get behind me!” Hilda calls out.
"Huh?” Oliver turns but…
"Too slow!” The rat goes to strike.
"Ahhh!!” Oliver cries out bracing himself for the pain to come only to gasp when nothing hits him, the rat battered back by the ward of sorts formed.
"Cor Blimey…!” Mr. Drippy gawks, gapes at the symbols while the rat shakily stands scowling.
"Hilda…” Oliver safe and sound turns to Hilda, his eyes wide awestruck at the magical ward fading before his very eyes.
"Oh you’re one of them! This should be fun!” THe rat grins.
"Oliver ready yourself!” Hilda had called out to the boy, a familiar familiar popping out of her.
"R-Right!” Oliver nods, summoning his own as the pair face Hickory Dock…
"You dirty rats! I’ll get you next time!” Hickory Dock flees, taking off into the sewers.
"Knickers! He got away! And he got another stupid catchphrase in before he left! And all” Mr. Drippy curses.
"Is that really what matters right now?” Hilda gestures to King Tom.
"Your Meowjesty! Are you okay?” Oliver rushes over to Tom’s side.
"One's wand... One retrieved it from the villain who...purrloined it... Mmmyugh…” King Tom whispers weakly.
"Your meowjesty?” Oliver calls out, his eyes wide when the king closes his eyes.
"Knickers! Knickers, knickers, knickers! Youer Meowjesty! Your Meowjesty!!!” Mr. Drippy bounces around anxiously panicking.
"…Move aside.” Hilda sighs, pulling up her sleeves, a familiar seedling creature by her side.
"Oi what are you…!?” Mr. Drippy begins but falters, his and Oliver’s eyes expanding at the sheer raw magic Hilda displays as she tends to King Tom’s side.
"The Zodiarchs are assembled, Your Radiance.” The parrot proudly upon its pedestal reports to the masked woman adorned in white similar to the many mages seated around her, each with a golden helmet symbolising some sort of animal.
"I thank you all for attending. Very well. I hereby call the Council to order. You are all doubtless aware of the purpose of this session. We are here to discuss tne elimination of the Pure-Hearted One. Come betore us, Dark Djinn” The woman adorned upon a proud mask bellows, summoning said Dark Djinn.
"You summoned me, White Witch?” The Dark Djinn appears.
"The so-called "savior from the other world...he must be destroyed.Shadar, it is time that you proved yourself worthy of the title or...Executor.” The White Witch reveals to the Dark Djinn.
"On one condition.” The Dark Djinn begins but…
"Hah the insolence! He presumes to bargain with our queen?” One of the sages sneer with a mouse helmet.
"Go on.” The White Witch prompts.
"Very well…I must request that you entrust this task to me...and me alone. Hear me, members of the Council: I have no need of your aid.” The Dark Djinn dictates.
"He thinks himself our equal!?” One of the members of the council sneer.
"What gives him the right!?” Another of the council adds angry.
"He is either very brave or very foolish…” One of the council members sneer.
"To presume to give us orders!” Another of the cross council members roar.
"Babbling fools…” The Dark Djinn huffs.
"Silence! Very well! You will have your wish shadar. I entrust the task entirely to you. Teach those who speak of a savior the futility of their hope!” The White Witch allows.
"It shall be done. This oliver…this saviour.,..I will taint his heart with the blackness...of despair.” The Dark Djinn dictates, swearing it.
"That was amazing Hilda!” Oliver beams brightly at Hilda, the trio back at a familiar throne room.
"It wasn’t that big of a deal. If I remember more of this land’s magic I could have been more proficient…” Hilda huffs looking down at her hands, her silver ring flaring briefly beneath the blue jem of her ring.
"Nonsense. If one thanks you once, one thanks you a thousand times! You saved one’s life back there!” King Tom comes over.
"King Tom!” Oliver turs to him relieved.
"Looks like your feeling a bit better now, eh, your Meowjesty?” Mr.Drippy turns to the cat.
"Only thanks to your mage’s aid I must say such healing is the work of a sage is it not? Mmmyoh, never mind all that! One is just purrfectly livid that that villain Hickory Dock got the better of one! And all because the loss of one's enthusiasm led one to be caught catnapping! To think he managed to purrloin one's greatest treasure! Mmmyoh, it is unforgivable! But one's wand is back in one's possession now. That is the main thing. Now one can finally bestow it upon you.” King Tom reveals a familiar wand.
"Jeepers…” Oliver eyes the wand in awe.
“This is one's magic wand. When one was a kitten, one ran quite wild with the old thing. Here, it is yours now.” King Tom explains, handing it over to Oliver.
"Thank you very much, Your Meowjesty.” Oliver thanks him.
“If you-know-who finds out about this, one fears we shall both live to regret it. But one can hardly say no to one so very pure.” King Tom remarks.
"When you say "you-know-who… you mean Shadar, don't you?” Oliver assumes.
"Mmmeoch!? Ammeohh! There's no need to say it out loud, is there? “ King Tom panics.
"Fear of the name only increases fear itself…” Hilda calmly points out.
"Oh…I…I suppose that is rather good piece of wisdom “ King Tom considers.
"Your Meowjesty. You've gone and given him the wand now. There's no going back.” Mr. Drippy brings up.
"…One supposes so.” King Tom considers.
"Don't worry, Your Meowjesty! I’ll bring down Shadar, you'll see!” Oliver swears it.
"In that case, there is a forest south of one's kingdom known as Golden Grove. And beyond it lies a vast desert. In the midst of that desert is the city of Al Mamoon. You must travel there next. Its ruler is somewhat... But never mind that. Rashaad, one of the four Great Sages, once dwelled there. And still does one purrsumes “ King Tom explains.
"The Great Sages? You mean the proper mighty wizards Alicia used to be one of?” Mr Dippey assumes.
"Alicia….” Oliver bows his head at the thought of her.
"Hm?” Hilda hums when noticing Oliver’s downtrodden reaction.
"If you wish to expand your magical knowledge, one is sure the aid of the Sages will purrove invaluable.” King Tom suggests.
"That wouldn’t be a bad thought as much as I can teach you bits and pieces Oliver, I’m still trying to refamiliarize myself with the laws of this land…” Hilda hums.
"Righto! It's off across the desert to find us a Great Sage then, is it? Tidy!” Dippy smiles.
"Al Mamoon, here we come!” Oliver declares as the trio set off to Al Mamoon.