FINGERS ON FIRE WITH THESE CHAPTERS I SWEAR

I'M SAD-- I'M WRITING THIS TOO FAST, WE'RE ALREADY 43 MINUTES IN (at the start of this chapter)

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(Y/N) pushes through the crowd of men quickly, grabbing Faunus' hand and tugging him off the table as she looks towards the door with wide eyes. She pulls him into the crowd of men, hidden just as the Captain shoves Greno aside and stomps inside.

"Where's (L/N)?" he demands furiously, his sharp eyes darting around the crowd.

(Y/N) tenses as he says her last name, a soft gasp leaving her.

"Where is she?!" Captain shouts, marching towards the bar and scanning the room. "You hear that, (L/N)?! I know who you are now, and won't rest until you're brought to justice! Find her-- turn the place upside down if you have to!"

He slams his fist down on the bar, (Y/N), Pascal and Faunus wincing from their hiding spots underneath it, holding their breaths.

(Y/N)'s eyes dart towards Faunus before she carefully peers over the bar, seeing if they could make a run for it out the door. That notion was quickly crushed as Rhett and Bran were marched in with chains binding them, a handful of guards entering behind them.

She ducks back down with a cringe, wracking her brain for a way out of this.

A hook lowers down and hits her shoulder, making her look up swiftly with wide eyes. Muriel stood beside her nonchalantly, his eyes darting to the side in an obvious manner.

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(Y/N) and Faunus crawl towards a small space as it opens up, Muriel having switched the hidden lever on the counter. Muriel looks back as the others distract the guards, lowering himself behind them. The space led down into a dark tunnel, the wall acting as a ramp for them to climb down.

"Go," Muriel urges, nodding down at the tunnel. "Live your dream."

He looks down to (Y/N), who peers back at him over her shoulder.

"And I... hope you find yourself a dream, ma'am," he quietly says, surprising her.

"Thanks for everything," Faunus thanks, turning and hugging Muriel tightly.

Muriel was caught off guard, patting Faunus' back with a smile and a nod as he pulls away. Faunus looks to (Y/N) with a small smile before crawling down the ramp, (Y/N) looking from Muriel to the tunnel.

"Thank you," (Y/N) softly murmurs, raising her hood over her head before crawling after Faunus.

Muriel smiles warmly, watching them disappear into the tunnel before turning back and rising, closing the trap door behind them.

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Vlad holds up the wanted poster of (Y/N), lifting up Shorty by his wings, Shorty wearing an old apple sack over his head that acted as a hood.

"I believe this is the woman you are looking for!" Vlad states confidently, holding Shorty and the wanted poster together.

"Yoooou got me~!" Shorty slurs in a drunk manner, raising his hands out towards the guards.

Captain scowls at this, eye twitching in disgust at the man in front of him.

"Sir!"

Captain turns swiftly as one of his men call to him from the stairs.

"There's no sign of (L/N)," he tells him, shaking his head as his hands rest on the railing of the staircase.

Captain faces forward, frowning deeply as he sighs with frustration. A distant neigh could be heard, gaining his attention as he looks to the door.

The door was slammed open by Maximus, making some of the thugs jump in surprise.

"Maximus!" Captain says with relief and surprise, eyes wide at the sight of his horse.

Maximus lowers his nose to the ground, huffing softly as he sniffs along it while walking forward. His way ahead was blocked by some men, Maximus' expression firm as he rises and parts them with his two front hooves.

He trots forward with a snort, ears pinned back as the entire tavern watch.

"What's he doing--?"

Captain reaches back, slapping a hand over the guard's mouth to silence him as he watches Maximus with a crazed smirk.

Maximus lifts his upper half onto the counter with one hoof, neighing as he turns back to Captain and points to the lever with a duckling on the end.

Captain frowns with confusion and shakes his head, making Maximus snort with a raised brow as he hits the lever. The lever opens the trap door leading to the tunnel, the men watching with wide eyes.

"A passage!" Captain says with realization, lowering his hand from the soldier's mouth. "Come on, men. Let's go!"

Captain starts forward, the guards following after him.

"Conli!" Captain sharply barks, making Conli jump as he straightens up with his halberd. "Make sure those boys don't get away!"

Conli looks between the two Stabbington brothers anxiously as the Captain disappears into the tunnel with the others, raising his halberd and aiming it between them in a threatening manner. Rhett swiftly moves forward and head butts Conli, Conli grunting in pain as he was knocked unconscious.

"Play it safe..." Bran starts as Rhett kicks up the halberd, using it to slice through Bran's chains. "Or go get the crown?"

Bran turns and takes the halberd, breaking through Rhett's chains. The two look to one another, chuckling maliciously before Bran tosses the halberd down.

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Outside, Gothel watches with narrowed eyes as the Stabbington brothers enter the tunnel, turning away and frowning deeply in thought.

"I got a dreeeeam..." a voice slurs, Shorty staggering out of the building. "I got some dreams... I--"

He pauses his singing, spotting Gothel and, in his drunk state, mistaking him for a woman due to his long, curly black hair.

"Whoa~! Somebody get me a gl-ass!" Shorty exclaims loudly, leaning against the doorframe as Gothel glares down at him. "Because I just found me... a tall drink... of wat-er~"

Gothel's face darkens in a dangerous glare as he swiftly draws his dagger, pressing it against Shorty's nose. "Tell me where that tunnel leads out, now."

Shorty's eyes widen in shock as his eyes cross to look at the blade pressed against his nose. "Knife!"

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(Y/N) leads the way through the cave carrying a small lantern she had found at the entrance, her eyes lingering on the skeletal remains covered in cobwebs with a sword through it. Faunus followed closely behind, his frying pan tucked under his arm as he looks down with a giddy grin.

"I have got to say sunshine, I... didn't think you had that in you. Standing up to those guys for me was... impressive," (Y/N) speaks honestly as she looks around the cave, kicking at a rock by her foot as she passes it.

"I know!" Faunus exclaims with excitement as Pascal grins, startling her as she looks to him.

Faunus recollects himself, clasping his hands behind his back as he plays it cool, Pascal doing the same. "I know."

(Y/N) smiles with amusement as she shakes her head, turning to look forward once more.

"So..." Faunus clears his throat lightly, making her tilt her head toward him to show she was listening. "Where are you from, my Lady?"

"I'm...." (Y/N) hesitates for a moment. "I'm actually from somewhere called... Amythestia, but I've lived in Corona for a while now. That's the kingdom we're headed to now to see the lanterns, in case you didn't know."

"Really?! You live there?" Faunus says with an excited fascination, grinning. "What's it like there?"

(Y/N) looks down with a fond smile, "It's... enchanting, I guess. Everyone was always kind and full of hope, and the king and queen are beloved by all."

"Including you?" Faunus genuinely asks, tilting his head.

She was quiet, her expression falling as she nods. "Yeah, contrary to me stealing the crown of the prince, I... did love them. They were... strong, and caring... and always did what was best for the people."

(Y/N) shakes her head. "Doesn't really matter now. I can't really live there anymore, since the Captain of the guards knows my identity and I... stole the crown of the prince."

Faunus observes her sad expression, frowning. He looks around sheepishly, perking up as he tries to change the subject.

"What about your parents?" he asks with a small smile. "Are they back in Amythestia?"

(Y/N) doesn't answer Faunus' question, making him exchange a worried glance with Pascal, Pascal croaking as he shakes his head with a frown. A tense moment of silent passes over them, (Y/N) quietly clearing her throat.

"Anyways, uh, thank you for... saving me back there. I know I said I could handle myself, but that situation was... a bit too much for me to have handled on my own," she quietly thanks, changing the subject and avoiding Faunus' eyes as she looks to the cave wall to her right.

Faunus beams at her thanks, "N--No problem. Really!"

"No, not no problem," (Y/N) shakes her head, holding the lantern outstretched in front of her to see the way ahead. "You were very brave. If there's anything I can do to return the favor, ask. I don't... like being in debt if I don't have to be."

"Well..." Faunus starts a bit nervously, fiddling with some of his hair. "I did have a question..."

"Shoot," (Y/N) encourages, not looking at him as she continues forward.

"Back there... when they asked what your dream was..."

(Y/N)'s shoulders visibly tense, Faunus noticing as he watches her.

"Why did you look so... I don't know," Faunus trails off in a mumble, looking away. "You looked... almost afraid."

Her hand tightens around the handle of the lantern, the light shining on a large keg as they pass it.

"I didn't like it," Faunus continues with a shake of his head. "You shouldn't ever feel... scared like that alone. I-- I'd be willing to share that burden with you, if you'd let me."

(Y/N) breathes in her nose deeply, sighing through her mouth. "I appreciate your concern, but... ask me another question, please."

Faunus' eyes dart down to Pascal, Pascal squeaking a bit sadly as he peers up at Faunus.

"Oh," he quietly mutters sadly, looking down with rejection. "I... crossed a line there, my Lady. I'm sorry."

"Hey, it's fine," (Y/N) reassures with a tight-lipped smile, waving her hand in a dismissive manner. "Just... that's not something I really want to get into right now, you know? Don't feel bad about it. Your concern is sweet."

Faunus looks to her with a bashful frown, (Y/N) offering him a genuine smile.

"Any other question you have?" she asks in a playful manner, slowing her pace to walk side by side with him as she bumps her shoulder against his arm.

Faunus looks over her face for a moment, a small blush appearing on his cheeks. "Actually, yes. I... um..."

He looks down in thought, eyebrows furrowing before his face lights up.

"You're still taking me to see the lanterns despite the trouble I've put you through," Faunus says, making her brow raise in silent urging as she nods. "Why? Is it..." he hesitates, "... just for your satchel?"

(Y/N) considers his words, humming softly. "At first, I was taking you to solely to get my satchel back."

Faunus felt a bit hurt as Pascal frowns, (Y/N) continuing to speak.

"But then... back there you said it's been your dream your entire life to see the floating lanterns."

Faunus comes to a stop, (Y/N) walking ahead a few paces before smiling kindly as she looks over her shoulder to him.

"I might not have a dream, but... that doesn't stop me from wanting to help yours come true," she finishes, turning back and continuing on as her footsteps softly thud on the ground as she shrugs. "Getting my satchel back is just a bonus at this point."

Pascal happily chirps as he looks up at Faunus, Faunus letting out a quiet chuckle as he smiles widely. His eyes dart down to Pascal before he rushes after her, slowing to a walk at her side. A comfortable silence falls over the two, only their footsteps heard in the tunnel.

"Mind if I ask a question?" (Y/N) breaks the silence, her eyes darting to Faunus for a brief second as they walk. "It's kind of been eating at me for a while now."

"Not at all, my Lady," Faunus responds with an encouraging tone, smiling. "Ask away."

"All right, so..." (Y/N) sighs as she thinks over their adventure so far, "Now, I'm not going to ask what the deal with your hair is, or how you and the chameleon seem to communicate--"

"Pascal," Faunus names, lifting a hand to scritch under Pascal's chin as Pascal croaks with a smile.

"Right, Pascal," (Y/N) emphasizes, nodding with raised brows of amusement at Pascal. "Anyway, my question—"

She comes to a stop, turning to Faunus with a serious expression, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"You've dreamed about seeing the lanterns your entire life," she states, making Faunus nod with some confusion. "My question is... if your father was so worried about you going alone, why didn't he just... take you himself? What exactly... is his deal?"

Faunus' eyes widen as his face falls, Pascal's eyes darting from (Y/N) to Faunus nervously.

"Uh..." Faunus laughs anxiously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well..."

He looks to Pascal for support, jumping as a rock falls from the ceiling and bounces off his head. The three look down at the rocks on the ground, the rocks beginning to shift a bit as the ground begins to rumble.

"Oh, no..." (Y/N) mutters, looking back down the cave where they had come from.

The cave around them seems to shake, as if an earthquake was occurring, the unlit lanterns on the wall shaking wildly.

"M--My Lady...?" Faunus slowly calls, looking back as well as his hand outstretches towards her.

The glow of a lit torch could be seen, guards rounding the corner and charging towards them.

"Uh-- My Lady?!"

(Y/N)'s eyes widen at the sight of the guards.

"(L/N)!" Captain bellows, his voice thundering through the cave and mixing with Maximus' neigh.

"Run," (Y/N) urges, her eyes darting to Faunus when he doesn't move.

"Now!" she shouts sharply, snapping him out of his frozen state.

Faunus quickly scoops up as much of his hair as he could before he turns and starts running, (Y/N) racing behind as she looks over her shoulders at the guards. She faces forward, shaking her head as the two race towards the light at the end of the tunnel.

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ANOTHER CUT OFF ENDING HAAA---

Sorry about that my loves!

If it makes you feel better, I'm already starting on the next chapter owo

It'll be up either late tonight (if I don't knock out— it's 1 a.m—) or tomorrow! ❤️

Also, random fun fact, I named the place you're from after my Animal Crossing Island I have just made, Amythestia :D

Until the next chapter, lovelies!