Rockabiee placed her palm on her cheek, her eyebrows furrowed.  "Hm, how should I start..?" She mumbled. Kiyochi shifted awkwardly, a bit impatient. Soon, the braided haired girl sat up straight and turned to the brunette. "Okay, I want you to listen closely to what I'm about to tell you." The princess blinked and rose her eyebrows before sitting up as well.

Rockabiee cleared her throat. 

"Long, long ago~"

Before the world became cruel, and life seemed tranquil and serene, people lived freely and without worry. This was only because of their natured mothers and goddesses, Eirene, Eunomia, and Dike. 

The three were the world's basic foundation, Eirene being the goddess of peace, Eunomia, the goddess of  Good Order, and Dike, Justice. Unfortunately, it didn't take long before corruption seeped through in the form of Vyshareth. Her immorality fought ruthlessly with the goddesses, manipulation and trickery striking through their purities. 

Desperate for a second chance, Eirene summoned a descendent to protect the lives of innocent mortals. Though the descendent was powerful, it fell into the vile hands of  Vyshareth. Determined for another chance, Eirene gathered her sisters and at their last moments, summoned another descendent. 

The summoning was originally meant for a singular, high-powered being, but it instead split into three. They were given the same auras as their ancestors, but were disguised as mortals, and left with barely any given power. The original descendent, now corrupted, was given a choice by Vyshareth: to be a god or goddess, or become a demi-god, but be forced to live on earth. 

Filled with abandonment and sin, the descendent chose to live as a demi god, hoping to search for the three who were summoned at the last minute. 

Legend has it, that a mysterious spirit was summoned by an unknown source to protect the three, but it was never clear what exactly it was.

"So...who are the three descendants?" Kiyochi asked. Rockabiee deadpanned for a moment before facepalming.

"Mon dieu, cette fille est vraiment stupide..." 

"What-?"

"Rien, princesse, nothing, Your Highness."

Waving her off, Rockabiee pinched the bridge of her nose before sighing. "Wait.." The princess suddenly asked. "What about the lullaby Sketches mentioned, I know you heard her?" She pressed. Rockabiee's eyes widened at the mention of the lullaby. Her shocked expression dropped into a sorrowful one. "Unfortunately, that's not my place to tell."

Kiyochi sighed but nodded her head in understanding. Suddenly, the door was burst open by both Sketches and Hybrid. "All right, you've had enough talk, I advise you head home before dusk." She suggested, before shooing the royal out of Rockabiee's room. "Wait!" Kiyochi suddenly exclaimed, turning back to Rockabiee. "Who was the person you said would be able to answer my questions?"

Both Sketches and Rockabiee halted at this, the ravenette raising an eyebrow at her cottage friend. Rockabiee gave Sketches an unsure glance before saying, "I will lead you to whatever you would like to know, if you arrive tomorrow." She chuckled at her own rhyme. The princess deadpanned. "Is that what we're doing now, rhymes-?" The braided brunette only shrugged and waved as Sketches escorted them back into the village.

Once she closed the door, her kind smile fell into a worried frown. Leaning against the door, she closed her eyes momentarily. 

"I wonder if he recognized me.?"

・❥・

"nNOOOO DON'T LEAVE ME AGAIN!!" A high-pitched voice screamed. Sketches pinched the bridge of her nose. "Kiyochi, let her go!" Hybrid exclaimed, attempting to pull the princess away from the ravenette's leg. Key word: Attempted. "SHE CAN'T LEAVE ME AGAINN!!" Kiyochi wailed, latched onto her so called "goddess". They had finally reached the village and were preparing to say goodbye, but of course, the brunette refused.

"Your Highness, I swear to- you'll see me tomorrow!" Sketches said, shaking her leg in hopes of releasing the latched princess. Kiyochi blinked twice. 

"Oh, for real-?"

"..."

"Come on, Kiyochi..."

Finally letting go, she waved goodbye to Sketches, who sighed and smiled softly as they walked nearer towards the castle. Glancing at Hybrid for a second, her smile vanished into a worried frown. "He knows.."

As Kiyochi head into the kitchen, Sketches sighed and leaned her head back on the couch. Hybrid, who was still silent, caught her attention. Her eyes softened as he gazed out the window, no clear expression on his face. "You okay?" She asked softly. Turning his attention to her, he stared at her for a moment, before a small smile creeped up onto his lips. 

"Yeah...thank you, Sketches." He replied, before looking back out the window. Sketches' eyes lingered on the taller male, the sense of familiarity radiating off of him. Sighing softly, she too turned her attention to the window.

・❥・

Chocolate brown curls flopped onto the cool wooden table, as Kiyochi let out a tired groan. "Why is it the same stupid fucking paperwork every goddamn day?" She complained, glancing at her quiet friend. Ever since they got back to the palace, Hybrid had been unusually quiet. Turning her full attention to him, she stared, worriedly. "Hey, you good, man?" She asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

The prince flinched from the sudden contact as he turned to the girl. Recollecting his thoughts, he smiled reassuringly. "Yeah, don't worry, I'm just thinking about something..or rather, someone." He replied, his voice going into a mutter. Kiyochi furrowed her eyebrows. "Soo, you're into someone?" She hesitantly asked, feeling a bit awkward. Hybrid blinked before shaking his head vigorously. "No, no, it's more like a memory." He explained, earning an 'ohh' from the princess.

"My bad, sorry for making it awkward."

"You're good, I'm used to it by now."

"Yeah-wait, what the hell-?"

"Hey, look, Lady Daphne's back!"

・❥・

"We're HERE!!" A loud voice announced into the cottage, causing Rockabiee to flinch. Placing a hand on her chest to steady her breathing, she sighed and welcomed the two inside. "Good morning, you two, I see you "dressed" for the occasion." She chuckled, gesturing to their clothes.

Neither of the royals had dressed formally. Kiyochi had on a regular, plain white shirt. Around her arms and shoulders was a buttermilk yellow knitted cardigan, decorated in knitted daisies and bees. As bottoms, she chose simple jean shorts and jet black boots. She pulled at her peasent sleeves at the feel of the sudden wind.

Hybrid, on the other hand, had a pinch of formality in his chosen attire. He wore a beige buttoned down shirt with a navy corset and black suspenders. Around his waist were two knife pouches.(which were temporarily stolen by Kiyochi) He had on ebony black trousers that were cut off by denim blue knee high boots.

The princess shrugged. "We're gonna be traveling for a while, right? Might as well travel comfortably." She explained, eyeing the dark skinned girl's own attire. Rockabiee wore a loose, white button down shirt, a dark purple cloth, tied around her hips. Just above her chest and below her waist, was a jade black corset, wrapping around her figure. Under both her corset and her shirt, was a pearl white puffed up skirt that reached just above her knees. Reaching her thighs were jet black boots, increasing her height, just like Sketches.

Kiyochi blinked and tilted her head. "Wow, you look like a pirate." She said bluntly, receiving a perplexed expression from the braided haired girl. "Anyway, where's Sketches?" Hybrid asked, looking around a bit. A small smile found it's way on the girl's face. "She's in my room with Mittens-" Suddenly, the said female walked out, a small black cat in her arms." A loud gasp came from Kiyochi as sparkles formed in her eyes.

"KITTY CAT!!" She screamed, causing the said animal to yelp and meow, startled eyes glaring everywhere. Sketches, who was also a bit caught off guard, clutched the kitty tighter on instinct. Realizing who it was, she sighed in relief. "Good morning, Your Highness." She said, smiling softly. The princess though, was too focused on the feline to notice her greeting.

The ravenette witch wore a black leather, v neck corset shirt small straps crossed over her chest. Ebony black gloves stretched to her elbow, meeting her tight sleeves halfway. Wrapped around her neck was a navy blue shawl that dangled to her lower back. Around her waist was a thick belt, a sword pouch, and two pockets. If you looked closely, there were a few small potion bottles that stuck out from both her pockets. Her russet riding pants dipped into her knee high umber brown boots.

Finally setting mittens down, letting him run deeper into Rockabiee's cottage, she placed a hand on her hip and turned to Rockabiee. "Okay then, lead the way." She said, gesturing to the door. Rockabiee rose an eyebrow. "Can't you just teleport us there?" The royals' eyes widened as they stared at the ravenette who shook her head. "I can only do that when I have a clear memory of the scenary." Still a bit caught off guard by the random talent, Kiyochi blinked. "Soo, we walk?"

The three looked at each other and shrugged. 

"Okay then, Rockabiee, lead the way."

・❥・

"We're lost, aren't we."

"No, trust me, I know where I'm going."

"We've been walking around this beautiful forest for the past thirty minutes."

"We've past by this tree three times already."

"Putain, je vous déteste tous." Rockabiee muttered, huffing in annoyance as they reached a large swamp in the middle of the trees. Kiyochi stared at the water in disgust. "We're gonna die in here." She murmured. "Hush," Rockabiee dismissed, "Everybody shut up, listen." The group quieted down as they stared at the water. Suddenly, a few bubbles blew out. Soon, the few bubbles grew immensely as a large and elongated creature swam up to the surface. Its scaly aegean body stretched through the entire swamp. Looking up into it's beady, green eyes, it resembled a mutant lizard, minus the sharp blades it was given as teeth.

The trio's eyes widened as their skin paled, meanwhile Rockabiee smiled widely and waved to the creature. She confidently walked up towards the sea monster, not flinching one bit as it lowered its head down to her height, letting out a large puff of smoke as it breathed through its nose. The dark skinned girl brought her hands behind her back. "If it's not too much trouble, would you mind us crossing through your home? I promise we won't be bother." She asked, staring directly into its chartreuse eyes. 

Those eyes glared down at her as the monster roared directly at her, bearing its whetted fangs. Sketches began to draw her sword, preparing for battle. However, after the lizard's outcry, it swam back down into the swamp and floated back up in a straighter and angular "bridge".  All three adventurers gaped at what had just happened. Rockabiee turned back to them, an expectant smile plastered on her face. 

"Come on, he's rather impatient, and we are technically invading his home." She said, ushering them to cross the long monster. "Why do I have a feeling you've befriended other dangerous and monstrous creatures?" Sketches asked her friend when they were safely across. Rockabiee, who had finished thanking the monster, turned and shrugged in response. "That's a story for another time, come on, we're close."

The witch sighed as Kiyochi and Hybrid blinked in utter shock. 

"Now I kinda wanna hear that story."

"Right?"

・❥・

Swatting away hanging vines in her way, Sketches sighed. "You said we were close." She grumbled. Rockabiee's expression had no hint of hesitation as she suddenly halted. "We're here." She finally said. Kiyochi looked around, the sun was beginning to set, so the forest looked darker and more dangerous. She scoffed. "You can't be serious, we're in the middle of nowhere."

Hybrid, who was also scanning their surroundings, looked a bit saddened. The braided haired girl rolled her eyes at the trio's complaints, and looked up at the sky and let out a content breath. Looking back down into the deep, dark forest before her, she smiled as Sketches suddenly widened her eyes and drew her sword.

The princess yelped at the blade. "Forgot you had that, why'd you take it out?" She asked, a bit worried. Sketches stayed silent as she snapped her head all around. Rockabiee rolled up her sleeves as she walked closer to Kiyochi. "I'd stay alert, she can give you a heart attack if you don't look closely." She simply said.

 Hybrid's eyebrows furrowed. "She? Who are you talking-" 

His question was cut off from a harsh tackle and a yell from the brunette princess. Squinting her eyes from the pain, she cursed relentlessly. Finally being able to open her eyes, she widened them immediately at what was on top of her. A massive mutant wolf-like creature hand pounced on top of her, bearing it's razor-sharp teeth and its eyes that lacked any pupil. It's dark blue and black fur clashed together with it's two horns that rested above it's ears. Wait, horns?

"Hey, Lovestruck, long time, no see." Rockabiee greeted, causing the creature to turn its head and growl at her. Finally backing away from Kiyochi, it had shapeshifted into a more human like stance.

Though, despite having both arms, legs, and a regular head, she resembled a foul demon. She still lacked no pupils, only dead white eyes. Hidden in her dark hair were two sharp horns as well as bat wings sticking out on each side of her head. Her clothes were tattered and torn, leaving her scarred skin bare. Her claws were as sharp as her horns and teeth, ready to sink into any piece of skin. Larger bat wings hung from her back, reaching her knees. She held annoyed face as she crossed her arms.

"What have I told you about walking into my boundary unannounced?" She growled, glaring at the tall brunette. She smiled apologetically in reply. Finally acknowledging everyone else, she found everyone staring at her with shocked expressions. "What, never seen a demon before?" She asked, scoffing at their dumbfounded faces.

Sketches let out a breath, before chuckling. "It really has been a while, hasn't it?" The princess looked up at her. "You know her?" She asked Sketches, who nodded. "A long while ago, a really long while ago." She said with a sad smile. The princess only gave her a confused look. Hybrid, who was dead silent, made eye contact with the demon. For a split second, her eyes softened, before she looked away.

"So, wanna tell me why you're here before I tear you to shreds?" She asked with a sarcastic smile. Rockabiee nodded and glanced at Kiyochi who stepped up. She cleared her throat. "You're that evil descendent from the story, right?" She asked. Lovestruck rolled her eyes but nodded. "Yeah, so?"

Finally growing a bit more confidence, Kiyochi began, "Can you tell me what you know about the Soldier, Poet, and the King?" Hearing those words caused the demon to freeze for a split second. "The lullaby.." She mumbled. Kiyochi gasped quietly. "That! What do you know about that!" She said, pointing at her. The demon's mouth parted for a second before turning her head to Sketches.

The ravenette nodded and looked down. Lovestruck sighed "Fine, what do you wanna know exactly?" She asked, leaning against a nearby tree. The princess was silent for a moment. "I feel like I have this weird...connection with all three," She started, "According to the story, told by Rockabiee here, you became a demi-god in search of the three who were summoned." Lovvestruck glanced at the lilac eyed girl before nodding. 

The princess sighed. "Did you..ever find them?" She asked hesitantly. Lovestruck stayed silent and looked down for a moment. "Yes.." She mumbled. Mocha eyes grew hopeful as she smiled softly. "So?" She pressed a bit. The demon looked back up with furrowed eyebrows. The princess blinked "What?" She questioned. A stifled giggle could be heard from Rockabiee, who cleared her throat as a cover up. The demon groaned. "Do I really have to be the one to tell her?" Lovestruck whined. 

The princess looked around. Sketches was chuckling, Rockabiee was smiling excitedly, waiting to spill whatever Lovestruck was talking about, and Hybrid had on a comforting smile. "What?" Kiyochi asked, looking back at the demon. Scoffing, Lovestruck mumbled, "Screw this." Sketches then stepped up and placed a hand on the brunette's shoulder. "Let me tell you about the lullaby first."

"A while ago, during my childhood, my parents weren't really..around much. I was a quite quiet kid."

Curled black hair was buried into a large book, golden glasses falling off of the girl's nose. "Sketches!" A sudden voice yelled. A bit startled, the girl closed the book, lifted her daytime dress just above her ankles and ran back inside her house from the small garden bench she had retired in. Finally making it inside, she dusted herself off, and smiled at her mother. "Yes, mother?' The lady smiled back down at the young girl and patted her head.

She bent down to her level and carefully grabbed her shoulder. "Your father and I are going away for quite a while. A little work vacation, you remember, right?" The young girl still kept her smile and nodded, but her heart had cracked. "A nanny will be taking care of you while we're gone, like an older sister, would you like that?" The mother asked. Sketches stayed silent and nodded, her fake smile still plastered on her face.

"Lovely, darling." She pressed a chaste kiss on the girl's forehead before walking up to a woman who had just entered. She had kind eyes and dark skin, but had a kind and promising smile that brought a warm feeling to Sketches' heart. She watched as the two greeted each other.

"As promised, when we return, you'll be paid generously. She won't be much trouble, it'll be like taking care of a doll. The red headed girl nodded hesitantly and smiled sweetly in return. "Anyway, my husband is waiting, good day to you." And with that, she left. The tall girl  turned to Sketches with a sad smile. "You poor thing, having a mother like that..." She muttered, kneeling down in front of the girl. 

Sketches only admired her green eyes and multiple freckles. The girl extended her hand. "My name is Odette." She introduced. The little girl stayed silent and stared at her in wonder. "I'm Sketches.." She muttered, shaking hands with the fair lady.

As the days turned into weeks, both girls grew closer, Odette bringing a more genuine smile out of the girl's face. Unfortunately, weeks had turned into months, and the red head felt a bit more tired and gave apologetic glances to the girl. On a stormy night, Sketches clutched the girl in fear as she sunk deeper into her bed.

"It's alright, my dear, it's okay." She said, hushing the crying girl. Sketches only sobbed softly in fear. Sighing softly, she picked up the girl and sat her up carefully. "If you promise to stop crying, I'll promise to tell you a little lullaby." She said with a playful smile. Sketches pouted. "I'm too old for lullabies." She mumbled. Odette merely chuckled and brought up her pinkie. The ravenette stared at the finger before hooking her own with it.

She wiped away her tears and sniffed softly. "Okay," Odette started, 

There will come a Soldier

She booped the little girl's nose, earning a soft giggle from her.

Who carries a mighty sword

A smile began to form on Sketches' face as the fear began to lessen.

He will tear your city down,

Odette began to take the girl's hands as they started twirling around the room, laughter and giggles echoing off the walls.

Oh lei, Oh lai, Oh Lord~

Oh lei, Oh lai, Oh lei, Oh lai

Oh Lord~

The two fell back onto the bed in a fit of giggles, fear no longer present.

・❥・

Small feet paced back and forth as tears fell from the ravenette's face. She was currently standing outside a hospital room. A few moments later, a doctor walked out and stared at her with a sorrowful expression. "I'm sorry..the virus had already spread to her heart..." Shaking his head, Sketches gasped softly and broke down on the spot, falling to her knees.

・❥・

"That lullaby had been ringing in my ears ever since Odette's death and funeral." Sketches said dully, with barely any emotion. Kiyochi, who stared at her with a sorrowful exxpression. Chuckling at the memories, Sketches crossed her arms. "She'd always call me her little Soldier."

Mocha eyes widened as she made eye contact with the ravenette. "At the back of my mind, I think I had already knew what she meant, but pushed it down after her death." She finished with a kind smile. "So..you're the Soldier..." Kiyochi mumbled. Sketches shrugged and nodded. The princess turned to meet lilac eyes. "You're the..." Rockabiee chuckled. "Believe it or not, but I had someone like Odette that cared for me as well." Kiyochi perked up at this, allowing her  to continue.

"Her name was Lorelai."

Young hands dangled the small fork across the plate as Rockabiee stared down at it dolefully. The hands that belonged to her mother were slammed onto the dining table as her screams got louder, a look filled with  nothing but hatred. The man who she called her father had the same look, as he began t yell. Their noise didn't cause the young girl to flinch much, she had come to terms with what would occur every day.

Finally ignoring her cold food all together, Rockabiee got down from her chair and ran to her room, her presence going unnoticed. Slamming the door shut, she slid down into a sitting position and brought her knees up to her chest and began to sob quietly. Letting out a shaky breath, she looked around for the one thing that brought a smile to her face.

The girl pulled out a maroon covered book, the edges a little torn. Opening it, she immediately smiled as she began to quietly read the stories she had written not too long ago. She closed her eyes and sighed, wondering how her life would have been if it was a fairytale.

"Rockabiee, my dear.."

Those same eyes shot open at the sudden sound of an unfamiliar voice. "Mother?" She quietly asked, only to hear the echoing of melodic giggle. "Oh, you are so precious." The voice praised, causing Rockabiee's heart to grow warm for a spit second. She hadn't remembered the last time she had been called "precious" or any other adorable compliment. "Who..are you...?" Rockabiee  hesitantly asked, just as scared as she was curious.

The voice fell silent before speaking once more. "Follow my voice..." The voice spoke.

There will come a Poet

Rockabiee's eyes widened as the voice sang. She immediately ran to her window and looked out into the night sky.

Who's weapon is his word

She stepped out of the window, her room being on the first story of her household, and  ran through the grass and into the garden.

He will slay you with his tongue,

Upon reaching the middle of the garden maze, Rockabiee's mouth parted as her eyes sparkled at the beautiful woman before her.

Oh lei, Oh lai, Oh Lord~

She finally sang, strumming the small harp in her hands. Opening her blue eyes, she flashed a warm smile, leaving the little girl to be astounded by her beauty. Her pale skin clashed with her strawberry blond locks, her aura motherly and pure. She stretched out her arms and let the girl walk in as she pulled her into a much needed hug. 

Rockabiee looked up at the lady in admiration. "What is your name?" She asked, wanting to see the lady again. The woman's eyes softened as she played with the girl's curls. "The name I have been given is Lorelai, my little poétesse." She whispered lovingly.

・❥・

"The truth is, I never saw her again, but she was my muse, the one who made it all click." Rockabiee smiled, reminiscing the memory. By now, Kiyochi's eyes had watered as she blinked back her tears. "You're the Poet..." She whispered, but something still didn't sit right. "Who's the King..?" She genuinely asked. Sketches, though still sad, rolled her eyes while Rockabiee sighed with a smile. Lovestruck looked at the princess like she was stupid (I'm not stupid😤- sorry, Hamilton ref.), even Hybrid was chuckling.

Rockabiee took the princess' hand in hers. "Kiyochi, throughout this whole adventure, what have you learned?" Kiyochi blinked. "I was supposed to learn a lesson-?" The cottage owner stiffled a laugh before continuing. "This whole town, the people, the environment, how do you feel about it?" The brunette fell silent as she thought. "I guess, it makes me happy. How pretty the forest is, the love the people have, everything." Sketches walked up behind Rockabiee. "When I first met you, Kiyochi, you striked me as the outgoing type. Not the kind of princess who despises the forest and everything in it, but the one  who adores the wild life, the one who adores her kingdom."

Kiyochi thought for a moment before letting out a soft gasp. "You think I'm...no, no, no, no, no-I don't even have a guide lady person." A firm hand was placed on her shoulder, belonging to Hybrid. "Who was with you your entire life, the special someone that you looked up to?" He asked, already knowing the answer. The princess' eyes widened. "Daphne..." She simply  uttered out, for she was at a loss for words.

"Wow, she really is slow." Lovestruck commented, though, she had to admit, Kiyochi was the rightful owner of such title. "It's kinda sad that it took a whole adventure for you to realize." A glare from Sketches shut her up reluctantly. Noticing a hint of uncertainty on the brunette's face, the demon scoffed before snapping her fingers, immediately transforming into a large mirror. "Wha-" The princess muttered, picking up the mirror. Just as she did, a flower crown was placed on her head by Rockabiee, causing her eyes to widen as she gazed at her reflection.

There will come a Ruler

Who's crown is laid in thorns

Smeared with oil like David's boy,

Oh lei, Oh lai, Oh Lord~

Hybrid watched all of this with a proud smile, noticing his arm starting to fade. "Looks like my work here is done." He muttered to himself. Walking up to Kiyochi, he pulled her into a hug. "Hybrid, what are you-" She paused, noticing his body starting to fade away. She looked up at him. "It was you...this whole time..." She whispered. He gave her a kind smile. "It was truly an honor serving you, Your Highness.." He bowed, and with that, faded away.

A/N: Wow- 4397 words-? Damn, got a bit carried away there. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this bittersweet story💕