During Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf

The quartet have been out on the road for a while now, exploring the mysteries while travelling back to Corona. They had set up camp in a serene clearing deep within the forest, the crackling campfire casting an orange glow over their makeshift campsite.

As the night settled in, their friendship enveloping them. The day's exploration had been fruitful, and now, they found themselves gathered around the campfire, their faces illuminated by dancing flames. The forest around them was alive with the sounds of the night, a symphony of chirping insects and rustling leaves.

Howard had a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know what time it is, folks? Time for some spooky stories!"

Cassandra sighed, her amusement evident. "Howard, we're in the middle of a forest in the middle of the night. Are you trying to scare us more?"

Howard flashed his trademark grin. "Nah, Cass, these are friendly ghost stories. I promise, no nightmares tonight."

Varian leaned forward eagerly. "I've always been fascinated by ghost stories. Please, Howard, continue."

Azule, with a soft giggle, spoke in her formal manner. "I, too, find the art of storytelling intriguing. Please do share, Howard."

Howard cleared his throat dramatically, fully embracing the role of the storyteller. "Very well, prepare yourselves for a tale of spine-tingling suspense."

Cassandra, knowing what was coming, groaned preemptively. "Howard, if this involves puns..."

Varian chuckled, fully aware of the puns that were about to follow. "Come on, Cassie, you know we can't resist Howard's stories."

Azule's lips curled into a knowing smile as she settled in for the tale. "I am ready for the story, puns and all."

With a theatrical flourish, Howard began his story. "Once upon a time, in a castle shrouded in mist..."

Cassandra rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile. She had heard this story many times before.

"...there lived a ghostly knight named Sir Haunt-a-lot," Howard continued, his voice filled with dramatic flair. "Now, Sir Haunt-a-lot had a peculiar quirk. He couldn't stand the sight of umbrellas!"

Varian chuckled at the absurdity of it all, while Cassandra couldn't help but shake her head at Howard's pun-laden story.

Azule nodded thoughtfully. "A most unusual phobia for a ghostly knight, indeed."

Howard pressed on, his storytelling taking a more serious turn. "One stormy night, a traveler seeking shelter arrived at the castle. She unfurled her umbrella as she stepped inside..."

Cassandra, now genuinely interested despite the Howard-like story, leaned in closer.

"...and that's when things got spooky!" Howard exclaimed.

Varian, always eager for the explanation, chimed in. "What happened, Howard? Was it an electromagnetic disturbance?"

Howard winked at Varian. "You'll have to wait and see, my friend."

As Howard continued his story, the others were absorbed of it. His exaggerated storytelling had them hooked, and even Cassandra couldn't deny the thrill of it.

But of course, Howard couldn't resist slipping in puns whenever he could. "The ghostly knight was beside himself with terror. He shouted, 'You've got to be 'knight'-ing me!'"

Cassandra groaned in annoyance, but Varian and Azule couldn't help but laugh.

Howard's ghostly tale continued with exaggerated gestures and theatrical flair. "Now, where was I? Ah, yes! The traveler, with her umbrella open, ventured deeper into the castle. She was determined to uncover its secrets, even if it meant facing Sir Haunt-a-lot's phobia head-on!"

Cassandra, despite her earlier groans, found herself drawn into the story, her eyes fixed on Howard as he painted a vivid picture with his words.

Varian leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "What did the knight do, Howard? Did he, um, 'vanish' in fear?"

Howard chuckled. "Not so fast, Varian! Sir Haunt-a-lot was no ordinary ghost. Instead of vanishing, he did something even more bizarre. He challenged the traveler to a duel!"

Azule, her mystical senses keenly attuned, nodded thoughtfully. "A duel between a living traveler and a ghostly knight? This tale grows even more intriguing."

(Artwork made by @Meatballisdumb, a friend of mine)

Cassandra burst into laughter, unable to contain her amusement. "A dance-off with a ghost? Howard, you've outdone yourself."

Varian, caught up in the whimsy of the story, couldn't help but join in the laughter. "I must say, this is an unexpected turn of events."

Howard continued his story, describing the absurd dance-off between the traveler and Sir Haunt-a-lot in vivid detail. As he reached the climax of his tale, something extraordinary occurred.

A sudden chill swept through the clearing, causing the quartet to shiver. They exchanged puzzled glances, the campfire flickering wildly as if struggling against an unseen force.

Cassandra rubbed her arms, her breath visible in the cold air. "Is it just me, or did the temperature just drop drastically?"

Varian checked the campfire, his mind racing to find an explanation. "This is... unusual. The fire is still burning, but it's not providing much heat."

Azule closed her eyes briefly and extended her senses. "There's something otherworldly about this cold. It's not a natural phenomenon."

Howard couldn't resist a pun even in the face of the mysterious cold. "Well, folks, I guess you could say we're in a 'chilling' situation!"

Cassandra groaned, this time not at Howard's pun, but at the uncanny turn of events. "This is no time for jokes, Howard. Something isn't right."

Varian scanned their surroundings. "It's as if the air around us has grown colder."

As they huddled closer to the campfire, seeking its dwindling warmth, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were not alone in the clearing. Shadows danced in the periphery of their vision, and an eerie hush seemed to settle over the forest.

Azule's voice, usually calm and composed, held a note of caution. "Stay vigilant, everyone. We may have stumbled upon something beyond our understanding."

Howard's enthusiasm had dimmed, replaced by a sense of unease. "I didn't expect my story to summon... whatever this is."

The quartet huddled together around the dwindling campfire, their breath visible in the frigid air. The forest, once serene, had transformed into a realm of eerie silence, interrupted only by the crackling of the struggling flames.

Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by a chorus of ghostly noises that seemed to emanate from all directions. Faint whispers, eerie laughter, and faint echoes of distant songs filled the air, sending shivers down their spines.

Varian, who had been the most affected by the temperature drop, now found himself overwhelmed by the unearthly sounds. His eyes darted nervously in every direction, and his breaths came quick and shallow.

Cassandra, ever protective of her friends, immediately went into action. She placed a reassuring hand on Varian's shoulder, her expression determined. "Varian, it's going to be okay. We'll figure out what's going on."

Howard now looked around nervously. "I didn't mean for this to happen! I swear!"

Azule spoke in a hushed tone. "These sounds... they are not merely noises. They hold power, and they are meant to unnerve us."

The ghostly noises continued, growing louder and more unsettling with each passing moment. They seemed to come from all directions, surrounding the quartet and creating an almost dizzying sense of disorientation.

Varian, despite Cassandra's reassuring presence, couldn't contain his fear any longer. He clutched Cassandra's arm tightly, his voice trembling. "C-Cass, I don't like this. It's too... too much."

Cassandra's protective instincts kicked into overdrive. She pulled Varian closer, shielding him with her body as if that alone could keep the unearthly forces at bay. "I'm right here, Varian. We're in this together."

Azule's mystical aura seemed to ripple in response to the ghostly presence. "We must investigate. We cannot allow fear to control us."

Howard, his usual bravado diminished, nodded in agreement. "Azule's right. Let's find out what's causing this and put an end to it."

With grim determination, they rose from their campfire and ventured into the forest, following the eerie sounds that seemed to beckon them deeper into the darkness. Their flashlights cut through the night, but the beams only served to create eerie shadows that danced like specters among the trees.

The ghostly noises grew more intense, as if mocking their pursuit. Faint apparitions seemed to flicker at the edges of their vision, elusive and unsettling. Varian's grip on Cassandra's arm tightened, and she shot him a reassuring glance, her eyes fierce with determination.

As they delved deeper into the forest, the ghostly presence seemed to draw them toward a specific point. It was as if an invisible force guided their steps, a force that was both captivating and foreboding.

Cassandra's voice carried a note of caution as they pressed on. "Stay close, everyone. We need to stay together."

Varian, despite his fear, couldn't help but be drawn into the mystery of it all. "What... what could be causing this? It's like we're in a supernatural realm."

Azule nodded in agreement. "This place holds ancient magic, and it seems to respond to our presence."

Howard, his usual humor replaced by a somber seriousness, added, "Well, we wanted an adventure, and we certainly got one."

They continued their trek through the darkened forest, their steps guided by the ghostly noises that now surrounded them. The air was thick with an otherworldly chill, and the quartet couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched by unseen eyes.

Cassandra kept a protective arm around Varian, her senses on high alert. The noises seemed to converge on a particular clearing ahead, where the forest grew denser, and the shadows deeper.

As they entered the clearing, the ghostly noises reached a crescendo, filling the air with an overwhelming cacophony. Faint whispers turned into distinct voices, their words unintelligible but filled with a sense of urgency and despair.

Varian clung to Cassandra, his fear now mingled with curiosity. "What... what is happening here?"

Azule spoke in a hushed tone. "We have reached the heart of the phenomenon. But we have yet to discover its source."

Howard, his torch trembling slightly in his hand, muttered, "I don't like the look of this, folks."

Cassandra, her protective instincts in full force, turned to face her friends. "Stay close, everyone. Whatever happens, we face it together."

The quartet cautiously moved deeper into the eerie forest clearing, their senses heightened as the ghostly noises reached an unbearable crescendo. The chilling winds seemed to carry whispers and cries from the very depths of despair, and an otherworldly chill hung heavily in the air.

As they ventured further, the source of the spine-chilling cacophony began to reveal itself. At the center of the clearing, surrounded by an aura of darkness, stood a colossal, gnarled tree. Its branches twisted like serpents, and its bark was as black as the darkest night.

Cassandra, her determination unwavering even in the face of the inexplicable, stepped closer to the tree, her voice trembling as she spoke. "What... what is this?"

Varian could only manage a strangled whisper. "This... this isn't natural."

Azule spoke in a solemn tone. "This tree... it is malevolent. Its roots are entwined with ancient darkness."

Howard, who had encountered his share of strange and humorous situations, was utterly unnerved. "I think we stumbled onto something way beyond our pay grade."

As they stared at the cursed tree, the ghostly noises seemed to emanate from its very core. Faint, shadowy figures danced around its twisted branches, their forms flickering like wraiths in the moonlight.

Cassandra's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are... are those spirits?"

Azule nodded solemnly. "Spirits trapped by the malevolence of this tree. They cry out for release."

Varian, his voice shaking with fear, took a step back. "We need to get out of here. This is... this is beyond anything we've faced."

Howard, his usual wit now replaced by dread, agreed. "I vote for a quick exit. No ghost tree is worth this!"

But just as they turned to leave, an eerie, bone-chilling laughter echoed through the clearing. The very ground beneath them seemed to tremble, and the dark branches of the tree twisted and writhed as if in response to their presence.

The quartet was frozen in fear as the malevolent tree's presence intensified. Its roots, like serpents, slithered from the ground and ensnared their ankles, holding them in place. The chilling laughter continued, and ghostly figures emerged from the shadows, their hollow eyes fixed upon the intruders.

Cassandra's determination flared anew as she struggled against the tree's grasp. "We can't let this thing control us! Fight it!"

Varian, his terror giving way to desperation, summoned his knowledge. "There must be a way to break its hold!"

Azule chanted ancient incantations in an attempt to weaken the tree's dark magic. "By the power of light, I compel you to release us!"

Howard tugged at his restraints. "I've faced many foes, but you, tree, are really branching out!"

The quartet's combined efforts began to weaken the malevolent tree's hold, but the struggle was far from over. The laughter grew louder, echoing with a maddening intensity. The tree's branches writhed violently, and the ghostly figures closed in, their mournful wails mingling with the cacophony.

In that desperate moment, Cassandra's eyes blazed with an unyielding resolve. She called upon her combat experience and focused all her strength into breaking free. With a surge of power, she tore herself from the tree's grasp, a cry of defiance on her lips.

Varian, inspired by Cassandra's determination, followed suit, his mind racing to find a solution. With a cleverly improvised device, he managed to sever the roots that held him.

Azule transformed into a sleek wolf, biting into her restraints, setting her free. Once she transformed back, she summoned a burst of radiant energy that disrupted the tree's malevolent aura, causing the ghostly figures to scatter and fade into the night.

Howard, with one last pun-driven burst of strength, managed to free himself from the tree's grasp and scramble to safety.

As they distanced themselves from the malevolent tree, its laughter grew fainter, and the ghostly noises gradually faded into the night. The forest clearing returned to an eerie calm, the darkness receding as if it had never been.

Cassandra, her chest heaving from the effort, turned to her friends with a determined expression. "We faced something dark, but we didn't let it break us. We're a team, and together, we can face through anything."

Varian, though still shaken, nodded in agreement. "Cass is right. We've seen the supernatural, and we've come out stronger."

Azule offered a reassuring smile. "We have faced malevolence, and we have emerged into the light."

Howard, with a shaky grin, couldn't resist a final pun. "Well, I guess you could say we...leafed that tree behind."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Really, Howard? Now?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The quartet returned to their campsite, where the flickering fire offered a small sanctuary of warmth and light in the midst of the eerie forest.

Varian was visibly shaken, his curiosity temporarily eclipsed by the chilling encounter. He sat by the fire, staring into the dancing flames, his thoughts a jumble of fear and uncertainty. The supernatural, which had once fascinated him, now seemed far more ominous.

Cassandra noticed Varian's unease. She approached him, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. "Hey, Varian, you okay?"

Varian turned to look at Cassandra, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. "I'm not sure, Cass. That... that tree, those spirits. It was... it was beyond anything I've ever encountered."

Cassandra sat down beside him, her presence a reassuring anchor in the midst of their unsettling experience. She spoke softly, her tone filled with understanding. "I know, Varian. It was terrifying. But remember, we faced it together, and we made it through. You're safe now."

Varian managed a weak smile, grateful for Cassandra's comforting words. "You always know what to say, Cass."

Cassandra returned his smile, her protective instincts rising once more. "That's what friends are for, Varian. Now, why don't you try to get some rest? We'll keep watch, and the night will pass quicker than you think."

Varian hesitated for a moment, still wary of what the darkness might bring. But he trusted Cassandra's judgment and the unwavering support of his friends. Slowly, he reclined by the fire, his eyes still fixed on the dancing flames.

As he lay there, the warmth of the fire and the reassuring presence of his friends began to ease his anxiety. Varian's eyelids grew heavy, and despite the lingering unease, sleep began to claim him. He drifted into slumber, comforted by the knowledge that he was not alone.

Cassandra kept a watchful eye on her friends, her protective instincts heightened by their recent encounter. She waited until she was sure that Varian was asleep, his breathing steady and calm, before she allowed herself to succumb to exhaustion.

With a final glance at her companions, Cassandra settled down by the fire, wrapping her cloak around her shoulders for warmth. She laid down, her face serene as her eyes slowly close, falling into slumber.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the realm of dreams, Varian found himself in a place of darkness and shadows. The familiar surroundings of the forest had morphed into a surreal and unsettling landscape. He walked through this dreamscape, a sense of foreboding gnawing at the edges of his consciousness.

As he wandered, he heard faint whispers, disembodied voices that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere all at once. They murmured words he couldn't quite make out, their meaning eluding him. A shiver ran down his spine as he tried to discern their source.

"Varian..."

The voice was soft at first, like a gentle breeze brushing against his ear. He paused, his heart quickening. It was a voice he recognized, a voice filled with concern and warmth.

"Varian...?"

The voice grew slightly louder, as if drawing nearer. Varian's brow furrowed in confusion. Who could be calling him here, in this nightmarish realm?

"Varian!"

This time, the voice was urgent, a sharp cry that sliced through the darkness. Varian's eyes snapped open, and he bolted upright, his heart pounding in his chest. The transition from the dream world to reality was disorienting, and for a moment, he couldn't tell where he was.

Then, he saw her.

Cassandra was kneeling beside him, her eyes wide with concern. She had been calling his name, her voice a lifeline from his troubled dream. In that moment, she embodied safety and familiarity.

"Varian...!" Cassandra's voice was softer now, filled with relief as she realized he was awake.

Varian, still shaken by his nightmare, didn't hesitate. He threw himself into her arms, his grip tight as if he feared he might be pulled back into the darkness of his dream.

Cassandra, surprised but understanding, wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. She could feel his heart racing against her chest, and she murmured soothing words to reassure him. "It's alright, Varian. You're awake now. I've got you."

As Varian nestled against Cassandra, still trembling from the residual fear of his nightmare, he found comfort in her presence. He needed to talk about what had transpired in the dream, to share the haunting images that had tormented him.

"Cass," he began in a hushed voice, "it was... it was a nightmare like no other. I was lost in that dark place, and I couldn't find any of you." His voice wavered as he recalled the overwhelming sense of isolation.

Cassandra tightened her embrace, her hand gently rubbing his back. "I'm right here, Varian. You're not alone."

He nodded, finding solace in her words. "I know, Cass. But in the dream, it felt so real. I called out for you, for Azule and Howard, but... but there was no answer. I was so scared."

Cassandra's heart ached for him. She understood the power that nightmares could hold, the way they could make the unreal feel as tangible as stone. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Varian. But remember, it was just a dream. We're all here, safe and sound."

Varian took a steadying breath, finding strength in her reassurance. "Thank you, Cass. I needed to hear that."

Cassandra's fingers brushed his hair gently, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Hey, I have an idea."

Varian looked up at her, confused. "Mm? What is it?"

Cassandra put an arm around him, her face full of tenderness. "How about I sing to you a song my dad used to sing to me whenever I felt scared when I was little?"

Varian's eyes widen slightly in confusion, nodding slightly.

The two look up at the beautiful night sky, Cassandra's voice soft.

It always feels so quiet in the dark

It always feels so stark

She gently pulls him up, and they begin to walk.

How silence grows under the moon

And it's always gone so soon

Cassandra looks at the ground, her face slightly solemn while Varian stares at her.

I used to think that I was bold

I used to think love was for fun

She stops walking, with Varian behind her, the wind swaying their hair gently.

Now all my stories have been told..

..except for one

She turns to him with a soft smile on her face. Varian's eyes dilate ever so slightly at her look. She turns back to the sky.

As the stars start to align

I hope you take it as a sign

That you'll be okay

She turns to face him again.

Everything will be okay

She starts to walk towards him, signaling him to follow, which he does.

And if the Seven Kingdoms collapse

Although the day will be my last

You will be okay

She leans down, picking up a small petunia on the ground, smiling at it before turning to him.

When I'm gone, you'll be okay

She gently puts the petunia on Varian's outfit, in which he smiles at. She turned back to the sky.

The day that you arrived, the sun went black

An artificial night

 She puts an arm around him as they continue to walk.

You came and stole away the light

And put it in your eyes

She gently pokes his nose, emitting a giggle from him before she releases her hold on him, walking straight ahead.

How could I possibly suspect

That you'd eclipse the midnight sun

Her face gets solemn again as she reaches her hand to the sky.

I thought that I knew all the moons

But then you pulled me back to one

She lowers her hand, her fist close to her chest. Varian looks at her with concern as the silence passes through them. Unbeknownst to him, she softly smiles before taking a deep breath.

If the stars ever align

I hope you take it as a sign

That you'll be okay

She smiles again, her eyes trailing every star on the sky as her voice continues to shine.

Everything will be okay

She approaches him again, gently stroking his hair.

 And if the Seven Kingdoms collapse

Although the day will be my last

You will be okay

She puts her head on top of his, embracing him slightly.

When I'm gone, you'll be okay

She releases her hold before turning back to the sky.

And if the heavens crash aground

I know you'll hear the trumpets sound

And you'll be okay

She stares at the sky, her smile both sad and happy while her hands are on her chest.

Everything will be okay

She approaches a cliff, sitting on the ledge while staring at the night sky.

 And when creation goes to die

You can find me in the sky

She turns to look at him with a fond smile, offering an arm to him, asking him to join her, which he obliges, putting his arm around her shoulder as well.

Upon the last day

And you will be okay...

The two hugged tightly with bright smiles on their faces. The two friends sat there, silhouetted against the backdrop of the starry heavens, sharing a quiet moment of connection and understanding that transcended the challenges and uncertainties of their journey.

Varian's voice, when he finally spoke, was filled with sincerity. "Thank you, Cass. For everything."

Cassandra turned to him, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "You're welcome, Varian. Remember, no matter what happens to me or the others, we'll never be far away from our dear friend. You'll always be okay. We all will."

Varian nodded, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. They sat there on the cliff's edge, wrapped in the comforting embrace of the night and each other, finding strength in the bond they had forged amidst the trials and tribulations of their adventure.

As the night continued to unfurl around them, the stars overhead seemed to shine just a little bit brighter, as if they too were joining in the silent affirmation of hope and friendship. In that moment, Varian knew that he had found a true friend and protector in Cassandra, and that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, under the endless expanse of the night sky.

(A.N.: The song that Cass sang was "You will be okay" by Sam Haft and/or Bryce Pinkham from Helluva Boss. Although, I was mostly inspired by the cover above by Annapantsu. Y'all should listen to both versions, they're really good! :D)