There’s nothing to celebrate any longer. Five years ago, you lost the love of your life. A love you only found months before he turned to dust.

Wakanda, the magical world you were invited to by Princess Shuri when she came to your world. You were mesmerized, not only by the world you learned to love but also by the man she introduced you to.

James Buchanan Barnes. The former Winter Soldier. Bucky to his friends.

Your Bucky. Your love. Your life.

Since he’s gone, nothing remains the same. Where your life once was filled with love and hope, there’s nothing left but despair.

Steve Rogers and the remaining Avengers brought the end of your world right to your doorstep. The man you loved got ripped out of your arms and turned to dust right in front of your eyes.

You step out onto the balcony, looking up at the sky as the first fireworks illuminate the night sky. They burst into the sky, announcing the new year has arrived.

“Happy New Year, Bucky,” you whisper and turn your back on the fireworks. There’s nothing to celebrate.

“Happy New Year, Doll.” He steps out of the shadows, his face illuminated by the next firework. “I’m sorry, I’m late. The battle took a little longer.”

Bucky shrugs as you stare at him in his dirty tactical suit. He looks a little different from before he vanished, but it’s undoubtedly your Bucky.

“Bucky.” You throw yourself into his arms and cling to him like your life depends on him. And maybe it does. The last five years without him were hell. “Bucky… are you really here?”

“They made it,” he murmurs into your neck as he slings his arms around your trembling body. “I’m here to stay.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE. MAY 2025 BE KIND TO EACH AND EVERYONE!

The World Holds Magic

Prologue –

 Blaine had been having a good night’s sleep. Up until now, that was.

For some reason the boy woke and couldn’t get himself to drift off again no matter how hard he tried. Wondering what was up with him, he glanced to his best friend, Kurt. The other boy was still asleep after their game’s night in Finn’s room with the other lads from Glee.

Of course, Blaine and Kurt had promised to stay in Finn’s room with the others – mostly to appease Burt and Carole – but they’d decided to sneak away into Kurt’s room once they knew the adults in the house had gone to bed. They’d had more room in Kurt’s room after all, and could lay there chatting and listening to quiet music in the dark; which Kurt had obviously turned off since Blaine had nodded off.

And that’s how Blaine found himself now, not knowing what was keeping him awake. Kurt wasn’t a snorer, he slept soundly near him, peaceful Blaine would say. There was the tiniest bit of noise from the other bedroom – Finn wasn’t as silent a sleeper as his step-brother – but other than that it was a calm and quiet night, normally the Warbler would have no problem falling back to sleep, if he even woke up in the night at all.

Double checking, he thought about whether he needed to toilet. No. His phone hadn’t gone off with a message or anything . . .

Sighing, almost frustrated, he rubbed his eyes, and came to a sudden pause when he heard a tiny creek from across the room.

Chapter One –

Feeling as if he couldn’t breathe, Blaine glanced to Kurt once again. The other boy still slept soundly. So, what was that noise?

He forced himself to gulp, his mouth suddenly dry. Blaine knew for a fact Kurt kept the doors closed; he watched too many horror movies and tended to freak himself out if the doors weren’t all closed.

Keeping his eyes on the gap between the door of the closet and the darkness beyond, Blaine waited. What for? He couldn’t say. But the feeling of being watched wouldn’t leave him, causing goosebumps to raise across his arms.

He wanted to get Kurt to wake up, but he was too worried to make any noise.

And then he saw it. A strange creature. The door only opened the tiniest bit more but it was enough for Blaine to catch a glimpse of the monster beyond. It was pale with pointed ears, almost looking scaled in a way, its eyes were large, taking up a lot of its face, and it watched Blaine for a moment, before vanishing back into the closet, the gap in the door remaining.

It may have been dark, but Blaine knew what he saw that night. A monster in the dark.

 Blaine, surprisingly had woken the next morning. Which meant at some point he’d actually managed to get back to sleep. They hung out in Kurt’s room, the other boys had gone out to see their girlfriends or go to the cinema, but the two boys had decided on a lazy day instead.

Kurt ambled about his room, putting away some clean clothes in his drawers, not knowing that Blaine simply couldn’t draw his mind away from what he’d seen the night before.

Try as he might, the younger boy couldn’t fully focus. His gaze would slowly go to the now-closed closet and he’d picture the same pale face he’d seen the night before. Perhaps it was an alien? Though that didn’t explain why it would be in his best friends’ closet . . .

“Blaine?” Kurt asked, gaining the other boys’ attention again and huffing, shaking his head. “What’s going on with you today?”

He paused, but decided he had to say something. “Ok, this might sound crazy but . . .” Blaine looked to his best friends’ unjudging and somewhat worried gaze as he paused in his folding of clothes. “Ok, well . . . Kurt, there’s a monster in your closet.”

Looking to the window, it was closed. The door, also closed. And then his eyes settled on the closet door, which was partially open, revealing a sliver of darkness from within.

Kurt raised a brow, but got back to putting away his clothes. “I know, it’s gotten a bit messy, I’ve been meaning to clear it out-“

“No, Kurt!” Blaine sighed, telling himself to calm down. “Not that, there’s a literal monster in your closet.” He insisted.

Kurt offered the same look he gave Rachel when the girl said something stupid, like her being psychic, and Blaine huffed again. He knew it sounded crazy, but surely his best friend should listen to what he had to say?

Sensing Blaine’s seriousness, Kurt’s look turned blank and he shrugged. “Don’t worry about it.”

Blaine stared at him for a moment, not believing that that was Kurt’s response to this whole thing. He was pretty sure he preferred being looked at like he was crazy. “What do you mean, ‘don’t worry about it’? Monster, Kurt!” He pouted, and if Kurt wasn’t so scared of having to have this conversation, he would have laughed.

“Fine. I guess you were going to find out anyway,” His shoulders dropped and he softly placed down his shirt into the drawer, keeping his back to Blaine for a moment in hopes that if he ignored this for a while longer it might go away. But when he looked to his best friend, his big brown eyes full of confusion and pleading, he knew it was necessary. He had tried to be dismissive, but he knew that wouldn’t work. He sighed, perching down on the edge of the bed next to Blaine and staring at the floor. “Ok . . . as my best friend . . . I need to tell you something.”

Kurt had never thought he’d have to have this conversation really, and he wanted to explain, but it was difficult to. It was so complicated, and he figured the best way to explain to Blaine, would be to show him. He took a deep breath. “It’s not something that’s easy or . . . normal to explain, Blaine.”

Blaine simply continued watching him, waiting and showing he was listening. Kurt wanted to smile at the childish look he was giving him, but he was too scared of what the outcome of this ‘demonstration’ would be.

“I guess the easiest way is to show you.” He finally told the other boy. Blaine was obviously confused, and Kurt continued: “I need you to promise me that you’ll keep this to yourself, it’s important. You can’t tell anyone.” His tone left no room for argument, and Blaine nodded, his own expression turning serious. “To show you, we need to do some form of . . . ritual.”

“Ritual?” Blaine questioned, practically able to feel how anxious Kurt was about this.

“Ritual, spell, whatever you want to call it, but it needs to be done first.” Kurt tried to explain. He'd never had to tell anyone before, so he didn’t exactly know how.

After a short while for Kurt to prepare; gathering supplies for this ‘ritual’, Blaine sat on the bed, his legs crossed under him as Kurt had told him to, as he waited for the countertenor to join him. Kurt had placed down a small bowl which he'd filled with water, a couple small candles, a small vile of some form of dust - which Blaine couldn’t even begin to make guesses on its name or use - and a tiny ornate mirror that had almost an ethereal feel to it.

He took his time setting them up, and Blaine could tell it was from years of practice and precision, but he felt as if Kurt was stalling somewhat, avoiding looking at Blaine. He was obviously not relaxed at all. In all honesty; he was scared of what Blaine would think.

 Chapter Two -

While the younger boy was sceptical, he could see how anxious his best friend was being, and assured him a few times that if this was something Kurt believed in, then he did too.

The ritual was fairly simple, Kurt grabbed a tiny gemstone from his bedside table and ran it around the rim of the bowl of water. He lit the candles carefully and placed them in a square around the bowl, and then picked up the vial. Uncorking it, a small plume of sparkling dust rose into the air, and the older boy tipped it into the bowl of water, stirring it again with the crystal.

Blaine watched him with intrigue. While he didn’t exactly believe in stuff like this, he was almost captivated by Kurt’s careful movements and practiced hand. He dare not speak and interrupt what Kurt was doing.

The older boy continued, picking up the mirror and holding it over the water so that it was facing down at the sparkling liquid, and muttered something under his breath, before he quickly moved the mirror, the candles all going out and small plumes of smoke rose up from them. He waved the mirror through every plume a few times, and the bowl of water began to glow softly.

Blaine stared from the bowl to Kurt, who was watching the bowl as well as the glowing became brighter, almost ethereal as it pulsed slightly. The older boy placed the mirror back on top of the bowl, and the glowing finished.

It felt as if a wave of energy threw itself across the room, coming out from the objects before them. It felt almost soft, and it was strange, something Blaine had never felt before, but it wasn’t scary. It was almost . . . relaxing?

He looked back to Kurt, who finally met his eyes for the first time since he’d began the ritual. Kurt’s eyes held a soft blue glow, but Blaine could pass it off as a trick of the light, or his imagination.

The older boy didn’t say anything and neither did Blaine, and then . . . a soft breeze slowly blowed at them from the closet. It shifted Kurt’s hair slightly and Blaine, for once, didn’t know what to say.

Chapter Three –

Neither of the boys said anything for a moment, Kurt watched Blaine with a focus the younger boy had never seen, as if he was ready to be attacked or mocked.

But the soft blowing of the breeze from the closet was so distracting, that Blaine had to drag his eyes away from his best friends’, and toward the closet.

“Blaine!” It was the first time Kurt had spoken in ages, and Blaine jumped as his friends’ fingers wrapped around his wrist, stopping him in his tracks with a look of fear plastered over his face. “Wait, please . . .”

Blaine paused for a moment, but nodded regardless, waiting for Kurt to say what he had to say.

The countertenor didn’t exactly know where to begin. “Um . . .” He let go of Blaine’s wrist, and the other boy didn’t miss that Kurt’s hands were shaking. He took a deep breath, staring down at his lap and Blaine perched next to him, back on the bed, watching his best friend because he looked so . . . un-Kurt-like right now. Scared. Something the older boy never let others see in him.

“Hey. I’m here,” he reassured, patting the other boy’s arm.

Kurt nodded as if he didn’t believe him, but upon looking into the other boys’ eyes he sighed. “Blaine, I have a secret.” He told him, and it was the first time Blaine had noticed the tears come to his eyes. He really was scared . . .

“More than this?” Blaine asked, trying to joke but realising it wasn’t the time. “It can’t be that bad, Kurt?”

The other boy shook his head. “This doesn’t end well for me. Either way I say it.” He nodded to himself as he often did when upset, biting his lip and looking down. “Either you think I’m completely insane and run out that door, or you know what’s happening, and when I show you proof you get freaked out and never come back.”

Blaine fidgeted a little, glancing back to the closet. “Ok, you’re starting to scare me, Kurt.” He gave a nervous chuckle. “I mean, it can’t be that crazy right-?” But the look Kurt gave him had his smile slipping. “Ok, I promise not to run.” He told him, honestly. And he realised he actually meant it. His best friend could show him a dead body in that closet and he realised he’d be offering to help him hide it before he ran away and left him alone again.

Kurt finally kept his gaze and let out a tiny laugh. “Ever read Narnia?”

“I’ve seen the movies.” Blaine shrugged a little, confused by the change in topic.

Kurt sighed. “Ok, time to rip off the band aid.” He stood quickly, startling Blaine as he’d clearly made up his mind as he smoothed down his already immaculate shirt. “Get up. Please . . . And, um, I know it’s pointless saying it but . . . well, try to prepare yourself.” He told the younger boy, facing the closet the whole time.

It seemed normal enough, but the door softly moved back and forth with the wind, and the sound of a bird chirping had Blaine getting to his feet to investigate.

A glow seemed to fill the room and Kurt offered him a nervous, but settling smile before he opened the door fully and Blaine’s life changed forever.

Before he knew it, Blaine found himself on the edge of a forest, overlooking a small beach grove that seemed to run into an ocean. There seemed a glow in the air, the scent of the sea hitting him full-force now as the soft white sand shifted beneath his shoes. He took a couple steps back out of confusion once he’d seemed to wake up fully, and found himself tumbling onto his butt on the sandy floor. The sky was clear and the sun was warm but not burning, it seemed the perfect temperature. A birdsong he didn’t recognise signalled from a nearby tree and he finally remembered; he wasn’t alone.

Kurt. He looked to where Kurt had been stood and the other boy had taken a couple steps away, looking up at the sky with his eyes closed, as if basking in the sun. Blaine watched him, pushing himself up and dusting himself off. He took a couple steps toward the other boy, and now he noticed that his friend had a small smile playing on his lips, a smile Blaine had never seen on the other boy before. One of complete content and happiness.

“Where are we?” Blaine asked, looking around himself again, but not missing Kurt jumping at his sudden speaking.

“It’s hard to explain.” Kurt finally settled on. He looked around the place as if he knew it like the back of his hand. “Really hard to explain . . .” He sighed.

Blaine watched him for a moment. In the sunlight he looked almost ethereal, his pale skin almost glowing. His perfectly quaffed hair had rustled by the sea breeze and he noticed Kurt had undone his waistcoat. Blaine felt his mouth go dry, though he wasn’t sure why, and looked around once again, seeing the look Kurt was giving him made him nervous.

“You still promise not to run?” Kurt asked him softly after a moment, stepping up next to him and following the younger boys’ gaze out to sea. The horizon between the sharp cliff faces in the distance, across the field of deep water.

The two boys looked to each other. Blaine’s trousers were covered in sand, his overshirt had come undone in his tumble and his hair wasn’t as perfectly gelled as usual. Kurt found himself wondering why the other boy didn’t use less of the stuff.

“I won’t run, but . . .” Blaine looked around them again, opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water. Kurt found himself smiling at the comparison. “But, Kurt,” he sighed. “At some point I’m gonna need an explanation.” He put his hands out as if making a point as his brows furrowed and a disbelieving scoff left his lips. “And, I think we’re a bit past the point of denial!”

Kurt sighed. He seemed to be doing a lot of that today. He looked back to sea one more time, his hair ruffled once again by the wind as he swallowed thicky before nodding at Blaine. “Come on. The kingdom’s not far.” He took a slow step toward the forest, his eyes not leaving Blaine until he was sure the other boy was following. Not that he had much choice, Blaine thought. It wasn’t as if he knew how to get back now was it? “I’ll explain as soon as I can think of how.” Kurt promised, his eyes pleading.

Blaine nodded his acceptance of that. It was obvious his friend simply needed time. “Ok. Where are we going?”

“This way for a bit. It won’t take too long.” Kurt explained. “And . . . don’t worry if we see something . . . strange.”

Chapter Four -

Blaine chose not to ask any more questions for now and simply got himself into step next to Kurt, letting the older boy lead him through the forest, clearly learned in the way to this ‘kingdom’ they were heading towards.

He was sure it would all hit him soon enough . . . though it hadn’t quite yet. So, he simply plodded along, taking in the wonders of wherever the hell they were, asking Kurt a simpler question every so often. To which he answered. Whether it be a flower Blaine had never seen, a creature, the grass seeming a bright blue instead of green; the other boy answered as if this were a simple case of Baine never having read about them back home.

It hit Blaine full-force, however, when they bumped into a creature Blaine recognised, and had him jumping back and exclaiming in shock as the fear he’d felt the night before, seeing the same creature looking at him from the closet, all came rushing back.

 Chapter Five -

Kurt! That’s it! That-that’s the monster I saw!” Blaine found his voice, pointing accusingly at the creature that walked out from the trees in front of them, a bewildered look on its face.

It was definitely the same monster, pale skin, large, bug-like eyes . . .

Kurt chuckled.

Whipping round to face Kurt again and looking from the creature to his best friend, he didn’t know what to say, anything he tried to say died on this throat. Why was Kurt amused by this?! This monster would probably eat them both!

“Blaine, this isn’t a monster.” Kurt offered him a placating look, but Blaine could tell he was trying to hide more laughter.

Blaine watched his friends’ back before jumping up, wanting to ask just what he was supposed to be preparing himself for exactly, when Kurt simply walked toward the door of the closet, gripping the handle in his palm and looking back to Blaine as the smell of sea water slowly crept into the room and a breeze ruffled the other boys’ hair once again as Blaine watched.

The ‘monster’ in question looked to Kurt with the same look, placing its fist to its chest and bowing slightly. “Prince Kurt.” It nodded at the countertenor.

Kurt bowed a little back. “Messenger.” He greeted in return.

Blaine was thoroughly baffled. He still kept his guard up, but in the light of the forest and not the dark of Kurt’s bedroom, he could see the other details of the creature. The small, scale like details that ran from the cheeks and to the hairline, where they grew larger in a hair type way. Its back held tiny, see-through wings that connected at the elbows. Its legs were long and ran down to feet that weren’t human. Its hands were the same, instead of a thumb and four fingers, the creature had three pointed talons?

“Blaine,” Kurt gained his attention again and he drew his gaze away from the creature and to his friend. “He’s not a monster; he’s an elf.”

It took a moment for Blaine’s brain to catch up, and when it did, he had only one question. “Did he just call you ‘prince’?!” He blurted out.

Kurt smiled a little. “Come on. We’re almost there, I’ll explain soon.”

Blaine stood where he was for a moment, but watching Kurt for a while, he couldn’t just turn around and go pout on the beach until the other boy offered to send him home. So, he loosened his stance, and nodded a little, continuing on with Kurt, but attempting to ignore that the creatu- the elf, was even there.

True to Kurt’s word, it didn’t take long before they came up to some form of village, which sat below some form of kingdom, which lead to some form of palace.

Blaine looked around in awe as they neared the large doors that lead through the outer wall. In this area, there was mostly farmland, barns, stables. To one side sat a cart depot, a horse and carriage outside.

Beyond that seemed to lead into the next section of the town, which appeared to be some form of marketplace.

The farmers and other creatures – ones Blaine hadn’t seen before – greeted them as they passed. Kurt gave polite greetings in response, leading them through to the marketplace.

“Prince Kurt, sir,” one of the stall-owners bowed slightly. “Care for a look today, your highness?” He motioned down to the wares he was selling, it seemed to be an array of different things, some trinkets and such. But there were also ornate looking daggers, a bow and arrow strung around the top of the stall, some flower reefs and jewellery. It seemed this stall sold a bit of everything.

Kurt shook his head a little with a smile. “Not today, palace business needs attending to, perhaps later,” he answered. “Have a good day.”

Similar interactions continued the further they got into the town and the closer to the palace they were. Blaine was simply confused, letting his legs lead him along as he tried to take in as much as he could. They passed taverns and shops, a blacksmith sat on the corner next to the palace entrance, and Kurt had a word with the large man behind the anvil for a moment. It seemed the two of them were friends.

Kurt continued his guiding after a moment, still having explained nothing to Blaine, bar whispering the race of different creatures when he noticed Blaine staring; these explanations were accompanied by a tiny nudge in the ribs, because Blaine was being rude by staring.

And finally, Kurt turned to him, handing him a drink he’d taken two of off of a tray one of the people held. “I don’t think I’ve ever known you go this long without talking.” He tried to lighten the situation with a delicate smile. Blaine took the offered drink, staring at Kurt. “Please say something . . .” he added, softer, that anxiety obviously creeping in again.

Blaine took a calming breath, and tried to focus, forcing himself to sound calm though he was freaking out just a little . . . “This is another world?”

Kurt nodded a tiny bit. “Yes . . . In a way.”

Blaine nodded slightly. “This is your palace?”

He let Kurt led him to the palace, through the doors with a nod to the guards in ornate, beautiful armour that stood outside, down the corridors and up to what appeared to be a throne room.

Another nod. “And you’re in charge?”

Kurt tilted his head from side to side. “Mostly.”

The younger boy rubbed his eyes a little, his questions were being answered, but Kurt was being very vague and at this point he just wanted an explanation. Upon looking back at his best friend – who, he realised, he didn’t know as well as he had thought – he softened a little, realising Kurt was doing what he could to explain while trying not to overwhelm the younger boy. He was answering the questions at Blaine’s pace because he realised it was a lot on information that seemed so foreign and would probably be a lot to take in.

Blaine nodded once more, a nerve thing Kurt was realising. “You’re the prince?”

“Yes.” Kurt shrugged a little.

“So, who’s the king?” Blaine pondered. “Burt?”

Kurt nodded. “Yes.”

Blaine took a moment to think about this all. “In a way? You said, about this being another world?”

Kurt sighed, looking down for a moment before looking to the others in the room, who all took the hint and gave them some space. The only one who remained was the elf that had met them in the forest; though he . . . she . . . they, stepped to one side out of respect. Kurt turned back to look at Blaine, finally taking a swig of his drink.

Blaine did the same, and he realised this was the purest water he’d ever tasted. It was so refreshing! And it had that same feeling to it, the feeling he’d felt wash over Kurt’s room when he’d done that ritual that had led to this whole adventure.

“I . . . think I’m gonna need the whole story.” Blaine told Kurt, calmer than he’d felt since coming here.

Kurt bit his lip, but seemed to accept that he’d have to tell Blaine now. He just hoped the other boys’ promise not to run would continue. “Ok. I’ll tell you everything. Just . . . I-I just hope you won’t think different of me once you know.”

 “I think the messenger needs to talk to me about something, so I’ll try to be thorough, but not take too long,” Kurt began, placing his glass down on the small table to one side. “If there any questions you have or should I just explain as best I can?”

Blaine thought for a moment, but knew that Kurt would give him more information if he just let the boy vent. If he asked questions, Kurt would give simple answers and Blaine would have to coax him into explaining further. “Go for it. I’ll ask if anything pops up, but I know you need to be quick.”

Kurt offered a grateful smile. His whole demeanour was different here. He held himself higher, though not in a way that he thought himself above anyone; more in a way he’d probably been taught. It looked good on him, really. It was almost humble, Blaine thought, that was the right word for it. Strong yet humble. Sounded about right for his friend.

“So, you were . . . somewhat right about this being another world, I guess. It’s hard to explain, basically,” he raised both his index fingers. “Think of it this way, Earth is here, but running parallel to it in a different zone, of sorts, is this world. It’s not a parallel universe style thing, though that would be easier to explain . . . it’s more like, this world, your world, and other worlds, are all connected by some form of . . . aura.”

Blaine nodded slowly, trying to take it all in. The way Kurt talked about it . . . it almost captivated Blaine.

“That’s the basic explanation anyway,” Kurt smiled a little.

Blaine smiled back. “So, when you said ‘your world’ about Earth, that means you’re from . . . here?” He looked around a little before his eyes fixed back on Kurt’s blue ones. He watched those eyes, and only just realised that tiny particles of shining, bright blue swam through the pupils while in this world.

Kurt paused for a moment, taking a breath before giving a short nod. “Yes, I’m from here. This . . . this realm, was where I was born. It’s my home.”

Blaine found he wasn’t as freaked out by this revelation as he would have thought. “Ok.” He nodded.

Kurt simply blinked at him. “O-ok?” He asked, his voice quiet and small.

“Ok.” Blaine repeated. “You’re from another realm, in a beautiful world, honestly. You’re the prince of said realm, your dad’s the king,” he repeated what he’d learned. “The people seem to like you guys considering the warm welcome we got when we walked through town, which is good, I mean, I’m not in the palace of an evil dictator or something.”

Both boys laughed and Kurt looked down a little, a smile still on his face. “You’re really ok with this?” His blue eyes searched Blaine’s. “Honestly?”

Blaine sighed. “Honestly? Kurt, honestly, I have no clue what’s going on.” He admitted with a chuckle, the one he did when nervous, a chuckle he only really seemed to do around Kurt. “But . . . I’m not scared anymore.” He reassured Kurt with a pointed, look. “I promise.”

Kurt watched him for a moment, trying to see if there was any hint he was lying. “Ok.” His voice sounded weak, but he finally gave a sharp nod. “Ok.” He said, firmly this time. “But there’s something else you want to know.”

Blaine opened his mouth and closed it, thinking for a moment. “How did you know?”

“You have that look on your face.” Kurt shrugged a little with a smirk. “I know you, Blaine . . . evidently a lot more than you know about me. So go ahead. Ask away.”

Blaine looked to the elf who stood to the side of the room, and glanced to the doorway where the guards had gone. “You’ve sorta pointed out that other creatures live in this realm,” he began, not sure how to phrase this. He gave an awkward cough. “And I don’t want to be ignorant or anything, and I don’t want to offend you, but . . . well, I guess I want to ask-“

“If I’m human or not.” Kurt finished for him, cutting off his rambling.

 Chapter Six -

Blaine was telling the truth, he didn’t want to offend Kurt, but he nodded a little. “Yeah . . . yeah, that’s what I wanted to ask.”

Kurt smiled slightly. “Ok.” Was all he said, before stepping back a little. The light shining in from the long glass windows to the side of the throne room hit his features perfectly, and that anxiety returned as his eyes began to glow brighter. “Just . . . I’m still me.” He muttered.

Blaine gulped slightly, but gave a short nod, and Kurt closed his eyes, tilting his head back slightly; a similar stance to the one he’d had on the beach. He clenched his fists a few times, and the light almost seemed to manoeuvre itself around him now. Blaine didn’t know what to say or do, so he simply watched. It was somewhat beautiful.

Kurt took a sharp intake of beath, and just like that, he changed.

He slowly opened his eyes, running his hands through his hair and breathing as if he hadn’t been able to properly in days. The glowing blue from his eyes settled down from the blinding light they had been to a gentle glow as his eyes settled on Blaine, before looking down to the ground, just waiting for his friend to run away.

Blaine didn’t run.

In fact, the younger boy didn’t know what to do. He took in Kurt’s features. He still looked like himself, his skin still pale and unblemished, his blue eyes still mesmerising – only accentuated with the ethereal glow emanating from them – his hair (though a lighter tone which shone in the sun) was still the same, if a bit more perfect; but it was obvious there was changes. There was something reminiscent to the elves and ‘fae’ as Kurt had pointed out, but he was different to the other ‘creatures’ Blaine had seen. His ears were pointed now; that was something Blaine noticed.

“Still promise not to run away?” Kurt finally broke the silence, seeming so confused and shocked that Blaine still stood there, and looking somewhat uncomfortable, having the other boy staring at him without speaking.

Blaine shook himself. “I’m still here, aren’t I?” He tried to joke, offering a half-smile.

Kurt looked to the floor, seeming to be thinking over Blaine’s words.

The younger boy stepped forward a little, stopping himself from getting too close. Kurt seemed to take that as a bad thing, and looked away again. “Sorry . . .” Blaine muttered, in all honesty, he wanted to touch Kurt’s skin, just to see if this really was real, like Kurt was an anchor to his sanity. But he stopped his hand, feeling it would be rude. Instead, he tried to capture the other boys’ gaze once again. “What . . . are you?”

Kurt bit his lip, glancing to Blaine’s imploring eyes and taking a deep breath. “There’s not really a word for it, in Earth-Speak anyway . . .” He tried to explain. “Um, I guess the best way to describe it would be . . .” He paused for a moment, thinking it over as how to best explain what exactly he was to the other boy. “I guess I’d say an energy being. An almost . . . vampire, or another fae. I take a lot of power from the planets, the stars, the moon. Night-time really, but the sun sorta acts like a . . . solar panel, I guess.” He tried to smile a little. “I can take my strength from other beings, but I’ve never liked doing that.” He tried to explain, when he saw Blaine’s attention go to his slightly sharper canines, as if Kurt was an actual vampire who would suck his blood. That’s not how he worked though.

Blaine seemed to think of something, raising a brow and looking back to Kurt’s eyes. “So how come you can look human?” He seemed to think about what he’d just said and shook his head at himself a little. “I mean, like, the other . . . people, in your kingdom, they can change as well, or?”

Kurt shook his head slightly. “It’s a skill that my mom passed down to me, and taught my dad the magic for. Technically, I guess I could be considered a ‘shapeshifter’ of sorts. I can look human, fae, fairy, my original form,” he motioned a little to himself. “I think I’ve even gone mermaid a couple times . . .” He chuckled a little.

Blaine smiled. This was amazing! Now that he had more information, he wasn’t as scared. Kurt was . . . fascinating. This side of his life, the fact he could change himself to fit into his surroundings, and yet the Kurt he knew still liked to stand out from the crowd. Everything he’d just learned – he realised – wasn’t a different person to what he already knew about his best friend. Kurt was still Kurt, and all his quirks and intricacies and strength . . . Kurt was still Kurt, and everything he’d just learned only made him that much more amazing to Blaine. “This is . . . so cool.” He finally spoke, and Kurt blanched.

“Huh?”

“You heard.” Blaine laughed a little. “I didn’t think it was possible for me to think even more of you.”

Even with Kurt’s form being changed, he flushed a little, looking to one side with a tiny smile he couldn’t help. “Oh . . .” He whispered, before seeming to remember what was happening. “Have I answered your questions for now?” He asked his best friend.

Blaine nodded, remembering Kurt had something to sort out. “Oh, yeah! Yes, sorry, go ahead.”

“Yes.”

Kurt nodded at him in thanks as his form shifted back to his human one and he turned to the messenger that had met them in the forest. “Lelvie, you wanted to speak to me?” He asked, and the elf walked back over to them, giving another bow.

“Yes, your majesty,” the elf – Lelvie – nodded. “There’s news of the forces gaining energy, some of the villages to the North haven’t been heard from in days, any chance of scouting out the problems have been disrupted by storms, ambushes and other such events.” The elf explained. Kurt listened intently, his expression turning stony and serious. “I tried to contact you and your father last night, but . . .” He glanced to Blaine and then back to Kurt.

Kurt smiled. “Yes. I see . . .” He sighed. “Do we think it may be the Darkness?” He asked softly.

Lelvie took a breath. “We’re unsure, however . . . rumours are spreading around the surrounding towns, word is going around the village. The people are starting to become worried, sir.”

Kurt looked to one side, thinking for a while. “We’ll collect a group of warriors to scout out the places that have fallen. If we can offer help, then we will.” He finally spoke. Diplomatic was not a word Blaine would have ever used to describe Kurt, but he suited the role well. “We won’t let them fall. And perhaps we can get to the bottom of what exactly is going on. Lelvie, gather a team you think will be good for the task, I shall meet you at the stables.”

Lelvie bowed again with his fist to his chest, before heading off to do as Kurt had asked.

“Woah, wait, what about me?” Blaine asked, realising Kurt hadn’t included himself in this plan. “I can help!”

Kurt shook his head. “This isn’t a simple thing, Blaine. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Well, surely the prince shouldn’t be going and doing it himself either!” Blaine argued. Lelvie hadn’t exactly looked happy with Kurt involving himself in the plan.

Kurt scoffed a little, rolling his eyes. “They know that I’ll join no matter if they tell me not to, so they don’t argue anymore. I’m not going to let people get hurt by the Darkness. This isn’t the concert of the band, Blaine. This Darkness has hurt, and killed. I don’t want you near that.”

“Well, I’m not one of your subjects, or your guards, or someone you can stop from coming with you.” Blaine argued. “I’m your friend, Kurt. And like it or not, I’m not letting you go get yourself hurt when I know I can help. So, even if you tell me not to, I’m gonna follow you anyway. So, you might as well just accept.” Blaine smiled, and Kurt huffed, folding his arms.

Kurt frowned, clearly not happy, but he nodded. “Fine. Come with me, we’ll stick out like sore thumbs if we go dressed as this.” And he led the way from the throne room and back off down the corridors.

Blaine was feeling less out-of-place now that he wore clothes similar to everyone else. His outfit wasn’t as fancy as what he could see of Kurt’s from down the corridor as the other boy spoke to someone. But he had to admit, the material was quite lovely. He sported a white fancy shirt with ruffed sleeves, a yellow-y gold-y tunic? Waistcoat? He loved Vogue, but Kurt was the one who knew all the names of fashion. A red string wrapped around the collar of his shirt in a loose bow, and chestnut trousers that he’d tucked into the dark brown leather boots Kurt had left out for him while he changed.

So, Blaine did the same. Kurt’s outfit was definitely more spectacular than his own, though not exactly something he would expect a prince to wear. It seemed almost common, with few flashy parts.

He could get used to dressing like this. He particularly enjoyed the baggy sleeves and he thought he looked quite dashing; if he did say so himself.

He smiled as Kurt turned back to him, clearly agitated by something the person had been telling him. But he let out a small sigh and a smile came over his face when he spotted his friend. “That’s better.” He folded his arms, taking in Blaine’s choice of outfit.

His shirt was blue, his tunic – amazing looking in quality and tailoring – was purple with black detailing, donned with silver buttons and a small silver brooch on his left side that looked like a bird skull. His trousers were black and tucked into his own black boots with silver detailing. He dragged his eyes back to his friends’ own and saw the amusement there. “Do I pass?” He smirked.

“I never realised fantasy style clothes would be so comfy.” Was his response.

Kurt chuckled. “That they are. Here.” He held up a small leather thing.

Blaine raised a brow but took the item none-the-less. He realised it was a strap of sorts, with a small pouch attached. “Um . . .?”

Kurt rolled his eyes. “It’s a knife scabbard. You strap it to your leg or around your trousers at the hip with a bit of adjustment,” he motioned to his own leg, where a black detailed scabbard sat, strapped around his thigh with an ornate looking knife inside. “We don’t know what we’re gonna be running into, if you insist on coming with us, I insist on you being protected.”

Blaine nodded, attaching the scabbard to his hip. “A knife would be useful?” He joked.

Kurt huffed with a look as if to say ‘yes, I was getting to that’. He nodded down the corridor behind himself and they began walking. “So, what’s the plan, then, Kurt?” He asked as his friend strode down the palace hallways with poise, it was sort of good to see him like this. In his element, some might say.

Blaine looked at the guards as he followed his friend, offering an awkward smile at the two of them as they entered the room filled with weapons and armour and shields. Plus, a section Blaine couldn’t make out, because there appeared to be bottles of vibrant liquids and such that he’d only really seen in films. He wanted to ask, but instead continued following Kurt to one of the corners where the older boy pressed a button and a drawer of knives came out of the wall.

Kurt ran his fingers over the handles of some of them, obviously he enjoyed weaponry, because he seemed to care a lot about their upkeep and for some reason, Blaine simply got the feeling that the other boy knew exactly what he was doing and that he held respect for each blade in this drawer.

The other boy finally seemed to decide, picking up a white-handled, silver blade and lifting it up, running his fingers down the length of the blade. “I think this one will do you well.” He explained, turning to Blaine and showing him the balance of the knife by placing it on his fingers and letting it sit there, perfectly balanced. “Give it a go?”

Blaine nodded, carefully taking the blade from him and turning it a few times, not really sure how exactly you test a blade.

Kurt bit his lip as he tried not to laugh. “Does it feel too heavy? Too light?” He pushed.

“Ohh . . .” Blaine nodded, moving the blade up and down and nodding again. “Yeah, it feels good.”

“Good,” Kurt giggled, closing the drawer back up again. “You put it in the holster and you can attach the tiny strap over the top to keep it in if need be.”

“Right.” Blaine did as told.

A moment later Lelvie – or what Blaine thought he could recognise as Lelive – came in, placing his hand over his chest as before. “Your majesty.” He bowed slightly.

Kurt raised a hand to stop the formalities and Blaine could imagine the prince doing that his whole life. He didn’t seem the type to enjoy people bowing for him. “Yes, Lelvie?”

“I’ve gathered a group and the horses, we are ready at the stables when you are.” The elf explained.

Kurt nodded. “We’re pretty much there. I just need my sword.”

Lelvie motioned to a wall where the most beautiful, ornate, shiny weaponry was. “It has been cleaned for you, sir.”

The prince headed over to the wall, waving his hand before it and the air in front seemed to shimmer and almost ripple, before he then reached forward and took down the silver – almost white – sword. Its handle was mostly simple, but held a beautiful turquoise gemstone that seemed to glow somewhat akin to its wielder’s eyes. He smiled as he picked it up, looking at it as if it were an old friend. Not for the first time today, Blaine found it almost mesmerising seeing Kurt like this.

------------

The prince did a few practice swings, the blade flying through the air so fast and swift Blaine almost missed it. Kurt twisted it round his hands in well-practiced, purposeful swings. The sword was definitely just an extention of Kurt’s arm, moving the exact and measured way the boy wanted it to. He was probably training his whole life with the weaponry.

The prince lifted his leg to rest on the seat next to the fancier weaponry and began expertly tying the lower half of a scabbard around it, before standing back straight and tying the top part around his waist. “Did you find my bow?” He asked the elf, who nodded, watching Kurt wave his hand toward the wall again, the air rippling once more. Perhaps a repelling spell for intruders?

“Knives, swords and bows?” Blaine couldn’t help but ask as Kurt came back over.

The countertenor rolled his eyes. “Prince of a fantasy world, Blaine.” He droled, making his best friend laugh.

Blaine cooed over the horses at the stables as Kurt spoke with the team that had been assembled. They were adorable. There was one that refused to come over, hiding out at the back of the holding pen, but the rest were all more than happy to have the boy stroke their noses and feed them apple pieces.

Truth be told, he’d never really been around horses, despite being from Ohio. His parents liked him to have experiences, but horse-riding had never really been one of those things. But he found today that he didn’t mind the gentle creatures at all. Besides, with everything going on today, horses didn’t seem nearly as scary as they may have once been to him.

Blaine tried not to stare, but the drow – Malk, Kurt had called him – had almost chrome light purple skin, with deep crimson eyes and a thin-set jaw. Was it strange that Blaine wanted to call him beautiful? He didn’t know. He wasn’t from here, he wasn’t sure if that would be seen as offensive, in all honesty, but it wasn’t every day he saw someone with purple skin and red eyes, and it was as strange and amazing as everything else he’d seen so far.

He smiled and chuckled as one of the horses – a smaller, chestnut coloured one with black hooves and mane – brushed its snout against his cheek, his lips tickling the boy. “Settle down, buddy.” He laughed, scratching the horses chin.

“Seems you’ve found your horse.” Kurt’s voice came from behind him, before the prince stepped next to him, stroking the horses nose himself with a smile. “I thought you’d like him. He's very gentle and well-behaved. And he knows how to keep out of danger.”

Blaine pouted a little. “He’s not gonna drag me away from helping if things get tough, right?”

Kurt raised at brow at the other boy. “He’ll protect you both. That’s his job. His names Aluviai. He’s from the south coast.”

Blaine tested the horses name on his tongue. “Al . . . Aluv?”

“Ah-Loo-Vee-Ay.” Kurt pronounced for him. “It means ‘timid wanderer’ in Guylian. One of the southern languages.”

One of the guards walked over. “Sir,” he bowed, once again, Kurt raised his hand in a dismissive way, silently asking the . . . Drow! That was the word Kurt had used. Maybe Blaine was getting used to this after all! Asking the drow guard not to salute. “As usual, your horse is . . . Struggling.”

Kurt sighed, offering a smile. “It’s fine, Malk, you can say they’re being difficult.”

Kurt headed into the paddock where the horses were being kept before they set out. The guards were double checking they had everything, and strapping saddles atop the steeds. Blaine watched as Kurt approached the pure black horse that had been shying away this whole time. Of course, the prince would have that horse.

His best friend didn’t seem scared however, even when the horse huffed at the guards that were near it and tod its hoof down a few times in annoyance and warning.

Kurt simply held up his hands in a calming motion, showing he wouldn’t hurt it. The equine seemed to recognise the prince, as it instantly seemed to calm, moving toward the countertenor and butting its nose into his hand, letting him stroke his snout and behind its ears.

Blaine scoffed, impressed. The horse still seemed weary of the other people around them, but was happy with Kurt; who began getting the creature ready for travel while the rest of the group seemed relieved to not have to try and deal with the temperamental and anxious beast.

Blaine headed into the stables, slowly moving his way closer to the older boy and the horse. “He’s a flighty one.” He joked, trying not to startle it, because the horses glowing white eyes – which Blaine hadn’t noticed before – instantly caught on him, its neck rearing back slightly, ready to run or fight.

Now he was closer, he could see the horses’ eyes weren’t the only unusual thing about it. It’s deep, silky black mane seemed to flow like inky fire, the ends fading off into ash as it moved around. It was like a never-ending waterfall of liquid coal.

Kurt shushed the horse as Blaine tried to move closer, gripping its reigns as it reared back and kicked its legs out. “Easy, Valkyrie, easy.” The prince spoke firmly but reassuringly at the animal. “This is a friend.” He explained, as if the horse could understand him. He sighed to Blaine. The horse wasn’t kicking anymore, but was still pulling on its reigns. “I found her on the edge of a volcano, she was abandoned by her family and abused by locals. So, she’s not very trusting of others.” He explained. “As far as we know, she’s the only one of her kind. At least, the only one anyone’s found.”

Blaine nodded, slowly and deliberately putting his hand up – under the animal’s nose so it didn’t look like he was trying to come above it – and edged closer. “She’s beautiful.” He spoke. It was true. The unusualness of the horse was another thing that he found amazing and breath-taking about this world.

It took a while, and a lot of coaxing from Kurt, but Valkyrie finally – and briefly – let Blaine stroke her snout, before pulling back again. She didn’t start trying to escape again, or anything, so Blaine took that as a win. And, judging by Kurt’s face, he also did.

“She doesn’t usually take to anyone else.” He explained. “The guards try to bribe her with sweet treats, I’m pretty sure they have a bet going to see which one of them she’ll be alright with first.” He chuckled, stroking the horses nose. He turned to address everyone. “Let’s head out. We should be in WinterVale before nightfall.”

And everyone was up-and-about, getting their own horses and jumping up into the saddles, taking them out of the holding paddock and chatting amongst each other as they also checked that the prince was ok.

Some slung crossbows and regular bows over their shoulders, others placed daggers into their scabbards and swords into sheafs. A few of them seemed the carriers of the group, strapping bags and satchels and more bags to the sides of their strong and large horses. Men handed around pouches and skins of water and other thirst-quenching liquids and laughed amongst themselves when one made a joke.

Kurt turned to Blaine. “Need me to help you with your horse?” He asked softly as the others headed out to wait for them outside the castle walls.

It seemed Kurt was leading them to the armoury, where the guards did the same salute, the others had done upon seeing the prince, and Kurt nodded in turn to them.

Blaine nodded. “Yes, please. I’ve never done this before.”

Kurt ran him through the steps of the saddle and reigns, the packs on the sides and everything else with a practiced hand. He went fast, but the others were waiting for them. He would have showed Blaine properly, but there wasn’t exactly time. “You shouldn’t need to know all of that stuff; you’ll have someone with you who does regardless. Now, it’s time for you to try and mount.” He smirked, not saying anything about his pun.

Blaine nodded, looking to the small horse with a determined look. For a smaller creature than the others, it was still large. It came about a head above Blaine’s own, and he had no clue how he was going to get up onto the saddle.

The prince didn’t judge him, he simply smiled and headed over to Aluviai, Blaine following.

Kurt laughed at Blaine’s happy face, heading over to Valkyrie and swiftly mounting her. Blaine frowned at him as he continued giggling at his best friends’ look. “Show off.” The smaller boy pouted. And he thanked his horse for turning away, because then Kurt couldn’t see the small flush that coated his cheeks having seen Kurt’s legs move like that as he got onto the saddle. He often forgot how flexible and . . . bendy, Kurt could be. He’d only really seen him dance a handful of times that wasn’t his usual ‘jazz hands’ and such.

Kurt offered a sympathetic look. “Trust me, you’ll be fine. Aluviai is great for first time riders and learners. We also send him around to the children at fayre days for them to ride, so he’s as gentle as his name suggests.” He offered a cheeky grin.

Blaine huffed indignantly, but turned his attention back to the horse.

“Foot on that, swing the other leg over, grip onto this bit here and you should be golden.” Kurt explained, pointing out the various parts of the saddle.

The younger boy swallowed thickly, but nodded, stepping up and doing as told. It took a couple quick attempts where he chickened out, but he eventually managed to get his confidence up, swinging his leg over as Kurt had explained. It wasn’t the cleanest mount, and looked clumsy and he wondered how the horse hadn’t gotten sick of him and rode off already.

“Just give Aluviai a small tap with your foot on his side.” Kurt told him as the horse slowly ambled around toward the front of the pen and Blaine frowned because how do you make a horse go?

Blaine did as told, and Aluviai sprung into life, jogging – not too fast, but fast enough that Blaine had to suddenly lean down and grip onto the saddle in case he fell – through the gate, leaving a laughing Kurt behind. It was adorable seeing Blaine so out-of-his-depth with horses.

 Chapter Seven -

“Come on, Valkyrie. Show them the meaning of haste.” He whispered to the equine beneath him, and she also sprang forth, quickly overtaking Blaine and the others. Once she was outside, she slowed a bit, but still lead the way.

Apparently Aluviai wasn’t having any of that, because Blaine felt himself go faster as the smaller horse came up to speed with Valkyrie and Kurt.

“I heard that reference!” Blaine called over to his best friend.

Kurt smirked back, riding with ease as he laughed, the wind jostling his hair. He’d missed riding. “Couldn’t resist~”

 Kurt informed Blaine that they had gone fast for the first half of the journey, but now they’d slow down because they were ahead of schedule. It was the way they usually travelled. They would go fast the whole way, but they didn’t want to push the horses, they cared about the animals. And the prince’s tone made it obvious that some other places in this world didn’t look after their animals as much as his did.

Despite growing used to riding, Blaine didn’t mind slowing down. His legs were hurting and aching and he felt as if his . . . male parts would be bruised forever.

He and Kurt ambled at the back as the guards and group took the front under the prince’s wishes. As one passed, they handed Kurt something, and he thanked them. “Forgot about my bow, thank God . . .” He muttered, smiling at the guard as he headed toward the front. Kurt slung the bow over his shoulder, and Blaine realised it was probably because they were bringing up the rear, and that meant they needed to be weary of ambushes.

Kurt stifled a yawn before someone turned to inform them that they were almost there. Kurt quickly went back into his prince roll, nodding sharply with a smile and trying to pretend he hadn’t been yawning and slouching like he wasn’t royalty. Somehow, Blaine doubted he cared too much, but it was probably something he’d been taught since he was a child.

They chatted as they went. Kurt handed him a pouch of water; Blaine thanked him. He took a swig before handing it back and Kurt drank some too.

“We’d usually stop off somewhere, but this is urgent.” Kurt explained as Blaine winced when Aluviai jostled him a little. “Here, he’s probably getting restless.” He threw a bright-red apple over to the other boy, who caught it with ease.

Aluviai happily munched on it as Blaine leant down and handed it to him. The younger boy smiled. He’d definitely grown attached to the horse.

“We have about twenty minutes.” Kurt explained to Blaine with a small smile.

The younger boy nodded. As much as he loved his horse, he was sure if he didn’t get off soon, he’d never be able to close his legs back together again.

“So,” he began, trying to make conversation. Kurt turned his attention to the other boy. “Another question?”

The prince nodded. “Yeah, go for it. If I can answer it, I will.”

Blaine smiled, thinking over how to ask. “Why didn’t you and Burt just stay here in the kingdom? Especially if something bad’s happening?”

Before Blaine could say anything else, someone in their group called out that they’d arrived. The princes face turned more into a royal mask as he straightened up and looked forward.

The group parted to let Kurt through, and Blaine followed, though stayed a little behind him friend.

A couple of people stood before them on the sandy path at the edge of the new town. One had up-turned teeth that jutted out a small amount from his bottom jaw. His skin had a green tinge to it, and his black hair was swept back into a ponytail. The other, a smaller person, looked mostly human, except for the pure white eyes and glowing yellow freckles. When Blaine looked closer, the person had tiny animal ears atop their head, and a small lion-like tail whipped around their legs.

Kurt offered a placating smile at the two. Other people stood around, and his glowing eyes spotted smoke in the distance. He could hear people crying nearby, and he knew something had been happening here, so he would have to treat carefully and be resourceful. He wanted to help these people, not start a fight. “Master Orc, Morle Kit.” He greeted. “We heard of some troubles, we’re only here to help; if it is needed.”

“My dad wanted me to have a normal life. He opened a portal to the normal world that runs alongside ours. He applied me for school, bought the house, opened the shop. It was mostly my mom’s idea.” Kurt explained, smiling softly as he mentioned his mother. “I love both worlds, and I couldn’t imagine living without either of them. Especially now I have friends and family and everything else in my life.”

“Well, the fae prince,” The green one stepped forward. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

It was hard to decifer the man’s tone, Blaine thought. Was he annoyed? Was he simply asking? The one word that popped to his mind was . . . defensive.

The lion-person deflated a little, their tails till flicking back and forth. “Your majesty, we don’t really know what happened. There was smoke, dust filled the village and flooded our homes.” They explained.

“Are there injured?” Kurt asked next, nodding to two of the members of their party, who came forward on their horses – but didn’t make a move to start helping or dismounting yet.

“Yes, we thankfully didn’t lose anyone. Yet.” The Orc finally responded, gruff with a fold of his arms. “The attack settled fairly quickly. We don’t know what it was, but we can take educated guesses.”

Kurt nodded sharply, his jaw set. “You believe the rumours, then?”

The orc’s face set as much as Kurt’s own. As if they were having a silent battle. “I do. Most of us do. We’ve seen hurricanes of black ash on the horizons, looking like a thousand ravens swarming. We’ve heard the tales from similar villages, as I’m sure you have as well.”

Kurt didn’t give an answer, as such, though steeled the other man with a small nod.

There was a moments silence.

“Put the horses in the stables and show them around,” The orc told one of the villages, who stepped forward.

Kurt took that as his queue to be safe to dismount, and his men followed his lead. Blaine struggled to get off of his horse a bit, but managed to land back on the ground on his feet, rather than his butt.

The men let their horses be lead away, but Kurt stayed close to his own mare, stroking her neck and sending a warning look to the young teen that stepped forward. “She doesn’t do well with people.” Kurt explained. “I will need to tend to her myself. But thank you for the gentle approach and warm welcome.” He told the kid, who beamed with pride. “Perhaps one of my men’s’ steeds will be better suited?” The kid nodded, rushing off to do as told.

Blaine had never heard his best friend sound so . . . diplomatic. He did wonder what a ‘morle’ was, or a Kit for that matter. But it was obvious Kurt knew what he was doing, his movements, expression and words were careful and calculated, and – by the way he held himself – he already knew he’d gotten through to them.

Kurt whispered something to his horse, before the creature nodded and trotted back off down the path, almost seeming to patrol at the border near the trees.

The prince then stepped toward the orc, holding a hand out in greeting. The orc wrapped his own hand around the prince’s forearm, and Kurt reciprocated. “You know of our greeting.” The orc stated, though it was obviously more of a question.

“My kingdom welcomes and accepts anyone that wishes to stay, as long as they are respectful of each other.” Kurt explained, as if it should be obvious. “If my men can be of assistance with the rebuilding let them know where to go.”

The orc let go of his arm with one last strong shake, before stepping back with a nod. “They can start with the worship house.” He told the prince.

Kurt looked back to a group of his men, before nodding to them. They did the usual salute – closed fist over heart – before being led toward the worship house by another of the villagers.

“Your majesty-“ the lion-person stepped forward, and Kurt raised a hand with a shake of his head.

“Kurt, please.” He told them. “I realise I don’t have your names either?”

The orc nodded, folding his arms. “Grengur.”

The lion-person huffed a little. “Grengur is on the council of electives, mostly under the branch of hospitality and tourism.” They explained. “I’m Tow. I’m the town planner and on the council I’m in charge of the defence branch, with a hand in fight-training and disaster relief and protection.” They explained.

Kurt’s men knew what to do, already getting to work helping around the village. It was obvious Kurt wanted to jump into helping as well, especially when he saw some of the injured towns-folk. But his roll as prince dictated that he be the one talking to the officials and being political and all other myriad of stuff Blaine could see wasn’t exactly something Kurt enjoyed, despite being good at said things.

Kurt smiled a little. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both, though I wish the circumstances were better.”

Both of the others nodded at the prince. “Let us show you the damage.” Grengur said, taking a step in the other direction and the group followed.

“The attack happened from the West, it whipped through and destroyed a lot. Nobody was killed or severely injured, but a lot of people are wounded.” Grengur explained as he led them through the streets of the small village. The buildings around them held broken windows, holes in walls and roofs. Glass glittered and shone on the sandy floor and most things looked almost charred around the edges. Eaten away and eroded. “We’re trying to get everything settled, obviously the people are scared. Nicron and Parvislle – the other council members – are busy trying to fix everything. We came to find you when we realised you were coming.”

“We hope you don’t blame us for being . . . defensive, upon your arrival.” Tow added. “We’re open to visitors, but we’ve been attacked before. A few people in town don’t believe in the royal family, either. Not everyone shares that view, but we are a village that doesn’t have one set leader, instead we have the council.”

Kurt nodded, understanding completely. “Relax, I know the royals aren’t for everyone, I get it.” He offered a kind smile. “Do you need more supplies? Blankets, food, make-shift shelters? I can send construction crews out to help rebuild? Anything you need.”

Both people bowed their heads in thanks. “We dread night times. There are creatures around these parts, and there are children, babies, we can’t protect everyone.” Grengur shook his head.

“We’re not an aggressive village, we focus more on defence, we have few men.” Tow added, looking upset. “We don’t have enough to protect everyone.”

“I understand.” Kurt told them simply, honestly. “I’ll leave half my party, enough to help protect you all until I can guarantee the supplies will be here. We have plenty of tents and bedrolls to go around and you can take our reserves and spread them throughout the people.” He told them, signalling to his men who moved about doing different jobs. Explaining to his men, they nodded and bowed before heading off with their new tasks. “I’m afraid I cannot do much more until I’ve gotten back to my kingdom. I will send teams to help rebuild upon arrival and they will bring supplies, food, water, everything you’ll need with them for you.”

“I don’t know what to say . . .” Tow’s brows furrowed.

Kurt shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, as long as the village and its people are ok. I will offer any help I can.”

Grengur eyed him for a moment, but nodded. “You’re a good man.”

Blaine watched as the prince knelt near a group of children who were crying, their skin covered in black ash marks that their tears rolled through, clearing paths to different coloured skins beneath. Blaine recognised an orc child, what appeared to be another fairy, and what he could only assume was a dwarven child and someone with pale blue skin.

Kurt smiled at the group, thanking one of his men as they handed him some blankets. “Hi . . . are any of you hurt?”

The kids shook their heads. “We’re scared.” The dwarf explained, seeming the eldest of the group.

Kurt nodded, understanding. “I know. But we’re going to fix everything, ok? Trust me, we’ll fix your homes and you’ll be ok.” He spotted the small girl with blue skin holding her wrist. “Can I have a look?” He asked softly, gently.

She hesitated, but slowly and painfully held her arm forward. Kurt softly turned it, looking it over and stopping the movement when she winced. “You’ve broken your wrist.” He explained, his tone gentle. “Does it hurt?”

“I do what I can.” Was Kurt’s response, before he nodded to the two and headed off.

The girl sniffled but nodded.

Kurt smiled, looking to one of his men. “This little one has injured their arm, a break, do you mind getting one of the medics and patching her up?” The man walked off with a nod and Kurt turned back to the kids in front of him. “It’s gonna be ok, sweetie. They won’t hurt you, we’re here to help, ok?”

Kurt had helped with some of the medical side of things, handing out blankets, settling the animals of the village who had been spooked by the attack. And at the end of the day, the two boys were heading back to the kingdom with a small number of the party that they’d left with. They didn’t rush as much as they had earlier, but there was still a hurry to get back to send more help down there.

The kids’ tears seemed to have dried up, and Kurt smiled. “Where are your parents?”

“They’re getting patched up.” The orc spoke up. “We got told to stay here for now.”

Kurt nodded. “Well, no more tears, ok? You’re all safe, your families are safe and your village will be ok. There’s a lot more to cry about when you’re older, but so much more to look forward to. And you’re all going to be able to do it, ok?”

The group of kids nodded and Kurt smiled before standing from his kneel and heading back over to Blaine. The prince smiled at him before continuing on his venture round the village, Blaine following him.

She once again hesitated, not nodded, wiping her eyes.

The sun had set and was rising by the time they arrived, taking the horses to the stables in the hazy orange and yellow light of the early morning. Kurt spent a moment stroking his mares muzzle before they all headed back into the palace, sleepy but not done yet.

“Hargoh, please gather the builders and a group to pick up and take supplies, I want the village to have everything they need, that we can offer.” Kurt told one of the guards as they headed into the armoury. Kurt thanked Blaine as the younger boy handed him back the dagger and placed it in its respective place, before doing the same with his sword and his holster. They then headed to the throne room, having a debriefing and Kurt sent everyone off with different tasks – some of which were simply to sleep.

And finally, Kurt’s attention turned to Blaine with a smile. “Fun day, right?”

Kurt’s smile fell a little. “We may be helping the village now, but the attacker is still out there somewhere. And it’s setting everyone off into fear . . .” He sighed, running a hand over his face tiredly. “But we’ll do what we can for now, we still don’t really know what we’re fighting.”

Blaine nodded, unsure what to say. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

Kurt smiled a little, thankful for the confidence his friend had in him, because he surely wasn’t feeling it himself right now. “Thank you . . . Right, I think that’s enough adventure for now. Should we get you home?” He stepped forward.

The younger would be lying if he said he didn’t want to stay in the kingdom for longer and see all it had to offer. But he knew there was stuff to be done here, and he would have to go home at some point.

Blaine returned the smile. “So, is the evil vanquished?” He joked.

As if reading his mind Kurt smiled. “I’ll bring you back here . . . if you want?”

“Come on, let’s get you home.”

Blaine grinned with a few quick nods, excited and Blaine laughed a little. “That’d be amazing!”

Kurt nodded in a knowing way. The kingdom was pretty magical.

Kurt took one step, then another, he slowed.

Blaine watched as Kurt fell to the floor, the other boys’ name slipping from his lips in worry. Kurt’s eyes closed.

 THE END – TO BE CONTINUED

-        Exza~)

(A/N - I am so sorry for leaving it on a cliff-hanger, basically, I turned the short prompt into a novella style plan and I simply didn’t have enough time to finish it. But I talked the organiser of the 1-2-3 challenge and they said I’d be able to leave it off at a good place and then do a sequel in my own time. Basically, all this I’ve written? Not even 1/10th as long as it should be based on the plans, I’ve not even managed to scratch the surface. . .

Very sorry! I hope you guys enjoy regardless? I would make excuses and say 3 jobs and all that but I did genuinely want to finish this, but there was no way I’d be able to get it done. It’s a day before the deadline while I’m writing this as it is.

Yes, there will be a sequel, hurray? Hope you guys enjoy, please share, comment, like, etc. and if you wanna support my writing more, please feel free to check this story out on Ao3 - that’s also where I’ll be posting the sequel!