#giant!deceit

“Dee! What are you doing!? We were supposed to meet tomorrow!” He squeaked, holding onto Dee when the giant stood up, heading back into the woods where he lived.

“Cuddles, now,” He demanded, nuzzling Roman against his cheek. His English was still a bit sloppy after about a month of them hanging out. Ever since Roman got lost in the woods and Dee helped him they had an uneasy friendship, meeting at least once a week for Dee’s English lessons.

“Dee come on! I was watching a movie!” He whined, watching them approaching Dee’s cave.

“Cuddles,” Dee repeated, shaking his head. “No mooo veeeee,” He groaned, curling up in his nest of blankets and mattresses. He held Roman closer to his chest, a content purr rumbling in his chest.

Roman squirmed and wiggled to try and get away, giving up soon when he realized there would be no escape for him. “Did you need cuddles that bad? Couldn’t you wait until tomorrow?”

Dee growled quietly, continuing to nuzzle Roman against his cheek. Roman took that as a no and fell silent, listening to Dee until the giant fell asleep. The purring and growling died down, Dee’s breathing ruffling his hair like a light wind, something Roman had to get used to ever since Dee decided the human made a good teddy bear while he slept.

“I’ve already informed Logan.” Dee assured him. “After all, my loyalty lies first with the throne. King Logan sent me here to clear their tiny heads.”

 Roman narrowed his eyes. “Right, well, I hope you don’t mind but I want to speak with Logan first before I do anything. Just to make sure.” He motioned again for Dee to walk in that direction. There was no way he was letting Dee have his humans.

“Prince Roman, while this is an urgent matter, the King has asked not to be disturbed.” Dee took a step forward. “Stand aside so I can complete my orders.”

 Roman only stood up straighter, moving so he was blocking the door even more. “No.”

 “Roman.” Dee put a single gloved hand on Roman’s shoulder, giving him a sickeningly sweet smile. “You really don’t want to do this.”

 Roman pushed Dee’s hand off of him. “I’m not letting you get your slimy hands on them again.” 

Dee paused, taking in Roman’s demeanor. It seemed the giant was going nowhere anytime soon.

“Very well.” Dee straightened up, taking a step back. “Have it your way.”

Without warning Roman was suddenly thrown to the side, pushed by an invisible force as Dee directed the shadows in the hall to overthrow the prince’s balance.

 “Gah!” Roman cried as he was thrown to the ground. He hit it with a large thud. “Help! Guards! Logan!” He started shouting.

Dee pushed his limbs forward, and a large gust of wind blew open the heavy double doors.

Virgil jolted awake, shocked by the sound of the doors slamming open. He paled, recognizing the intruder as he strode in like he owned the place.

 Thomas too, jolted awake at both the sound of the door and at Virgil moving. He stared into the darkness, realizing with dread that the giant coming into the room was Dee. And, looking around, Roman was nowhere in sight.

 Roman stood up and-knowing he had no chance to stop Dee as long as he had his magic-ran quickly towards Logan’s room, passing several guards on his way, who he pointed in the right direction.

Dee paused, for a moment too shocked to continue forwards. “...Thomas?”

“You stay away from my brother!” Virgil shouted, getting in front of Thomas.

Dee’s expression fell back into its signature smirk. “If you two are so close, I can certainly oblige keeping you together.” He lunged forwards, taking the two into a tight grip of his fist.

 “Ah!” Thomas cried out in pain as he was shoved against Virgil and Dee’s fingers. He did not miss the feeling of being confined in the slightest. “Let-Let us go!”

“No!” Dee squeezed tighter, feeling the human’s forms crush together in his grasp. “I am never letting you go, never again, you hear me? You are mine. I decide your fate, I am in control, and I. will NOT. be SILENCED!” 

With this last phrase Dee’s voice had escalated to a roar, pounding through the human’s ears. The room became darker, the shadows swirling around under his command and with it came a howling wind. The sorcerer cackled, reveling in his victory. At long last, he finally had his human back.

 Thomas grit his teeth hard, Dee’s grip making him unable to cover his ears. The giant screaming made them screech with pain and he had to shut his eyes in order to take it. Even so, he wouldn’t be surprised if his ears were now bleeding.

 “Dee…” Thomas tried after a moment. “Please, take me but at least-at least let Virgil go.”

“I’m not giving up leverage so easily.” Dee sneered, his voice tainted with a dark echo as his true form continued to be revealed. “Your little brother here will be just another pawn to keep you in line, suffering the consequences for your transgressions should you try to escape me twice.”

“You’re insane!” Virgil screeched, trying to bite Dee’s fingers but lacking a good angle.

 “No! Don’t hurt him!” Thomas shouted, practically begging. “Please, he doesn’t deserve this!”

“ENOUGH!” All three heads turned to see a furious Logan standing in the doorway, surrounded by many members of the castle staff as well as his brother.

“Ah, your royal highness, I-” Dee frantically tried to disguise himself, reeling back the dramatics and tucking the humans behind his back.

“Chancelor Dee, royal sorcerer, chair of all magical proceedings at the regal council,” Logan listed off the various titles held by the slimy snake of a man as he strode forwards, “by the power vested in me through the royal blood of the Sanders line, I hereby denounce you of your position and revoke your magical privileges.”

“NO!” Dee screeched, the shadows and wind dissipating rapidly and leaving only the shell of a man who fell to his knees, begging at the king’s feet. “Please, your highness, have mercy. This is not how it appears-”

“Spare me the theatrics.” Logan rolled his eyes, waving a pair of guards over. He got enough dramatics from his brother. Holding his hands outstretched, Logan caught the humans when the guards forced Dee’s hands open, painfully yanking them behind the former sorcerer's back.

 As Thomas found himself in Logan’s hands he let out a long sigh of relief and clung to his brother, still shaking from the entire affair.

 Patton looked at the scene worryingly from Roman’s hands. And Roman wasted no time when everything was done to be at Logan’s side. He leaned in close to the humans. “Are you okay?” He whispered.

Virgil found himself low on breaths but he managed a nod. Hopefully just some bruising.

 Thomas also nodded and Roman let out a sigh of relief. He looked to Logan. “You gonna banish this snake yet or what?” He asked, eyeing Dee.

Logan nodded, turning to the prisoner with an ice cold gaze. “For your crimes against the throne and its affiliates, you are no longer welcome within our borders. You shall be escorted to the northern mountains where you to live out the rest of your days in solitude and never to disturb another person, human or giant, as long as you live.”

 “And if you do,” Roman added, getting in real close. “I’ll personally make you regret it.” He threatened.

“oooOOooh, the spoiled brat’s mad I touched his toys.” Dee sneered, having no use for his charm anymore. 

Virgil grit his teeth, feeling the urge to punch him as his fists clenched at his side.

 Roman, feeling much the same, handed Patton to Logan and then reeled back his fist, punching Dee straight in the face.

 “Whoa!” Patton yelled, not having expected that.

Dee looked just as shocked, his nose already bent to the side and beginning to bleed.

“...ow!” Dee said incredulously. 

“Roman, I thought we agreed violence was unecessary.” Logan murmured, keeping his voice down while there were whispers from the crowd behind. “That being said, I support your decision.”

“HIT HIM AGAIN!” Virgil yelled, the notion causing Dee to flinch back in preparation.

 Roman rolled up his sleeve. “With pleasure.” 

 “Roman, I think that’s enough.” Patton said, despite the fact he liked seeing Dee get punched the first time.

“Stop!” Picani seemed to agree, hastily rushing forwards. “Stop this at once, your highness. You have a reputation to uphold.”

 Roman huffed but put his arm down, crossing his arms. Sometimes he really hated being the prince. He looked to the guards. “Fine, then. Just get him out of here!”

The guards did as requested, hastily dragging the injured Dee away from the scene of the crime.

“In the morning we will release the call for a new royal sorcerer, or sorcerous I suppose.” Picani explained. “But in the meantime… off with you!” Picani waved at the crowd that had gathered, dispersing them. 

 “That...was stressful.” Thomas admitted and Patton went over to check on them. 

 “You can say that again.” Roman huffed. He turned to Logan. “At least that’s over with now though. He won’t be able to hurt them anymore.”

“Indeed, and with him taken care of I know I shall rest easier.” Logan gave a yawn. 

“I know it has been an eventful evening, but perhaps it is best you all head off to bed.” Picani suggested gently, leaving the decision up to the king.

“I agree.” Logan nodded. “Some rest will do us some good.”

 “Yes, I believe it will.” Roman said, he turned to the humans. “Come on you two.” He motioned for Virgil and Thomas to climb on but they hesitated.

 “Roman.” Patton got his attention. “Can we stick together? For tonight, at least?” Patton asked and Roman blinked.

 “Oh! Uh...Logan?” Roman asked, looking at his brother.

“Where, Patton?” Logan looked to the humans in his hands. “Would the three of you like to accompany myself, or Roman?”

 Patton looked up the giants. “...Both of you?” He asked.

 “Both? Uh...I mean, I’m down for a sleepover.” Roman turned to Logan.

“It seems a bit juvenile, but I think it’s appropriate.” Logan agreed. The bed was certainly large enough.

“I’ll increase security outside this door and make sure you’re not disturbed.” Picani said, giving a bow. Logan gave him a nod of thanks.

 Roman waited until Picani was gone to speak. “So...how do we do this? Do we all share the bed? Sleep on the floor?” Roman suggested. 

“Share the bed.” Virgil voted. “That thing’s like an ocean, there’s plenty of room.”

 “You have a point, Virge. Even with all of us on it, there will still be plenty of room.” Roman looked to his bed to make sure and nodded. “What do you say you Royal Bookworm?” Roman nudged Logan.

Logan rolled his eyes good-naturedly, walking over to the four poster. “I’ll take the right side. The three of you can have the middle pillow.”

 “Sounds good.” Thomas spoke, while Patton squealed.

 “Yay! Sleepover!” He exclaimed. Roman chuckled and made his way over to the bed, smoothing it out slightly and then motioning for Logan to get in.

Logan set the humans down, settling in himself. “Everyone comfortable?”

 “Yeah.” Thomas said with a smile, snuggling into Virgil. Patton, on the other hand, was already in the middle of climbing up to Logan’s chest. He settled down with a smile.

 “Now I am.”

Logan’s heart leapt up his throat, looking down at Patton fondly as he placed his palm gently over the tiny human.

“You coming, princey?” Virgil teased.

 Roman smiled and rolled his eyes fondly as he got into bed as well. He settled down and laid on his side to see the others better. “Everyone all settled in?” Roman asked.

 Thomas nodded and Patton hummed happily into Logan’s chest.

“Yup.” Virgil confirmed, nestling closer to his brother.

“Goodnight then.” Logan spoke aloud into the darkness, earning a chorus of ‘goodnight’s in return.

   The next morning Roman, yet again, found himself outside the cave’s entrance. This time he had no plans of going inside, but instead left an offering of snacks outside and promptly left. Last night he experienced something truly frightening, but reflecting back he couldn’t help thinking that it was all his fault. After all, he was the one who trespassed on the creature’s home and then proceeded to ask for its help without any compensation. Truly he was in the wrong and he was lucky enough to still be alive after such a display.   Thus, last night he had Patton assist him in the kitchen with making a batch of small shortbread and jam filled cookies. Roman was unsure if the Naga would even like them, but he couldn’t think of anything better. He wanted to make something he could put his heart into in order to best show his sincerity. This ritual continued for the next two weeks with Roman dropping off a batch of cookies one day, coming back the next day to pick up the empty basket, and returning with it the following day filled with cookies once more.   It appeared as if the Naga did enjoy them, but still Roman was unsure if his apology really connected properly. That is until a voice came from inside the cave to answer his concerns.

“Human, why do you continue to come here and with an offering no less?” The voice was soft and not at all like last time.

Roman inched closer to the entrance of the cave and caught a glimpse of the Naga’s form hiding among the shadows. It shot back quickly, but did not let out a hiss.

“There’s no need for you to come so close. We can speak from this distance just fine so answer my question. Why are you here?”

Roman backed away a bit and answered, “I wanted to apologize for my egregious behavior before.” Roman bowed as he continued. “While I do still seek your power I have come to realize I am undeserving of it and it was arrogant of me to assume you would just do as I asked. I beg for your forgiveness.”

The Naga was taken aback by this human’s humility and courage to expose himself like that to him. He found the small human interesting. “Tell me your name little one.”

“Ah, it’s Roman.” Roman stood up straight and covered up his face in embarrassment from being called little one so casually.

“Roman? If I remember correctly that’s the name of this land’s current King, correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct. I’m King Roman.”

“I see.”

The Naga had gone silent, leaving Roman to wonder what to do next in this awkward situation. He still hadn’t gotten an answer on whether his apology was accepted or not. So he remained still and waited until the Naga spoke again.  

“That’s right, sorry I was lost in thought for a moment there. I do accept your apology King Roman so you need not concern yourself any further.”

“Oh, thank you! Still I’m sorry if I bothered you at all with my constant visits. I’ll refrain from returning if you so wish.”

“You no longer wish to seek out my power?”

“No, as I said before I am undeserving of it. Thus, this is goodbye it would seem.”

“I never mentioned that it was my wish for you to no longer come and converse with me though. Also, this power is my own to give to whomever I deem deserving so do not lose hope.”

“You don’t mean to say.”

“I’ll make a deal with you. If you continue to come here as you have now with an offering and talk with me for a time I’ll think about lending you a hand in this war of yours. Deal?”

“Deal!”

 End Chapter 3

@soviet-speck​

   It took an hour to arrive at the entrance to the caves by foot. The opening was massive and appeared to have been smoothed out. Roman crawled cautiously against the wall as he began his descent down into the underground labyrinth. The cavern walls were cold and slightly wet as he continued to press his hands up against them. While the lantern did provide some light, it wasn’t nearly enough to snuff out the looming darkness that swallowed him with every step down. 

  In order not to get lost within the caverns never ending tunnels Roman wrote down his steps each time he made a turn or remained on the front leading path. He was specifically feeling for any wind coming from the openings he came across and would jot them down as potential exits. Then he would walk towards the passage with no breeze. It made sense that the Naga would not nest near any of the caves entrances, but somewhere that was a deadend. His assumption was correct as after two hours of wondering he came across a large nest-like structure.   There in the nest lay a massive monster that had the top of a human and the bottom of a snake. Luckily for Roman, the creature hadn’t noticed him as it continued to sleep soundly. He was petrified with fear but still managed to slowly make his way backwards towards the beginning of the passage. Suddenly, the creatures huge form shifted and Roman quickly clapped his hands to his mouth in order to stop himself from screaming, but as he twitched in fear he fell backwards and yelped. The Naga groaned and it’s eyes began to slowly open. Roman flew into a panic as he scrambled to his feet and took off towards the nearest exit. His escape attempt was successful, but out of fear of being hunted down he continued to run.   As he continued racing towards the castle Logan spotted him on his perimeter check and gave Roman a good scolding for venturing out on his own. Once at the gate Logan ordered some of his men to escort Roman back to the castle where Patton received him. The whole time Roman’s mind was blank as what he had just witnessed hadn’t fully sunk in.

“Did you find what you were looking for, Your Majesty?” Patton was pouring Roman a cup of calming tea. Roman was visibly exhausted and was now resting in his bed.

“I-I’m not sure. I found something, but whether it was real or not hasn’t become clear in my mind yet.”

“Then you did see something right?”

“I did.”

“Here then, drink this and get some rest. Once you close your eyes maybe you’ll remember more clearly.” Roman took a sip of tea and gave a sigh as his shoulders relaxed and his eyes drooped. He was exhausted and could already feel the sores coming along.

“I think you’re right. Thank you for the tea.”

“My pleasure, goodnight Your Majesty.” Patton said with a smile as he closed the bedroom door.

  With that Roman fell into a deep sleep as his mind began to play that terrifying scene again and again. Violently, he sprung up from his bed with his face pale and full of sweat. He had remembered it’s face. Whatever was inside the caves was real and it had looked at him. He paused for a moment to think. If it was real then he needed to go back no matter what. Tomorrow, Roman planned to once again sneak out to the caves and face the Naga properly.   From the directions he had jotted down while inside the caves Roman was able to sketch out a rough map of the inner workings of the caves. He pinpointed where the nest he found was and which entrance would get him there most efficiently. Additionally, he armed himself with a dagger he strapped to the back of his belt this time. Sure enough he had no intentions of harming the Naga the first time, but he also did not anticipate the sheer size of the creature either. It was better safe than sorry he thought. Roman snuck out during the afternoon this time while under the guise of needing more bed rest after his adventure yesterday. 

   After an hour of walking he once again found himself in front of the massive entrance to the caves. This time however, it wouldn’t take a whole two hours to find the nest but a mere thirty minutes. Yet, Roman was shocked to find the nest empty and terror began to fill his thoughts as he heard slithering behind him.

  Before Roman could even turn around a large hand covered in scales placed itself in front of him. Next a gust of warm air rushed up against his neck and caused the lantern to blow out. Now Roman was covered in complete darkness as the monster curled itself around him.

“Why are you here human?” it snarled.

It took every ounce of courage Roman had left to respond in a meek voice. “I’ve come here to seek your power in order to avoid a war that’s coming.”

The creature hissed loudly and before Roman could even flinch he was grabbed up into the air, locked in place by the creatures grip. This whole time Roman was holding back his tears, but now there was no way he could keep that up. He squeezed his eye’s shut and waited for the worst.

“All you humans ever want is power and you think I’ll just give it to you? You’ve done nothing for me and once you’re through using me, you’ll shun me like always.” The Naga flicked its tongue in anger. Roman, however, was too overcome with fear to even notice the Naga’s taunt.

“Please forgi-give me. I-I’m sorry. Please do-don’t e-eat me.” Roman had begun hiccuping from the fear and was stuttering profusely.

  He truly thought he was going to die so the moment he realized he was being gently placed back on the ground was unbelievable. For some reason the Naga had let him go and was now staring down at him. Roman was so dumbfounded he simply stood there staring back, until the Naga spoke again.

“Run.”

“Excuse me?” Roman was confused as he wiped his remaining tears away.

“I said, RUN!” The Naga shouted, its voice echoing loudly.

  Suddenly, the Naga had leaned forward and slammed it’s hands onto the cave floor. Roman dare not continue to question why he was set free and instead fled for his life. This time though he stopped once he reached the exit and turned back to look into the darkness. He saw nothing looking back at him and concluded he wasn’t being chased. Still, he couldn’t help wondering why he was let go.