Reimagined Banban x Reader.
"Welcome to the Kindom"
Part Two.
It's back! Below the cut!
The towering gates before you opened, and you followed the Sheriff inside.
You were taken aback by how different everything felt here.
Giant, glowing (probably artificial) blue mushrooms, smaller, but very real farms for food, stone and brick walls.
Crystals embedded in the walls and ceiling around you gave the entire area beautiful blues and purples, adding to the elegant lighting.
There appeared to be multiple stands with faded signs, they reminded you of small stores or shopkeepers from your child's favorite RPGs. However, it was clear these had been long abandoned, cleared out entirely.
There were multiple gated areas, through which you could not see, but you would investigate that later.
Despite the strange beauty of this area, you couldn't help but feel saddened by how.. abandoned it all seemed. Lonely.
The sheriff led you up a decently long staircase, up to another large pair of elegant wooden doors that donned a golden trim.
They creaked open.
The two of you entered.
And before you stood, one of the more ridiculous things you had seen here, a giant purple kangaroo. Watering plants in a garden.
While her size could be intimidating, the fact that she was purple made her less so.
You didn't fail to notice her missing arm, and judging by the bandages, that was a recent injury.
Before you could properly take in your surroundings, the sheriff's large hand forcibly pushed your head down, forcing you into a bowing position. Which also caused you to drop Little Beak,
You were getting really sick of him touching the back of your head..
"Quit gawking and show some respect." He bitterly growled into your ear.
Through a glare of your own, you saw he, too, was bowing.
The kangaroo's large, tired eyes gazed down at you.
"Ah, Sheriff, I see you have returned, and with the one you mentioned to me before."
She slowly walked closer, taking a seat upon the large throne in the center of the room.
The sheriff released his tight grip on your skull, and stood straight to address the queen.
Despite everything, you couldn't lie, this throneroom was rather elegant.
Stained glass windows, gardens of roses, and purple wisteria flowers hanging from the ceiling. For a place that saw no real sunlight, it was impressive they were able to keep these plants alive and well.
"And… How would you write the success of that interrogation?"
The sheriff shot you a glare from the corner of his eye, then.
"Not good, they've got an attitude and made our chat a lot harder."
You glared at him more intently, but this time stayed quiet.
Two against one weren't odds you liked.
Especially when one of the two was the size of a house…
"I see…" she noted, taking a pause to think. "And, did they tell you why they are here?"
A pause hung over you.
The Queen sighed.
"Did you ask them?"
"I… no," he admitted, deflating a bit. "No I did not."
"Oh, Sheriff.." The Queen's voice sighed, dissatisfaction clear in her tone. Her ears drooped a little, before she addressed you.
She looked you up and down. As she did, her disappointment melted away, her features shifting to an expression of sympathy.
"Oh, I think I know. One worried parent can spot another one."
You couldn't help but perk up at her.
"I must apologize on my behalf, as well as the sheriff's. We've all been a little on edge lately, I'm sure you understand."
"I figured." You finally spoke.
Toadster growled at you again, "Watch it.." He whispered.
The Queen cleared her throat, recentering your attention.
"Allow me to introduce us. I am Queen Bouncelia," she gestured to herself before elegantly pointing towards the sheriff, "This, is Sheriff Toadster."
"I again must apologize for the rough reception. The coming hours will be rough for us all, but this is not your fight, parent."
"My child is in danger." You stood defiantly.
You weren't going to leave without finding them. You were certain of that.
"It IS my fight now."
The Queen took a second to respond, but recomposed herself just the same.
"I see. I cannot deny you the right to your child. The lengths of what you have gone to even get this far… is admirable. However, I wish to at least give you the means to leave. It does not feel right to keep you imprisoned here."
She turned to face the Sheriff. "Sheriff, how is the elevator doing?"
This time, he sighed. Pinching his brow, he explained that it was broken, and required multiple parts to fix it.
You internally groaned in frustration. Great, yet another thing going wrong. Couldn't this place at least have some stairs between floors?
Of course, more crap that needs to be fixed.
The Queen decided that the best course of action would be for you and the sheriff to search for parts together.
At this rate, you were pretty sure you preferred to be alone. You'd rather get help from Opila, at this rate.
The sheriff was no more pleased than you were, sputtering about how he needed to stay to protect the queen.
Her response was "And you will, once the elevator is functioning again." She sternly snipped.
"Now! Off you go. Elevators don't fix themselves, sadly, and time is of the essence." She gently pushed you two out of the room with a 'shoo'.
The doors closed behind you and the sheriff. And a tense pause lingered over you both.
The sheriff gazed at you with an unreadable expression, then he (fake) coughed into his hand to break the silence.
"Well, ah, you heard the lady! Let's get a move on."
He lead the way, barely remembering to make sure you were following him.
His shaky attempt at sounding authoritative nearly made you crack a smile at his expense. Still, you followed him.
And with that, your quest began.
…
The sheriff lead you to a train station. A mini train, like those at amusement parks or zoos. It only had three cars.
It was, much like everything in this place, a bit run down. But it did appear to be at least somewhat maintained.
Most of the damage appeared to be cosmetic, like the paint being chipped and scratched.
But, overall, it was fine, if a bit weathered.
The sheriff entered the first car to drive, you entered the car behind him.
You settled into the torn cushions of the seat, allowing Little Beak to sit in your lap.
The journey to your destination was a long one. And awkward.
You really wished Banban was here, he would've broken the tension, or at least been more friendly company.
The train chugged along, you could feel every bump and rattle, which was already making your tailbone ache.
'Just add that to the list of pains,' you thought.
You pet Little Beak's feathery head, giving yourself some level of distraction.
Finally, the train screeched to break, and you arrived.
Setting Little Beak on your shoulder, you climbed out of the train car, and awaited the sheriff doing the same.
Your new location was another train station, a small waiting area. Which… actually made some sense.
That was rare, these days.
Once again the room was painted with that atrocious orange. But this time, it was paired with various directional arrows on the ceiling and floor, colored with green and purple.
The sheriff sauntered past you, and you followed him to the next room. The arrows all pointed toward one of three doorways.
"One of the parts we need should be in the Administration room just ahead, but it looks like the door is locked."
You sighed.
"Let me guess, we need a keycard?"
"Mhm." He hummed, seemingly just as annoyed as you.
You didn't wait to be asked before you started searching around the small waiting area. The sheriff did the same, looking between seat cushions and the like, you however, decided to try one of the other doors.
The left doorway wouldn't open. Disappointing.
However, the right doors did. Little Beak hopped off your shoulder and skittered towards the sheriff, pecking at his boots. You chuckled before continuing on your way.
Just as you took a few steps forward, the doors shut and locked behind you.
Leaving you in pitch black darkness.
"Huh? What's happening?"
The sheriff queried, "Hold on partner! I'll fing a way to get you out of there, just stay where you are!"
His voice and his footsteps dissipated. And you rubbed your temples in frustration.
But, you weren't alone for long, as one light clicked on.
Turns out you weren't in a room, you were in a corridor, and at the end of said corridor, under the dim light, was… a purple snake puppet?
"Hello! I'm a hungry snake, do you have any food?"
You stood there blankly. Once again, this felt off. Although so did everything else in this place so that's nothing new. Moreover, this is the first time somebody's actually asked you for food, rather than attacking you for it.
Puppeteer or not, you couldn't really think of a reason to not feed it. It seems to be the only strategy that worked for you when it came to any other threat.
"I have a few things, hold on."
As you approached the "snake" it retracted into the darkness with a giggle, and a large figure began advancing towards you.
Out of instinct you ran, forgetting about the door being locked until you reached it.
Just as you spun around to look at your incoming attacker, you were forcibly yanked back.
You realized it was the sheriff, not only had he managed to get the door open, but now he stood between you and the giggling stranger.
You saw the sheriff throw something, and a pained yell from the previously giggling voice.
The footsteps faded away, into the darkness.
"You alright?" The sheriff asked. You nodded.
"That was the Jester, Bittergiggle. Little while ago he went rogue. Can't trust him anymore."
You raised a brow at that.
"How did he go Rogue?"
The sheriff explained while he scanned a keycard on the door. Guess he found it.
"He's been trying to make the queen laugh, we can't let that happen. If she laughs, the naughty ones will escape."
You stared at him. Bewildered. How is he able to say something like that, with a straight face?
You, on the other hand, could not keep a straight face. You snickered at it. Much to his annoyance.
"..What?" He asked, arms crossed.
"You seriously can't expect me to hear something like that, and not find it ridiculous."
"I'm being serious." He huffed.
"No way!"
"It's the truth! They'll kill us if they escape."
You took a breath to recompose yourself.
"You're telling me, that a green and purple jester can't make a giant purple kangaroo Queen laugh, otherwise we all die because of 'the naughty ones'?"
You added, with air quotes.
Toadster dragged his hand down his face in frustration, and let out another aggravated huff.
"Look partner, I get that might be hard to believe on a surface level, but look at where you are! Is that any crazier than anything you've seen so far?"
Your laughs subsided. He had a point.
"See? Think of it that way, doesn't sound so crazy, right?"
He took a tentative step forward,
"Anyway, enough chit chat. Let's move."
...
After tediously gathering a few of the required parts, you returned so the sheriff could make some progress on repairing it, and so you could speak to the queen.
You weren't sure why she had requested your presence, but it gave you a break, so you would take it.
You again entered through the elegant doors to the throne room. You actually found yourself grateful, even if just a bit, that you were able to enjoy the space without the sheriff pounding your head.
You noticed that this room had crystals embedded in the walls as well. Except these had more of a golden glow, giving the room a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The soft yellow lighting bathed the Queen's purple fur elegantly.
She looked down at you warmly, like one would at an old friend.
"Welcome back, I hope your journey was worth it and the elevator a bit more usable."
"Meh, the Sheriff's working on it, still needs more parts."
You shrugged.
"But progress is progress."
"I see…" she replied, "well, I did find something that may be of use to you. It is on that table to your left. I know it might not be much but try to think of it as a.. symbol of trust."
You approached said table, finding your gift.
"A crowbar?" You questioned, holding the sleek, cool metal in your hands. It was in pretty good condition, and was weirdly decorative. Still it was Hefty of course, and at its core it was still a crowbar. Although it had been somewhat Bedazzled with engraved patterns, and once again, The Color Purple.
Was that everybody's favorite color here or something?
You twirled in your hands, with this, you wouldn't have to hunt for key cards all over the place anymore!
"I… wow, thank you!"
"You are welcome. And I am now proud to pronounce you a new citizen of the Kingdom! Bringing our population up to 5."
She celebrated, with a gentle smile.
Wait… did she say 5? Weren't there only four of you? Her, the sheriff, Little Beak, and you. Unless the fifth person was the jester?
"Five?" You asked.
Her ears perked up.
"Oh! Yes, that's right. I apologize I forgot to tell you." She began, smiling sheepishly.
"While you were away a friend of yours arrived, he was in terrible shape so I sent him to the Infirmary. Although he did ask for you. Perhaps before you leave for another part, you should visit him?"
Her eyes suddenly saddened, even if just a bit, "He seemed awfully worried, I'd even say frantic."
Your breath hitched.
Could it be?
You nodded, "I will. Thank you."
She waved goodbye as you left. Across the Courtyard and Farms, you noticed one of the gates that had been previously blocked, was now open.
And above that open gate, was a sign that read 'Infirmary'.
You entered, finding yourself in a Long, hospital-like corridor. It was such a stark contrast to the fantasy Style area you were just in. It replaced all the brick and crystals with sterile, white walls.
Lining the walls of the corridor were windows and doors. It seemed so metallic, so bleak. Which made sense for most hospitals, but was still jarring to say the least.
You entered the brightly lit corridor, each one of your footsteps echoing off the walls as you moved. You checked in every window you passed by. First left, empty, first right window, also empty.
You continued this pattern as you passed each room.
Empty, empty, empty…
Just as you were getting accustomed to empty rooms, you looked through another left window, and saw a familiar red figure sitting on a hospital bed. His back towards the window.
"Banban!" You called, immediately rushing to his door and throwing it open in a hurry. Normally you would wait a moment before doing such things but you are too excited. This whole time you weren't sure if he was all right, it was relieving to see him here.
He startled at the sound of your voice. His head practically snapped in your direction, and his eyes inspected you up and down. Or rather one of them did, one was still swollen shut thanks to his (worse) black eye.
You stood at a distance from him, and a pause hung over the both of you. You weren't sure what to say. A part of you was relieved to see him, but simultaneously, you couldn't forget what happened before.
Banban looked down in shame.
Even so, he decided to break the silence.
"I dragged myself here, when Bouncelia mentioned a human had just been here, I knew it had to be you."
He turned to look at you again. His eye glistened. Was he… tearing up?
"I… uhm.. Look, what happened before, I… I'm really sorry. I-I couldn't help it.. I really never wanted to hurt you, I just- lost control."
Just as he looked as though he was about to break, he stopped.
He closed his eyes and took a breath, holding his closed fist in front of his mouth.
He exhaled.
"I want to make it up to you. Bouncelia updated me about the elevator. I want to help with that. I just need a minute."
“You really should rest, Banban-”
“Please.”
He quietly begged.
You mulled it over. What were your options?
Well, aside from Banban's incident, he had proved to be rather helpful. Even during times where you were apart, he was only able to guide you with the intercom, he had done his best.
The Sheriff on the other hand, you were hesitant to trust. Maybe it had to do with his attitude.
… Or maybe it had to do with the fact he knocked you out upon first meeting you.
Nonetheless, you'd at least feel better with Banban around.
You let out a puff of air.
“Okay. You can help. But only on two conditions.”
He perked up at that, but said nothing, awaiting your terms.
“Number one, you are going to at least TRY to take it easy. I've seen you thrown around enough times to the point I'm surprised you're alive.”
He sheepishly scratched the back of his head at that.
You were right and you both knew it.
“And number two..” You began, holding two fingers up for emphasis. “You tell me what happened back there.”
“I suppose I owe you that much, at least…” Banban relented.
You pulled up a chair, though not the most comfortable, it would do.
Sitting in front of him, you gestured for him to continue, doing your best to remain patient.
He barely maintained eye contact with you as he spoke.
“I… Have these instincts… I am… more or less carnivorous.”
He looked at you briefly, glancing at your bandaged hand in shame.
“I am drawn to the scent of blood or meat.”
He closed his eyes with a soft sigh.
“Before, it wasn't an issue, but as we were left here, and supplies ran lower, things got… desperate. I tried my best to maintain things. To give others hope for our future.”
“I hate seeing my friends suffering. It hurts to see them starving. I wanted to make them as happy as I could. I still do..”
“And I… I have been told I have a habit of… neglecting my own health.”
He picked at a loose seam of his jacket.
Your brows raised in alarm.
“You're starving..?”
As if answering on his behalf, his stomach growled. He hurriedly pressed a hand on his midsection, trying in vain to quiet the anguished organ.
“Oh, Banban…” you murmured.
You reached your hands out, cupping his cheeks carefully. How could someone abandon someone so kind?
“Look, I think the kingdom has managed to grow food. I know you said you're carnivorous, but surely it's better than nothing. Why don't we get you fed, and then work on the elevator?”
“I- don't want to waste your time. Haven't I delayed you more than enough?” He stammered, you deadpanned back at him.
“Banban. You more or less just confessed that you're so hungry you almost ate me. I think getting food in your belly is a good use of our time right now.”
As if in agreement, his stomach growled again. Much to his embarrassment.
You gave him a look, a silent “I told you so,” he had no excuse ready. With that, the two of you head to the garden, after stocking up on supplies, filling your bag, and BanBan ate a few vegetables and said he was ready to help.
While you were dubious, he kept insisting he was fine. Too tired to argue anymore, you decided to head out.
Though you weren't thrilled about it, you approached the sheriff. He seemingly just finished installing the first part, as he stood tall and dusted himself off.
“Alright, we've made some progress, but we should get moving before-” the sheriff halted as he stared at BanBan.
“Principal BanBan… or, is it just ‘Banban’ now?”
Banban's unswollen eye widened, and he shifted uncomfortably. “A-ah, hello sheriff. It is… good to see you again.”
“Formal as always, hm?” He hummed.
You watched as Banban shifted uncomfortably under the sheriff's scrutinizing stare. Clinging to whatever remained of his shaken smile.
“It's… good to see you, sheriff.”
“You just said that.”
“Ah.. Right.”
The thickness of the atmosphere felt heavy. Hanging above you all, feeling almost precarious.
You could see Banban's fidgeting hands, and his stiffly swaying tail.
At this point, you were no stranger to feeling awkward around the sheriff, but it was clear to you that this kind of tension was different.
It was heavy, laced with a familiarity you could only imagine.
Banban seemed to gather whatever sliver of confidence he still possessed. His back straightened, easily adding a few inches to his height. His tail slowly whipped and swayed in a slither.
“I'm.. Here to help.”
The sheriff narrowed his eyes, standing tall, and approaching Banban. Though Banban was quite a bit taller than you, the sheriff easily stood taller than he did.
He stood uncomfortably close to Banban, arms crossed with authority.
“And just how, do you intend to do that?”
Banban was the face of this place once, you remembered. Though his weight on things was relatively light, he still used to claim a time of status of respect that seemed long gone now.
Still, he barely faltered under the sheriff's scrutiny. He squared his shoulders, and held both his hands in fists. His eyes, er, eye, intensifying slightly as well.
Though less intimidating, it still exudes his stance.
“However I see fit, sheriff.”
Banban's voice came out more deliberate than his usual semi-formal stammering.
They stood still as stones for a breath, and the sheriff eased, his face softened, taking on a slight level of fondness.
“It's good to see you as well, Banban.”
