#silrug

🏝️

"Oh, dear," sighed a peacock named Vil. "That was a horrible storm. That storm almost took away all my feathers."

"Must you complain?" yawned Leona, a very tired lion. "You already woke me up to warn me about the storm, and now you complain after it's over?"

"Well, you shouldn't be with me if you can't handle my complaining," Vil huffed, shaking his feathers a little. "And you don't look any better. Your mane is messy."

"As if I care, Princess." Leona growled, walking towards the beach. "And my hair is always messy, so it's not a problem."

He wasn't fazed by the broken wooden planks that surrounded the area, and the unusual items that humans used. He wasn't even surprised when Vil went over to find a treasure chest of sorts, full of jewelry that he wore immediately, admiring himself in the ocean's reflection.

What he didn't expect was to hear soft breathing behind a big wooden pole. Leona, against his better judgment, walked over following the sound, and to his surprise, a young human who seemed asleep. Peacefully asleep.

"A human?" He questioned, walking towards the human. "…and he's alive. What a miracle."

"Yes, yes, it's a miracle," Vil repeated, without looking up.

"Vil, come over here," Leona demanded. "This is serious."

Vil rolled his eyes and walked towards Leona, and he couldn't hide his shock at seeing the human boy.

"Is that.."

"A human? Yes. And he's perfectly alive too." Leona answered.

"What should we do?" Vil pondered. "We can't take care of a human, now could we?"

"Unless we find any other humans," Leona snarled, but he looked back at the sleeping boy. "I know it's strange, but we can't leave him to starve and die. We need to help him, even if it means we have to step up."

"You are right," Vil sighed. "My conscious would not allow me! Oh, poor child."

Leona rolled his eyes and carefully put the kid on his back, ignoring the snuggling as he walked away.

🏝️

Ten years have passed since then, and the young boy has grown into Sil. After his awakening, he had no memories of his past, nor his name; a hint was the chest he was found with, engraved with the name Sil. That was his name as he grew in his new forest habitat. He had already adjusted, as he could speak to the animals quite easily.

He was able to live in his new life with his new family.

"Epel! Come on! They're waiting for us!" Sil called out. "You know we can't be late."

"Hey! You're bigger than me," Epel, a red panda, pouted, "You're faster than me."

Sil laughed as he slowed down, humming to himself.

🏝️

Here on my island, the sea says hello

Dolphins are waving wherever I go

🏝️

Sil grinned and waved back at the dolphins, who jumped happily at his arrival. He was well-loved around the island, as each animal, regardless of whether it was from land or sea, was fond of him.

🏝️

There's a song on the breeze

And a home in the trees

Friends I can talk with whenever I please

🏝️

"Come on! Vil's waiting for us!" Sil laughed as he ran into the oasis, watching Rook, a Black-Backed Gull, bother Leona.

🏝️

Here on my island, the playgrounds are great

Slide every slide

And you don't have to wait

There's so much to be seen

From our new trampoline

Finding adventure in our daily routine

🏝️

"I heard about a hidden jewel, deep on this island," Rook spoke, deciding on the adventure.

"Maybe, but I wanna eat first," Epel groaned, rubbing his stomach, "can we do that before we go?"

"Oh, yes, please," yawned Leona, "before I decide to leave you here to find my food."

"Always crude," groaned Vi.

🏝️

Birds and bananas

And comfy cabanas

And shell-covered vases to fill

Coconut glasses

And mint with molasses

And pineapple patties to grill

🏝️

Vil grinned proudly as everyone happily ate the patties, all complimenting the food. After that, everyone was ready for the adventure of the day, Rook leading the way.

🏝️

Here on my island, there's nothing but fun

Vines you can swing from

A nap in the sun

There are mud pies to make

There are branches to shake

Treasures await any road that you take

🏝️

"Ready!!" Cheered Epel, "Me and Sil are going to find that jewel."

"Oh, that's a challenge if I heard one," laughed Vil. "Leona and I are veterans at this work. Best to prepare for defeat, Epel."

"Guys, this is not a competition, but I should wait until we win for you to decide," Sil grinned.

🏝️

I'll take the high path

And I'll take the low path

And I'll take the path through the sky

I'll jump the river

And I'll climb the mountain

And I'll stay here, guarding the pie

🏝️

"Told you," Vil laughed as he held the jewel in his feathers, ignoring Epel's pouting. "Added to my beautiful collection of well, beautiful things. Too bad I can't add myself to it."

"Ugh, you are such a showoff," Epel pouted.

"He did warn you," Leona yawned, "we did this for a living. Of course, we know how to find them."

"That was fun though," Sil laughed and picked up Epel. "We went even deeper than we would've thought. I consider that a win than a dumb jewel, no offense, Vil."

"None taken."

Sil grinned and quickly ran off the cliff and onto the pond below, startling Epel. The others joined, reluctantly and/or happily, diving into the pond along with them, laughing to themselves.

🏝️

Here on our island, the days are a dream

Hanging together, we work as a team

And the magic extends

Through our family of friends

Here on our island, the fun never ends

🏝️

The night slowly formed as the moon and stars arrived. Everyone was ready to sleep to have a great day tomorrow. Sil was already passed out with everyone else, happy. But a shake startled everyone and awakened everyone, almost knocking everyone down.

It was Epel, who was sleep-running. Not a new occurrence, but it was a very bad occurrence, considering the tree branches he landed on shook once he landed. It was a nightmare, Sil concluded as he carefully grabbed the sleeping creature.

"Epel," Sil whispered, "hey, it's a nightmare, you're okay."

Epel flinched as he woke up, panting to himself. He looked up and cuddled against Sil, now with a sad expression on his face.

"Oh dear, another nightmare?" questioned Rook.

"Interrupting my beauty sleep," groaned Vil. "I wish I could be as lazy as Leona. That lion didn't even wake up."

Sil sighed and got up. "I'll take him on a walk. It won't be a moment."

Sil got down and started to walk away, petting Epel.

"I'm sorry," muttered Epel, "I hate having these nightmares about them…"

"Oh, don't worry, I understand," Sil smiled, "I still have nightmares about the ocean at times as well. It's a normal thing, Epel. You don't need to be ashamed about then. But do you know what I do?"

"Hm? What do you do?"

Sil smiled and cuddled Epel on his chest as he looked up at the sky. "I count the stars, and every time I do, I see our stars together and happy."

"Together?" Epel hasped.

Sil nodded and pointed at six particular stars in the sky. "See? There's you, me, Leona, Rook, and Vil."

"Why does Vil get two?"

"Well, you know he is," Sil smiled and petted his friend's fur. "But what should matter is that we are here together, now and always."

"…can you sing that lullaby again?" Epel yawned.

"Of course," Sil grinned, letting Epel get on his shoulders.

🏝️

Sun goes down, and we are here together

Fireflies glow like a thousand charms

Stay with me, and you can dream forever

Right here in my arms

🏝️

"Where did you learn that song again?" Epel asked.

"I don't know," Sil shrugged. "I've always just known it…but I hear someone sing it in my dreams often. Maybe that's how."

🏝️

It's magic when you are here beside me

Close your eyes, and let me hold you tight

Everything that I could ever need is

Right here in my arms tonight

🏝️

"Sing me the other part too?" Epel asked sheepishly, "I like it.."

"Okay," Sil laughed, "but you know I don't remember all the words. But always for you."

🏝️

La la la

La la la

Stars begin to climb

La la la

La la la

La la la la la

La la la la la

🏝️

Sil grinned happily as he heard Epel snore on his head.

"Good night, Epel." Sil grinned and walked back to the three, resting Epel in his makeshift nest and petting him.

In the distance, Sil saw something big that swayed side to side on the waters. He just managed to make it, but he didn't know what the mysterious figure was. But he wanted to rest his head and close his eyes, dealing with it in the morning.

But that was a bad idea, as he witnessed a nightmare he had had for years, ever since his rescue. He found himself sinking in the waters below, struggling to breathe as he tried to surface every moment, a ship in the distance being his only source of light. He also heard a voice calling out to him, but it was muffled, making it impossible for Sil to understand.

It caused him to wake as the daylight hit his face.

"Wha…"

"Another boat?" yawned Leona.

"What?" Sil questioned and went down to Leona to see. "A boat…I saw that last night. I couldn't recognize it, it was so far."

"I wonder why it's here." Vil scoffed.

"Maybe we should look?" Epel gasped, running towards the boat.

"Epel! Wait!" Sil gasped and ran after him.

🏝️

The boat was at the shore, with four people now leaving footprints on the sand. Each person was different, and each had an odd reaction to being on the unknown island.

The first one was Prince Ruggie, who was unsurprised. He was a prince of a small island, so being on one wasn't much of a surprise, and he knew how to navigate around the island and was marked as the guide in the expedition.

The second was Ruggie's betrothed fiancée, Prince Riddle Rosehearts, who was the only one who was unfamiliar with the area. However, he was convinced by his mother to bond with Ruggie, as they were to marry by the end of the month. Riddle wanted to object, but couldn't, given his mother's authority.

The third was Prince Malleus, a young prince known for his adventurous spirit. It was uncommon when King Lilia, the fourth visitor, invited him. They were close when Malleus was a young dragon, and they continue that bond. Malleus was the one who recommended traveling in the first place, as a bonding experience.

But he knew why he did it. King Lilia was the only adult on the expedition and tried to be chipper despite a tragedy that had occurred nearby, hiding his discomfort with a smile every time he was asked if he was okay. Malleus knew this and ensured that Lilia was prepared for being on a boat. Lilia managed himself, which helped Malleus calm down.

So, these four looked at the island in front, with Malleus as the lead, followed by Lilia.

🏝️

Nothing beats a brand-new shore.

Streaming into view

After weeks of the waves

The thrill of somewhere new

All the riches of the world

Can't compare to these

Golden sand and silver clouds

The fragrant island breeze

🏝️

"And he;s off," Lilia laughed, "Ah, Malleus. Even now you wonder off."

"And I'm worried it was a habit of his," Ruggie muttered to himself, watching Lilia follow Malleus deep into the woods.

"Should we follow them?" Riddle pondered.

"Yeah, just in case he does get lost. I don't think he can survive this island," Ruggie laughed and walked forward.

🏝️

What will I discover next, it's all a mystery

Different every day

There's so much to do and learn and touch and hear and see

Just a step away

🏝️

Sil looked at them from within the bush, now curious. He walked closer to them to get a better look at the new people, but the animals did not share the same response; now they were annoyed, worried, and beyond afraid.

🏝️

It has no trunk

It has no tail

It's not a fish

It's not a whale

It has no feathers, I can see

I have to say, it looks like me!

It must be bad

It can't be good

Let's run and hide

I think we should

Just close your eyes, it goes away

This doesn't happen every day!

🏝️

Sil immediately went towards the strangers for a much closer look; even the trees didn't carry him carefully. But he managed to see who and remembered the features.

🏝️

Feeling the excitement grow

Every single stride

Sun above and earth below… whoa!

🏝️

Sil gasped as the humans fell down a massive ditch, and he rushed down, knowing what awaited them below.

At the bottom, Ruggie groaned, looking at the swamp-like area. "Well, I had worse pitfalls in my life. Being covered in dirt and almost in mud is not that bad."

Riddle quickly helped Ruggie up, "My bad, I wasn't looking where I was going,"

"Ah, happens to the best of us, I'm sure," Lilia chuckled, stretching his back. "That's part of the experience of traveling, I'd say."

Malleus looks around, now walking around.

"But I saw something in the trees," Riddle admitted. "It was a someone. Not an animal, per se, but…a person?"

"But this place has been abandoned for years," Malleus spoke up. "It has been said that no humans have been on this island. If this place wasn't discovered, why is there a human here?"

"I know what I saw, Draconia," Riddle scoffed.

"Hmm, understandable, Riddle,"

A snarl was heard, which made Ruggie's ears twitch at the vibration. His eyes scanned the forest area, and three pairs of eyes glared at them from the darkness. More snarls were heard as their eyes went closer. Ruggie, now with everyone else, watched and backed up from the newly found crocodiles.

"Did we fall into a crocodile pit?" Lilia whispered.

"Oh, what rotten luck," Riddle groaned. "I knew exploring was a bad idea."

"You didn't protest when we entered the boat," Malleus mentioned. "And frankly, no one could have planned this. Island trips can be unpredictable. Knowing this mysterious island, this was bound to happen."

"I suppose you are right," Riddle took a breath. "Sorry about that."

"No worries..but how do we get rid of the crocodiles?"

The one in the middle snapped his jaw, ready to eat the legs in front of them. The rest started snapping, trying to eat anything close to their mouths.

"Excuse me?" Called an unfamiliar voice.

The group watched as an unknown silver-haired boy swung forward onto a rock, looking down at the crocodiles, and crossed his arms.

"Gwendolyn," he lectured the crocodile by Riddle. "Is this how we treat guests? Especially ones who entered your home?"

The crocodile, Gwendolyn, growled sadly in response.

"How is he…" Malleus gasped.

"Geo, don't," the stranger lectured again.

A snap made Lilia jump as the crocodile swam away, upset.

Ruggie glared at the third one, but he was relentless until the stranger came by and petted the crocodile. This made the crocodile smile and groan happily.

"Nice to know you still love pets, Georgio,"

Ruggie took a moment, actually, to look at the stranger. Silver hair that was rare and beautiful, paired with purple eyes that were soft towards the cranky crocodile, and a matching smile. He must've been here for years, Ruggie concluded, especially when he didn't have clothes. But it was still early to ask.

The group was stunned as the crocodile backed away and slid back into the murky waters. The stranger smiles and looks over at them, standing up,

"I apologize," he spoke up. "They can be hungry when seeing something new. I suppose I did forget to get them some of the mangos I have found."

"No, no," Lilia stammered. "I appreciate that you have saved us from being eaten."

"I only did what I could. I understand how they can be odd to new friends, and don't know how to express themselves."

"That begs the question," Malleus questioned. "Who are you?"

🏝️

"Sil? That's your name?" Ruggie asked, looking at the newly discovered chest they had seen in the tree.

"I suppose so," Sil answered with a soft chuckle. "It was the only clue we have about who I am."

"So, you have no memory?" Riddle pondered. "How long have you been here?"

"I haven't been keeping check," Sil shrugged. "But it was for a long time, I'm guessing. Just not knowing about who I am was never something I thought of, but now you guys are here."

"But I feel we are ignoring a big thing about you," Ruggie spoke up. "You…talked to the crocodiles, like it was nothing."

"And you guys don't?"

"I can," Ruggie noted, pointing to his ears. "'Cause I am part beast, it's natural, but a mere human like yourself couldn't."

"Hm, that is odd." Malleus hums. "Humans such as you could never have powers like that, unless it's been self-taught."

"Really? I simply woke up with this." Sil remarked. "Ever since I woke up, I have been talking to my friends since then."

Everyone went silent for a moment, now confused about this mysterious man and his connection to this abandoned island. Lilia took a breath before walking over.

"Well, since you saved us, how about we get acquaintance with your friends?" Lilia asked.

"Yeah, but mind you, they haven't seen a human in years, or they have never seen a human before. So, I apologize if they are a bit defensive."

Sil smiled and walked through the trees to meet up with the group of animals that he called his friends.

"Are you okay?!" Vil immediately questioned, checking Sil for any wounds. "Ugh, you need to stop going off like that. My feathers can't handle all that stress, you know."

"I'm sorry, Vil, but I couldn't let the crocodiles eat them. As far as I'm concerned, they're innocent. And you know how the crocodiles get hungry when we miss their feeding schedules. So," Sil paused for a moment before frowning. "So, who forgot?"

"Wasn't it Leona's turn?" Epel pondered and looked at the yawning lion.

"Hmm, was it? I had no idea," Leona yawned. "I was simply taking a nap."

Sil sighed. "We really need to find a way to remind you, Leona."

The others watched in amazement.

"He's…he's having an actual conversation with them," Riddle gasped. "Like…talking to them."

"Yeah, he is," Malleus added, and smiled. "This is such a marvel."

"But what should we do with this?" Lilia asked, looking at the others. "I mean, he's a human who lives among animals, and I do worry for his development."

"What's your plan?" Malleus wondered.

"You know what," Ruggie spoke. "Should we take him with us?"

The red panda's ears sprouted up, and he rushed over to Ruggie with his angry look, jumping up and down in protest.

"No! No! You can't take him with you, you mean humans!"

"Whoa! Epel!" Sil gasped and grabbed him. "It's okay, they're not going to take me away."

Ruggie's ears twitched, "Hmm, well, I guess that's options over."

"Well," Sil hesitated. "I don't mind the suggestions, but I can't leave my friends here. They'll miss me."

"Oh, how true that is," Rook sighed. "We would miss him ever so dearly."

"Then we can take them with us," Lilia recommended. "I mean, the kingdom shouldn't mind it. Especially since I am part of the royal committee, I can convince them."

"Lilia," Malleus sighed. "You always use the committee to get your way, especially these days."

"Your grandmother always helped me with those votes, and even your young mother, bless her heart." Lilia laughed. "And doesn't the Kingdom of the Sunset Savana have beautiful scenery for him to stay in?"

"…Yeah, we do. And my grandma' loves new guests."

Sil looks at the animals, "Well, are you guys okay with this? It's a big ask."

"Well, I don't mind," Rook smiles. "I have been all around the world, and teaching you about the sights would be fantastic."

"Well, I'm not leaving you by yourselves!" Vil added. "You guys are reckless, and someone as mature as me should come along, and of course, Leona, you have to come too."

"Ugh," groaned Leona. "Fine. But I am not doing anything."

"Since when do you do?" Epel muttered before looking up at Sil. "I wanna come too! To protect you, Sil!"

Sil smiles and pets his head, "Thank you, Epel."

"Well, what do you say? Want to come with us?" Lilia offered.

The birds chirped in protest, annoyed that the dream ended so quickly. Silver laughs and pets one on the head.

"I know you're disappointed, but it's all I ever wanted in a dream.*

As Silver began to talk about his day, he heard the bunnies and squirrels squeak happily behind him. To his surprise, the animal were dressed in a school uniform but the animal specifically designed it to look like Ruggie Buuchi's uniform.

Silver smiles as he gets up. He knew what the animals wanted from him, and who was he to deny them such a beautiful moment?

"Hello, Ruggie," Silver pretended. "Sorry to intrude but I was hoping to have a small dance with you?"

The birds chirped happily, making the suit bow along, and Silver started to hum, his imagination reflecting his dreams.

💚

I know you

I walked with you

Once Upon A Dream

💚

Silver began to dance with the magical clothing as he sang more, and the animals enjoyed this grand show of Silver's affection.

💚

I know you

The look in your eyes are

Familiar a gleam

And I know it's true

That visions are seldom all they seem

But if I know you, I know what you do

You love me at once

The way you did

Once Upon A Dream

💚

Silver begins to harmonize, his lovely voice echoing in the woods. A certain Hyena's ears peeled at the sound and couldn't help but follow it.

Imagine his surprise when Ruggie sees Silver dancing with his animal friends, who had the gull steal his clothing like that. But it doesn't even matter when Silver's voice echoes a beautiful melody. It is hypnotizing to Ruggie, and he has to step forward and get rid of the competition first.

So sneakily, he grabbed his clothing and puts them away with Silver being none the wiser.

💚

And if I know you,

I'll know what you'll d

You'll love me at once

The way you did

Once Upon A Dream

🧡

Silver gasped as turns to see Ruggie, who was holding his hands with his usual smile.

"Oh…I didn't think to see you here," Silver stammered, looking away.

"Really?" Ruggie teased. "What did you think what going to happen when you sing like an angel?"

Silver huffs and looks away, blushing. "Well, I didn't expect you to hear it."

"And why not?" Ruggie laughed. "Well, should we continue?"

"Continue?"

"Yeah.*

Silver looks away, blushing, but Ruggie knows that's just Silver being a little stubborn. Ruggie knows precisely how to break that stubbornness, especially since Silver was so adorable at that moment.

🧡

I know you

I walked with you

Once Upon A Dream

🧡

Silver began to hide behind the tree to hide from its embarrassment, but he should have figured that Ruggie was relentless, grabbing his hand and leading him into a dance.

It broke Silver out of his embarrassment, and it turned into a fondness for the hyena.

🧡

I know you

The look in your eyes are

Familiar a gleam

🧡

Silver's heart starts to melt as the two begin to dance, just like in his dream. It was like, in that instant, they were the only ones alone in the woods and no one was there to interrupt this special moment between them.

🧡💚

And I know it's true

That visions are seldom all they seem

But if I know you, I know what you'll do

You'll love me at once

The way you did

Once Upon A Dream

💚🧡

Once they concluded their dance, they ended with a single bow before interlocking their hands. They began to rest by a nearby tree, with Silver resting on Ruggie's shoulder.

"Silver?" Ruggie whispered.

"Hmm?* Silver looks up.

"I love you." Ruggie blushed, holding his hand.

"I know," Silver smiles, squeezing his hand. "I love you too. I just wish this wasn't a secret from everyone."

"Well, you know your housewarden, and I know mine. They would be upset at us if they found us out." Ruggie groaned. "I mean, our dorms have been in some sort of war since Leona and Malleus were first-years. Nothing we could do about it now other than letting it slide."

"I know. I understand that," Silver sadly remarked. "I just wish it didn't have to be this way."

"Hm, it'll get better," Ruggie promised. "Just wait just for a little longer."

Silver nodded and let a small yawn, his eyes slowly closing. Ruggie, noticing this, began to move Silver close to him, making Silver sleep on his shoulder without any objections. Ruggie watched with the ultimate form of love in his eyes as he borrowed a nearby blazer to use as a blanket for Silver.