Dream's Fanfiction Library

The sun started to set over Subcon, and Lukas and his family were on their way to pick his friends for the ball. Lukas had his hands pressed over a box, eagerly tapping his fingers with the bumps on the road. He’d written to Vanessa about this, told her at length what he sought to do for his friends. After all, no guest could properly attend without shoes. 

As the carriage came to a halt, Lukas knew exactly what he was doing next. Finding his friends, getting them back to the carriage with his family and getting to the party. He prayed it would be simple enough, it should be… right?

Lukas felt sweaty, even though it wasn’t hot in Subcon, not at this time of day. He was nervous over anything going wrong tonight. What if Vanessa’s mom humiliates Sebastian and their friends at the party, or what if Vanessa’s ice powers accidentally went off at the party? Would things be okay after that?

“No that won’t happen.” Lukas thought to himself, shaking the thoughts away.

“Nervous tonight?” Autumn asked, tearing Lukas away from his thoughts. 

“I am… kinda.” He answered truthfully. “I’m just nervous.” 

Autumn nods, patting the spot next to her. Lukas shifts his spot in the carriage, moving from next to his father to his mother. “It’ll be okay, my little specter.” She coos, wrapping her am around Lukas. “I promise you that.”

Lukas took a deep breath, now feeling calmer. “Alright. I trust you, mom.” Autumn smiled as the cartridge continued its way to Subcon. Lukas could feel the wheels turning, the horses hooves clunking as it pulled their carriage across the bridge. It wasn’t until Lukas heard people from outside that he knew they’d arrived in Subcon’s town square, the carriage coming to a complete stop. 

“Now, you make sure you come back with your friends safe and sound, alright?” Autumn reiterates, Lukas nodding as he opens the carriage doors, hopping onto the stiles pavement with the box tucked under his arm. “I’ll be back soon.” With a click of his heel, Lukas was off, rushing past the buzzing townsfolk and into the forest beyond. Tonight was surely going to be something, he just hoped he wasn’t in over his head.

꧁…꧂

Meanwhile in Subcon Village, Sebastian looked at himself in the mirror. A dark blue blazer with dark blue dress pants, and black dress shoes. He’d never worn clothes like this before, and while most of it once belonged to Kadence, it had the same effect. He felt… good? It was hard to say. Despite it being a hand me down, part of him hoped  he and Lukas would match.

Painter had made a fuss on the blazer and decided to only have a waistcoat that also once belonged to Kadence. Nico was also dressed up, sitting in the other room with his mother as she straightened his blazer. Sebastian knew Celeste was helping out Willow and part of him felt excited to see her in that dress again. She looked good, but there was still one minor problem… shoes.

Sebastain sighed as he stared at his bare feet. He knew his mamá did her best, but shoes were still hard to find in his size. Either they felt too small or too tight, the manor wouldn’t notice or complain about a kid without shoes, would they? Some part of him had a feeling that they would…

He stops looking in the mirror when he sees Willow in the doorway behind him. Knowing her, she probably came by to check on him. But seeing her in that dress again? He couldn’t help but smile. “You look handsome tonight.” She comments, bashfully glancing away.

Willow was wearing her dress, and had her hair styled into a side braid with some purple flowers.

“As do you.” He replied, cringing at his voice. Did compliments get harder in formal wear or was that just him? Probably the ladder.

Willow chuckled. “We’re going to have a great time tonight.” She said, as she put her hands on Sebastian’s shoulders. “Don’t worry about it.”

Sebastian blushed the moment Willow touched his shoulders. He gulped and nodded in reply with a sheepish smile. He could hear footsteps rush to his bedroom door, seeing as Painter hung on the doorframe with messy breaths. His opened waistcoat draped over his left shoulder with hair messier than ever. Confused, Sebastian turned to his friend. “Luka’s here Seb! Let’s go! He said he got something for us!” Painter cries, rapidly pointing down the hallway.

“Okay, okay! Coming!” Sebastian called out as he went to the door and opened it. 

Outside, Lukas stood in front of his porch, a box tucked upper his arm with a grateful smile. Sebastian felt surprised he and Lukas were wearing similar outfits, perhaps it was meant to be.

“I got you guys something.” Lukas spoke simply, sitting down on the steps of his porch and opening up the box. Inside was multiple pairs of shoes and socks, including a fine pair of dress shoes that Lukas instantly reached for. “You said you didn’t have shoes and that they were hard to get so… thought I’d give you and your family some.” 

Sebastian stared in disbelief, slowly taking the dress shoes from Lukas. He studied them for a moment, they were freshly shined, whatever wear and tear had been there was scrubbed away. He lifted the shoe to the fading sunlight, a smile forming on his face.  “Luka I… I don’t know what to say.”

Lukas smiled and hugged Sebastian. “Thank you Sebastian. For being my best friend.” He said.

Sebastian smiled, tears almost falling from his eyes as he hugged Lukas back. “No, thank you Lukas. For being my best friend.”

“Now come on, let’s put those shoes on and get you to that masquerade.” Lukas chirps, to which Sebastian snorts a wet laugh. “I got you one after Vanessa took Cece’s.” He explained, gently pulling away as they strolled to the porch. Lukas placed the box down, taking the pair of shoes from Sebastian and with some help, helped him put on the dress shoes. For once, there was no uncomfortability, no squish from his feet, it was a perfect fit.

“Like them?” Lukas asked, watching as his friend tilted his foot from side to side. 

“Love them.” Senastian answered, standing pulling Lukas into a bone-crushing hug. Lukas felt an indescribable wave of goodness. He was happy that he finally managed to find a little way to improve his best friend's life. 

The others had trickled out one by one. Willow and Celeste were gifted fancy shoes as Lukas had seen Willow in her worn down everyday shoes, and having her wear those to the ball certainly wouldn’t do. Celeste and Kadence were in a similar boat, both having hand-me-down shoes instead of proper dress shoes. Nico and Painter were the same as Sebastian, except they had a poor attempt at dress shoes on their feet.

Seeing them gather and put on the shoes was the most precious thing, seeing them all fit perfectly made it even sweeter. “Lukas, I love them! Thank you!” Willow beamed, tapping her new shoes on the wooden porch.

“Yes! Thank you!” Nico and Painter exclaimed simultaneously, childishly stomping onto the forest floor as much as they physically could. 

Celeste ruffled Lukas’s hair, taking Lukas into a similar hug to what Sebastian had done earlier. “Thanks for making my brother happy tonight, Luka.”

Lukas hummed a nod, feeling as Celeste lowered him back onto the ground. Kadence ruffled his hair further, chuckling mischievously. “I’ll get Mrs Solace. You stay put, okay?”

“Okay!” The kids replied.

Kadence smiled and went to get Sebastian’s mom. While they waited, Sebastian and the others went to Lukas asking questions about the ball. Lukas did his best to answer all that he could, some questions felt like things he hadn’t even thought about. Some of it was admittedly childish, but he didn’t really care that they were childish. 

By the time Lukas had finished answering questions, Sebastian’s mother, Isa, had come out in a simple gown. “Alright,” she beckoned, patting Sebastian’s shoulder. “Come along children, we have a ball to see.” 

Lukas grinned, standing with their hands interlocked as they ran through the forest. For the first time since starting his visits to Subcon, they were at an equal pace. Lukas kept it slow for their friends as they went over to the manor.

 ꧁…꧂

The winter masquerade ball was in full swing at the manor. Guests were arriving in flocks to the ball. The servers were greeting the guests, serving and attending to them with the proper respect for people of their class. King Samuel and Queen Elizabeth were standing at the top of the staircase, watching all gather into the ballroom. 

Vanessa meanwhile leaned over the handrail of the part that led to the exit of the ballroom, waiting for them, for her friends, her prince. She couldn’t wait a moment longer, she had to see them, she had to!

The servants' voices whispered, ringing through the halls as familiar voices were ushered to the ballroom. Finally, she sees them. There, dressed in a bright red was her prince, his crown warmly adorned on his head, a red fox mask snugly tied over his face. She knew it was him, her Lukas, her prince. 

Sebastian was with him, formal attire dressed in blue with a fresh pair of shoes to match. Painter was suited with oranges, while his older brother Kadence was suited with burgundies. Willow was suited in blue, Celeste matching with a darker shade with Nico in a simple light red blazer. Each was adorned with their own mask, ones she’d seen before. 

Vanessa gasped as she quickly walked down and headed towards her friends. “You made it!” She beamed, hugging Lukas tight. The prince chuckled and hugged the princess back. They quickly let go as she looked at the rest of her friends. “You guys look amazing!”

“Thank you Vanessa.” Willow softly replied, lightly toying with her skirt. “And thank you again for inviting us.”

Vanessa smiles, giving Willow a formal courtesy. “The pleasure is all mine, my friend. Now…” Vanessa turns to Lukas, gently offering her hand. “Prince Lukas?” 

Lukas stares at Vanessa’s hand, taking it into his before turning to his friends. “Right this way.” 

The kids followed Vanessa to where she was taking them. “I wonder where we’re going?” Painter whispered to Sebastian, to which the ladder shrugged, soon covering his eyes as Vanessa opened the doors to the ballroom. 

“Welcome to the masquerade ball.” Vanessa announced.

Sounds of shock turned into awe as they surveyed the ballroom, everything was beautiful, something right out of a fairytale. Lukas couldn’t help his joy, truly the best feeling in the world. 

“May I have this dance, my prince?” Vanessa questioned, offering her other hand to Lukas. 

Lukas felt taken aback, gently taking Vanessa’s other hand into his own. “Of course, princess.”

Vanessa giggled as Lukas took her straight into the dance floor. Sebastian chuckled seeing his best friend and his princess dancing with everyone else.

“So…” Willow spoke up. Sebastian froze and turned to see Willow looking nervous. “Do you want to dance?”

“Uh…”Sebastian stuttered, unsure of what to say. Slowly, he put his hand in hers, swaying before they sauntered to the other dancers. It was warm, it was exciting, it was love. The tranquility of the music serenaded alongside the dancers and those who stayed behind for the food and beverages. 

“Feeling nervous about this?” Willow nervously asked as they danced, sheepishly trying not to trip over her feet.

Sebastian shook his head. “Nope, not at all.” He bashfully replied. Willow let out a soft giggle. “Good. I’m not either.”

Sebastian smiled as he dreamed about dancing with crush, and here he was finally doing it. Lukas looked over to see his best friend dancing and smiled seeing he got together with his princess.

Painter and Nico were snacking on sweets, childishly chasing the other kids who had started their own game of tag on the outskirts of the dance floor. Celeste and Kadence doing their own dance that seemed to be native to Subcon, twirling with palms interlocked and repeating on the other side with another twirl. The night could go on forever, and no one would bat an eye. Just them dancing, childlike wonder, and the rest of the world bearing witness to it all. Nothing could ruin this night.

꧁…꧂

After hours of dancing and snacking, Vanessa saw there were a lot of her friends starting to feel overwhelmed. “Let’s go.” She whispered to Lukas, taking his hand into her own. 

“Go where?” Lukas questioned, confused by the sudden gesture.

“To the garden silly.” Vanessa laughed, looking at her friends with an eager grin. “Hey, follow me.” Sebastian and Willow stopped their dance, sauntering towards Willow. Painter instantly took notice of the shift in mood, ushering Nico to follow, who in turn caught the attention of Kadence and Celeste. 

One by one the children funneled out of the ballroom, Vanessa guiding the way as she pushed open a pair of double doors. Lukas shielded his eyes, unsure of what to expect, yet still found himself in awe as they walked into a lantern lit garden. A gazebo lingered in the distance, candlelight from the bioluminescent flora and fauna illuminating the path. Lukas couldn’t help but admire the beauty, unconsciously removing his mask with a smile. 

“Woah.” Painter said in amazement. “This has to be a dream.” Willow said, walking closer to the garden. She saw many flowers, some rare and only what the florist saw in paintings.

“My grandmother and her grandmother built this garden when she was my age. She finished it when she was much older than me.” Vanessa explained, tracing her hand on the old stone walls. “My father and I have been caring for it since. I usually tend to it when my lessons aren’t in session or when my father has an important meeting.”

“Gosh.” Willow chuckled. “I might have to take some pointers from you then. It’s well kept and no critters have eaten the flowers.”

Vanessa gave a subtle smile. “It helps that the roses have thorns.” 

“Speaking of… how did you manage to get us in to begin with?” Painter questioned, fidgeting with his mask. “You musta pulled a lot of strings.”

“I did. Rather, father did. He knows you’re here as guests. Mother she… father talked with her. It’s how I sent the invite to begin with. Not that she approved, but had to since it’s “my party.” Vanessa elaborated, escorting them to the gazebo. “Care for tea? Father usually keeps things to make it here.” 

“Yes please.” Willow obliged, grabbing a handful of her skirt as she strolled to the lone chairs at the tea table. Nico and Painter stalled by the gazebo steps, the young boys far more interested with the plant life than tea. Celeste and Kadence happily joined Vanessa, Celeste offering to grab the teapot stored on a tray in the gazebo.

Lukas and Sebastian looked at one another with a frown. Despite not saying a word, Lukas knew Sebastian had been thinking. It was unfortunately obvious…

Ever since the start of Lukas’s friendship with Vanessa, Vanessa’s mother had not been particularly kind. Lukas had brushed it off as her mother being strict at first, but it starkly contrasted his own mother. The more time spent with Vanessa, the more Lukas couldn’t ignore the obvious problems with the Queen of Subcon Forest.

“Hey, uh… Lukas?” Sebastian whispered, “could I tell you something?” 

Lukas gawked, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sure, uh, what is it?” 

“Do you see Vanessa’s mom as… a bad mom?” Sebastian asked, still whispering as he darted his eyes from Lukas to Vanessa.

Lukas thought for a second, frowning. “She does come off as strict. Why?” He asked.

“Well, I don’t wanna assume anything, but I don’t think Vanessa’s mom is good to her.” Sebastian admits, taking his mask off his face. “I just want her to be okay, y’know?”

Lukas looked over at Vanessa where she and Willow were making tea together as Painter watched in amazement, asking more questions that Vanessa seemed more than happy to answer. Then he looked down at his mask, putting it next to Sebastian’s mask. “She has us, and if anything happens or if her mother does anything, we’ll have her back no matter what.”

Sebastian hums, looking up toward the stars in relief. “I’ll always look out for you, brother.”

Lukas smiled. “Same here.” 

Sebastian smiled and two boys hugged. Vanessa looked over at the boys and cleared her throat. The two quickly let go and smiled sheepishly. “You boys want tea?” She asked, slipping off her mask with a bashful smile. 

Lukas waltzed over towards the gazebo, plucking a teacup from the tea table with a nod. “Of course my princess. I’m sure it’s the best.”

Up in their treehouse, Painter hummed as he drew on the page. The deep sea bunnies chirped, one leaning on his shoulder as he continued to add color on the page.

“Kadie, can you give me more of the nails mami gave me? I’m almost finished with this.” Celeste beckoned, Kadence handing over a couple nails to fix one of the boards on their treehouse. 

“I told you we shouldn’t have used that board.” Kadence grumbled, setting the nail on the board. “Even Neeks said it wasn’t a good one.”

“At least we have a new one.” Nico rebuttaled, resting his elbows on his knees, painter snickering at the scene. 

“Paint you better not be sketching this.” Celeste grimaced, nearly dropping the mallet as Kadence readjusted the board. “Peck—! Augh!”

Painter snickers, continuing the paint in his drawing. “Too late.”

“PAINTER!” Celeste hollers, Kadence doubling over cackling. “Damn it, Paint. You really truly are an ass sometimes.”

“Yours truly.” Painter snickered, the sea bunnies nudging the paint brush out of his hands with a happy chirp. “See, this little guy gets it.”

Celeste rolled her eyes and ruffled Painter’s hair, causing him to laugh and tried to push the older girl’s hand away. “Cece!” He squealed, but Celeste continued to ruffle his hair.

“Ha! Got em.” Kadence wheezes, slapping his knee. “Oh never change Painty, never change.”

Painter chuckled and continued working on his drawing. While drawing, he glanced down to see Willow and Sebastian darting over to the treehouse, Sebastian failing a note in his hands.

“I got a letter from Lukas! I got a letter from him! It’s a huge one! Throw down the ladder! Sebastian hollered, stopping in front of their treehouse as he waved the letter rapidly.

Celeste nodded and brought down the ladder. Quickly, Sebastian climbed as fast as he could with Willow following right behind him.

“What’s the letter from Lukas? Has anything happened to the Princess since we last saw her a month ago?” Nico pressed, attempting to leap and take the letter from Sebtian. “Hold your horses, kiddo. Nothing’s happened to Vanessa or Luke. We’d know if it did.”

“Then let me see!” Nico jumped again, and Sebastian pulled his hand away. “Nope, sorry. I’m the only one who can touch this letter. Mamá just gave it to me and told me to open it.”

Nico draws out an impatient whine, plopping himself next to Painter. “You’re no fair, Seb.”

“Sorry, Neeks. Them’s the rules.” Sebastian hummed, moving to open the letter and stopping halfway. “What the-? Huh?” Sebastian grunts, picking at the wax seal on the back. “Darn you well made wax seals.”

“Ah, let me get that Seb.” Kadence placed down the tools, offering his hand to Sebastian.

Sebastian glances at Kadence, blowing his hair out of his face as he hands it to Kadence who opens the letter with ease. “It’s nice to have a small dagger on hand. You usually do, Seb.” 

“Yeah but- letters can’t use that stuff.” Sebastian sulked, yanking the envelope away from Kadence and pulling the letter out of it. 

“Hey, that’s different from Lukas’s usual letters. He doesn’t write on thick paper usually. That’s expensive stuff.” Willow points out, watching as Sebastian unfolded the letter itself.

“Uh… I can’t read this.” Sebastian mumbled. 

“Let me see.” Willow said, holding her hand out. Sebastian handed his best friend the letter as she read through what it said.

“You’re invited to the winter masquerade ball in order to celebrate our princess’s coming of age!” Willow read, tracing her finger for the others to read along. “Each lord, lady, child in tow must come according to Subcon’s masked traditions. Only the best dressed will be accepted to dance with our adoring princess.”

Sebastian glanced at Painter and Kadence, then at Nico and Celeste, then finally looked at Willow with glee. 

“Oh my GOD. WE’RE GOING TO A BALL!” He cheered, waving the letter in the air. “We’re going to a ball, we’re going to a ball!” Sebastian then halts, failing his arms as he rebalances on his feet. “Wait… what’s a masquerade ball? I know what the invite said, but it sounds pretty important. 

“Maybe it’s like the tradition in fall where we go around town warding off spirits?” Painter mused, putting his recent artwork aside and grabbing another blank page. “Wills said we had to be “best dressed”— whatever the heck that means. And that first part implied it was for Vanessa so… ugh, why couldn’t they have just been more straightforward and said what kind of party it was?”

“Maybe we have to read between the lines, Paint. What if  it’s like the fairytales Venessa always talks about?” Celeste suggested, twirling her skirt. “Perhaps it’s a type of party where girls get pretty dresses and boys get fancy clothes and shoes with more sweets than any of us know what to do with. It’s probably the entire bakery!”

“Eh, I don’t know. I think it’s like… uh… something we’ve done already?” Kadence proposed, picking up the mallet. “Minus reinforcing our treehouse… I think it’s probably similar to the fall traditions that Paint mentioned. It seems pretty straightforward.”

“Or maybe it’s not that at all! Maybe it’s like a huge sleepover!” Nico suggested, putting his arms in the air. “Maybe it’s called a “masquerade” because no one knows who they are and have to find them with a big game of hide and seek!” 

The kids thought about it, and agreed amongst each other. 

“That’s so cool Vanessa is inviting us!” Painter exclaimed, holding his drawing in the air. “You think Lukas knows more about this masquerade thing? Maybe they know the rules of the game.” 

“Maybe, maybe not. I think there’s more of this letter.” Sebastian comments, taking the envelope and pulling out Lukas’s letter.

Dear Sebastian Solace,

I thought since I had gotten a notice for the masquerade ball from Vanessa, we both thought it would be best to notify you both. I’m not sure how attending will go, but I’m certain it’ll end up better than we think it will be. It’ll be much better with your company than just being there without much to do. 

I hope to see you there.

From your dear friend,  Lukas Nethanial Phynix.

Painter peered over Sebastian’s shoulder, grinning as he read the letter. “Now this is awesome.” Painter giggled, standing on his tippy toes as he leaned on his best friend for support.

“Indeed it is Paint, indeed it is.” Sebastian chuckled, ruffling Painter’s hair as he planted his feet back on solid ground. 

Willow hums in thought, “well since it is an event the first thing is we need to look formal.” She points to the letter, then to the exit of the treehouse. “I believe I have some back home.”

Sebastian smiled, “well what are we waiting for?” He asked. “Let’s head to your place, stat!”

꧁…꧂

They wasted no time running through the busy town square. The people of Subcon were fully prepared for winter and it meant more than just a lack of shoes. Hopefully this meant they could afford shoes for the ball.

Outside of the floral shop, Willow’s mom, Catherine was done selling flowers to a couple. “Thank you. Come again soon.” She waved with a smile, taking notice of the children instantly. “Goodness Willow, where’s your winter coat? I’ve told you not to run along without it.”

“Sorry mom, had to run with Sebastian to tell the others about the letter he got. There’s a masquerade ball!” Willow explained, pointing to the letter in Sebastian’s hand. “Lukas invited us, but it’s supposed to be formal, so I brought them over here.” 

“I see,” Cathrine sighed, swooping her braid to the left. “Why don’t you run home and show what we do have. I’m sure we have something.”

 Willow smiled, “great! Thanks mom!” She beamed, leading her friends down the path. “Come on, my house’s down the block.”

꧁…꧂

The group ran to Willow’s house, her house was filled with flowers, some looked freshly picked or ready to be used in a bouquet for the shop. The young girl toes off her shoes at the front door, ushering her friends inside soon after. “Make yourselves at home.”

“Wow.” Painter whispered, amazed. “You and your mom did a ton of redecorating since we last came.”

Willow chuckled. “We figured doing some redecorating since…” She paused, not wanting to say it, but they knew what she meant.

Prior to Lukas coming into their lives, Willow’s father had passed away. It was a hard day for them, Willow especially who was close to her dad. 

Sebastian frowned and put his arm around Willow. “Hey, your dad is in your heart.” He said. “I promise, wherever he is, he’s keeping an eye on you.”

“I guess…” Willow blows some red curls out of her face, offering a tender smile to Sebastian. “I appreciate it though.” 

Sebastian smiled, “no problem.” He grinned.

Willow gave a small smile, looking down the hall as she led the others to her room. The floral bouquets placed in glass vases, the color chipping with paints that seemed to be fading in pigment. “I think I still have the formal clothes mom made for Kadie and Painter. Should have some old ones that fit you and Neeks, Seb.”

“That’s great!” Sebastian exclaimed.

Willow opened the door to her room, walls painted green with meticulously painted flowers and butterflies. Sebastian sat down at the edge of his friend’s bed as Willow dug into her wardrobe.

“I think your mom stored some in the trunk over here, Wills. I’ll check. Maybe the old shoes I had are still here.” Kadence noted, pulling out the trunk by Willow’s bed. “You think Lukas and Vanessa would mind the color of some of these?”

“I don’t think so.” Painter mumbled, flipping next to Sebastian. “Maybe it’s not like- super fancy… it didn’t say.”

“Well we’re trying on some stuff anyways. I guess we won’t find out if it’s too fancy until Lukas gets here.” Willow intercuts, taking several dresses out of her wardrobe and laying them out on her bed. “Auntie made my dress, hope it still fits.”

Willow looked through her dresses, smiling at the aqua colored dress with white flowers on them. She then went to the retiring room to try it on in hopes it still fits. Meanwhile, Kadence and Celeste looked through the dresses Willow had laid out.

“Hold this one up Kadie, think this one would fit me.” Celeste insisted, the warmly colored yellow dress draping over her arms. Kadence agreed without a second thought, helping Celeste look at the dress while it was draped over her.

“It looks dumb.” Painter teased, Sebastian snorting at the comment. “I think it looks interesting. I thought you’d go with the more orange yellow one. Or maybe the purple one.”

“Well I like the look of this one!” Celeste insisted, taking the dress from Kadence. “No shame you two.”

“Oh don’t listen to them.” Kadence waves his hand, pointing to the dress. “I think it’s beautiful on you, Cece. If you want to try it on, I'm sure I can help lace and pin it up.”

Celeste smirks, handing the dress back to Kadence. “Thanks Kadie, I knew I could count on you.”

Kadence smiled, “anytime Celeste.” She replied.

Sebastian watched Kadence chuckle, nudging Celeste with a playful nudge. 

“I’m done!” Willow hollers, opening the door to her bedroom with the dress mostly fitted on her petite frame. 

Sebastian felt his face heat up, his mouth dropping as Willow stood in that gown. Painter slowly closed Sebastian’s mouth but he quickly dropped it again.

Willow blushed seeing her best friend’s expression, and played with a strand of her hair while turning away from him. “Do I look okay?” She asked.

“M—more than okay!” Sebastian stammered, waving his hands. “You look pretty— I mean- you look great.”

Willow blushed harder as she chuckled, “t-thanks Seb.” 

“N-No problem.” Sebastian replied with a nervous chuckle. “Oh crap! She’s so damn cute! But if I say that out loud no one will let me live it down until the day I die!” He thought.

“Does he like me? Like-Like me?” Willow thought to herself. “Now I’m scared what he’ll look like in a fancy suit!”

“Uh… what’s happening?” Painter innocently questioned, Nico sharing his blatant confusion. “I think they’re telepathically communicating.” Nico assumed.

“Eh… I’m not so sure. I think they left reality.” Celeste sighed, looking over to Kadence. “Can you- you know.”

“Oh I know, Cece.” Kadence sighed, walking over to Willow and planting his hand on her shoulder. “Hey Wills, do you want me to help lace you up or do you want to get out of this dress? I was going to do the same for Celeste, sounds cool?”

“S-Sure.” Willow replied.

Kadence went ahead and started to pin the front of Willow’s dress up. It didn’t take as long as putting it on, but the end result was enough. 

“I think we found our winner. Wanna take that off and put on your regular dress again?” Kadence suggested, Willow nodding wholeheartedly. “I do, yeah. Maybe… Celeste, could unlace the dress?”

“Sure thing.” Celeste obliged, ushering Willow out of her room. “Be back in a jiffy, fellas.”

Once the girls left, Sebastian felt like he could breathe. “You okay Sebastian?” Painter asked, poking Sebastian’s shoulder.

“Y-Yeah. I’m fine.” Sebastian replied, pushing back his hair as he blew his lips. “Dresses are weird.”

“How so? I just see pretty colors.” Painter tailed off, flopping backwards onto the bed. “I don’t know- I’m not sure what I’m saying right now.” He admits, lying next to Painter with a huff. “She just looked cool. I didn’t know how to say that.” 

“Maybe tell her at the event?” Kadence suggested, leaning on the bed frame. “I’m sure she’d like that.”

“Maybe… ugh, stupid head.” Sebastian grumbles, covering his face with his hands. “Does it ever get easier Kadie?”

Kadence paused, turning away with a deflated chuckle. “It does, sort of. As long as you can put in the work.”

“Right…”  Sebastian scoffed, letting his hands fall to his chest. 

Kadence, taking note of this, moved to the bed, taking Painter onto his lap with ease. “You got nothing to worry about, kid. I have a feeling this masquerade is going to be wonderful. Lukas and Vanessa wouldn’t have invited all of us if they didn’t care, wouldn’t they?”

“I know… just wish my head didn’t screw some stuff up.” Sebastian grumbled, nearing as Nico climbed onto the bed, the mattress creaking from the weight. “I don’t think you did bad, Sebby. I think you did what you could.”

Sebastian lulls his head to the side, his darkened locks falling in front of his face with a smirk. “Thanks, Neeks.” He jests, playfully ruffling Nico’s hair. “I don’t know why I got so worked up.”

“Probably because you’re dumb.” Painter teased, blowing a raspberry. 

“Is that a challenge?” Sebastian tested, Painter rolling his eyes in response. “No, you’re just my dumb best friend who gets flustered over Willow.” 

Sebastian covered Painter’s mouth and shushed him. “Don’t say it out loud!” He frantically whispered, Painter’s comment being muffled by Sebastian’s hand.

“So the bushcat’s out of the bag, you do have a crush on Willow.” Celeste snickered, opening the door with Willow not too far behind.

Sebastian blushed again as Nico “ooohed” in a childish singsong voice. “I do NOT have a crush on her! I admire her, okay?” Sebastian insisted, retracting his hand from Painter’s mouth with slobber dripping off. “Ew— did you just lick my hand?!”

“You were suffocating me!” Painter protested, bonking Sebastian’s shoulder. “You don’t have to be a jerk!”

“Alright boys, enough.” Willow demands, pushing past Celeste and shooing them off her bed. “Mom’s gonna make lunch for us, either we help or you’re thrown back outside with the bushcats.”

“Alright.” Sebastian and Painter said at the same time.

Celeste smiled, patting Willow’s shoulder. “Florence special” in the kitchen, let's say… now?”

“I’d like that. Mrs Florence always makes good food.” Nico giggled, taking Painter by the hand and dragging him to the bedroom door. “Come on! Last one to the kitchen’s a sea bunny!”

“Hey, that’s not how it goes!” Painter childishly teased. 

“It is now!” Nico exclaimed, leading Painter out of Willow’s bedroom to the kitchen so quickly they nearly ran into the wall. 

“Hey, no running in the house!” Willow insisted, banking off the door frame into the hall, then groaned knowing they wouldn’t hear her.

“Oh let ‘em, just for today.” Celeste assured, patting Willow’s shoulder. “I can deal with their rowdiness, don’t worry.”

“You sure? Won’t my mom get… you know, mad?” Willow mumbled, fidgeting with her skirt. 

“She won’t. I’ll talk with her. She’ll understand.” Celeste cooed, patting Willow’s shoulder. “… Okay.” Willow mumbled, averting her gaze to the ground. 

Sebastian walked over to Willow, wanting to say something to her, yet nothing came to mind as she leaves the bedroom with Celeste not too far behind. 

“Let's go, Seb.” Kadence ushers, guiding Sebastian out of the bedroom and into the hallway. He could see his older sister chatting with Willow, Painter and Nico bouncing at the kitchen table eagerly awaiting for the food.

Even if the masquerade ball wouldn’t be until Lukas came back, he couldn’t wait until the day of. It was going to be something they would never forget.

꧁…꧂

Somewhere in the manor, everyone was setting up for the masquerade ball. Vanessa stood watching everyone get set up, but she was nervous.

She couldn’t help but fidget with the lone invite in her gloved hands, the dried ink shining in the dim candlelight. She traced over the letters, imagining her friends and her prince standing at the top of the stairs, standing side by side as friends.

She knew Lukas and her were tied together in the future, but she felt something more than an arrangement. She wasn’t sure if Lukas had noticed, but she did. She knew its name, but didn’t dare say it. The emotion deserved more forethought before being called by name, delicate and tender and frightening as it could be: love.

“You alright Vanessa?” King Samuel asked, sauntering down the steps as he looked over Vanessa.

Vanessa brushes her anxiety aside, giving a smile towards her father. “I'm… fine father.” She replied. “Nervous about the ball.”

King Samuel’s eyes soften, glancing out to the redecorated ballroom. “It’ll be alright, Princess.” He tells her, patting her head as he walks away. “The ball will certainly go well. Happy birthday, my darling.”

Vanessa watched as her father tended to the other servants, reaching and retracting her hand. “You too… father.”

Once her father left she was able to breathe and go back to her thoughts. “Okay…I love Lukas, but how do I tell him? Do I just say it out loud or ask him if he loves me?” She thought. Perhaps she’d know on the day the ball happens.

“Come on! Keep up!” Lukas roars, dashing above the branches in an intense game of tag. Sebastain was chasing after him with his wolf mask, grinning the same way he had since the start of their friendship.

It’s been almost two years since Lukas had started coming to Subcon, and he knew his parents had a surprise for his friends when they were going to the Solace house later. What it was, Lukas wasn’t sure. But he knew it was something good! 

Sebastian kept running after Lukas, catching his breath as he couldn’t keep up with his best friend’s energy. “Lukas!” Sebastian called out, “slow down!”

Lukas turned around, blowing a raspberry. “You can’t catch me, you can’t catch me!” He taunts, swinging around the bend as his cockiness is short-lived as Lukas trips into one of Painter’s leftover traps. 

“Augh! Not again!” Lukas whines, trying to loosen the rope as Sebastain catches up. “Not so cocky now, are you?” 

“Shut it.” Lukas pouts as Sebastain snickers. “Alright, I’ll cut this rope down. Be glad my mamá gave me a dagger to keep on hand.”

“Yeah, I know just— cut me down already!” Lukas insists, watching as Sebastain pulled out his hunting dagger. “What’s the magic word?”

“Seriously.” Lukas deadpanned, crossing his arms. “I’m not five.”

“Not hearing it.~” Sebastian whistles, catching the dagger in his other hand. “Alright, alright! Please! Please get me down before Vanessa freezes the tree!”

With that, Sebastain hacks the rope, and Lukas comes crashing down. With a cheeky grin, Sebastian leans down and boops Lukas’s nose. “Looks like I win, Luke.”

Lukas glared and blew a stray hair away from his face. Sebastian chuckled and helped his best friend up. “Thanks, cheater.” Lukas teased, brushing himself off.

“No problem. Now why don’t we walk the rest of the way to my house?” Sebastian gestures behind him.

“Alright.” Lukas replied, rolling his eyes, continuing their way towards the Solace house. That’s when it hit Lukas, Sebastian never told him the plan for today. They never really needed plans for some adventures, but today felt different. 

“So, what’s going on at your place? I’m spacing it.” Lukas clutches his head, looking over to Sebastian whose lips stretched into a devious grin. “You’ll see.” 

Lukas sighed, continuing to follow his best friend. He’d been hoping since the start of their friendship over a year ago that Sebastain would start being a little more straightforward. But at this point, he just thinks that’s just part of who Sebastian is. 

Perhaps there wasn’t any harm in a guessing game, fine by him he supposed. 

“Is it a special dinner?” Lukas guessed.

“Nope.” Sebastian answered.

Lukas thought harder, and snapped his fingers. “Are we going somewhere special?”

“Nope. You already know where we’re going, only your fault you spaced it. And no it’s not the treehouse.” Sebastian smirks, amused by Lukas’s groaning. Sebastain wanted to see how long he kept him in the dark before he gave up, didn’t he? 

“Is it… an occasion? Like a special occasion?” Lukas hesitantly guessed. “Closer.” Sebastian spun around, walking backwards. “Earlier you were so cold, I think you were frozen.”

Lukas’s eyes lit up, his expression painting a smirk of his own. “Is it a birthday?”

“Ding, ding, ding! You won!” Sebastain cheers, yanking Lukas by the wrist. “Specifically a surprise party. Cece got the details earlier this week, think you got some info on it on that letter Ven sent you last time. I think you can take two guesses as to whose birthday it is.”

Lukas paused for a moment, golden eyes fluttering with a loud realization. “OH! How the heck did I forget!?”

“You were focused on stuff at home, remember?” Sebastion casually recalled, Lukas chuckling warily at the memory. 

“Yeah… Caring for horses, practicing fencing, rehearsing music, doing princely things… it’s a lot you know!” Lukas groaned.

“And the reason I don’t envy royalty.” Sebastain sighed, grabbing Lukas’s wrist. “We better get there before the birthday girl does.”

“Right!” Lukas agreed, allowing Sebastian to pull him further along.

If there was one thing Lukas hoped wouldn’t change, it would be this between them, their camaraderie and companionship. Today could last forever and Lukas wouldn’t mind, it would just be another day between him and his treasured friends. 

As they arrived to the Solace household, he could see Painter and Nico arrange drawings, Celeste organizing the picnic blanket and chatting with Kadence.

“Asked Lukas’s mom to bring Vanessa over when I send Lukas to get her, he’s pretty good at keeping a secret and… oh! Speak of the ghoul! Look who it is!” Celeste chirps, waving rapidly at Lukas and Sebastain. “Your folks are getting Vanessa, had an idea that you would meet up with them so you can guide her the rest of the way to us.”

“Unlike earlier.” Painter drawls out, Nico snickering at the comment. “The sea bunnies were so mad at you.”

“Hey!” Celeste cried, crossing her arms. “At least I didn’t steal a whole CAKE. Seriously, I didn’t think they could do that!”

“I had to console that little one for that.” Willow comments, and they all turn to her, still carrying the sea bunny thief in her arms. “He wanted to share the sweets. I told him that he could invite his friends if he promised to share sweets and trade here and not in their den.”

“So,” Lukas began, planting his hands on his hips. “What’s the plan for tonight?”

“Well so far we got the cake, Willow and Painter finished the decorations, Kadence and Nico got the gifts set up… All we need now is to keep Vanessa away from the house until the sun starts to set.” Celeste elaborates.

Lukas nodded. “Anything I can do?”

“Well, why don’t we start by enacting Cece’s plan?” Kadence suggested. “The plan was for you to meet your parents at the halfway point. It’s near the treehouse.”

“And… how do we know when they’ll get there?” Lukas dragged out, glancing over to Painter who had one of, if not, the biggest grin he’d ever seen. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” Sebastain chortled. “Painter made a trap. But it’s not the kind that traps people. More so gives a signal.” 

“Oh— that’s uh- good, I suppose?” Lukas grimaced, chuckling nervously. Sebastian’s expression to his reply wasn’t really helping much either. 

“Be glad I replaced it with something much lighter.” Willow nudges Painter, the ladder dropping the grin as he cries out in protest. “Hey! It was just a whistle for the sea bunnies, jeez!” He argued, shoving Willow’s arm away.

“It could’ve gotten the sea bunnies bullied further by bushcats!” Willow argued back. 

“Enough.” Celeste de-escalates, putting herself between the cousins. “Lukas, Seb, you follow the sea bunny when the sound goes off. The rest of us stay here for the birthday girl. Got it?”

“Got it!” Lukas and Sebastian replied at the same time. The two stood there for a moment before Celeste sighed.

They were confused at first until Sebastian realized they have to go now. “Oh got it! We have to get there now!”

Celeste nodded. “Uh…yeah.” She replied.

“Come on! Let’s go!” Sebastian yelled, grabbing Lukas again and running to the treehouse.

꧁…꧂

The boys ran as far as their feet could take them, foreboding trees bashfully clinging onto their last autumn leaves. The path was where it needed to be, and so was that signal Painter had meticulously placed. A loud whistle noise with a swarm of sea bunnies running to the scene. 

“How did Painter figure out how to do that?” Lukas inquired, Sebastain turning around enough to reply. “Trial and error!” He chirps, facing the road as they continue on.

It didn’t take long for Lukas and Sebastain to find the treehouse, to see the sea bunnies eagerly greeting his parents and Vanessa herself.  

Autumn was giggling at how cute the sea bunnies were. “Oh darling, we must take them home!”

“Honey, we have lots of animals back home. This would be too much.” Elliot politely declined, his leg being nudged by one of the sea bunnies.

“Nonsense dear!” Autumn exclaimed, picking up the sea bunny by Elliot’s feet. “There’s no such thing as too many animals.” 

“I think our royal staff would disagree.” Elliot jokes, and Autumn laughs alongside him. Putting down the sea bunny, Autumn turns to Vanessa, who had two sea bunnies swaddled in her arms, but her face was hidden behind golden locks.

It was the princess of Subcon’s birthday, her birthday. Yet it looked like everyone forgot… again. 

“Vanessa,” Autumn cooed, tapping Vanessa’s shoulder. “Are you alright dearie?”

Vanessa shook her head. “No…”

“Why is that?” Autumn pressed further, kneeling in front of Vanessa. 

“My birthday’s today… I’m turning ten. Mother will expect more. I haven’t seen Lukas yet, or the others. Maybe they forgot too…”

“Oh dear, they didn’t forget.” Autumn reassured, hearing some rustling nearby. Autumn looks over her shoulder, seeing just enough to see both Sebastain and Lukas waving with more frolicking sea bunnies at their side. “They have a surprise for you.”

Vanessa’s eyes widened as she turned to the queen. “Really?”

Autumn nods with a gentle smile. “Indeed… I promise it’ll be the best birthday you’ve ever had!”

Vanessa smiled and looked down at the sea bunnies who squeaked happily. One of them nuzzled her, making her laugh. “Alright, I believe you.” 

“Wonderful,” Elliot rejoiced, ushering Vanessa forward. “We’ll catch up.”

Vanessa grins, running towards Lukas and Sebastain. Lukas is quick to grab her hand, pulling her along as Sebastain leads the way. “Hey, how are you doing Vanessa?” Lukas asked.

“I’m…doing okay.” Vanessa replied, giving a smile.

Today couldn’t be better, but today could always change. 

꧁…꧂

“Are they almost here?” Painter draws out, planting himself onto the picnic blanket. “Think so. The trap went off, so…” Nico hums, rocking on the front steps.

“Relax, I’m sure they’re on their way.”  Celeste reassures, looking back inside. “Mamá’s also almost done with the thing she wanted to bake, so you can relax Neeks. We're ready for them!” 

“I hope so!” Nico whined, rolling onto his back as he looked at Willow upside down. “Anything from the sea bunny, Willow?”

Willow looks down at the sea bunny, who chirps sadly. “Not yet.” She sighed, but just as soon as she did, the sea bunny began to squirm in her arms. It used its tiny paws to pull at Willow’s hand, its ear pointing in the direction away from the Solace house. It only meant one thing: they were almost here!

“It’s time!” Celeste cheered, ushering Kadence to the picnic blanket, who was quick to playfully shush Celeste. 

“When they get here, we sing, alright?” Celeste instructs, and the others eagerly agree, hearing the sounds of frolicking sea bunnies alerting their arrival. 

“Oooh!” Painter draws out, giggling mischiously. “We should hide and then sing!” Before anyone could object, Painter went behind a tree. Nico giddily joined in, climbing up the same tree Painter was hiding behind.  

Willow lovingly rolls her eyes, “oh you two.” She snickered, remaining on the picnic blanket with Kadence and Celeste. 

By the time Nico finished climbing, Lukas and Sebastain had arrived with the birthday girl. 

“They’re here!” Painter whispered, giggling in his being place.

“Heyo, Wils! We’re here with the birthday girl!” Sebastian announced, Lukas presenting Vanessa with just as much eagerness. 

“Alright, one three!” Celeste claps her hands, clinging down. “One, two, three!”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANESSA!” Everyone shouted.

Vanessa jumped a bit, surprised seeing all of her friends and even Lukas and Sebastian’s family here for her birthday. “Y-You all remembered?” She asked.

“Yep!” Sebastain beamed, swinging his arm around her shoulders. “We heard that the princess doesn’t have any lavish birthdays, so we took it upon ourselves to do one!”

“I kinda communicated about some of it through our letters. This week was crazy for how much I had to do- but we still managed to pull it off!” Lukas added, waving his hand out to all their friends. “Happy birthday, Ness.”

Vanessa felt tears in her eyes. Everyone truly cared about her. She didn’t want to hold it in, she wanted to uphold what her mother had taught her. But this? Vanessa couldn’t help but break down in tears, laughing not out of sadness, but overwhelming joy.

Lukas gradually moves closer to Vanessa, hugging her tight. “Happy birthday, princess.” He tells her again, rubbing her back.

The door creaks open, Isa coming out with plates of freshly cooked garlic bread, and other dishes Lukas had seen Sebastain’s mother make. Isa took a longing look at the children, then at Autumn and Elliot with a smile. “It’s good to see you again, Autumn.”  

“You as well, Isa.” Autumn grins, her hands gently planted on her hips. 

“I see your husband is with you,” Isa notes, making a small courtesy. “I’m Isa Solace. It’s a pleasure to meet you, your majesty. Your son is quite the young man.” 

Elliot chuckled, “well he learned from the best!” 

Autumn gently elbowed her husband in the arm. “You know he gets it from me too, you know?” She reminded him.

“I know, but most of it comes from me.” Elliot joked, proudly gesturing to himself. Autumn rolled her eyes in reply.

Isa chuckled warmly, outstretching her arms to the picnic below. “All children are like their parents in some ways, but today we celebrate a special one.”

“Yep, we sure do.” Autumn concurred, turning to Vanessa.

Vanessa let go of Lukas and wiped the tears from her face. Celeste and Kadence came out holding a giant cake. It was a two layered chocolate cake with bits of chocolate chip cookies on the top. In light blue icing it said Happy Birthday Princess Vanessa! with little diamonds drawn all around. 

Vanessa was in awe. The cake wasn’t perfect, sure, but it never looked any better for being not perfect. She’d seen a cake crafted this way before. Usually her mother orders the chefs to make a “luxurious cake”, but she never got to fully enjoy it. She’d sometimes enjoy a basic cake or a cupcake with a candle, but nothing like this.

This cake was special. This was home.

“Would you like to cut the cake, Vanessa?” Isa asks, offering the cake knife she’d brought out. She eagerly nods, happily nestling in front of her birthday cake knife in hand. 

“I’d be delighted to. Everyone gets a slice! Who helped make this?”

“I did!” Painter proudly exclaimed, his sleeves falling over his hands. “Willow made sure to help with the lettering! Seb helped with some of the ideas, Cece planned out the dinner details with Nico and Kadence, while Lukas helped with extra details through his letters!”

“Well it was worth it.” Vanessa hums, placing a slice of cake onto her plate, then cutting another and offering it to Lukas. “This one’s for you, Luka.”

Lukas blinked, gingerly taking the plate from Vanessa with delight. “Thanks, Ven.” 

Vanessa smiled back, blushing as she cut more of the cake. “This one’s for Sebastain, this one’s for Willow, this one’s definitely for Painter! Too much paint of any kind has always been a quirk of his.” 

“Hey!” Painter childishly protests, snagging the plate of cake from Vanessa. 

Vanessa doesn’t mind, giggling as she continues on cutting slices. “This one’s for Cece, Kadence, Nico, and finally, King Elliot and Queen Autumn!”

Nico gasped seeing he got a big slice. “Thank you Princess!” He beamed, instantly digging into the cake. 

“No problem.” Vanessa chuckled, patting Nico’s shoulder. 

“Thank you Vanessa.” Autumn slightly bowed, taking the slice of cake with a great cup smile. “You’ve grown into quite the young lady, Vanessa. I’m sure you’ll grow into a strong queen one day.” Elliot commends, and Vanessa glanced away, her smile simmering into a slight frown. 

“You okay, Ven?” Sebastain taps Vanessa’s shoulder, but she doesn’t look up. “Do you… do you think we’ll be friends forever?” She asks.

Sebastian perused his lips together, fidgeting with his fork as he took another bite of cake. “I think we’ll be friends, so long as we remember to stick together. And even if we don’t, we remember each other and never forget. It’s worked for me so far, so I’m sure things will be okay.”

Vanessa smiled, “I hope we stay friends forever.” She said.

“Then I propose a toast!” Lukas exclaimed, raising his fork in the air.

“Of what? We don’t have anything to toast.” Painter half mumbled, finishing his bite of cake. 

“We can use mama’s garlic bread or empanadas.” Celeste offers, holding up her empanada, looking at Isa. “Can we mamá?” 

Isa gave a light chuckle, “just don’t make a mess.”

Celeste nodded and took her empanada. Everyone else raised their garlic bread or empanadas in the air. “Take it away Prince Lukas.” Celeste cheers.

Lukas grabs his garlic bread, raising it high in the air. “To my friends from Subcon Forest, I toast to our nearly two years of friendship. We’ve had ups and downs, craziness and mundane. But I toast to our friendship lasting forevermore!” Slowly, Lukas lowered his hand, bringing the garlic bread to his mouth. “Now, dig in to seal the deal!”

“Yeah!” The kids cheered, taking a bite of their food as the adults fondly chuckled at the childish display. 

The latest in Subcon had a slow start, but Lukas didn’t really mind, it just meant today had something good in store. His father always told him that slow days had good surprises, so he was excited, even if it was slow today.

Today, he was with Vanessa and Sebastain, wandering the woods in the direction of their treehouse. Lukas felt the pep in his step, skipping as he kicked a couple of fallen leaves with pride.

Sebastian saw the smile on Lukas and Vanessa’s faces today and spoke up, “you both look happy today.”

“Yep, mother went to another kingdom for an important meeting, so I have free time the next few days to hang out.” Vanessa chiperly explained. “My father is covering for me in case my mother asks.” 

Lukas watched Vanessa skip ahead of them, jumping on huge stones as if to sing praises with gentle taps of her shoes. 

“I know my parents are spending time with Vanessa’s dad, but I'm— I just have a feeling today is going to have something great!” Lukas added, offering his hand to Vanessa. She takes it in stride, jumping down with a crunch of the leaves.

“That’s great.” Sebastian whistles, swinging his hands behind his head. “I’m honestly not sure what today has planned, but I’m sure we can sort something out at the treehouse.”

Lukas smiled and nodded as he and his friends made their way to the treehouse. The stroll was nice as it always was, hopefully whatever today had it store it would-

“SPECIAL DELIVERY!!!!!”

Lukas shudders, nearly tripping over his feet. In the distance was Celeste, Painter and Willow storming in the other direction hauling behind a handmade wheelbarrow-like cart full of… mail?

They then see Nico and Kadence in the distance, trying to catch up with them. Lukas was about to call out until Sebastain yanks him out of the storming cart’s path.

“WOAH! Augh- Celeste- again!?” Sebastian hollers at Celeste, watching her make a quick 180 into their direction with her cart nearly toppling over from the sheer velocity. 

“Oh! Hey Sebby! Care to help on special delivery?” Celeste cheerfully offered, pushing up her slanted mailman cap that looked more patchwork than an actual hat.

“Special what now?” Lukas gawked, Vanessa twinning his bewilderment, shrugging her shoulders with a toss of her head. 

Sebastian rolls his eyes, “oh yeah, it's today.” He groaned.

“The special delivery thing?” Lukas questions, and Sebastian groans further. 

“Cece always steals mail and drags it in this cart around town. She had the idea ever since Kade tried to-!”

“Wait.” Vanessa interrupted. “Cece’s the one making all the deliveries?”

Sebastian nodded. “Yep, she’s been doing this since she found out the ol’ mailman was struggling. Something about helping the business or something.” Sebastain informed, blowing some loose hair out of his face.

Vanessa paused, thinking it with a hum. “Huh. That makes a lot of sense.” 

“So, what did Kade try to do, again?” Lukas blurted out, making Sebastain wheeze hard. 

“Oh you better let him explain it. It’s a funny story.” Sebastian laughed.

“Well what happened?” Lukas insisted, “don’t leave us hanging!”

“Okay. Okay.” Sebastian repeated. “So, Kade hated doing the deliveries, so he wanted to get a Bushcat to do the job for us.”

Vanessa nervously laughs, rolling her eyes. “Oh dear, that spells disaster right there.”

“Mhm.” Sebastian nodded. “He thought it was a good idea to tie one to the cart ONCE. Cece has never let him live it down. It took forever fixing that cart, I swear!”

“Heyyyy!! I thought we’d never bring that up again!” Kadence hollered, huffing and puffing as he stopped a few steps away from them with Nico by his side. “That was a one time thing okay? Just ONE time!”

“And you still had Cece’s cart by a wheel.” Sebastian snickered, playfully prodding at Kadence. Nico opts to quietly pat Kadence on the back, glaring at his older brother. “We can still do deliveries. That way we don’t have to use Sebastian’s haunted statue idea.”

“What.”  Lukas gawked, watching as Sebastain shushes his little brother. “Nico— Nico that— that was before Kadence opted with the bushcat and we know how that ended!” He protested. 

“It still ended with three weeks of fixing the cart. Your idea would’ve made it tenfold.” Nico bluntly stated, unaware of the wheeze from Kadence. “Good Subcon, kid. You’re gonna be the death of me.” 

Lukas and Vanessa doubled over, unable to contain their laughter. Sebastian groaned, wishing to melt into the swamp because Nico shared his embarrassing idea. Celeste snickered from afar, looking far more amused than she wanted to admit.

Willow went over to her friend and patted his back. “If it makes you feel better, I like the statue idea.” She giggled.

Sebastian’s eyes widened as he turned to his best friend. “You do?” He asked, feeling himself flush red.

Willow nodded. Sebastian smiled happily to see his crush- friend agree with his ideas. 

“Alright you lovey-dovies…” Celeste began, hauling her cart towards them. “I do need help on special delivery. It reminds people that there’s someone out there that cares about them. That they’re needed. I know you don’t have much to do at the treehouse so- I’m gonna make a game out of this.”

Celeste pulls her cart around, showing the backside as she hops over to open the makeshift latch. “You guys take some mail and go around Subcon. It’s a good way to get to know people. Trust me, the local mailman does this all the time and it hasn’t failed me now!”

Lukas watched as the back of the cart opened to show there was more than just a couple of  boxes stored in the back. There were dozens of letters, smaller gifts that looked more fragile than what Celeste’s cart could handle and seemed to miraculously survive in spite of it all. 

“This looks easy!” Lukas beamed.

“Uh…this would be hard for me.” Vanessa wavered.

“How sooo…” Painter trailed off realizing Vanessa is the princess and everyone would know her. “Oh, right.”

Vanessa nodded. “Yeah…” she trails off, hissing through her teeth. 

Celeste smiled. “Leave it to me. I got this.” She reassured them. Celeste leans further into her cart, pulling onto a messenger bag she’d haphazardly stored inside and pulls out a mask similar to Sebastian’s. The only difference is that it was an arctic fox instead of a wolf. 

“Ah-ha! There we go. Perfect disguise!”Celeste brushes her hand on the mask, humming for good measure before offering it to Vanessa. “Here, try it on.” Celeste insists, pushing her hand further out to the princess.

The mask itself on closer inspection looked well cared for and worn with age, the muzzle having splashes of pale blue glitter seeming to freckle off in spades, but Lukas failed to see how it would be the perfect disguise. 

“Nervous?” Celeste picked up, her tone softening. “Trust me, you wear this, and no one will recognize you but us.” 

Vanessa stares at the mask, hesitating, before gingerly taking it from Celeste. She puts it on with ease, tying the ribbon I. The back with a firm tug. “You sure no one would recognize me?” She asked.

“Nope, not at all. Subcon has the tradition of kids wearing masks anyway so, you’d fit right in.” Celeste reassured, grabbing one more thing from her bag. “Use this cloak too. I usually use this when it’s colder, but I think it’ll work in covering your dress in case someone looks that closely.”

Vanessa takes the cloak, swaddling it onto her shoulders. She couldn’t help the smile that emitted, it was beautiful with how different it was. The cloak was purple with black accents, well loved and clearly sewn back together several times, but that didn’t make it less endearing. It made Vanessa glad this made her recognizable to those who didn’t know her face or title. For the first time she felt… normal. 

“Splendid! I think we’re set, now all we need to do is deliver these letters” Celeste cheers, offering some mail from her cart. “You ready to get a taste of chaos?”

“You bet!” Lukas and Sebastian exclaimed simultaneously. The two looked at each other and laughed. “Jinx!” They repeated before laughing.

Vanessa felt a ping of jealousy, the mask hiding the intensity of the expression. However, she quickly shakes it off and smiles. If Lukas was happy, then she was happy for him. “I’m ready for some fun!” Vanessa exclaimed joyously.

“Great!” Celeste beamed, diving into her cart and grabbing a spare messenger bag and stuffing the mail she was holding inside with care. “Not giving you my personal messenger bag, but this one will do!” She chirps, holding it out for Lukas. 

“Deliver this around town and meet in town square! Kade, Nico and I got one route, Wills and Paint got another. Seb can show you the ropes of his usual route, Wills and Paint are usually with Seb but I think you guys can work together well enough to find your way.” Celeste instructs, Lukas gingerly taking the spare bag from her.

“Awwww but I wanna go with Seb!” Painter pouts, crossing his arms in protest. 

“Painter, if it’s the usual route we have with Sebastain then we’ll be close until we depart at certain points. It’s not bad.” Willow reassures, patting Painter’s shoulder. 

“I know, I know.” Painter sighs, staring at his bare feet. “I just want everyone to hang out after the mail delivery.”

“Well if Seb’s not with you two, I want in.” Nico proclaims, snatching some mail from Celeste’s cart. “I’m not gonna watch Cece nearly crash the cart again.”

“And I’ll keep Cece in check, Neeks.” Kadence reassures Nico. “We got some stuff to draw with and maybe some money for the bakery, so we can meet up there after the delivery.” 

Nico’s eyes widened hearing about the bakery. “You mean I can get a cupcake after this?” He eagerly asks.

“Yeah, Neeks. We can get cupcakes.” Willow grins, grabbing some mail from the cart. “Let's get started, sooner we start the better.”

Lukas nods, hauling the messenger bag over his shoulder. “Lead the way, Seb.”

“Wait a second.” Sebastian raised a hand, awkwardly sauntering to Celeste. “Do you have your old mail cap?”

“I do, yeah.” Celeste replies, digging into her personal messenger bag and hauling out a blue mailman cap. 

Sebastain chuckles, reaching out for the cap. “Thanks Cece, I knew I could count on-!”

“Why do you need it?” Celeste withdraws, holding the mailman cap high above her head. 

“It's for Lukas.” Sebastian clarified, pointing to Lukas then back to the mailman cap. “It’s his first special delivery.”

Celeste parted her lips in realization, handing Sebastian the hat to Sebastain without a second thought. “Oohh, now I get it! Okay then, here you go! One mailman cap for our faraway friend!” 

Sebastian took the cap and went back to Lukas and put it on his head. “For you, Luke.” He beamed.

Lukas takes the cap from Sebastian, golden eyes interlocking with blue green ones. “For me?” He asked, glancing back at the mailman cap, then then back at his friend.

Sebastian nodded, swooping the cap out of Lukas’s hands and onto his friend’s head of chestnut curls. “For you.”

Lukas beams, wheezing genuinely at the gesture. “Thanks Sebastian.” 

“Anytime, buddy!” Sebastian exclaimed, putting his hands on his hips. He then turned to his sister, “Okay! Now we’re ready to go!”

“Great, hold onto this!” Celeste replied, before handing a huge stack of letters and a package to her brother, the weight knocking him to the ground. “You’re gonna need it, Sebby.” She teased, before picking up her cart by the wooden handles once again. “Okay Kadence, we’re off! ONWARDS!!”

“Ah-! Cece, Cece wait for me!” Kadence shouts, helplessly running after Celeste as she bolts off towards the town.

Sebastain restables himself, hauling the package under his left arm. “Gee- it would be really useful if I had extra hands.” He sulks, struggling to keep the package under his hand. “Let's deliver this one first, I don't want my arm to die if it’s fragile.”

Willow saunters over to Sebastain, analyzing the package and hissing through her teeth. “Best leave that one on the doorstep. I know who’s getting this one…”

“Don’t tell me it’s the crazy hat maker.” Sebastian deadpanned.

“It’s the crazy hat maker.” Painter confirms, Nico nickering at Sebastian’s dismay. 

“We have some mail in that area too. So we’re going with you.” Willow reassures, patting Sebastian’s shoulder.

“Eh- that doesn’t exactly invoke confidence.” Sebastian hissed through his teeth, but Willow gave a soft chuckle.

“I can take it if it’s too much to carry.” Vanessa prompts, outstretching her gloved hands. 

“You sure? It’s quite heavy.” Sebastain warned, but the determination in Vanessa‘s eyes was immeasurable. “What kind of lady would I be if I said no?” 

Sebastian thought about it. He looked at the mail he had in his hands, and knew the second he made it to his first stop he’d pass out. “Alright.” Sebastian said, handing half of the mail to Vanessa, who carried it with ease.

“Here, I can handle some of them.” Lukas spoke up, taking some of the mail from both Vanessa and Sebastian. “This is a team effort, not just one person”

“Yeah,” Sebastain grins, “Thanks guys.” 

“No problem.” Vanessa replied. “Now come on! Let’s deliver the mail!”

“Yes, your majesty!” Sebastian exclaimed. 

Vanessa blinked in surprise, she couldn’t explain what the feeling was, but it felt weird. Sebastian gawks, retracting into himself. “Ah uhm… sorry. I-I mean Vanessa.” He corrected himself. “Nervous habit.”

Vanessa sighs in relief, offering a small smile. “It’s alright.” She reassured him. “Now come on! The mail won’t mail themselves!~” A mischievous tone sang out as she readjusts her mask. Without forewarning, Vanessa bolts away.

Willow bats her eyes in surprise while Painter and Nico laugh up a storm. “Better catch her before she beats you to your first destination!” Painter giggled, slinking his arm over Nico’s shoulder. 

Lukas pivots, nearly tripping as he bolts after the princess. “Vanessa!” He yelped, readjusting his grip on the mail. “Wait for us!” 

Vanessa doesn’t slow down, laughing as Lukas chases her. Lukas could hear Sebastain following from not too far behind them, cursing under his breath as Nico and Painter continued to childishly giggle at the display.  

So much for slow starts.

꧁…꧂

The delivery wasn’t as hard as Sebastain had made it seem to be. Vanessa got to know many of the villagers around Subcon Forest. And thanks to her mask, no one recognized her! It was the best case Demario that Lukas could’ve ever hoped for!  At times, Vanessa got into small conversations with the villagers while handing their mail, gaining insight of their lives she wouldn’t have posing as a princess rather than just another kid in Subcon.

These interactions made Vanessa realize some changes to Subcon she can bring up to her father and mother, hopefully they’ll listen. If not, she can make those changes herself.

She was going to be queen one day when she was older wasn’t she? Then it must be so that if they wouldn’t do it, she would.

As they delivered mail, she saw Lukas hold conversations with the younger kids at Subcon. All were interested about the kingdom he came from and even asked about Vanessa.

“What’s your kingdom like?” A little girl asked.

“Is the princess nice or uhm… no?” A little boy added on curiously.

Vanessa was surprised seeing Lukas not overwhelmed by all the questions the kids were giving him, he looked more than happy to answer some of them.

Lukas chuckled, “my kingdom’s  not too far from here.” He answered, readjusting his cap. “It’s quite open and not dense with trees but uh— other than open fields, it’s quite peaceful.”

“Ooooh.” The kids chorused.

“And for your next question, Princess Vanessa is sweet, soft spoken, kind, and she’s… she’s quite beautiful.” Lukas explained, bashfully lowering his mailman cap.

Vanessa’s face burns red, had Lukas seriously called her that during this? No, he really called her that. Now she was glad that she was wearing a mask, otherwise Sebastian would probably poke fun of her.

“Is the Princess fairy tale beautiful?” The girl exclaims, jumping eagerly for the answer.

“She is!” Lukas answered.

At that point Vanessa wanted to squeal and faint right then and there.

“Uh- Ven?” Sebastain pokes Vanessa’s shoulder. “Are you okay—?”

“No.” Vanessa squeaks, mushing her hands under her mask. “Just end me right now.”

“What.” Sebastain gawked. 

“Don’t ask.” She begs, but Sebastain keeps poking her. 

“Ask and I'll make you slip on snow.”

“Now why would you do that?” Sebastain pokes her shoulder again, and Vanessa drags her hands away from her face with a glare. “Okay okay- geez- I was just wondering why you were flustered— wait.”

“Nooooo!!!” Vanessa whines, shaking Sebastian by the shoulders. 

“Okay, okay!” Sebastain cackles, playfully pushing Vanessa’s hands away. “I’ll let the dork figure it out eventually, geez. Surprised he rambled about you at all.”

Vanessa pouted, “he thinks I’m beautiful.” She mumbled.

“Huh?” Sebastian blurts out.

“Nothing.” Vanessa denied. “I said nothing!”

Sebastian snickers, nudging Vanessa’s shoulder with a cheeky grin. “Sure you did.” Vanessa gave a low growl, saying nothing more as they ventured on.

꧁…꧂

After about an hour of deliveries, Painter was exhausted, sitting comfily by the fountain to destress. He had a package and bundles of letters left to deliver, sure, but he knew a bit of rest wouldn’t hurt. Otherwise Sebastain would get after him for not taking a break.

Painter glanced over at his friends, seeing as how they were nearly done with their deliveries before moving on to the next batch. So much for relaxation. 

Sighing, Painter moves to stand, but not before hearing shuffling from the bushes. Confused, he turned to see what it was only to find nothing. He hears the tussle again and the package he’d left next to him was gone. 

“Huh?” He vocalized, looking for the package. He scurried around the fountain, 

“Paint?” Willow spoke up, smiling over to her cousin. “Something wrong?”  

Painter looked up at his friend. “Yeah uh— Willow, did you take the package?”

Willow shook her head. “No? I just saw you looking around, and…” She paused and put her hand on her forehead as she shook her head. “Please tell me you didn’t lose a package again.”

“I might have… maybe! I don’t know.” Painter sheepishly replied.

Willow grumbles, lowering her head. “We got to find it before a bushcat tears it open.”

“I think I saw one take it when Painter wasn’t looking.” Nico hums, brushing the dust off his hands as he sways over to the duo. “It was in the bush.”

“And you said nothing!?” Painter hollered, failing his hands as he grabbed Nico’s arm. “We gotta catch it!”

“But I don’t wanna!” Nico groaned, plummeting next to the fountain. “We’ve already done Cece’s dumb game, I just wanna get food.”

“But we still have to catch it, Neeks!” Painter insisted, dragging Nico to his feet and marching away from the fountain. 

Nico groaned in frustration as Painter dragged him to the bushes.Willow staggers, looking back at the fountain as Lukas, Sebastian, strolled in. Grunting, Willow follows them through the bushes. 

“Where are they going?” Vanessa asked, tilting her head.

“Not sure,” Sebastian replied, squinting to get a better look. He then glanced back at his two friends, shouting “let’s follow them!”

Lukas readjusts his mailman cap, humming a firm reply. “Alright. Let’s just hope it’s not too crazy.”

The trio ran after Painter, Willow, and Nico into the bushes and found them not too far from where the three left.

There was indeed something scurrying off with a package, moving so fast it nearly ran into Kadence and Celeste. 

“Cece stop that tiny thief! It stole my package!” Painter shouts.

Celeste put her mail gently and tried to pounce on the tiny thief, but it was fast enough to escape from her. “Hey, get back here!” Celeste hollers, chasing after the others. “Sebastian help!”

“On it!” Sebastian shouts back. He quickly hauls the leftover mail into Lukas’s hands before going after the creature. He ran in front of it in order to corner it, but the creature made a sharp left, causing Sebastian to lose balance.

Painter tries to stand in front of where the creature would go, which causes the creature to scurry the other way. Celeste and Nico scamper the other way, blocking the other exits until the tiny thief is cornered. It squeaked in fear, trying to escape to no avail.

“Wait guys!” Willow exclaimed, panting heavily with her hands on her knees as everyone turned to face her. She slowly went past her friends, then knelt before the creature holding the stolen package. Slowly and carefully, Willow lifted the box to find a small white rabbit-like creature.

Celeste gasped seeing the creature. “A sea bunny.” She whispered astonishedly.

“So that’s what they look like in person!” Sebastian commented.

“Hey little guy,” Willow coos, readjusting the package under her arm. “You’re a cute little thing, aren’t you? Certainly had a good reason for taking this.”

The sea bunny squeaked in reply. It used its little arms to display action on why it took the package in the first place.

Willow nodded, understanding the creature. “I see, so it’s in your nature to find things to give to others?” She asked.

The sea bunny whimpered with a simple nod.

“You can understand what it’s saying?” Vanessa asked, pushing back her mask since she was away from public eyes.

“I’ve learned a thing or two when understanding creatures and their gestures.” Willow chuckled, scratching the sea bunny’s ear. “Sometimes creatures help me find good flowers for my folk’s floral shop so- it’s pretty useful to have.”

“Fascinating…” Vanessa awed, kneeling in front of the sea bunny. “Can you understand more of what it was trying to do?”

“I could try.” Willow trailed off, “though I haven’t had a chance as much with them. Painter’s had a tendency to scare them off.”

The kids looked over and glared at Painter, who gave a nervous chuckle. Seeing as no one was laughing, he stopped with an intense pout. “They like taking my art supplies, okay?!” He childishly protests, waving his arms to emphasize his point. “I’m sure they made my last brushes into things to nibble on… still mad about that.”

Willow rolled her eyes and turned to the sea bunny. “Sorry about that, but can you tell us why you took our package?” She asked.

The sea bunny nodded, squeaking in reply.

“Trading, huh?” Willow mumbled, “we kinda need it since it belongs to someone in town.” She tried to reason, but the squeaks from the sea bunny became more persistent.

“What’s it saying, what’s it saying? I wanna know!” Lukas insisted, Sebastain childishly shushing him. “We won’t if Wills can’t hear it.” 

“Better ask why it stole a whole loaf of beard last time.” Nico deadpanned, Kadence wheezing at the comment. “Neeks- this might not be the same one.”

“Shush! I’m actually trying to listen to what the poor little guy’s trying to say.” Celeste groaned, plummeting to the ground. “Little guy, talk away. Why’d you take Paint’s package?” 

The sea bunny squeaks sadly, and Willow’s expression changes with it. “Bush cat stole its item for a trade, I think I’ve seen them do it before, but I wasn’t exactly sure why. Maybe they trade what they think is valuable.”

The sea bunny nodded, squeaking happily.

“Aha! So I was right!” Willow cheered gleefully, giddily turning to the others to share her delight. In turn, the sea bunny squeaked, happy someone understood them. 

“As much as I would love to give this to you,” Willow turned back to the sea bunny, glancing down at the package in her hands with a sigh. “This package is for someone in the village, so sadly you can’t give it to whoever you were going to trade with.” 

The sea bunny squeaked sadly, its ears flopped downwards in wallowing disappointment. “But!” Lukas chimed in, trying to cover for Willow. “We can help you find an item to use as a replacement. How about that?”

The sea bunny squeaked happily, prancing on all six paws with unabashed glee. 

“Wait, we have to do what now?!” Painter squawked in disbelief. “I just got this back! I just— I dunno- this sounds crazier than normal.”

“Well, whaddya wanna do, Painter?” Sebastain prompts, slipping the package from Willow’s arms. “Sure, we can deliver this, but we can also find a replacement trade for the little sea bunny so they can give something too. Think of it this way, at least they won’t be going after your paint brushes after this, no?”

Painter’s dark eyes widen, quickly glancing away with a grunt. “Sorry.” He mumbled. 

Sebastain gives a quick chuckle, ruffling Painter’s messy hair. “It’s alright, kiddo. Don’t worry ‘bout it.”

“I think we should since the rabbit had its thing stolen by a bush cat.” Painter gently pushed Sebastian’s hand away, gesturing to the sea bunny who peeked up with interest.

“Well, what do Bushcats usually like?” Lukas asked, kneeling in front of the sea bunny.

“If I can recall,” Willow started, “they usually like a lot of berries. I’ve seen them steal muffins from the bakery, they also like strings and balls or toys meant for cats. They’re like cats, hence why folks here in Subcon dubbed them bush cats.”

Suddenly, Lukas’ eyes widened remembering the muffins he saw the last time he was there. “I’ll be right back.” He said, running in the opposite direction.

“What- Lukas!?” Sebastain gawked in shock, but Lukas ran faster. 

“Trust me guys I got an idea!” Lukas exclaimed as he ran back to town.

Sebastian was confused where his best friend was going and ran off after him. “Lukas! Wait up!” He yelled, nearly tripping as he chased after him.

They ran through the woods, into bustling trees and branches that prevented Sebastain from catching up. No matter how fast Sebastain was, Lukas always seemed to run faster. Then they ran into town, past shops and into that quaint bakery down the road. Lukas dove in just as Sebastian caught his breath, quickly picking out something and paying upfront. 

“Keep the change!” Lukas shouts, waving his mailman cap as he makes a mad dash back the way they came. 

“Lukas wait for me!” Sebastain calls out, perusing after Lukas once more. 

“I got something good, trust me!” Lukas quickly shouts back, slowing down enough for Sebastain to finally keep pace with him. 

They ran and ran, until finally turning back towards where they had left their friends. And finally, Lukas collapses to his knees, holding up his bag of sweets in hand. “Special… delivery.” He pants, offering a lopsided smile to the sea bunny on the forest floor.

The sea bunny tilted its head before walking over to Lukas. The latter kneeled down for the bunny creature to sniff the sweets. The sea bunny let out a bunch of squeaks as it tried to grab the sweets from Lukas.

The young prince chuckled, “okay, okay.” Slowly, he hands the sweets over to the creature.

The sea bunny eagerly opens the bag with its tiny paws, pulling out a couple muffins from inside. Seeing this, the sea bunny rejoiced at the generous offer, pulling at Lukas’s hand as if to mimic a gesture usually done amongst them. 

Lukas giggles, scratching the sea bunny’s ear. “I’m glad I could help you. If you take these, you’re guaranteed to get your trade back.”

The sea bunny lets go of Lukas’s hand, grilling as it places the muffin back into the bag. Then it squeaks something towards Willow, before prancing off with its trade.

Willow giggled, “they said thank you.” She translated in reply.

“Wowzers.” Painter spoke with awe, finally taking back the package that was stolen back from Willow. “I didn’t… I never thought that they’d return something instead of taking things.” 

“I guess we both learn something every day, huh?” Willow beams, ruffling her cousin’s hair.

Painter chuckled, “yeah, guess we did.”

“Well, we got a bit more mail to send.” Celeste spoke candidly, gracefully readjusting her mailman cap. “Shall we keep going and then have dinner tonight at our place?”

“Gladly! As long as we get more muffins.” Lukas beamed.

Sebastain playfully wrapping his arm around Lukas’s shoulder. “Mamá’s got better stuff than what the bakery makes. I think you and Ven will love her cooking.” 

“Is it as good as what Lukas’s mom brought us?” Vanessa asked curiously. 

“You bet!” Celeste giddily confirms.

Vanessa got excited having dinner somewhere else then her manor, and quickly put her mask back on. “Well then, let’s get going!” She cheered.

Lukas watched Celeste pick up Nico, her little brother giggling as she bolted down the trail. “Last ones to the house after mail’s a bushcat!”

“Better catch up or you’re getting no dessert!” Nico childishly taunts, blowing a raspberry. 

Kadence tosses his head, chuckling. “Silly as always.” He reminisced, turning to Painter. “We might not get bakery sweets today, but I know for a fact we’re not letting those two win.”

Painter gives a cheeky grin, scooping up his brother’s hand. “Lukas, Ven, your move. Either we let those two win or game over. You cool with that?” 

“We’re cool with that.” Lukas accepts, tightening his mailman cap as he gives Vanessa and Sebastain a knowing glance. 

Vanessa returns the gesture, slipping back on her mask with an even bigger grin. “Let’s race.”

“You're on.” Sebastian replied, narrowing his eyes.

“Ready, and…” Before Lukas can say go, Vanessa sprints off. “Hey! Hold up Ven, I didn’t say go!”

Sebastian started to run, “you said go now!” He cackles.

“Hey!! Wait up! Guys, come on!” Lukas yelled, running after his friends.

Willow, and Painter share a laugh, catching up to the trio with ease. Today started slow, but was amping up to be something more.

꧁…꧂

Once the deliveries were done, the group was walking over to the Solace household. “Now that was fun!” Vanessa beamed, skipping her shoes against the dirt pathway. “I had more fun being out here then in my manor!”

Sebastian chuckled, “well, we need you outside the manor more often princess.”

Vanessa’s smile falters. As much as she’d love to be outside, she knows that’ll be hard once her mother gets back. A princess isn’t meant for playing out in the woods, a princess needs to be locked up right and safe. That’s what her mother would always instill.

“You okay?” Lukas asks, seeing how the princess’s frown tugged at her face. He put a hand over Vanessa’s, gently squeezing it with a glance of worry. 

“Just wishing I can do more of this without my mother breathing down my neck.” Vanessa sighs.

“Hey, don’t worry. As long as I’m here I’m sure she won’t mind.” Lukas reassured, but Vanessa turns away.

She knew no matter who it was, her mother still had a strong hold on her. However, she did allow a slither of a smile knowing how much Lukas cared about her.

The group finally made it to the Solace household, Celeste wasting no time to park her wagon and knock on the front door. 

Footsteps thudded on the other side, but it didn’t take long for the wooden door to creak open. “Cariños! There you are. You’ve been gone all afternoon.” Isa greets, her hand resting on the doorframe. She quietly observes the others, quietly gesturing inside her home. “Come in, I’ve just finished making dinner.”

It didn’t take long for them to wander inside, but seeing the inside was different from the outside. Some of the flowers from outside were in potted vases inside. The lamps were neatly taken care of, the furniture worn and loved. “Home sweet home” was the true definition of what the Solace home was.

It didn’t take long for Isa to serve dinner, dishes native to Subcon Forest that Lukas was more than eager to try.  

“Mhmm. Mamá’s cooking’s looking pretty pretty good right now.” Nico beamed, eagerly reaching for the plate of baked goods. Celeste smacks his hand, shaking her finger with a tsk of her tongue. “Mamá’s not done yet. She has to serve and THEN we can eat.”

“Augh, you’re not fair.” Nico pouts, slumping in his chair. 

“Sorry,” Celeste chuckles. “Them’s the rules.”

“Well the rules suck.” Nico blows a raspberry, but is cut off halfway as Sebastain ruffles his hair. 

“Rules are rules for a reason, Neeks.” Sebastian teased.

Lukas’s eyes soften, gently squeezing Vanessa’s hand as he looks towards the sky. “Then we’ll do this more often.” He spoke assuredly. “You deserve to be happy and have fun. We did good today by doing Cece’s quest, so taking you out of your manor should be no different.”

Vanessa chuckled softly, giving an appreciative smile. “My mother still has a few days left on her trip, we can do something else tomorrow.”

“Sure!” Lukas exclaimed. “What do you want to do?”

Vanessa thought for a moment, and snapped her fingers remembering a place she’d visited once with her father. “There’s this lake I went to once when I was little. Mother and father were happier then, I think she showed more love back then… then my grandmother died, and we haven’t been there since.” Lukas takes it in, quietly listening as Vanessa paints her tale. “My father used to paint all the time there, and if we have a chance, I’d like to take you all there.”

“And you shall.” Lukas assured, gently pulling off his mailman cap. “We’ll see it together, all of us, as friends.”

Vanessa blushed, batting her eyes as if waking from a dream. “You promise?” She whispered softly.

Lukas’s eyes soften, gently placing his mailman cap onto her head. “I promise.” 

Tears welled in Vanessa’s eyes, touched by Lukas’s gesture as she readjusts the hat. “I’ll keep you at your word then, my prince.”

Lukas chuckled, “I never break my promises, princess.” He replied. Vanessa chuckled, feeling bashful at the comment. It almost felt like this moment could last forever… 

“Alright you lovebirds!” Sebastian announced, snapping the two out of it. “Let’s have dinner first before you two get lovey dovey.”

Lukas and Vanessa flushed a bright rouge, chuckling nervously. They were about to go in until they heard a familiar squeak coming from the bushes.

“Oh no.” Painter whimpered. He turned around to see the sea bunny from earlier hopping back to them. “What do you want now?”

The sea bunny squeaked, jumping up and down. Willow chuckled understanding what it was saying.

“Translation Will?” Sebastian asked.

Willow kneels down in front of the sea bunny, the creature instantly pulling at her hand. “The little guy wants us to follow.” She translates.

“Follow them where?” Painter asked.

The sea bunny squeaked and jumped around before pointing to a nearby bush. The group looked at one another before looking inside the bush. 

Curiously, Willow reached in and picked up the bag Lukas had given the sea bunny, leftover muffins intact with some old paint supplies stuffed inside. 

“Hey my paint supplies!” Painter exclaimed, taking out what art supplies the sea bunny had taken.

Willow looked inside the bag, then back at the sea bunny. “Are you giving this back to us?” She asked.

The sea bunny squeaked in reply, going to Willow and nuzzling her leg. It felt like a soft cat when they nuzzled your leg for affection.

“Well,” Willow chuckled, scratching the sea bunny’s ear. “Thank you.”

The sea bunny coos, chirping as more sea bunnies come out from the bushes. 

“Woah!” Lukas exclaimed, giddily greeting the sea bunnies. “It’s like a whole colony of sea bunnies! Wait- what would a group of them be?A fluff of sea bunnies? A lark? Leveret? Fluffle?"

“Dunno, don’t care.” Painter grinned, picking up the sea bunny that had returned the art supplies. He hugs the creature, smiling brighter than Lukas had ever seen him. “Can we keep it?” He asked Kadence, grinning childishly. 

Kadence chortled, looking away nervously. “No- I don’t even think mom would let us…” 

Painter puts on a childish pout, turning to Sebastain with big eyes. “Can I keep it Seb?”

Sebastian gawks, unknowing of the half laugh it got from Lukas. Nico and Celeste were less willing to hide their amusement, laughing harder than ever as Willow held back her laughter.

Sebastian sighs, pushing back his bangs. “Only if you promise to take care of it.”

“Or uh- put it down. I think it still wants to share what was given.” Willow points out, and Painter makes a silent “oh” with his mouth. 

“Sorry little guy.” Painter apologized, putting the sea bunny back onto the ground. 

The sea bunny squeaked in reply, gently twitching his ears as if to say “no worries” about being picked up. It then went over to the paint supplies and handed it to Painter.

Painter gingerly takes the art supplies form the sea bunny, picking it up and swaddling him in his arms, his oversized sleeves blanketing the sea bunny comfortably. “Let's go get some food!” 

“You think your mom wouldn’t mind us sharing some fluffy critters?” Lukas jests, and Sebastain snorts. “Only if the little things eat what’s not food. That’s what.”

Lukas chuckled, “cool!” He then looked down at the sea bunnies. “Come on little guys, let’s get you guys something to eat.”

The sea bunny in Painter’s arm chirps happily, its friends seaming the boy affectionately. They slowly make their way back to the Solace house, opening the door to a warmly cooked meal.

The winds rolled in as they trekked further into the woods, today was the start of another adventure! As to what kind? Lukas wasn’t sure. All he knew is that Sebastian had a surprise lying in wait.

Painter had stuffed his art supplies into a basket, Willow carrying most of it to take some off his tiny hands. Vanessa on the other hand held her skirt tightly, scanning the area as if to look for something beyond the trees. “Where are we going exactly?” She asked Sebastian, who was fidgeting with his wolf mask, tossing it from one hand to another. 

“You’ll see, you’ll see. It’s really good, I swear!” Sebastian reassured, catching his mask into his other hand. “Cece and Kadence helped me out with it. I think Nico’s gonna be there too by the time we get there.” 

“Who are they?” Vanessa asked curiously.

“Kadence is my brother.” Painter answered straightforwardly, swinging his arms as his sleeves drape over his hands. “And Cece and Nico are Seb’s siblings.”

“Oh.” Vanessa replied, letting go of her skirt briefly. “I don’t think I’ve seen them… though, the name Cece sounds familiar. I think I remember seeing a girl in a wolf mask that adorned that name.”

“Like this one?” Sebastian sways backwards, holding his mask over his face. “This used to be Cece’s, but now it’s mine! Until Nico’s old enough to wear it.”

“Intresting.” Vanessa shyly hums, holding her hands tightly. “So, uh— is this place any further away or, no?” Lukas spoke curiously, kicking a pile of fallen leaves to clear the path. 

Sebastian hums to himself, briefly pausing their venture. Without a second thought, he climbs a nearby tree, hoping onto its twisted branch. “I think we can try getting there faster by tree.” 

“Great! Let's go!” Vanessa beamed.

“Hold on!” Painter warned, causing Vanessa to stop. She gave a pout as she wanted to play with her friends before her mother found out.

Painter points to Vanessa’s shoes, staring at them before looking back up at Vanessa. “Take those off. It’ll make moving a lot smoother on the trees.”

Vanessa stares at Painter, averting her gaze to Willow to see if Painter was kidding. Lukas could see he wasn't. “You have got to be kidding me.” She grumbled.

“I’m not.” Painter replied, planting his hands on his hips.

Vanessa groaned. “My dad bought me these shoes! I can’t just take them off!” She whined.

Painter sighed and rolled his eyes. “So it’s true. Girls do like to wine.” He thought. He’d like to say it out loud, but knowing Willow was with them, it was best to keep his thoughts to himself.

Willow wanted to say something to the princess, but was nervous doing so. She opened her mouth a few times, but quickly closed it. Sebastian took notice of his best friend trying to speak, and leaned over to whisper to her, “you okay?” He asked.

“Y-Yeah.” Willow whispered back. “I just want to help Vanessa with holding her shoes.”

Sebastian’s eyes widened in surprise, but gave a smirk. “That’s it?” He gestures with his eyes to Vanessa, then looks back at Willow.

Willow pouted, blowing her bangs out of her eyes with a shy nod. “I just want to do something nice for her.”

“I see.” Sebastian placed his hands on his hips. “Why don’t you carry her shoes in that basket, I can ask Luke to do the same.”

Willow looked at the basket before looking at her friend. “You sure?” She asked.

Sebastian hummed with a nod. “Positive.” 

Willow thought about it for and gave a small smile. “A-Alright. I’ll try.” She walked over to Vanessa, and took a deep breath. “Um…Vanessa.” Vanessa turned to the florist. “I can hold your shoes in my basket.”

Vanessa hesitates, unsure about giving her shoes to the flower girl. Willow’s eyes plead, quietly insisting the opposite, for Vanessa to trust her.

“Hey,” Lukas pipes up, taking off his boots. “If Willow’s holding onto your shoes and Paint’s supplies, she could hold onto mine too if that helps you feel less awkward.” He offered.

Vanessa paused, “are you sure?” She inquires.

Lukas nodded, taking off his shoes and handed them to Willow to show he meant it. He then puts them in her basket, tucking them neatly next to Painter’s art supplies.

Vanessa was still unsure. She was worried her mom would find out about her taking her shoes off and getting her feet dirty. Then again, she remembered seeing rivers and lakes around here. She could wash her feet after.

“Well, alright.” Vanessa took off her shoes and put the shoes in Willow’s basket. Once her bare feet touched the ground it felt foreign to her. “This feels weird.”

Lukas chuckled. “Yeah, but hey! At least you won’t have your shoes messed up by climbing the trees, right?” He pointed out, but he could see Vanessa's uncertainty. 

“Mother would usually never allow this.” She mumbled, her hands hugging her skirt.

“Well, guess we’re both doing something different then.” Lukas huffs, blowing his bangs out of his face as he kicks the earth beneath him. “Now, shall we travel by the high ground Painter?” 

Painter eagerly grins, beginning to ascend the tree upward. “Last one to the top’s a bushcat!”

“A what—?” Lukas deadpanned, watching as Painter laughed like a maniac.

Vanessa chuckled taking Lukas’ hand. “I’ll show you one, one day. I think you’d like them.” She said fondly, and Lukas wasn’t sure if it meant it was a good thing or trouble. But regardless of whatever a bushcat was, the two of them began to climb the tree. Lukas hauled himself up first, Vanessa following behind him. Once he made sure to reach his hand and pull her up to safety, keeping her balance on the thick branches, she met his gaze with a blush. “T-Thank you.”

“Anytime Ven.” Lukas chirps, looking down at their remaining friends before helping Vanessa along the trees.

Sebastian and Willow ascend the tree next, having a much easier time than the two royals. Sebastian easily finds his footing, but Willow slips, fumbling until Sebastian grabs her hand. He hauls her up without a second thought, sighing with immense relief. “Woah there Wills, you gotta be careful or you’re a ghoul.” Sebastian stammered, blowing some hair out of his face. 

Willow bleats her eyes in a daze, chortling until she brushes the dirt off her skirt and readjusts her basket. “A ghoul? My, that was cheezier than last time we did this Seb.” 

Sebastian chuckled as Willow lightly punched his arm, and he came back just as much with a snort. And thus, they wandered the treetops. Jumping, balancing, swinging without a care in the world. It was frightening as it was freeing, and Lukas couldn’t be happier. He had never felt so alive.

Painter slowed down once they got to an unfamiliar sight, picking up the pace as three others were messing with what looked to be a treehouse.

Vanessa looked around and was amazed at the treehouse. “I’ve never seen this before.”

Painter gazed in shock, “you’ve never been inside a treehouse?” He asked inquisitively.

Vanessa shook her head. “Nope.”

“Well I’ve been in one, and they’re cool.” Painter childishly declared. “But uhm… it wasn't as finished when I left.” He added.

“How come?” Vanessa asked. 

“Because it’s the surprise, duh!” Painter exclaimed, pointing to the nearly finished treehouse. “Kadence told me about it and he wanted to do something nice with Cece for us. So- it was my job to lead us here! That's why we had to go by tree.”

“Oh.” Vanessa realized, shyly glancing away. “That makes sense.”

“You know.” Lukas spoke up, “I had a treehouse once. It was amazing, you could almost see my village from it. It held some of my best memories ever.”

“Wait. You said you *had* one, what happened?” Painter asked, making sure he heard Lukas right. Sebastian and Willow share curious glances, but allow Lukas the moment to expand what he meant. 

“There was a terrible storm in my kingdom a year ago,” Lukas explained, staring down at his hands. “And uhm, it destroyed my treehouse. Haven’t had one since.” He somberly explained, fidgeting with his hands. 

Vanessa’s blue eyes sadden, reaching out to grab Lukas’s shoulder. “I’m sorry that happened. That sounds terrible.”

“It was…” Lukas agreed, pushing his hair out of his face. “My parents made that treehouse when I was little. They surprised me on my birthday, and wanted something sentimental for me when I turned… I think I was four, maybe five. I can’t remember which. But, I do remember how much that meant to me.”

Lukas then looks back up, gazing upon the unfinished treehouse with even more fondness in his golden eyes. If looks could be cherished, Lukas would be cherishing every second.

“Well, at least you got a new one. And it’s not just yours.” Sebastian proudly states, leaning on Lukas’s shoulder. “You’re gonna love my siblings, and Painter’s brother too! I’m sure whatever we do here is going to be just as awesome as going to the river for picnics!”

Lukas snorts, playfully shoving Sebastian. “Pft- you’re such such a dork.” He playfully teased.

“A very well versed dork who’s about to introduce everyone to the coolest people ever.” Sebastian playfully teased back, taking the lead amongst the branches. “Last one there’s a bushcat!”

“I still don’t know what those are!” Lukas exclaims, giving chase after his friend. 

Vanessa chuckled seeing Lukas play with his best friend. However, there was a small part of her that felt…jealous seeing Lukas spend time with Sebastian. She shook it off thinking it was nothing and she’s probably tired from going around Subcon.

“So, how do you like being free instead of being in the manor all the time?” Painter asked, interrupting Vanessa's thoughts.

Vanessa thought that a conversation could get her mind off things, so she replied back with a small smile. “It’s new, but I like it!”

“Glad you do!” Painter giggles, taking her hand. “Kadence has some cool things planned that I think you guys gonna love. Trust me, my brother is the coolest with this stuff.”

Vanessa snorts, “oh I don’t doubt it. He sounds lovely.” She replied, stopping once they arrived at the unfinished treehouse.

The oldest was a girl with dark green blue eyes, her raven locks spilling down her back in waves and an out fish more tomboyish than girly. She also hauled a large messenger bag over her shoulders, one that looked old and well cared for rather than forgotten to waste.

The second oldest of the bunch was a boy beaming with unabashed delight. He had gentle dark eyes with hints of forest green and dimples when he smiled and moles on the left side of his lower chin, neck and right corner of his mouth. He had messy dark brown curls that possessed a playful charm, making him feel warm and approachable.

And lastly, the youngest of the bunch still had dark hair but it looked closer to a dark mahogany than raven like the older girl. His eyes were youthful, bright, like the ocean on a bright sunny day. He messily put things together while the older duo tied things taughtly to make sure it could last for however long it could.

Lukas knew then and there that they’d arrived, that these kids were Celeste, Nico and Kadence, the ones they were supposed to meet.

“Hey, kid. Glad you could make it!” Kadence beamed, waving to the other kids. “You’re just in time for the party, didn’t have any trouble getting here?”

Painter shook his head. “Not at all, it was easier once we went by tree.” He said, turning to Lukas and Vanessa. “Princess Vanessa, Lukas, meet Kadence, my brother.”

“Princess Vanessa.” Kadence spoke up, holding his hand for Vanessa to shake it. “It’s delightful to meet you here.”

Vanessa shook Kadence’s hand, similar to how her parents shook hands to their guest when they came to the manor. “It’s nice to meet you too.” Vanessa replied. “Also you don’t have to be formal with me, I’m not like my mom.”

“But you are the princess, I must respond formally to you.” Kadence awkwardly insisted, falling short with a nervous laugh.

Vanessa gave a forced smile. Everyone seems to treat her the same way everyone treats her mother; with respect. Despite being the princess, she didn’t like how people treated her like her mom.

“Woah!” Nico exclaimed, his eyes brimming with boyish curiosity.“Is it true that you're the princess?”

Vanessa parts her lips, but no sound is made, until her smile fades into something more genuine than before. “Indeed I am.” She finally replies.

Nico looked at Vanessa in awe. “You're very pretty!”

Vanessa chuckled. She was never called pretty outside of her father. She even asked her mother, but she wouldn’t answer her. “Um…thank you, uh…”

“Nico.” Sebastian answered for her, ruffling Nico’s hair with a grin. “His name is Nico.”

“Nico. Thank you.” Vanessa spoke fondly, smiling at Nico as she fidgeted with a fistful of her skirt.

“And don’t worry about Kady, he’s only nervous since we haven’t met you before.” Celeste reassured, wrapping her arm around Kadence. “I’m Celeste, but you can call me Cece. It’s nice to meetcha. Hope Seb wasn’t too much.”

“Cece!” Sebastian stammered, gawking at the reply. “How could you? My own sister, betraying me in cold blood!”

Celeste snorts, moving to wrap an arm around Sebastian. “Well, you’re still standing, aren’tcha? I say it was done out of teasing, not cold blood.” 

“Traitor.” Sebastian teased back, blowing a raspberry at his older sister. 

Painter snickered, snatching his art supplies from Willow. “She’s not a traitor if she’s still part of the group, Seb.” He insisted, much to Sebastian’s feigned dismay. 

“Well, I think you’re quite silly. I guess that’s where Seb gets it from.” Lukas snorts, grinning unabashedly at their antics. “Seb said you guys had a surprise for us once we got here, so… what is it?”

Sebastian looked at his siblings, and Celeste nodded as she opened up her messenger bag removing many different art supplies and decorations. “Since we finished building the treehouse I think we can start decorating it now.” Celeste explained. “Paints, you got your stuff?”

Painter eagerly nods. “Yep!” He exclaimed, holding up his art supplies.

Celeste saw the art supplies Painter got and looked at her stuff, a simple realization dawning with a chuckle. “Okay, we might’ve gone overboard with the supplies.”

“Hey, better than nothing right?” Sebastian snorts, brushing back his hair. 

Willow quietly cheered, placing down the basket with a simple thump. “I got the watercolor paints, Cece has the other pencils,  Nico has Paint’s other sketchbooks… we’re set.” 

“So what are we waiting for then?” Lukas eagerly grabs two pencils, offering one to Vanessa. “Let’s make this the best treehouse anyone’s ever seen!”

Vanessa looked at the pencil as she saw her new friends grab different art supplies and start drawing or painting in the treehouse or on paper. Lukas handed her a blank sheet of paper before drawing on his own sheet.

The others followed suit, Painter eagerly plunging into his sketchbook, Nico just as eager to dig into his colorful swatches of paint. Cece sat next to Sebastian and Lukas, Cece bouncing ideas off her brother as easy as breathing. It was calming as it was great seeing everyone figure out what they wanted, everyone but Vanessa.

“Uhh…” Vanessa mumbled to herself, staring at the blank page.

“Stuck on what you want to draw?” Kadence awkwardly inquired, seating himself next to Vanessa. “Try drawing your favorite thing, or person. It doesn’t need to be perfect.”

Vanessa raised an eyebrow at Kadence, glancing back to her blank page and then back at Kadence’s forest green eyes. “It doesn’t?”

“Nope, it just needs to be what you want it to be.” Kadence reassures, bringing his own artwork next to Vanessa’s blank page. “I’m drawing me and my brother. And a couple of these weird creatures we found the other day. Not sure what they're called, but they’re almost like bushcats’s bunny cousins.”

“What weird creatures?” Vanessa echoed back curiously.

Kadence quickly sketched one of them and showed it to Vanessa and Lukas. It roughly looked like a bushcat, but had the qualities of a rabbit with more aquatic like qualities instead of forest ones. Vanessa chuckled seeing how cute it was. “Aww, it's adorable!” She beamed.

“It is cute.” Lukas agreed, giggling at the loose caricature. “What’s it supposed to be?”

“I dunno.” Kadence shrugged, “I’ve been calling them sea bunnies instead of forest bushcats. They’re smaller than a bushcat, that’s for sure.”

“Oh if only my mom would allow me to keep it! I’ve been begging for a pet rabbit for years now!” Painter whines, indignantly crossing his arms with a pout. 

Kadence snorted as he continued to draw. “Well, if we see one I’ll let you be the first to touch it.”

Vanessa’s smile widened as she quickly got to drawing. However, she quickly frowned looking at her drawing of the bunny creatures, and saw it looked nothing like Kadence’s. Vanessa wanted to crumple it up and try again, but Lukas took a look at it and smiled.

“Hey, that looks really good.” Lukas cheerfully beams.

“It doesn’t look like Kadence’s drawing, though.” Vanessa pouts, disappointed it didn’t turn out how she thought it would.

“It doesn’t have to be Ven.” Lukas reassures. “Everyone has a different art style.”

Vanessa stares at her drawing with a deep frown. She was unsure about her art style as memories of showing her mom of her art replayed in her memories. Maybe she wasn’t meant to be an artist…

“Practice makes improvement.” Kadence speaks up, holding up Vanessa’s art. “I don’t know anything you’ve drawn previously, but I like it. It’s cute.” 

Vanessa blinks, looking at her rough sketch, then at Kadence’s art. Somehow it made its rough edges look better than she first thought. A smile formed in her face as she continued to draw. Vanessa’s drawing included a few bush cats and the bunny-like creatures, humming a melody as it came to life on the page.

“How are your drawings coming along?” Lukas curiously asked.

“Good!” Vanessa chipperly replied. “How is yours?”

Lukas paused drawing, and showed his art to Vanessa. Her eyes widened in amazement seeing Lukas’s drawings. It was a somewhat messy drawing of the five of them from their last adventure by the river. 

Vanessa remembered that day vividly as the day her powers were revealed, their picnic and musings by the river with sweet everythings and nothings wrapped in sweets and art supplies. It was a day Vanessa looked back on fondly.

After everyone got done with their drawings. The kids each picked a spot on the treehouse to pin their drawings to. Painter pinned his drawing higher up, getting help from Kadence as he placed his drawing next to his little brother’s. Celeste and Nico pinned their drawings closer to the entrance of the treehouse, Willow doing something similar by pinning hers to the right of the door. 

Lukas put his drawing on the left wall close to the door, while Vanessa and Sebastian put their drawings between Lukas’s, causing the two to look at one another in surprise.

“Oh- guess we had a similar idea, huh?” Sebastain snorted, flashing a cheeky grin. Vanessa hummed, moving her hand away from the artwork she’d made. 

“I suppose so.”  She replied, her eyes trailing down at her feet. “Yours looks better though.”

“What? No it doesn’t!” Sebastain corrected, catching Vanessa off guard. “It looks as good as every other drawing on the wall. I think it looks great. I like how you draw.” He finished, offering a much more genuine expression. It still had that hint of mischief, but it was toned down much more than it had been a second ago.

Vanessa wasn’t sure exactly why the comment meant something to her, but it did. It meant more than her mother’s words ever had. Was this what it meant to be a friend to someone?

Lukas outstretched his arms, wrapping both Vanessa and Sebastain into a tight embrace. “I think they’re amazing! I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Sebastian and Vanessa chuckled. There was something about Lukas’s embrace that made Vanessa feel at ease. “Yeah, it’s a nice treehouse.” She said, then something came to mind, “do you think we’ll be playing at this treehouse forever?”

“Uh, yeah.” Sebastian replied, squinting with an eyebrow raised. “Why’d you ask?”

Vanessa opens her mouth to speak, but closes it with a shake of her head. Without warning, she tightens the embrace around Sebastain and Lukas. “I like it here, nothing more.”

“Then I’m glad.” Lukas emphases, loosening his embrace with his hands lazily planted on both Vanessa and Sebastian’s shoulders. “Glad we made something we can all come back to. And I mean that for all of us, not just us three.”

Vanessa chuckled, leaning into Lukas’s shoulder. “Yeah, a home away from home.” She whispered.

“Y-Yeah.” Lukas whispered back. “A home away from home, I like the sound of that.”

Vanessa smiled and snuggled into Lukas’ shoulder as the latter put his arm around her. 

Sebastian gives a quiet smile, silently slipping out from Lukas’s arm and  prances to the rest of Painter’s art supplies with unadulterated joy. “Then let’s make sure our home away from home is as great as it came be.”

They were off to Subcon Forest again, and Lukas couldn’t be more excited! His friends would be there, his pen pal would be there, it was going to be incredible! 

The carriage ride was smoother than the first time but he couldn’t be more thrilled. He couldn’t stop bouncing in his seat, he never felt more excited in his life! Today was going to be amazing, he just knew it!

Autumn took notice of her son’s excitement and smiled. “Excited seeing your friends again?” She asked.

“You bet, I can’t wait to see what my friends have been up to since the last time we visited. Oh, oh! Do you think Sebastian likes more than just scaring people with his wolf mask? Maybe he has a secret hideout or something! Painter and him seem close, we had fun drawing last time. Willow’s nice too! I can’t wait to get to know her more. Same with Vanessa! I lost track of time in the library with her.”

“You two put on quite the show, kiddo.” Autumn fondly recalled, ruffling her son’s hair. “I’m sure this time your father can stop by.”

“And that’s the BEST part!” Lukas exclaimed, trumpetly waving his arms in the air. “Vanessa’s gonna meet my dad and so are my other new friends!”

Autumn hummed, looking out the carriage window to see Subcon start to come into view. “I’m sure you can tell them all about it once we arrive.”

Lukas smiled, but didn’t calm down. He was too excited to see everyone again. He turned to his dad, Elliot, who was catching up on sleep during the way to Subcon. “Dad.” Lukas whispered as he shook him a bit.

His father didn’t wake up, he seemed to be more out of it rather than responding to his hands. Lukas’s eyes sadden, huffing impatiently. Soon, he told himself. Soon his dad would wake, he would get to see Subcon, meet his friends, and meet his beloved penpal. Soon, very soon, today would be a great adventure.

꧁…꧂

In the town square of Subcon, Sebastian ran into town and looked for the carriage Lukas was in. Since the two met, they talked through letters, and recently, he’s met up with Willow and Painter to usher Lukas amongst the crowd. 

Lukas was thrilled at the idea of another pen pal, so Lukas wrote to all of them. 

Sebastian had memorized what the carriage had looked like by now, its gold and purple hues were extraordinarily hard to miss.

“Afternoon Sebastian!” Willow beamed, as she walked over to her friend. She held a bouquet of flowers as a welcome back present for Lukas and his family.

“Willow! Good afternoon to you too!” Sebastian exclaimed, excitement was heard in his voice. “Did you see Lukas’s carriage on your way here?”

Willow shook her head. “I know you're excited, but they’ll be here. Don’t worry.”

“I know.” Sebastian replied with a sigh. He hadn’t seen Lukas in forever, and he wanted to tell his best friend everything he missed since he left.

“If they’re late, we’d know. I’m sure that princess all up in her fancy mansion would make it known.” Painter dryly comments, nonchalantly sketching his sketchbook. “

Sebasitan rolled his eyes, blowing some of his hair out of his face. “Well if you know their carriage so well, why don’t you point it out?”

“Gladly.” Painter hummed, raising his pencil from the page. “It’s right over there in the distance.”

“What- psh, no way.” Sebastain scoffed, looking into the distance. “Oh my god you were serious.”

“Mhm,” Painter hummed, returning back to a sketchbook. “Go get em idiot.”

Sebastian ran into the road and saw the carriage coming towards them. “He’s here! He’s here!” He cheered, running closer to the road as Painter caught up to him, dragging him back into the sidewalk before he got trampled.

“Okay, OKAY! How’s about we not get yourself killed before your friend gets here, capeesh?” Painter lightly scolded, bonking Sebastian with the pencil from his sketchbook.

Sebastian chuckled, lightly moving the pencil away. “Okay. I don’t need to be dying before Luke comes. I bet today is going to be exciting, just you wait.”

“I haven’t seen you this excited in a long time Sebastian.” Willow noted with a chuckle, catching Sebastian off guard.

Sebastian turns to the flower girl and gives an awkward smile. “W-well Lukas is my friend, I haven’t had a friend like him.” He then paused as Willow and Painter gave him a small glare. “Except you two.” The two smiled and nodded at the young boy’s correction. “But Lukas is different, it's like…”

“You’re soulmates?” Painter innocently asked.

“No!” Sebastian yelled, waving his hands rapidly.

“Best friends?” Painter tried again, and Sebastian still shook his head.

“Brothers?” Willow asked, her green eyes widened in curiosity.

Sebastian slowly nodded. “Yeah. Guess we are. Kinda feels that way.”

Painter shrugged, closing his darkened eyes. “Makes sense, you two act like it. Cece and Nico would approve.”

Sebastian was about to remark when the carriage from afar slows down, the horses pulling nearby where they were standing. That’s when they knew Lukas had arrived.

Sebastian got even more excited seeing that his best friend was now here. “He’s here! He’s here!” He cheered, jumping up and down.

Painter chuckled, putting his hands on the young boy’s shoulder. “Alright buddy, relax. He’s coming.” He reassured, watching the carriage pull to a stop.

The carriage opened and Lukas’ mother and father walked out first, and finally Lukas. Sebastian gasped seeing his best friend with Lukas doing the same. “Sebastian!” Lukas yelled.

“Luke!” Sebastian yelled.

The two ran and hugged each other tight. “Hahaha, hey Sebastian. Missed me?” Lukas chuckled, hugging Sebastian even tighter. 

Sebastian unravels the hug, playfully chortling with a cheeky grin. “You bet, feel kinda dumb I didn’t see the carriage until Painter pointed it out.” He awkwardly admits.

Painter and Willow smiled and walked over to the two. “Hey Luke!” Willow beamed.

“Hey little prince!” Painter greeted, tucking his sketchbook under his arm. “How was the carriage ride coming here? Hope it wasn’t bumpy, sometimes those horses can be uh- unreliable.”

“It was great! It wasn't as bad as the first time.” Lukas chortled, wrapping an arm around Sebastian. “But now that you’re here. It doesn’t feel as bad. That last ride here was mainly boring as heck.”

“Got it.” Willow hummed, swaying in her feet. “Well, since you’re here, why don’t you hang out with us?”

Lukas hummed in thought, rapidly nodding as he slipped his arm off Sebastian. “Sure, why not? I know my mom and dad are nearby… I can ask them, then maybe I can ask Vanessa too if she wants to join us!” 

“I don’t see why not.” Sebastian shrugged, folding his hands behind his head. “Though you’d have to ask her, she’s probably still in the manor.” 

Lukas nodded in reply. “Why don’t you guys come with me to her manor! I’m sure she wouldn’t mind!” He exclaimed.

Sebastian, Painter, and Willow looked horrified hearing Lukas’ idea. 

“ARE YOU NUTS!?” Painter hollered, throwing up his arms so quickly that he nearly dropped his sketchbook. “The Queen is SUPER strict as to who is and isn’t allowed in the mansion. That place is heavily guarded! I can’t just waltz in like I own the place without losing a limb, little prince. I’d be dead!” 

Willow grimaced at Painter’s outburst, sheepishly fidgeting with the sleeves of her dress. “It’s uh… it’s nice on the outside.” Willow anxiously commented, but Painter shot a brooding glare. “Well, that was the weakest argument I’ve ever heard.”

“Well it’s better than having to hear the murmurs of the Queen’s outbursts, okay? Mom always says to ignore- just- ugh! This is so hard to talk about!” Willow deflected, tugging at her sleeves anxiously. 

Lukas gawked his eyes, completely bewildered by the concept his friends were speaking of. “Wait- people aren’t allowed in the mansion outside the royal family or the staff… at all?” Lukas questions, and Willow gives a nervous nod. “That’s not right, that can’t be right! Friends should get a pass, shouldn’t they? Why can’t we get Vanessa to tell her to let you guys in? I would’ve done that in my kingdom.” 

“But you’re not in your kingdom, Luke.” Sebastian pointed out. “Not what I meant- ugh- you get the point.” Lukas grumbled, blowing some chestnut curls out of his face in frustration.

“It’s you who doesn’t get our point.” Painter firmly points his pencil at Lukas, the stare in his dark eyes oozing the feeling that he was revealing something that was almost forbidden to speak of. “We wouldn’t be able to get in even IF Vanessa said it was alright. Even with the King, the Queen’s word is final. End of story.”

Lukas looked shocked. He thought that the queen’s behavior was due to the stress of him and his mother being here. However, how his friends were describing the queen seems to be that she was always like this. It’s probably why Vanessa is so nervous and uncomfortable about her mom during their time together.

He glanced away, fidgeting with his hands. “This won’t do…” Lukas muttered to himself, picking up confidence. “Maybe we can go to my parents. I can see if I can get Vanessa out myself— somehow.”

Sebastian, Painter, and Willow looked at one another. “Um… one second Luke.” Sebastian said, as he and his two friends huddled and whispered amongst each other. “What do you think?”

“I mean it’s his parents asking them, not Lukas himself.” Willow replied, keeping her voice in a whisper. “It shouldn’t be a bad idea.”

Willow and Sebastian turned to Painter, who rapidly shook his head. “This is a bad idea overall. It doesn’t matter if Lukas’s parents convinced Vanessa to join us.” Painter protested the idea, clearly on edge at the thought of it. “The second the Queen sees us with the princess, we’re dead.”

“Painter, you're exaggerating.” Sebastian whispered, rolling his eyes. “We could at LEAST give it a shot before the Queen catches us.”

Painter warily looks away, glancing at Lukas anxiously before looking back at Willow and Sebastian. “If we die, it’s your fault.”

“I know.” Sebastian sighed, patting Painter’s shoulder, undoing the huddle. “Let’s let our verdict be known.”

“Reminder: if we die with regret, it’s still on you.” Painter grumbled, Willow ruffled his hair reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I’m sure Seb’s got it covered.”

Painter blows his hair out of his face. “I already regret this.”

“Hey, Luke.” Sebastian drew out, planting his hands on his hips. “You uhm… still want to do that plan?”

“Sure! I mean it looks like that’s what you and the group were discussing in your huddle.” Lukas replied, looking at his parents from afar then back at his friends. “Come on, let’s go.”

Sebastian smiled and followed his friend with Painter and Willow following behind.

Lukas saw his parents in a quaint bakery that was close by,  looking for some pastries to give to Vanessa and her family. He entered inside as the bell on the door rings, holding it open enough for his friends to enter behind him. But before he could ask anything, his mother spoke.

“Lukas, do you think Vanessa would love these chocolate chip muffins?” Autumn cheerfully asked.

Lukas looked at the muffins and smiled. “They sure look good.” He commented, tracing his hand on the glass.

“I was thinking of buying some pastries for you and your friends.” Autumn suggested, pointing to several pastries on display.

“Oh speaking of that, I have a question to ask you too.” Lukas insisted, attempting his best “adult” voice.

“What is it son?” Elliot asked, easing an eyebrow.

“Could my friends join us today in meeting Vanessa?” Lukas glanced back at his friends, then at his parents. “It would be nice to have all of us together.”

Sebastian gives an awkward wave, bowing awkwardly before he nudges the others to follow suit with a just as awkward bow and curtsy. 

Lukas stifled a nervous laugh, biting his lip hard. “Sebastian is also one of my pen pals I’ve talked about, and I thought… Maybe my pen pals could meet?” Lukas added on, unable to let a childish nervousness slip into his voice.  

Elliot and Autumn looked at one another and started to think. “Well, I’ve known Samuel since childhood. I’m sure he’ll be okay with it.” Elliot reassured, his eyes wrinkling with a stoic grin.

Lukas’ smile widened as he turned to his friends with a thumbs up. Sebastian grinned wider, giving two thumbs up back.

“Hmm…I don’t know. Last time we were here Queen Elizabeth was…tense with us.” Autumn nervously brought up, fidgeting with her hands.

Elliot sighed, “I know pumpkin, but if I can convince Samuel, he can convince her.” He reaffirmed.

“Well…” Autumn trailed off, thinking about it. She turned to her son, who was still smiling. “Then we should get more pastries then.”

“So, yes then?” Lukas asked.

Autumn and Elliot nodded.

“Yes!” Lukas cheered, jumping up and down excitedly. 

Sebastian joins in, rushing in to hug Lukas. “Way to go Luke!” 

Willow clapped lightly at the scene, while Painter sighed in mild relief. “Guess we’re not dead after all. But if we still die, it’s on you Luka.” 

“Oh lighten up, Pip.” Willow lightly nudged Painter, who shoves her a little harder than he should’ve. “It’s Painter, not Pip, not Phillip, not any of it. Just… Painter.”

Willow’s eyes sadden, pulling Painter in to lean on her side. “And you always will be Painter me, no matter what. So…” Willow catches Lukas and Sebastian’s attention, both still interlocked in a cheerful embrace. “What’s part two of your plan?”

Lukas’s grin grew brighter, unraveling the hug and slinging his arm over Sebastian’s shoulder. “I thought you’d never ask.”

꧁…꧂ 

At the manor, Vanessa looked out the window waiting for Lukas to arrive. She knew he’d be arriving today and didn’t see the carriage anywhere. “Maybe he got lost, or maybe his carriage got broken and they're fixing it now.” Vanessa thought to herself, she couldn’t bear the thought of him getting lost, let alone taking longer than promised. What if he never came at all?

She turned to the book she was reading earlier and glanced over the words. No, she wouldn’t think like that, she mustn’t. 

“My prince will come.” She told herself. “My prince will come, he must come. He must.” She turns another page, hoping that with every page flipped wot would be closer to a happy ending, that the happy ending in this story would be the one destined for her too.

As Vanessa thought about Lukas, the air turned cold in her room. Frost started to creep on the windows, the ice covering her finger tips. She took notice of the ice on her fingers and dropped her book in shock.

“Oh no.” Vanessa whispered. “Not now.” She tried to take a deep breath like her father told her when her ice powers activated. “Breathe Vanessa. Breathe.”

She took a deep breath and the ice slowly started to disappear in her fingers. The frost unfortunately lingered, but not that that mattered. All that mattered was that the ice was gone.

Vanessa rubs her hands, slowly feeling the frigid cold wash away. “It’s okay… it’s okay. You’re okay…. You’re…” she sighs to herself, looking down at her fallen book. Contemplating, she picks it up, hugging it as if to comfort herself. “My prince will be here soon.”

꧁…꧂

“Are we there yet? My feet are dead.” Painter asked impatiently, tugging on Willow’s sleeve. They had been traversing though town square for what felt like forever. While Lukas had only traversed through town once,it felt easy to either get lost or discover something previously unknown before getting to where you needed to be. Which left them in their current predicament of finding Vanessa’s family manor.

“I think we’re close.” Sebastian props his arms behind his head, kicking pebbles from under his feet. “How about you Wills? Feel like we’re there yet?”

“I usually walk this path looking for rare flowers, and once we see the roof of the manor is when we’re close.” Willow explained. “Also why couldn’t we ask Lukas to ride with him!?”

“It didn’t seat four kids and two adults, why else?” Sebastian shrugged, feeling the wind pass with a chill. “Ough- chill. Yeah I think we’re close. We should be able to see the carriage right over…” he drifts his hand over the crowds, landing on a familiar carriage in the distance. “Bingo.”

Lukas and his family came out of the carriage. “Mom, next time we travel we need a bigger carriage for my friends and I.”

Autumn looks down at Lukas, briefly glancing over her shoulder. “Well, I’m sure there’s something we can do about it, kiddo. Might take awhile to find someone to build a carriage big enough.”

Lukas pouts, huffing through his nose. “It’s okay, at least we’re here with both dad AND my friends.” He shouts confidently, turning to see his friends. “Oh, heyo!”

“Hi Luka.” Sebastian snickered, waving at Lukas with a sigh of relief. “We made it.”

“Hey guys!” Lukas exclaimed, waving to his friends. “Sorry I made you guys walk.” He rubbed the back of his head and chuckled nervously.

“Nah, it’s fine buddy. We’re used to walking, right?” Sebastian asked, turning to his friends.

Willow looked out of breath, but she was able to hang on, while on the other hand, Painter looked ready to topple over onto the ground itself. “Yep, we’ll be fine.” Willow replied, short of breath and giving a thumbs up.

“Y-Yeah.” Painter replied, still trying to catch his breath.

Lukas’s face fell slightly, looking ahead. “Why don’t we rest for a minute? Then we can make our way to Vanessa’s?”

“But I wanna get there now.” Painter whined, mushing his face into his bandana. “My feet hurt.”

“Maybe you could lean on me or uh- maybe my moms or dad uh… I dunno, maybe?” Lukas offered his hand.

Painter then leaned on Lukas’ side, which almost made him lose his balance. “Thanks Luke.” He groaned.

“No problem, bud.” Lukas replied, patting Painter’s shoulder.

Autumn, seeing how tired her son’s friends were, gave them a concerned smile. “How about we sit down for a bit before we continue.” She suggested.

Sebastian, Painter, and Willow looked up at the woman. “We can sit in the carriage to rest?” Sebastian asked.

“Absolutly.” Autumn assured, gesturing to the carriage.

Painter bats his eyes, staring at Autumn in disbelief. “Wow, uhm… thanks, I guess.” Lukas gave his mother a smile, he knew he could count on her. 

“Well, if we’re stopping to rest a moment, I wouldn’t mind getting to know your friends, Lukas.” Elliott grinned, opening the door of the carriage for them.

Lukas smiled as he let his friends into the carriage as they sat down. They all sighed in relief sitting down in the carriage. “Ah!” They all sighed.

“FINALLY! I feel better!” Painter yelled, relieved he can rest his feet.

“You needed to sit down.” Willow pointed out, her green eyes gesturing to his bare feet which looked dirtier from when they started.

“No duh, my feet were killing me.” Painter whined, nestling into the seat like a cat. “Sebastain, check this out! It’s comfy here.”

Sebastian hums, climbing into the carriage with surprise. “Woah, it is comfy.” He then turns to Lukas, hanging his feet off the seat. “Do you travel like this every day?”

“Only when it’s super far away.” Lukas clarified, sitting on the step leaning inside the carriage. “We usually stroll around home or use the horses at times. Other than that? Carriages are for super far places like Vanessa’s.”

“You can ride horses?” Willow spoke curiously, sitting next to Lukas.

Lukas simply nodded, chuckling to himself. “My favorite horse is named Shadow, he’s beautiful and I’ve known him since he was a foal.” He explained.

“An old friend of mine raised him and gave him to us.” Autumn added, planting her hands on her hips.

“Awww.” Willow and Sebastian gushed.

Curious, Painter decided to ask more about Lukas's home life. “So what does your kingdom have to offer?”

“It’s been ruled by my father before my father for generations. That’s what dad says anyway.” Lukas looks over to Elliott, who chortles at the comment.

“Indeed it has been. Known for artistry, craftsmanship and passion. It’s also known to have some pretty well versed in law, like myself. A kingdom based on fair judgement as some say.” Elliot elaborated further.

“Other than that, we have a lot of horses, open meadows and greenery. I like running around, though I doubt mom would let me run around without shoes.” Lukas snickered, but didn’t get the same laughter from his friends. “Ah… uhm. Sorry.”

“Eh, it’s fine Luka. Some of us just can’t afford shoes.” Sebastian comforted, though it made Lukas’s heart weigh heavy. “Why not?” He finally asked.

“Because the Queen makes it so… and some materials for shoes are kind of hard to find, I think. I dunno.” Painter answered, bunching his knees to his chest. “Willow was able to get shoes, which are pretty much a luxury. I’ve never really had any shoes.”

Hearing this made Lukas feel sad. He hoped to talk to Vanessa and hope she can talk to her parents about giving her friends shoes. Otherwise he’d have to buy Sebastian and Painter shoes the next time he comes and visits them. Now that was a plan he didn’t mind. His friends deserved the best, even if it was something as simple as shoes.

“I-I didn’t know you guys had it rough.” Lukas said, trying to be conscious of his time.

“It’s not too bad,” Willow reassured, waving her hand. “Not a lot of us are too poor.”

Lukas frowned, lightly doubting Willow’s words. As much as he trusted her, he felt like she was covering the worst of it. 

“Well, if you guys ever need anything from us let us know.” Elliot spoke up. “We’ll be glad to help you.”

Sebastian and his friends looked at each other in shock. “Are you sure sir?” He asked, stunned by the offer.

Elliott nods his head, “I believe no child should go without basic needs. Since you’re my son’s friends, it’s the least we can do.”

Sebastian glanced away, fidgeting with his hands. “Wow uh… thanks Mr. Phynix. I’m sure mom and my siblings would appreciate it.” 

Elliot smiled, “you’re welcome.” He replied.

After sitting down for a while, Sebastian and his friends started to feel better. “I think we should be good now to keep going.” Sebastian said.

“Same here.” Willow replied.

Painter’s eyes widened. “I am not walking after such a reprieve, my feet would rather die.” 

“Then I’m carrying you.” Sebastian states, crawling over to Painter who squawks in defiance. “No you are NOT. Ugh! Fine, I’ll walk.” He grumbles, taking his sketchbook and pencil as he exits the carriage. “Let’s go.”

Sebastian, Willow, and Lukas chuckled as they traversed towards the manor.

꧁…꧂

Back at the manor, Vanessa was pacing back and forth waiting for Lukas to show up. “Something happened to him. I’m worried he’s lost, hurt, or worse!” She complained.

One of the maids passing by saw the young princess worried, and gave her a sympathetic smile. “Don’t worry your highness.” She reassured the princess. “I’m sure the prince will be here soon.”

Vanessa gave the maid a passing glance, wanting to believe it to be true, yet knew it was only mandatory for the maids and butlers to ask. Why else would they bother?

A series of knocks rang out from the entrance, and Vanessa knew who it was. Quickly, she ran to the door and opened it. Her eyes widened, sparkling like diamonds seeing Lukas at the door with a box of pastries in his hand.

Lukas chuckled, “sorry we’re late.” He apologized. 

Vanessa shook her head, taking Lukas into her arms with a grin. “I’m just so glad you’re here.” She spoke candidly, pulling back to see Lukas’s mother and others she didn’t quite know. 

“I uhm… I brought some friends with me. And my dad! He was really excited to meet you!” Lukas beamed, opening his arm to his friends. 

Vanessa’s heart dropped as she looked behind Lukas to see his Autumn with a man she didn’t quite recognize, as well as three kids she’d seen in the village from time to time. A boy with dark brown hair, tan skin and blue green eyes, a girl with red hair tied in a braid with green eyes and freckles and a boy with white hair and dark eyes. 

“Oh, so that’s why he’s late.” Vanessa thought to herself, feeling jealous seeing them with Lukas.

“Hello Vanessa.” Elliott spoke up as he walked over to the girl with a bow. “I’m King Elliot, I’ve been friends with your father for the longest time.”

“O-Oh. It’s nice to meet you, your majesty.” Vanessa replied, giving a curtsy. “And yes, my father told me a lot about you. I’m Princess Vanessa.”

Lukas gave his dad a warm smile, waltzing over to the boy with dark brown hair and wrapping an arm around him. “This is my friend Sebastian Solace, and his friends…” Lukas trails off, looking at the other two kids.

“What are your full names? It’s kind of important.” Lukas stage whispered. 

“Willow Florence and Painter Swatch.” Willow supplies, and Lukas snaps his fingers.

“Cool cool- thanks! Uh- so, Vanessa, Sebastian Willow and Painter. Sebastian, Willow, and Painter, Princess Vanessa!”

Vanessa watches the village kids give an awkward attempt at a formal greeting. It was sloppy, but forgivable since her mother was not in their presence.

“Hello, your highness.” Sebastian raised his head, giving a toothy grin. “Lukas spoke a lot about you.”

“Kept talking about you when we met.” Painter added, and Willow lightly jabs his arm. “Ouch! It’s the truth. It was all he really could talk about other than his mom and it being his first time in Subcon.”

Sebastian nervously nods, rubbing the back of his neck as she readjusts his stance. “Yeah, yeah. We uh- weren’t sure if you were allowed to leave the manor or not, even if Lukas brought you out, so… thought we’d come here to ask if you wanted to draw with us.” He explained, taking Vanessa by surprise. Usually those from the village don’t necessarily talk to her, or talk very little to her, but this felt different. 

She could now see the Painter with his sketchbook, materials in hand as smudges stained his long sleeves. Willow looked the most proper out of the three village kids, her clothes clean and standing properly. 

She’d let this slide, just this once, couldn’t she?

“It’s nice to meet you.” Vanessa curtseyed once again, demonstrating the proper greeting. “I’m glad my prince made it safely to my castle.”

The three kids smiled, grateful she wasn’t like her mother.

“Well, if you want me to play with you guys, let me go ask my mother.” Vanessa said.

Sebastian and his friends nodded as Vanessa closed the door and went to look for her mother. She knew her mother would say no, but she hoped her father was there to make her change her mind.

“Why are you in a rush my snowflake?”

Vanessa stopped and turned to see it was her father. “Oh father, I was looking for you and mother. I wanted to ask you something?”

“What is it?” King Samuel asked.

“Lukas is here, but he brought some friends from the village over and they’re asking me to play with them.” Vanessa explained. “If it’s okay, could I join them?”

King Samuel sighed, “you know how your mother feels about you interacting with the village.” He reminded her.

Vanessa frowned, feeling defeat weigh down her shoulders.

“But,” King Samuel spoke, causing Vanessa to look up. “Your mother is busy with important business, so I’ll allow you to go. I’ll just let your mother know Lukas and his family took you out somewhere.”

With a grin, Vanessa nodded. “Thank you father! Thank you!” She then runs the other way, waving farewell to her father. 

“Anytime, and be home before dinner.” King Samuel reminded her.

“I will promise!” Vanessa called back as she left the manor. 

King Samuel smiled seeing his daughter happy. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw his daughter with a smile on her face, but it warmed his heart to see his little snowflake happy.

“They said it was okay!” Vanessa exclaimed.

Sebastian, Willow, and Lukas smiled. Painter however, wasn’t convinced. He heard stories about the queen, and wondered how the queen said yes to Vanessa hanging out with them. Sure the king would’ve been okay with it, but without convincing or arguing with the queen.

“That’s great Ven!” Lukas exclaimed.

Vanessa blushed and gave a smile. “So you said, we’re doing paintings?”

Painter warily nodded. “I usually grab more than one thing of paper… but I just have my sketchbook. The Phynixes were at the bakery earlier. So… my mind’s on drawing treats or uh… cookies, maybe. Dunno. I like painting those sometimes.”

Vanessa looked surprised and turned to Lukas. “You brought cookies?” She asked.

Lukas nodded. “Mom and dad bought a lot of pastries for us today.” He answered.

“And we bought enough for everyone!” Autumn added, cheerfully gesturing to the basket Lukas was carrying.

“Well, I know a good place where we can paint and enjoy those snacks!” Vanessa exclaimed. “I can show you the way.”

Lukas squeals, jittering as he waves to his friends. “Come on guys, let’s go and not get lost!”

Vanessa snorts, he couldn’t help herself. Lukas was endearing in that way. “Alright, follow me guys.” She commanded, taking the lead.

“Don’t get lost kids!” Elliot called out. “Stick together!” Autumn added.

“We will!” Lukas and Sebastian shouted in reply, not looking back as they went further and further away.

Autumn sighs, giving a small smile towards the children. “Our little boy finally has friends.” She spoke softly.

“Yeah,” Elliot adds, holding Autumn’s shoulder. “Let’s just hope they stick together.” 

꧁…꧂

The kids followed the princess past the normal trees, the fireflies and into a hidden part of the woods. 

“I haven’t really been here often- okay maybe not much at all. But sometimes I come here when things are too much.” Vanessa explained, pulling back some of the draping leaves. “We should almost be there. There’s a river that leads to the lake and the old well. Been there before I was alive.”

Lukas watched Vanessa part another batch of leaves, some falling to her feet as it revealed the river. Lukas could see the wind whistle though the trees, the leaves humming as they fell into the ongoing stream. 

Painter wasted no time putting his feet in the water, bashfully kicking it and creating a rainbow. “Now THIS is a hideout.”

Willow holds a fistful of her skirt, placing over to her cousin and sitting in the grass. “Don’t drop your supplies. That’s an active river.”

“I know, I know.” Painter snickered, running over and splashing Willow. “Ha, gotcha Wills!”

Sebastian wheezed, slapping his knee as he rushed over. Lukas snickered, running to follow when his foot snagged on something in the dirt.

Without warning, he had activated something, causing a chain reaction that made him not only drop the basket of treats but get bundled into an unseen trap.

“Ahh!” Lukas screamed, alerting everyone just enough to see him hung upside down. 

Painter chuckled seeing Lukas hung upside down, striding with sly steps as if he knew the situation first hand. “How’s it hanging?” He snickered, poking him with his pencil.

Lukas grumbled, swatting the pencil away. “Help me get outta this stupid thing! You had something to do with it, I know it!!”

“Hhmmm, dunno whatcha talkin bout, little prince.” Painter innocently teased, kicking the rocks at the base of the trap. 

“Painter you get Lukas down right now. I know that’s your trap.” Willow scolds, scooping up the fallen basket. 

Vanessa on the other hand looked torn between shocked and furious, gripping her dress so tightly Lukas could swear he saw her gloves turn blue. “Get. Him. Down.” She demanded.

Sebastain darts his eyes from Vanessa to Painter, grimacing as he notices the ice creeping up her hand. “Kid- Painter uh- I think you should listen.”

“Why? The traps aren’t even-!” Painter gets cut off as the rope snaps, Lukas screams, harshly landing on top of Painter with an oumph. “Ouch…” Lukas whined, holding his head. “What the heck was that trap for?”

Painter grumbled into the earth, not replying until Lukas scooted off of him. “Ough-! Good grief, you’re heavy! I don’t use the trap for anything more than pranks. I actually forgot about this one.”

“Warn us next time why don’t ya!” Lukas exclaimed, brushing dirt off his clothes.

“Lukas!” Vanessa yelled. “Are you okay?” She grabbed him by his shoulders, staring up and down to make sure there wasn’t a scratch.

Lukas slightly flinched when Vanessa touched him, her hands feeling colder than ice despite her gloves. “I-I’m fine.” He answered, patting her hand reassuringly. “Really, I am.”

Vanessa looked down at her hands, seeing the icy aura around her finger tips before quickly letting go. “T-That’s good.” She replied, putting her hands behind her back.

“Well, you’re not acting good.” Sebastian points out, dark green blue eyes glancing down at her hands before back at her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing! Nothing’s wrong. I’m just- nervous.” Vanessa rereassured, but it didn’t seem like Sebastain believed her. “I’m serious. You might want to-!”

“No- you’re just going to have to take it at my word that I’m fine!” Vanessa argued, Painter cautiously taking a step back and hiding behind Lukas as the ground got colder.

“Uhm… Vanessa,” Willow cautiously began, her emerald eyes staring at the ground. “You might want to look down.”

“Why? Didn’t I tell that I’m-!” Vanessa looked down at her feet, being cut off mid sentence by the ice spreading from underneath it. 

The children stare at the ice, some shocked, some bewildered, some scared of what it was or how it got there. But Lukas? He felt more curious than anything. “You have ice magic?” He finally asked, watching Vanessa fluster for an answer before nodding sheepishly. 

“I do… but I’m not proud of it. I don’t want to hurt anyone. It’s unladylike.” Vanessa admits, holding her hands shamefully. 

“Why is that? I heard ice magic is rare.” Lukas mentioned, looking down at her hands.

“That’s the thing.” Vanessa replied. “Ice magic is rare and it hasn’t been documented in years. No one knows how to control it,” She paused looking at her hands before sighing, “not even my parents know how to handle it.”

Lukas frowned and put his hand on Vanessa’s shoulder, causing her to look at him. “If it makes you feel better. I have fire magic, but it's still a work in progress.”

Vanessa took her eyes off her hands, studying Lukas in bewilderment. “You… have fire magic?”

“Well, yeah.” Lukas nods, holding out his hand and conjuring a small flame. It didn’t do much, but it did thaw the ice around Vanessa’s feet. 

She watched as the ice thawed, cautiously stepping out of the icy dent she made in the earth. Then she looked at Lukas, who just gave her a cheerful grin. “Pretty useful, huh?”

Vanessa gave a slight chuckle. “It certainly is.”

“You know,” Painter spoke up, fidgeting with his sketchbook. “Maybe your ice magic won’t be so bad. You can make it winter when it’s summer and we can have an early snow day complete with snowman, snowball fights,” He was then cut off when Willow put her hand on his shoulder.

“Paint, we shouldn’t use magic to mess with mother nature.” Willow pointed out. “Who knows what could happen if Vanessa would use her ice powers.”

“But what if it’s like- stupid hot like how it gets in summer! I hate melting and my feet getting burnt!” He drawled, dragging out the last word so dramatically that Lukas couldn’t tell how serious he was.

Sebastain gives Willow a small glare, holding out his hands to Vanessa and as he darts his eyes back to Willow. It was only then she relented. “Fine, I think that could be a good way to practice ice magic. But that’s it, Painter.”   

Painter smiled and hugged Willow tight. “Thank you so much Wills!”

“On the condition that no one else sees us.” Vanessa added. “My mom would be furious if she saw me using my ice magic.”

“Promise!” Painter exclaimed, metaphorically zipping his mouth with a cheeky grin.

Sebastain gave Painter and Willow a grin, holding out his hand for Vanessa. “We’ll cover for you even if they almost see us. Promise. And trust me, Solaces never break their promises.”

Vanessa shyly glanced at Sebastian, firmly shaking his hand after a moment of tranquillity. Lukas couldn’t help but grin at the fact his friends were actually getting along. It was amazing!

“Thank you guys.” Vanessa gently replied.

“No problem Ven!” Lukas chuckled, scooping up the basket. “That’s what friends do.”

“Yep, Luke’s right.” Sebastian snickered, striding over to Painter and Willow. “You're stuck with us now.” Sebastian pulls Painter into a side hug. “How about we start by getting to know one another? I heard eating sweets and drawing is the best way to learn a lot about each other.”

Lukas gives Vanessa a grin, who reciprocates and blushes hard. “I guess that won’t be so bad, I’d like to know you guys more.” Vanessa said. “I didn’t have any friends, but I’m glad I have you guys.”

The kids cheerfully grin at the princess, Lukas quietly pulling Vanessa to the hearth is the forest floor and pulling out the treats for everyone.

“I’m glad we can be the first, Ven.” Lukas replied, passing treats to his other friends. He had never felt more confident in his life, confident that today’s adventures would blossom into something extraordinary. 

Subcon Forest was always lovely after spring ended. At least, that's what his mother told him. Though he’d never been to Subcon Forest for himself, he could certainly agree with his mother: this place was enchanting. 

It was the beginning of summer, and a young boy, Lukas, was traveling by carriage, alongside his mother. He was in awe with what he saw as they went through Subcon. He looked at the letter in his hand that was signed by Vanessa.

Vanessa was the princess of Subcon Forest, his beloved pen pal. He’d seen little caricatures she’d try to attach to the page of her letters, though he never truly saw her in person. That was until today. Was he nervous? Absolutely. Did seeing the town that Vanessa had described for himself ease his nerves? Indeed it did, it was even better than what he imagined.

The town square was bustling with all kinds of people and shops, it was hard to keep track. There were so many trees, flora and fauna, it was completely different from where he was from! His kingdom had its own charm, but it wasn’t as nice as this, at least in his opinion.

However, anxiety kept him from enjoying it all, zoning out to stare at the letter.

The boy’s mother, Autumn, took notice of her son staring at the letter in his hand. “Are you alright, Lukas?” She asked.

Lukas looked up at his mom. “Yeah.” He replied. “I’m just nervous meeting Vanessa.”

Autumn put her hand on top of her son’s head, slightly petting it. “Hey, no need to be nervous kiddo.” 

Lukas half-laughs, leaning into his mother’s touch. “Mom, I’m not THAT nervous!” He insisted, dropping his big golden eyes with a pout. “I’m more uhm… excited! Yeah! Totally excited to meet my pen pal for the first time ever!” He boasted, desperately attempting to not sound even more nervous.

Autumn chuckled, “well, we’re almost there. Soon you’ll get to meet her, and see what she looks like.” She explained with a smile.

Lukas lets his grimace turn into a genuine smile, scooting closer to embrace his mother. “You’ll be here with me for all of it, won’t you?”

“Of course I will.” Autumn reassured him. “What makes you say that?”

“I dunno… maybe it’s because dad’s not here.” Lukas muttered, saddened eyes gazing at his mother. “I just wanted Vanessa to meet my dad too. Kinda feels like she’s gonna miss out!”

Autumn sighed, “you know how your father’s job is. Being a lawyer isn’t an easy thing.”

“I know.” Lukas replied, still feeling down.

Autumn pursed her lips together, averting her gaze in deep thought. “Well, I guess that means one thing.” She snickered,  leaning over with a mischievous grin. “What?” Lukas knits his brows together in confusion. 

“This!” Autumn moved quickly, surprising her son as she tickled him. “We’ll just come over more often to see your friend and she’ll get to hear all the things you get to do with your dad when he’s not working. How’s that kiddo?” She jests, hearing her son playfully cackle. 

“Mooommmm!” Lukas squeals, giggling as his mother allows him to escape her playful grasp. 

“Feeling better?” She asked, ruffling his hair. 

“Yeah,” Lukas simply nods, looking back to his letter. “I think everything’s gonna be great.”

Autumn smiled and saw they were almost at their stop.

Lukas stares out the window, seeing the manor out in the distance. Perhaps this would be tricker than he thought.

Once the carriage pulled to a stop, Autumn and Lukas got off. “Why don’t we buy pastries and flowers to give to Vanessa and her family?” Autumn asked.

“Sounds great!” Lukas beamed.

The two then walked over to a nearby flower stand, where a young girl and her mother were putting out bouquets of flowers up front. The mother had long red hair tied into a ponytail, had green eyes, wore brown overalls over a green dress, and wore brown shoes. Her daughter also had red hair and green eyes, though her red hair was tied into a braid. She wore a pink apron decorated with flowers over a white dress, and wore a pair of sandals.

The little girl was done helping a customer and waved to them. “Bye, come again! I hope they enjoy the bouquet!!” A little redheaded girl cheerfully bid farewell, waving as the customer before them leaves with a bouquet of colorful roses. She then took notice of Lukas and his mother and smiled seeing another customer. “Oh hi there!”

“Hi!” Lukas exclaimed. He looked through the flowers on display and saw a bouquet of purple and white flowers. “I’ll buy that one!”

The young girl looked at the bouquet and grabbed it. “These are very good! I love these. These purple ones are carnations and these ones are anemones! They take a bit to grow but I love picking them.” The little redhead grinned, excitedly pointing to several others. “These ones are moonflowers, these ones are lilies and these ones are roses and uh- oh uhm- I’m rambling, aren’t I?” She chuckled awkwardly, swaying on her feet.

Lukas chuckled. “No it’s okay.” He reassured the young girl.

“Are you sure?” The girl asked. “I love talking about flowers and plants. Although, I’ve been told I’m annoying.”

Lukas shook his head. “You're not. If you like talking about it. Go for it.”

The girl smiled. “T-Thank you.” She paused, realizing she never introduced herself. “I’m Willow, my mom and I run the flower shop in Subcon.”

“I’m Lukas. I’m visiting here to meet my penpal.” Lukas introduced himself.

Willow’s green eyes beam curiosity, “Pen pal huh? That’s pretty cool. I bet your friend would like that!” She exclaimed, waving her hands cheerfully.

Lukas chuckled. “I hope so.”

“Then uh… maybe you could give your friend some yellow roses. They mean friendship! Or uh- does your friend have a very specific kind of flower they like? or is there no preference? Orange flowers are nice, so are pink… maybe red?” Willow rambled, charting each kind of flower color with her fingers before stopping herself. “I uh- sorry if these questions are too much. If the ones that you’re grabbing are the ones that you think your friend will like, I'm sure your pen pal will love it either way!”

“No, it’s okay.” Lukas looked at the many flowers Willow showed him. “Maybe those red flowers look nice to add.”

Willow eyes flutter in surprise, eagerly adding those to the bouquet. “These ones are so lovely, roses are usually love and passion. But I think there’s another that could work alongside these!” She explained, reaching out and grabbing a couple of light blue and white flowers. “These are moonflowers. They’re some of my favorites to grow, my friend loves helping me pick these when we explore. So… there! All done!” Willow announced, holding the finished bouquet. “I think this is some of my best work. Whaddya think Lukas?”

Lukas’ eyes widened at the sight of the moonflowers. “They look beautiful!” He beamed. “I’ve never seen those flowers where I’m from! I’ll take them.”

“Okay!” Willow chuckles. She picked out the flowers and put them together with the bouquet Lukas picked out. “Where are you and your mom from?” She asked, sparing a glance to Autumn and then back to Lukas.

“We’re from REALLY far away!” Lukas explained, raising his arms out and wide. 

“We’re from the next kingdom over,” Autumn playfully corrected, ruffling her son’s hair. 

“Mooommm! Not in front of my new friend!” Lukas squeals, gently pushing his mother’s hand away.

Willow chuckles, readjusting her grip on the freshly tied bouquet. “That's so cool, Lukas. I’ve never been outside of Subcon Forest. I hope to when I’m older, but it’s just been me and the garden and my family.”

“Maybe one day, you will. I’ll even give you a tour.” Lukas offered with elation.

Willow’s smile grew, nodding excessively. “That would be great!”

Lukas smiled back, feeling good about making a new friend outside of his pen pal. As he watched his mother pay for the flowers, something caught his eye. It came by in a flash, but he saw it. It was a young boy around his age bolting deep into the forest. The kid wore a dark blue shirt, black pants, and seemed to be running with some kind of mask… was that an animal mask?

Curious, Lukas took one glance at his mother. It wouldn't hurt running towards the kid, right? He can come back before she can notice. So with a breath of courage, he follows after the boy. 

꧁…꧂

Lukas continued his pursuit after the peculiar boy, the trees growing in numbers and the town square growing further and further away. Clearly he didn’t think this through… it was supposed to be quick, not an endless maze!

“Okay, how do I find my way back?” Lukas asked himself. He wondered if he should continue wandering the forest until he found a landmark to guide him back to town, or just stay in one place until his mother found him. Lukas sighed as he sat down underneath a nearby tree to think about what to do next.

While lost in his thoughts, Lukas felt something hit him on the head. “Augh, hey!” He cried out, about to scold whatever hit his head until he spotted something odd by his boot. It was a mask, and not just any mask, it was the one that boy wore. 

Lukas bends down, standing as he dusts off the dirt. It was a mask of a grey wolf, the same animal mask he saw the peculiar boy wear.

“What the heck?” He lightly cursed, holding the mask up to the light. “Where did this—!” 

“FOOL!” 

Lukas squeaks, nearly stumbling backwards as a boy swung upside down from the branch. “You blew it! You totally screwed yourself, no one gets away from the almighty wolf and leaves in one piece!” The unmasked boy taunts, his greenish blue eyes full of mischief and delight. 

Lukas couldn’t help but stare in awe, watching as the boy readjust himself on the branch with a cackle. “Hahahahahaha! Man, I totally got you. I knew you weren’t local the second I saw you were missing a mask!” The boy snickered. “Have to admit, it was taking forever for you to notice me near Willow’s shop. Which is a first, but won’t certainly be the last”

“Wait so…” Lukas’s golden eyes darted from the boy to the wolf mask. “You were there the whole time?”

“Well duh, Willow and her mama give everyone in town the best flowers.” The boy readjusts himself, perching himself precariously on the branch. “You’re new to this, aren't ya?” 

Lukas pursed his lips into a thin line, nervously glancing away. “I um… I was just here to see my pen pal, but now I’m lost.”

“That so?” The peculiar boy dropped his smile, and Lukas nodded. The peculiar boy thought for a moment, swinging downwards as his bare feet crunch fallen leaves. “My mama’s house is nearby, I’m sure it’s near where you’re going… maybe.” 

“Really? That’d be great!” Lukas exclaimed. Feeling grateful that the peculiar boy was willing to help.

The peculiar boy gives a playful grin. “Well then,” he snickered. “Follow me, newbie.” He waves, walking backwards and waiting for Lukas to follow. 

Lukas smiled and started to follow the boy. “I haven’t gotten your name? I’m Lukas Phynix, by the way.” He asked.

“My name’s Sebastian Solace.” The peculiar boy, newly dubbed Sebastian, introduced himself as his feet kicked newly fallen leaves as he guided Lukas through the forest. 

“So, how long have you been in Subcon?” Lukas asked again. “I’ve just arrived to visit my penpal.”

Sebastian spun to walk backwards, crossing his hands behind his head. “I’ve been here for a very long time, all my life. I live with my mama and siblings.” He answered Lukas. 

“So you’re living here like Willow and my pen pal?” Lukas added on, and Sebastain nodded. 

“Say, who IS your pen pal? If it was Willow I’m sure she or maybe even Paint would’ve told me.” Sebastian questioned, looking far more curious about the subject than Willow had been.

“Oh!” Lukas exclaimed. “Her name is Vanessa.”

Sebastian froze, as he turned to the boy. “C-Could you repeat that?” He asked.

“Vanessa. Vanessa Frost, she’s from Subcon like you and Willow!” Lukas answered. 

Sebastian’s greenish blue eyes widened, his grin dropping from his face entirely. “Hang on, PRINCESS Vanessa’s your pen pal?! How the heck did you befriend the princess of Subcon?” Sebastian emphasized, waking his arms excessively. “Mama’s only seen the royal family a handful of times!” 

Lukas rubbed the back of his head. “Well, my dad and her dad are close friends, and from my understanding it’s an arranged marriage.” He explained.

Sebastian opens his mouth, then blows his lips thoughtlessly. “Well, for one, I have no idea what the heck that is. I’m not royal. And second…” He glances down at Lukas’s left hand, gesturing to the mask. “Can I have my wolf mask back? My mama made it for me and my siblings, so I’d hate to lose it.” 

Lukas looked to see he was still holding the mask. “Oh, sorry.” He apologized as he handed the mask back to Sebastian.

“It’s fine, I didn’t expect a newbie like you to know Subcon’s mask tradition.” Sebastain pardons, dusting off the mask and making sure no dirt was left on its grey surface. “Kids like wearing it to scare one another or during certain events. My little brother’s not exactly old enough for it, and this used to belong to my sis, sssssoooo it’s ALL mine for now!” He elaborated, briefly putting the mask over his face to emphasize the point. 

“What is the mask tradition?” Lukas asked, curiously about the mask tradition.

“Well I’m so glad you asked. Picture this!” Sebastian runs over to a nearby stump. “It’s a dark and spooky night, and all the kids are allowed to mingle when the spirits are out. Subcon Forest’s pretty haunted, some adults even claim that forest is alive!” Sebastian jumped down, dramatically slipping on his wolf mask. 

“The masks are used not only as a party thingy, like a mask-whatever it’s called, but they’re also used to ward off those same spirits! Because some of them are out to eat you!” He concluded the loose adaptation of the folktale, giggling mischievously. “But I'm not sure how true it really is. My little brother and Painter get pretty scared by it. But I remind them that I’m here.”

Lukas’ eyes widened in amazement, listening to the story. Hearing that Subcon is haunted made his trip here more exciting. “Well, lucky for you Sebastian, I’m a fan of ghosts!” He beamed, pointing at himself. “Nothing can scare me!”

Sebastian whistles nonchalantly, “I’m not too sure about that one. Some of Subcon’s folklore’s pretty horrifying! Like that one swamp I’ve heard that drags people down the depths because of some kinda creature. I dunno.” He shuts, leaning against one of the nearby trees.  “I knew Paint didn’t swim for WEEKS after that, Nico shared the sentiment, though I don’t think Cece meant to scare them that time.”

“Nico and Cece?” Lukas interjected, blinking in confusion. 

“Cece is Celeste’s nickname. My big sister. Nico’s my little brother while Painter’s Willow’s little cousin. We call him “Painter” because he loves to paint. He doesn’t mind it. Some kids have even weirder things they go by.” 

“I don’t think it’s weird.” Lukas replied. “Not only I’m into ghost, but also bugs, snakes, and lizards too. Basically creature people consider gross or don’t want to go near.”

Sebastian snorts, casually tossing and catching his mask. “Well once we get out of here, I can find you a mask. A little welcome to Subcon gift from me.”

“Really?” Lukas’s eyes light up, unable to contain his excitement. “I would LOVE that! Thank you Sebastian!” 

Sebastian suddenly stops, his feet crunching more fallen leaves. He blows some of his hair out of his face, pointing to a path in the distance. “Subcon has a lot of trails and it’s easy to get lost. So, I like to make the great tree a landmark.” He explained, pointing to the gigantic tree in the heart of the forest. “My house is close enough in town so if your mom’s looking for you, she’ll find you. Painter and Nico have done it more than once. And if you still get lost, I’ll be here.”

“Thank you.” Lukas thanked, smiling at his new friend.

“Anytime Luke.” Sebastian replied, but paused realizing he gave his friend a nickname. “Uh, I can call you Luke, right?”

Lukas hummed, shaking his head. “Nah, I don’t mind. I like it! I’ve never really had a nickname before. I’ve been called “Luka” by my dad before, but not much other than that.”

Sebastian’s eyes trail away, fidgeting with his mask. “Sebastian? Are you okay?” Lukas reached out, planting his hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. 

“My dad left.” He finally huffs, tucking his mask under his arm. 

“Oh…” Lukas withdraws his hand, unsure of what to say. 

“It’s okay, Luke. It was a long time ago, don’t worry about it.” Sebastian reassured, patting Lukas’s back. “We’re back in town. I think Painter’s with my mama…” Sebastian trails off, staring at Lukas, then glancing at the house in the distance. “Wanna say hi?”

“Sure.” Lukas hummed, dragging out the word.

Sebastian grins, taking Lukas’s hand as he leads him into the groove of homes. It was near the town square, just like Sebastian said. The house Sebastian was leading him to was cozy, the front having flowers Lukas recognized from Willow’s shop. They slowly went up the steps, a hand-carved  “home sweet home” hanging on the doorframe. 

Sebastian’s hand went to the door and knocked. “Mom! I’m home!” He called out. “I also brought a friend!”

Lukas listened as footsteps creaked from the other side, opening to an older woman on the other side. She was taller than both of them, but Lukas had a feeling the woman would be much shorter than his own mother. 

The woman’s eyes were a deep and welcoming green, her darkened hair tied into a bun and decorated by a couple flowers. “Oh goodness me, hello.” She greeted them warmly. “I wasn’t expecting visitors besides Willow’s little cousin.”

“Mom, this is Lukas, and he’s visiting Subcon!” Sebastian exclaimed, introducing his new friend to his mom.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Solace.” Lukas said, holding his hand out for the older woman to shake. 

Mrs. Solace gently shakes Lukas’s hand, smiling tenderly at Lukas. “My, my, it’s good to see that folks from outside of Subcon still visit.” She chuckled, patting Lukas’s hand. “I’m Isa, I hope the ride wasn’t too bumpy for you. Most complain about that old road down by that bridge.” 

Lukas slips his hand away, tossing his head. “Not at all Mrs. Solace. I think someone said they fixed some of the bridge when we came over. I forget…” 

Isa chortles, gracefully stepping outside. “In any case, I should be asking why you’re by your lonesome, hijo.” 

Sebastian awkwardly squawks, shuffling to the left. “Uhm… he got separated from his mama in the town square.”

“Were you running with your mask trying to act scary, mi hijo?” Isa questions, and Sebastian’s posture visibly deflates. 

“Yes mama…”

Isa nods, sighing as she pats Sebastian’s head. “It’s quite alright. His mother will be able to find him here. I’m sure. Now…” Isa looks behind her, opening the door wider. “Painter, cariño, can you come outside with your paintings? Sebastian’s brought over a new friend.”

“Coming!” A voice, Painter, called out. Lukas watched as a little boy ran out with a sketchbook under his arm,his clothes a tad too big and his bare feet tapping against the wooden floors. His umber eyes scanned Lukas curiously, blowing some of his darkened locks with a childish wonder. “Oooooohhh, a new visitor. We don’t get those often anymore, especially not recently. Last time that happened was like a super long time ago.” 

“Uh…hi there.” Lukas said waving to the boy. “I’m Lukas Phynix, you must be Painter I’m guessing?”

Painter nodded. “Indeed I am. I hope Sebastian wasn’t too much trouble.” He said, ruffling Sebastian’s hair, messing it up. Sebastian squawks, gently pushing Painter away. “Hey! I’ve told Celeste not to do that. Why you doing it too?”

“Because you’re my friend and I like doing it, dummy.” Painter pokes at Sebastian with his sketchbook. “And I just so happen to have new paint and pencils. You’re lucky I like doing this for you when Willow’s out in the flower bushes.”

“Well at least I’m not a thorn in my side, unlike someone.” Sebastian jests, watching as Painter dramatically gasped. “No fair, you’re not the only one who can make flower puns! I like making puns!”

Sebastain snickered, patting Painter on the head. “Dang, don’t be a wallflower. I’m always so fern when you make puns blossom. Seriously, no one else can daffo-deal with your puns like me.” He dramatized, leaning over to emphasize the drama. 

Painter blows his hair out of his face, pouting with a bombastic glare. “Y’know, I was hoping that joke would take more root, that way I could rip it by the roots when it’s being annoying.” Painter smugly retorts, pushing Sebastian’s hand away with a confident smirk. “Admit it, we’re mint to be friends.”

Lukas doubles over, unable to contain his laughter any further as he cackles. “AHHHHAHAHAHAHHAHHA!” He continued laughing, unable to stop himself. He didn’t miss how Sebastian and Painter flinched from his laugh, causing him to stop. “Oh uhm- ahaha, sorry. Most people are frightened by my laugh. My dad says it’s uh… ungentlemanly.” 

Painter, Sebastian, and Isa looked at one another before they smiled. “I don’t think nothing is wrong with your laugh.” Isa reassured him, putting her hand on his shoulder.

“Yeah, it’s not as bad as Seb’s laughter!” Painter pointed out. Sebastian glared at his friend, who gave a nervous chuckle. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Sebastian replied, rolling his eyes. “Luke’s laugh beats mine any day.”

Lukas gives Sebastian a genuine smile, sitting down on the porch. “Do uh- you wanna hear about where I’m from? We can probably draw as we talk since Painter has the art supplies!”

Painter’s umber eyes light up, eagerly pulling up his baggy sleeves to reveal bandaged hands as he readjusted his grip on his sketchbook. “Would I? I’d love to! My favorite things to paint are landscapes!” He exclaimed with a toothy grin. “ I can even point out landscapes I like drawing while we wait for your mum, Lukas.”

Sebastian nonchalantly shrugs, blowing some hair out of his face. “Considering I saw Luke by Willow’s flower shop, I bet she’s being led to our place sometime soon.” 

“Great!” Lukas exclaimed.

Painter smiled. “Let me grab my art supplies.” He went back upstairs as he grabbed paint, canvases, paper, crayons, and many other art supplies. Once Painter grabbed what he needed, the boys headed outside to do some art.

Lukas listened curiously as Painter drew, Sebastian being just as into it as he was. “The spots my cousin usually finds are pretty great references.” He spoke chiperly, holding his pencil to the sky. “What’s it like where you’re from?” Sebastian asked curiously. 

Lukas put his pencil down, humming. “It’s very green, a lot greener than here. Some spots are very sandy, but not everywhere is. I personally love seeing the animals. They’re silly.”

“Like what?” Painter asked, casually, switching from his pencil to his paintbrush. “Sebastian comes home with bugs sometimes. Nico screamed his head off the last time he had a snake.”

“Hey! A spider and a snake or two different things. At least Cece put the snake back where it was supposed to be. But Cece also freaked out for no reason because of a tiny little ladybug!” Sebastian sulks pressing his face into his hand. “But then she goes to pet the bush cats and claim ladybugs and other insects are the scary things. Well clearly she’s never had a bush cat nearly bite her.”

“You like spiders and snakes too?” Lukas asked.

“Like them? I love them!” Sebastian corrected.

“Me too!” Lukas giddily exclaimed, finally, someone who got it!

Painter gently sighed, leaning on his paintbrush, “oh boy, we got another one.”

“If another one means someone who gets it, then heck yeah!” Sebastian proclaimed, watching Painter poorly hide his smirk. “You’re still weird Seb. But eh, I’m used to it.”

Lukas and Sebastian share a laugh as they continue to work on their drawings. Besides being able to visit his penpal, today was shaping up to be one of the best days since forever. 

“Lukas!” Autumn shouted, Painter and Sebastian turning from the art to the source.

Lukas looked up to see his mom and Willow running by. Autumn looked scared, but it quickly turned to relief seeing her son was safe.

“Mom!” Lukas yelled, as he got up and ran to her. The two hugged each other tightly.

“Don’t ever run away like that again Lukas Nethanial Phynix!” Autumn scolded.

Lukas looks away, feeling a little embarrassed for running off. “He wasn’t too much trouble, not at all.” Isa spoke up, placing her hand on Lukas’s shoulder. “You have a lovely son.”

Autumn sighed, calming down. “Sorry. Lukas is known for going off somewhere and exploring.” She explained. “It’s our first day here and I don’t want anything bad happening to him.”

“I’m sorry too mom.” Lukas replied with a sigh. “I was spending time with Sebastian. I saw him run into the forest and followed him, and we started talking.”

“If anything Mrs. Phynix it’s my fault. Sorry.” Sebastian spoke up. Lukas was honestly surprised to see someone do that for him, even Painter looked taken aback.

Autumn’s blue eyes meet Sebastian’s greenish blue ones, her eyes softening. “It’s… it’s quite alright. Sebastian was it?” Sebastian firmly nods. “Yes Mrs. Phynix.”

Autumn slowly reached out, gently putting a hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. “Thank you for looking after Lukas, I hope he wasn’t too much of a handful.”

“He really wasn’t.” Painter spoke up, holding his drawing. “Luke talked a lot about you and where you guys come from. I think it's pretty cool.”

“Not only that, Sebastian and I love the same things: Snakes, bugs, art, and ghosts!” Lukas exclaimed.

Autumn chuckled. “Well, that’s nice you found yourself a friend here.”

Lukas nodded. “He’s an amazing friend!”

Sebastian blinked and gave a small smile. Other than Willow, Painter and his family, he didn’t have many friends in Subcon. Most of the kids thought of him as weird or he’d scare them off with his mask in the forest. It was nice to hear from a kid, who lived far away from Subcon, who had the same interests as him.

“Thanks Luka.” Sebastian grinned, squeezing Lukas into a bone crushing hug. “We’re gonna be best friends forever!”

Lukas lets out a squeak, but hugs back as best he could. “Y-yep. Best friends forever. Could you… let go? You’re crushing me.” 

“Ah heck— sorry!” Sebastian let’s go, watching as Lukas caught his breath. “You okay?” He asked, patting Lukas’s shoulder. 

“I think you broke him Seb.” Painter deadpanned, pushing up his sleeves further. 

“Did not! He’s just catching his breath.” Sebastian protested, tugging Lukas upward. “See, Painter? He’s okay.”

Lukas raised a hand, slapping it onto Sebastian’s shoulder. “Gonna get you back for that one, mark my words.” He playfully chided. 

Sebastian chuckled, rubbing his arm. “We’ll see about that.” He replied with a playful smirk.

Lukas smirked back, but the two boys started laughing. “Come on Lukas, we don’t want to keep Vanessa waiting!” Autumn called out.

“Right! Lukas exclaimed, forgetting about seeing his pen pal. He was having so much fun with Sebastian he completely forgot. “Bye Sebastian! See you tomorrow! I guess?”

“Yeah!” Sebastian waves, slowly walking backwards to where Painter was standing. “See you tomorrow!”

Lukas watched Sebastian adorn his wolf mask, Willow wandering alongside them. Isa waves farewell as they walk away, entering her house with a serene contentment. They were a strange bunch, but they were the kind of group that Lukas would’ve never expected to find outside of his kingdom. If the people in Vanessa’s kingdom were like this, then Vanessa must be like this too. It was something he couldn’t wait to find out.

꧁…꧂

Once leaving the woods, Lukas and his mother were on their way towards Vanessa’s home. Autumn thankfully still had the flowers Willow had picked out for them, but now Lukas was more nervous as they entered the carriage. As the carriage moved along, Lukas couldn’t help but eagerly look out the window. He excitedly grinned at every shop and every person they passed. “Are we almost there, mom?” He asked, jumping back onto his seat.

“Yep, we’ll be there in just a minute.” Autumn replied. Lukas chuckled nervously, but felt that nervousness entangled in excitement. There were so many people, so many curiosities that Lukas wanted to see them all. As they went along further, they finally saw a mansion on the hill, isolated and separated from everywhere else’s, guards at the front gates in regal uniforms. 

The second Lukas saw it, Lukas knew where this was, Vanessa’s family manor. His eyes widened from how big it was, the scale was incredible. “Wow.” He whispered in amazement. “It’s bigger than our place!”

The carriage pulled to a stop, and one of the guards went to the carriage door and opened it. Autumn and Lukas stepped out of the carriage and walked to the door. The front door swung open as a green blur came running towards Lukas and tackling him into a tight embrace.

“Lukas! I’m so excited to meet you!!” A young girl beamed, her voice warm and inviting.

The girl had long golden locks tied into a ponytail, a blue bow with glitter radiating from the sunlight. She adorned a jade green summer dress, a small pair of satin mint green gloves, and green dress shoes. By the time the girl released her embrace, Lukas could see her crystal blue eyes. It was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

It was Vanessa, his pen pal Vanessa in his arms, welcoming him into her home with the most gentle of embraces he’d ever felt.

“Uhm hi…” Lukas said.