Unicorn Horns And Dragon Tails

Roman woke up to someone singing.

He groggily got up and saw Quixote sitting in a chair next to his bed singing softly to himself as he read a book. He started to panic, ‘Quixote? Why was he in this bed? Where was- Oh.’ The events of yesterday replayed in his mind and a pit started to form in his chest. ‘How the Hell was he supposed to get out of here? Could he even get out?’

Quixote stopped his singing as he noticed Roman, “Why Hello Your Highness, did you have a good night’s rest?”

Roman stayed silent and Quixote frowned, “Roman, I asked a question. Don’t pretend like you can’t hear me.”

“It was fine,” Roman replied not wanting to feel Quixote’s wrath. When Quixote slapped him it was like someone had set him on fire. Like someone was striking him with lighting and every imperfection was being made known to him.

Quixote smiled satisfied with Roman’s answer, “Well now that you’re awake it’s time to get you into your new outfit!”

Roman raised an eyebrow, “Outfit?”

“Your outfit for breakfast,” Quixote said as he walked over to Roman’s closet and opened it, “You’re having breakfast with the King today so I want you to look your best! First impressions go a long way y’know.”

Roman looked out of the window. ‘Perhaps he could climb down the castle? But what about Remus-’

“I sure hope you’re not thinking about leaving, Dearest,” Quixote said sharply as he laid out Roman’s outfit for him. “It would be very rude to the King. He’s been waiting for your arrival for a long time y’know.”

Roman looked back at him and gave him a fake smile, “No not all! Just wanted to admire my kingdom that’s all!”

Quixote rolled his eyes, “Don’t lie to me Roman, you’re not a snake. Besides it’s not your kingdom, at least not right now. Now stop wasting time and put on your clothes, you’re going to be late.”

______________________________________________________________________________

“I feel like a peacock,” Roman said as he fiddled with his circlet, “And not in the good way.”

“Oh don’t be like that, Roman, it’s merely a part of being royalty,” Quixote rebuked.

The dress was nice enough. It reminded Roman of Merida’s princess dress but with a more full skirt and sleeves. The gold detailing was nice all, but the circlet was where he had problems. After the split the twins vowed to never wear crowns. They didn’t want to be reminded of who they once were. And while the circlet wasn’t exactly a crown it still felt too much, even for Roman.

They reached the dining room and Quixote held of Roman’s hands, “I expect to make a good first impression on your own.”

“You’re not going to be here?” Roman asked.

Quixote sighed, “Unfortunately not. I have some business to carry out, and while I do think you definitely need my guidance I can’t push off what I need to do any longer. So like I said. Make a good first impression, or, good enough for you anyway.”

“Quixote? Is Roman ready? He’s welcome to come in” Roman heard a voice say.

Quixote whispered softly, “Do your best.” And he opened the doors and left.

Roman looked around the dining area. It was definitely extravagant to say the least. Nearly everything was made out of marble and all of the flowers, curtains, and everything was red. It had definitely changed from when he last here, but it was comforting to see something slightly familiar.

Roman then looked at the head of the table and he saw who it was presumably. Again he was almost an exact replica of Roman, save for some differences. His outfit was completely different. He wore a long black coat with gold detailing and a silver cape. His hair was fixed in a neat ponytail and was jet black, but the main attraction was his crown. It seemed to be made completely out of gold and silver details. Roman wondered how he managed to keep it on his head with how heavy it looked. There was also a scepter and an orb on the table. The scepter and orb were made of gold and red and green gemstones decorated them. ‘Odd,’ Roman thought to himself, ‘Wonder what they’re used for?’

The King gestured to the end of the table, “Please sit. I've been waiting to speak with you.”

Roman shakily sat down in his chair and a plate of french toast appeared in front of him. Roman smiled as he noticed the raspberries making a smile in the corner. ‘Pat’s speciality,’ He thought.

“I see you’ve missed the others,” Roman’s head snapped up and the King put both of his hands in front of him. “Do not be so on edge Roman. I’m not here to hurt you.”

Roman glared at him, “Why do I have trouble believing that, your royal douche?”

King smiled sadly, “It’s King Hades, but you can call me Hades. And to answer your question it’s because I care about you.”

Roman covered his mouth trying not to let out a laugh. Hades, “Yes, yes I get it. The methods I used to get you here weren't exactly the most noble but I did what I had to do Roman.”

Roman stopped his laughter, a chill going down his spine, “You brought me here? Why?”

Hades folded his hands on the table, “We have some things to discuss Prince Roman.”

______________________________________________________________

“ROMAN I SWEAR YOU BETTER COME DOWN HERE AND GET ME BEFORE I KICK YOUR ASS!” Remus yelled as he banged on the cell door.

Remus was pissed off. One second that Quixote guy was talking about some stupid nonsene and next he’s knocked out. To make it worse he could see his morningstar near the entrance of the dungeons, mocking him. He huffed, this was so shitty! Remus hated not being in control of situations so being locked in a cell with no one to annoy and nothing to do was his own personal Hell.

“I would be appreciative if you would stop that racket. Our dear Prince doesn’t need to hear your shrieking. You’ve already influenced him too much,” Quixote said as he walked in the dungeons.

Remus smiled wickedly, “Well well well, if it isn’t Prince Pompous Pig Shit. Thought you didn’t want to be around people like me? Aww, am I starting to grow on you?”

Quixote sneered, “Would you stop with such vulgar language? The other sides would like you more if you weren’t such a pest.”

Remus blinked at him, “Are being serious right now? You’re actually trying that ‘use my insecurities’ tactics against me?” Remus laughed, “Newsflash buddy! I don’t give a single flying fuck about what those honey nut lame-o-s think of me! You can’t manipulate me like you can with Roman, shitbag. So let me out so we can get out of each other's way and never bother each other again, capiche?”

Quixote took a deep breath, “You shouldn’t be so crude. I was only trying to give you some advice, but I guess I’ll be on my way. Such a shame no will be in your company.”

Remus stood still for a moment before his smile grew bigger, “Aww, you have to go so soon?”

Quixote, “No, but I’m using Logan’s advice. You’re merely a nuisance. As long as no one is around you to give you attention you’re harmless.”

Remus glared at him, “I’m bash your head in and use your brain to make a smoothie.”

Quixote laughed, “That would be threatening if one, you could actually conjure anything,” He pointed to the morningstar, “And two, if you had your little toy. But you don’t so I feel no fear. Buh bye!”

Remus watched as Quixote left him completely alone.

Remus grabbed his hair and tore some of it out. How the did Hell was he supposed to get out? His powers weren’t working at all and he had no way to contact Roman. He crumpled to the ground.

‘The moon seems different tonight.’ Roman thought to himself, ‘Must be one of the wonderland-esque changes the imagination is going through.’

The twins had walked for a couple of more hours after defeating the pool monster as Roman dubbed it before deciding to stop for the night. Roman wanted to object but Remus had insisted that he probably needed time to process what had happened. 

Truth be told Roman didn’t want to deal with what happened at all and he didn’t want Remus to have to deal with it either. Remus’s speech helped him realize he did have a place among the others, but it didn’t answer his biggest question. Roman pouted, why did this have to be so complicated?

“Woah,” Remus chuckled, “Something must be on your mind judging by the face you’re making. Care to share all the juicy details?”

“What did Virgil say about saying juicy like that,” Roman scolded but then sighed, “But yeah. There has been a certain question on my mind.”

Remus propped his head on his hands, “Well why don’t you share with the class?”

Roman took a deep breath, “Do I need to be a hero?”

At first Remus laughed, but then he noticed Roman wasn’t joking, “Are you serious Roman? Please tell you aren’t going to go on to one of your dramatic self-deprecating monologues again. I can only use Janus’s superb speech making skills so rarely. I’m not good at sappy nonsense.”

Roman shook his head, “Not quite.” He took his katana out of its sheath and looked at it almost in disgust, “All my life I’ve convinced myself that I have to be picture-perfect in order to my jobs to the fullest and be the best I can be. Whenever I notice I haven’t been positively perfect I raise the bar higher for myself and tell myself that reaching that bar will make me perfect.”

“Does it work?” Remus asked.

Roman let out a sad chuckle and dropped the katana, “If it did we wouldn’t be here right now. But anyways, I had this realization. It was when you showed and introduced yourself to Thomas. When you were there everyone was...disturbed by you to say the least, but when I came back they didn’t react that way at all. They didn’t treat me like I could become like you at any second. I wasn’t a ticking time bomb, but that’s what I feel like I am! Like if I’m not perfect I’ll explode and become some terrible monster!”

Roman stood up and moved his hands around a bit before he let them fall to his side, “But now I’m wondering if that’s true or not.”

Remus quirked an eyebrow, “Roman we’ve over this. We cannot become each other. We’re two separate sides, remember?”

Roman clasped his hands together, “All the other sides have made mistakes in some shape or form and they’re still loved despite those mistakes. Even though they have flaws they’re still valued as important parts of Thomas' mind, but for the longest time I thought the rules were different for me. I’m based on the idea of a perfect and kind of old-fashioned prince. The perfect hero, never mean or cruel and always looking his best in wardrobe and in conversation. But what if this idea that I’m the “Classic Perfect Disney Prince” isn’t benefiting me?”

“I hold myself to these standards that keep growing and growing every single day but I know deep down I can never reach them! What if I stop holding myself back? What if I stop being the perfect hero but just be...myself?” Roman finished and he  looked to Remus for any comments.

Remus stood there shocked, “You. Roman “Princey” Creativity Sanders not being the hero anymore?” Remus walked over to Roman and gripped him by the shoulders, “Roman I’m the bad guy and you’re the hero. That’s how it’s supposed to be forever. No questions about it.”

“Did you miss the entire point of that speech?” Roman questioned angrily.

Remus’s eyes darkened, “Listen Roman. It’s the part you have to play for the sake of Thomas, so whether you like it or not-”

Roman pushed Remus off of him, “It’s not that! What I’m trying to say is that I can be the hero but be flawed! Because right now trying to be the perfect hero doesn’t benefit Thomas in any way! My black and white old-fashioned morals are holding back more serious questions from being asked and addressed properly! For example, why is Janus automatically the villain to me? Is it because those who work for themselves are usually depicted as being the villains or needing to change? It’s either I stop holding myself to these impossible standards or I duck out!” 

Roman’s eyes glowed red again and Remus was pushed back several feet.

“Remus!” As Roman began to run over to check on him he heard a familiar voice.

“Can’t say I expected that.” 

Roman quickly turned around, hand at the handle of his katana, only to be faced with...Quixote? ‘What was he doing here?’ He thought to himself. 

The man in front was almost an exact replica of him save from some noticeable differences. Instead of the usual white Quixote wore a light pastel pink. His sash and eyes were a baby blue and his boots and little accessories on his uniform were a golden pearl color. To finish off the ensemble he wore a gold floor length cape that slightly shimmered in the moonlight.

Quixote then proceeded to bow, “Sorry your royal highness, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He stood straight, “I couldn’t help but notice the goings on between you and him,” His eyes darkened for a moment at the mention of Remus.” I thought I could be of some service in helping you two calm down by perhaps taking you two for a short walk.”

Roman smiled “I appreciate the offer, Quixote, but no thanks. This is a conversation between the two of us alone,” Roman rejected.

“Yeah!” Remus shouted dirt covering the part of his outfit he fell on, “We don’t need you listening! If you haven’t noticed, pink punk. So scram. Who even are you?”

Quixote glared at Remus before grabbing Roman by one of his shoulders, “Your Royal Highness, not to be rude but why is he here?” He sneered, “He’s not exactly the most noble royal here. We should be heading off. Ooh, maybe we could have a parade and your people could see you up close! That would make their day I’m sure!” He turned to Remus, “And to answer your question I am Quixote. Roman’s royal advisor of sorts. I sometimes venture with him on quests and such but I mostly provide guidance and advice.”

Remus rolled his eyes, “Seriously, Roman. You created a knock-off Patton? That’s kinda sad, honestly.”

Roman relaxed under Quixote’s touch;ignoring Remus’s comment. It felt comforting to be in the presence of a friendly face. So what if Roman had basically created a father figure for whenever he felt like he could never be good enough for Patton? It wasn’t a big deal. Plus that parade idea didn’t sound too bad, but alas he had a mission to continue.

Roman shrugged Quixote’s hand off of him, “Remus is helping on a mission right now. We need to venture to the castle together, there's some business we need to handle.”

“The castle? Well why didn’t you say so?” Quixote snapped his fingers and a familiar feeling of teleportation washed over Roman and Remus.

The world around them seemed to spin but the three of them stayed in place. Before they knew it they were in the dungeons of the castle. The sound of water steadily dripping in the air and the faintest stench of blood. 

Roman stumbled a bit not prepared for the sudden change of scenery and Remus shakily stood up. Both of the twins' blood ran cold, it was impossible for Quixote to be able to do this? As far as they knew they were the only ones that could teleport on whim in the imagination so how did Quixote do that?

Remus ran over and gripped Quixote harshly by the coat, “How in the Hell did you do that?”

Quixote rolled his eyes at Remus, “Isn’t it obvious?”

Roman drew his sword, “You’re trying to be one of the challenges, just like the pond, aren’t you?”

Quixote smiled sweetly at Roman, “Challenges isn’t the right word, dearest. I only decided to take this opportunity to merely...push you in the right direction.”

Remus’s face reddened with anger, “Oh no no no, we are not doing this again!” He went to grab his morningstar but Quixote beat him to it. He smashed Remus over the head with it and Remus fell to the floor. The sound of his body hitting the stone made a sickening crack and Roman couldn’t tell if it was Remus or the stone beneath him.

Roman stared at Quixote, dumbstruck, “What the Hell did you just do?”

Quixote looked at Roman judgmentally and used Roman’s shock to swat the sword out of Roman’s hand, “Don’t use that type of language Roman. Royals don’t use such speech. You wouldn’t want to be like Remus, right? First the outburst and now this?” 

Roman looked at the sword Quixote so easily unequipped from him and turned back to him angrily, “What is going on with you? You’ve never acted like this before.”

“What’s going on with me?” Quixote laughed playfully but it soon turned menacing, “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Remus earlier. Do you really think that's a good idea? All your life you’ve worked to be the perfect prince! Sure there were few obstacles regarding a certain snake but that doesn’t mean we have to take such drastic measures! The whole thing is a minor setback!” Quixote held Roman’s hands, “You’re everyone’s hero, Roman! You’re my hero as well. Now prove it.”

Roman jerked his hands away from him and glared at the man, “I’ll still be a hero. I’ll just be a flawed one and that’s okay!”

Quixote slapped Roman to the ground, “NO YOU WILL NOT!” He took a deep breath and spoke in a calmer tone, “You have to be perfect, Roman. It’s not a choice  but a requirement. What will the other sides think about such a sudden change like that. You can’t just become some stupid slob who doesn’t care what he does! It’ll be improper; why don’t you see that?”

Quixote stopped his rant as he noticed Roman gingerly hold the side of his face where he had been slapped. Quixote signed and knelt down next to him, “I’m sorry my dear prince but I cannot allow this to happen. The King tried to send out the reflection to stop you, but I guess we’ll have to take more drastic measures.”

Roman was gazing aimlessly. ‘You should’ve learned by now,’ He thought, ‘Even when you’re seemingly in control you can still be manipulated. Shame it had to happen in your own realm, though.’

“The King?” Roman asked, barely above a whisper.

Quixote carefully gathered Roman in his arms, “You’ll see soon enough my dearie. Now let’s take you to your room so you can be away from your vile brother.” Simultaneously an invisible force pushed Remus into one of the dungeon cells and locked him in.

Quixote smiled at the prince in his arms, “Now I know right now you’re a bit confused about what it means to be a prince, but the King and I are here to help you, sweet prince~. It might seem scary at first but we’ll help you figure yourself out. Just remember what a certain side once said,” Quixote’s smile brightened as he started to sing.

“There are several sides to us that may seem abstract at first

Until we discover where everything fits and

People can seem like a half-missing puzzle set;

As we find the pieces

Things make more and more sense!”

Breakfast this morning was different to say the least.

Patton had to make breakfast all on his own since Roman was gone and they could all taste the difference. Breakfast was good and all, but it lacked it’s familiar pizzazz. Usually breakfast would give Virgil, Logan, and Patton the energy to go through the day and put a little more prep in their step. Now it just seemed like a menial task. Wake up, go downstairs, eat breakfast, and leave.

“Do you think Roman is ever gonna come back?” Virgil asked timidly, “We can’t reach him so what if he decided he's better off staying in the imagination? What if he decided he's better off without us.”

Patton frowned, “Kiddo, Roman would never do that. He knows that we lov-” Patton stopped himself. Did Roman really know that they loved him? He saw how Roman reacted to both him and Janus saying that to him. Had he failed Roman that much? That he couldn’t even trust him to do the most effortless task of loving him?

“Roman would never do that,” Virgil mocked, “Well he just kinda did popstar. He just did a more dramatic version of ducking out and it doesn’t look like he’s coming back!”

Logan dropped his fork, “Actually Virgil, Roman hasn’t ducked out. At least not completely. Thomas is still working on new content albeit with some struggle and he hasn’t lost most of his motivation. Roman’s not currently here physically, but his essence so to say still remains. If Roman decides to duck out we’ll know immediately because of any significant and negative changes in Thomas’s behavior.”

Patton stared at him blankly, “Significant changes? Logan you said it yourself. Thomas has been struggling with projects and being motivated. Wouldn’t that count as a significant change?”

“Yes and no. When Virgil ducked out Thomas wasn’t able to feel anything relating to anxiety and he was unable to summon Virgil. We don’t know if Thomas can still summon Roman at this point but it’s highly unlikely that he even if he could Roman would come. Secondly, Thomas still is feeling the effects of creativity. There is no absence of creative drive; it's just muted in a sense.”

“Well then what are we supposed to do? Thomas can’t live like this forever,” Virgil said nervously picking at his pancakes with his fork.

Logan sighed, “Well like you said yesterday. We’ll just have to play the waiting game. While I do believe Roman will come back, especially with Remus’s presence in the imagination, I can’t guess when he'll come back. We only have limited information.”

Virgil’s didn't seem satisfied but he didn't openly argue. Then he realized something, "So...that mirror?"

Logan scrunched his face. Patton looked back and forth between them, “Um kiddos what mirror?”

Logan waved him off, “It’s nothing we should be concerned about.”

“Are you sure?” Patton asked sensing the obvious lie.

Logan nodded regaining his composure, “I’m sure of it Patton.”

“Well if you say so,” Patton didn’t believe him. It wasn’t that hard to tell when Logan didn’t want to confront his emotions, but he decided not to press. Based on recent events his input wasn’t exactly the most helpful. “Well I’m going to check on Janus. You guys sure there’s nothing going on?”

Logan nodded solemnly, clearly not in the mood to talk anymore. Virgil glared at him but didn't say whatever was on his mind.

Patton shifted uncomfortably, “Okay then. I’ll see you later.” And with that he sunk out.

________________________________________________________________

Janus’s room was really extra; he must have gotten some inspiration from Roman. The room had a strong black and gold motif and it looked like a combination of a really rich person’s bedroom and a therapist's office. Patton quickly spotted Janus sitting on an ottoman in front of his bed with his head down.

“Hey Janus! How ya doing?” Patton asked with a little too much vigor.

Janus whipped his head up clearly not expecting a visitor. His shoulders were hunched and it looked like he was...crying?

Janus wiped the tears from his eyes, “I’m absolutely fine Patton. Totally not freaking out or anything.”

Patton frowned with worry. It looked like everyone in the mindscape was in some sort of distress. He walked over to where Janus was and sat on the ottoman.

“I’m guessing you’re asking if I have any answers to the 'Roman is gone' problem? Because I don’t have any” Janus said in a defeated tone.

Patton smiled sadly, “No kiddo. I’m here to ask if you’re alright. You didn’t show up to breakfast and judging by your expression I was right to come.”

Janus laughed humorlessly, “It’s pathetic right? I try to do something good for Thomas and end up causing trouble.” He frowned again, “What was I thinking saying that Roman? I should have been smarter. I know he has self-esteem issues and all that.”

Patton put a hand on his shoulder, “This isn’t your fault. In the end it was Roman’s decision to leave for a little bit. You both were angry and weren’t thinking straight, besides, I think there’s a lot more going on with him,” Patton paused, “What were saying about self-esteem issues.”

Janus signed, “You know I can tell when sides lie to others? Patton nodded. "Well I can also tell when they lie to themselves.Everyone does it to some extent but Roman and you do it the most so I notice it more,” Patton went to object but Janus raised a hand, “Don’t lie Patton. We both know about your repression problem. Anyways, from what I’ve observed it seems like Roman doesn’t really believe us when we compliment him. The latest events only proved my point.”

Patton looked down sadly, “Yeah, they did. But I’m sure when Roman comes back we can fix this. We can’t help Thomas if we can’t even help ourselves, right?”

Janus nodded, “Right.”

Patton looked up at him and beamed, “Well then I guess when Roman gets back we can all have a family discussion and get everything out in the open. I can’t guarantee it’ll be easy, but it’s a start.”

A small smile crossed Janus’s face, “Yeah, it’s a start. Thanks Patton.”

“You’re welcome,” Patton patted his back and stood up, “Hey Janus?”

Janus wiped a small tear away from his face, “Yeah?”