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{ Spring of a new beginning }
Sometimes, unexpected things happen. Many things... It may be a loss of a loved one, maybe a sudden betrayal, or maybe, a little error in the paradox which results of sucking in different characters from different universes. Some of these are explainable, some aren't.They'll never know if this was intentional or not. But they do know, they'll have to work to get back to their own universe. -
It was a bustling day with townsfolk around minding their own business, and merchants trying to scam buyers, those are things you wouldn't normally see if you are in the slight modern era. Noé, with his cat, Murr. Walked around the bustling town to try and get out of it, it wasn't something complicated until he walked out the exit and bumped into an invisible barrier. He had no choice but to go back into the town. Noé was surprised when he first came here, he fell from the sky and landed on a bunch of hay with Murr following and landing on his stomach, which probably was the reason why it's grumbling right now or he's probably hungry.
He was seeing a lot of eyes on him and a lot of murmurs, it made him red and embarrassed but there was one thing he noticed that could be the reason. The clothing of the townsfolk were different like it dated back way his time, but when he keeps observing the town, he felt like it was somewhere he had been or something familiar to feel.
'So... I am stuck in the novel I was reading?' He thought to himself, he came up to that conclusion a while ago but it still itched him. He didn't like this one bit but it didn't seem like he had an escape to go to. He looked down at Murr and smiled, "At least I have you-" He let out a groan when Murr kicked him on the chin. That never gets old. He wonders what would Vanitas do if he's in this kind of situation, he kinda hopes he'll be worried though.
Noé spotted a bench and approached it before sitting on it, Murr resided beside him. The novel, it was titled 'I am yours', so basically it was a romance novel where the protagonist goes through a lot of hard things because of the imperial kids, which are the antagonists of the story. Then the protagonist will meet a Duke that will help her, with also a knight and with many guys.
"What in the harem is this?" Noé covered his face with his two hands. He wasn't giving up right now, but it seems like he is. It is just to complicated when there's a barrier surrounding wherever you are!
"Where even are we!?" He spun his head around when he heard a voice, he spotted a short girl with pink velvet hair with red sharp eyes and beside her was a tall boy who had blonde hair and blue sharp eyes. Their clothing was also different, and they seem to be confused on where they are.. could they also be?- "This is because of the stupid novel you read, isn't?" The girl complained and the young boy sighed. "I'm sorry Krul, but I also don't know how and why. And plus, how are you so sure that we are in the novel?" He asked, 'Krul' or whoever she is, grumbled and looked away.
Noé spring up from his seat and walked over to them with Murr trailing behind him, "Excuse me." The two turned to Noé and looked up at the tall man, "Is there any possibilities that you also got teleported here?" He asked, he didn't want to slack around and chat, he needed an answer to know that he isn't alone. "Yeah, we fell on a tree." Krul said with disinterest, "Oh, I also got teleported. I may have a theory that we are now.. well, stuck in a novel called 'I am yours'" Noé explained with a stern look, he was determined to try and get answers on how to get out of here. "See? I told you Mika." Krul waved her hand dismissively at the guy named Mika who just stared at her blankly."Do you know any way to get out of the novel?" He asked and Noé went back to his shy and timid self, "W-Well..I approached you because I thought you might have a clue." He scratched the back of his head. 'This guy.. he's strange with those fangs.' Krul narrowed her eyes, she'd like to keep him for now to see who he really is. "Then, how about we stick together to find out if there even is a way." She said, watching as the white cat jumped on top of Noé's shoulder.Noé agreed and the three started to walk around the town again. It was still bustling but the weird looks they were getting from them were kinda getting uncomfortable for Noé. But for Krul, it was normal...This was just like before, while Mika just didn't bother, he already hid his face with his coat after all. "Let me go!" They heard a cry, they all turned to see that a bunch of townsfolk huddled around that seems to be a fight or misunderstanding. They all looked at each other and thought that it might probably another one of them.They rushed to the scene and pushed their way into the crowd and saw a blonde haired girl trying to bite a man who seemed to restrained her. "Rika!" Another girl yelled and rushed forward and bowed her head, "I'm sorry about her, please let her go." She said quickly and the man just scowled "Would sorry cut it if you try to steal from me?" The man leaned down and towered over the girl. "You should really cut it." A ginger man with a funky hat chimed in with a glare, for the eyes of the three who were observing from the side, he looked damn rich and also extra. "And who are you extra?" The man asked, throwing 'Rika' to the side who a brunette caught by the shoulder. "Someone you shouldn't mess with." He said, the crowd murmurs were loud and negative, they all observed the outcasts of the town. "Reallyyy?? Chuuya- you're so short you can be counted as a midgettt~" The brunette teased while fluttering his lashes. The ginger fumed, "Shut up you waste of bandages! Who do you think you are, huh!?" They argued, but it all was cut when 'Chuuya' ducked to avoid a punch form the guy, they heard gasps from the crowd but Krul could see those devilish eyes from the brunette that seemed to stare at the man. It even gave her creeps!
"That man, he looks deranged while glaring." Krul spoke, crossing her arms against her chest as she observed everybody that looked different. From the two young girls and to the men who were at the center of the fight. "You bastard." Chuuya sneered, before jumping up and kicking the man in the stomach with one of his legs. The man was sent flying to a stall, but Chuuya's face had a look of confusion. He observed his body with a glare.
"Y-You!" The man yelled, Noé observed the ginger looking at his own body. 'Was there any problem?' He thought. 'Looks like Noé saw it too.' Krul side eyed him before looking back at Chuuya, she was amused by the strength the man showed. "What?" Chuuya glared at the man, though confusion still went through him as he gripped his gloved hand. 'This isn't a problem.' he thought, if he doesn't have his ability right now, does that mean Arahabaki isn't in him?
The crowd were panicking when they heard voices, "Woah! What has happened here!?" A royal guard from the palace of Evnok if that's what the readers remembered, approached the scene with outstanding grace and confidence. The brunette locked eyes with Krul and nodded, he exactly knew that they were with them in this. Krul also understood and patted the two guy's back who were beside him. "Let's get out of here." She whispered, the two looked down at her and Noé raised an eyebrow, "What? Why?" He asked. "You there- what happended?" The royal guard pointed at the man who was about to charge at Chuuya. The brunette eyed Chuuya who gave him a glare, he knew what he was about to do and hated it already.
"Hang on tight." The brunette, Dazai whispered to the two girl's ears before lifting them up with each of his hands and over his shoulder like sacks of potatoes and the two girls exclaimed, Chuuya was ready and snatched the Rika girl from Dazai and threw her over his shoulder as they run for it. Whistles and screams from the Royal guard could be heard but they could careless. Krul gave the two a smack, "Go!" She said, running ahead, Noé picked up Murr and started to run with Mika infront of him.
'What in the world is this manhunt!?' Noé's thoughts were unorganized, many things happening all at once.They all panted heavily except for Krul and Chuuya, when they reached a corner and hid behind hays. "Whew... Who are you guys?" Rika asked, sliding down on one of the walls while the others tried to catch their breaths. "Where even are we?" The other girl asked, "We also don't know, lass." Chuuya leaned against a wall and turned to Dazai, "How did you know they were also not from here?" He asked, it was clearly pointing out to the three who were against the hays, leaning down. Krul had a cold gaze at them, observing each little detail of the individuals who She and Mika went with, 'Looks like we're from different timelines.' She thought to herself.
"Don't you ever use your brain, slug? Look at them, the silver hair one looks like he is from France and way back. The other two are from Japan." Dazai looked at his partner in disbelief but also in mock amusement. "Shut up! I can see that!" Chuuya was defensive, the others stared at them while they banter. "No one has answered my question yet." The blue haired girl in yellow said and the others turned to her. "Ah right, we have suspected that we are in a novel called 'I am yours.'" Noé explained and the two girls looked at each other with raised eyebrows. "I didn't know there was a novel version." Rika said, and the blue girl shrugged, "What do you mean?" Mikaela spoke up, crossing his arms against his chest.
"What we are saying is that, 'I am yours' is a dating sim." The blue haired explained and the others raised an eyebrow, "I had it as a novel." Dazai spoke with his hands under his pockets, "Since when did you read romance genre?" Chuuya turned to look at Dazai, he was quite surprised to hear that Dazai isn't only interested in his suicide manual. "Oh shut up, slug, were you in the arcade again? Playing a dating sim?" He teased, leaning closer to Chuuya with a teasing smile and Chuuya was about to blow an insult when Rika chimed in, "Get a room."
"Alright, alright. Calm down everybody, it seems like we have read slash play the 'I am yours' novel slash game. Who has finished it?" Krul asked, looking at the others when no one raised their hands, looks like they'll be stuck here then. "This is hopeless." Mika mumbled and silence was bought over to them before the blue hair broke the silence with her head over her knees. "I am Ai." She said, the others turned to her and also started to say their names, "Chuuya Nakahara.", "Osamu Dazai", "Noé Archiviste", "Krul", "Rika", "Mikaela"
Names echoed through their ears as they introduced themselves, 'Looks like I'm right, we are form different worlds.' Dazai narrowed his eyes and it was only Krul who noticed it as well as Chuuya. "So, what should we do now?" Ai asked, she was very confused, did she perhaps cracked an egg or was she dreaming? "How far are you guys in the game or novel?" Noé asked, lifting Murr up to his arms, "I'm at the sixth chapter.", Dazai thought for a moment, "I'm at five", "Prologue" Rika said confidently, "Chapter two" Krul said, and so did Mikaela, "Chapter five." Chuuya said.
"Awh, I didn't think we'd be at the same chapter, chibi~ I think this is fate!" He said dramatically and Chuuya couldn't help but roll his eyes in annoyance, luckily, there were kids here so he knew how to hold back. "Looks like Noé's has been the longest one reading." Dazai smiled and turned to look at Noé, his gaze was still but it observing. "This seems to be some years before the real story begins." Krul said, crossing her arms against her chest and the others looked at her, "How can you say so?" Dazai asked with a cunning smile, he wanted to test her abilities.
"If you guys had paid attention enough, the female lead was just out there, purchasing essentials." She said, and Dazai just nodded. Yes he did spot her, except he didn't care at all, his focus was on-. "Why didn't you guys tell? We could've befriended her and be rich!" Rika said, sighing in disappointment. "Don't talk nonsense, Rika." Ai let out a huff and looked at her friend, the more she think, the more it feels real. These people weren't normal at all, they had strange aura around each of them.
"We'll need to change our clothes." Krul spoke, staring at them with her hand on her hips. What she said was absolutely right, they would be called to he palace if they wear their clothes. "Who has money?" Ai asked, all of them looked at each other before their eyes landed on Chuuya, he stared at them with disbelief and raised his eyebrow. "What are you guys looking at? I don't have money with me." He said, and Dazai was about to throw another snarky comment before Noé spoke, "Them, what will we do now?"
"We steal." Rika suggested, and Krul nodded. "She's right, we have a choice right now and that is to steal clothes." She said, but Noé was about to protest before the others all nodded, looks like he's the only sane one there, "Are you guys sure about this? What if we get caught?" He held Murr tight against his chest as he looked at all of them, "You stay here mister, you're good already." They all looked at him and Noé became a tomato when he felt the gazes scanning him form head to toe. "Yeah, he is." They all agreed.
"Fine, I'll stay." Noé mumbled and looked away, fiddling with Murr's paws. The others nodded at what he said and left the area to search for more appropriate clothes for the timeline, Dazai took a glance at Noé before following the group. He was thinking about something for a while now, when Krul said that it seems the story hasn't happened yet, that could mean a lot of things could be that they might be either side-characters or some low level antagonists, but from the appearance and abilities every people around him right now, it would be a low chance antagonist.
Meanwhile, Zero Two hears rustling up a tree she was resting under on right now, she lifted her head up and watched as a young girl with feline features fell down the tree with a yelp which she gently caught. The young girl had gray hair with cat ears and yellow eyes as well as an alerted tail
which was captivating. Zero Two leaned in, she had fallen in water earlier, maybe thirty minutes has passed. "Who are you?" The girl asked, noticing the red horned headband on Zero Two's head. Zero Two looked at the girl curiously, she wasn't familiar with her, maybe she was? - "Zero Two." She answered, crossing her arms as she leaned against the tree, an observational gaze on the girl. "What's your code name?" She asked, and the girl tilted her head to the side, confused. "Code name?" It was silent for a moment before the girl realized what she meant, "Oh, mine is not a code name, it's a name. My name is On." She said.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
{ Seventeen errors }"On?" Zero Two tilted her head to the side, the girl's name sounded unusual.On nodded and smiled slightly, her bright yellow eyes blinding Zero Two. "What's with the headband miss?" She asked.Zero touched her horns and thought for a moment, this 'On' girl had ears and a tail like a cat. "Decor. What about yours?" She asked."Oh? These aren't decors" On repliedZero Two watched as On got picked up and carried by a tall man. Zero Two was breath taken when she saw the man's face, the red hair with the matching brown eyes, he looked like an angel."I'm sorry miss. This young lady here doesn't know how to sit still." The guy said."Cale? What are you doing here?" On asked, looking up at her father figure who lifted her up like she was five."I followed you, of course. I was surprised to find myself on water." That explains why he was wet."You guys seemed to be not from here." Zero Two said, leaning against the tree."And so are you." Cale said, he was suspicious about this since the girl in front of him was slightly familiar.Did he got teleported to another novel or what? He was confused but this surely doesn't look like their world. But this looked like the town of the novel he read, it was a nice novel since everything was descriptive. From the texture of the walls, the form of the roofs, the colour, the smell of the air. Everything was the same."Where even are we?" On asked Cale who only looked at her with a soft gentle smile."I'm not aware."'Gods, I hope this isn't your doings.' Cale thought to himself, this was getting annoying, he only wanted rest!"There's the town over there." Zero Two pointed at the lively and bustling town below the hill."How did you even get here?" Cale asked."I was just merely reading books. I didn't expect to wake up here suddenly." She said as she shifted her weight on one of her legs."I suppose... Your situation is the same as mine." He muttered the answer. Zero Two eyed him up and down and also On."You look like you're a citizen here." She said, weird. People don't usually wear these type of clothes as far as she remembers."Oh, these?" He looked down and scanned himself. "I just wear these." He said so casually, adjusting On in his arms.***Meanwhile, Amber was looking around town with Diluc as well with Lady Furina. The three recognized each other from the travelers story and decided to stay together to not get lost. Furina was relieved about the decision, especially when she didn't have protection, no Neuvillete, no nothing."A-Are you sure this is the right way?" Furina asked Amber, she trusts her, but for Diluc. He was mid for her since he was quite intimidating especially when he's just following them from behind."Yeah- I think I read this from a book!" Amber responded. She wasn't really sure and she didn't want to look overhead, but she didn't have a choice.And the scenery felt familiar anyways, so she can't be wrong. Diluc cleared his throat before speaking his side."I think Amber is right... Keaya gave me a novel and said he wanted me to read it, I was surprised when I was suddenly awoken by the sound of a carriage." He groaned, he shouldn't have trusted Keaya, he knew he shouldn't have."Huh? Captain Keaya also gave me the novel! That guy..." Amber clenched her fist as she thought about it."C-Calm down everyone." Furina spoke up when she felt the intense atmosphere.The two citizen of Mondstadt stopped and just looked away. Amber was embarrassed, she wasn't so used on displaying that kind of behavior. While Diluc just stayed silent as they continued to walk ahead and waited for wherever the flow takes them.Amber yelped when she bumped into someone, her eyebrows scrunched when they collided. Furina quickly give her support with the two of her hands for Amber to avoid falling down her butt."Are you alright?" Furina asked, looking at Amber with a frantic expression. While Diluc watched in the sideline, eyeing the people who bumped into Amber."I'm fine, thank you." She smiled as she rubbed the back of her head awkwardly.Then, the two looked back at the person who bumped into Amber."I'm sorry about that miss, I wasn't watching my steps." A guy bent his upper body with his hand clasped over his head as apology."E-eh- it's fine-" Amber was confused at the sudden gesture.The other two noticed that they weren't so different now, they also wore clothes that you can't really see in this timeline."Wait, before you go. May we ask a question?" Diluc stepped in still with his arms crossed, he looked down the two guys, at least he was taller than them, they both looked like they were in their early twenties or something."Sure." A white haired answer, staring at Diluc's fiery gaze."Are you guys not from here?" He asked another, his gaze never changing that it almost made Furina think he'd kill them."Yes, we just got teleported here-" A black haired guy spoke, before his voice trailed off to muffles, the white man's hand was over his mouth, shutting it right.Diluc's eyes narrowed when he saw the white guys mouth move and tried to read it as clearly as possible."We are not enemies. We are just like you guys! Lost!" Furina exclaimed, trying to explain their situation to the foreigners.The white haired was still hesitant when he pulled away from the black haired boy and huffed."I am Lu Guang. This is Cheng Xiaoshi." He introduced with his arms crossed, matching Diluc's stern look. Looks like he wasn't the type of person that'll trust you right away.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
( Christmas )
The month of December will be filled with laughter, and joy. Taking a break from all the things that had happened, the James Moriarty household was celebrating Christmas with no bounds!
Colourful lights only lit up the interior of the mansion to not be exposed to the outside world. With no servants that are available to help and decorate the mansion. The seventeen characters helped eachother to make this Christmas the best Christmas they ever had!
Noé whistled, carrying a wrapped up present and putting it under a big Christmas tree, that had Amber and Furina still designing its form.
"Alright, Amber. You can place the star on top carefully, and please Furina, can you collect the seventeen stockings? Dazai had been messing with them earlier." Chuuya instructed to the two girls, if only he could use his ability right now. This would be done with no sweat.
"Of course." The two girls replied.
They didn't seem to struggle with Chuuya's instructions and help which was good.
Ai and Rika were wrapping up their Christmas presents in nice covers, with Rika struggling to do so and Ai teaching her how to wrap the presents which failed later.
"Here." Draco stepped in, taking the messy wrapped up present into his hands.
He took another roll and started to wrap the presents neatly, while teaching the two young girls on how to wrap the presents.
Dazai could be seen outside the porch, sitting on an armchair, staring at snow. He wasn't used on having such a big occasion like Christmas with other people other than Chuuya, it chills him.
"Stuck with your thoughts?" Krul spoke up, she had an apron on since she was helping in the kitchen.
Dazai looked over his shoulder and stared at the short girl. He chuckled.
"Oh, I was just curious. Why would the Queen of Vampires cook human food while not being able to consume it?" Dazai avoided, he instead asked the Queen what she was doing.
"Well, I'm not like you, always slacking on that chair. Get back inside, it's cold." She said, rolling her eyes.
She didn't have the urge for bloodthirst or just to snap Dazai's head in 360 degrees or whatever, she just wanted to inform him that it was cold outside, and also because Chuuya was gonna barge outside to meet Dazai and yell. Krul doesn't like the noise.
She went back inside and headed back to the kitchen, where Cheng Xiaoshi, Lu Guang, Diluc and Mikaela were helping with the food. Noé walked in and also started to help.
She spotted Murr on the corner and approached the white cat to pet it.
"Pass it over here." Lu Guang called to Cheng Xiaoshi, and Cheng Xiaoshi passed him the thongs.
"Hey, Noé. Can you ask Cale where he placed the spinach?" Diluc asked, chopping carrots in a precised and careful manner.
"Sure! Of course." Noé answered with a smile, he went out the kitchen and called to Cale who was sitting down on a couch, slacking with On while reading a book.
"Cale! Where are the spinach?" He asked.
"In a basket by the door." He answered, not taking his eyes off the book.
Noé nodded and went back to the kitchen, On decided to speak.
"It seems like this will be our first Christmas without them!" On said, looking up to her father figure.
Cale nodded, yeah. The time was passing faster and faster which didn't bother him but for how much the time has passed. He doesn't know whether to miss these people when everything's done in the end.
Meanwhile, with the others. They were quite busy, with Draco now helping the two girls decorate the tree. Chuuya ordering everybody around, no one argues unsurprisingly.
"Amber, do you have any idea what a Christmas is?" Furina whispered to Amber while she shrugged.
"No, never heard of it. But the designs seemed to be like an event including the Dragonspine." She answered, grunting slightly as she climbed down.
"Christmas is a holiday the muggles celebrate for some reason" Draco chimed in, heading the girl's statements and questions.
"It is the season of giving where you bond with your loved ones and give them gifts." Chuuya said, wrapping up a present for Dazai.
"And to also, play games." He added.
"Oohh! Who would like to glide race with me then?" Amber asked in a jumping manner and Furina raised her hand.
"I miss gliding." She squealed.
Zero Two approached them with raw salmon in her hands, holding the fish by the tail. They all stared at her with eyebrows raised wondering what'll she do with it.
"Can this be considered as a gift?" She asked and the others looked quite disappointed. She noticed it and knew the answer was probably gonna be 'I guess'
She nodded and went to the kitchen to lay the salmon on the cutting board which Diluc precisely and with a serious look took off the scales on the fish's body.
The mansion was pretty busy and time clicked, it was almost midnight and that means Christmas will be there soon!
"I'd like to go out to build a snowman, is that fine?" Ai asked the grown-ups, specifically Dazai which was probably not the best idea.
"Sure! I'll even join you!" He exclaimed, wrapping a red scarf around his neck and slipping on his trenchcoat.
"Just make sure you guys wrap yourselves up completely." Chuuya said, sighing at the sight of the two girls following Dazai outside.
"You can take a look at them, we can do this on our own." Draco said, having his wand raised up to tap the Christmas tree's ornaments out of boredom.
"No need, I still need to wipe the piano clean." He said, walking towards the bathroom to get a clean cloth while Draco just watched him walk away.
He wonders if this will be his very first Christmas that he'll enjoy. Though, he doesn't seem to mind being surrounded by muggles. He smiled slightly and went back to wrapping up presents. The others in the kitchen were busy, Krul was assisting Mika who was cooking up the Salmon. While Cheng Xiaoshi was decorating the gingerbread cookies with Zero Two who only made a mess for Lu Guang to clean up later. Diluc was still cooking the turkey. They were all focused on what they were doing, wanting this very first Christmas that they'll spend to be flawless and enjoyable. Which the enjoyable part was true but the flawless part... ain't kinda happening.
"Hey- are the cookies ready?" Diluc asked, checking the Turkey's temperature.
"Nope- definitely not!" Cheng Xiaoshi chuckled awkwardly.
"Is there anything else missing?" Cale asked, walking inside. He looked at everyone who was busy.
"Look at that, the mouse finally decided to come out." Krul said with a huff.
"I was busy." He said, walking towards the basket to take some milk out.
"Busy slacking?" She asked with slight mockery.
Cale just shrugged, he didn't really want to move around, he was too tired..or too lazy to do so. But it looks like he doesn't have a choice.
"Does this era have Christmas hats?" He asked, reaching for a glass cup and poured the substance in it, watching as it flows flawlessly, which is supposed to be their plan for this Christmas.
"Well, Henituse. Do you guys have Christmas hats?" She asked, the two were the one who kept stabbing eachother with these kind of questions.
"Well, I suppose not. 'Queen of Japan'" He said, taking a gulp of the milk.
"Come on you two, Christmas is supposed to be the season of jolly! Do that on Halloween." Cheng Xiaoshi said, cutting spinach in half, he gave up on trying to decorate the cookies. Leaving Zero Two on it which is really not a good idea either.
"Where's On?" Lu Guang asked, taking over the cookie section.
"Asleep." Cale responded, placing down the cup on the sink.
"Wash that you asshole." Krul said, watching as the salmon got cooked by Mika.
"Why don't you help?" Cale asked with a hint of annoyance, he doesn't want to do this right now. He just wants to have a normal conversation.
He approached the sink and washed his dirty dish.
"I should ask the same to you." Krul said.
"Enough." Diluc warned the two, taking the turkey out of the oven.
Meanwhile, Dazai and the two teenage girls were out of the mansion to their large lawn that was covered in big pile of snow.
"Last to make a snowman loses!" Dazai said, running off to a portion of the snow and started to roll it up to a sphere.
The two girls pouted before going to their own little section to make their own snowman. After they turned the snow to spheres and piled it up to their desired amount with Dazai on three, Ai on two, and Rika on two. It was time to decorate.
"Don't go too far or else goblins will eat you!" Dazai warned as he ran off somewhere near the forest.
"We've fought worse!" The two yelled at him before snickering, they went back to the house to steal carrots and olives from the kitchen to decorate their snowman. They also went somewhere nearer than where Dazai ran off to to find some sticks.
It took them a while before finishing their own snowman, while waiting for Dazai to come back, they started to throw snowballs at eachother. Sending faint giggles from where Dazai stood, he knows they were starting the fun without him so he quickly rushed back with sticks in his hands and saw them already throwing some snowballs with their already completed snowman.
He didn't feel any jealousy or anything, he wasn't that type of a guy, only thing they should know is to be jealous of him. He stabbed the sticks in the snowman's sides and went back inside to get a carrot, olives and one important thing.
He went outside and placed two eyes, and stabbed a carrot in-between, then shaped a mouth before placing Chuuya's hat on top of the snowman's head.
"Look how short chibi is." He teased, and the said guy sneezed.
"You cheated, you used your husband's hat!" Rika said, crossing her arms but was ready to destroy Dazai's snowman.
"So what if I did?" He challenged, crossing arms also and leaned over Rika with a smug smile. The two girls have completely forgotten that it was about timeliness, not about the design.
Dazai grunted when he felt something soft hit his face, he wiped it off and saw white. Ai threw a snowball at him.
"Oh, that's how you want to play it?" He chuckled, forming a ball of snow in his hands and started to throw them at the two girls, earning squeals and also snowballs flying.
It waslike a gun fight except it was snowballs and not guns.
After a while, all of them gathered around the long, luxurious and furnished table that had great and delicious looking dishes laid down, with also some beverages. You can say it doesn't fail the aura of a jolly Christmas. Everybody was silent for a moment before the head of the house spoke.
"Everyone, thank you for your efforts." Cale said with a bright smile, he will admit that this is definitely a worth it celebration.
"Even though, I wasn't really helpful. You guys made this possible for us to have a nice and wonderful evening. Thank you." He said his gratitude.
The others clapped and started to feast on the food laid to them. Krul stayed silent for a moment, she had an apple in her hands. She looked ahead sitting across was Mikaela who was drinking her blood in a wine glass.
Laughter and jokes were all in the air, with Soukoku still bickering about the tiny things. And with wine, made from the finest grapes with Diluc's experience. Cakes and desserts made with love from our dear Hydro Archon, Furina. Some dishes like Beef stake, mashed potatoes, noodles and none other than the turkey as well as many more, is made from the experience of Amber, Noé, Diluc, Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi.
After their little feast, they went to the living room to count until it was December 25th. They all sat on the couches, some on the floor and Dazai on the piano with Krul leaning against it, brushing her fingers on the white keys. Cale had his pocket watch in his hand, listening as it clicks as each second passed.
Until, the hand reached twelve and they all cheered with claps echoing in the room.
"Merry Christmas, Everybody!" They all said in sync.
The children were the first to take their gifts from under the tree, and also outside the tree because it looked like everybody decided to get each one a gift. So, they all took their fifteen gifts individually with Rika in first and Mikaela last.
They sat on back on the couch and suspense built in the air.
"Wait." Noé said, standing up and walking out of the living room to his room.
They all waited for him and he came back with a camera in his hands with a beaming smile. He placed it on top of the fireplace with it on recording mode as they started to unwrap their presents.
Ai got a victorian dress from chuuya, hair clips from Rika, a notebook and quilt from Dazai. A stuff bear from Noé, and many more from the others.
Rika got almost the same as Ai with a little bit of differences.
Most of the adults had perfumes, new suits and dresses, and some that they liked.
Chuuya gifted Dazai bandages secretly and Dazai gifted him a new collar. Which definitely gained him a smack.
They all said their 'thanks' to everybody who gave them the gifts and laughed.
A melody came from the piano as Dazai started to play on it, as well accompanied by Krul. They all danced and sang. The spirit of Christmas was bestowed in this house.
They all positioned themselves back to the couches and waited as Noé took a picture, setting a five second timer as he settled on the ground with Murr in his arms. And - click! The camera went shuttered and got their picture. It is for them to cherish everything they have done in this stay, they loved every moment of it.
Many more things happened but they all ensured that everybody had a role and was not left out. Everyone was happy in this jolly season, something most of them hasn't experienced before.It'll last, in their memories, at least.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
( Quite unexpected )They all bumped into eachother not long after, the group of Noé were already dressed up into a more fitting style of this Era. Which excludes him. They all stared at eachother, knowing that each of them weren't familiar with eachother except for those in the same world as them.
Ai broke the silence with a shuffle in her bag, she paused, awkwardly looking at them before resuming. She took out dresses from the bag and handed it over to the two girls.
"Here..." She said shyly, Zero Two and Amber were the two girls who received her concern.
"Thank you!" Amber exclaimed with gratitude, holding the dress over her arm.
"Don't girls need to wear skirts on this era or they'll be named as shameless?" Lu Guang asked, staring at Furina with respect but curiosity.
"Hm, well. They wouldn't dare to judge the Hydro Archon, now wouldn't they?" She said so confidently.
The others looked at her confused except for Amber and Diluc. It was awkward with Furina in a pose she usually does when she introduced herself.
"Ahem-" Furina cleared her throat, do they not believe she's the Hydro Archon? Has her act failed? She maintained a smile.
Dazai quickly noticed her change and so did Cale. "I'm pretty sure none of us knows what a Hydro Archon is." Dazai said.
Though he had some suspicions, he doesn't want to go over it quickly. He needed the answer from the said Hydro Archon herself.
Furina felt relieved, but how could they not know? She fixed her stance and crossed her arms. The others looking at her for answers.
"Well, as for Hydro- that means water is basic knowledge. And for Archon, is a term of a god." She simply explained.
Well that wasn't exactly what everybody expected.
"So... Water god?" Rika said, quite amazed that a god was standing in front of them.
"Yes, yes. I rule the nation of Fontaine- The nation of Hydro!" She proudly said, placing a hand on her chest.
Dazai narrowed his eyes, before turning to look at Chuuya who also had his eyes narrowed, he could read what he was thinking about. He probably thought on some similarities they could have with Arahabaki.
"A real god or a vessel of a god?" Dazai suddenly asked, that caught Chuuya's and everybody's attention.
Furina stayed silent, could he have seen through her act? No, it can't be. She's becoming more wary around these people, they could expose her in any second!
"A r-real god, of course!" She sounded nervous but the smile of pride on her face made some doubt.
The others stayed silent before they decided to depart and explore around the town to find things that may catch their interests, and also to get some clothes more fitting in this timeline.
"What do you guys think about those guys?" Rika asked, crossing her hands behind her head, taking large skipped steps.
Ai shrugged, she doesn't know but they look like decent people at least.
"I don't know. They may be good or not." She said.
"What are you two girls chattering about?" Dazai suddenly asked, he was behind the girls. He smiled at them with a teasing grin.
"Dazai." Chuuya warned with a frown on his lips.
Dazai rolled his eyes and straightened himself up and continued walking. The others were silent, lost in their own thoughts that they can't shoo away.
"So, what do you guys do for a living?" Zero Two asked to break the silence, she was getting bored after all. And plus, it wouldn't hurt to know a bit about these people she's with.
It was silent for a moment before Ai responded.
"High schooler..." She mumbled, she didn't want to scare them by saying that she fights in dreams, not when she and Rika doesn't have anyone to trust.
Rika looked at Ai before nodding. "Yeah, high schooler."
"Detective!" Dazai proudly said, snickering and Chuuya nudged him.
"What about you, Mr. Chuuya?" Krul asked, she had many suspicion on what the others do for a living, judging by how they wear their clothes, how they speak and how they look. And Chuuya seems like someone who was rich.
The Port Mafia executive stayed silent for a
moment, he knows it wouldn't be good if he tells them his true job, so he decided to lie.
"Business man." He muttered and Dazai wanted to laugh but he got silenced with Chuuya's communicative glare.
They walked and walked as they continued to ask each other's occupancies.
"What about you, Krul?" The commander asked, holding his daughter in his arms.
"High schoolers, me and Mika are high schoolers." She said, she could always lie. Knowing this era, they'll be beheaded if they ever find out they were vampires.
"Is that so?" Dazai stared with a grin.
"What about you? Sir." Krul asked with a silent mockery.
"Father." Cale answered, knowing that most of them were lying about their occupancies to protect their identities.
On looked up at him and quickly understood."High schooler." She said, staring at the others.
"But how you look says something else." Krul shot her suspicion, playing safe.
Cale stayed silent, looks like they weren't gonna be easily fooled.
"I found these clothes in the trash." He said, forcing a bright smile.
Some were fooled but not those who were familiar with the clothing in the past.
"Really, why would a commander throw their clothes in the trash? Especially when it's tailored great, and no damage." Dazai narrowed his eyes, he observed again. Cale was lying.
The air was filled with suspense between them. But it disappeared slightly when Noé spoke up, holding Murr.
"Well, uhm...should we talk about this later? Someone's in trouble." He pointed at a blonde guy yelling at the royal guards that were dragging him.
They were all curious so he decided to take a look but also because he looked familiar, like he was in their time of the world. They approached him and the ruckus.
"My father will hear about this!" Was something in the every end of a paragraph could be heard that they wish to pass deaf ears.
The blonde flicked something like a stick, Noé suspected that it was a wand because of how well it was polished and craft. No one would bring a stick with them if they're not a wizard or a witch.
"Stop being so difficult! You have trespassed and now we will take you to the queen!" One of the guards yelled.
"Stop speaking nonsense, you muggle! The Queen's dead!" The blonde yelled back and the people around them felt offended.
The others approached them closer to drag the blonde out of there.
"I'm so sorry sir, my brother doesn't know what he is saying. He's bipolar." Noé said, bowing with his hand on the blonde's head, forcing him to bow also.
The others behind them also bowed except for Krul and Zero Two. A queen never bows to anyone lower, and Zero Two's just bored and doesn't want to move.
"Who are you to speak?-" They went silent when their eyes landed to Cale. They quickly changed their tone.
"If he speaks ill of the Queen, her majesty again. His head will be the price." The guard said before they retreated.
The locals around them looked at them weirdly with fire in their eyes, like they were ready to pounce on them for talking ill of their Queen.
The others circled the new member, the others sighed in relief.
"Please, you should know how to hold your tongue." Noé said, he was quite nervous there. They were lucky they got away.
"Who are you muggles?" The blonde had a frown on his lips. That reminded Dazai too much of the ginger man beside him right now.
"Can you stop saying muggles? We can't understand you." Rika rolled her eyes, annoyed.
The blonde stared with disbelief, how dare they talk to him like that.
"My father will hear about this." He said.
"No need to brag about having a father." Rika snapped, before Ai placed a hand on her shoulder, warning her not to do anything stupid.
"Alright, that's enough." Cale said, sighing.
"What's your name?" Dazai asked with a little smile.
"Do I really need to tell you-?" The blonde was cut off when he felt a glare on him, he looked around and saw a small pink haired girl glaring at him with those big red eyes.
"Draco, Draco Malfoy." He answered softly.
"Alright, Draco Malfoy, please understand the situation right now. It is a heavy one, I promise." Krul spoke up before Cale could.
"We are now, stuck in a novel/game/movie we owned in our possessions and we may never get out." She simply said.
"Didn't even sugarcoat it." Rika crossed her arms behind her head, mimicking Zero Two's stance.
"What nonsense is this? If you guys are lying, my father will surely hear about this!" His accent was thick and indicated he was british.
They all turned around and started to walk away."He's hopeless." Zero Two said, playing with a lollipop in her mouth.
"Where'd you get that? I'd like one." Rika looked up at Zero Two.
"W-Wait- I'll come with you!" Draco called out and followed behind them like a tail.
Meanwhile, with the other group. They all had to listen to Furina's words of praise for herself, which Amber totally didn't mind, while Diluc, meh, at least she's better than the pirate.
"Who may you fine individuals be?" Someone asked, Furina was quite startled taking a halt to her talking.
The five turned around and saw a handsome man with blonde hair and red eyes, he looked too identical with Mikaela in comparison. But he was much taller and wore a hat, a cane in hand, and a brown suit. They stared at each other for a moment before Cheng Xiaoshi spoke up.
"Can we help you?" He aksed, confused just like the four. But the two men were wary.
"I figured I wasn't alone, I've calculated everything and I came up to the conclusion that, I have been transported into the novel I was reading." The blonde man explained his situation.
The five calmed down when he said that, knowing that he still cannot be trusted, they asked him for his name.
"William James Moriarty, pleasure to make your acquaintance." He took off his hat and bowed before straightening himself shortly.
"Well then William, you look like you came from here..Do you perhaps know where to purchase clothes for these fine men?" Furina asked, stepping closer to the taller man.
The man gently smiled and nodded. "Of course, shall I lead the way?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The sound of musical instruments filled the air so sudden that it startled both parties even though they were quite far. Well, they noticed while walking that there was many people outside their homes and decorations also were hanged like there was something big going on.
With the brains in their teams, they all went to the same direction, where the music was louder and cheer of the people.
Dazai suspected that this must be the start of the first act of the novel, where the prince got crowned as the crown prince and was now riding around the town to celebrate between his mother and father, the emperor and the empress, along with the princess at the back.
But something also happens while they were riding the carriage. They we'll be attacked by a specific assassination group that were just waiting for the right moment to attack. Everyone was cautious, knowing they could be spotted any moment. William already instructed the others in his party to stay alert since an attempt assassination was going to occur.
While the other party with Dazai was in the crowd, they were like anchovies sandwiched together but they stuck close. And their eyes were all on the crown prince and also around.
"They're up there." Noe whispered to them, spotting Furina and the others, and also with a new blonde man on high ground like on the roofs and the balconies.
Dazai looked up and narrowed his eyes on the new man, before back on focusing and scanning the crowd for any out of place actions from the civilians.
"I'll be climbing up." Mikaela said, jumping before landing on one of the balconies of a house, he looked at Diluc and gave him a nod, looks like they were all in the same page.
The cheers of the crowd got louder and louder and it was suffocating, it made Krul curl her grip, she should just kill everybody here and escape with Mikaela, she bared her fangs out before Ai touched her arm, Ai was quite surprised at the fangs that was visible right now and the frustration in the Queen's eyes.
"Are you alright Krul?" She asked but Krul didn't have time to respond when suddenly panicked screams blew the place. They snapped their head towards the sound, to see that Diluc had carried the prince in a bridal style away from there and ended up on the roof, while Amber saved the emperor with her skills; Dazai and Chuuya with the princess, guiding her away from the attack. And the empress in William's arms as they dodged the assassination. While the others, like Lu Guang, Mikaela and Cheng Xiaoshi tried to fight the assassin.
Krul was getting more frustrated watching them play around, so she stepped up and quickly grabbed the assassin's collar and threw him towards a wall that crumbled. The two boys looked at her with surprise except for Mikaela.
"You guys fight like puppies." She snarled. Mikaela raised an eyebrow before stopping Krul, she was agitated because she was hungry.
"Krul... Snap out of it." He whispered, looking around, covering Krul when she bared her fangs.
It was all commotion and the royal guards came up to arrest the assassin as well as the one who fought. They all had spears pointed at the two groups, with archers pointed at those who were in high ground.
"Can't even have a good day, now can't we?" Chuuya mumbled under his breath, staring at the spears pointed at him and Dazai whom the princess clung onto tight. That annoyed him very much.
"This is the royal guards! We order you to surrender the royal family back to us!" The guards roared and the people chanted, clearly missing the fact that they saved the royal family.
Diluc jumped down from the roof with the crown prince in hand who seemed shook. He put him back to his feet and stepped away, that was when the spears was instantly pointed at him.
As well as Dazai and Chuuya, but the princess didn't want to let go yet, she was shaking, quite traumatized on what happened. Which Chuuya tried to understood.
Amber had a nervous smile as stepped away from the emperor, a spear pointed at her neck. While William just chuckled before placing down the empress gently on to her feet. The royal guards immediately seized them up and walked them to jail.
"W-Wait-! What are you muggles doing? I wasn't apart of this!" Draco screamed at them before he got pushed in line.
"How dare you treat the Hydro Archon like this? Our case is unjustified!" Furina squealed in frustration, trying to break free.
Zero Two, Rika and Ai were left out, they were standing there, watching as the group was taken to jail. Zero two was curious now on how they'll get them out.
"Leave them be, it's just more work. They'll figure something out. For now, we just need to find somewhere to sleep until they get out." Rika said and Zero Two nodded. Ai was quite skeptical but agreed, they cannot risk on getting caught, who else would get them out?
They all shared a small cell, they were cramped inside and their things confiscated.
"No no no! This isn't justice!" Furina cried out, trying to get her vision to work.
"Yes, this is injustice, they probably didn't even consider that we saved the royal family." William placed a hand under his chin as he thinks.
"What are we gonna do now?" Mikaela asked, hiding Krul behind him who was still hungry and could be ready to attack.
"The three are still outside right? Can't they help?" Noé sniffed, they even bought Murr with them.
"Can anyone break the bars?" Cheng Xiaoshi asked.
"How can we? We're all cuffed." Lu Guang said, sighing. They couldn't believe they got in this situation.
"My father will hear about this!" Draco yelled at them, struggling against his cuffs.
"Who says I am?" Dazai smiled, raising his free hands.
"What? How? I thought you were also cuffed?" Noé was surprised, He did expect Dazai to be the kind of person, he really is a detective.
"Don't brag about it, bastard. That's nothing." Chuuya rolled his eyes, grumbling.
"Awhh, is chibi jealous? Don't worry, you'll be the first to get out of the cuffs aside from me." Dazai whistled, taking his pick and pick locked the cuffs as well as the others, which took like seconds for each one.
He moved up to Krul, he noticed her eyes was more red than before like she was ready to attack anyone. He could also see the wary eyes of Mikaela in their way, like he was waiting for something to happen to prevent it.
He narrowed his eyes, before he purposely grazed his finger on a sharp part of the cuffs. Dazai winced, but it was forced to get everybody's attention. He looked up, noticing Krul's laboured breath as she looked at his wound.
He looked around, seeing those red eyes identical to his. There were three vampires here and he just exposed them.
"Oh, sorry about that." Dazai smiled, before uncuffing Krul which was probably a death wish.
Mikaela quickly snatched Krul somewhere before she could attack anyone. Noé looked away and tried to fight the urge, but the sweet smell of blood clogged his nose so he held the bars.
"What's wrong with you guys?" Draco asked, his tone annoyed.
"Vampires." William said, his expression calm.
"What!?" Almost everybody exclaimed.
"V-v-vampire!" Furina jumped behind Diluc, they were all shocked. They didn't know those existed.
"It's fine, everybody. They won't do anything, there is only three of them after all. And plus, there must be a reason why we got paired up with vampires." Dazai explained, looking at the two who were avoiding them. And to Krul who was glaring.
"You're right, there's no need to be afraid." William said, inspecting the three. They were hostile, probably because of Dazai's cut.
Chuuya looked away, trying to check the others if they were alright or not.
"What do you mean?" Cheng Xiaoshi asked, hiding behind Lu Guang.
"He's right." Krul snarled, she was holding her hunger. It had been going on for a while.
"Please cover your wound." Noé muttered, looking away. His eyes still red.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
( Nobility )
Dazai smiled at him, his eyes blank and empty like he just didn't care at all until Chuuya nudged him with an elbow, he was about to complain at him on how - much it 'hurts' him when he does that, but he saw his other hand behind his back holding a little band-aid, trying to pass it over to Dazai.
Dazai's gaze softened before really smiling, he took the band-aid and wrapped it around his finger. He noticed Chuuya grumbled under his breath and Dazai's ear twitched when he caught what he said.
The three vampires seemed to calm down. But they were still pushed against the wall, retreating and being cautious for any upcoming attacks from them.
"Why are his eyes blue?" Amber asked, staring at Mikaela's mesmerizing sharp blue eyes that were different from the other vampires.
Noé even turned to look at him, still holding Murr in his arms, gripping the cat tight to protect it.
"He's a half vampire." She replied, her eyes serious and piercing, her tone cold and rough.
"Why should we trust them?" Draco asked, baffled with disbelief, vampires were worse than wizards, probably not as worse as muggles though.
"They're with us." Diluc said, crossing his arms, his big body was entirely covering the Hydro Archon behind who was trembling like a leaf.
"When will we get out of hereee-" Cheng Xiaoshi whined, but he got cut off when clangs of chains were heard outside their cell.
A knight walked up to their cell with chains in his hands, but he halted. "Where are your cuffs!?" He exclaimed, his face was concealed behind such heavy armory.
Dazai whistled softly as he looked away, twirling the tip of his shoe trying to act innocent.
"For the safety of the Royal Family, you must be cuffed." The knight said, taking out cuffs from his pockets.
Furina's eyes narrowed, she was about to bark something at the knight when Draco yelled first.
"What do you mean? We literally saved your monarchy!" He banged the bars, his eyes filled with fury.
"Calm down, it's best if we comply. It seems the Royal Family wants to see us." William smiled, before turning to look at the knight and nodded.
"Take us." He added, approaching the bars.
The knight was relieved. At least there was someone in their right mind, he walked up to the bar door and unlocked it with his jungle of keys hanging on his belt. He cuffed each of them and connected them to the chains.
They walked out of the jail room and out to town, most of them were embarrassed, especially Furina. Her mind was out of her head, thinking about the worst scenarios possible, execution, labour... And it scares her more when she thought what if she gets caught? What if they find out she isn't their real Archon? What if they'll execute her -
Stares were felt from behind the windows, but a familiar pink hair and red sharp horns stood out, Zero Two was sitting on of the railings of a balcony from a house. Beside her was the two girls.
"Look, even a child is there.." Murmur a townfolk, eyeing On.
On's ears and tail sank down, she felt nervous but she reminded herself that even if Cale was far, she could deal with danger herself.
And Cale right now was behind the tail, looking around and observing carefully. 'Vampires... ' He thought quietly.
Lu Guang had spent the time walking on trying to figure out why he and Cheng Xiaoshi couldn't go back no matter how hard they collide their hands together, nothing is the result.
Diluc had been cautious with his surrounding, knowing that Amber was here, he knows he cannot let his guard down, what I'd something happens to her? What will he say to them if he ever comes back?
Noé pouted his lips, exhausted and worn out he kept his gaze eon the cat beside him whose leg was also chained on the chains. It surprised him they even had a size for cats.
They all went in the Royal Palace, throne room. They were met with identical red eyes. The Ruby family, or the Ruby of the kingdom of Camelot. Their eyes really lived up to their position.
Former King and Queen sat in separate thrones in the center, while the New King sat at the left of the Former King, the princess sat at the right of the Queen. Their gaze were judging but filled with gratitude.
They all bowed to their knees, showing respect to the pillars of the kingdom and heavens. If that's what they remembered in the novel or game.
"Rise." The new king said, motioning them with his hand.
They all rised and bowed one more time before straightening themselves up. If William remembered, in the novel, the kingdom of Camelot was inspired by the Kingdom of Britain. His eyes softened as he thought about one particular person.
"You have save us." The Queen said her voice echoing throughout the whole sealed room, it was more of an angelic half sternness.
"What is it that you would like?" The former King asked, the family was ready to give a share to their saviors. If not for them, the whole Royal blood might just extinct.
They were silent, thinking about what they would like but Cale spoke up first before Furina. If they were gonna stay here for god knows how long, they need to negotiate to survive.
"We would like to have the title of the Marquis. Ranking all of us as parts of the Marquis family, Even them." The doors opened and the three girls walked in and stood behind them.
The title of the Marquis had been empty since the story started, he knew that if they are here they just be a part of the story. So why don't they introduce themselves as nobles? And plus, being nobles has its perks.
Some of the others were taken aback, but not this who share intelligence.
"Very well. On what name will you go on?" The former King asked.
It was silence, just for suspense and all before Cake responded. "James Moriarty." He responded.
----
They were soon settled into their estate as the house of the James Moriarty. Cale decided to take William's last name because it was British, but was also a strong and influencial name.
They all sat down on couches that were more comfortable than most of the grounds they usually sit on. It was awkward silence as they stared at each other. Beside Cale was William, he could already expect him to ask why he chose his name but it seems he didn't so it saved him a lot of trouble.
Noé watched as Murr leaped off his lap and walked around the room. Now, speaking of room Noé noticed that it wasn't too far from the interior of Paris's buildings, the red patterned wall paper with
white chiseled bricks that covered its half really stood out with golden arches above and pillars that are white matte. The bookshelves were painted brown that were neatly, and parallel from each other and was filled with large books.
There were some flowers around, some on the table and they were mostly lavender. The floor was made of wood which was also neatly polished and now they were sitting on the center of the room, there was a fireplace at the side and the couches that you can mostly see from where Furina, Diluc and Amber came from, the kinda nude color with red and blue towels hanging on it.
The rug was fluffy and the center table was decorated with tea and lavender. The hanging chandelier helped with illuminating the room from the darkness outside.
"So, what are we gonna do now?" Draco asked, his voice annoying and filled with arrogance. But his face was just like a curious puppy.
"We need to participate in the story." William replied, not noticing he cut off Dazai who was about to speak.
"We noticed the female lead around town." Zero Two said with her legs crossed as she slouched down on the couch, her face relaxed.
The other two nodded, agreeing since they were with Zero Two the whole time. "I remember the female lead was a helper of a noble family, right?" On asked, scanning through her memories.
"You are correct, On." Cale responded patting On on the head before ruffling his hair like a good dad he is.
"W-Why do we need to participate in the story? It's not like we're apart of this world-" Furina's voice shook, she was still shock about the vampire kinda thing earlier.
"Well, there must be a reason. We can't just have a sudden error in the system of the universe." Lu Guang placed his two fingers below his chin, rubbing it as he thought.
"What do you mean, Lu Guang? There is a lot of errors in the universe." Cheng Xiaoshi crossed his arms, lensing against the couch.
"Lu Guang is right, there cannot just be an error in the universe, it must be intentional or by accident." Dazai finally spoke after being interrupted.
"I will go to the kitchen.. to cook is something." Amber said, and Chuuya and her stood up before they were stopped.
"You must be forgetting we are nobles now. We have helpers." Krul replied, her fangs showing. With Mikaela beside her, who is silent most of the time. She tried to maintain her hunger.
"Right.." Amber replied, sitting back down as well as Chuuya. It seems he wasn't in the mood to talk right now.
And then the conversation finished and it was ba k to awkward silence for most. And a moment passed before Cale decided to let them know.
"We will have the name James Moriarty, from sir William here." He turned towards William who smiled and nodded.
"Shall we have new names?" Ai asked, tapping the heels of her foot on the carpeted floor.
"That would... Be a great idea, actually. We can always call ourselves by our real names here, and just act like it is an alias if ever someone hears about it." Dazai agreed, he was bored and Ai's recommendation was something he can work with.
"I'll start! Shojī." He said, smiling so proudly.
"Shojī James Moriarty?" Rika asked, laughing at how it sounded with an English name.
"An English name, dimwit." Chuuya elbowed him and rolled his eyes when Dazai exclaimed.
"I'll go first!" Ai said, sitting up from her chair.
"I'll be Anastasia!" She added, smiling at her new name. Anastasia James Moriarty, it fits.
"I'll be Reena." Rika muttered. Reena James Moriarty, it has the hit to it.
"Michael." Krul overlapped, though it wasn't for her, it was for Mika. Micheal James Moriarty.
"Mine's Kennedy, Kennedy James Moriarty." She added, her bored face hiding her hungry thirst.
"Demitri." Dazai clicked his tongue but in a confident way, he likes the name. Demitri James Moriarty.
"Colin." Cale said, smiling softly. Colin James Moriarty.
"Can't I just have Furina instead?" The Hydro Archon asked, she didn't want to change her name. But they all shook their head so she had no choice. "F-Focalor..James Moriarty." She added.
Noé smiled warmly, her name sounded french. "I'll be Noah..Noah James Moriarty."
"Can I use Malfoy?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow, waiting for the other to agree. Before they all nodded, Malfoy James Moriarty.
"I'll be Antonette." Amber spoke, fidgeting with her bunny hairband. Antonette James Moriarty
"Clarence." Chuuya thought about the name, it was kinda nice, he wanted more of
a french name though. Clarence James Moriarty.
"Olivia." On continued the little introduction. Olivia James Moriarty.
"I'll be Claude, and he will be Lancelot!" Cheng Xiaoshi exclaimed excitedly, he couldn't wait for the events that'll come to them, but it seems Lu Guang was the exact opposite. He was still thinking about the possibilities and theories.
"Daniel is fine." Diluc said, his hands crossed over his chest, head low and his eyes planted on the floor, he was disinterested.
"And I'll be, Louis James Moriarty." William smiled, thinking about this, he wanted to use his brother's name, to always remind him that he's always with him. Now, he wonders, if the others figured out what was happening.
"Everybody has their aliases! We shall eat dinner 'cause I'm starving!" Cheng Xiaoshi sprung up from his seat and headed out.
Lu Guang followed behind, murmuring on how Cheng Xiaoshi was always hungry.
The others also started to walk away, exploring or just resting from the unexpected, and tiring day. Meanwhile, the Teyvat group settled into their own little corner, discussing about on how to get out of this horrendous situation.
"I'm not used to not having my vision work." Amber whimpered, staring at her red fiery vision. It just looked like a decorative piece now.
"I'm afraid we will have to gain the trust of the others, they seem to be more knowledgeable than us." Furina admitted, looking at her clean fingers, fidgeting her nails with her bored and blank face.
While Diluc was looking out of the window, his hand itched for him to do something. This was usually the time he'd be making drinks by now, now, he wonders, what if the others notices and started to search for them? Would it be successful, he doubt it. Especially when they were in a new world, far away from his.
"So, what about playing charades?" Noé asked trying to lighten up the soured faces. He looked at Chuuya, Rika and Krul with Mika to make sure she doesn't attack.
"That is boring." Rika snarled, she was itching in her dress, she wants her old fit back.
"Can't we just dress up in our normal clothes? This is itchy." She said, her hand scratching her leg from the itch.
"No, we cannot. They'll surely find out." Krul said, her voice sharp as she settled in her black gown with crossed arms.
Meanwhile, Chuuya just had has coat on and he was down, not any need to change his clothes because he always dressed up like this. Thinking about it, he was thankful (a bit) that Dazai was here, what happens if he loses control? I leash Arahabaki, he might kill everyone - including himself.
He shook his head, he looked down at his gloves hands and gripped it. At least he couldn't feel Arahabaki present right now, and when Dazai told him that their abilities were restricted and prisoned, he was surprised. And felt like the weight on his shoulders suddenly lightened.
William was sitting on the couch, reading a book silently before Dazai decided to sit down beside him. He never had been so interested with someone in exception with the rat.
"William was it?" He asked, turning his head to face him.
William nodded and looked away from his book, closing it and settling it down on the coffee table before grabbing his tea. "Yes?" He replied.
"Who discovered gravity?" He suddenly asked, it caught William off guard a bit. He was expecting like a big equation, or, the seven wonders of the world. But no, he asked for the man who discovered gravity.
"Issac Newton. It is basic knowledge, even a grade four student could answer." He smiled warmly, like he didn't reply sarcastically. He wasn't used on using this type of tone. But, it seems like he had to be cautious around this guy if he wanted to stay alive and finish up the final problem.
"You're right." Dazai narrowed his eyes, he knows that everything here was suspicious. But he likes a man who can rival his intelligence.
Ai was over there, sitting down with Draco beside him. It was an awkward silence, especially since they don't know eachother that well, only had small talks but never interacted long.
After a while, Cheng Xiaoshi walked back in with Lu Guang before settling down on the couch. The atmosphere was warm and comforting. And how the fireplace lit up the room, it'd surely become a very pleasant painting.
"Where's the food?" Zero Two asked, fiddling with her hair as she looked at the two who just came in with bored look.
"The helpers are cooking." Lu Guang replied, not taking his eyes off of Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Hey, how about we take a family picture?" Cheng Xiaoshi suggested, he found an old camera around the mansion. It was a very rare type of camera in the modern world so he was quite fascinated.
The others turned to him and back to each other before they all nodded. Cheng Xiaoshi set a timer in the camera and placed it above the fireplace as the others settled down on the couch, some on the floor, and Dazai on the grand piano, pretending to play something. Everyone was photogenic, they were great posers that they could end up being the model family. Cheng Xiaoshi continued to take pictures of the others while William and Dazai were busy chatting.-----
"Appearantly, the story still hasn't seemed to occur yet. It is best for us to discuss prior knowledge about the novel and best to avoid anything that can destroy our cover." The supreme commander said, behind the coffee tables standing in front of the fireplace as he explained.
The others were all sat on the couch and all listened carefully. They knew if they wanted to go back to their own world, they needed to know how it survive in a novel.
"You, how far are you in the novel?" Cale pointed at Draco who had a scowl before a confused look when he pointed at him.
"I'm done." He answered like a hiss, he crossed his arms and leaned against the couch.
They all looked at him and he was instantly cautious and insecure. But what they were thinking is that they found their way to win this challenge.
"What?" Draco looked at them, baffled and confused.
------
"So, that's it." Draco said, his butt hurting from sitting for four hours.
They all nodded and stocked the knowledge in their mind, the story will start soon. But, they probably already messed up the timeline when they saved the royal family.
"This is bad.." Noé propped himself, his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward and placed his hands over his eyes.
"This is stupid." Krul growled, she stood beside the door, grumbling.
"What are we gonna do now?" On asked, her ears and tail down. Zero Two looked at her, it looked like her props were really real... And the little girl was so comfortable like it was normal in their world. She couldn't help but feel a bit jealous.
"The only way is to play. Act like we're from here and not mess anything up, again." Dazai said, his hand cupping his chin, looking bored but keeping in his intrigued mind.
They all nodded, and Furina did with hesitance. She didn't want to build up the stress and pressure she was already feeling, she gripped the hem of her shirt, she really didn't want to but it was the only choice.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
( Four years )
Four years had passed since that conversation, for the past four years. Cale and William, had been associating with some barters, the royal family and invests on business to keep their title as 'marquis' and his 'brother'. They always used their aliases when out in public, it has been four years and the story still hasn't started. They started to doubt.
The women were, of course, suffering in those tight and puffy dresses outside and inside. Because they had helpers, they couldn't possibly wear their original clothes. They'll get caught and everyone would be suspicious of them.
But something unexpected happened this morning, On came running down stairs, trying to find Cale while shouting his name worriedly.
She halted when she reached the dining room, everyone was eating except her but they all stopped when they saw her running down.
"Cale!" She shouted, grabbing the doorknob as she panted from all that running.
Cale stood up hurriedly, worried about On. But he stopped mid way when On's eyes glistened.
"Look! They grew!" She pointed at her breast and all the men quickly looked away, embarrassed.
"Oh dear.." Furina looked at her chest and to her own, she grumbled in her gown.
"Is that so? I guess the story's beginning is getting closer." Krul said, her legs crossed under the table as she stared at On's breasts. It's been four years, she guessed she would grow like how humans does.
"It's normal On, you'll be fine. Come eat." Amber had her brunette hair tied into a ponytail, it fits her nicely.
All the men cleared their throats and went back on eating as On settled down beside Cale.
"I ain't growing though." Rika said, pushing her chest up with her hands and Ai trying to smack her hands away, embarrassed.
Dazai choked on water as the men quickly looked away again. This wasn't the time to discuss such manner, especially private stuff.. in the dining room.
"Gosh damn, Merlin." Draco sighed, shaking his head with disapproval.
"Mind your manners." Diluc grumbled, but still not looking back.
"You're always so boring." Zero Two said, picking up the piece of bread and splashed honey onto it without a spoon.
"Right." Rika went on, back to eating and so did the others. It was just one normal morning for them and yet, everything seemed livelier. This past four years really strengthened their bond together. But of course, they cannot help but feel like they want to go back home, see the others. But it just happened that they were transported much more early.
They were now outside, the girls having their tea party in a little corner while the men just beside the flowing river outside their mansion.
"Kids grow so fast." Cale muttered under his breath, smiling bitterly. His mind wonders to his other children, wondering how grown they are right now if the time isn't frozen.
"I suppose they do." William chimed, his hands clasped behind his back with a cane in his grip. His eyes distant and far.
"And then they become more troublesome." Diluc grumbled, he had a frown, which was of course normal. He picked up a rock before throwing it into the river, watching as it skipped the water two times.
Mika was also beside him throwing rocks but more sheepishly, he couldn't help but miss and think about Yuu. It has been so long since he last saw him, when was it again? Right, when they tried to escape.
"Where's Dazai and Chuuya?" Cale asked, turning his head other ways to see the familiar red head and brunette not anywhere near them, not even with the girls.
"Probably in the library." Lu Guang responded, not taking his eyes off Cheng Xiaoshi as he observed him going around taking pictures of everyone.
"Does anyone even still remember how old they are?" William asked, but of course he does, but he was curious with the others. After four years, they lost track of time and forgot when they were transported into the novel.
The others shrugged and continued on what they were doing. Meanwhile the girls sitting down on the chairs, holding up tea cups filled with jasmine tea as they followed Furina's instructions.
"Now, hold it up, your pinky finger stretched out and sip gently." She said, her voice pitched and high like always.
"This is stupid." Rika said, putting down her tea cup. Ai sheepishly smiles at Rika's attitude, she was used to it... Everybody is.
"Nuh uh uh, young lady. Drink your tea." Noé smiled, he was standing beside Furina, clasping Murr in his hands as he smiled at the girls.
"Why are you even here?" Zero Two asked, instead of drinking tea, she was already digging the desserts.
"Do you want tea?" Amber asked, holding up an empty tea cup towards Noé.
"I'm pretty sure he would, come sit down gentleman." Furina chimed, a graceful smile on her face as Noé sat down beside her.
"Yeah, the girl's right. This is stupid." Krul grumbled, staring at her reflection on the liquid in the cup. She hated how similar she looked with her past self in this white gown. It makes her want to tear it.
-----
For a thousand of years, the kingdom Camelot was founded by King Arthur. He has passed away and passed down Excalibur generations to generations. The magnificent kingdom was seen as a kingdom of freeness because no king nor queen ruled over the people.
But as years goes by, corrupted nobles, and even some poor townsfolk was in war. Trying to fight for who gets the throne. That's when they had the battle of the greatest, if one would win, they will be throned as a noble heir, or the next king.
It was said that four years ago, the prince of Camelot was crowned because he managed to defeat two great sons of leaders from the other kingdoms. And now, he was king.
There were many problems king Arthur has to resolve which he failed to fully take action. There were still creatures created from sorrow and darkness left behind to lurk in the woods. That wasn't the main problem now, the problem was the people itself. The corrupted nobles, the poorest of the poor.
----
Furina was out with Noé in the local market to look for stones called Mana stones. Appearantly, William remembered that Mana stones could help control your power or even give a mock-power for the holder to use. It took quite a long debate since they couldn't even use their powers while being stuck in this world.
---
"What, you guys never have powers before?" Rika asked smugly as she crashed onto the couch.
"I believe all of us has powers here, right? Everything is possible and it was proven by us being teleported or transported into this world." Dazai said, crossing his arms and he looked at William who smiled knowingly.
William knows he was the only one who doesn't have any powers at all, he either just nodded or hummed at whatever they were saying. He knows the theories of supernatural powers and science fiction so it wasn't so hard to understand. Little by little, pieces of the puzzle was put up clearly.
----
"Why do we have to look for the Mana stones? This outfit is itchy." Furina commented, emphasizing the 'we' as she was scratching the side of her neck that was almost covered by the ruffles and accessories that seemed to weight pounds for her. At least she still had her hat on, but it's quite different now since it was tailored last week.
"I believe, Lady Furina is capable of searching, am I right?" Noé asked, Murr on his wide shoulders listening to the exchange. Noé was suited in his usual white outfit and with the purple vest.
"Of course I can!" She said, placing both hands on her waist since she couldn't even almost touch her hips from all of this petticoats and skits.
Four years have passed and she still managed to keep up the facade. She was starting to get comfortable around them, but still, Dazai and William scares her most, they always had the keenest eye among all of them and they could expose her any second.
"I believe these are Mana stones." Noé picked up an amethyst colored with slight pink ombre Mana stone. It was beautiful to the eye and it looked smooth but was rough to touch.
"Oh yes dear sir, that is a Mana stone. This is called ombre of light, it of course, can grant the holder the power of light!" The shopper persuade as he looked at the two individuals that were known as the Moriarty siblings.
Noé nodded and Furina observed the other Mana stones, they were fascinating to be honest. She unconsciously clutched her own vision, she didn't need Mana stones because unlike visions, they weren't gifted from gods at all.
"And it of course costs 100 gold, each one but I can give you a discount!" The shopper said, smiling so brightly with his one golden teeth. Furina couldn't help but feel icked about it.
"A hundred? What's the discount?" Noé asked innocently. Murr turned it's little head towards Noé, looking at him like he was foolish.
"20 gold! So you'll only have to pay 80!" The shop owner was jumpy and everything, noticing that Noé was falling for his tricks.
"The price isn't right, this Mana stone merely costs 50 gold and 5 silver. This is a cheap one." A voice was heard between the two, the shop keeper quickly shut his mouth when he saw who it was.
Furina and Noé eyed eachother before turning around, they saw it was the king (crown prince who they saved four years ago). The dashing white hair, and chiseled jaw. Red ruby eyes that seems to cut through you and pale skin was something not easy to forget, but also because Cale had been friends with the king and he would sometimes call for one of them to the palace to spend some time or drink tea, in most the visits, it was likely Diluc.
"Greetings to the sun of the western empire." The both bowed as well as the shop keeper, Furina held up her gown slightly while peeking behind the king. There were royal guards inspecting and alert.
"You two may rise." The king smiled and looked at them as they went back to their original position.
"Shopping for Mana stones aren't you?" He laughed, stepping forward that made the shop keeper flinch. He was looking at the Mana stones one by one, leaving Furina and Noé aside.
"Why is the king here?" She whispered to Noé, soft enough just for them to here.
"I don't have a clue." He replied as soft as how she whispered to him.
"These aren't acceptable. You two, follow me." He requested, but a bit authorized.
The two looked at each other and back to the guards behind the prince - the prince name was Iziekel if they remembered clearly. They followed quietly as they took a stroll around the local market to search for Mana stones.
"What is your purpose here, your royal highness?" Furina asked, in the past years, her tongue would slip and she wouldn't say 'royal highness' she never considered royalty to be above gods or demi-gods so she wasn't used to it.
It was a moment of silence before Iziekel signaled the guards to look somewhere else so he can talk to them alone.
"I planned to see your brother... I thought he'd come with you, but it seems he did not." The prince observed his fingers, rubbing his index against his thumb as his red eyes watched.
'Brother?' Noé and Furina shared the same thought. "Which one? If I may ask your majesty." Noé asked, his tone soft and calming as ever as he held murr against his chest in his arms.
"The redhead." He replied, being so vague and not clear, he was clearly enjoying it even though he couldn't see their faces since they were behind him.
"Oh... Di- Daniel!" Furina almost slipped. Even though almost five years had passed since they had been transported here in this world she still forgets their aliases.
"Yes miss Focalors, I've been looking forward for Daniel's visits. But everytime he comes, he is always grumpy and serious." The prince sighed, clasping his hands together.
The two looked at each other and understood what the prince was going through. They were used with Diluc being cold and mysterious, they never really opened up or anything not their secrets, nothing even in their own world they dared to share.
"Mister Noah and Miss Focalors. Please carry this telegram from me to Daniel, I would like to see him this Saturday" Iziekel smiled, he took out a piece of envelope from his pocket and handed it over to Noé.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Hi everyone, I'm sorry but I think I'll be having a break. Because I'm busy and don't have motivation. I'm sorry but please understand and also because I'm having a bit of a problem with the reaction video. It couldn't be in full picture or something like that, it got me frustrated tbh. I'm sorry.