Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

 
​

She winced when James scolded her, reminding her of their mother. He's...really starting to sound like her...When Sasha flew away, Renee could only nod, still running. Until she heard the wall break and she looked up to see debris fall where she was going!


The winged-teen somehow dodged the first two that came down, but the last one, a smaller but still big piece, got in front of her and she ran into it. She groaned in pain, not moving. 'That's...going to leave a bruise...'


When the flames from the dragon created a wall in front of her, Renee knew that she was in trouble...major trouble. The winged-teen couldn't breathe right with how intense the fire was; her anxiety made it worse. She's practically gasping for air. The dragon loomed over her as she peeled herself off the debris and leaned on it, her body shaking for multiple reasons.


The teen listened to the dragon and Sunny's conversation, her eyes widened in panic as Sunny let go of her finger. He's serious...Oh Merlin...She doesn't want to let Sunny go, but if she does...maybe she'll live and hopefully find Sunny...


Renee gulped, trying to not cry as she slowly took the root ring off. "I'm sorry, Sunny..." She muttered sadly, her heart getting heavy with guilt as she placed him on the ground.


@Aio @Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Outside the Burning City -[/SIZE]
​

OOC || Characters || Interest Check
​

[SIZE= 18px]T[/SIZE]he dragon's claw, big enough for a house to sit on its palm, reached down not caring that Renee might get squished and gouged out the entire ground which the ring lay and ate it. With that, it leapt into the air, the wind from its wings a hurricane, and flew back to the heart of the city without even sparing the winged teen a glance.


'Renee, it was nice meeting you, thank you for calling me Sunny. It's my most favorite name!' said the manna plant's voice in her head. 'Remember, a darkness is coming . . . find the Aged Author inside the Storm Wall, the other manna trees can help! Good bye, little one.'


It was at this moment that Sasha returned. Flying behind her was General Leo mounted on a large armored hippogriff followed by two other  mounted spell blades.


"You gave the dragon the ring." said the General surprised. "Miss Renee Pendragon, you will come with us and tell the king everything that transpired here. We have your brother James under our protective custody as well."


"Wait, that's not why I asked for your help." said the owl in James' voice. "My sister has nothing to do with this anymore, you have me to tell you everything that happened. Let my sister go home."


"This is not a request." said the general sternly as if what James was saying was foolishness. "Disaster has struck our country with the appearance of the dragon and you, Renee, and your brother know the most about it. Come with us, you understand that this is for the greater good. I will not harm you, but I will take you with me by force if need be."


"Alright, but at least let me go tell my family what happened." said the owl.


"Go."


(OOC: @Katsuya, @Aio, I will time skip to when we are all at the King's Castle in the Royal City after your next posts if no one has any objections.)

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee held onto the debris when the dragon left, hearing Sunny's goodbye and request. The teen could only let out a sob as she watched the dragon going back to the city. He still trusts her to go find the Aged author...even when she just gave him up...


When General Leo appeared with two other spellblades and telling her to come with him, the white haired-teen flinched from her guilt. Her wings limped as she nodded slowly. She's not going to argue with him or her brother, considering what she has done already. Renee didn't want to cause anymore trouble by continuing with her stubbornness. "O-Okay..."


The teen limped to General's side, not looking at anyone in her grief of losing her new friend.


@Zer0 @Aio (OOC: I have none. ^W^)

 

[Aio]

Winnifred sighed at the twins remarks, though knew if she took it personally she would never get anything done. She looked over at Calcifer and sighed. "Renee's smart. She'll figure it out. It's not as if we are ever going back." She spoke as she walked over to a window to watch as the castle moved, wringing her hands out of nervousness.  Her eyes went back to the now burning city wondering how far Renee even made it when she left them.


She sat back as the twins took over the responsibility of looking over the townspeople. Watching as everyone filed out into the streets, slightly disoriented due to the events prior. Winnifred walked to where she could see outside of the door and scoff. She hadn't stepped foot in the Royal City since the incident, and as of now she was reluctant to even look at it. She didn't expect the Pendragons to understand her situation, nor did she expect them to. She never told them her past, why she was without a master to study under. Too many memories filled the ally's of this town, most she didn't care to remember. 


When it was only her and the twins left in the castle, Winnifred held her breath knowing what was to come. At the mention of Madame Suliman's name Winnifred stiffened but knew the twins were right. Madame Suliman did have the power to send help where it was needed, and right now Winnifred needed to keep her distaste for the woman to herself if they were to get anything done. "I...I suppose so." Making her way to the door, stopping as she hovered between the door. Shutting her eyes and taking a deep breath she continued forward till she hear the clacking of her shoes on the cobblestone. Opening her eyes to look back at the twins to urge them to keep up. She wasn't even thinking about Madame Suliman at the time, only Renee, worrying whether or not she had been able to go through with her plan.


@Zer0 @Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Royal City of Kingsbury -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" King's Palace, Way past midnight " [/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]T[/SIZE]he survivors of Paroosia City reached the King's Palace before Winnifred and the twins did. So when the three arrived at the gates, the guards, thinking that they were homeless evacuees too, ushered them into the throne room where the people were explaining what happened to the King.


Madam Suliman was present as well with two of her aides that for some reason all looked like copies of a much younger Howl, but with blonde hair; there were also court officials and nobles present who looked like they had just been woken up from bed, and they were all shocked at the news that a black dragon just destroyed one of the Kingdom's major cities.


" . . . t-then it destroyed the Manna tree and s-started demanding that we give it a girl with white wings and a jewel on forehead, I don't know if she was found."


"I see." said the King gravely. "Suliman, send word to General Leo immediately, we must find this girl alive."


"General Leo already has her in his custody, your Majesty." said Madam Suliman smoothly, gazing at her crystal ball. "He is on his way here with her and we can expect them in two days time."


Sen and Seth gave a sigh of relief, "So she's okay . . ."


"Very good. Now, we will send help to Paroosia immediately." the King told the survivors. "You may all stay in the castle until your families come and fetch you, or we've found a new place for you to settle. My servants will attend to your needs, those with injuries go to . . ." there was much more talk about where the evacuees will stay and about food, but Sen and Seth came forward to get Madam Suliman's attention.


"Er, Madam Suliman?" began Seth, "I'm Seth Pendragon and this is my brother Sen, and our --- ", he wasn't sure what to call Winnifred, " --- a lodger of the flying castle, Winnie. That girl his majesty mentioned is our sister, Renee. Is our mom, dad, James, Markl, and the Witch of the Waste with General Leo too?"


"Come with me." said the lady witch who looked at the three as though she recognized them even though this was the first time the twins met her. She gave Winnifred a look before leading the way to an adjacent hall that led to an indoor garden that was deserted.


"Only your brother James is with them." she said when they had settled into chairs. " but don't worry, we are doing all we can. Now, what is this talk about the manna tree speaking to your sister all about?" and she looked at Winnifred.

***
​

[SIZE= 18px]M[/SIZE]eanwhile, General Leo had decided to fly to the flying castle with Renee, and two of his spellblades after they fetched James from the evacuation boat, and use the portal in the flying castle to go to the Royal City.


James was glad to see Renee safe, but eventually had to tell her that he lost mom and couldn't find their dad, Markl, the Witch of the Waste, nor Rhea. He was sad and angry, and upset, but knew that talking to people who can do much more than they was the solution.


They were being taken to the Royal Palace where they were going to meet Madam Suliman and the rest of the remaining family in a deserted indoor garden in about twenty minutes.


(OOC: @Aio , if Madam Suliman is part of your character's past, you can control her. Or if you wish to introduce an NPC here, you can too. @Katsuya, feel free to time skip to when we meet the twins and Winnifred again.)

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

In those two days while traveling, Renee was passive. Her wings didn't even move or react to riding with the General in the sky or with Fray and James when they had to walk in the city. The teen would only react when someone calls on her and she would answer when they asked for her opinion. Then she would go back to staring at her surroundings or draw in the sketchbook she managed to grab while going through the portal of the castle. When she met up with James, Renee would only hug him tight for a moment, muttering apologies to him. Her guilt and sadness grew when James told her about their lost family members, including Markl and the witch of the waste.


As they finally reached the Royal Palace, James and Renee were escorted to the indoor garden. Normally, the teen would excitedly mutter about the designs on the walls and the paintings' creator and the way the castle was built...but she didn't. She didn't react towards the types of exotic flowers and plants that she could see in the indoor garden too. Instead the white-haired teen could only stare at her remaining family in relief. At least, they were safe...


"Sen. Seth. Winnie..." She halfheartedly smiled at them before quietly greeting the Madam who's sitting on a wheeled chair, curtsying a bit in her respects. "Hello Madam Suilman..."


@Zer0 @Aio

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Royal City of Kingsbury -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" King's Palace, Way past midnight " [/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]M[/SIZE]iss Renee Pendragon, how to nice to meet you at last." said Madam Suliman, turning around to get a proper look at her.


"Renee, you crazy!" said Sen rushing to her, then paused as he was caught in a limbo between wanting to hug her sister and yet not touch her because hugging your sister is ew. "Don't do that again, you could have been deaded!"


Seth looked like he could cry, but was looking away and up at the ceiling.


"It's good you three came here." said James to Winnifred and the twins. "This was actually a reasonable decision. It was your idea, right Winnie?"
 


"No, it was ours." said the twins.


"You two?"


"Yeah. We're smart, you know." they said together. "We invented waterproof fireworks and the marshmallow bomb."


"Madam Suliman." said General Leo loudly, cutting the conversation short. "I must return to Paroosia, shall I leave the Pendragons in your care?"


"Yes, good work, General. Now . . . " she approached Renee as the General left with his spellblades. " Your brothers have been telling me the events in their point of view. Now, Renee, James, I must ask for yours. I know you are all sleepy and tired, but please bear with me and tell me everything, the fate of the world depends on it."


 @Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee smiled a bit to Sen and looked at Seth, replying quietly. "I won't. I promise, Sen. Seth." She could see that they were really scared from her actions. It made her guilt a bit heavier.


When the twins reminded them of their inventions, the teen chuckled to herself. The marshmallow bomb was delicious...and sticky. As the general left, Renee flinched a bit when Madam Suliman put her attention to her and James. She took a deep breathe, gripping on her sketchbook tightly as she started to tell her side of the incident. She even gave the Madam her sketches to show how the shadow creatures looked like, with notes on the side, even her theories of the huge dragon that's currently living in the destroyed city among other things. She made sure to record everything while traveling to the Royal city.


"...Madam...I-I was really scared. Terrified at the idea of the dragon possibly seeing the castle flying away. Not because I was in the castle, but because my family and innocent people were in there. I didn't want that dragon pay attention to it as they escaped. I was selfish and left the castle to draw it's attention...to me...and away from the castle." Renee explained quietly, fiddling with her ashen skirt.


Frowning sadly, she continued. "I ignored Winnie's plea...I managed to run away from Sen and Seth...and grabbed it's attention. I couldn't breathe when it trapped me in it's fire...and I could do nothing as it took Sunny, the ring, and flew away....That's when General Leo found me with James' owl...I don't regret grabbing the dragon's attention, but I regret not being able to protect Sunny too..."


The teen sighed before looking up at the Madam, for once in these few days, feeling determined. "Now...all I want to do is follow Sunny's instructions without being stubborn...I need to go find the Aged Author who's inside the Stone Wall...Sunny told me that the darkness is coming and the other Manna trees will help somehow..."


@Aio @Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Howl's Flying Castle -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" 3:00 am "[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]J[/SIZE]ames looked like he had something to say to that last sentence, but did not comment. After he finished narrating his part, it was already three in the morning.


"Thank you all for your patience, you may all go home now." said Madam Suliman. "Miss Renee, I will hold on to these sketches just until I have them copied. You have all been very helpful, and I'm sorry for your parents."


She gazed into her crystal ball that glowed like an ember. "I am afraid Paroosia is lost . . . everything is in flames now and overrun with these . . . shadow creatures. General Leo's army has withdrawn and a massive evacuation of the surrounding towns and villages is underway . . . We will speak again this week. For now, you've all earned some much needed rest."


She called her aide who drove the Pendragons back to Ruby Street and in front of the door of House 44 that was a portal that led into the flying castle. James thanked the aide who then drove away.


The twins yawned, "Well, we're going to bed." they said together. "Tomorrow --- er, later today, after we've slept, we're planning to go back to the lands around Paroosia and ask people if they've seen mom or dad."


James didn't say anything. He too didn't want to admit that their parents were dead. "Alright, I'll make breakfast." he turned to Renee. "Renee, about what you want to do, let's talk about it tomorrow, okay? Don't go off on your own like last time."


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee simply nodded to the Madam, letting her take the sketchbook. At least, the info she put in there will be useful. As Madam Suliman mentioned their parents, she bit her bottom lip to not say anything offensive. 'Mom and Dad are not dead...' She thought, not wanting to believe otherwise. They just haven't been found yet...


When the driver dropped them off on Ruby street, the teen tiredly waved at the driver, watching it go as she hears the twins' plan. Sighing, she looked back at her remaining family. "...I'll set the table and wash the dishes..." The teen offered before looking at her older brother and frowned a bit. "I won't, James...I'm tired of losing anybody else..." She commented quietly, her wings wilting sadly. She doesn't blame James or the twins if they locked her door just to make sure she wouldn't leave again.


As she walked in the castle, Renee hugged her siblings, not caring if they stiffened and told Calcifier good night. Then she went up to her room to sleep, not ready for her dreams to be filled with fire and screams.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Howl's Flying Castle -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" The next day . . ."[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]R[/SIZE]IIIIIIIIIIING, RIIIIIIIIIING --- Wake up you ---"


James alarm clock spat a loose bolt at his forehead.


"Ow!" he clapped a hand to his head and woke up. His alarm clocke sniggered. James lay there looking up at the enchanted ceiling of his bedroom that mirrored the still-dark early morning sky outside wondering why he had set his alarm so early. Then he remembered, their mother Sophie wasn't around to cook breakfast anymore.


The bed creaked as he groggily got up. His burned dirty clothes from the disaster yesterday lay in a heap on the messy floor and he realized that for the first time, without his mother around, he was going to have to wash his own laundry. After putting on some clean robes he sleepily went downstairs to make breakfast, unaware that he was wearing his robes inside out.


Two hours later the smell of something unidentifiable burning wafted up the higher floors of the castle.


"Uh, brother, what's this supposed to be?" asked Sen looking down at the black rock on his plate after he had come down to eat. The kitchen was in disarray, Calcifer was happily eating up empty eggshells as all around James was trying and failing to use magic to clean up the mess he made trying to make breakfast.


"Egg sandwich." said James. 


"This is a rock." laughed Sen. "Hey, Seth!" he threw the bread at his twin brother who was just coming down the stairs. Seth ducked and there was a "PACK" as the bread hit the wall like a rock and was lodged there.


"What was that for?!" yelled Seth, then he took an interest at the black thing. "What is this?"


"James' egg sandwich." grinned Sen.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

 
​

Renee gasped, sitting up quickly as she tries to calm herself down. She curled up into a ball of trembling nerves, remembering the nightmare she had. It was terrible: flashes of the dragon spewing fire at her family and she was stuck from the shadow creatures, watching them be burned alive. The teen gulped down her whimpers, not sure if anybody was awake...


Then she realized there was an odd scent in her room. She looked where the source of the smoke came from: the floor boards..."Oh dear Merlin-!" Renee shouted, jumping out of her bed and running out of her room. She almost bumped into Seth as she nervously asked. "Is everyone alright? Where's the fire?! There was smoke coming in my room and-!?" 


The white haired teen realized the mess in the kitchen with James failing to clean everything...then at the rock thing that's lodged in the wall...and sighed in relief and a bit of amusement. Maybe she should've offered to make breakfast? 


Walking down the stairs, Renee picked up a clean pan and asked her older brother with a empathic tone in her voice. "You wash the dishes and I'll make breakfast?" She looked for the remaining eggs and bacon.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

" Howl's Flying Castle "
​

[SIZE= 18px]J[/SIZE]ames looked down at his sister and then sighed. He looked like someone prideful who was having a hard time admitting defeat and looked embarrassed for said defeat.  "Yeah." he finally muttered humbly and just continued cleaning. "Thanks."


"How were you able to turn egg and bread into rock without magic?" chided Seth greatly amused.


James lip curled up a little, it was funny. "Alright, alright." he said, dumping the mess into a trashcan that ate it up greedily then burped. "Renee will be making breakfast then, though I'm not giving up. If I can brew potions then I can learn how to cook."


"Then we can make the money!" said Sen and Seth together.


"You two? Working?" asked James surprised. The twins hardly did any chores except when they were told by their mother to do so.


"No, we're planning to sell our inventions." said Sen. "We've been talking about it last night, we think the waterproof fireworks and the marshmallow bomb that turns people into marshmallows is worth a fortune and we could probably open up a shop."


"What about school? Term starts again next week." said James. "My apprenticeship too."


"Erm . . . we're planning to quit school." said Sen delicately.


"What?"


"We won't have enough money, James, and me and Seth were thinking that it's better if what's left us used on yours and Renee's apprenticeship first. There's enough for you two to finish. Us, even if we graduated, we're not planning on taking normal jobs so it would be useless."


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

"I'm sure you can, James." Thank goodness, there's still some leftover eggs and bacon. Renee placed the pan over Calcifer and started to cook, listening in her brothers' conversation. Then she looked over her shoulder in shock at the twins before going back to eggs and bacon. They have a point...about the income part anyways...


"Do you two know where to set shop or where to gather your ingredients to make those?" Renee asked loudly, throwing the eggshells to the fire demon and putting the scrambled eggs on a plate, a bit burnt but still good. "I'll support your plan as long you two are serious about this. I'll even let you use or sell my herbs, if you'd like? Just let me know so I can replant them again."


The white haired teen knew the decision was up to James since he's the oldest, but she still wanted to let them know."Though, I would like it if you guys will graduate first and then go full time on selling your inventions. Who knows? Maybe you'll have a new one before you finished your education." Her wings didn't flinch when the bacon sizzled, the small bits of oil jumping out of the pan. She then placed the cooked pork strips in another plate for all of them to grab while making some toasted bread.


"There! Breakfast is ready! The eggs are a bit burnt but the bacon is good! I'll have the bread ready in a moment too!" The white haired teen commented as she placed the plates filled with food on the table, ready to be eaten. "Dig in, boys!"


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Howl's Flying Castle "[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]S[/SIZE]en and Seth ate at top speed, shoveling food down their gullets; James prepared some coffee before taking a sip, sitting down and eating all civil like. There was a coughing bark from under the table and Heen the dog laid his shaggy head on James' lap and wagged his tail as though asking for food.


"Right, you haven't eaten since last night. Hold on." said James and stood up to search the cupboards to feed Heen some dog food.


"We're serious. Very serious, sis." said Sen seriously with a serious face.


"We don't know where to set up shop yet," said Seth, already on his second helping of bacon. "but we know where to get the materials. Do you know how to plant Absynnian Shrivelfigs, and Sparkweed? They're expensive in the market since they're hard to grow."


James had not said anything, but he had a worried expression as though he was afraid of the twins failing and not having a future. He was with Renee in that he wanted the twins to finish school first, and besides as the older brother it was his responsibility to make the money, not his younger siblings.


But the Sen and Seth had a point. James had no idea of the state of the family's funds --- that was usually left to their mother and father --- the twins must have checked it, and if there's only enough for him and Renee, it makes more sense to use it for his apprenticeship at least since it was his last year . . .


"Ah, Renee, I just remembered something. " said James. "You said that you wanted to look for an aged author in the Storm Wall? We're you serious about that?"


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee just stared for a moment, watching her little brothers basically massacred the table for food. Then she turned around to toast the bread, listening to their response and questions.  She thought for a moment. "Hmm...I should be able to, considering I had to study those two plants before my professor left..."


The white-haired teen quickly grabbed the toasted bread from the aggressive toaster, not wanting to get burned from the mischievous machine. "It's just going to be a pain to get it when it's just right." She commented, her wings' feathers fluffed from her agitation. Then she placed them in a basket and put it on the table to let the twins go crazy on it.


The winged teen turned to James with a determined frown, nodding once. "Yes, I'm serious...and it's THE Aged Author, James." She started cooking more food in case James didn't have any bacon and eggs. "I want to do this. I have to, I owe that much to Sunny...and I need to make sure that the darkness doesn't come here..." Renee couldn't imagine just how much more destruction the darkness can cause if the dragon was just a pawn; A beginning of something chaotic and cruel. So...it'll be more than terrible, awful, etc.


"I have to start getting ready to pack and study on something I heard from the dragon. A name it called to Sunny...I didn't write it on my sketchbook because I didn't think it was as important but I want to look it up." She muttered, already planning on what to take and what not to take; so far she's debating to take her Dittany or her honking daffodil... 


Renee put more bacon and eggs on the table so James can eat too. "I believe it was...Sasagea...yea, it called Sunny 'Sasagea'..."


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Howl's Flying Castle "[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]J[/SIZE]ames put down his knife and fork. "I won't allow it." he said firmly. "You're not going to the Storm Wall. You're going to get killed, Renee. Let's just leave this to the royal army. They're professionals, you're just a kid --- that goes for the two of you too." he added to Sen and Seth. "Looking . . . for mom and dad is fine, but not going on some crazy quest to the Storm Wall just because a tree asked you to. That was a very unrealistic and dangerous thing to ask from a young a girl."


"Okay." lied Sen and Seth simply.


"Look, I know you two don't listen to me, but . . . " James struggled for the words, " I don't want you guys to go, because I don't want you to die when someone better can . . . stop the darkness." he looked at Renee in the eye. "I don't want to be alone, okay?" he added in a monotone, refusing to show his emotions.


James knew in his heart that their parents, Rhea, Markl, and the Witch of the Waste were gone, and the loss was so sudden it was numbing and he didn't fully realize it. But now it was starting to heavily come down and the thought of losing the rest of his family was something he wouldn't be able to take. If something happened to his brothers and sister, he was going to crack and be so depressed.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee quickly turned to James, her wings fluffed up in her stubbornness. "But-! but James, I-!" She bit her bottom lip, feeling conflicted when she heard her older brother's monotone voice. She already caused trouble for not listening before and regrets for it since it caused Sunny to be gone. The teen didn't want James to feel alone either...now that she thought about his point of view: It would be depressing...


But she still has to do what Sunny asked of her! He saved her life twice! Renee honestly felt that she has to do this, especially now when her family could be in more danger with the darkness. Sure, the knights could try to stop it...but somehow...she has a really bad feeling about it...


Sighing, the winged teen is not going to give up on this and offered another solution. "Then...why not come with me? It's better than a single 'little girl' doing this...and you wouldn't be alone..." She quietly muttered that last part, not wanting James to feel exposed from her picking up what he meant with that single sentence. Renee knew it wouldn't be easy to calm that fear of losing someone...after all, she left because she was afraid of losing her brothers....


Renee continued, not wanting to give up. "Like going to a dangerous place is any different from learning about a plant or conjuring up a new potion or invention....I'm still trying to figure out why I have wings from that weird plant in the first place." She argued. "We study by experience, James...and most of the stuff we are learning came from people who went through this by trial and error..."


"The twins could learn from experiencing the different shops in different cities and towns, maybe invent a new item for their shop. James, you can see new lands and explore their magic. Like the General said: No one explored behind the Stone wall before. Who knows what sort of magic and potions are there behind that Wall. I still need to look for new plants and I'm pretty sure that something very strange will be over the Stone wall." Yes, Renee is bargaining. A terrible tactic, she knows, but she wanted James to understand that traveling won't be a bad idea. There's perks to traveling in new lands that they've never seen before. Yes, she knows that this trip will be dangerous (with all the shadow creatures and dragons and baby dragons with evil shadow powers that's like no~!) but it's part of learning, or that's how she sees it. When Sunny first mentioned about the Aged Author and the Stone wall, her curiosity bugged her non-stop and she needs to know what's on the other side...


The darkness that's coming is the fuel that she can use to push herself even more than before, making sure to stay on course while passing through...


She could even study about the Manna trees too!


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Howl's Flying Castle "[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]T[/SIZE]he prospect of travelling and seeing the world appealed to James, but it was quickly overshadowed by his sense of security. "We're not heroes, Renee, this isn't something we can do." and from that statement it was obvious, the problem was that James had great doubt in their capabilities and that in his eyes, all he could see as the result of all this was their eventual death.


"This isn't a fairy tale or some play in the theatre where the unlikely hero with no training or experience triumphs over evil." he said in a mocking tone as if it was ridiculous. "This is the real world. You think you can do these things, but you can't, Renee . . . I'm alright with travelling the world to learn and experience new things, but not go on a crazy quest that's going to kill you. And that's the end of this conversation." he added with authoritative finality.


"Well, this has been a cheerful discussion." said Seth brightly standing up from the table and clapping his hands. "Me and Sen are heading back to Paroosia to look for mom and dad in the surrounding villages. So we will be back late tonight."


They grabbed their cloaks from a hat stand and packed some of the remaining breakfast in a piece of cloth before turning the dial on the door to the color green. The view outside the windows changed from the bustling streets of Kingsbury, to the quiet rainy mist of a forest sixty miles away from Paroosia. And with a swish of their cloaks, a comforting glance towards Renee, the twins turned on their heels and left, leaving Renee and James alone.


Heen coughed barked in the silence while Calcifer was just smoldering in between some logs and looking apprehensively between the two siblings.


"Choutte Venire." said James. Sasha the owl flew out of a small cloud that puffed out from the tip of James' wand. "Follow my brothers." the owl gave a hoot, pecked out a bit of toast from his plate before flying out of the door that opened by itself then shut again.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee stood quiet, her anger and hurt steaming in her small figure as her wings puffed up like her feathers were ruffled. She didn't say anything when the twins left. She didn't say anything when Heen coughed. She didn't say anything when James summoned Sasha, watching the owl follow them out the door. Instead the teen took a deep breathe, trying to not yell at the top of her lungs and started to gather the plates.


It's one thing to be afraid of losing someone. It's another to limit not just yourself, but others as well...


And to know...to know that her older brother honestly believes that neither her or the twins could ever grow or have potential...that hurts-!


"Fine..." She muttered as she piled the plates in the sink to wash. The teen bit her bottom lip so she wouldn't mutter a word as she aggressively cleaned the plates and cups. Luckily, none of them broke.


When she finished, Renee walked towards the stairs and paused for a moment. "James, you're right: This isn't a fairy-tale, it's reality." The teen commented quietly before finally smiling at him, feeling bitter. "So you shouldn't limit yourself into believing what you can not do, big brother...wouldn't be able to grow if you're afraid all the time and not do anything about it..."


Then she quickly walked upstairs to her bedroom door, changing the two-tone dial from green to orange, and walked into her studio; Where she can start planning on planting for the twins and start training for one or two new abilities she has in mind...


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

EPISODE 2: SASAGEA


- James Pendragon -
" Kingsbury, Grand Library, Four days Later "
​

James eyes narrowed sorely after Renee's insinuation that he was a coward, but he didn't say anything as he watched her march up quickly to the second floor and out of sight. He sighed and looked outside the window annoyed. There was a few moments of silence where he just watched the mist swirling and floating in and out through the pine trees outside.


He had no appetite anymore and tipped the rest of his food into Heen's bowl. The shaggy dog wagged its tail, pleased, and gobbled up the left overs almost like how the twins did.


"I'm feelin' some bad vibes comin' from Paroosia." said Calcifer as James went over to the sink to wash his plate. "Soon it won't be safe to stay here, James. "


"What do you feel?"


"Like a storm is coming."


James stepped outside. The flying castle was resting at the foot of a mountain some miles away from a village. It was morning, but the sky was gloomy with approaching rain, but much more so in the distance where the black ruins of Paroosia lay still burning, giant pillars of black smoke wafting up into the sky. Maybe it was his imagination, but it seemed that the clouds above the city were menacingly darker and were slowly spreading outwards.


He closed his eyes and then saw the world through his owl, Sasha's eyes. She was following the twins from a distance, keeping to the misty trees where she wouldn't be spotted. The twins were hastily making their way to the nearby village where it was full of soldiers herding survivors into caravans and giant flying mounts that would take them to safer places.


"Sasha, fly to the twins. Tell them to help with the evacuation by leading the survivors into the castle. ---- Calcifer, move the castle to the nearby village." said James.


His laundry will have to wait. For the rest of the day and two days after that, James facilitated the evacuation of the survivors of the villages surrounding Paroosia. He worked with the soldiers and met General Leo again who approved of the plan. The twins spent the time searching and asking around if anyone has seen their parents, Mark, or the Witch of the Waste, but no one has seen them; meanwhile, the colossal dragon had not left Paroosia. They would sometimes hear a mighty roar and see it fly up around the dark sky burning more places around the city's vicinity, but it never came close.


Monsters have also made their appearance in the villages. Without the manna tree to keep them away, they've been attacking at night and causing a lot of chaos.


On the afternoon of the fourth day the evacuation was complete. About four thousand people passed through the castle and out through the magic door to Kingsbury where Madam Suliman took care of their temporary lodgings and their shortage of food and medicine. The living room was a mess with hundreds of muddy footprints dirtying the floor and once or twice James realized that something got stolen from their cupboards; the Pendragons gained a lot of respect from the citizens from aiding them and letters, and small gifts of appreciation were being sent daily to their doorstep for the help they gave.


After having mopped the floors, that afternoon found James outside trying to wash his pile of four-day old laundry by hand, but was unable to get how it was done. It was then that he decided to go to the Grand Library in Kingsbury to borrow a book that taught household spells.

***​

The Grand Library was an old place where scholars, students, and old wizards visited often to look up something they want to research. It's magnificent stone entrance was guarded by gargoyles that did not take kindly to book thieves. Inside were shelves upon shelves of mountains of new books and dusty old tomes, some magical artifacts that gave information about the world, and many lounges where one could read comfortably on poufy arm chairs. Small intelligent twin-tailed foxes padded on all fours among the shelves, guiding people to whatever they were looking for. They couldn't speak, but could understand everyone who spoke to them.


James had a couple of house hold spell books under his arm and was on his way to the librarian's desk --- which was manned by a wise giant owl named Qui Tong, who could speak --- when he decided to ask a fox for a particular book.


"Little fox," he called to one twin-tail that was busy putting a book back on a shelf with its mouth, "Do you know where I can read about manna trees?"


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

​

-Renee's studio-
​

Renee read up on how to grow the twins' ingredients and already started on planting the left-over seeds her master gave her. Luckily, she can still use them. Within the time-span of a day, she cut the unnecessary weeds in her garden, watered some while putting some outside of the abandoned castle she calls a studio. The winged-teen thought it would be fun to use it, since no one else would want it. Even better when it seems the locals of the place believes there's a curse in these ruins. So she doesn't have to worry about people stealing her experiments and garden. Besides, it was perfect for the different types of plants who needs warmer temperatures, cooler temperatures, no sun, with sun, etc.


When she finished with her garden, Renee decided to check in with the castle. Noticing the small gifts and letters piling up on the floor and table, the teen decided to put it in order and make space around the area. Once she was done with that, the white-haired teen placed a new log for Calcifer and smiled tiredly at the fire demon who thanked her.


With a heavy sigh, she went upstairs, grabbing the laundry basket their mother used, and went in the twins' rooms. Might as well do the laundry while they were out. After collecting her own, she went outside and saw that James left his clothes alone...not even half finished. "My dear brother, I love you. Truly, I do, but sometimes I wonder how you are the responsible one..." She said to herself, chuckling in amusement as she continued where he left off. After washing all of their clothes, Renee took the full basket and walked back down to her studio to hang the clothes on the trees nearby. She didn't want the clothes get wet again if it rained.


She's still mad at James, but she would help him when he needs it. Even if she doesn't say anything to him, Renee will help as much as she could around their home. After hanging the wet clothes on the trees that had sunlight pouring through, the white-haired teen patted gratefully on the trunks of the trees. "Thank you for helping me out...I really appreciate it." She always talked to her plants and meeting with Sunny proved her belief that plants can hear what she is saying.


"Now then...since I got the chores down, time to practice with that spell...how did Dad do it again?"  Renee moved away from the trees and into an open space. She remembered when she was little, she saw her father's transformation for the first time and wanted to learn how to do that as well. Of course, her father laughed and told her to feel an intense emotion. When she felt it, just let that feeling out...


...or at least, that's how he described it. She made several attempts before but it never worked since she didn't have a good intense emotion before. Renee knew there's more to it then what her father described, but she didn't know who else to turn to. She didn't want to ask the Madam since she's going to be busy. The twins didn't know how and she really doubts James would help since they haven't talked for a whole day and more. The white-haired teen sighed at the thought of James before shaking her head and concentrated on what emotion she needs...like how her father instructed long ago...


She's sad about their missing parents, but knows that her surviving family has to move on. So sadness is out. Sure, she's angry at James, but it's not intense enough. So anger is out. She's happy that her brothers are okay, same with Heen and Calcifer, but that's not enough since she still felt guilty about Sunny. Fear is out because she rather not react on a negative emotion for the first time...Renee then knew which emotion she's going to need...


After all, the love that she has for her family is always intense and she wants them to be safe, no matter what.


With that in mind, she closed her eyes and let that one intense emotion flow out of her, only to scream in pain. Feathers bloomed out of her neck, shoulders, and biceps as her hair changed from thin threads to soft plumes of feathers. The bird-like skin around her eyes spread more to her face, almost covering her human skin as it did to her legs and arms. Her legs changed into more like a bird's spindly legs with lethal claws, the tights she wore broke from the sudden increase in height. Her hands grew a bit bigger too with sharpened nails. Feathers ripped through her clothes from the back, flowing down into a long tail. Finally, her wings spread open, growing rapidly and flapped once when it stopped.


Her transformation was done. It worked! Though... Renee sat down on the grassy ground, her pained expression relaxed as she opened her eyes. The hybrid girl could remember where she was, but it was fuzzy. All she knew was that she wanted to make sure something...someone was okay. She cooed lowly like an owl when she realized that she couldn't stand on her two legs yet. Trying again, the avian pushed herself up with the help of her wings flapping, stumbling a bit only to fall back down. Slightly glaring at her legs, she tried again and again until she finally stood, albeit her legs are shaking a bit. The hybrid teen chirped in glee. Now she can move!


@Zer0 (I wrote a lot...oops. XD)

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Howl's Flying Castle, Night Time "[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]L[/SIZE]ater that night, James returned to Ruby Street where the magic door to the castle stood in House 44. He was riding Frey who had nine old tomes packed carefully in his saddle and was bouncing as he cantered glowing all silvery along the street.


"Wow, mommy look, it's a reindeer!" cried a child in amazement across the street. James wasn't paying attention as he was reading, 'Mrs. Flodderbes' Household Cleaning for Beginners' , in the glow of his ethereal stag's light.


Frey on the other hand was pleased with the praise and his canter turned into a strut. He puffed his chest out proudly and tipped toed regally showing off his magnificent antlers --- one of which was broken, but had been magically glued back in place by James yesterday.


All along the walls and fences fluttered recruitment papers from the army calling mercenaries, adventurers, and warlocks to join the fight against the Deathwing whose existence was now well known all across the world. The news of it spread like wildfire the day after it appeared. Newspaper headlines raged all about it and there was talk that all the kings and queens from the different countries will be meeting to discuss how they were going to vanquish the dragon and the shadow monsters that have been multiplying in the surrounding area.


There were more warriors and warlocks now in Kingsbury and the city welcomed them all. There was even going to be a fighting tournament next month with a bullion gold as prize money. All this just to attract the best fighters who can aide the king against the dragon.


After James and Frey entered the castle, James removed the stag's saddle with the old tomes and led him to the sink to drink some water. Then it began to rain.


"My laundry." remembered James, immediately going down the door steps and turning the knob of the dial to green. And he stepped out into the forest near a now-empty village more than sixty miles from the ruins of Paroosia to fetch his laundry. It was raining here too, but worse. James went to the back of the flying castle his hoodie up to protect him from the rain and was surprised to see that his laundry and the washing pan was gone.


"Calcifer, did you see my clothes?" asked James as he went back inside, then paused as he saw the twins looking at his books. " Hey, don't read those --- "


"James, why do you have nine books from the Grand Library about manna trees, dragons, and stuff?" asked Seth curiously. "I thought you didn't want us to have anything to do with this anymore?"


"It's for research." said James gruffly trying to swipe the book from his hands, but Seth was too quick for him. "Seth, give that back before Renee gets here." he said sternly.


"No, I know what you're trying to do. You're trying to horde the books so that Renee won't find anything about Sunny!" said Seth tossing some books to his twin brother who caught them and fled from James' reach.


"Hey, careful with those books, they're old!" yelled James. "And I'm not, I'm returning them back to the library when I'm done!"


"After six months?" asked Sen pointedly looking at the library card in the back cover of the book.


"This is for her own good. I don't understand why you two don't understand that what she wants to do is dangerous." said James.


"Brother, I know this sounds crazy, but Sunny talked to us too and me and Seth just have a feeling that it called us for a reason. I can feel it in my heart that we're supposed to go look for the manna trees and the Aged Author and go to the Storm Wall."


" . . . No. Give it back." said James and he meant it this time. The twins gave up the books. James took them without a word and strode up his room; Frey gulped in water and then poof-ed out of existence in a puff of unsummoning cloud.


"Next week." said Seth to Sen. "When James goes back to the academy to continue his apprenticeship. We'll copy the books."


"Right." said Sen. "Should we tell Renee?"


"No, I don't want them to fight again. I mean, I know James is doing this because he cares, but he doesn't understand that we have to do this or else something bad is going to happen. Do you feel it too? Like, the army won't be able to stop the dragon?"


"Something like that . . . But more of something much more powerful than the dragon."


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Her door slammed open, loose feathers being blown out of the room as Renee ran with her arms clutching on the basket. Then she quickly slams the door closed with her foot before the vines could come out as well. The winged-teen panted and cooed tiredly as she leaned on her door, glad that she managed to grab the folded laundry on the way out. She accidentally stepped on one of the most finicky plants' vines when she tried to transform back for the umpteenth time. So now she has to find a dead rat as an apology gift.


She shuddered at the thought of carrying a dead rat, but it's what she has to do. She needs that plant's fruits for her experiments.


Renee took a moment to herself to calm down, her wings flapped clumsily as they aren't used to being bigger. Excess feathers slowly falling out of them. The transformation spell is taking it's sweet time to let her go back to normal, isn't it?!


Hooting quietly in agitation, the white-haired teen walked down to the stairs, blinking that the twins are back and cooed happily. She ignored their shocked expressions as she passed them their clothes and tries her best to tell Calcifer that she's making dinner tonight by pointing at the skillet and then at herself. With a small jump and a few flaps from her wings, she managed to reach up to the fourth step. She chose to ignore the trail of feathers that's on the floor....


When she walked up to James' door, Renee hesitated, her wings folded beside her head. She doesn't want to hear James' lecture again. It's bad enough that they had that fight; worse when she didn't speak to him for hours...She could leave his clothes on the floor...no, she can't do that...Sighing quietly, the white-haired teen knocked on his door, ready to shove the basket in his arms and to coo in her defense...


Because talking like a bird wouldn't make it worse, Renee sarcastically thought and rolled her eyes.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Howl's Flying Castle, Night Time "[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]T[/SIZE]here was some hurried scuffling for about ten seconds inside James' bedroom before the door unlocked then opened. "Yes, what . . . is it . . ." he stood there for a full moment gaping at Renee from feathery head to talon in surprise; behind him his unkempt bed had a suspicious bump as though something big was hidden underneath the mattress.


"What happened this time?" he asked, concerned, as though he thought this was the result of another of her experiments gone wrong. He looked down at the basket and the expression turned into confusion. " --- or are you trying to make me laugh?"


@Katsuya