Chapter 14: Preperations

Age: 9

The only thing worse than losing those you love, is not knowing exactly when you'll die, or how.

I gave a hiss in pain as my wrists yanked against the tightly wound rope on my wrists, my feet similarly bound but I was unable to check due to a thick cord of rope around my neck... securing me to the tree.

I made eye contact with Maxwell Von Lockhart, whose eyes were nearly blank as he watched me in what seemed to be fascination. He tall figure looming over me as he gripped my chin in between his fingers. I was forced to meet his bright green eyes which seemed to glow magically under the moonlight. In any other situation, I would blush as his handsome face was so close to mine. Yet, with a gag in my mouth as blood seeped through the cloth nestled between my teeth, I was no where close to blushing. I glared defiantly at the young Duke who had put me here. Dragged me by my hair through the woods, screaming words of scorn at him. He shaved me like an animal, stomped me until I lost consciousness, before I awoke tied like this to a large tree deep within the woods surrounding the Academy.

The reason? I had pushed the little whore that continuously snuggled up to my fiancé down the stairs, as if she had all the right in the world to be by his side. As if she wasn't a filthy commoner. As if she wasn't a witch that cursed me. She was fine in the end, only a little shaken up. Yet this man took it upon himself to enact revenge, like I murdered his family. If the gag wasn't in my mouth, I'd tell him that I'd see him in hell. Because I surely would.

"You're so disgusting. Such a pretty face with nothing behind it" He muttered.

It had been days since I had last had any water, food, or peace. The only thing which coated my throat now was my own blood from the repeated blows to my abdomen and rib cage. I was sure even if I was saved, I would not live long. The pain over powered the hatred, and the only thing I could manage was a pathetic glare towards the one who was tormenting me so. I hated him. Hated his little bitch. I hated this world with so much passion.

I was forced to piss myself like an animal while he watched in amusement; forced to watch while he ate food and drank water in front of me; and forced to endlessly suffer as he used me like some sort of practice dummy in his training grounds.

He did more than simple practice. I could no longer feel my feet, after he had broken my ankles to prevent me from running away, and now my left hand had gone numb after I had attempted to escape by using my slightly sharp nails to pick at the rope. He had only used one hand to crush my own when he figured out it had been freed. My endless screams were muffled by the cloth which he used to silence me.

"I guess it's time huh" he said, almost sad it seemed. And my blood went cold as I heard a howl.

Noticing my evident terror, he smirked down at me, humorlessly laughing.

"I guess you can do this world one favor huh? Nourishment" he said darkly, and before I realized it, he had cut the ropes.

Dazed, I collapsed to the ground at the base of the tree. I could not stand, and when I finally looked at my feet and I cried in horror as I realized from the ankle down, both feet were black. Odd white patches and puss were leaking from the protruding bones in both ankles. Blood stained the ground around me. My blood.

I noticed my hand now. My fingers distorted, it didn't even look real. I cradled the broken hand to my chest now, as I looked up and saw Max climbing the tree I was once tied up to. High up into the branches, his gaze never left me. I was paralyzed in fear as I realized I could hear rustling around me. And glowing yellow eyes within the darkness of the bushes.

"If I were you, at least attempt to get away. Prey is best served fresh" he said coldly, sitting on the Branch, and leaning back with his arms crossed against the trunk of the tree. As if he was watching an Opera comfortably.

I didn't want to die. Not like this, and certainly not now. I wanted to marry my love, to become Queen, to make my family proud.

Instead I was reduced to a trembling mess, unable to crawl, let alone run as I watched in mute agony as one dog after another came out. Growling. Skinny and mangy. Hungry.

The gag slipped out of my mouth. And to my dismay the moment I twitched I was attacked. I screamed out into the empty night, as more than ten wild dogs began to feast on me. My arm was taken first, the burning sensation and then absolute nothingness which followed as the entire appendage was taken. I was brought back from unconsciousness as two others took towards my stomach, the flesh tearing like paper under their sharp canines, my innards falling out like confetti. My screams didn't stop until finally another dog attacked my throat, my windpipe crushing as the delicate skin was ripped apart.

My gaze emptily stared up at the moon. And up at Max who watched emotionlessly at where I lay. The pain stopped. Only being replaced by a strange ringing in my ears as the sounds of the dogs eating me alive seemed to become fainter and fainter. My vision dimming, my last parting sight were two green eyes which seemed to match well with the dogs....

I shot up in bed. My heart racing at the familiar sense of dread and agony took over.

Quietly panting, I looked around my room for Ricin. Finally spotting the cat peacefully still asleep buried in the pillows of my reading space by the window. The white kitten nearly invisible.

I tried to sigh in relief, but the sweat coating my body and my racing heart did not stop.

I silently slipped out of bed, as this had become a usual occurrence for me, before I went into my bathroom and began to run the water for a bath. While I waited for the tub to fill, I calmed my mind, before stripping and stepping into the warm water which reminded me of my past. I would always take a bath when work would become rough, or I was having a bad evening. It made me happy, to quietly relax in the water, which I did now.

When the water turned luke warm, I stepped out and dried myself off. I felt better, but I wanted to see my favorite night time companion that had recently taken it upon himself to change our meeting location to my greenhouse where he likely was asleep. It seemed the escape proved useful for the leopard, as he was far more well rested and comfortable in the space I gave to him at night. No more injuries appeared on him, but I made a habit of the checking the leopard, still frightened one day he wouldn't show up.

Putting on a new nightgown and robe, I slipped out of the mansion from my balcony as I drifted easily to the ground with wind magic lightening my fall. I felt guilty for those not blessed by fairies, it was truly an aid to everyday life, especially when lacking in technology.

Swiftly I walked through my garden and to the familiar green house, the large crystal building looked somewhat magical under the starts and crescent moon, reflecting the bright colors back off of it.

Opening the door to the entrance, if didn't take long to spot Xavier, completely asleep on the large sofa I had made and placed near the lounge area for him. Blankets and pillows filled the large area now, as occasionally I would fall asleep here, much to my parents dismay. I quietly made tea, needing something warm to calm my mind and my trembling hands.

Despite Vincent never appearing in my nightmares aside from as a side character, and Ceil no longer haunting me... my nightmares regarding Max and Gerald became more prominent. It didn't help that they continuously came to my home nearly everyday to bother my experiments or play around. I was grateful they got along well with Vincent, but it wasn't good for my soul to see them so often.

Phillip? He was welcomed. Despite him appearing in nightmares, and even experiencing my death by his poison, I wasn't in the least frightened whenever I awoke from them. I could even call the dreams slightly wonderful. The feeling of dying by poison nothing new to me, and pleasant by all means, if not welcomed. My body rejecting itself and shutting down, as my veins burned with seizures to follow... maybe Ceil was correct in calling me a masochist. Though I'd never agree to any other methods of torture. Something about the way I'm killed by Max and Gerald was daunting, maybe it was the loathing that could be felt from the two who began to earn a little of my kindness after becoming my brother's playmates. I wasn't lacking in female friends, there was just none I could revel my true character to. So many risks might follow, but the boys seemed to be well behaved under Ceil's watch. I was made aware I could relax and enjoy myself as I normally would around them... I never did.

I sat beside the sleeping Xavier as I sipped my earl grey tea. His ears twitched but I was given no other indication that he would awaken anytime soon. I wondered so much about this leopard. Who his master was. Why he was so poorly treated, and why he couldn't simply run away. Ricin had yet to meet Xavier but I did make him aware of his presence in my life and green house. He was equally curious as to why a magnificent beast such as Xavier would serve an abusive master. So many mysteries...

A light growl shook mr from my thoughts with a jolt, nearly spilling my tea as I turned to see two electric blue eyes staring at me curiously.

"Sorry if I woke you... I had another nightmare" I sighed softly, closing my eyes for a moment before meeting his. I wonder why I felt so comfortable around a creature that could easily end my life faster than the men who haunted my peace. His eyes bore into me, and I could guess he wanted me to talk about it. I had never mentioned exactly what my nightmares were to anyone, even Ricin. I didn't want him to worry. Thankfully the fairy could sleep through an earthquake and not wake up, so I was spared from questioning too deeply.

"Do you ever have nightmares?" I whispered softly, gently petting the fluffy leopard beside me, who had grown even more now. His tail swished through the air behind him lazily, before lightly curling around my leg as he lifted himself and placed his large fuzzy head on my small lap. A giggle escaped my lips as I set my tea down to fully enjoy the treat he was giving me. It was rare for him to come to me for head pats.

Xavier grunted, as if to answer my question. So he did...

"What do you do when you have a bad dream? Anything special?" I asked tilted my head down at him in question. He shook his head, no...

"You know... I'm thinking of leaving for a little while... my fairy, Ricin, told me that the Queen of Fairies might be able to help me with some questions I have. Maybe help with the nightmares too" I said in a hushed voice. I was startled when a loud growl came from the leopards throat as he raised his head quickly from my lap to stare eye level with me.

I jumped in panic, as the leopard steps on either side of me and I was forced to lay on my back beneath him as his eyes narrowed dangerously. His lips curling up to reveal perfectly white and razor fangs. I shook like a leaf, my eyes growing even larger as I panicked.

"X-Xavier" I whispered, the leopard towering over me as a paw was placed lightly on my tiny stomach to keep me from moving. The paw was nearly wider than my waist.

Another low growl came out of the leopard, who kept me pinned neath it. I didn't understand.

"A-are y-you mad" I asked, watching at the leopard nodded. Why was he mad?

"Is it b-because I said I was g-going to leave?" I asked again, cautiously to not provoke him further. I could indeed easily push the leopard away with wind magic, or subdue him with vines. Yet my body, oddly remained still, motionless under his intense gaze. While panicked, I wasn't terrified. It nearly appeared like I was more afraid of the beast disliking me. I also knew in my mind, that Xavier would not harm me. If he wanted me dead, he could've done it long ago.

One again, the leopard nodded his head. Confirming my suspicions. I let out a shaky sigh, trying to relax a little. His paw was only lightly touching me, letting me know it was certainly not the full weight of it.

"Do... do you want to come with me?" I asked hesitantly. I was curious, would he come? Would his master allow it?

Xavier seemed to ponder for a moment, looking into my eyes for something, which I wasn't sure of. What was he looking for?

Then, as quickly as I was pinned, I was released. He laid back down solemnly. Huffing in exasperation. I tilted my head I confusion.

"Is that a no?" I asked, but he shook his head.

"So... is that a... yes?" I asked again, wishing once again that this was a talking magical leopard. It would make things easier.

He stared at me again, before nodding, never breaking eye contact.

My heart leapt in joy! This was my chance to steal him away from his master! He seemed to notice my bright smile, bringing his head to nuzzle against my cheek warmly. His blue eyes softer now, as I wrapped my arms around the leopard.

"It's decided! Me, you, and Ricin, will be a three man team! We'll call ourselves Team Rocket! B-because it's a cool name, and we'll need it since we'll be going on an adventure!" I said proudly, puffing my chest out. I heard a snort from Xavier, as he pulled back with a deadpan look in his furry features.

"What? It's a good name! Completely original!" I lied through my teeth at this point, but Xavier's expression did not change. He was oddly expressive for a leopard. Smart too.

....

An awkward silence befell us. I began to nervously twitch, but his intense gaze never left me as I looked everywhere but his eyes. Why was this leopard so intense?

"A-Alright... we won't use that name. But we're calling our group something! How does The Three Musketeers sound?" I asked casually. Another minute of silence. Why was he so picky?

"The Cat Bandits?"

....

"The Leopard Bandits?"

....

"You're right. It sounds like we're kidnapping you or other leopards..."

....

"How about... " I was cut off by another low growl. Xavier shook his head before letting out what seemed like a laugh?

"Fine. We'll wait for a unanimous vote then. I'm not giving up on this" I said seriously. I was once again pushed onto the sofa, into the pillows as Xavier lies beside me, his warmth radiating off of him.

"Fine... grumpy head... goodnight Xavier" I said with a small yawn, curling up beside the fluffy and good smelling leopard. He always smelt good... right now he smelt like the garden after it rains, and a gentle soap... With that, I fell back asleep without waking again.

***

When I woke up again, I found Xavier still with me, curiously looking down at me from my curled position on my side. The fetal position.

"Goodmornin'..." my voice was groggy and slurred as I wrapped my arms around the leopards neck again, to pull him back down with me for another few moments of peace. A heavy purr erupted from Xavier, as he lovingly brushed his face against mine and his tail curled around the exposed portion of my thigh. Smiling, I closed my eyes for another moment.... not.

The doors to the green house were suddenly thrown open in a panic despite the early hours of the morning, as a heavily breathing Vincent walked in with a pained expression.

"Is... is that a leopard?!" Vincent cried, staring in horror at Xavier.

"...yeah..." I said tiredly, a little upset to have to wake up to my little brothers screaming so early. I preferred his gentle manor of waking me...

"Why?!" He cried out, throwing his arms in the air as if to emphasize Xavier.

"He's my friend. Why not? I have a fairy, what's a leopard going to mess up?" I said bored, stretching out before standing up to make myself more tea.

"S-Sister! Please put clothes on, that is not how a lady dresses" Vincent groaned tiredly, looking away from me with red cheeks. I nearly cooed as the cute boy, all embarrassed by.. I realized the robe I wore was gone, and the silk nightgown was slightly see-through... that would make sense.

I noticed even Xavier turned his head away. Who knew?

I let out a calm laugh as I put my robe on.

"Fear not! I'm as flat as a board right now, nothing interesting to see in the first place" I said wryly, but I was given a disappointed glare from shockingly both a leopard and a human!

"What? I'm not wrong!" I defended myself. I'm nine, there was nothing to see yet.

Vincent pinched the bridge of his nose in defeat.

"That isn't the point... why are you in the green house? And with a leopard" Vincent finally calmed down, but asked in an irritated tone.

He grabbed my arm, and pulled me slightly behind him. Xavier let out a threatening growl towards Vincen which surprised me. He had never looked so hostile.

Wordlessly, I stepped out from Vincent's hold and calmly strolled towards Xavier. The leopard looked at me curiously before I took my tiny hands and pried his jaw open... well he somewhat allowed it, likely curious... and put my hand slightly in the opening of his large mouth. I could feel Xavier's glare and my brothers complete shock.

"See? He's a sweet heart, no need to worry! Plus! He is super fluffy, it's quite literally love at first sight for me" I said chuckling, releasing a glowering Xavier who, if he was human, would probably be pouting. Vincent stood still as a statue for a moment, before shaking his head.

"I get it... no wait... I don't get it. Yet I also do. It's you of all people, I shouldn't be shocked even if you came home with an entire circus for tea" he said numbly, giving me a blank but tired stare.

I laughed nervously. "So what did you need me for?" I asked curiously, petting Xavier to put the poor leopard in a better mood.

"Mother and Father wanted me to let you know they would be visiting the Fief today due to an emergency call. I am going with them so I can see how it is handled. We should be back within a week" Vincent stated, I nodded in understanding... a week huh? Perfect.

"I see. Then come here my adorable little brother! I am not fit to see off mother and father but since it's just us, it shouldn't be too bad" I said, pulling him into a tight embrace, and whispering for them to be careful and to eat properly. He leaned back, smiling happily. "Of course sister" he said warmly, patting my head which I swatted away. That was my job! He merely laughed before giving a cautious glance and warning about Xavier. The usual 'don't just let that wonder around in the mansion... it'll give someone a hear attack....' which I was given about Ricin after Angie fainted. People have weak hearts here after all.

With that, Vincent left, and it was once more just me and Xavier.

"Well... seems we get to leave sooner, rather than later? Let's go meet Ricin and make a plan" I said smoothly, standing to leave the green house as Xavier cautiously followed me. Patting his head to comfort him, I smiled reassuringly.

***

This was going a bit too smoothly, but I brushed it off, knowing it was my only real chance to escape now.

Leaving a detailed (not) letter of why I was leaving, and an estimated time of when I'd return, hopefully within a year or two, I left with both a large black leopard, and on his back? A tiny white kitten.

I knew our team name now. I claimed to take it to a vote but I'm sure only I will be registering us at the Adventure's guild.... so it's my decision.

Ufufufufu~

Laughing evilly in my mind, befitting is a true villainess, with no so evil intentions, I would wait to see my lovely team's reaction to their new name!

Leaving the estate and mansion was it's own difficulty. I had done it before with Ricin but was thoroughly caught due to both our laziness in actually escaping. Our family was a Duke household. Naturally our family's knights patrolled the Capital, and the vicinity of the estate. That was why I created a disguise potion, which would allow me to change my hair and eye color.

I had put my bright pink hair in two pigtails, my bangs framing my face perfectly which made me curious to how I, as an unruly child that followed a strict training schedule under the liege of a goblin, as well as a self marketed genius under the wing of another child (goblin) only a year above me, could be so perfectly well put together. It didn't make sense. Genetics were terrifying at this point, especially in a world of magic and fantasy.

Our mission during our adventure? Locate the portal to the Fairy Kingdom which Ricin so kindly explained was guarded by wild monsters that attacked all humans. Request an audience with the Queen, who is known to dislike humans as well. Finally, persuade the human hating Oracle Queen into either helping fix my destiny or giving a hint on how I might change fate. I have tasted first hand what my future might hold, and sadly it isn't only me in the picture anymore. I wanted to cherish and love my family, take care of my parents when they get old, see my brother get happily married, and possibly fall in love myself.

Love was something I wasn't truly aware of in my past life.

My parents weren't cruel and unusual, but they were strict, unfriendly, and hostile towards me. I never got 'hugs and kisses' nor did I ever remember sitting on my father's lap even once. I was scolded constantly due to my failures in certain aspects of life such as sports or student leadership in school. I was smart, and hard working, but I never received praise. It made me dislike people, and my looks and personality made friendship, let alone love, nearly impossible.

Instead I played around with medicine and drugs. When I graduated top of my class with over a thousand in competition with me, as well received top ten in the city's overall examination ranking, I went home to a family which only asked why I wasn't first on the district. It took a long time for me to realize this distaste for me was because I wasn't as beautiful as my siblings were... they weren't world class beauties, but they were well off in terms of looks and stature. It made me think I wasn't lovable. It even drove me a little mad...

So I dipped into a wild side of myself. I went to parties and night clubs, which led to drugs and alcohol. I even ended up joining a gang before University even started.

I had been arrested, seen multiple murders and even a suicide, worked as a bartender, gotten multiple tattoos that covered my entire back... the list went on. Fist fighting, black market deals... I knew the darker side of the world better than anyone else.

I found my love for science before my first term started.

I had exhausted all over forms of on the street drugs, so I made my own. Which nearly took my life if not for my 'friend' who, while calling an ambulance, took the rest of my creations and money while fleeing.

I stopped my frivolous lifestyle, and focusing on an addiction worse than simply drugs. I became obsessed with making my own. Newer, more unique than the last, which turned into a doctoral degree and a high paying job as a researcher and pharmacologist. My money went towards new creations, sometimes landing me within the spot light of major drug companies and prestigious interviews, while the rest went towards 'love'.... games and novels which filled the void that was left due to a broken home.

Even before I died, even with all my accomplishments, my parents never told me they were proud.

So I met my end, high on several other concoctions that could put a small village to sleep, and a new poison I made to shock the world. I grew over confident with my resistance towards any foreign substances, and drank away.

Yet now I'm here, in a world full of things I couldn't believe to be true if not for what was before my own eyes. A family that loved me, friends I could trust, and never ending excitement that gave color to my once black and white world.

***

"You ready" I whispered towards the uselessly lazy Ricin lounging on Xavier as if it was the most natural thing to do.

"Please stop using a leopard as a pillow" I hissed quietly, as we watched behind the bushes as two guards began to shift off duty. They were about 500 meters away from us, and out of ear shot range, but after watching the guard shift for the past few years, I knew that Daryl and Troy were the type to talk before handing over the responsibility.

This meant we would have an unguarded gate for approximately ten to twelve minutes.

I watched cautiously as the two grown men giggled like little girls as they literally gossiped about maids they found watching them as they trained. I rolled my eyes before signaling Ricin and Xavier with my eyes as we took off just before the two entered the mansion.

We went undetected as we moved past the large and exaggerated golden gates, quickly following the carriage path which only a few merchant carriages were on currently.

Our supplies were currently in the hands- paws, of Ricin, who had access to what was known as a spacial ring. It was crafted by a famous dwarf and imbedded with magic which could contort space and time- a lost magic supposedly to the Elven race. The only known human to currently have such a ring similar to Ricin? The King, his Majesty himself, who was blessed but not contracted by a Fire Fairy.

Almost all Royalty is blessed by s Fairy or even Contracted.

I had a large tent, kitchen supplies for cooking, fire and ice beast cores, pillows and blankets, money (gold and silver), my box of poisons and blow darts, silver sleeping powder, a short sword, poisoned twin daggers, poisoned needles, first aid supplies, and much more in that little ring which looked like a bracelet on Ricin's fluffy wrist.

Ricin was carrying the supplies since he was the least likely let anything happen to it. It was his to begin with anyway. He seemed thankful too when I said it wasn't mine to take when he showed it to me.

I had drank the potion to disguise myself a little before we snuck out of the mansion. My hair, once bubble gum pink, is now a light brown. My eyes, a dark magenta, were now a soft baby blue. I didn't actually know which colors my hair and eyes would take, as the potion was hastily made and embedded with magic on short notice.

To aid in hiding any suspicion, for those who may actually only recognize me by voice or facial structure, I have a dark cloak covering me from the world.

The only suspicious thing about me would be the massive magical leopard currently acting as the transportation and bed to a spoiled fairy. Who can fly.

"Xavier, if he gets annoying, just fling him off" I said in a serious tone, causing Ricin to puff up in humiliation.

"You dare to question the words of the mighty Ricin!" He explained haughtily like a noble child would.

Chuckling I threw him a innocent smile, "Seeing as I did name you, I would say yes, I do question your almighty words". Ricin was left in silence, unable to make a proper comeback for now.

It didn't take too long before we were picked up by a curious merchant who I exchanged information that was going on in the Capital.

Apparently there was a festival to celebrate the God Zion, due to a good harvest this year. I didn't mention the harvest was due to the assistance of fairies as it would only dampen the excited old man that was looking at me with twinkling eyes.

When we reached the Capital, I attempted to pay the man for his help but he simply shook his head.

"No Miss, you company was payment enough" he said, laughing heartily. It filled me with warmth towards his kindness.

While our group did indeed receive odd stares, Xavier kept people back by at least ten feet, which gave me room to breathe as we made our way down the bustling streets filled with people. The dazzling colors filled me with awe, at once again how beautiful this Kingdom was. I certainly wasn't patriotic in my past life, but living here makes me proud of where I call home.

Reaching the tall black and red building, which had a large sign across it reading 'Adventure's Guild', we quickly made our way in. We needed to register as adventurers before we would be allowed to leave the city, and I only had a few more hours before my disguise wore off.

Walking up to the counter where a large breasted beauty was, I quickly flashed a cute smile to gain her attention.

"My my, what a cute little miss... and her companions?" She asked, tilting her head towards the indifferent Xavier. I nodded, "We are just here to register with the Guild, could I please have the necessary forms to fill?" I asked politely, to which the woman warmly nodded.

After she gave me the forms, I quickly began filling them out before turning them back into the kind receptionist.

After that, she handed me mine, Ricin, and Xavier's cards. I just used Rose as my name, but kept Xavier and Ricin's names the same. The only noticeable thing on the card was our group's name.

Ricin was the first to react, as he let out a displeased hiss.

"The PussyCat's?" He asked, looking darkly at me who was innocently smiling as we made our way to the city walls. Xavier let out a snort, seeming to find it extremely funny.

"Isn't it great! We shall strike fear into who ever messes with us!" I said proudly, striking a power pose. I could feel the energy leave Ricin... who was quietly muttering insults from under his breathe.

"Well my dear fellow Adventurers, the time to leave has come!" I laughed, petting Xavier.