Chapter 5

Scion of Fall

Geddeon's POV

The Prince slowly stood to his feet, emerald eyes confirming the man before him.

‘You have got to be fucking joking…’

“Fixx… To what do I owe the fucking pleasure?” Geddeon sneered at the redhead.

Fitzgerald, his long lost cousin that was taken away by his father, El Cucuy. He was declared missing from the world, and the Los Muertos Royal Family lamented his disappearance. 

The Kings themselves searched the entire ruins for him, to no avail.

And yet… There he was…

The murderous little troglodyte…

Just as insufferable as the Prince had remembered…

“Oh, what’s with the long face? I thought you would be a little excited to see me.” The man smirked back condescendingly, undeterred from the poisonous glare he received. He held his arms up, as though he was waiting for a hug.

But Geddeon would only approach him for a single reason…

“No. I distinctly remember shouting that I’d put a hole in your chest the next time I saw you.” The Prince cocked his head to the side, his neck cracking with loud ‘pops’.

“Still so aggressive.” Fixx antagonized, lowering his arms. His smirk diminished further into a deep frown. “Tell me, Did you learn anything from our last encounter, or did you fall deeper into the dirt, Primo?”

“The fuck are you talking about?” Geddeon spat back.

“It’s a simple question. Are you finally a free thinking individual, or are you still just a loyal ‘hound’?”

It was mention of hounds that made the Prince's aura begin to seep from his soul. The energy it took to hold back his anger was immense, but the temptation to unchain it was not only warranted, but stress relieving.

The man before Geddeon was allegedly family, but after a thorough examination of his misdeeds, he was demoted to merely a bug in his life. The respect and trust was established long ago, but Fixx chose to break it.

“Depends; are you still incompetent or can you finally accomplish shit on your own?” Geddeon questioned back as his aura flickered brighter against the darkness.

“So witty, and yet still so disappointing…” The man shook his head, red hair moving in kind.

“The title of your autobiography. What do you want, Fixx?”

“Awww! Is the little puppy still mad about Bas-”

Suddenly, there was a loud, thunderous crack in the air. Just as Geddeon turned his head towards the cause of the sound, a black shadow had dashed past his peripheral vision, which immediately caused him to lurch forward, his hands swiftly grasping ahold of Kujo.

The hellhound continued to lunge forward, trying to pass his master, but Geddeon struggled to hold onto his Spectre’s invisible collar and underbelly.

“Speak of the useless cur…” Fixx muttered under his breath.

“YOU DON’T GET TO SAY HIS NAME!!” Kujo raged, writhing in Geddeon’s arms. Flames erupted from his eyes and maw as he frothed like a rabid animal. The pup’s size quickly fluctuated, wildly growing as large as a bull, then suddenly shrinking back, almost uncontrollably. The glitching of his Spectre made the Prince actually struggle to restrain him.

“Kujo, No!” Geddeon kept his hold on his oldest friend, fear creeping into his plea. Unbidden memories flashed within his mind, memories of the last Spectre left alone with Fixx: the runt of Kujo’s Litter.

Basker…

The glowing light of an innocent pup…

That Fixx had extinguished.

“LET ME GO!!!! I’LL KILL THAT SON OF A BITCH!!!! I’LL FUCKING GUT HIM!!! I’LL RIP HIS FUCKING LUNGS OUT LEAVE THEM FOR THE BUZZARDS!!!!” Kujo strained and pulled against Geddeon’s grip, each movement punctuated by another shift in size and another step closer.

A cold sweat broke over Geddon. Kujo was still young and frankly, not strong enough to maul Fixx to the Hound’s preference. 

Even if Fixx was Kujo’s number one Op…

If the Prince released his hold…

If Kujo lept at Fixx with all of his strength and rage…

Geddeon could see in Fixx’s muddy green eyes and wicked smile.

Fixx would easily kill Kujo.

“Listen to your master, puppy. I’m much too big a bad wolf for you to handle.” 

Geddeon growled under his breath as his furious spectre continued to try and break from his hold. His aura flared as the alleyway bloomed with the scent of cinnamon and smoke.

“Oh? What's this?” Fixx mocked, laughing as he walked closer to the pair, each foot fall sending an overwhelming, abnormal feeling throughout Geddeon’s body. “I can see it in your eyes, Primo. You think you’d fare any better against me than your little mongrel?”

His cousin was trying to get a rise out of him; Geddeon knew this strategy well. Even with the still agitated Kujo in his arms, there was no doubt in Geddeon’s mind that he could ruin Fixx’s Day.

But in the brief period it would take for him to let go of Kujo and draw his weapon. Kujo would…

‘No.’

The Prince pushed that thought away, glaring at his cousin, but then suddenly he felt it. That strange anomaly of Fixx’s aura sparked a memory in his mind; the same energy that was in the Void Spawn in the town square. The same energy that had slithered away from the beast’s corpse.

And it was coming from Fixx.

“…It was you…” Geddeon’s words were quiet but they carried such weight that even Kujo stilled in his arms. Fixx tilted his head forward as he drew nearer.

“Whatever do you mean?” The man’s mocking tone echoed as the edges of the Prince’s view began to blur.

“You did this.” The Prince’s aura sparked once more as his eyes narrowed in a venomous glare, a faint outline setting over his form.

“Wow! I’m shocked you would think so low of me,” Fixx demurred as he began to circle his cousin, “Whatever gave you that idea?”

“Don’t fuck with me, Fixx!” Geddeon kept the man in his line of sight as Kujo quietly lowered to the ground, directly behind the Prince. “I know your Aura, and I felt it in those Spawn!”

Fixx stilled as he looked at his cousin, his muddy green eyes piercing into Geddeon’s darkened emeralds. “My aura, you say, Primito?” His mocking tone intensified. “Would it have ever occurred to you that I was, perhaps, in the area? Maybe, just maybe, I wanted to help our peop-”

The man would have continued, had he not been suddenly cut off with a sharp breeze of displaced air, followed by a hollow ring.

The Prince had thrown his khopesh at the nape of the man’s neck with such speed that it still smoked with a fine orange vapor from its summoning; though it was blocked by a thick corded, wooden staff, summoned into Fixx’s right hand, landing on the ground with a sizzle. 

“You don’t get to say that! Not after what you’ve done!” Geddeon’s eyes seemed to glow with his own aura shining like a bonfire in the dark.

“Temper temper, ‘General’. I was simply trying to do my civic duty when I was interrupted by some idiota setting off the dinner bell to the Spawn.” Fixx placed his free hand to his forehead as he pretended to swoon. “Oh, and thank you for that by the way. I could have died otherwise.”

Oh, how he had hoped…

“So what? That big bastard simply got away from you? Is that what you expect me to believe?” Geddeon growled.

“Believe what you want Primo, but set aside your hate boner for a second and ask yourself, what's the alternative? Are you suggesting I can create Void Spawn now?”

‘Quell the rage…Quell the rage’

With a deep exhale, Geddeon slowly pulled back, but kept another khopesh aimed.

As much as the Prince hated to admit it, the man had a point. Void Spawn couldn’t be artificially made, as they were products of the Void itself. But the largest creature of the evening, the anomaly that he fought, was creating more Spawn right before his eyes. His mind began to replay everything he saw during the chaos. 

He was sure of it…

But even with that knowledge, it shouldn’t be possible. Void Spawn can only summon more Spawn with a catalyst.

Was he seeing things?

Did he miscount the Void Spawn in the area, or maybe his mind made up the explanation to fit his narrative?

And Fixx, for all his bluster and threats, was skilled in illusions; not conjuration or any other skill he could think of that could possibly make a Void Spawn…

The Prince was at a loss with nothing but speculations, and ultimately had no choice but to accept his answer.

Deep in his soul, though, Geddeon knew Fixx was lying, somehow…

Damnit.

‘Goddamnit!’

“Fine…” The Prince lowered the hand holding his khopesh to his side.

“Jeez! And here I was, simply on a friendly visit to the family. How rewarding.” Fixx lowered his own staff down to his side where it shrunk into a slightly smaller Shillelagh staff.

“Don’t act like you give a fuck about the family, Fixx. You’ve made your stance on us very clear.” Geddeon growled back. 

“Oh, I couldn’t care less about our feckless uncle or your doddering murderer father-” 

Fixx prattled on until he was interrupted by the sound of whistling wind and a sharp to his cheek, splitting open. The edge of Geddeon’s blade managed to nick him, just enough for a small trickle of blood.

A single warning.

“The next time you speak ill of my father or our Kings, I will run you through in their names.” Geddeon hissed out the blade in his hand shaking, from both rage and restraint. “Pray I don’t make it true.”

“Truly sad, don’t you think?” Fixx deadpanned as he swiped at the shallow cut smearing the tiny drop of blood across his cheek with his thumb, "You clearly haven’t grown at all. You’re still so angry, still so unfocused.” A devious grin widened across his face.

‘Quell the rage. Quell the rage.’

“And still a bloody hypocrite~” Fixx sang as he stepped away from Geddeon, purposely turning his back towards the Prince.

Kujo’s deepened growl echoed across the brick buildings, but he reluctantly stood by, crouched behind The Prince. He huffed through his maw, heavy smoke billowing out.

Suddenly, Geddeon had remembered.

The Town Hall. He was wasting time here.

“Where are you going?” Geddeon spat out as Fixx began to walk down the empty street. The redhead looked back over his shoulder at his cousin for a brief minute.

“I have things that are actually worth my time, Primito. Try not to drown in mediocrity before we meet again.”

With that last remark and a rueful shake of his head, Fixx walked away from the Prince and his Spectre, displaying an air of pure indifference as he disappeared along the horizon.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Geddeon turned away from where his cousin once stood, only to turn face to face with a now bull sized Kujo, with burning eyes with barely constrained rage and betrayal.

“Ku-” Geddeon started, but was halted by a heavy huff.

“Two. Weeks.” Kujo interrupted with a withering glare in his fiery orbs.

“What?”

“Do not speak to me, interact with me or call for me for two weeks.” The Hellhound barked. His hackles raised as flames licked the ground under his paws. Geddeon winced when he heard it; the betrayal in Kujo’s voice. 

“Kuj-” Geddeon tried to explain, but was again cut off as a loud bark issued forth from the Spectre, accompanied by a brilliant burst of flames. The brightness caused the Prince to throw his hands in front of him to block, but when he lowered his hands, only the fading flickers of flame and smoke remained.

Kujo had left.

The man’s shoulders sank, throwing his hands to his side in exasperation.

‘Perfect! What else can go wrong tonight?’

The quiet air then suddenly rumbled and crackled, as drops of rain began to drip from the clouds. The slow drippage then swiftly evolved into a downpour, leaving Gedeon in silence. 

“Of course”, he muttered, trudging toward the Town Hall. “What the hell else was I expecting?”

The Cycron Town Hall was relatively massive, casting wide, cooling shade during the long day; during the evening it loomed in the streetlights, almost too daunting to dare approach so late at night. With the added effect of moderate rain, the structure was truly haunting. 

Eleven solid, round pillars held up the grandiose arches that in turn supported the massive honeycomb like roof. The firm walls made of blacked Obsidian were interwoven with the same celebrated steam pipes that were built into the town. 

Stained glass windows were scattered generously across the walls in a seemingly random pattern, but the Prince recalled chuckling when the building architect added in a key detail; the placements of the windows and pipes were so delicately decided that when viewed from afar, the building resembled a skull.

A subtle nod to the Royal Family, but more so to the Prince.

Geddeon stood along the riverbank, observing the large imposing structure across the moat. The usually lowered drawbridge was standing tall, leaving the Prince in thought.

‘They must have raised the drawbridge. At least that meant some of them survived.’ 

Though, from his position, the raised bridge did present a different issue.

How was he supposed to let them know it was safe to exit the building?

If he and Kujo were on better terms, he could have at least had the Spectre pop in there and let them prepare for his arrival.

Though, upon second reflection, a Spectre appearing suddenly with no prior warning in front of scared townsfolk might not be the most comforting situation.

With no other ideas, the Prince stood still, quietly contemplating his next step. His mother had always told him that when in doubt, he should take a moment to think. He took in a slow deep breath, then fully exhaled.

Then, an abrupt thought came to him.

Geddeon promptly jogged down the riverbank, scanning the lower bank of the moat.

The building architect previously mentioned that they had installed a remote contact device, somewhere near the base of the stone deck of the drawbridge. The device was steam powered by the water from the moat, and linked to an identical contact device placed within the main hold of the fortress.

He was told it was going to be a smaller model from the main one and placed behind stone, so as to not be disturbed by Void Spawn or random pedestrians, but he didn’t know what it looked like.

That was a briefing that the Prince, unfortunately, couldn’t attend.

The Prince approached the stone base of the bridge, crouching down to the cobblestone bricks. He placed his hands along the cold stone, sliding all over its surface. The rocks, while wildly different in shape, were all sanded flat to fit the bridge.

Then, his hand bumped into another rock that protruded out a little more than the others.

‘Found it.’

Without hesitation, Geddeon gripped the bulging stone and pulled it from place, revealing a small, rectangular black box of dials and buttons. He reached in the hole and carefully pulled the device out, examining it carefully. It was of a handheld size, with dusty numbered buttons covering the front face and an additional, larger button to its side. There were only two differently colored buttons near the top of the box: one green and one red.

‘This thing needs fewer buttons…’

The Prince shook his head, perplexed. There were far too many buttons for him to even begin with, but the Prince then remembered that he was told briefly by the building architect how to operate it.

He first held down the red button until he felt the item quietly rumble alive in his hand. It made a soft beep, followed by several more. When he lifted his finger from the button, the beeping seized entirely. He then pressed the green button, until he heard a monotone ringing coming from the miniature speaker.

Geddeon cleared his dry throat and pressed the larger side button, bringing the device close to his mouth.

“Um…Hello?” He called into the machine, allowing a pause of silence to listen. Suddenly, the device sprang to life and a voice came from the box.

“H-Hello? Who is this?” The shaky male voice questioned back through the crackling connection.

Luckily, the Prince knew exactly who he was talking to and sighed in relief, pressing the button again to speak.

“There's no need to be alarmed. This is Prince Geddeon de Los Muertos. We have dispatched all of the Void Spawn in the town. You can leave the fortress now, it's safe.” He answered back, assuringly. 

“Y-Your Highness?! O-of course!” The voice stuttered back, surprised. He could hear through the device that the man was running, probably to the gate operators. Then, he heard the man agpeopaway from the device. “Lower the bridge at once! The Gold Helms are here. We're saved!”

Then, the stillness of the night came alive with sounds of turning gears and clanking metal as a gargantuan puff of steam bellowed from the front facing wall of the Town Hall. Geddeon watched as the enormous wooden bridge lowered down to its place on the bank with a loud creak, connecting the building to the town, once again.

Behind the lowered bridge stood a moderately large group of townsfolk; a wide majority of whom were women, children and elderly. Two Silver Helm Knights were standing with them, likely being posted to guard the perimeter of the building.

As the final klank of the bridge securing into place echoed over the rooftops, everyone within began to make their exodus onto Cycron’s destroyed streets, led by the Knights. Geddeon stood to the side letting the weeping and relieved denizens reunite with their loved ones, smiling softly. When the Silver Helms reached the other side, they bowed before the Prince, as did the other Knights.

“Much obliged, Knights, at ease. Rendezvous with Captain Castillo and his team, share your reports, and rest. You all did well this evening.” The Prince addressed the group. 

“Yes Sir!” The Knights answered in unison. The Silver Helms immediately stood up straight and walked over to address the Capitan.

Geddeon nodded to the men and turned to assess the group, but his attention was taken by soft tugging on the hem of his coat, followed by a little girl’s quiet voice.

“Excuse me…Did Papa come with you?”

“Emilia!” A woman gasped, grabbing her child by her shoulders and slowly pulling her away. She bowed profusely to Geddeon, in hopes to not anger the man. “Y-Your Highness, please forgive us.”

“But Mama, he said Papa’s name!” The girl insisted to the woman. 

The Prince smiled as he lent down to the girl. Once he was closer to her face, he could easily note the resemblance to Capitan Castillo. “Yes, little one. Your father is here, and he helped a lot of people tonight.” 

“I knew he would come! See Mama?” The little girl’s face lit up with a bright smile as she turned and tugged on her mother’s dress. “We were right! Papa’s here!”

And almost as if right on queue, the now awake Captain Castillo and his squadron of Fright Knights made their way towards the other survivors of the Town Hall. The little girl with dry tear-streaked eyes ran quickly to Castillo, crying fresh tears of joy as she clung to his leg. The man dropped to his knees and pulled her into a deep hug, breathing a sigh of relief.

The Prince scanned the area and even noticed the same embittered old man that thought so little of him limped his way towards two younger women, both of whom sprinted to him with tears in their eyes.

As he watched them embrace, the old man, who he could only assume was the womens’ father, shed tears of joy as he gripped both women into a heartfelt hug. The old man then glanced up from the hug, spotting Geddeon observing them from afar. 

The Prince had expected another fight, but instead, the old man squared his shoulders in resolve, looked him in the eyes and gave him a nod of respect and gratitude.

Geddeon gave a nod of his acknowledgement back while the old man returned his attention to his daughters, still sobbing into his arms. He began walking towards the Fright Knights, who were now standing with the mayor.

Another national tragedy thwarted.

Even with the threat gone, there was still so much work left to do.

At the very least, he could collect everyone’s reports, speak to the mayor about the clean-up efforts and offer his help in rebuilding before he departed back to All Hallows.

After all, it was what a Leader should do.

“That's my full report, Mi Reyes.” Geddeon recanted, standing at attention. After accounting for the dead and assessing the damage of Cycron, It was well into the afternoon before the Prince arrived back to his palace. But before he could rest, or even shower the night away, he had to give the Kings a report of the events.

“I see…so this Spawn…are you certain that it was creating more Spawn?” Xibalba's brows furrowed, perturbed by what he heard.

Geddeon nodded firmly back. “Yes sir. Kujo and I both saw it with our own eyes. You are free to ask him to verify my word, but I doubt he would be in the mood to answer.”

His father suddenly sat up, inquisitively. “Oh? Why would that be? You both are usually two Bellpeas in a pod.”

The Prince felt his eyes twitch and a scowl crossed his face. “Father, Uncle, were either of you aware that Fixx is back in town?”

That one question made the Kings rise from their seats in confusion and bewilderment.

“Qué? What do you mean, my son?” Chamiabac flashed quickly from his chair to Geddeon within seconds - a trick Xibalba no doubt showed him, placing his hands on his son's shoulders.

Xiabalba stayed by his chair but the Prince could see the twitch in his brow. Even still, he continued on.

“Father, after I defeated the larger Void Spawn, Fitzgerald appeared out of the blue. He didn’t tell me why he was there, but there was something… off about him.” Geddeon confided. He chose then, at that moment, to not explain further, in part due to the mountain of questions that lingered behind his words. Hours later into the next day, he could still remember it like it was just moments ago.

Fixx’s Aura… the murky, sickeningly black ooze from the colossal Void Spawn… even the amount of additional Spawn produced from it…

None of the facts sat right with Geddeon, and none of it made sense…

He felt as though he was making his own connections without concrete evidence, but the events from the evening before were still fresh in his mind. Even the thought of his cousin accompanied suspicions of his intentions.

Fixx hasn’t shown his face in centuries… Why would he show himself now?

And why would he appear during a Void Spawn Event?

With his Aura dripping with the likeness of the Void itself…

Xibalba eyed his nephew carefully, strolling over to the men with furrowed brows. “In Cycron, you say? Did anyone else in town see him?” His voice was quiet, but stern.

The Prince shook his head, dejected. “None from what I’ve gathered. He seemingly vanished after we spoke, and Kujo retreated back to the castle for… obvious reasons.”

Chamiabac released his son and took a step back, his confusion evolving into clarity. “I see…” the King trailed off, sinking into deep thought. Geddeon glanced at his father briefly before turning his attention to his uncle. Both men shared a momentary look of concern.

King Chamiabac was the most distraught when his nephew, El Cucuy, went missing. But for his great-nephew to suddenly reappear, especially during such an event, was quite problematic for the throne, regardless of whether or not Fixx was noticed.

The negative connotations were already bad enough, but now the Scion of Fall has returned. The Royal Family would have to acclimate him back into royal society, but all of the royal etiquette training or diplomatic lessons in Aeon would be unable to halt Fixx’s vile nature from showing itself.

Due to his attitude and superiority complex, especially towards regular, hard-working citizens of Aeon, Fixx truly had no friends in his corner, but he was always apt to make enemies.

Even amongst his own group of friends, the man was hated; Vincent shot at him to prove a point, Aeifael tried to break his femur, Travis tried to poison him, and Terran tried to kill him, twice.

Hell, even a friend of his from Bordeaux, Lady Valentine herself, almost succeeded in drowning him after he insulted her dancers.

To say Fixx was unliked was an understatement, but the Prince knew how gullible the King was to integrate his great-nephew quickly.

Geddeon didn’t understand Chamiabac most times, but he knew how desperate the man was to keep the family together.

Why? He didn’t know, and at the same time, he didn’t care to investigate.

“Hermano, I shall be taking my leave for the remainder of the afternoon. I have a pressing matter to attend to.” Chamiabac called back to Xibalba, straightening his decorated overcoat, before fully addressing the Prince in front of him. “My son. Thank you for this information, and for your dutiful, hard work. You are free to rest your weary bones. Now gentlemen, if you will excuse me.”

Before Geddeon could open his mouth to speak, the King of All Hallows pivoted around him, stepping purposefully towards the ornate, Obsidian dining room doors.

“Father, wait! I have a few reque-“ The Prince was cut off by his father waving him off.

“I will take care of them when I return.” 

“Bu-” Geddeon was cut off by the resounding thud of the dining room door as Chamiabac exited. His head dropped dejectedly again.

This was not the first time his father waived off his concerns, in this case, quite literally. Though it was partially expected, as the King was almost never available. 

It reminded Geddeon of years ago; when during the concluding week of the Fallen Leaves Incident, Chamiabac had become more withdrawn, making it increasingly difficult to engage with the King. Even Lady Wrath couldn’t get the man to answer her. 

With a sigh, the Prince turned to the only remaining person in the room with him.

Xiabalba, who was standing close to the table, gazed out to the kingdom past the mosaic glass window; quiet, composed and swirling a glass of what smelled like warmed pumpkin mead. A favorite of the Remisian King, Geddeon noted.

Perhaps it was Geddeon’s keen eye, or maybe just a testament to their kinship, but as he looked over at Xibalba, he spotted the man’s death grip to the stout body of his glass.

His uncle was pissed.

“Tío?” The Prince uttered, stepping close to the man.

The King’s eyes glazed over from haunted pain to a guarded peace, and then he immediately snapped his gaze from the window to the Prince before him, as if he just remembered he was not alone in the room.

“Oh, Niño, forgive an old man for his absent mindedness.” Xibalba sipped slowly from his glass, before gently placing the glass down on a coaster, his movements were still the usual fluidity he was known for, but there was a tenseness to it, as if he was holding back something.

‘Pot calling the kettle black, I guess…’

The King began to speak, but halted himself, seemingly reconsidering his words before speaking and tried again.

“Your father is correct, though I wish he would not be so… brisk about it.” Both arms crossed behind his back as he made eye contact with his nephew.

“As always, you have done exceptional work. As your King, I am proud of you, General,” Xiabalba’s hand clapped onto Geddeon’s shoulder as he continued, “And as your uncle, I am even prouder.”

Geddeon felt his face heat up a little at his uncle's words. His hands fidgeted behind his own back briefly before he centered himself again, coughing to clear his throat.

“I’m only doing my job, Tío. You give me far too much praise.” he muttered humbly.

Xibalba smiled before patting Geddeon on his head, ruffling the top layer of dreads playfully. “And you do not give yourself enough. Take the compliment, Niño, and take the time off you’ve accrued.”

The Prince was prepared to argue his uncle down. Despite the glut of ideas and activities that swam in his mind regarding his time off, he could always do with some training. Meanwhile, Mama would more likely appreciate their time together, and he did have some paintings he was working on that he could finish.

“Besides, you need a bath, but you should hurry. Don’t you owe a certain someone… time?” Xibalba chuckled softly, glancing over to the clock on the wall.

Geddeon froze, as reality came crashing back to him.

Aeifael was going to kill him.

The Prince dashed through the grassy fields of Verne Valley, warm wind blowing past his ears. When he left the Sakurai Forest Realm Gate, the time was 2:47 in the afternoon. After his endeavors from the evening before, he didn’t arrive back to the palace until noon. It took him at least an hour to cleanse himself and an additional hour of sprinting the four hour walk towards Yggdrasil.

His already clean clothes were drenched with sweat from the journey, and he was almost sure that Aeifael would attack him on sight for his tardiness, but at least he had a decent excuse.

As the Grand Tree drew closer into view, Geddeon’s sprint slowed to a jog and his nose had picked up the scent of rabbit, intensifying as he approached the moat-like Lake Vitae that surrounded Yggdrasil. He then suddenly slid to a halt, frantically scanning the area and listening to his surroundings. 

The Prince knew the scent of Rabbit usually followed by a whistle, meaning that she was racing towards him. He also knew to prepare himself from all angles, because Aeifael was quite clever and it wasn’t the first time she had kicked him into Lake Vitae from behind.

But after a minute of waiting, he heard nothing but the wind.

No whistle, no quick footsteps.

Nothing.

Geddeon held still, no longer scanning for an esprit missile, but now questioningly looking for his friend.

‘She’s close by…’ The Prince mused to himself, but he didn’t see the girl.

He continued closer towards the Grand Tree, walking along the edge of the lake, until he spotted a yellow dress. He knew she could hear him from his distance and began to brace himself, but then he noticed that she was sitting behind the tree, and she didn’t move from her spot.

Her ears were also blended back into her raven black hair; a telltale sign of a sad bunny.

Geddeon quickly picked up speed, closing the gap between himself and the girl. When he reached her position, he knocked on the tree lightly, so as to not startle her. He watched as her ears twitched at the sound, but still, she did not move.

“Hi Ged…” Aeifael sullenly mumbled to the man.

“Hey Aei… I’m sorry I’m late…” The Prince sighed. Deep down, he prayed that he wasn’t the cause of her current state, because Terran would kick his ass if the Prince had made his little sister cry.

“It’s OK… I knew you were busy…” She uttered back.

Geddeon’s brow furrowed. “Are you sad because I'm late?”

The Rabbit didn’t respond back, but she shook her head softly. He quietly exhaled a sigh of relief, but that only opened up more questions.

“Did your brothers do something?” He pondered aloud.

Another head shake.

“Did you get in trouble with Mother Nature?”

Another one.

Now, Geddeon was stumped.

The usual questions from the Prince weren't even a blip on her radar, and it troubled him not to know how to help his friend. It was unusual for the girl to be this level of sullen. Only a tongue lashing from Mother Nature would make her act like that.

‘It must be worse than I thought…’

He carefully lowered himself down to her level, sitting on the vibrant green grass next to the girl, observing her. No movement from the girl.

“What’s got you down, sunny bunny?” Geddeon frowned.

“…Mom called us into the hall… for a meeting…” She finally answered, speaking so quietly that he almost didn't hear her, even with their close proximity. 

“Oh? Was it bad?” The Prince lightly bumped the girl's shoulder with his elbow, trying to coax more of an answer from her.

“…Yeah… We were told to make accommodations…”

“For who? A new Title Holder?” Geddeon frowned.

‘Is Mother Nature having another Esprit?’

“No… She told us that Fixx is back… and I thought that fuckstick would be dead by now… but Mom said he was on the way…” Aeifael muttered.

Geddeon groaned inwardly. News spreads fast, sure, but the Prince was certain that only he, Chamiabac and Xibalba knew this information, meaning that either his interaction with his cousin was noticed by someone else in Cycron, or Fixx was spreading the word.

“Aeifael!” Terran scolded aloud, walking around Yggdrasil with a full scowl and with Travis close behind him. The Alrune was clearly not in the mood for his sister's language.

Or maybe his attitude was due to the ‘good’ news…

The girl rustled in her seat, ears flicking against her head, restlessly. “I don’t care, Terran. He’s a dick!” Aeifael shouted at the man, punching the ground once to emphasize her rage. “Everyone knows he’s a dick!”

It was the most emotion the girl had shown since the Prince’s arrival, but not a deterrent for her older brother. His light green eyes bore into her.

“How do you know what that is?” Terran questioned, his glare shifting from his sister to the man next to her. “What the fuck are you teaching my sister?”

“Whoa, cool it! It wasn’t me!” Geddeon held his head up in defense. “Go shout at Roza!”

Travis chuckled as he passed his brother, walking around him to the other side of the Prince, plopping a seat on the grass under the shaded canopy. “Everyone has the day off. Who’s gonna hear us?” He smirked.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe Mom?” The Alrune shrugged. “Did you forget that we're still within range?

“She knows we hate him; she just won’t admit it!” Aeifael stomped, her ears flicking back up. The feisty Rabbit was back to her normal energy level, much to Geddeon’s relief.

“In all fairness, Aei isn’t totally incorrect.” The redhead piped up from the ground, folding blades of grass into tiny knives. “Didn’t you try to kill him, like twice?”

“Only because he insulted Mom.” Terran shifted on his feet, turning his attention towards the treeline.

“You’d murder for an insult?” Geddeon questioned, cocking his head to the side.  

“I’d murder him for less.” Terran confirmed without missing a beat.

“You wouldn’t?” Travis asked, almost simultaneously while side-eyeing the Prince.

“I wouldn’t have to. Not many people are bold enough to insult Mother.” Geddeon explained as he absentmindedly scratched his cheek.

Travis shook his head and blinked hard, bewildered. “Bold? Don’t you mean daft?”

The Prince shrugged. “Either way, she doesn’t need me at her defense.”

“Alright, and if someone were to insult Sali-?” Terran started, but Geddeon didn’t let him finish.

“They’d be a chunky smear on the wall.” Geddeon interrupted, with no hesitation.

Both Travis and Terran snapped over to the man on the ground, stunned momentarily into silence. They shared a glance over the Prince’s head, one of friendly pride and slight fear.

“You scare me, Ged, and yet I have never felt safer under your eye.” Travis admitted.

Geddeon’s brow furrowed as he slowly turned to his redheaded friend, confused by his statement. He wasn’t quite sure if it was a compliment or an insult.

“Um… Thank you?” He voiced aloud, more of a question than anything else.

“No. Thank you.” The Arbor Nymph answered back, smiling his regular goofy smile.

Terran shook his head and inhaled, completely done with his siblings. “You both are truly-“

“Annoying, no?” A voice called from the far side of Yggdrasil, oozing with snark.

The Rabbit’s ears flicked towards the sound of footsteps. Almost instantly, Travis and Geddeon jumped to their feet, eyes glued to the source of the grating voice. As Fixx came into full view, he pulled on his lapels, adjusting his crisp, new emerald green suit, with a smug grin.

“My my, look at this motley crew, coming together for a play date!” Fixx called to the group, sarcastically clapping as he approached them.

Aeifael groaned loudly and stood up as well, dusting her dress off. ”Ugh, he’s here…” The girl grumbled.

“Aw, not happy to see me, Wabbit?” Fixx mocked, sneering at the girl, specifically.

“Name a single person that would be happy to see you, but don’t hurt yourself thinking too hard.” Aeifael quipped back, folding her arms over her chest.

Fixx smirked wickedly, leaning forward. “Your mother.” He stated, drawing out the words slowly.

Geddeon inhaled sharply. Fixx was always rash with his mouth, but to insult Mother Nature, especially in front of the Spring Trio, invited death. He could intervene, should intervene, as an ambassador to the Autumnal Ruins, but in truth, he had no desire to step in.

All three of Mother Nature’s children were forces to be reckoned with, and never to be trifled with. They didn’t take well to insults.

The girl’s nose twitched as she moved her leg back, preparing to surely leap on the man, but was halted only due to Travis stepping in front of her.

”Fuck off, Fixx. Don’t you have anyone else to annoy?” Travis glowered, his usually jolly demeanor replaced with that of a protective older brother.

”Shut it, beta. If I wanted to hear you squeal like a bitch, I’d beat it out of you.” Fixx lifted his chin, glaring down his nose towards the Arbor Nymph. The Prince growled at the man.

“That is enough.” Terran warned, his glare intensified.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Does mommy’s big boy have something to say?” Fixx chuckled, amused at the group.

“I don’t understand why you insist on antagonizing anyone that has the misfortune of being around you, nor do I care, but if you are done-” Terran began, but was once again cut off, this time by an abrupt cackle.

“I don’t care about what you have to say, honestly.” The man mocked as he sarcastically wiped a non-existent tear from his face, “I just wanted you to waste your brea-urk”

Fixx’s speech was suddenly broken by a breathless hiss that began to peter into a wheezing cough. His hands grabbed at his neck attempting to alleviate the pressure, only to have and cough as tendrils of vines began to pour from his lips.

When Geddeon saw the tendrils, his gaze swiftly turned to the Alrune with wide eyes. Terran’s arm was lifted towards Fixx, his glowing palm pointed towards him, a growing glow of light green emanating from his frame. 

“You must feel extremely safe being under Mother’s watch, but you have forgotten where exactly you stand in this situation.” Terran stated coldly, thin green eyes firmly fixed on the writhing man. “The glow worms under our feet are born and die outranking you, and yet, you believe you have the right to speak to us any which way?”

Fixx fell to his knees, the vines slowly spiraling down his shoulders.

But the Alrune wasn’t done. He was proving a point.

“We’re not friends; you made that clear and had no problem walking away then. So now, you’d better watch what the fuck you say around me.” Terran continued, the light green glow of his Aura filling into his eyes.

“The next time you open your mouth to interrupt me or insult my family like you have today, know that I will find you and I will disfigure your body so severely that even the SINNs couldn’t put you back together.”

As soon as he finished his venomous speech, the Alrune drew back his Aura and his arm, releasing his hold on the vines within Fixx. They quickly withered from thick vines into thin roots, and then, into nothing. The man coughed from the ground, gasping for the clean, Verne Valley air. 

After a few seconds of centering his breathing, he spoke again.

“By…the realms…” Fixx growled hoarsely, coughing between his words and his glare lifting to his attacker. “I’m… stunned… If I didn’t know any better… I’d believe that you hate me…”

“Well, you surely don’t impress me, so watch your mouth.” The Alrune threatened. “Next time, they’ll be barbed.”

“Oh, now that’s kinky.” Fixx sneered with his sickening grin, lifting himself back to his feet. He dusted the dirt and grass from his suit and readjusted his lapels, eyes fixed to Terran. “I didn’t know you were into that. Didn’t take you for anything other than gay.”

“…You’re fucking weird…” Aeifael spat at the man.

“Only thing weird here is him, kid.” The man waved the girl off, barely acknowledging her.

“Are you done, or are you finished, Fixx?” Geddeon stood forward, in front of the Spring Trio, glaring down at the annoying man. It was time for him to step in.

Then, his gaze shifted over to his cousin, his smirk unfaltering. “Eh, Primo? You speak up finally after hiding behind your ‘friends’?”

“I think it would be best if you leave. Now.” Geddeon said sternly.

“Eh? Last I checked, you can’t exile me from a place you aren’t a prince of.” Fixx chuckled through a raspy voice. “Plus, I’m here as a special delegate of Mother Nature herself. I’m simply touring the lands.”

But Geddeon did not back down. He cocked his head to the side.

“Then why don’t you go do that? I can’t make you leave the country, but I can cave in your chest cavity, and make you leave the area. Your choice.” Geddeon reminded the man.

It doesn’t matter to the Prince if Fixx was also a denizen of Verne Valley. The man’s behavior was unbecoming and embarrassing; to himself and his family lines.

Geddeon knew Terran could kill him, but he didn’t want blood on his friend’s hands.

“Because it’s fun to rile the leaves, they’re so sensitive.” The man sneered, talking in singsong. “Why? Am I embarrassing you?”

“No, You’re embarrassing yourself. Go!” The Prince demanded, pointing into the distance. He was done with this.

’Quell the Rage’

Fixx was undeterred and was prepared to lay his next quip, until he glanced behind his cousin.

Terran stood ready with a wooden halberd in hand, and light green Aura glowing through his eyes.

Travis was lifted into the air by hundreds of thin, wispy roots extending into the lower canopy of the Grand Tree, his darker green Aura crawling upwards from his arm.

Aeifael’s Aura started to glow gold from her ears and her feet, as she was lightly hopped on the ground, preparing to launch.

This was not the fight that Fixx wanted. He wasn’t going to win this one.

He was just going to prove Terran’s point.

With no other options, Fixx pulled back, holding his hands up in defeat, but his smirk remained. “Fine. Fine. I’ll continue my tour. It seems none of you are up for reunions.” He slowly backed away, tauntingly. “I’ll be on my way, Primo.”

The man turned his back on the group and strolled away from them, disappearing behind the broad base of Yggdrasil.

The Spring Trio retracted their Auras in unison, all returning to their natural states prior to the interaction; Terran’s halberd dissipated into grass, Travis dropped from the air to the ground, landing on his feet, and Aeifael halted her warm up stretches.

The Prince knew he could fight Fixx with hardly an issue, but to know that his friends were ready to fight for him warmed his chest.

He exhaled a breath of relief, deflating his stature back to resting and turned to the group, sheepishly scratching the back of his neck.

“I’m sorry about that.” Geddeon sighed.

“Don’t apologize for him.” Aeifael quipped up quickly, her ears flicking. 

“Seriously. He’s not worth it.” Travis added, rolling his wrist and cracking his knuckles.

Terran placed a hand on the Prince’s shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. “Don’t worry about him.”

“I’m not. I’m more worried about the damage he’ll do…” Geddeon muttered.

“I can ask a few Rabbits to keep an eye on him.” The girl proposed.

That was true; As Lady Easter, she did have the power to request land reconnaissance to keep tabs on the Fixx. It would help to know if his underlying thoughts were still true.

But that comes with a risk of lives, and any life was too high of a risk.

“Respectfully, I can’t ask that of you, Aei. But I do thank you for trying to assist.” The Prince frowned, shaking his head.

Terran noted the slight glaze over his friend’s eyes. Then, he placed his arms back into his kimono sleeves. “We could always use the trees.” He queried.

Then, Geddeon shared a glance with the Alrune; emerald and light green eyes locking only for a moment, but then, they looked away from each other.

No words needed to be said, but that was surely a confirmation.

“Nah. Like ya’ll said, he’s not worth it.” The Prince shrugged, nonchalantly gazing out onto the distant treeline, and his fist clenched tightly.

Geddeon didn’t trust Fixx, and his tour around New Temperantia only unsettled him more.

He had to find out why; why his cousin suddenly came back, and what his motive is?

And what the fuck was that Aura he had?

The Spring Trio could only side-eye each other in the silence, worriedly observing their friend gaze off into the distance.