Ch.25 The Winter Fangs - part.1

Early the next morning, loud banging could be heard on the guest's door where Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight were sleeping in.

Midnight: Go away! We're sleeping... it's not the afternoon yet!

The banging continued to sound until Ruby groans, gets up and opens the door. A masked Vampire

hands a letter to her, and runs away. Ruby closes the door, opens the letter, and starts to read.

Ruby: (reading) "Ruby DeathDancer. I have heard news of your plans to seek out the Winter Fangs. But before you go, I suggest you travel in the darkness of the shadows. The Winter Fangs are a deadly group, and will be more than happy to make you one of them. Also, when you come back to EverWinter village, I have a mission for you. Stay sharp, young Vampire."

Ruby looked out the window. The cold frost wind outside was blowing hard, and small snowflakes were being toyed with as a cat would do to a mouse. Ruby looked back at the letter.

Ruby: ... Of course! The Vampire Lord must've sent this... but... how did he know we were going to find the Winter Fangs today?

Ruby sighed in wonder and quietly walked over to Midnight's bed and kicked it as hard as she could. He fell out of bed and dimly looked up at Ruby.

Ruby: Good morning, Midnight.

Midnight: Do I have to get up?

Ruby: When you get out of bed, you stay out. Now wake up my cousins. I have to find Diamond and tell her our plan to find the Winter Fangs.

Ruby opened the door, and walked out to find Diamond. She noticed Sarah FireFrost outside in the frozen garden, and decided to talk to her. She walked down the stairs leading to the courtyard and smiled at the old story teller.

Ruby: Good morning, Sarah. Didn't expect to see you here!

Sarah: To me it's relaxing to feel the cold wind and snow in the middle of the morning. Did you sleep well?

Ruby: Yeah. I had a really bad nightmare last night.

Sarah: Nightmares should be more appreciated. They make the morning much more enjoyable. Not many realize that, you know.

Ruby: That's what my Great great great Grandma told me when I was younger.

Sarah: Ah... she's smart teaching you that.

Ruby: Yup...

Ruby and the old deer stayed silent for a while, enjoying the frosty morning. After a few minutes, Ruby spoke up again.

Ruby: ... Do you know where Diamond is at this time?

Sarah: She usually takes a nice walk with Onyx about now, but seeing the poor girl has chircil, I'd expect to see her to be in the kitchen with our castle cook.

Ruby: Thanks! I need to go and get her before we head off to find the Winter Fangs.

Sarah: Why do you need her?

Ruby: Well... we were planning to ask her to help us navigate through the snowy meadows of IceFlame.

Sarah: But do you think its a good idea?

Ruby: What do you mean...?

Sarah: If she finds out there was a cure for chircil all this time, she won't listen to anyone. You need to be really careful around the Winter Fangs.

 Ruby: I've thought about that before, actually... But... we need Diamond to help us track through this frozen wasteland!

Sarah: That's not true. Many hunters in this castle know this land and the dangers it has. Perhaps you'd have more luck finding them with an expert and his hound?

Ruby: Maybe... But do the hunters believe in the Winter Fangs?

Sarah: Only one. He goes by the name of Hunter Hotsnow.

Ruby: Hunter the hunter... strange name, but I guess we don't have a choice.

Sarah: You always have a choice. But some choices are better than others.

Ruby: I guess... Now all we have to do is find them!

Sarah: Hold on! They are crafty creatures, and will do anything to make you one of them!

Ruby: Funny you should mention, that... I got a letter telling me the exact same thing.

Sarah: Whoever sent it must have a lot of common sense.

Ruby: I'm assuming all Vampire Lords need a lot of common sense in order to rule properly.

Sarah: That is true.

Ruby: ... Where can I find this Hunter the hunter?

Sarah: You can often find him with his blood hound in the W.I.L.D Clubs room.

Ruby: W.I.L.D?

Sarah: Wispy Ice Larks Dew.

Ruby: Why are they called that?

Sarah: Around these parts, the Ice Lark is a rare type of bird, which its dew can be used for a powerful healing potion. They help those in need, and are practically invisible when hunting.

Ruby: Ok. Thanks, Miss FireFrost!

Ruby quickly turned around and headed towards the endless halls.

Ch.24 - Shining secrets - part 5

A cold frosty wind started to play and dance as Sarah FireFrost told the legends of the Winter Fangs.

Sarah: It all started when a Vampire wolf named Winter went out on a hunting trip for his starving village. But while trying to look for an open pond, he realized he was lost...

Clouds started to block out the moons beams and snow started to fall down in that frozen garden where Ruby and Sarah were.

Sarah: He tried to retrace his steps, but the cold unforgiving winds pushed him back deeper into snowy meadows, until finally, he had to stop and find shelter. The snow started to fall harder and harder, until he could bare it no more. He was freezing, hungry, and no one in the world knew where he was...

 Sarah turned her head up to the cloudy sky, where all you could see was small snowflakes floating gently down, and rumbles in the sky started to sound.

Sarah: Suddenly, a lightning bolt hit him straight through his heart, and he had a terrible transformation . His fangs grew longer, and his heart colder. But he had the ears and nose of the best blood hound, and he was going home. He raced off into the cold biting wind, but that didn't bother him anymore. He leaped and jumped through the hills and valleys, until he found his village.

Ruby: ... And did they welcome him back?

Sarah sighed and sadly looked into Ruby's eyes.

Sarah: ... No. They did not welcome him back. They didn't know it was him. They thought he was a savage beast, going to kill them all... even his best friend couldn't recognize him. Winter shook his head in sorrow as he turned away from everything that he knew. He had no choice but to live alone for the rest of his life... or so he thought.

Ruby stayed silent, waiting for the story teller to go on.

Sarah: Winter ran for what, to him, seemed like forever. Finally, he crashed to the ground, and made a loud howl of sorrow. Wounded in heart, he hid from the world. Anything he bit turned into a dangerous creature like him.

Ruby: ... Did his village ever figure out it was him?

Sarah: Eventually, yes... When the people of Winter's village did realized it was Winter who was that hideous creature, they renamed him the Winter Fang. And some say the cold wispy howls you sometimes hear at night come from Winter Fang... made into a melody of cries and calls for someone to join him and his group, so that they may be less lonely...

Ruby stayed silent, thinking of what Sarah told her. Finally, she stood up from the cold ground she was resting upon.

Ruby: ... Thank you for telling the legend of the Winter Fangs, Miss FireFrost.

Sarah: Don't thank me, child. It is the duty for everyone to tell the ancient stories of our race! Without them, we would all forget what we truly are. Now run along now, dear. I believe the dinner bell is being rung.

Ruby looked up to see Diamond waving from inside. Ruby hesitated and turned back to look at Sarah FireFrost.

Ruby: Won't you be coming inside too?

Sarah: Don't worry about me, I'll come in later. But I want to see the first lights of the stars before I go in and eat.

Ruby dashed back inside and Diamond took her to the dinning room.

After dinner, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight went to their bedroom for the night.

Topaz: So, Ruby... enjoyed reading your book?

Ruby: Well, I tried to, but... there's plenty of time for that. I actually researched some books and found a cure for chircil!

Sapphire: Really?! What is it?

Ruby: It says the cure is the frost from the Winter Fangs.

Midnight: And... where do you get this "frost" from them?

Topaz: The frost is inside their fangs.

Midnight: And how do you know that?

Topaz: I just happen to like reading, that's all.

Sapphire: So when do we go on this epic adventure to find ice wolves?

Ruby: In the morning. It's too dark to go out now, and we need Diamond's help to navigate through these lands.

Topaz: Sounds like a plan to me!

Ruby lay down on the bed near the window. Sapphire jumped into another bed, and Midnight did the same. Topaz waited for everyone to get comfy.

Sapphire: Well... goodnight, I guess.

Topaz: Gamonia evean.

Midnight: Sour nightmares all night long!

Ruby: And dangerous adventures in the morning!

Topaz blew out the candle and darkness took over the room. Ruby looked at the rising moon as the howls of faraway wolves started to sing their songs of pain and suffering.

Ch.24 Shining secrets - part.4

Diamond took Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight to a guest bedroom.

Diamond: You can stay here for as long as you want. If you need anything, just ask me. It's almost night, so I suggest you get comfy.

Midnight: ... Is there a cure for this... chircil sickness?

Diamond: If there was, I would've already gotten it for Onyx.

Midnight: Just asking.

Ruby dropped her bag on the ground and looked around the big room.

Ruby: Is there a library by any chance?

Diamond: Yup. If you'd like, I can take you there!

Ruby: Sure! I got nothing else to do, and I'd like a quiet place to read my detective book!

Diamond: Follow me, then.

Ruby followed Diamond in and out of the cold walls of Castle IceFlame until they arrive at a small room with books.

Diamond: Enjoy reading. Dinner is in an hour, so don't be late.

Diamond quietly left the room, leaving Ruby to herself. She opened her book and started reading. After a minute, she looked up and put her book down.

Ruby: (thinking) I wonder if there is a book about sicknesses in this room...?

Ruby got up and started searching around. Finally, she picked up a book and carefully looked at it.

Ruby: (thinking) Now lets see if this book says anything about chircil...

Ruby opened the book and flicked through the pages until she found something.

Ruby: (reading) Chircil. No one knows how you get this terrible sickness, and most of the time, you don't get better...

Ruby continued to read until she found what she was looking for.

Ruby: (reading) The frost of the dangerous Winter Fangs - a deadly pack of wolfs living only in the coldest part of the Island - is the only one cure for Chircil. Although most Vampires think its just a legend.

Ruby quickly jumped up and raced out of the library. She crashed into a white kangaroo as she turned the corner.

Ruby: Diamond, so glad I... wait, your not Diamond, are you?

Iron (white kangaroo): Sorry to disappoint you, but no. I'm not Diamond. Its me, Iron!

Ruby: Now I remember! Weren't you the one who told us that girls couldn't play with boys...?

Iron: Uh... maybe?

Ruby: ... Anyway. I'm sure you've noticed that Onyx has chircil?

Iron: All too well...

Ruby: Well... I may have found a cure for it!

Iron: Are you serious?

Ruby: Yes. Yes I am.

Iron: This is great news! I need to tell Diamond about this!

Ruby grabbed onto Iron's shoulder just as he turned to run down the halls.

Ruby: There is a catch, though. The cure is the frost from the Winter Fangs.

Iron: But the Winter Fangs are just a myth!

Ruby: That may be true, but what if it was real? And besides, would you really want Onyx to stay this way?

Iron: Well... no, I wouldn't. No one wants chircil, and we don't even know how you get it!

Ruby: Exactly what I mean! If there is one cure single cure to help her, then we're going to get it!

Iron: I'll go and tell Diamond about it!

Ruby: Wait until tomorrow. She'll probably just dash out blindly into the snow without thinking!

Iron: I guess you're right...

Ruby: And before we go, I need someone who knows the ancient legends of this land. Since this IS the coldest place on the island, I need to know as much as possible before heading out!

Iron: So... what can I do?

Ruby: You can tell me where to find Diamond.

Iron: Ok. She's right behind you.

Ruby turned around to see Diamond walking down towards them.

Diamond: Iron! Just the brother I was looking for.

Iron: Let me guess... you need me to deliver Onyx her dinner, right?

Diamond: Yep. Cook ColdBurn is waiting for you.

Iron sighed and dashed down some stairs where kitchen smells were dancing through the air.

Ruby: ... Who is the best story teller in the castle?

Diamond: Definitely Sarah FireFrost. Shes memorized all the stories from the First Vampire, all the way to the Battle of the Moon Temple.

Ruby: Can you take me to her? I have some questions I want to ask her!

Diamond: She's usually outside at this time, waiting for the first stars to come out.

Diamond and Ruby walked around until they were in the cold air of the outside world. They see a black deer sitting on an ice bench, looking up at the sky. Ruby boldly walks over to her and clears her throat.

Ruby: Are you Sarah FireFrost?

Sarah (black deer): Yes, that's me. You want something from me?

Ruby: Can you tell me the legends of the Winter Fangs?

Sarah: But of course, dear... That was one of my favorites as a child.

The old deer looked straight in Ruby's eyes and started telling her story.

Ch.24 Shining secrets - part.3

Ruby, Sapphire, Midnight and Topaz left the warm dark forest of IvyWood, and were now walking in a frozen wasteland of snow and ice.

Midnight: How much further? I'm freezing!

Sapphire: I forgot how cold this place is... can't we use a speed potion to get there faster?

Ruby: All the potions are frozen solid. And eating iced potions won't work.

Topaz: Castle IceFlame should be around here somewhere...

Midnight: Well, we'd better find it soon. My tail is turning into ice!

They wandered around the snowy land until they came across a huge castle.

Topaz: This has to be Castle IceFlame.

The big wooden doors slowly opened, and they all walked in. A white kangaroo bounded up to meet them.

Ruby: Diamond! So nice to see you!

Diamond (white kangaroo): Hi Ruby! Haven't seen you since last summer! And Sapphire, it's been FOREVER since I've seen you!

Sapphire: Things happen, I guess. And you haven't changed!

Diamond: And Topaz! Still ancient as ever?

Topaz: I'm not that old. I may speak ancient, but that doesn't mean I AM.

Ruby: ... Wheres Onyx? You two are always together!

Diamond: Shes... kinda sick, at the moment.

Sapphire: How sick...?

Diamond: Not that sick, I mean... she can still walk around and talk, but...

Topaz: Diamond, please tell us the truth.

Diamond stayed silent for a few seconds before answering.

Diamond: ... Shes got chircil...

Topaz: Oh jupalo!

Ruby: Language, Topaz!

Midnight: Uh... whats chircil?

Diamond: ... Come and see.

Diamond led them through the stone cold castle of IceFlame. After walking down the endless halls for a few minutes, she opened a door and walked in.

Diamond: Onyx, are you here?

Onyx (black kangaroo): Of course I'm here! It's not like I can go anywhere else.

Diamond: Yes, well... Some of our cousins have come to visit!

Onyx: I can see, y'know! You don't have to point out every little detail to me!

Sapphire: And I see you're still full of spice, Onyx!

Onyx: That's nice.

Diamond: Why don't you get back to bed, Onyx? I'm sure Iron can-

Onyx: Iron can't do anything! And I'm fine, Diamond! I don't need you waiting on me hand and foot all day and night!

Diamond: Mum and Dad are off fighting UnMythics, Onyx! And they wouldn't be very happy if they found out I wasn't looking after you very well!

Onyx: I've said it once, and I'll say it again Diamond - I'M FINE.

Diamond: No, you're not fine! You have chircil! And most of the Vampires who have chircil DON'T GET BETTER!!!

Onyx: That's because they were weak!

Diamond: Even the strongest warriors don't have a high chance of getting better!

Midnight: Uh, sorry to interrupt but... what is chircil?

Onyx: It's nothing!

Diamond: No, its not nothing! It can take LIVES, Onyx!

Onyx: Don't exaggerate.

Diamond: This is serious!

Onyx: Hard to believe it, coming from someone like you!

Ruby: Uh, maybe we can-

Diamond: You need to lie down in bed, Onyx!

Onyx: No.

Diamond: Onyx, I don't want to make this any more difficult then it already has to be. Please just go to bed!

Onyx: You're not my mum! I'll go to bed WHEN I PLEASE!!!

Suddenly, Onyx crashed down to the floor, making groaning noises. Diamond rushed towards her, but Onyx pushed her away.

Onyx: I'm ok... just... I attacked the floor... I'm ok... I'm ok...

Diamond: Why wont you let me help you?

Onyx: It's because I don't NEED help...

Ruby: Onyx, stop being stubborn!

Onyx slowly picked herself up and leaned against the stone wall.

Onyx: See? Perfectly... fine...

Topaz: Onyx, you really, REALLY need to get to bed!

Ruby: You need to rest for a while!

Sapphire: I'm no doctor, but they're right!

Diamond: Please, Onyx!

Onyx glared at each of them one by one before sighing and making a sort of growling noise.

Onyx: ... FINE. If it makes you all happy, I'll go to bed. But I'm not sick!

Onyx slowly turned around and carefully walked over to her bed, and sat down. Everyone else quietly left the room into the cold halls.

Midnight: NOW can someone explain what chircil is?

Topaz: Its a terrible sickness.

Midnight: I picked up on that, but does it do to you?

Diamond: It makes you really weak, you lose energy in your legs a lot, and sometimes it makes you really, really depressed or moody.

Ruby: And by the end of it, you often stay that way... or worst.

Midnight: Oh... sounds terrible.

Diamond: More terrible then you could ever imagine...

Sapphire: ... Why don't you give us a nice tour of your castle? Y'know... to take your mind off things...

Diamond: ... Follow me. I'll show you where you'll be sleeping for tonight.

Diamond quietly led them away to another hall.

Ch.24 Shining secrets - part.2

Topaz led Ruby through the old stone halls until they stopped in a room with a lot of books.

Ruby: I see lots of books, but not a lot of ideas. Why did you take me here?

Topaz: To find a book.

Ruby: Where do I even start...?

Topaz: Leet chen hulla fiy.

Topaz kicked down a pile of books, revealing a extremely dusty old book. Ruby moved closer to it and started reading it.

Ruby: Looks like a interesting book.

Topaz: The greatest detective on the Island wrote it.

Ruby: And you thought...?

Topaz: You might be interested in it.

Ruby: ... How did you know I liked to read?

Topaz: Funny thing. I didn't.

Ruby held onto the book closely as they walked out of the ancient house. As they entered the evening light, an alarm started to sound throughout the whole village. The IvyWood Vampires started to shut the huge entrance gate or hide in their houses. Topaz dashed up to a nearby Vampire.

Topaz: What's going on?

Black wolf: The hunters spotted an Ukatiola party near the Dead valley. Their heading towards our part of the forest fairly quickly. We suspect them to be armed.

Topaz: Huolo... Ruby was right... they're coming for us!

Topaz looked around at the Vampires running to their homes. She yelled for attention, and they all stopped in their tracks.

Topaz: LASOLA UA EVEAN!!! UnMythics are coming to our Village, and they are traveling fast!

The IvyWood Vampires started whispering to each other, some in panic, some in anger.

Topaz: You know the drill. Hide before they arrive, and only attack if they don't leave before nightfall! Molia, molia, MOLIA!!!

The Vampires  all started to climb the tall trees around the village, while others secured the gate shut. Sapphire and Fang dashed out of Topaz's house and over to Ruby and Topaz.

Fang: Whats going on?

Topaz: I'll explain when we're safer. But right now, just climb!

Sapphire: Ok!

Sapphire picked up Fang and climbed the closest nearby tree. Ruby and Topaz quickly climbed up after her.

Fang: Now can you explain?

Topaz: UnMythics spotted, coming quickly towards the village - we're doing what we usually do.

Sapphire: By hiding in the tree tops?

Topaz: Again, we're not the strongest village on the island.

Fang: ... Where's Midnight?

Ruby: He must be still out on his "walk" in the forest!

Topaz: Nothing we can do now... I hope he's smart enough to stay away until they go.

Ruby said nothing more, instead she started reading the dusty book that she still help onto.

Ruby: (reading) "Before you begin this book, I would like to point out a few things. One, all these stories are based on true cases in both my, and any other characters lives. And two, anyone who was upset by the truth, me and my partner apologize for any misunderstandings or pain you feel while reading. And for those who are a little squeamish, I suggest you skip chapters three, eight and nine..."

Ruby continued to read for what seemed like a short time, before something started shaking her.

Topaz: RUBY!!! Fiy cau sapro rakidi. They're gone.

Ruby looked up to see Topaz looking straight at her.

Ruby: But I haven't finished chapter four, yet!

Topaz: There's enough time for that. The UnMythics left a while ago, and the scouts have confirmed they truly left.

Topaz started to climb down from the big tree with Sapphire and Fang. Ruby hung on tight to the book and climbed down with them. Suddenly, Midnight dashed out of nowhere and screeched to a halt.

Topaz: And where have you been? Fiy ciedel havua cume bruk skoura!

Midnight: ... I'll ignore that. Anyway! I know where your Vampire Lord is!

Topaz looked at Midnight, part in shock, part in hope.

Topaz: Don't lie, thief... If your making this up, I'll have your head!

Midnight: I'm not! I overheard the UnMythics talking about it! They said something about capturing him a year ago, and... it's all really complicated.

Topaz: Midnight... was there ANYTHING that caught your attention?

Midnight: ... Actually, yeah! They mentioned trying to capture Vampires from every village and then locking them away in different prisons around the Island, but since they couldn't find anyone here...

Sapphire: And... anything else?

Midnight: Nothing else caught my interest.

Topaz: The problem is, we don't know which prison the UnMythics have our Lord... could take weeks for us to find the right place.

Sapphire: Then... why not just visit another village? Just to see if they need help or not? It'd be a great chance to say hi to other cousins as well! And if we find any prisons on the way, we can just raid them and rescue as many Vampires as we can!

Ruby: Seems like a good idea... Where's the nearest village?

Topaz: Its not a village exactly, but... I believe Castle IceFlame is the closest to IvyWood.

Sapphire: Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but... isn't that the place where our black n' white cousins are?

Ruby: Yup! The good and the bad. But Topaz, what are you going to do?

Topaz: Well, I COULD stay and help protect IvyWood, but... I'm sure the other leaders will be fine without me. They know what to do if anyone attacks!

Midnight: When do we go?

Ruby: We can head for IceFlame when Topaz is ready.

Topaz: Geete! Weera giani skou!

Midnight: I'll... take that as a yes.

Topaz yelled out a few commands and raced for her home to pack.

It's Easter!

Best Wishes, and may you get more chocolate than you deserve!

Oh Wait! - a future character may have made an appearance!

Ch. 24 Shining secrets - part.1

After a while, Ruby started exploring the IvyWood village. She spotted Topaz talking to some Vampires with crossbows. They saluted to her and dashed off somewhere. Topaz looked up to see Ruby and walked over to her.

Topaz: Ruby! Tunka again for coming to warn us! We're already low on defenses without the UnMythics making things harder. Not to mention our Vampire Lord's gone... we're weak without a proper leader...

Ruby: Think nothing of it. Lately me, Midnight and Sapphire have to do a lot of traveling, and... just between cousin to cousin, there's only a few days left until the war starts between us, and them.

Topaz stops in her tracks and looks at Ruby.

Topaz: How do you know that? Remember, I'm nine years older then you! If vis aka-

Ruby: I'm not known for lying, and you know it.

Topaz: ... True... Connati.

Ruby: Me and Midnight found the egg the Dragons left before they escaped the Island. It should hatch before the war starts, giving us the advantage of surprise and strength!

Topaz: Deedra?! Fiy feend the dreeda alou?!

Ruby: No need to get excited!

Topaz: Surrah. But... that means...

Ruby: ... Yeah?

Topaz: ... Never-mind. Inna mio.

Ruby: Why would I ignore you?

Topaz: Sometimes I talk too much.

Sapphire and Midnight dashed up to where they were at.

Midnight: This place is great! Despite the strange language everyone mutters, it seems like a nice place to live!

Topaz: We're proud of it! No UnMythic towns or houses nearby, rare flowers growing everywhere, small clean lakes and a lot of healthy plants growing! And it... or, was the safest place on the Island for Vampires...

Sapphire: Until your Lord disappeared.

Topaz: Nue weera uloti thena eevo.

Midnight: What?

Ruby: She said "Now we're weaker then ever". I guess they were already the weakest village to start with. Peaceful, but weaker.

Midnight: Can't you just speak normally? We wouldn't need Ruby's translations if you did!

Topaz: You're getting a lesson in our wonderful ancient language every time I say something. Lami nue.

Midnight: Don't tell me...

Ruby: ... "Like now".

Midnight: ... If ANYONE who doesn't speak strange needs me, I'll be exploring your forest.

And so saying so, Midnight turned around and walked out of the village.

Topaz:  Serves him right for not reading.

Ruby: Can't blame him. All that me and Sapphire know is he's a thief. An honest one, but still a thief.

Topaz: Then why does he travel with you? And why do you trust him?

Ruby stayed silent, but Sapphire answered for her.

Sapphire: I feel it in my gut. Besides, he's useful if we want to "borrow" something from the UnMythics!

Topaz: But you still don't know ANYTHING about him?

Ruby: He keeps his secrets, we keep ours. He'll tell us when he's ready.

Topaz: Leete helep so.

Just then, the blue lion from earlier ran up and saluted Topaz. She saluted back.

Blue Lion: My scouts have found us some more food. We'll be ready if those Ukatiola's attack!

Topaz: Good work. It's only thanks to you and your group that our village can eat without worry of starving. But keep your guard - Kirabell ik all arunde nia. Slati seera.

The scout saluted again before dashing off somewhere else.

Sapphire: What was that about?

Topaz: Preparing for the war. We don't know what the UnMythics want from us, or when our crops stop growing... that's why we're doing what we can before they start anything.

Ruby:  I guess... but-

Sapphire: We're going to stop the war if its the last thing we do.

Topaz: Sapphire, I know you're the bravest out of everyone, but that doesn't make you the smartest.

Sapphire: After being locked away for years, my mind has changed. I want to make it right before anything happens to you all. Vampires and UnMythics alike.

Topaz sighed and looked at Sapphire.

Topaz: I'm sorry I haven't traveled to you. Or Ruby. Or... any of our other cousins, actually.

Sapphire: I doubt your arrival would've changed my mothers mind after what happened to my father.

Sapphire kept a blunt face and walked back into Topaz's underground house. Topaz sighed and turned back to Ruby.

Topaz: I guess I missed a lot... What happened to her? She was... more cheerful, last time I saw her. And look at you! You're much more serious now! Is there anything you can tell me?

Ruby: Long story short, Sapphire's dad died and her mother taught her to hate Vampires for the past eight years... and she locked her in her room and refused to let her go and play with me... even now I think she tries to keep her trapped.

Topaz: But shes grown headstrong...

Ruby: Yeah...

Topaz: ... Whats your story?

Ruby: The shock of Sapphire's dad being... well, dead took hold of me. Still has. Sapphire's dad was smart, strong... I'll even go far as saying good looking. Why someone would want to... unalive him is a mystery. One I hope to discover one day.

Topaz: Unalive? What kind of word is that?

Ruby: You can thank Midnight for teaching us that.

Topaz: I'll thank him by hitting him over the head. Thieves will always be thieves...

Topaz sighs again. After a while, she looks up, a little more cheerful.

Topaz: Come on, I want to show you something. If fiy leet chen.

Topaz gently took hold of Ruby's hand and led her away into the big house at the end of the Village.

Ch.23 IvyWood Village - part.3

Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight finished packing the potions and bombs that Grandma gave them.

Ruby: Do we have the potions?

Sapphire: Invisibility potions, Speed potions, Strength potions...

Grandma: And my latest Fire Breather potion!

Grandma put an extra boiling red potion into Sapphire's bag.

Ruby: Midnight! Did you bring the gold and silver I asked for?

Midnight: Yes, but whatever for I can't imagine...

Midnight handed over a leather pouch full coins and jewels.

Ruby: I got the bombs Boo and Grandma made... Lets go!

Fang: What about me?

Ruby: Why would I take you?

Grandma: Because he's your pet, and you'll take him whether you like it or not!

Ruby: ... Fine.

Ruby picked up Fang and stuffed him into her bag.

Ruby: Ok... NOW we're ready!

Grandma: IvyWood Forest should be beyond the hilltops and windmills. I'm sure you'll be fine, though!

Ruby: Thanks, Grandma. See you soon!

Sapphire: You do know we have school tomorrow, right?

Midnight: I'm sure the entire UnMythic race won't end if we skip a few days of school. Besides, I'm SURE they won't notice we're gone!

They said their goodbyes to Grandma and headed on their way to the IvyWood Village.

They entered a deep forest and followed a path until they reached a small village, it's gates open, with no one guarding it. They enter the Village and started walking around.

Sapphire: Hello? Anyone home?

Midnight: ... Kinda strange, isn't it? No Vampire Lord in their right mind would leave a Village unguarded! Even thieves know that...

Sapphire: Anyone getting the feeling this is like Darkriver village all over again?

Ruby: Maybe the UnMythics got here before us?

Midnight: Unarmed? I doubt it. We would've smelled cinnamon by now if that was the case!

Suddenly, armed Vampires dashed out of nowhere and surrounded them.

Blue Lion: What are you doing here?

Sapphire: I don't know... trying to stop UnMythics from attacking your village would be a good start!

Blue Lion: Don't lie, lying, kangaroo! Tell us why you're here!

Sapphire: Don't accuse me of lying!

Blue Lion: I can accuse whoever I want!

Ruby sighed and looked around at the armed Vampires before speaking.

Ruby: "Chur Li Ruby, Vampi coss o' Topaz Frie EvelWinn Village. Impa imorta busnia, plou get vis ledair."

The armed Vampires lowered their weapons and started whispering to each other. Finally, one of them dashed into a big house at the end of the village.

 Midnight: What did you say...?

Ruby: I'll tell you later, Midnight. Right now more serious things are at stake.

 A few minutes later, he came back with a tan brown kangaroo.

Ruby: Hello, Topaz!

Topaz (tan kangaroo): Ke! Ruby! It's been so long since I've seen you! And Sapphire, glad to see you too! How long has it been? Seven years?

Sapphire: Eight, actually. Happy to see you too, Topaz!

Sapphire and Topaz high-five. Fang pops out of Ruby's bag and scurries down to Topaz.

Fang: You must be one of Ruby's many cousins!

Topaz: Yes indeed, talking spider!

Ruby: Even if she's the eldest out of all my cousins, we still had fun years ago.

Topaz: I have so much to tell you! A lot of things have happened since we last met.

Blue Lion: So... they're welcome?

Topaz: Of course they are! They're my cousins.

Blue Lion: Even the black cat...?

Midnight: I have a name, y'know.

Topaz: Yes, yes. Even him. If he's a friend of my third cousin once removed, then he's welcome. Come on in! Welcome to IvyWood Village!

Topaz led Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight to a underground house and entered. They started talking.

Topaz:You must be wondering what happened to our Vampire Lord in IvyWood... Aren't you?

Midnight: Yes! How did you know?

Topaz: I'm sad to say that... something bad happened to our Vampire Lord...

Fang: What?

Topaz: About a year ago. None of us know why, but he just disappeared without a trace!

Sapphire: So... no footprints, no scent, no this or that... nothing?

Topaz: Nope. We thought he would come back, but... he hasn't.

Midnight: And his guards?

Topaz: Vanished like a magic act with him.

Ruby: Then... whose leading the village?

Topaz: A bunch of the strongest and smartest Vampires in our village are acting as ledairs. Including me.

Midnight: Ledairs?

Ruby: The ancient Vampire language for leaders.

Midnight: We have an ancient language...?

Ruby: It's mostly forgotten in every village except IvyWood. Me, Sapphire, and some of our other cousins learned it from Topaz.

Topaz: Poli nu miny Vampi's remez the lugnied.

Midnight: Uh... what?

Ruby: She said "Pity not many Vampires remember the language".

Sapphire: It's also a pity I can't remember much of the language either... being locked away in a room for years can make you forget things.

Topaz: ... Anyway. Why have YOU come to our fair village at this time?

Sapphire: UnMythics raided our tree house and asked some Darkriver villagers the directions to IvyWood. We suspected trouble, so we came to warn you! And also it was an opportunity to ask your village for help.

Topaz: But... what if they caught you coming here?

Ruby: I doubt it. They didn't know where they were going! And it's not like they can catch us or anything.

Topaz: Beht seera thena surrah.

Midnight: ... Translation?

Ruby: "Better safe than sorry".

Midnight: Ah.

Topaz: ... Thanks for warning me. Now I can tell the other leaders to double their guard! You may or may not have to stay the night...

Fang: As long as I can have sandwiches, I'll be happy to stay the night!

Topaz: Whoonda! I'll make sure to get you something to eat later. But I think the make-shift guards need a bit of updating on whats going on. I'll see you later!

Topaz zipped out of the house and into the afternoon sunshine.

The Fools of April

Sapphire, Ruby, and their friends hope you're not too foolish on the first day of April! 

Ch.23 IvyWood Village - part.2

Sapphire and Mora walked down the path towards the tree house. Sapphire looked around the ancient forest, remembering the pass.

Sapphire: It's strange. The forest seems to be the same. Still cold and dark, yet comforting...

Mora kept quiet and continued walking beside Sapphire.

Sapphire: I remember running along this path with Ruby and our other cousins... playing games, fighting... all seems like it happened yesterday.

Mora's ears pricked up and she started to sniff the air.

Sapphire: ... What's wrong, Mora?

Mora followed an invisible scent towards the tree house. She circled around the ladder and looked up in confusion.

Sapphire: If only you could talk like Fang, you could tell me what's up!

Mora scratched at the ladder and whined.

Sapphire: Ok, ok... I'll climb the ladder, if it makes you happy!

Sapphire climbed the ladder and went inside the tree house. Hex and Silver looked up surprised.

Silver: Didn't expect to see you back this quickly!

Sapphire: Yes, well... where's Boo?

Hex: He said he was out exploring the forest. Our Village is in a field without a tree in sight! It's cool to have a natural roof over our heads for once.

Sapphire: Mora just picked up a strange scent and it followed to here... I was wondering if you saw anything strange or not.

Silver: Not that I know of. Unless UnMythics raiding your house is strange, nothing exciting has happened.

Sapphire: UnMythics... raided the tree house?

Hex: Yes! Isn't that normal for other Villages?

Sapphire: No... it's just your Village that gets attacked on a daily schedule.

Silver: Right... Hex, make a note of that.

Sapphire: Did they take anything?

Hex: Nope. They just asked where they could find IvyWoods Village.

Sapphire: IvyWoods Village... I've heard of it before, but I can't remember where...

Silver: They don't teach us navigation in Darkriver Village. How to scare UnMythics, on the other hand...

Sapphire: ... I'll remember later. Right now, I need to alert Ruby and Midnight.

Hex: Can I help?

Sapphire: Well... I'm not sure...

Silver: Hex, you're not trained for this. Unless you suddenly become the Scarlet Star, you'll be more useful if you stay here and wait for Boo to return.

Hex: But... the Scarlet Star is just a myth!

Silver: You're forgetting WE'RE a myth!

Sapphire: But before we head off, how can I be sure you're any more help than you claim Hex to be?

Silver: I could be a distraction for you to sneak inside the Vampire Lord's training grounds so you can let Ruby and Midnight know what just happened, AND not get caught.

Sapphire: Sounds like you know what you're doing.

Silver: I'm a Pebble Creeper. It's what I do best.

Sapphire: Maybe next time, Hex.

Hex: That's what they all say...

Sapphire and Silver climb down the ladder to Mora, who was now bouncing around with excitement. They dashed off to the Vampire Lord's mansion to Ruby and Midnight.

Sapphire and Silver hid behind a wall near the entrance to the huge mansion.

Sapphire: (whispering) Ok... stick to the plan, don't hurt anyone, and don't get caught!

Silver: (whispering) Don't worry... just do your part and nothing will go wrong.

Silver casually walked out of the shadows and to the guard at the gate A few moments later, Vampire alarms were being sounded and Silver dashed into the busy streets with guards after her at top speeds. 

Sapphire: (thinking) Good... now to sneak in!

Sapphire entered the Vampire Lord's mansion and sneaked into the training grounds.

Sapphire: (thinking) Wow. The Vampire Lord has a really big back yard!

Sapphire explored the training grounds until she found Ruby and Midnight with a blue eagle, showing them some defense movements. Ruby turned around and gave Sapphire a surprised look.

Ruby: Sapphire! What are you doing here?

Sapphire: Sorry to interrupt your training, but I got some interesting news. UnMythics broke into our tree house and asked Hex and Silver where they could find the IvyWood Village!

Ruby: They did WHAT?!

Sapphire: Exactly what I thought! But thankfully Hex and Silver didn't know where IvyWood Village is.

Ruby: First Darkriver, now IvyWood? What are they planning...?

Midnight: ... What now? We're meant to train until moon rise, but... we CAN'T ignore it... what can we do? We're already in enough trouble as it is!

Sapphire: I say you skip the training and let's do another mission!

Ruby stayed silent for a minute before answering.

Ruby: ... Sapphire, ask Grandma for some potions and bombs. Midnight, I suggest you start gathering some gold and silver. I'll let the Vampire Lord know what's going on. We leave in half an hour for IvyWood Village!

Ruby dashed towards the Vampire Lord's mansion, while Midnight and Sapphire sprinted towards Grandma's house.

Ch.23 IvyWood Village - part.1

Midnight, Sapphire, Boo, Hex and Silver followed Ruby through bushes and trees down a path.

Hex: Where are we going again?

Ruby: Because Grandma's house is so small and because there is a lot of us, you guys need somewhere to sleep!

Boo: Couldn't we sleep down in the basement?

Ruby: Not big enough. And you'll like this place much better!

Ruby leads them until they reach a big tree house with a running stream around it.

Ruby: What do you think?

Hex: This is where we'll be staying?

Ruby: Yup! This was me and Sapphire's tree fort when other cousins came to visit!

Sapphire: And since you can't return to your village for a while, it would make a great shelter for you! And as a bonus, it's not that far from Grandma's house!

Silver: That's very generous of you, I'm sure we would all agree. But we couldn't POSSIBLE stay here...

Hex: Why not? I say its perfect!

And saying so, Hex runs up the ladder and up into the tree house. She waves from the balcony and Boo waves back.

Boo: Seems solid enough.

Sapphire: And it should be.

Ruby: We might need to spring clean the place first, but I'm sure you'll fit right in!

Ruby climbed the ladder and entered the tree house. Everyone follows her in.

Silver: Dusty... old... I like it!

Boo: Perfect for a Mist Shooter like me!

Sapphire: What's a Mist Shooter?

Silver: It's the type of class he's in. Our village works differently to most villages you'll come across. As you may know, some UnMythics think our village is haunted, so they come looking for ghosts. And what do we give them?

Sapphire: Uh... Ghosts?

Silver: Exactly. Boo is a Mist Shooter, meaning he has to spray mist over a certain area before the "ghost hunters" arrive. I'm a Pebble Creeper, meaning that I drop stones and bombs nearby the UnMythics that distract them long enough for the Ghost Screamers to get away.

Ruby: And what's a Ghost Screamer?

Hex: They make sounds like crying ghosts. The highest class in our village!

Ruby: I see.

Sapphire: What class are you in, Hex?

Hex: I'm a C-class Bat caretaker. I help feed the bats...

Midnight: Ruby, we really need to go.

Ruby: As much I want to stay and chat, Midnight's right.

Silver: Why do you have to go?

Ruby: We disobeyed Captain Slash and we have to train till moon rise. On the bright side, we rescued Boo, you and a lot of other Vampires!

Hex: He's a mean Captain.

Ruby: I guess he's just following rules.

Ruby and Midnight wave goodbye and head towards the Vampire Lord's training grounds. Sapphire looks around the ancient tree house.

Sapphire: I'll make sure to ask Grandma to give you some make-shift beds.

Boo: Do you think your Grandma could give me some fire powder? I want to make Flash bombs and I think I can find the rest of the items I need in this tree house.

Sapphire: I'll keep that in mind.

Sapphire climbed down the ladder and headed back to Grandma's house. Just before she opened the door, she heard a barking sound and paws pounding on the path. She looked up to see a blood hound running towards her.

Sapphire: Mora! What are you doing here?

The blood hound bounced into Sapphire's arms and knocked her to the ground. Grandma opens the door and Mora rushes in.

Grandma: Is that blood hound yours?

Sapphire: I wish she was.

Sapphire enters the house and Grandma closes the door. Mora bounces around Fang in excitement.

Fang: Why is this hound jumping around me?

Grandma: It seems she likes you, Fang!

Fang: Well, I don't like it!

Sapphire: Be nice to Mora.

Fang: ...

Grandma: Do you know this young pup?

Sapphire: We used her to find the prison where the UnMythics were keeping the Darkriver Vampires, and I guess she tracked us back home?

Fang: Please say we're taking her back to the Hound Trainers...

Grandma: If this blood hound decided to follow Sapphire, she can stay. It might just rush back to Sapphire if we take it back.

Sapphire: YAY!!!

Fang: But... I'm already the pet of the family!

Sapphire: But you're Ruby's pet, not mine. Besides, can you track down UnMythics?

Fang: Technically, no.

Sapphire: Then stop complaining. Just because Mora can do things you can't is no reason to hate her.

Fang scurried up on top of a bookcase and glared down at the hound.

 Sapphire: That reminds me, Boo wanted to ask if you had any fire powder for his Flash bombs.

Grandma: I think I've got some left from my home made Flame Breather potion... Let me go and check.

Grandma went down into her potion lab and brought up a small cloth pouch tied with red string.

Grandma: Give this to Boo next time you see him.

Sapphire: ... What can fire powder be used in?

Grandma: All sorts of things... making fires, fueling bombs of all sizes, making useful potions, and sometimes put into cake and pie for explosive results!

Sapphire: So... we can eat fire powder?

Grandma: Only if it's in food. Eating it on its own would make your mouth burn so badly, you couldn't eat properly for a whole week!

Sapphire: For both Vampires and UnMythics?

Grandma: We believe so. It's happened to Vampires, but I don't think an UnMythic has tried eating fire powder before...

Sapphire: I'll make sure not to try in case it has the same results...

Grandma: Indeed. We wouldn't want your mouth to be burning for a week now, would we?

Sapphire: Probably not.

Sapphire whistled for Mora to follow her, and they left Grandma's house and headed towards the tree house.

Ch.22 Rescue - part.3

Silver dashed through the prison, unlocking cells and doors as she went with Midnight.

Silver: Not much further!

Ruby: Did ANYONE think about how we're going to get Boo?

Midnight: Can blood hounds retrieve Vampires?

Silver: They can resist the cinnamon for a while, but it clouds their smell and it makes it harder to breath.

Sapphire: You won't need Mora to retrieve Boo. I'll get him.

Silver: That's sweet of you, but you wouldn't survive the cinnamon! The hound...

Sapphire: Mora.

Silver: ... Mora can retrieve Boo.

Sapphire: Cinnamon has never stopped me before. Why should it stop me now?

Silver: Midnight, knock some sense into her!

Midnight: No, she's right. No one else could survive the cinnamon except Sapphire!

Silver: But she's a Vampire... isn't she?

Sapphire: Actually, I'm an UnMythic.

Silver: But... why are you helping us?

Sapphire: Even if I hate you, I believe every creature should live in peace. UnMythics, Vampires... doesn't matter! Everyone deserves safety.

Silver: ... You're a strange UnMythic.

Sapphire: And proud of it.

The smell of cinnamon grew stronger as they reached a a dead end.

Silver: Did I mention the door could be camouflaged?

Midnight moves closer to a small lock.

Ruby: Midnight, do you think you can unlock the door?

Midnight: In my sleep!

Midnight starts to use his claws as a lock pick and fiddles with it for a minute.

Silver: Are you done yet?

Midnight: Give me a second... got it!

Ruby: Stand back, everyone...

Everyone takes a few steps back while Midnight quickly throws the door open. Everyone except Sapphire starts coughing.

Ruby: (coughing)  Hurry, Sapphire!...

Sapphire dashes into the sweet smoke. She comes out dragging a black fox that seems to have passed out from the cinnamon treatment. Midnight slams the hidden door shut and everyone takes a deep breath.

Ruby: That's the closest to death I'd like to get to...

Sapphire: Is there a cure for a Vampire that's breathed in cinnamon?

Ruby: That's why Grandma gave me this...

Ruby pulls out a small tied white cloth full of herbs and spices.

Sapphire: Ruby, our Great great great Grandma seems to know what to give you at the right time.

Ruby: She knows a lot of things.

Ruby waved the small bag under Boo's nose. He quickly jumps up.

 Boo: How long have... MIDNIGHT!!!

Boo jumps up and hugs Midnight.

Midnight: Hey, just because I saved you does NOT mean I wanted a hug from you...

Midnight shoves Boo away.

Boo: Is Hex safe?

Midnight: She arrived safely with the message in hand!

Boo heaves a sigh of relief.

Silver: Now is not the time to chat, we need to get out of here!

Ruby: What about the Vampires we didn't save?

Silver: Nothing we can do right now. We'll come back for them!

Silver grabbed Ruby's and Sapphire's arm and dashed down the halls again. Midnight and Boo were close behind with Mora. They burst out the door and ran across the fields as fast as they could. They heard alarms going off louder than ever as they sped away.