Ch.34 Moon Crystals - part.1

BEFORE YOU START READING UNDERCOVER VAMPAROO POST, APPLESTORM HAS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR YOU!

Ke, evean! Applestorm here... for those that was wondering what happened to my daily schedule of posts, it's because I'm on holidays. While that's often a good thing, it's BAD because I don't have any internet most of the time - meaning I can't write or post anything.

I'll be back eventually, but until then please understand that I can't do much. For those that have questions, I'll try to answer them as soon as possible!

Thanks for reading this message!

~AppleStorm~

Ruby and Midnight were walking down the dark halls of the Vampire Lord's mansion.
 
Midnight: It's been a while since I've seen the Vampire Lord.

Ruby: I'm sure he's been busy with things... I know we have, with warning villages, training for hours, picking fruit and trying to figure out what on earth the UnMythics weapon is.

They entered the council room where the Vampire Lord appeared in a flash of thunder and lightning (again).

Vampire Lord: Greetings, Ruby DeathDancer, Midnight DarkMoon.

Ruby: Likewise, oh powerful one.

Vampire Lord: I'm assuming you didn't just come here to wish me a good morning, young Vampires?

Ruby: No. Some UnMythics sent a cinnamon tainted letter, and stuck it in the middle of the village. We got rid of it and returned the favor.

Vampire Lord: And what did this message say?

Ruby: I don't know. We couldn't get near it without getting sick. But most likely a warning message to give up.

Vampire Lord: Thank you for letting this come to my attention. But train hard now - we only have so much time.

Ruby: As you wish.

Ruby and Midnight leave for the training grounds where they meet Melody and Jack.

Melody: Hi! Ruby! Midnight! You guys here to train for a while before heading in for something to eat?

Midnight: That would be the idea, yes.

Just then, three young Vampires showed up around the corner. Melody waved at them and they approached.

Melody: Just in time, then! Ruby, Midnight, I'd like you to meet Caleb, Perry, and Ramona. You guys will be joined together this training session.

Midnight: If it's not a stupid question... why?

Melody: Jack has a new technique he would like to teach you all. He says it's better in a group instead of one at a time.

Ruby: What is it, then?

Melody: Show them, Jack!

Jack took a few steps back, before suddenly throwing a dagger past Ruby's face. They hear a thud as the small weapon hits a target hidden behind some barrels.

Jack: Daggers are smaller than swords, which is why they are mostly used in offense more then defense... Today I'll be teaching you how to throw one.

Perry (blue wolf): Are you serious? That's all we're doing today? Learning how to throw a kitchen knife?

Jack: You think it's easy, don't you?

Midnight: I'm sorry, but I have to agree with him. It really can't be that hard.

Jack walked over and pulled the dagger from the target. He gave it to Midnight, and stepped a little way off.

Jack: If it's so easy, why don't you try?

Midnight took aim at the target, and threw the dagger at it. The dagger, instead of hitting the target, almost hit an apprentice who was training with a sword expert.

Jack: Not so simple, isn't it?

Midnight: Alright, alright... you've made your point. Can we please continue?

Jack retrieved the dagger and he continued his lesson.

Jack: As Midnight's kindly demonstrated, this skill is nothing to sneeze at. You need accuracy as well as strength to use this weapon properly.

Ramona (yellow deer): Will we be using this skill on the battlefield?

Jack: Sadly, no. While this is a great assassination tool, it's... less then brilliant when battling. Show them, Melody?

Melody picked up a normal sword and she and Jack prepared to battle each other. Melody charged at Jack, easily taking him down.

Jack: As you could see, I was quickly taken down. Size does matter in the world of swords.

Caleb (black koala): Then why don't we use super big swords? Like the ones the mercenaries use in Iceflame?


Jack: THAT was in the olden days - when they actually needed them to make sure the Ice Giants didn't keep destroying their houses. And you're talking about claymores - super heavy and big, but they get the job done fast enough.

Perry: ...-

Jack: Don't even think about it, Perry. We're not getting you one, and besides. It's not like you'll be able to lift it.

Jack threw his dagger at the target again before speaking again.

Jack: Any questions before we start?

No one said anything, so Jack continued.

Jack: Ok. Now here's what you have to do...

Everyone listen as Jack taught them how to throw a dagger.

Ch.33 Deadly message - part.4

After Ruby got some potions, they left Grandma's house and headed for the Golden Forests school.

Kunzite: Isn't this exciting? Off on an epic adventure with friends!

Sapphire: We're just going to a school to mail a letter - nothing exciting or epic about that.

Kunzite: Easy for you to say - You haven't been stuck indoors caring for your family for most of your life. Just traveling to Everwinter was thrilling enough to me!

Midnight: Oh, you'd love the life of a thief then. Excitement and guards after you wherever you go.

Ruby: Strange... I don't think I've seen anyone running after you... Unless you count the UnMythics.

Midnight: You don't know where I go everyday, so how would you know?

Ruby shrugged and continued walking.

Sapphire: Do you think R.O.O.S.T will be home this time?

Midnight: What do you mean?

Sapphire: Last time we came here, no one was around. The place was totally deserted... I think I even saw some tumbleweed as well, because it was so empty.

Ruby: Probably just as well, seeing you were... having fun elsewhere.

Midnight: Hey, I was distracted!

Ruby: But you could have at least made an effort to come.

Midnight: I did!

Sapphire: You didn't do a good job then.

Kunzite: Cut the cheetah some slack, guys. I'm sure whatever it was he tried his best.

Midnight: You haven't known me long enough to know what they're talking about... sorry, but I think they win this conversation.

Kunzite: At least it had my thoughts in it.

They cleared the trees and could see the big school of Golden Forests.

Kunzite: Is this the place?

Sapphire: If it looks like a school and is filled with UnMythic children, then yes. You're probably right.

Kunzite: Sorry - I've been home-schooled for most of my life.

Ruby: So was I - until I was summoned to the Vampire Lord for a Undercover Mission in Golden Forests school.

Kunzite: Aw, now I wish I was brave enough to leave my duties to do that.

Sapphire: So... you still have a Vampire Lord?

Kunzite: Yeah, and I had the chance to help our village, but I was afraid my family couldn't care for themselves just yet.

Midnight: Why not?

Kunzite: They can't cook, they don't know the meaning of "keeping house", and they keep bringing stray cats and dogs home without permission.

Ruby: That just means they want a pet very badly.

Midnight: Enough small talk. Let's get down to business.

They all nodded in agreement and silently raced down to the school. They got inside without any trouble, and found their way to the R.O.O.S.T entrance in the forbidden part of the library.

Sapphire: ... The door is still open, guys.

Ruby: Ok, so that means that either they're still gone, or they simply forgot to lock their door.

Midnight: Does that mean we don't have to use the Invisibility potion?

Ruby: We'll take our chances and not use it for now.

They enter warily and walk down the stony steps. They carefully looked around, making sure no one was there before exploring more.

Sapphire: Where do you think is a good place for a reply letter?

Midnight: I'd say on that wall just there. Practically impossible to be unnoticed.

Ruby pulled out a piece of paper, and carefully pinned it to the wall.

Ruby: Ok, now with that done, let's-... Where's Kunzite?

They all looked around, but no pink cousin could be seen.

Ruby: ... Great, now we'll have to look for her.

Midnight: Shouldn't be hard. There's only so much room in an UnMythic base.

They all split up to find Kunzite. Midnight took a turn and made sure to look everywhere.

Midnight: She'd better show up soon - I've got a lot of things I need to do this afternoon, and I don't intend finding a fairy girl to be one of them!

He skidded another corner to see Kunzite, playing her flute to some caged animals.

Kunzite: Midnight! Can you-

Midnight: Why did you wander off?

Kunzite: Well... I heard some birds singing, so I naturally followed the sound. Why? Is there something wrong?

Midnight: Yes - we were going leave without you! So let's go before the others start getting worried.

Kunzite: But-

Midnight took hold of Kunzite's arm and dragged her along the halls.

Kunzite: What about the animals?

Midnight: They'll live.

Kunzite looked back at them before they disappeared out of sight.

After they got out of the Golden Forest's school, they headed back to Grandma's house for something to eat.

Ruby: Good. With the letter delivered, all we have to focus on now is training! We only have a day left before the war... we need to be prepared.

Sapphire: But after a snack.

Ruby: ... But seriously, Kunzite. NEVER run away like that. Especially on a mission.

Kunzite: I've already told you, I heard some animals!

Sapphire: More is at stake then some small blue birds, Kunzite.

Kunzite: I know, but... I thought Midnight could help unlock their cages, so that they could fly away from that awful place.

Midnight: They're FINE, Kunzite.

Kunzite: They told me they were miserable and scared.

Midnight: How do you know?

Kunzite: I just... do.

Ruby: ... Anyway. I'll report to the Vampire Lord. You guys head on home.

Midnight: I'll come with you.

And so, Ruby and Midnight parted ways with Sapphire and Kunzite as they got to the village. One party went to the Vampire Lord's mansion, while they other went to a small beaten down cottage at the edge of town.

Ch.33 Deadly message - part.3

Ruby ran down the path to Sapphire, holding a light green candle. She held her breath as she came closer to cinnamon paper, and set it alight. Sapphire shoved a glass jar under the paper as dissolved into ashes.

Sapphire: ... Can you breathe without getting poisoned, now?

Ruby: Yes.

Sapphire: What are we going to do with the ashes?

Ruby: ... We return them to sender, of course!

Sapphire: Well, it's a little late for Mora to sniff out who sent this.

Ruby: But who is the most likely group that would send something like this?

Sapphire: ... Probably R.O.O.S.T.

Ruby: Not probably - definitely!

Sapphire: But what if it isn't them?

Ruby: Well, can you think of anyone else who would do this?

Sapphire: ... Good point.

Just then, Midnight and Kunzite showed up.

Ruby: Hi, guys!

Sapphire: About time you got here. You missed the burning!

Midnight: Sorry. Kunzite stopped to play her flute to some birdies.

Kunzite: They sang very sweetly, I'll have you know.

Midnight: Tweets and twitters don't make sense!

Sapphire: Did they ever?

Ruby: ... Anyway. Does anyone have any questions before we set out?

Midnight: Yes.. What are we doing again? You never... actually explained when you left with that candle, Ruby.

Kunzite: I have to agree with him, actually... All you said was "Message from UnMythics, hurry up, leaving now".

Ruby:  Sorry, but I was in a hurry.

Sapphire: Some UnMythics - we're suspecting R.O.O.S.T - sent some cinnamon paper with a bunch of scribbles on it.

Midnight: And we're about to return the favor?

Sapphire: Or die trying!

Ruby: ...

Sapphire: ... Oh, sorry. I meant "Or we can at least try to"...

Kunzite: Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!

Ruby: Hold on!

Kunzite: What?

Ruby: Have you had... any experience in Spy 101?

Kunzite: Well, no... I've only been trained in the arts of music, cooking, and basic self defense.

Ruby: Well, unless we come across some out of control squirrels, I don't think you're ... really going to be helpful...

Kunzite: You never know! I might be useful as a lookout guard.

 

Sapphire: Maybe, but you tend to be easily distracted with small animals...

Kunzite: So there's small animals in an Anti Vampire hideout?

Ruby: Well... maybe? I don't know - I haven't seen any in my time there, to be honest...

Midnight: Can we just take our chances and go? It's not going to be much of a risk if we have potions and stuff.

Ruby: I guess so...

Kunzite: So I can come?

Ruby: Maybe, but-

Kunzite: Well, you didn't say no, so it's practically a yes!

Ruby: I didn't say that-

Kunzite: Let's go!

Kunzite chucked her flute into the air, caught it, and ran in the direction of Grandma's house.

Midnight: ... She was going to come no matter what you said, wasn't she?

Ruby: Most likely, yes...

Sapphire: She does know she's going the wrong way... right?

Ruby: Actually, I forgot to bring some potions with me, so technically not...

Ruby sighed, and headed after Kunzite with Sapphire and Midnight.

Ch.33 Deadly message - part.2

After Ruby and Sapphire dropped off their fruit baskets at the storehouse, they decided to go back to Grandma's house.

Sapphire: I'm sure glad that's out of the way...

Ruby: At least it's for a good cause.

Sapphire: So now you're calling a war a "good cause"?

Ruby: Oh, don't you start too, Sapphire.

Sapphire: Start what?

Ruby sighs and looks off into the distance.

Ruby: Midnight was arguing with me about war... I'm not sure what he was trying to get at, but it ended up with us... less friendly.

Sapphire: Aw come on, you knew I was kidding.

Ruby: I know. But wars are nothing to joke about.

Sapphire: Tell that to the thousands of UnMythics that don't know what's about to happen.

All of a suddenly, Ruby stopped. She sniffed the air, and stepped back a bit.

Sapphire: Whats wrong?

Ruby: ... Cinnamon, that's what it is!

Sapphire: In a Vampire village? Are you sure?

Ruby: I hope not, but... can't you smell it?

Sapphire sniffed the air as well, pausing to make sure it was there.

Sapphire: ... Oh, now I can!

Ruby: We need to find it, before the wind gets any stronger! It could cause many Vampires to get sick!

Sapphire: You take it slow and easy - I'll dash ahead and try to find it.

Sapphire dashed away from the path, allowing her nose to try and follow the sweet spicy scent of the faint cinnamon. After a while she spotted a note, nailed to a nearby tree in the middle of town. Vampires of all ages were warily staying away from it. Sapphire was about to approach the letter, when  an old Vampire caught her arm.

Old Vampire (red horse): What do y'think your doin', young'un?

Sapphire: Going to read the note, of course!

Old Vampire: That letter is tainted with cinnamon powder! You'd get very sick!

Sapphire sighed and broke her arm free. She walked up to the note, and started reading it.

Sapphire: (reading) "To the Vampires of Everwinter. This is a warning to give up, or we will crush you like bugs, then drive the rest who survive out! You'll be the first out of thousands who will be destroyed."

Sapphire unpinned the cinnamon scented note, and carefully held it away from her and the other Vampires.

Sapphire: Ok, every Vampire... Move away, or face the consequences and get sick for about a week. That's right, out of the way.... Coming through with a dangerous message!

Sapphire moved through the crowd, making sure not to move too fast. She made her way to the pathway, where she met Ruby.

Ruby: Hey Sapphire-

Sapphire: You may want to hold your breath for a while.

Ruby, surprised, held her breath while Sapphire swerved pass with the cinnamon letter. Sapphire jabbed it on a twig before coming back to Ruby, who was now slightly coughing.

Sapphire: You're welcome.

Ruby: What was that?

Sapphire: Cinnamon paper, fresh from the UnMythics. A bit of a warning message, I might add.

Ruby: So... what did you do with it?

Sapphire: Nothing, yet. I don't know the best way how to destroy cinnamon without... you know, making it worst.

Ruby: Grandma taught me that burning cinnamon paper with Nature fire usually does the trick.

Sapphire: Ok. Once we've done that, how about we tell the others whats happened?

Ruby: Good idea. I'll tell Kunzite and Midnight about it.

Sapphire: You do that I'll make sure no Vampire gets near the note.

Ruby: Ok. See you shortly.

Ruby dashes back home to Grandma, while Sapphire goes back to the place where the cinnamon message lay partly ripped.

Ch.33 Deadly message - part.1

Early the next morning, Ruby and Midnight were walking through Everwinter forest, picking berries and fruit.

Ruby: You know... finding food isn't that bad.

Midnight: Your right. It's even more boring if you absolutely have to do it.

Ruby: ... I'm going to pretend you didn't say anything.

Midnight: What? It's true.

Ruby: We have a war coming up, and YOU'RE complaining about gathering fruit for our kind?

Midnight: It's just... why do we have to do this?

Ruby: Do what?

Midnight: Why should we go to war with the UnMyhics?

Ruby: Because if we don't, they'll automatically drive us out.

Midnight: But will they?

Ruby: If one of them wants us gone, all of them want us gone. It's how its always been.

Midnight: So they keep telling us.

Ruby: Well, unless you plan on going to the library anytime soon, you're just going to have to deal with the facts.

Midnight: I don't read.

Ruby: ... Let's just do our duty and finish the job. Breakfast will be soon, and I for one am hungry.

They continued to gather berries in silence. After a while, Ruby picked up her basket (which was now full of fruit) and started to walk back to Grandma's house.

Ruby: Hello, Grandma! I'm back!

Grandma: Did you find some fruit?

Ruby: Yup!

Grandma: ... Where's Midnight?

Ruby: Still gathering fruit. I'm sure he'll be back soon.

Just then, Kunzite, Sapphire and Topaz came in with baskets of fruit.

Grandma: I can see everyone is back except Midnight... No matter. You kids deserve some breakfast!

Kunzite: I'll make muffins!

Kunzite dropped her basket and skipped into the kitchen.

Sapphire: We're about to go to war... and she's happy?

Grandma: She's trying to stay positive, Sapphire. When soldiers go to war, they always come back silent and depressed. We don't know how long this war will last, and we don't know how many will come back. She's doing us a favor by being herself.

Sapphire: I guess...

Topaz: ... We'll drop off the food at the new store house after breakfast. Then you guys can train while I research.

Sapphire: Since when did you became the leader?

Topaz: ... It's just my idea on how we should spend our day.

Suddenly, there was a rumbling sound from beneath the house. Everything shook for a minute before stopping.

Kunzite: (from kitchen) ... I hope that wasn't your stomachs, guys!

Ruby: We're not THAT hungry!

Sapphire: So... what was that?

Grandma said nothing, but went down to the cellar. Midnight then came in with his basket full of fruit.

Midnight: Did you guys feel that as well?

Topaz: Yes... do you know what it is?

Midnight: ... I think that was the Dragon egg.

Sapphire: I forgot you had that thing. So is it finally hatching?

Grandma came back up at that moment.

Grandma: No, but it's quite close to it.

Ruby: I was afraid of that...

Kunzite (now with a tray of slightly burned muffins) appeared from the kitchen door.

Kunzite: If the Dragon egg is going to hatch soon, then the war probably will happen any day now.

Midnight: Enough talk about war. Just give us some breakfast!

Kunzite beamed and put the tray on the table, and everyone started eating.

Ch 32 Silver Moon - part.2

Ruby, Midnight and Sapphire followed Kunzite through the dark cold forest of Everwinter.

Sapphire: Kunzite! Where are we going?

Kunzite: Patience, young Vampling.

Sapphire: I'm neither young, OR Vampire! You have no right to call me by those things!

Kunzite: Would you rather UnMythling, then?

Sapphire: Well, no... but that's beside the point!

They continued to follow Kunzite in silence. While they were walking, she was playing her silver flute, making melodies with Mora howling in time behind her. After a while, the trees grew less and less, until they came to the shore.

Midnight: You made us travel so far we came to edge of the island!

Kunzite: I didn't force you to come. You decided on your own accord!

Sapphire: But why did YOU come here?

Kunzite: Wasn't it obvious?

Midnight: No.

Kunzite sighed, and pointed her flute up at the sky. Everyone looked up to see a almost full moon.

Kunzite: Have you ever heard of a Silver Moon?

Sapphire: I think I have... is that the one night every ten years when the moon is pure white instead of a light grey?

Kunzite: Ding ding ding! CORRECT!!! But there's something else about the Silver Moon besides its shade of colour.

Ruby: And that would be...?

Kunzite shook her head in disappointment.

Kunzite: Don't you guys read books anymore?

Ruby: I read adventure novels.

Sapphire: And I read science stuff.

Kunzite: Not what I meant... Anyway! On the night of a Silver Moon, a strange and rare crystal is formed from the lightbeams of the strange moon, and can be found in a strange place. Very beautiful, as well.

Sapphire: ... A rare crystal?

Kunzite: It's said to be powerful to both Vampires AND UnMythics!

Midnight: Well... where is this "Strange place"?

Kunzite: I don't know. It changes every time.

Midnight: Convenient. 

Ruby: So... you played hide and seek with us, JUST to tell us that a silver moon is going to happen soon...?

Kunzite: Yup~!

Kunzite started playing her flute again as she danced back into the forest, with Mora close behind.



Midnight: ... I'm not going to enjoy meeting your other cousins, am I?

Sapphire: A good chance, yes... Oh! Besides Citrine. You'd like her.

Ruby: I guess we should go home, now. Kunzite has had her fun, and I for one want to go to bed before food finding duty tomorrow.

Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight trudged after Kunzite back home.

The 100th Post

As the title suggests - this is the 100th Undercover Vamparoo post!  I thank you all for sticking with me this long...  this it where is starts to get REALLY exciting!

Ch.32 Silver Moon - part1

Ruby, Sapphire, Kunzite and Midnight were talking about their ideas and plans to each other.

Ruby: ... And tomorrow we'll only have two days left until we're forced to battle the UnMythics. Time is running out, and we still don't have much of a plan.

Kunzite: At least we're prepared to fight, Ruby. I bet most of the UnMythics don't have a clue whats going to happen in the next few days!

Midnight: I'm pretty sure the UnMythic army in Sunbeam Shores knows what's going on.

Sapphire: Whether that's true or not, we don't know what their secret weapon is... or WHERE it is.

Grandma: Ok, that's enough questions for tonight. I think you all need to go to bed.

Kunzite: Do we have too?

Grandma: You have a busy day tomorrow. You need to help gather food and supplies, while I have to help make potions for our warriors who will be fighting on the battlefield.

Midnight: ... Give us an hour.

Grandma: five minutes.

Midnight: Half an hour.

Grandma: Seven minutes.

Midnight: Twenty minutes.

Grandma: Ten minutes.

Midnight: Fifteen minutes.

Grandma: ... Very well. Fifteen minutes, and no more.

Grandma went upstairs, leaving the cousins and Midnight to themselves.

Ruby: ... What now?

Kunzite smirked at Ruby before dashing outside. Mora (who was in the kitchen) got up and ran after her.

Sapphire: Mora!!! Why you... what do we do, Ruby?

Midnight: An obvious question with an obvious answer - we go after them!

Midnight got up and darted after her.

Ruby: ... Looks like he made the choice for us.

Ruby and Sapphire got up, and sprinted after them through the dark and misty forest of Everwinter.

Ruby: Sometimes I wonder why Kunzite does what she does.

Sapphire: I don't. She does these things for fun.

Suddenly, Midnight came into view, looking confused.

Midnight: Hey, guys. Have you seen your pink cousin? I was following her and then... I guess I lost her.

Sapphire: Classic Kunzite. Starts to play hide and seek when we want her most.

They all look up as they hear soft music. They hear Mora howling somewhere, and Sapphire starts running into the direction of the noise.

Midnight: What is that?

Ruby: A clue!

Ruby and Midnight dart after Sapphire.

Midnight: What do you mean, a clue?

Ruby: Kunzite is a musician. She plays all sorts of instruments, from pianos to drums, to bells.

Midnight: So...

Ruby: She's the one whose making that sweet music!

They skidded to a hold as they see Kunzite sitting in a tree, playing a silver flute. Mora was at the foot of the tree, howling. Kunzite came to a slow stop in her music, and Mora stopped with her.

Ruby: What is the meaning of this, Kunzite?

Kunzite: Just having a little fun, that's all.

Ruby: And why was Sapphire's hound howling?

Kunzite: You mean singing. This bloodhound was singing.

Ruby: ... Anyway. Why are you here?

Kunzite jumped down from the tree and turned around and started walking back into the darkness.

Ruby: Wait! Where are you going?

Kunzite: You'll have to find out~!

Ruby sighs and treks on after Kunzite with Midnight. Sapphire dashes up to them, and walks with them.

Sapphire: What's Kunzite up too?

Ruby: No idea, but she obviously knows something.

They continued to follow Kunzite into the darkness.

Ch. 31 You have mail! - part.2

After training with Melody; Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight come back home, exhausted.

Midnight: Next time I say I want to train... just hit me over the head and tell me I'm crazy.

Sapphire: Noted.

Ruby: I must admit it... that took a little longer than I thought.

Grandma (who had been in her potion lab) came through the door.

Grandma: Good evening. How was training?

Sapphire: Hard. Not to mention boring.

Grandma: Wars are dangerous. You need experience with swords in order to have a higher chance of surviving.

Ruby: But you did alchemy!

Grandma: I still needed to learn how to swing a sword, though. I couldn't use my potions and wits alone.

Just then, there was knock at the door. Grandma went to the door and opened it. A young Vampire gave Grandma two letters. She thanked him and closed the door.

Ruby: That must be the replies from our other cousins!

Sapphire: Well, don't just stand there! Open them!

Grandma gave Ruby the letters and she ripped one of them open. She started reading.

Ruby: "Hello, Ruby! Thanks for letting us know about the upcoming war. This explains some of the strange events that have been happening up here. But we cannot help you right away. If what you say is true, we need to prepare and do what we can do protect our village. From Citrine  and Emerald."

Ruby gave a disappointed look at Sapphire, and placed the letter on the table. She opened the other letter, and started reading.

Ruby: "Dear fellow cousin. I had my suspicions that the UnMythics would be trying something, and you reinforce that theory. If a war is coming, there is a high chance that one of our kind will be kicked out... for good... Oh, and the answer to your invisible question is no. I can't help you unless I'm positive that my village is fine. Sorry. From Amethyst."

Ruby sadly put the second letter on the table and sighed. before sitting down.

Ruby: ... I know this may seem a bit childish, but I was hoping that our other cousins could help us figure out, and destroy the UnMythics Ultimate weapon...

Sapphire: Yeah, that would've been a bit of a stretch. They have villages to protect, Ruby. Just like us!

Ruby: I guess... but I'm still disappointed.

Grandma: I thought you said you'd send a message to Shadow Forest?

Ruby: I did... I guess it's either they didn't get it, or something else...

Midnight: I'm never going to remember how many cousins you have, am I?

???: Probably not. There are a lot of us, after all.

They all look up to see a pink kangaroo by the doorway.

Ruby and Sapphire: KUNZITE!!! What are you doing here?

Kunzite (pink kangaroo): To give you this...

Kunzite gave Ruby a letter. Ruby ripped it open and began reading.

Ruby: "So... you're probably wondering why I haven't replied yet, like all our other cousins have... well... I'll tell you why... I CAN HELP YOU!!!"

Ruby looked up from Kunzite's letter, and raised her eyebrow.

Ruby: And... you didn't think about your village when traveling here?

Kunzite gave Ruby a sardonic smile.

Kunzite: Of course I did... thinking about if they're alive or not...

Grandma: Did the UnMythics get your village as well?

Kunzite: I'm afraid so. I wasn't quite sure if other villages had the same problem, y'know... with invasions from the UnMythics...

Sapphire: Yes. Ivywood's lord has been taken for about a year, Darkriver village has been ambushed with no Vampires left... and I believe a group of UnMythic scientists have tried to steal the Dragon egg from us.

Kunzite: You have the Dragon egg? The one that the Dragons left to us and no one has found it before or since?

Midnight: That would be the one.

Kunzite: ... Oh, and I'm Kunzite, by the way. Don't think I've met you before!

Midnight: The names Midnight.

Kunzite: Pleasure to meet you!

Midnight: Likewise.

Grandma: ... Do you want anything to eat, Kunzite? After traveling for such a long time, you must be tired.

Kunzite: Well... I WOULD like some Raven cookies, if you have them.

Grandma went to the kitchen, while the cousins and black cheetah talked.

Ch. 31 You have mail! - part.1

At Grandma's house, Ruby, Sapphire, Midnight and Topaz were sitting around the table for a meeting.

Ruby: Ok. Let's get started.

Midnight: Yes... get this over with, please!

Ruby: ... As you should all know, the war between us and the UnMythics is in three days time.

Sapphire: Yes... we KNOW that.

Ruby: But we don't know what their secret weapon is... so it's time we start talking more seriously about it.

Sapphire: Explain.

Ruby: Well... seeing that you, Sapphire Diamondeye DeathDancer, are an UnMythic-

Sapphire: Diamondeye is an insult more then a name to me now. Sapphire DeathDancer will do.

Ruby: ... Do you have any idea what your kind is planning?

Sapphire: Well... I'm assuming they're going to play by their strengths and your weaknesses. Probably something to do with cinnamon and machines.

Topaz: That's possible. They did do that last time, after all.

Ruby: True.

Midnight: But WE have the Dragon egg. We have the element of surprise! We have-

Sapphire: Will it hatch in time?

Ruby: The fire creature in the crystal cave said "When the Egg has fully hatched, then the real war will start".

Sapphire: I'm assuming that means it will hatch the moment the war starts... But that could be bad.

Midnight: Will the Dragon know how to fight?

Ruby: Well... I don't know that, to be honest.

Midnight: Great...

Topaz: Well, I think we should worry about the Dragon later. For now, you guys need to train, figure out where the UnMythic's weapon is, and not to mention you still have a few more villages to warn.

Ruby: I already sent out bat-mail to them. They should get them this afternoon, IF the bats are quick.

Topaz: "If" is a big factor in the race against time, Ruby.

Ruby: I know...

Topaz: Are our other cousins coming here, or are they sticking to their parts of the island?

Ruby: We'll know by tonight, I guess...

Midnight: ... So are we going to train or not?

Ruby and Sapphire looked up at Midnight, surprised.

Ruby: Are you serious, Midnight?

Midnight: No, I just want to sit around and swish my tail until the war starts. OF COURSE I'm serious!

Sapphire: So you want to train instead of stealing for a change?

Midnight: Pick-pocketing won't help on the battlefield. We need actual battle skills to fight.

Topaz: But you're practically kids! Will your Vampire Lord allow the very ESSENCE of our SURVIVAL to go on the battlefields and risk their lives?

Ruby: Well... we've come this far without dying!

Topaz: ... I'm going to your library to research certain things.

Sapphire: Shouldn't you be training with us?

Topaz: I've already had my training when I was your age. I don't want, or have to do, basic sword skills again. See you later.

And so saying so, Topaz got up and left the house.

Sapphire: ... Does all Topaz think about is reading?

 

Midnight: I hope not.

Ruby: ... Anyway. Let's go and train!

Midnight: As much as I hate working, we have a village to protect, and we won't let UnMythics drive us out because we're different.

Sapphire: That's the spirit, soldier!

Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight all dash out to the Vampire Lord's mansion for some more training.

Ch. 30 Where's Midnight? - part.2

Ruby and Boo crept down the wet and cold steps, down into the M.O.S.T hideout. An orange wolf looked up from making some sort of red brew. Nearby, was Midnight, looking like he'd come back from a battlefield. He turned to look at Ruby, and stepped back a bit, trying to keep a calm face.

Ruby: ... Hi.

Midnight: Ah... wasn't expecting you to be around...

Stella: You know them, Midnight?

Midnight: In a way... so... What are you two doing here?

Boo: Oh, you know. Just happened to be in the area, so we decided to... drop in and see what you were doing.

Midnight: Yes, well... great to see you guys.

Ruby: ... What happened to you, Midnight?

Stella: The furry patch of black got into a fight with some of his friends... and he lost.

Midnight: Only because there was two of them, and one of me.

Stella: That wouldn't have made much of a difference.

Midnight: ... Besides, they didn't hurt me that much. I'm fine.

Stella: Stop being stubborn, Mr. BlackMoon. You are injured. And that means you're hurt and need help.

Midnight: ...

Ruby: So... does this happen on a daily basis?

Stella: I wish I could say this hasn't happened before... but then I would be lying.

Midnight: And we all know you're a terrible liar.

Stella: What I can't steal, I make up in fizzy drinks and light beer.

Boo: ... So... can I-

Stella: Yes.

Boo: Do you make RedShadow snow?

Stella got a couple of bottles down and poured them in a nearby cup. She added some black powder in the mix and gave it to Boo.

Stella: And that will be two gold and seven silver, please.

Boo dug into his pockets and gave Stella some coins.

Stella: You thieves are very polite and well mannered. Much more so than the ruffians I have to deal with every single day of my life. 

Boo: Don't they treat barmaids with respect?

Stella: Not in this club... Want anything, red?

Ruby: I'm good, thanks.

Midnight: So... uh... why are you here?

Boo: Caught your scent and decided to pay you a visit, that's all.

Midnight: Right...

Stella (who just finished mixing a drink) gave Midnight a cup with bright red liquid in it.

Stella: Drink, Midnight. It's a healing potion. So it's good for you, unlike any other drink I make for you and your friends.

Midnight: I said I'm fine, Stella.

Stella: These ingredients are hard to get, Midnight. I don't make ridiculously hard drinks for fun, you know. So if you know what's good for you, THEN DRINK.

Midnight sighed and took drank the red potion. He swallowed, and coughed a bit.

Midnight: Strong stuff, that is...

Stella: Well, I hope so! I don't want bad plants and fruits in my drinks!

Midnight: Neither do I, to be frank...

Ruby: ... When you're ready, Midnight... we're leaving.

Midnight: W-... Oh... ok.

Midnight drank the rest of the red brew, gave the orange wolf some coins, and left with Ruby and Boo. Mora barked and yipped as they came back into the foggy sunlight where Sapphire sat waiting.

Sapphire: That didn't take long.

Midnight: ... How mad are you?

Ruby: Not so much mad... just more... concerned.

Midnight: Did you really think something would've happened to me?

Sapphire: You didn't show up at our research mission.

Midnight: I would have LIKED to... but I was distracted.

Boo: Well.. leave a note or something next time!

Midnight: Thieves don't leave notes.

Ruby: Well, it's about time they started. Come on. I think it's time I told you about what me and Grandma have learned.


Ruby, Sapphire, Midnight and Boo left the ghostly streets and back to Grandma's house.

Ch. 30 Where's Midnight? - part.1

Ruby was walking through the forest, breathing the fresh cold air, but stopped in her tracks when she saw Boo racing up to meet her.

Boo: RUBY!!! Have you seen Midnight?

Boo stopped in front of Ruby, looking worried.

Ruby: We were meant to go on a mission with Sapphire, but he didn't show up. Why? Whats wrong?

Boo: I haven't seen him since this morning, and it's lunchtime!

Ruby: Why do you want to see him?

Boo: I'm just... a little worried.

Ruby: Why should you be?

Boo: We're about to have a war with the UnMythics, there's been a lot of strange things going on... how can I NOT be worried?

Ruby: So... you're afraid that Midnight's been taken by UnMythics...

Boo: Hey, it could happen!

Ruby: I agree. Not very likely, but a possibility, nevertheless.

They both look up to hear barking, and see Sapphire with Mora coming down the path towards them.

Sapphire: Hello! What are you guys doing?

Ruby: Do you know where Midnight is?

Sapphire: Nope. Me and Mora were playing in the forest, and last time I checked, I didn't see any black cats.

Boo: Well, where on earth could he be?

Ruby: ... Well...

Sapphire: Yes, oh fourth cousin once removed? Do you have an idea?

Ruby: Uh... you see, I know Midnight goes to this... thieves club... and there might be a slight chance he's there...

Boo: Do you know where this club is?

Ruby: Sadly, no. But...

Sapphire: Maybe a certain red bloodhound can find out for us.

They all turned to look at Mora, who cocked her head in expectancy.

Ruby: ... Do we have anything that belongs to Midnight?

Sapphire: I think I saw his bag back at Grandma's house.

And so saying so, Sapphire dashed back to Grandma's house with Mora.

Boo: ... Shouldn't we let the Rescue team about this?

Ruby: I doubt they want to take time out of their day just to find a thief.

A little while later, they came back with Midnight's bag.

Sapphire: Ok, Mora. We need you to find our black cheetah friend, who may or may not be in danger. Now fetch!

Sapphire shoved Midnight's bag at Mora, and the hound started sniffing at it.

Boo: ... Is this going to work?

Ruby: We're about to find out.

Mora suddenly lifted up her head, and starting sniffing around the forest. After a while, she howled and dashed towards the village. Ruby, Sapphire and Boo charged after her.

After a while of chasing Mora, they come a maze of dark and eerie streets.

Boo: Uh... is your bloodhound SURE Midnight is somewhere around here?

Ruby: Yes. Probably... maybe... hopefully?

Boo: Well, this place should be the perfect place for hiding, ambushes, and secret clubs. Not to mention it lives up to ghost standards.

Sapphire: Eh. I've seen scarier streets in my days.

Sapphire followed Mora, who was now sniffing along the stoney walls.

Boo: Ok... keep an eye out for any old trapdoors or sewer passages...those are usually the entrance to a secret underground club.

Sapphire: And what do you know about that?

Boo: In Darkriver village, we learn simple skills, such as UnMythic evasion and bomb making. But our part of the island... let's say that it's not the best place to grow plants and such.

Sapphire: So...?

Boo: We have to learn certain thieving skills as well in order to get the things we need from passing Vampires and UnMythics. But sometimes we can sneak things across the island using Wing Service!

Ruby: ... So not only are you pranksters, you're also smugglers...

Boo: That's a bit harsh, don't you think?

Sapphire: Got any sweeter words to replace it, then?

Boo: ...

Sapphire: Didn't think so.

Mora stopped at a door, and whined and scratched at it.

Ruby: Distant cousin and friendly fake ghost... I believe we found the place.

Boo: ... What do we do now?

Sapphire: ... You two go on. I'll keep Mora back.

Ruby: Really?

Sapphire: Yes. Really.

Ruby: This is... very unlike you, Sapphire. Are you sure? We might have to battle thieving thieves...

Sapphire: I'm sure. You and Boo go ahead. I'll be waiting up here.

Sapphire took hold of Mora's collar, and gently pulled her back. Ruby slowly opened the door. They walk carefully down a set of Slippery steps, into the darkness.

Ch. 29 UnMythic history - part.3

A little while later, Ruby (with Fang) met up with Sapphire near the Golden Forests school.

Ruby: Any sign of Midnight?

Sapphire: I didn't see him on the way here.

Ruby: Where could he be...? He isn't usually late to these things. In fact, he often comes with me!

Sapphire: ... Should we wait for him to arrive?

Ruby: We'll wait for five minutes.

The kangaroo cousins waited for five minutes. Saying nothing, and hoping Midnight would show up. But after a while, Ruby got up.

Ruby: ... He's still not here.

Sapphire: Then... what do we do?

Ruby: We leave without him.

Sapphire: Wait, what?

Ruby: You heard me. We break into Golden Forests without him.

Sapphire: But we're untrained in the arts of thievery. We have a higher chance of failing if Midnight isn't with us showing off how to unlock a door!

Ruby: While that's true, we have a little spider with us to sneak into the smaller places... I know that isn't actually helpful, but unless Midnight runs into view yelling "wait for me", we're going without him.

And so saying so, Ruby started to head closer to the Golden Forests school.

Sapphire: ... We're going to get caught.

Sapphire sighed, got up and followed Ruby.

They sneak into the school, where they headed towards the  forbidden part of the library, where they find the entrance to R.O.O.S.T, open.

Ruby: Ok... that's... unusual.

Sapphire: Understatement of the day.

Ruby: ... Do we go on? This could be a trap!

Sapphire: If it is a trap, we'll soon find out.

Ruby and Sapphire were quietly sneaking along the halls of R.O.O.S.T. headquarters. Making sure no one was around, they headed to a research area. They started searching through books, making sure not to be seen.

Ruby: ... I'm pretty sure they were at least SOME history books in here...

Sapphire: And good thing they left the door open. It was just like they were expecting us, and wanted to make things easier because Midnight wasn't with us.

Ruby: ...

Sapphire: ... I was joking. You better be on your guard while we search through these books.

Ruby picked up a book titled "The Great Island war", and started reading it. She flicked through the pages, looking for something about the "Ultimate Weapon". After a while, she looked up at Sapphire.

Ruby: Well... while there's nothing about a Ultimate weapon, there is a lot of stuff about... taking over a "Moon Temple".

Sapphire: ... Never heard of it.

Ruby: Funny thing... neither have I.

Sapphire: Ok, now you have me scared.

Ruby: ... Listen to this. "The Vampires are retreating to other parts of the island. Before they come back with reinforcements, Captain Irontail wants us to take over their sacred temple, that is found on top of a hill near the Everwinter forest."

Sapphire: ... Go on.

Ruby: ... "We had no idea how many Vampires were coming back to claim what is rightfully theirs, (And to be honest, this war wouldn't be happening if Captain Irontail hadn't demanded more land than He needed from the Lord of the Vampires) but we're glad we took over one of their strongest safety bases."

Sapphire: ... Heh.

Ruby: You and the rest of the world.

Sapphire: Well... R.O.O.S.T, or Rescue Of Our Sun Temple... The UnMythics claimed the Vampires "Sacred Temple", which...

Ruby: Could very well be this "Moon Temple".

Sapphire: OK. We've got something, now it's time to go home.

Ruby: Hang on a minute! We still need to research through these books!

Sapphire: Fine by me. Take any books you want and LETS. GO.

Ruby grabbed a few more books and stuffed them into her bag, and she and Sapphire sneaked their way out and back to Grandma's house.

When they got back, Grandma was sitting at the table, reading a book. She looked up as they came in, and Mora dashed out of the kitchen and started bouncing around Ruby and Sapphire.

Grandma: Back from you mission?

Ruby: Indeed!

 

Ruby dropped books on the table and started reading.

Sapphire: ... Ok. You can read stuff. I'm going outside to play with Mora.

Sapphire whistled to Mora to follow her. They both race outside into the cold forest.

Grandma: ... Now, tell me what you have found out. Perhaps I can help?

Ruby and Grandma started talking, and didn't stop until lunchtime.