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.