Kid Ruby and Sapphire

Weekly Saturday post time~

I though it would be fun to draw Ruby and Sapphire as kids - a time when they didn't realize that Vampires and UnMythics were sworn enemies (even though most of them didn't believe the other existence)

... This makes me want to draw a comic about their childhoods before it all went south. That would be fun! But maybe after I've finished "Project F(F)E"... And boy, is that gonna take a while...

And please don't ask why Ruby has a wooden shield. It's my story, my characters, so I can do whatever I like with their childhoods.

B3 Ch6 Aunt Sunshine - part2

An hour earlier...

Barak was zooming across the sky, looking down on the busy world below him, when he noticed a blue hooded figure dashing through the crowds. Barak assumed this was Midnight.

He also noticed that two white guards moving in towards him. Midnight crashed into them, and they grabbed hold of him and started heading towards the White palace.

Naturally, Barak followed them.

*****

After his spying mission, Barak flew off towards the Mist tavern as fast as he could. In fact, he went so fast he accidentally crashed through the front entrance and tumbled into Ruby's rented room.

Barak: Ruby! Midnight's in the dungeons-

Ruby: We know.

Barak: And he's going to be unalived-

Sapphire: Killed.

Barak: In two days-

Ruby: Yes, we know.

Barak: And Zelda's cooking extra chocolate chip muffins with salted caramel cream toppings.

Sapphire: Now that we didn't know!

Fang: Dragons have a good sense of smell. They can smell sandwiches a mile away!

Ruby ignored him and kept pacing around the room. Sapphire gave a sigh of annoyance and stood up to face Ruby.

Sapphire: Ruby, it's not healthy to worry about little things like this!

Ruby: Little? Our comrade is in the dungeons, and you're saying I shouldn't worry?

Sapphire: Yes. Yes I am.

Barak: Are you also forgetting that Midnight is, as everyone calls him, a skilled thief?

Fang (who was continuously tapping Barak's foot) bit down into Barak's scales as hard as he could. The green dragon yelped in alarm and tossed Fang up onto his back.

Barak: Ow! What did you do that for?

Fang pointed to the door and scurried out into the hallway. Barak checked to see if anyone was watching before stealthily following the red spider.

Barak: Fang? What's up?

Fang: The ceiling.

Barak continued to trot after Fang, knowing he'd tell whatever was on his mind at some point in the next few minutes.

The spider leaped down the flight of stairs and rushed into the kitchen where Zelda was. She looked up as Barak walked in, unsure. He smelt the tasty aroma of muffins cooking, and spotted Fang on a table nearby.

Zelda: What can I get for you?

Fang: Sandwiches. Extra flavor!

Zelda: Alright, then. Does the dragon want something?

Barak: No thanks, Zelda.

Zelda smiled and started to create a sandwich for Fang. Barak looked pleading at Fang, hoping for some answers.

Barak: Can you now tell me what's up?

Fang: There's a bunch of guards coming this way, planning to arrest the White princess. But the good Black prince has already taken her back to her palace!

Barak: So, what will they do?

Fang: They'll arrest Sunshine instead.

Zelda gave Fang the plate of sandwiches he wanted. He started eating a slice when Barak stammered the question.

Barak: What! Why?

Fang: (while eating) Well, she's the closest thing to the princess that they can capture.

Barak: We have to stop them!

Fang: No, we don't.

Barak: Why not?

Fang: Midnight's in jail, correct? And soon Sunshine will be too. Now I know you think that's bad, but trust me. I have a plan...

Barak: Ok... I trust you.

Fang: Good, because here they come!

CRASH

The sound of the door being slammed open echoed into the warm kitchen of the tavern. Soldiers clanked up the set of stairs and another door banged opened.

Barak: Uh... Shouldn't we...?

Fang: If it makes you feel better.

Barak left the table and practically flew upstairs towards their rented room. He could hear Sapphire shouting at the top of her lungs as three knights in black armor marched out with Sunshine.

Sapphire: If I ever set my eyes on you again, I'll tear you limb from limb before throwing your remains into a pot and cook it with rotten fish and dead coral, before tossing it into the deep blue for the sharks to eat your pitiful insides and-

Ruby: Ok, that's enough Sapphire. We get the point!

The knights hurried past Barak, and he couldn't blame them. He tried to put on a scared face and cantered to Ruby.

Barak: What's going on?

Sapphire: They've just arrested Sunshine, and for no reason!

Barak: M-maybe it was a mistake?

Sapphire: YOU BET IT IS!!! Let me go, Ruby! I want to give them a piece of my mind!

Ruby: You mean you want to take a piece of their mind and make them eat it! No way. As much as I hate it, we have to let them go.

Sapphire: Stop being a goody grand new shiny two shoes, Ruby!

Barak: But she's a vampire! Isn't she?

Ruby: We'll get then back later!

Sapphire: We better...

Sapphire stormed out of the room, while Ruby sighed. Barak felt bad for not stopping the patrol, but he trusted Fang (despite what everyone else thought).

B3 Ch6 Aunt Sunshine - part1

When Sapphire caught up with everyone else outside the castle, she saw that her cousin was frustrated.

Sapphire: So Midnight's in jail... What do we do now?

Ruby: Maybe we should wait until tomorrow and see if he escapes. If not, we'll make up a plan and get him out.

Sunshine: Ok. Meanwhile, there's a certain White princess that has to get home before anyone notices her absence.

Cole: I'll do it. I know the way in-

Sapphire: Not through the front door.

Cole: No, a secret way in.

Ruby: Ok, what is it?

Cole: Ah, but if I told you, it wouldn't be a secret.

Ruby: Fair enough. Will you come and meet us at Mist Tavern later?

Cole: I'll try.

Ruby: See you later, then!

Cole took Misae's hand and started straight for the White castle.

*****

Cole and Misae were carefully running across the rooftops, trying not to be seen. Soon enough, Cole came across an open window, and Misae jumped through.

Misae: Thanks for getting me back home, and, y'know...

Cole: My pleasure, Princess Misae. Thank you for allowing me a chance to prove myself to be a gentleman!

Misae: You sound like my personal bodyguard. I like that!

Cole: Uh, thanks?

Misae: ... What are you going to do now?

Cole: This war has to stop. It's stupid beyond reason! We don't even remember why this all started in the first place!

Misae: Yeah, but it must've been a good reason, otherwise, why has it continued for so long?

Cole: The point is, it has to stop. Now, I've got a plan, but I need your help... I know I can't force you, but I really do need you.

Misae: As much as I don't like it, I guess I will.

Just then, they both looked up in alarm, hearing the sound of a door being opened. Cole swiftly hid behind a wall while Misae tried to act natural as a guard came in.

Guard: Princess! Thank goodness you're here, your father has been looking everywhere for you!

Misae: Why? What does he want?

Guard: I don't know, but he requests your presences.

Misae: Fine. Give me a minute, I'll be there. There better be cake waiting for me...

The guard left relieved, and Misae gave a frustrated sigh.

Cole: If you want, I can send you a letter, telling you about my plan. Would that be convenient for you?

Misae: Fine. Whatever.

Misae then left the room without another word. She headed down a flight of stairs and went into a big room, where her father was waiting.

Vulcan: Ah, my favorite daughter!

Misae: I'm your only daughter, father.

Vulcan: You're right. And that makes you special!

Misae: Naturally. But why did you call? I've got a lot of stuff I want to do sometime this year!

Vulcan: Of course, let's get straight to the point. There's a young boy in our dungeons currently, and we've identified that he could be the son of Charon, most hatred enemy of the White kingdom!

Misae: Yeah, I was the one who ordered his arrest. What about it?

Vulcan: If my plan doesn't go well, we'll have to kill him. Something to look forward to isn't it, my lovely lily?

Misae nodded before leaving the room. She hurried up to a nearby guard and held out her hands expectantly. The guard looked at her, confused.

Misae: Give me your keys.

Guard (yellow deer): I don't have any keys!

Misae: Nice try, but I know all the guards wearing the royal symbol of the White castle has at least some keys. Now, hand them over, before I tell my father you've been trying to deceive me!

The guard shook his head but handed over a some keys before marching off, obviously annoyed. The princess smiled and headed down towards the dungeons. Soon enough, she saw a dark hooded figure sitting quietly in the corner.

She rushed forward, and banged on the metal bars.

Misae: Hey! Orpheus?

A grinning face met hers, which she glared back at. She then tried to find the key to the cell door.

Midnight: What are you doing here, princess? I didn't think you'd come down here to visit me.

Misae: Shut up. I'm getting you out of here!

Midnight: Why? Finally changed your mind about me?

Misae: No, but if my father's plan doesn't go well, whatever it is, you'll be killed!

Midnight: I know. Tell me something new

Misae (after trying all the keys) gave a frustrated sigh.

Misae: The cell key isn't with me! Dumb guard not having the dungeon key...

Midnight: It's alright, it's not the end of the world.

Misae: But if I don't get you out in a few days you'll die!

Midnight: Don't worry about me. If I truly wanted to escape, I would've already done so.

Misae growled, while Midnight took a step closer to her. He stared at her thoughtfully, before finally opening his mouth again.

Midnight: You must be Sunshine's niece, Misae...

Misae: Sunshine? Who's that?

Midnight: One of my friends that arrived with me. Your father looked younger than I expected.

Misae: That's impossible! That girl looked only a few years older than me! How can she be my aunt?

Midnight: It's just a theory. But Sunshine apparently disappeared from this island the same time I did, so it's a pretty good one.

Clank, clank, clank, clank, clank, clank...

Midnight: Here come the guards, princess. You better not get caught talking to me!

Misae boldly walked towards the knights marching down the steps towards her. They didn't say a word as she carried on without taking a glance at them.

____------_____

Since it's also Australia Day today, it's a double post all in one!

Well... Not that special, but It's what I could do in one afternoon. I was also working on a "Secret Project" (which will be coming out later this year), so I was mostly distracted.

But, yeah... Have a good day/night!

Meeting Misae

I thought I'd be fun to try and figure out Princess Misae's appearance, so I did that.

Also, Cole's and Misae's Character sheets have been added to the Main Characters page, if you want to check that out!

But enough about that, here's the picture!

"How come people who seem to know everything never know when to shut up?"

 I plan to make Misae a bratty know-it-all, just to make things interesting. But knowing me, she'll probably turn the complete opposite direction of what I want, so she might actually turn out to be smart...

 But if it all goes to plan, I have to figure out a good trait to counter her personality...

B3 Ch5 Misae -part3

Midnight was dragged into a big courtyard, where a white tiger was ordering troops about. When he caught sight of the black cheetah, he frowned, and stepped forward to him.

Vulcan (white tiger): Now, what do we have here?

Knight 1 (white eagle): We caught this lad around the market place. Princess Misae ordered us to capture him on sight.

Vulcan: Is there a reason?

Knight 2 (grey wolf): Well, sire... he does look awfully like the black prince, son of your most hated enemy...

Midnight decided to play along, not wanting them to realize who he really was.

Midnight: Yes. I'm, uh... Prince Cole. Release me at once!

Vulcan: Not what I imagined, considering his parents... but if what he says is true, he could be useful.

The White King ordered a squire to fetch his scribe. A minute later, a fox came out of the castle, with a piece of paper and quill.

Scribe (orange fox): What is your command, honorable king?

Vulcan: Write a letter to Charon, telling him we have his brat of a son. If he doesn't call off his troops in the forest looking for us and the rebellion, we'll kill his son.

Midnight breathed in sharply at this, wondering if he should've told the truth. Well, too late for that now. The scribe grimly nodded and started writing on a piece of paper.

Midnight: Isn't that... a little cruel?

Vulcan: We've been at war for generations, neither side winning against the other... sometimes you have to go to drastic measures to get what you want. Including death...

Midnight tried to stay calm as he was led towards the dungeons. He was shoved into a prison cell, and the door closed behind him.

Knight 1: Sorry, boy. Nothing personal... You understand, don't you?

Midnight: Oh, yes. All too well...

The door locked with a loud click, and the guard walked away, leaving Midnight to himself.

*****

Meanwhile, two black guards who witnessed the capture of what looked like a black cheetah, they quickly made haste towards King Charon's castle. But on their way, they ran into a group of worried teenagers.

Kurt (black giraffe): Hello! Is there a problem?

Ruby: Yes, we're looking for a black cheetah wearing a night blue jumper.. have you seen him?

The two guards looked at each other, then nodded.

Sandy (yellow wolf): Yes, we did. He got taken by some white knights just now.

One of the teenagers, a blue kangaroo, face palmed and groaned.

Sapphire: Idiot... I knew he wasn't the shiniest bolt in the box, but seriously?

Kurt: Is he your friend?

Sunshine: Yes, but-

Kurt: Then you'll have to come with us! Those knights will come for you if they find out you're in leagues with him!

Sandy: Please, let us take you to our castle for safety!

The red kangaroo (who seemed to be the leader) nodded in agreement.

Ruby: I guess it's for the best. Lead on, sir...?

Kurt: Kurtis. But please, call me Kurt.

The Black guards led them towards the black castle, where they hoped they would be safer.

*****

The gang (including a puzzled Misae) followed Kurt through hallways and rooms, until at last they reached a huge door. The Black guard knocked, before opening it and stepped in.

Kurt: My lord, some guests have arrived...

Ruby looked around in awe at the room that they were in. A wolf was sitting behind a desk looked up as they approached, and raised an eyebrow.

Charon (black wolf): Ah, Kurtis... Who are these children, and why are they here? Do they have business with me?

Misae looked like she had a few words to say, but Sunshine led her into a corner, hoping she'd keep quiet. Sapphire stepped forward, getting straight to the point.

Sapphire: Our friend was arrested by some white knights, and we want him back.

The king took interest at this, and leaned forward.

Charon: Why was he arrested?

Ruby: We have no idea, your majesty...

Just then, the doors flung open, and Cole walked in. He stopped when he noticed Ruby and friends, though.

Cole: What the-...

Charon: Relax, son. They're my guests, so I suggest you behave like a prince should.

Cole said nothing, instead he waved his surprised greeting to them, before facing his father.

Cole: Father, I have something I need to ask you...

Charon: Can it wait, son? I've got a lot on my mind at the moment. Can't you ask your mother? You're personal guard?

Cole: I did...

Charon: Anyway, it'll have to wait.

Just then, a messenger ran in, carrying a letter. He bowed politely, but looked nervous.

Messenger: Lord Charon? A message from the white kingdom has arrived...

Charon: Oh? Read it aloud for me.

The messenger opened the sealed envelope, before reading it aloud.

Messenger: "King Charon. I have your son, Prince Cole of the Black Kingdom in my dungeons. If you retract your troops from the forest, I may spare his life. King Vulcan the Second of the White Kingdom"...

Charon looked closely at his son, and then at the messenger. Sapphire was trying hard not to chuckle, while Cole stared down at his feet.

Charon: ... Are you in the White King's dungeons, Cole?

Cole: I don't think so, father.

Charon: Alright then... You may leave, messenger.

The messenger bowed again before rushing out the door. Charon looked curiously at Ruby, before suppressed a sigh.

Charon: What does Vulcan think he's playing at, trying to trick me into thinking my son is in his dungeons?

Ruby: I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it's our friend who's in the dungeons...

Charon: So Vulcan is going to kill an innocent if I don't order back my troops out of FeatherDust Forest? Argh...

Cole: Are you going to do something, father?

Charon didn't answer for some time. He shook his head before looking down on his paperwork again.

Charon: No.

Cole: B-but father-

Charon: It's not worth my troops to go out on a rescue mission for this kid. More is at stake than his life.

Everyone stared back, shocked at his words. Sapphire was the first to recover, and she did so loudly.

Sapphire: Forgive me, My Lord... But you don't know what a mistake your making by-

Charon: I didn't ask for your opinion. Now, please leave. I've got work to do.

Ruby: But-

Charon: LEAVE. NOW!

Ruby sighed and left the room with Sunshine and Misae. Sapphire glared at Charon before following her cousin.

B3 Ch5 Misae -part2

Meanwhile, somewhere in the city...

Midnight was strolling through the open streets, thinking about what to do next. He couldn't go back to the inn (afraid Ruby might still be there), so he decided to go to the library. Who knows? He might learn something. And besides, no one would know...

But, having no idea where the local building filled with books was, he decided to get a better view. He climbed a nearby house and started jumping from building to building.

??? (white leopard): Hey, what are you doing up there?

Midnight looked down, and saw a young leopard girl, frowning at him. He grinned, and relaxed.

Midnight: Looking at the view. It's quite nice up here! Want a look?

???: No. I'm not suppose to be there, and neither are you! Get down from there!

Midnight: Make me!

The light cat glared back at him, now angry. She called over some guards who were nearby, and pointed up at Midnight. They stared icily at the cheetah, who waved at them.

Knight 1: What is your command, Princess Misae?

Misae (white leopard): Bring him down! He refuses to do as I say!

Midnight: Oh, so you're a princess... Sorry, I should have realized... Maybe I'd have done a better job at hiding so I could steal your valuables! I've never stolen from royalty before!

Misae: Now he's taunting me! GET HIM!!!

Midnight turned around jumped down off the other side of the roof, and backed into an alley and hid behind some barrels. The knights (having no idea where he went) clanked passed him. After they left, Midnight climbed back up the building, where the pale cat was still standing there, waiting.

Midnight landed beside her, making her cry in alarm. Midnight sighed and backed her into an alleyway.

Midnight: Calm down, lady! I'm not going to be hurt you... much.

Misae: My dad is going to kill you when he finds out what you've done!

Midnight: I haven't done anything yet!

Misae: Yes you have! You've disobeyed me! You're going to get thrown into the dungeons for this!

Midnight: You don't run this land, princess.

Misae: Dad says I should start practicing, seeing I'm the next queen of the White kingdom! And who are you? Prince Orpheus of the black kingdom?

Midnight: As a matter of fact, yes I am.. Apparently.

The pale leopard didn't know what to say, so Midnight carried on.

Midnight: Look - this war between your father and my father is pointless. Your the next queen, correct? So you'll have the power to stop it. The people are going nuts here! Surely you have enough brains in that thick head to realize that?

Misae: Are you calling me dumb? And I thought Prince Orpheus was dead!

Midnight: Not the point. Oh, and can you tell me where your library is?

Misae: No! I have some questions for you!

Midnight: Too bad. You'll have to wait for that little interview with me.

Misae: I knew all Erebos's descendants were jerks!

Midnight: Maybe, but I can't help it if I grew up in a tavern filled with thieves! Well, so long, princess!

Midnight ran out of the narrow street and dashed into the crowd, but Misae gave chase. Midnight swerved through people, but the princess followed him persistently.

But as he turned a corner, he spotted Ruby and gang, without Cole (Midnight assumed he went home). Just as he was about to hide, Ruby spotted him and approached him, smiling.

Ruby: Ah, Midnight. Just the guy I wanted to see!

Midnight: Insert snarky comment here...

Ruby: Very funny. We still haven't finished our discussion!

Sunshine: Please, Ruby! He can't help it if he wants to explore a strange city!

Ruby: Maybe so, but I'd feel so much better when he gets his just desserts...

Just then, Misae caught up with Midnight. She halted when she saw Barak, and stepped back a little.

Sapphire: What do you want, kid?

Misae: Nobody calls me kid! You... blueberry twerp!

Sapphire tried to contain her laughter at this insult, but failed. She burst out laughing, making the princess scowl at her.

Misae: What's so funny? I demand to know!

Sapphire: Did you seriously called me a... a pregnant goldfish?

Misae: ... What?

Sapphire: Very humorous, kid. But we've got a prophecy to fulfill.

Midnight: Since when?

Sapphire: Since Barak opened his mouth to a bunch of soldiers.

Misae: Prophecy? I was not informed of a prophecy!

Sunshine: That's because it isn't true. We're just going to stop the kings from fighting, and be on our way.

Midnight was trying very hard to sneak away, but Ruby noticed and dragged him back.

Ruby: You're not going anywhere, Midnight!

Midnight: Are you sure about that?

Midnight grabbed hold of Ruby's shirt and tossed her into the ground and sprinted off. Ruby was soon after him, much to his fear.

Ruby: You can run, but you can't hide!

Midnight: Yes I can!

Midnight, after some time, lost Ruby in a huge crowd and carried on down the streets. But (in his haste to get away from Ruby) he crashed into a bunch of guards, who recognized him as the kid Misae wanted. Without question, they grabbed him and hulled him off to the white castle.

Vamparoo Comic

Well... It's not a picture, but maybe you guys would like this as well? I've never drawn an UV comic before, and it sounded like fun.

This was what I came up with a few weeks ago!

 

In case you can't read it, here's the dialog.

------

Hi, Apple!

W-... Oh. Hi, Sapphire! I didn't see you there. What brings you here in this part of my mind?

I was hoping you'd improve my look. It's getting a bit... dull, and old.

Mm, yeah, I guess... Now that you're a DSC (Deep Sea Creature), I should probably update your outfit a bit.

Something piratey, if possible.

No promises.

*****

So... What do you think, Sapphire?

Not bad... Not bad at all.

-----

Yeah, I've been thinking about changing Sapphire's appearance a bit, since I'm kinda getting bored with her grey cloths... Maybe something like this? I dunno. Time will tell, I guess.

B3 Ch5 Misae -part1

The tree they were in shook violently, similar to an earthquake. They looked around, seeing birds flying everywhere, and Vampires running deeper into the trees.

Barak flew down to Sapphire, who was trying very hard to stand upright.

Sapphire: Barak, WHAT'S GOING ON?

Barak: I think the area is under attack.

Sapphire: By what?

BOOM~

The green Dragon thought for a second before replying.

Barak: Possibly bombs. I smell a lot of blast powder in the air!

Sapphire: Could you maybe stop this? Please?

Barak flew towards of the direction of sounds. He picked up the sound of many Vampires running towards him. He blindly shot out a light beam, clearing out everything in it's way. Cries of surprise rang out, making Barak really hoped he didn't hit anyone.

*****

Meanwhile...

Ruby: Where's Barak?

Ruby, Sunshine dashed towards Sapphire, making sure she was ok. The blue kangaroo nodded, and grinning said...

Sapphire: He's fixing the problem.

Sunshine (now a little worried for the poor winged reptile) stammered a question.

Sunshine: Do you think that's a good idea? What if he gets hurt?

BOOM~

Sapphire: The worst injury he's had was getting his wings bruised! Plus, he's a big boy.

Sunshine: He's less than three months old!

Sapphire: Exactly! He'll be fine.

Ruby: Maybe we should go and find him...

Cole: Bad idea, but it'll be too dangerous to try and get back to the city... Our best chance is to stay here and hope for the best.

Sapphire: That's boring! I'm going to the stream to get a piece of the action!

Sunshine: Are you nuts? Do you have a death wish?

Sapphire: I'm not that unstable, Sun. I just don't want Barak to have all the fun!

Sapphire dashed towards the large river and jumped right in without hesitation. She shivered a bit (for it was cold), but dived under, vanishing as she silently swam downstream and deeper into the forest.

*****

Sapphire swiftly swam with the icy current until she saw blurry figures. She carefully resurfaced, and saw Barak close by. She tried getting his attention, and succeeded.

Sapphire: (Psst! Barak!)

 Barak: (Why are we whispering?)

Sapphire: (I don't want to be seen.)

Barak: (By them? Ok. But what do I do? I want them to stop!)

Sapphire: (pretend to be dangerous and violent!)

Barak: Uh... Step back! All of you! I'm... um... Extremely angry!

Sapphire face palmed silently as all the warriors stood there, bewildered.

White Knight (white kangaroo): Who are you, small winged lizard?

Barak instantly perked up at that question, and waved at them.

Barak: I'm Barak! Champion of the Dragon race, and- Ow!

Sapphire had thrown a small pebble at the green Dragon, hoping that would get him back to pretending.

Barak: Oh... I mean, ROAR! Back, you weak minded shiny tin cans!

Black Knight (black horse): Why are you angry at us?

Barak: You're fighting a pointless battle! I'm confused.

White Knight 2 (purple tiger): We know! But if we don't, our kings will send us to the dungeons! We have families to think of!

Barak: That's-... I have a prophecy to make!

Sapphire was curious now. She allowed Barak to go on.

Barak: Four strangers from a far off land will stop all this fighting! So, uh... no need to worry! They have it all under control.

Sapphire guessed the "four strangers" must be her, Ruby, Sunshine and Midnight. After all, they weren't from these parts. (Well, three of them at most)

Black knight: So... we can go home now?

Barak: Sure! Better than fighting. If your kings get mad at you, I'll just pay them a visit and ask for something to eat.

All the warriors gave a sigh of relief and trudged back towards the city, chattering happily. They were glad they didn't have to fight a pointless battle anymore, and didn't question Barak's Prophecy.

After they were all out of earshot, Sapphire emerged from the water, giving Barak a funny look.

Sapphire: Ok, mister Dragon Champion. What's the big idea with this "Prophecy"? Did you make it up on the spot?

Barak looked at the sea kangaroo sheepishly, and nodded.

Barak: Well, Ruby wanted to help the Vampires of Grey island, so... I thought I'd give them a heads up?

Sapphire: Yeah, that's good. Great, even... but how do we stop two kings who want each other dead?

Barak: Ask nicely?

Sapphire: Be creative, Barak.

Barak: Um... get them to be friends?

Sapphire sighed, and shook her head.

Sapphire: Think, Barak, Think! I know you're capable of it!

Barak: Get Sunshine and Midnight to pretend to be the heirs to the throne and change the kings mind from another level?

Sapphire: That's more like it! But how can we achieved that?

Barak: I was hoping you'd know.

Sapphire: Ok... Let's go ask the two people on our team that're actually smart, then.

Sapphire climbed out of the freezing stream and followed Barak back to the others.

B3 Ch4 Village in the forest -part3

Just as Sapphire was about to turn a corner, Ruby called for her to stop. She spun around, only seeing Ruby, Sunshine, and Barak.

Ruby: Where's Cole?

Sapphire: I thought he was following us!

Sunshine: I'll go back and see what the problem is.

The white cat quickly headed back to where they came from. Barak flew up onto a nearby building, while the two kangaroo cousins waited.

Suddenly, two guards dressed in black appeared around the corner and approached them, with stern faces.

Black Knight (black rhino): Have you by any chance seen a black cheetah around these parts? Probably wearing a royal purple vest?

Ruby: Uh...-

Sapphire: Nope. I would remember someone like that. Why? Have you lost him?

The knights glared at the two kangaroos, and moved on. Ruby frowned at Sapphire, but waited until the black guards were out of earshot.

Ruby: Why'd you lie?

Sapphire: They're obviously looking for Cole. For whatever reason, I don't know, but I'm sure he'll give that information freely. Ah, speaking of which, here he is now...

Sunshine came back with Cole, who was trying to hide himself (without much success).

Cole: Are they gone?

Sapphire: The knights in dusty armor? Yeah, they're gone.

Cole: Good. We'll have to carry on with caution if we want to make it to the plain-dwellers...

Sunshine: Why? Are you in trouble?

Cole: Mm, I guess... I'm pretty sure my mother thinks I've been kidnapped again, so she's sent out her best men to find me... I'm afraid this isn't the first time this has happened.

Sapphire: Why would she think that?

Cole: I'm a prince, I'm rich, technically next heir to the thrown of the black kingdom... those are pretty good reasons, right?

Sapphire: Point made. Barak! Make sure we don't run into any soldiers, ok?

Barak nodded from his perch and took off, scouting the town while Ruby and go followed his sky rout from below.

*****

Sapphire: Are you sure you know where you're going?

Cole was walking aimlessly, while everyone else was following him, concerned about where they were.

Cole: Uh, not really... I may leave the castle to have fun with my friends, but I don't often get the chance to actually get out. This is the third time I've been in the forest.

Sapphire: We're lost, then.

Cole: No, not yet. There should be a large stream we can follow towards the hideout. But one problem - I don't know where it is...

Sapphire: Hey, Barak! You have a good sense of smell - try and find this river for us, will you?

Barak: I'll try. Water is pretty hard to smell sometimes...

Barak sniffed the air for a minute, trying to pick up a clear scent of a stream. He started drifting off in a direction he hoped was water, and everyone else followed him.

Cole: ... How did you manage to befriend a Dragon? Didn't they escape to somewhere more peaceful more than a thousand years ago?

Ruby: Yes, they did. But they left their champion to aid us in the battle against the UnMythics!

Cole: I thought the UnMythics were just stories...

Sapphire: Nope. You're looking at living proof that they existed! I was one, until Barak so kindly bit me and turned me into a Sea Creature.

Ruby: If he didn't bite you, you'd be dead.

Sapphire: True... I like living.

The green Dragon ahead of them suddenly stopped, wagging his tail.

Barak: Would this be the place? It looks like a place Vampires would live in.

Ruby hurried over to Barak's side, and saw multiple tree houses with Vampires everywhere. Nearby she saw a stream, and guessed this was the place.

She signaled the others to follow her as she approached a nearby elder resting at the bottom of a huge tree. He looked up, surprised to see them.

Old Vampire (blue eagle): Hello, children with green Dragon. What are you all doing in our peaceful village?

Ruby: If it's not a bother, can we ask some questions about this island?

Old Vampire: Ah. Travelers you are, wishing to know more about our fair city... Very well. Climb up this ladder, and my grand-son will give you the information you need.

Sapphire: I'll stay here, if it's all the same to you guys. Maybe chat with the locals around here.

Ruby: Usually I would suggest you come with us, but I understand. We'll give you details later on.

Barak flew up, while Ruby climbed the ladder, with Sunshine and Cole close behind. As they reached the top, a white eagle faced them sharply.

Cloud (white eagle): Who are you Vampires? Did grandpa let you up here?

Ruby: Yes, he did. He said you'd answer some questions for us?

Cloud: Questions? I've got work to do. He can't expect me to waste time with children-

Ruby: Children? You don't look like an adult, either!

Cloud: Hey, I happen to lead this forest fort! And how did you even find us?

Sunshine pointed towards Barak, who cocked his head at the white eagle, who in turned stared icily back.

Cloud: ... Ok, big deal. You have a Dragon! How do I know you're not spies from the castles?

Ruby: I come from ShadowWhisper Island! I've traveled a long way just to get here, and I'd like to help. Barak can confirm this!

Barak nodded his head enthusiastically, puffing out a smoke ring.

Barak: Oh, yes! We want to help you! You seem to dislike the current rulers, is that not so?

Cloud: It's true that Charon and Vulcan are... like the previous kings... But what can you do?

Ruby: Do you want help or not?

The white eagle sighed and invited them over. Cole hung back as Ruby and Sunshine walked over to the table where a bunch of maps were scattered everywhere.

Cloud: As much as I hate it, you're right. We need all the help we can get... What are you capable of?

Ruby: I've had a bit of stealth training. Not as good as my friend, but he's... busy at the moment.

Cloud: Ok... What about you, cat?

Sunshine: I'm afraid I can't do anything that special, Mr...?

Cloud: Sky Cloudberry RazorClaw junior, but call me Cloud. I've got an uncle named Sky, so I had to take the first part of my grandpa's name - Cloud.

Barak: Weird.

Cloud: Anyway! You, red one... What's your name?

Ruby: My name's Ruby.

Cloud: Ruby... You said you had questions?

Ruby: Yup. First things first-

BOOOM

----------

...

(... I regret nothing.)

Private Memory Library

Hey guys! Guess what time it is?

...

Why, yes it is! Here's the picture!

Out of the thousands of books I've read, my favorites are in this private library in my mind! I review them from time to time to get inspiration for UV adventures, but mostly for my own amusement.

As you can see, Ruby and Sunshine are allowed in, for they (similar to me) are bookworms.

... I also dislike drawing books. But in order for this to be an actual library, I had to sketch out a lot of them...

It was worth it, though!

B3 Ch4 Village in the forest -part2

Fang was quietly sitting on the roof of a building, eating a sandwich, when he spotted Sapphire, with Midnight and Cole. He jumped down and landed on top of Cole's head.

In alarm, Midnight's brother tried to swat Fang off him, but Sapphire grabbed him before anything serious happened.

Sapphire: FANG! Why do you have to keep doing stupid things like that?

Fang: It's fun! I couldn't help notice you have a friend with you!

Sapphire: Yeah, a prince, or so I hear. Behave yourself, or you'll answer to Ruby! Got it?

Fang: Oh, yes. Loud and clear!

Sapphire sighed and dropped Fang on the ground, and the spider quickly scurried up Midnight's leg, all the way up to his arm. Cole obviously felt uneasy near him.

Midnight: Lil' bro, this is Fang the talking spider. He's harmless - all he eats is sandwiches. Can't understand how, since he doesn't have much of a mouth...

Fang waved a spidery leg at Cole, enjoying the younger cheetah's discomfort in seeing him. They quickly found the inn, and entered. They saw Ruby and Sunshine waiting for them at a nearby table with Barak.

Barak: Hi, guys! We've been waiting for you!

Ruby: Yes, we have. And Sapphire, what did you mean by "We found the thief and his brother"?

Sapphire: Simple. Midnight has a brother. What else did you think it meant? We went to the moon and found out all those jokes about it being cheese was true?

Ruby: He has a sibling? I thought he was... you know...

Midnight: An orphan? Guys, the word is not forbidden. The K-word (to me) on the other hand is.

Cole: K-word?

Sapphire: Kill. He doesn't like the idea of killing, yet he steals stuff for a living.

Midnight: HEY!

Sapphire ignored him, while Fang jumped down from Midnight's shoulder in case there was going to be a fight. He sprinted under the table and out of sight.

Ruby: Wait, how do you two know that you're related? How did you even meet each other?

Midnight: That's unimportant. You don't-

Cole: He found my room in the castle last night and we visited a friend of mine who told us that were related.

Midnight glared at Cole, and hissed into his ear very slowly.

Midnight: Great job... Now Ruby's going to unalive me...

Midnight slowly took a few steps backwards from Ruby (who was giving him an angry look), before bolting up the stairs to his room, with Ruby in hot pursuit.

Ruby: MIDNIGHT!!! I swear, if you keep sneaking out, you'll get yourself killed-

Midnight: UNALIVED.

Ruby: - one of these days! Probably by me!

Fang crept out from under the table and jumped onto Barak's back. They followed Ruby up the stairs, and saw that Midnight had locked the door from the inside.

Ruby: Also, if you value your door I suggest you open it!

Midnight: NEVER!

Fang tapped Barak on the head, and pointed to the exit of the inn. The small Dragon nodded and carefully flew out into the open street.

Barak: Now what, Fang?

Fang: Fly us up to Midnight's window, and let him escape. We need to teach Ruby a lesson that Midnight is old enough to make his own choices!

Barak: Wont she get angry with us?

Fang: No. She'll just get angry with me.

Barak: But isn't that bad?

Fang: The worst thing she can do is eat my sandwiches. Now, fly up there, hatchling!

Barak obeyed and swiftly unlatched the window leading into Midnight's room. He instantly noticed and quickly jumped down into the street. Fang leaped into the room and unlocked the door.

Ruby barged in, not noticing Fang hanging on wildly to the door knob, as she saw Midnight running away and out of sight. She growled but made no motion to follow him.

 

Ruby: Not sure why I agreed to make him join me from the start... Working with him is frustrating, sometimes.

Cole: Does he do that often?

Ruby: Unfortunately, yes. Always running off at inconvenient times...

Sapphire: He'll turn up when he's sure you won't rip off his tail and make him eat it for his "crimes".

Ruby sighed and headed back downstairs, and everybody else followed her. Fang silently scurried after them, with Barak on his heels.

Ruby got straight to the point of their plans that they were meaning to continue.

Ruby: Now... we haven't been here for very long, but the townsfolk aren't that happy about the current rulers of this island. I suggest we do something about it.

Cole: How do you plan on doing that?

Sapphire: Make it up as we go. That usually works!

Ruby: If it comes down to that, yes. But right now, a plan is in order. We just need to work whats what before any of that happens.

Sapphire: Ruby, you stopped a war from happening between races! How can this be any different?

Ruby: I had help. And it will be very different, because the enemy also happens to be a friend...

Sunshine: Well, there are the "plain-dwellers"... we could always visit them and see if they can give us information?

Sapphire: Yeah, but we'd have to know where they are to begin with!

The black prince (who was listening politely) coughed, and nervously stepped forward.

Cole: Uh... If I may say something, please? As part of the secret rebellion members, I know where their hideout is. I could lead you there, if you really want to go. So long as you don't tell anybody that you've been there...

Sapphire: Convenient. Lead the way then! You coming Barak?

Barak nodded and flew out the door again, with Sapphire close behind. Fang watched in silence as Ruby, Sunshine and Cole followed them.

The small spider (now alone) decided it was time for a snack, and headed into the kitchen to look for a sandwich.

B3 Ch4 Village in the forest -part1

Early next morning, Midnight sneaked out of the Mist tavern and started exploring the town again, searching for members of the Storm Gang.

... It didn't take long to find them.

???: Hey, over here!

Midnight turned to see some teenage Vampires, beckoning him to come and join them.

Midnight: Uh, hi... I was hoping I'd run into you guys.

Lila (white wolf): Yeah. Oh, and you still haven't answered our questions yet!

Midnight: W-... Oh... that... Can we go someplace more private? Away from the public streets?

Lila: A wise choice, sir!

Midnight: Don't call me sir... It sounds ridiculous.

They quickly entered a nearby alleyway, which seemed abandoned. Midnight then got straight to the point.

Midnight: Look, guys. I'm not Cole-

Lila: Oh, not this again... I thought you were going to answer some of our questions!

Midnight: Let me finish!... I'm not Cole, but apparently we're brothers, which is why you mistook me for him.

The vampires stared at Midnight, shocked. The small rabbit who found Midnight spoke up.

Ron: The prince doesn't have a brother!

Midnight: That's what he thought as well, until he thought about it for five more seconds.

Lila: Your highness, this joke has gone on long enough. What are you trying to-

Midnight: Still don't believe me? Ok... plan B. Let's go and visit my brother! Can't be that hard breaking in again...

Steve (red deer): Why would you need to break into your own castle?

Midnight: I just said-... You're all thicker than a bag of bricks buried in cement.

Midnight strode off towards the Black castle again, leaving the Storm members gawping at him. He suspected his brother didn't often insult them.

*****

Midnight unlocked the window to Cole's bedroom, and stealthily climbed through. He saw his brother duly reading a large book, which he dropped when he saw Midnight.

Cole: Midnight! What are you doing back here? And... what are they doing following you?

Midnight: As funny as this was, little brother, I wanted to get this cleared up before a crisis appeared, forcing me to fix your problems and stuff.

The storm members couldn't believe what they were seeing, so they remained silent.

Midnight: Also, all your friends need glasses. Seriously.

Ron: My eyesight is perfectly fine, uh... prince...?

Midnight: Midnight. Just Midnight. None of that royalty nonsense.

Steve: So it's true...

Lila: Were you the one that Ron led down to our hideout?

Midnight: Yup. Not that any of you listened. And I still don't know who you are!

Cole: Can we continue this talk elsewhere? My... 'teacher', is going to turn up at any minute, and I'd like to skip her boring lectures about our past history and why it's so important I have to continue the war with the white kingdom...

Midnight: Fair enough. Alright, troops! Back to home base! (wherever that is)

Cole: Hey, that's my line!

Midnight: Good! I'm doing my job then.

*****

Meanwhile, Sapphire was searching the city for Midnight with Barak. As they looked high and low for him, Barak cried out to Sapphire.

 

Barak: I found him!

Sapphire: Where?

Barak: Just around the corner, with a bunch of other Vampires.

Sapphire headed towards where Barak pointed, and saw two Midnight's. Although one seemed to be younger and more worried. She rushed up to him, ready to punch the truth out of him.

Sapphire: MIDNIGHT! Where on earth were you? Ruby forced me out to find you before I got any breakfast, you jerk. And who's this? Your twin?

Midnight: Eh, close. He's my brother.

Sapphire punched Midnight in the chest, making him stumble backwards.

Sapphire: Don't play games with me. You already owe me a free meal, blacky!

Midnight: No, I'm serious, Sapphire...

Just then, Barak landed next to Sapphire, making some of the Storm members to step back in fright.

Barak: He's telling the truth, Sapphire.

Sapphire: How do you know? Last time I checked, you could only look into the future! And Dragons can't read minds.

Barak: I... just know.

Sapphire sighed and took Cole's hand, shaking it in apology.

Sapphire: Sorry, Midnight's brother-

Ron: Cole.

Sapphire: ... Cole... I don't trust every word Midnight says. Sometimes bad things happen if we do.

Cole: It's ok... Sapphire, was it? A pretty name, for a pretty girl.

Sapphire chuckled and punched Midnight again.

Sapphire: Your brother has better manners then you, blacky... Barak, send word to Ruby, "We found the thief and his brother. Head back to base quickly, we'll meet you there."

Barak nodded, and took off into the air and out of sight.