Bk2 Ch.1 Rise of the Champion - part1

Now, if this was an act, or a play, this would be the start of act two.

But this isn't an act... this is meant to be a BOOK.

So where do we begin if this is a book?

Well... let us start, like any normal person would, at the beginning... and as a very mad gentleman that can finish sentences would say, "And when you get to the end... Stop".

So... what are you waiting for? An invitation?... Ok. I'll stop talking so you can start reading.

 

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A loud explosion sounded somewhere in a busy Vampire village known as Everwinter village. All the Vampires seemed to be in a panic, dashing indoors and slamming the doors behind them, and in a frenzy, tried to search for somewhere safe. 

Everything was chaos. 

Everyone was scared.

All of them? No. A small group of teenage Vampires were running as fast as they could towards an ancient Alchemist's home. Not for hiding, but for help. The leader of the gang, a red kangaroo, skidded, and sprinted down the path towards her grandma's house.

Ruby (red kangaroo): Grandma! Are you home?

A elderly black kangaroo opened the door, with a calm look on her face.

Grandma (black kangaroo): Yes, I just happen to be brewing some more Healing potions.

Sapphire (blue kangaroo): Are you serious? Didn't you hear that KA-BOOM?

Grandma: Oh, yes I heard it.

Sapphire: Then, may I ask why your not panicking?

Grandma: Because that wasn't from the UnMythics.

Ruby: Then... what-

Suddenly, a bright light flashed across the sky, looking like a green shooting star. It sped through the forest, and towards the UnMythic army. Like lightning, it shot an incredible light beam that seemed to be pushing the UnMythic army back.

Midnight (black cheetah): ... That thing is fast.

Sapphire: Understatement of the hour.

Ruby: ... What are we waiting for? We should-


Sunshine (white cheetah): No, we're staying here.

Ruby: But that thing might need our help!

Grandma: That thing would be the powerful Dragon's champion.

There was a stunned silence as everyone watched the blurred figure rocket across the skies, stopping the UnMythic army from getting any closer to the forest.

Sapphire: So... when a Dragon egg hatches, it makes a huge explosion...

Grandma: That's one way of putting it, yes.

Midnight: Cool.

Grandma: Indeed. But now you must come inside.

Ruby: Why?

Grandma: You all need a survival plan. This war could take years to end, and I think it's in everyone's best interest to stay alive.

Grandma walks back inside and everyone else follows her into the old house. A tan kangaroo was sitting at the table, reading books. She didn't look up as they entered.

Grandma: Right... as you should know, the war between us and the UnMythics has just started, and we need to help stop them.

Midnight: How?

Grandma: A good start would be to play by your strengths. For example - Midnight, you're a trained thief and happen to be an expert in breaking and entering without being noticed. You can use your skills to hide where they would never look, and spy on them.

Grandma turned her gaze upon Ruby.

Grandma: Ruby - You have a quick wit and are fast to react to a dangerous situation. You have acted as a leader ever since Midnight and Sapphire have been alongside you. You take note of all the threats before taking action, and you keep your teammates safe.

Sapphire: ... What can I do?

???: Shouldn't that be obvious?

They all looked up too see a small red spider at the top of a dusty bookcase. He jumped down, landed on Sapphire's head, and scurried down to her arm.

Sapphire: ... No, I'm afraid it's not, Fang. Please do tell, or I will have to get a baseball bat and hit you with it until you do.

Fang (red spider): ... You're brave.

Sapphire: What?

Fang: I said you're-

Sapphire: I heard what you said - but how?

Fang jumped down Sapphire's arm and looked up at her

 

Fang: While it's true you might be a little hotheaded, but you can charge into any scene without fear. You're an UnMythic! Your kind hates Vampires! You stood up to something that was against your natural nature... I think that's pretty brave.

Ruby: You know, Sapphire... the small sandwich addicted spider has a point in some ways.

Sapphire: But how does that help me... not become-

Midnight: Unalived?

Sapphire: Yeah. What he said.

Just then, a pink kangaroo (who was in the kitchen in the next room) poked her head around the corner.

Kunzite (pink kangaroo): The UnMythics won't suspect you being on the opposing side. Sure, you might be a teensy weensy bit underage to be working for your kind, but that's not the point!

Sapphire: Well, I guess I'll take your word for it.

Grandma: ... Oh, and I'm sure you're all be wanting to meet the Dragon's champion, if I'm not mistaken?

Ruby: We've been curious, yes.

Just then, a strange figure opened the door with a loud bang. Lightning flashed as it stared down upon the Vampires with wings outstretched and eyes glowing a golden yellow.

Undercover Vamparoo : Book two - Prologue

Everything turned upside down in a matter of days...

We've already lost more then we can count... 

The UnMythics have gone too far...

Will this war end like last time?

Will we end up like last time?

Or will we disappear from existence?

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It was a dark and stormy night, around the Dalan Solin mountain pass. Two kangaroos, one red and one blue, and a black cheetah, were trudging up it's rocky path. Alongside them, was a red bloodhound, a small bat, a red spider, and a light green dragon.

The cheetah was badly injured. He had a broken arm, and bruised all over, and growled in pain as he walked. The two kangaroos, who were less hurt, walked in silence behind him, and seemed to be afraid of everything. The blue kangaroo suddenly stopped in her tracks, looking serious at the red kangaroo.

Sapphire: You guys go on ahead - me and Fang... we need to talk.

The red kangaroo shrugged and continued walking after the cheetah. The small red spider who was on the blue kangaroo's shoulder scurried down her arm, for a better view.

Sapphire: (muttering) What is it, Fang? I'm not stopping here just to look at the non-existent view.

Fang: We need to get Midnight some herbs. Those wounds are going to get infected if we don't do something!

Sapphire: What do you suggest I do then? We're on the run, and it's not like anything can grow on this wasteland they call a steep hill!

Fang: Well... maybe Barak  can do something?

Sapphire: He's far too young to know how to cure scratches, Fang. huolo, he can barely fly!

Lightning struck the ground nearby, and thunder sounded like heavy rocks hitting a big drum.

Fang: Doesn't Ruby have healing potions?

Sapphire: ... I can't answer, because I don't know. But-

Sapphire looked up, hearing the faint pounding of feet in the distance. She only waited for a heartbeat before running up to her two companions as fast as she could. Just as she reached the red kangaroo, she hissed into her ear.

Sapphire: (whispering) We have to move faster - NOW!!!

The kangaroos both ran up to the cheetah, and half pulling, half dragging, urged him to go faster. The small bat and green dragon both started flying faster, as they looked behind to hear the noise getting slowly louder. The hound heard it too, and dashed ahead of the group. Fear on all their faces.

...

~Extra~

Cover picture of Undercover Vamparoo's second book!

(It took at least eight hours to complete, so I hope you like it!)

Ch.34 Moon Crystals - part.3

Ruby burst into Grandma's house with the strange white cheetah. Grandma and Topaz looked up, surprised.

Grandma: Hello, Ruby. Didn't expect to see you back so soon. Who's your friend that came with you?

Ruby: This is... um...-

Sunshine: Sunshine.

Grandma: Nice to meet you, Sunshine!

Topaz: ... What's that I see glowing in your bag, Ruby?

Ruby: You might want to have a look at this.

Ruby took out a moon crystal and handed it to Topaz, who turned around it in amazement.

Topaz: Where did you get that? I demand to know!

Ruby: Sunshine found a whole area filled with moon crystals!... Oh, and she says that we have an Ultimate defense somewhere hidden in Everwinter village.

Topaz: Wh-

Ruby: But now, we have to tell the Vampire Lord. We only have so much time!

Sunshine: W-wait, I have to-

But before Sunshine or Topaz could say another word, Ruby dashed out with the white cheetah.

Ruby and Sunshine entered the Vampire Lord's meeting room, and waited.

Sunshine: ... How long are we going to wait here?

Ruby: It doesn't take that long for the Vampire Lord to appear.

Just as Ruby finished her sentence, there was a loud crash of thunder and rolling of lightning, as the Vampire Lord appeared in a flash of smoke, as usual.

Vampire Lord: I sense you have important news for me, Ruby.

Ruby: Indeed we do. Sunshine claims we have a Ultimate defense, that is powered by moon crystals, somewhere here in Everwinter.

Vampire Lord: Really? Well, tell me Sunshine... do you know where in Everwinter this Ultimate defense is?


Sunshine: It should be somewhere in this mansion, if I'm mistaken. Could be in this very room, in fact!

Sunshine walked around, looking over everything carefully, until she stopped at a rusty chest that seemed to have been left forgotten for years.

Sunshine: What's this?

Vampire Lord: An old family treasure.

Ruby: Do you know what's inside it?

Vampire Lord: Unfortunately, no. The Vampire who gave us this never had the key to it.

Ruby: And... you haven't thought about trying to use lock picks?

Vampire Lord: Oh yes, many times. All of them broke and didn't seem to do anything.

Sunshine: ... I'll return shortly. I think I can find the key to it, but don't take my word for it.

Ruby: Needle in a haystack?

Sunshine: You could say that.

Just then, the door opened and Midnight and Sapphire walked in.

Sapphire: Hey, Ruby! Got a note from Grandma saying you were at the Vampire Lord's mansion. Thought it would be at least polite to come and find you... who's that girl with you?

Ruby: This-

Sunshine: What's that around your neck, cheetah?

Midnight: What, this?

Midnight took off the strange object from around his neck, and showed it to the Sunshine.

Midnight: Just an old trinket that I've had ever since I can remember. Nothing that special.

Sunshine: Would you mind... if I borrowed it for a second?

Midnight shrugged and gave the white cheetah the necklace. Sunshine looked at it carefully for a bit, before taking a strange item out of her bag. She slowly connected the two pieces together, and with a small burst of light, fitted perfectly, looking like a key.

Midnight: What did you-... Give me back my useless trinket!

Sunshine: If it's useless, why do you want it? And besides, you can't get it back. They're merged together now - can never be pulled apart until peace is in control again. Not to mention I need it to open the chest to get the Ultimate defense.

 

Sapphire: (muttering) And this is why I never trust strangers with my things.

Sunshine walked over to the old chest and stuck the key into the keyhole. She carefully opened the lid and took out a wooden staff.

Midnight: ... I gave you my necklace, for THAT?

Sunshine: Don't question greatness. This is for a good cause. And you act just like my brother...

Midnight: Sorry, but did you say something?

The white cheetah ignored Midnight, and gave the staff to the Vampire Lord.

Sunshine: If you activate this with moon crystals in the middle of the battlefield, we can protect the soldiers from the UnMythics Ultimate weapon. Thankfully, the Silver moon was tonight, so we came across some on our way here.

Vampire Lord: You are wiser beyond your times, young Vampire. How do you know all of this?

Sunshine: Even I don't know, your Lord.

Vampire Lord: ... We'll have to-

Midnight: Sorry, but what's your name, snow cat?

Sunshine: I'm... My name is-

Just then, Captain Slash burst through the door with a loud bang. He rushed in, and saluted the Vampire Lord for pardon.

Slash: M'lord! The UnMythics! They've been spotted! Hundreds of them advancing towards the forest - most likely looking for a fight!

Vampire Lord: Curses... they must have decided to attack earlier to surprise us... Sound the alarms! Arm your men! Get ready for war!

Captain Slash saluted again before dashing out, yelling out orders. There was a loud BOOM, and the whole village shook.

The war... had clearly started.

Ch.34 Moon Crystals - part.2

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM APPLESTORM

Hi, guys! I've come back from holidays and from now on, I'll be trying to do regular post on Undercover vamparoo again!

That is all. Thank you for taking a minute out of your day to read this.

Ruby was trying to throw her dagger at the target Jack assigned her, but kept missing.

Ruby: (thinking) Can we end this lesson already? It's starting to get a little painful.

Just then, Jack came around to check on Ruby.

Jack: How you're doing?

Ruby: Not so great. I'm holding it the exact way you said, but I think I'm just not... accurate enough to hit anything... Unless you count the ground.

Jack: Well, show me how you throw, then.

Ruby tossed her dagger at the target, but missed by a few inches.

Ruby: See? I can't even hit the target.

Jack: As you said, you lack accuracy. But you also need a little more strength in your throw if you want to make it sound.

Ruby: Well, unless I use a strength potion from my Grandma, you're not going to get anything stronger from me.

Jack: While that would be cheating in reality, and possibly unfair to the others, but on a mission, I see no reason why not.

Ruby: Now if there was only a way to create an Accuracy Potion.

Jack: Just don't expect potions to help your every need, Ruby. We are capable of doing great things WITHOUT help from over flavorful drinks.

Ruby: I won't... but unless you have any better idea on how I can improve my aim, there's not much else I can go to.

Ruby continued training in silence.

After training, Ruby and Midnight decided to go back to Grandma's house for some lunch.

Midnight: When you get the hang of it, dagger throwing isn't... that difficult, to be honest.

Ruby: Good for you. You graduated with ease.

Midnight: Come off it, you weren't that bad! Just... didn't have great aim.

Ruby: Yes, and aim was one of the keys for success for that lesson!

Midnight: You just needed something to eat, that's all! We only had a few burnt muffins for breakfast - it wasn't all that appetizing, if I'm going to be fair.

Ruby: You? Fair? Since when?

Midnight: Since the last time I said I was. Now let's go back home to have a PROPER meal.

Ruby: OK, fine.

Just as Ruby and Midnight turn a corner, Grandma's house appeared into view. They went inside to find Grandma, Kunzite and Sapphire eating thick soup.

Grandma: You two are just in time! Kunzite just finished making Hot Redroy stew!

Ruby: Sounds good! After the hard task of learning how to throw a dagger, it's nice to come home to something you like!

Midnight: Great. You enjoy that. I'll be off doing something else then.

Grandma: You're not staying for lunch?

Midnight: I've got something important to do.

Ruby: I thought you wanted something to eat?

Midnight: No, I said that YOU needed something to eat.

Grandma: Very well, then. See you later then, Midnight.

Midnight quickly left the house and dashed deeper into the village.

Ruby (after training a bit more) was walking through the Everwinter forest. The moon was rising, meaning the last day before the war was almost over. Everything around Ruby was quiet as she wandered around in the cold jungle trees.

Ruby: (thinking) All will be chaos tomorrow... and there's nothing any of us can do to stop that.

White cheetah:  Um, excuse me...

Ruby looked up to see a white cheetah nearby, holding a rainbow crystal.

White cheetah: Can you tell me where Everwinter village is?

Ruby: Just follow this path and you'll get to it, but if you want, I can show you the way. Why do you ask? This isn't exactly the best time to travel around the Island.

White cheetah: It's... nothing important.

Ruby: ... If you don't mind me asking, what's that you got there?

White cheetah: This? That's just a moon crystal I found.

Ruby: A MOON CRYSTAL?! I thought those only appeared every ten years, and in different places every time!

White cheetah: They do. I just found a dozen a few yards from here and decided to take some with-

Before the strange cheetah could say any more, Ruby raced passed her and through the forest. She skidded to a halt as she came across a dimly lit area where crystals were scattered around like diamonds in a rock.

Ruby: As Midnight would probably say... Jackpot!

Ruby opened her bag and started picking up moon crystals.

Ruby: Won't the others be surprised when they see I've got a dozen of these with me!

The white cheetah (who had followed Ruby) was standing over her, watching in interest.

White cheetah: You seem particularly excited about Moon crystals. Why is that?

Ruby: Well, a cousin of mine said that they were both powerful to Vampires and UnMythics alike. And we need all the power we can get right now.

White cheetah: Why?

Ruby: Well... if I'm correct, a war will start between the Vampires and UnMythics... tomorrow. They have the Ultimate weapon, while we have nothing.

White cheetah: That's not true. We have the Ultimate defense!

Ruby: The Ultimate... defense?

White cheetah: Yes. It's hidden somewhere in Everwinter village, and it's powered by Moon crystals. Same as the Ultimate weapon.

Ruby stopped in her tracks and looked up at the cheetah.

 

Ruby: How do you know this?

White cheetah: That's... kind of private, actually.

Ruby: This is critical information to the Vampires! We HAVE to tell the Vampire Lord!

And so saying so, Ruby grabbed hold of the strange cheetah, and made a dash to Everwinter village.

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.