CHAPTER 1: TO BE ALONE - ACT 1
"You know, Miss Freya," I begin. "I had a really nice time tonight. What about you?"
She smiles at me. "Yeah. I did too, your highness."
I smile back. "We should do this again sometime."
"Again? Um… I, uh…"
"What's the matter?"
"Ah… I'm sorry, your highness, I already have plans for next week! And, what do you know, I also have plans for the whole of this month and the next few months after that! Busy times ahead for me, I'm afraid!"
I look at her gently. "Oh, alright. Sure. Goodnight, Miss Freya."
"Goodnight, Prince Goyasaku!"
She cheerfully dashes into her house, never looking back.
I guess I'll never see her again, and she'll never see me again. Another potential queen is gone.
I look up to the full blue moon in the night sky. There's no need to show any emotion. All my dates are so predictable now.
"Alright. Time to get going."
I jump onto my black horse, Ban, and he trots through the village as quietly as possible.
I'm really glad no-one was around to see what just happened. It's okay to be rejected, but the pill always tastes more bitter when witnesses are around.
I wonder what Miss Freya is telling her parents right now?
I imagine the words she's using behind my back:
"Goyasaku's a nice Prince, and all. Tall, handsome, with a cool blue and gold suit and a long black cape, but he's just not the one for me."
"I just wasn't feeling a connection. I felt like a cat being rubbed the wrong way!"
"What a total jerk! He thought HE had a chance with the likes of ME?! Run me a bath so I may cleanse my dirtied soul!"
Um…Okay, perhaps she wouldn't be that brutal… I hope!
***
Ban and I make our way up the hill towards the palace at the top. Built with limestone, its sparkle is so beautiful under the moonlight.
Ah… Now's not the time for distractions.
I need to report to Mother and Father on what happened. They introduced Freya to me, after all. They even lowered the taxes for her parents this month just to secure my date!
But… Oh, man… What am I gonna tell them?
The huge metal gate is opened by the night guards, and they bow as I enter the palace grounds.
We walk along the main path of the front garden, lit by tall flaming torches lining the trail.
The atmosphere here is always calming, and I can think more clearly now.
Maybe I should just tell them that I did the rejecting this time? I'd hate to lie, but at least they won't withdraw that family's tax deduction.
It's not Freya's fault… that I'm cursed to be alone…
***
"You turned down her offer of a second date? Were you feeling okay? The mushrooms in the forest are not for eating, you know!"
As usual, my mother does not act like a queen outside the public's eye. Ironically, she's eating edible mushrooms at the dining table right now.
"Now, now, dear. Goyasaku has to be careful who he courts. We're all forbidden from divorcing, after all. He has to choose wisely."
On the other hand, my father acts like a king no matter what. He looks like one, too, with his jet black suit, medals on his chest, blood red tie, and sparkling jeweled crown.
I eat my food quietly on the side of the dining hall table next to my mother, while my father sits at the end. We're eating well done steak, cous cous and salad leaves - my favorite meal. However, with all this awkwardness around, it doesn't really matter what I eat right now. It all just tastes the same."
"Oh, come on, Monokai" my mother exclaims. That Freya girl is one hot cookie! Every boy in the village wants a bite of her!"
I'm so glad mother doesn't act this way in front of the villagers!
"Well, Akari," my father interjects. "Perhaps there's some deeper reason as to why it didn't work out. Eh, Goyasaku?"
"Uh… yes, Father. A deeper reason..." I speak quietly in the hope that we'll move on from all this.
Suddenly, Mother moves closer to my face. "Hmmmmm? When you say a 'deeper reason', are you referring to you know what again?"
"Well… Yeah… That could be a factor, Mother."
She laughs hysterically. Her violet dress and long blonde hair sways with her passion. "Hahahahaha! Oh, Goya, your so-called 'curse' isn't real! Your little tattoo is just that: A tattoo. It has no significance whatsoever! Hahahahaha!"
As she laughs, I roll up the right sleeve of my blue suit and gaze plainly at the image on my forearm. Apparently, a sorcerer gave it to me soon after I was born. It's in the shape of an "I", as if to symbolize that I stand alone with no one else beside me.
I look down to quietly hide my disappointment. I don't wanna bring any negativity to the dining table.
"Yeah, you're right, Mother. It's just a silly tattoo," I mumble with a slight smile.
"Exactly, son," responds Father as he shrugs. "We have no idea how to remove it, so let's just pretend it's not there. It's not like it's on your forehead!"
"Forehead! Can you imagine that? Hahahahaha!"
Mother's had way too much wine to drink tonight.
***
I retreat to my room. It's almost midnight, but I don't feel tired at all.
I can't resist looking at my tattoo one more time.
I've always been in two minds about it. Sure, it could just be a normal tattoo. A stupid prank pulled by a sorcerer having a really bad day. Or it could be totally real. I mean… I've never gotten a girlfriend. Ever.
I then gaze at my ceiling high bookshelf, neatly stacked with nothing but romance novels.
I don't get it. I've studied those books night and day, noting down everything which the male lead did to win over the woman of his dreams. Some of the loving things those guys did really warmed my heart, so I was sure they'd work in real life, like…
Reading out poetry.
Complimenting like a gentleman.
Communicating confidently and smoothly.
And yet, none of those things worked for me, but I've seen them work for other guys in real life! How is that possible?
Are women not into princes these days?
What ARE they attracted to?
What on Earth do I do to win one over?
What is… the golden answer?
I take a deep breath. All this thinking is tiring.
I guess I really am destined to be alone. Forever.
Wait?
Tears?Why are tears appearing and dropping onto my feet?
"NO!"
I quickly wipe them away and walk onto my outdoor balcony. I gaze up at the full moon again to naturally dry my eyes.
"I can't be a crybaby! Like that's going to impress the opposite sex! I am Prince Goyasaku of Mokonai Island, and I take responsibility for my situation!"
I take responsibility! I take full responsibility!
I'm in this mess because of me, and I will be the one who finds the answer!
I will find a Queen to rule beside me. Someone whom I love, and someone who loves me back.
It will happen!
I'll make it happen!
No matter what sacrifice I'll have to make…
The answer I seek is out there…
Somewhere…
***
"They're a real pain in the ass, your highness!"
"How dare you speak in such an ugly manner here, Doctor! You're in the presence of monarchs!" Toma, the knight commander, is clearly not in the mood for ill manners, today.
"Ah, I-I'm sorry, your majesty. What they're doing just really gets my goose, you know!" continues the eccentric voice from the old, bearded man.
I sit alongside my Mother and Father on the stage. The doctor before us is the third person today with the same complaint.
"Very well, Doctor Takumi," my Father responds. "Your complaint has been heard, and we will decide how best to respond tonight. I believe that what you're saying is valid. Some of the local witches have indeed become greedy, and have purchased way too many spices from the markets. No doubt they are buying those ingredients for their spells, and are not sparing any for their fellow villagers."
"Exactly! I'm so glad we're on the same page, your majesty. You're the best! Next thing we know, you'll be lowering taxes for the more, you know, respected members of the village!"
Now who's being greedy?
"Silence! You've had your say for today, doctor!" Toma bellows.
"Oh, yeah! My bad, heh-heh-heh!" As Takumi laughs with his hands on his hips, Toma grumbles to himself while Mother and Father murmur amongst themselves. Father speaks into his advisor's ear, and the advisor walks off to write a report.
"Doctor Takumi, you may go," Father commands.
"Thank you, your majesty!" Takumi bows and walks out the royal hall with a spring in his step. And to think, I'll be dealing with characters like that all the time when I'm king!
My mother speaks. "Sir Toma…"
"Yes, your majesty?"
She squints. "You seem rather tense today..."
He sighs heavily, and rubs the back of his bald head. "Yeah. I guess. It's just that, you know..."
"Of course. Having pre-marriage nerves is all part of the fun of love! Hahahahaha!"
Toma cracks a nervous smile and pretends to laugh. I don't think Mother's attempt at calming Toma's nerves down was very successful.
But he'll be fine. His fiancé, Aya, is a kind and calm woman. She can perfectly balance out Toma's hot headed nature. They belong together, I guess.
Although, it's kind of shocking that Toma found a lover. He's not that good looking, overweight even, and he often blurts out whatever he's thinking with no eloquence at all.
That said, I suppose he is loyal and hardworking. Maybe that's what Aya likes about him.
Should I be more like Toma?
Hmm.
No…
Women don't want copycats. They want someone who's genuine.
Sure, I can do things that other romantically successful guys do, like dress nice and smell nice and exercise… But I refuse to change who I am on the inside. I don't have anything to be ashamed of! My queen shall accept me for who I am, and I shall accept her for who she is.
That is how love should be.
I think…
Argh… Who am I kidding?
I'm doomed!
Every woman has rejected me over the years. What am I supposed to do?
I've tried everything, and did everything right, but nothing seems to work…
I guess it's time to just give up. Become a king without a queen.
I will rule alone…
And I will die alone…
"Mother…" I have to distract myself before I go crazy. "Is there anything we can do about the witches?"
She uncomfortably shuffles. "Hmm… Our options are kind of limited, Goya. The coven have always followed our laws, and their greed isn't a crime…" She closes her eyes to think. "But at the very least, we must speak to the head witch and voice our concerns."
She's surprisingly civilized when on duty.
"I agree, my dear. We should send our advisors into the West Forest to begin building rapport with the coven. We never spoken with them, as they've not caused any significant trouble for us until now."
"And let's not forget," adds my mother, opening her eyes and raising her finger. "Some of them are extremely powerful. We only have magic infused weapons at our disposal. The last thing we want is to cause a civil war between the monarchy and the coven! We should send only our kindest advisors to meet them."
"As usual, you're right on point, my dear!" exclaims my father with a smile of pride.
Hmmm. Maybe I was being too keen on ruling alone.
I guess it would be nice to have someone by my side to bounce ideas off of when I'm king.
But, that said, it's going to take a miracle to find that special someone…
Huh?
Wait a second…
Did Mother just say that witches are extremely powerful?
Ah, of course! They can cast all kinds of spells and create all kinds of weird potions!
All this time, I've been seeking the answers inside fictional books, of all places, when perhaps the answer lies outside… In the forest!
Yes! That's it!
There has to be one witch out there who can work their magic to get me a queen!
"I'M A GENIUS!"
"Huh? You're a 'genius', Goyasaku?" says Mother, tilting her head in confusion.
Oh, great. I've just stood up, pumped my fists in the air, and said that out loud in front of them. I drop my hands to my sides.
"Uh… Yeah, in a manner of speaking. You see… I, uh… I could be the one who speaks with the witches!"
"You, Goyasaku?" questions Father with one eyebrow raised.
I place my hand on my heart.
"That's right! I'm a fair and forthright member of the monarchy! They'll listen to me! They'll respect me! They'll certainly stop buying so many spices and annoying the villagers as soon as they hear my commanding voice!"
Mother, father and Toma stare at me with their mouths wide open. They're… impressed with my boldness, right?
"Um… I guess so…" My shaky mother seems worried about me. Has she forgotten that I've passed all my weapons and negotiation training? I can handle this assignment, no sweat!
"Hahahaha!" I sure hope father is laughing with me, not at me… "Let's allow our son to help out, Akari!"
Mother does not share my father's joy. She nervously clasps her hands together. "But Mohiro, what if the witches attack our son? I can never accept him if they turn him into a frog!"
Thanks a bunch, Mother!
"Our son will be fine, Akari. He needs to get out there, explore our land more, and deal with our more… introverted citizens. We can't delay the inevitable, my dear!"
"Yes… I suppose so…"
I sit back down next to my hesitant mother. I hate seeing her so worried but, selfishly, I have to test out my new plan of action.
"Don't worry, Mother. I'll take care of this matter, and prove to you both that I'm worthy of becoming king."
She finally displays a teary smile, and my father crosses his arms with a prideful grin.
Hey, it's not so bad to think of myself once in a while!
***
In the barn, I place the saddle on Ban's back and stroke his head.
"Tread carefully, your highness!"
I turn around, and an armored knight walks towards me with a reassuring smile on his face.
"I will, Toma. Don't worry, I'll attend your wedding ball in one piece tonight."
"You'd better! It just won't be any fun without ya!"
His carefree attitude makes me slow down my breathing and forget my mission nerves.
I quickly jump onto my horse.
"Hey, Toma…"
"Yeah?"
"You and Aya… You're both happy together, right?"
"Huh?"
Toma straightens his back in surprise. I guess no-one has ever really asked him about his love before. I hope he doesn't say his relationship sucks!
"You'll find out what love is like when you find it, your highness!" Toma boasts as he crosses his arms. "You wouldn't want me to spoil your future fun now! Hahahahaha!"
I'm sure he's being cheesy to annoy me!
But still, he seems pretty positive about being engaged. That's reassuring.
"Thanks, Toma," I say with a gentle smile. "Wish me luck!"
He salutes. "Of course, your highness! And remember, come back in one piece, not several! Hahahahaha!"
I wave goodbye and Ban quickly takes me away from Toma. Far, far away from Toma.
***
We traverse the village, heading toward the West Forest. The villagers obviously notice me, and they start gossiping amongst themselves.
Hmph! I don't care. Let them think about what I'm doing! I'm on a mission… Well, two missions… And I'm gonna succeed with both!
I am Prince Goyasaku of Mokonai Island, and I take full responsibility for my future!
One of the witches out there has to be powerful enough to help me.
One of them…
We soon find ourselves wandering through the West Forest. The swaying tree leaves, grass and moss are all colored in a beautiful, lush green.
Hmm… Perhaps venturing out so late in the afternoon wasn't such a great idea. The sun is already starting to set. I don't want to be here at night, but at the same time, I need to talk with at least some witches around here as fast as I can.
I whip Ban's reins. He trots faster, and I look around more carefully.
Hmm? I see a structure in the distance. Could that be… a witch's hut?
It's kinda hard to make out as the forest is so dark now, but there's definitely a small wooden cabin over there.
An orange flicker shines through its glass windows, and smoke emerges from its stone chimney.
As I approach it, I become more and more tense. I've never spoken to a witch before.
I dismount Ban, and walk up to the door.
Here goes nothing!
I knock three times.
The knob turns, and the door opens to reveal a tall, young, slim brunette. She has pale skin, long purple hair, and a cool-looking black eye patch over her right eye.
I guess witches aren't as ugly as I thought they'd be.
"Yeah?"
"Uh… Greetings, ma'am! I am Prince Goyasaku, son of King Mohiro. I request your help!"
She sighs.
Huh? She's sighing?
"Man, I can't believe annoying salesmen are punting in the forest now! Get lost, buddy!"
She wafts her hand at me, then slams her door in my face.
I just stand there hunched over with my mouth wide open.
Did she… just call me a 'salesman'? I swore I just introduced myself as a monarch!
I take a deep breath, and straighten my back. Hey, it's just one rejection. I'm sure the other witches won't be like her!
"Knocking in the middle of the night? Go away, creep!"
SLAM!
"Can't you see I'm busy?"
SLAM!
"You're a prince? More like a nuisance!"
SLAM!
Alright, all this slamming is getting annoying!
That tears it! The next witch I see is gonna help me whether she likes it or not!
I furiously knock on another door on a small hut next to a stream.
A short, middle aged lady with a bored expression opens the door. "Yes?"
"Ma'am, I'm a prince and I want you to stop buying up all the spices and I want you to help me find a queen!"
Whoa. I sounded so forceful. That's not like me at all…
The lady just stares at me blankly. "Hmm... Young man, if it really bothers you that much, I will tell my coven to stop buying so many spices. As for your love life, I cannot help you. Goodbye."
She's about to close the door, but I angrily slam my hand on it to stop it shutting.
"Listen, lady! I've spent all night asking for help, and all I've had are doors slammed in my face! Are all you witches so cold and heartless?"
The witch suddenly flings a tiny glass vial containing a gray liquid at me. It smashes on my chest.
KA-BOOM!
I'm knocked back by a magical explosion so strong that I can't comprehend it.
"Arghhhhh!" I feel myself sliding across the dirt a fair distance from the hut, before finally coming to a stop.
"Urgh…" I shake my head and try to regain consciousness. I look around me. Everything's blurred, but I just about make out the witch's hut. I see the old lady; An out of focus figure standing emotionlessly at the door.
She finally closes her entrance. The final slam in my face.
I take some time to recover.
Whoa… Mother was right. Witches really are powerful. I was knocked back hard by some kind of force, and yet, none of my clothes are torn. Good thing, too. This cotton is atrociously expensive!
But right now, I can't just lay here and pass out! Who knows what wanders the forest at night!
I slam my palms on the ground, and shakily push myself up. After a lot of hard work, I finally get to my feet. I stumble towards the hut and stop a couple of meters away.
I catch my breath, close my eyes, and bow deeply towards the hut.
"Ma'am, please accept my sincere apologies for my unacceptable behavior! And… Thank you, on behalf of your coven, for agreeing to not buy so many spices. The monarchy appreciates your cooperation, and I wish you a good night."
My lip's trembling, but I think I did the right thing.
How could I be so rude to that old lady? And by the sounds of things, she's the head witch, of all people! I sure hope she doesn't file a complaint with the palace - That's all I need!
I then stumble over towards Ban. As I reach him, he starts licking the dirt off my face.
"Haha!" That tickles, but my smile soon fades. "Oh, Ban. I guess I was wrong. I actually thought a witch would help some random guy like me find a queen? Wow, I really am desperate, huh..?"
I try to hold back my tears, but some escape from my eyes.
I'm so glad Ban can't tell everyone back home what a mess tonight's been.
Hmm?
I feel someone looking at me.
I turn back to the hut and quickly wipe my face. The lady is looking at me through her window. Is she… taking pity on me? This night couldn't get any worse!
She moves over to her door, and it opens up again.
"Young man," she shouts over. "The way back to the village is treacherous this time of night." The lady looks up at the tree next to her hut. "Akashi! Akashi!"
I look up as well, and I see the figure of a young redhead wearing a black hat and cloak sleeping in the branches.
"AKASHI!"
"Huh? What? WAAAAAA!"
She falls and crashes onto the ground.
"Ah!" I rush over to her side.
"Yes… mother…?" she responds weakly while in an uncomfortable pose.
"Take this young man back to the palace," the lady commands.
"Huh? Young man?" She shakes her head to regain her consciousness, and looks up at me.
She awkwardly grins and waves. "Oh! Hi, there! I'm Akashi!"
"Um… Hi. I'm Prince Goyasaku. Here, let me help you."
I put out my hand. She instantly grabs it, pulls herself up to her feet, and gives me a thumbs up. "Thanks!"
Huh? Where did all her energy suddenly come from? She just fell out of a tree!
"Alright! Let's get you to your destination, your highness!" She places her index fingers onto her temples, and closes her eyes. "My mind is telling me that we should gooooooo…."
"West," states the lady.
"Yeah! West!" the girl exclaims with her fists pumped up in the air. "West is awesome! Come on, let's roll!"
Akashi waves me over and starts quickly walking away.
"Hey, wait!" I turn to the lady. "Ma'am, are you sure you want your daughter out in the forest at this time? I'd hate to trouble you."
She crosses her arms. "Young man, if you wander this forest alone at night, then troubling me will be the least of your worries. You'd better catch up to her!"
"Ah, right! Goodnight ma'am!"
I quickly bow to the lady, jump onto Ban, and we chase after the girl.
I catch up with Akashi. She hums to herself with her hands on the back of her head. I guess she can handle herself walking around here at night. That actually puts my mind at ease. This forest is really creepy now, but she's as calm as a lake.
Hmm. Looking at her… I guess she hasn't quite had a growth spurt yet. She sure does look like a witch with her long black cloak and big pointy hat. And I've gotta say, her mid length, crimson red hair is blindingly bright, even in all this darkness.
I guess… I should talk to her…
I dismount Ban and quietly walk behind.
"Um… Akashi?"
She turns to me and walks backwards. "Yeah?"
"Do you… have magical powers?"
"Sure do!" She proudly raises her chin, closes her eyes and puts her hands on her hips. "I'm known around here as the OP Witch!"
"Huh? OP?"
"Yeah, 'overpowered'! If anyone messes with me… KA-POW! KA-PUSH! KA-ZOW! They're ancient history before you know it! Cya-hahahahaha!"
So, this girl before me is super powerful… apparently…
Alright.
Time to focus.
She's a witch. She has powers. She's clearly comfortable enough with me to carelessly throw her ego around…
So, maybe… just maybe…
"Um… So, I guess… You can solve any problem, right? With your overpowered… powers?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Just point at a wall, and I'll smash it down in the blink of an eye!"
Okay, now's my chance!
"Well, miss… I have one problem that needs fixing."
Her face turns serious, and her arms drop to her side. "Hmm? A problem?"
"Akashi, women don't like me, and I want to change all that."
Akashi stops walking backwards, and I stop, too.
The birds above us fly away.
At that moment, a cold sweat appears on my forehead.
Man, I sound pathetic. Look at me… I'm asking for romantic help from some random witch I just met!
She silently stares at me with her piercing blue eyes. Her face shows no emotion.
I look away, disappointed. "Forget it," I quietly murmur. I hope she moves on and we'll never speak of this embarrassment ever again…
Then, Akashi goes from being silent, to snickering, to laughing out loud.
"Cya-hahahahaha!" She closes one eye and points at me. "You're kidding me, right?"
I step back. "Huh? Kidding?"
I sparkle emanates from her right hand. I look down, and see an object made out of shiny crystal forming in her hand. Is that… her power?
She starts moving quickly around me, inspecting me with the magnifying glass she just generated. "Seriously? Women don't like you? How is that possible? You're not a jerk! You're good looking! And you're a prince, of all things!" She stops, tosses the glass, and gives me a thumbs up. "You're a total catch, your highness!"
"Huh?" I hesitantly point at my blushing self. "A 'catch'? Me?"
Honestly… No one's ever said that about me before…
I feel my back straighten all by itself. Whoa… I suddenly… have confidence in myself?
"So, Akashi… I guess you wouldn't mind helping me find a queen, huh?"
She suddenly somersaults and lands sitting cross legged on Ban's head. She closes her eyes and covers her mouth with her fist. "Hmmmmm…"
What the? Why did she get herself up there?
"Ummmmm…. Thinking… Thinking… You know, your highness, it's a little hard to work my brain right now."
"Huh? Why's that?"
"Oh, you know, because of those giant wolves surrounding us right now. They're kinda distracting me, you know!"
"Oh, I see. Wait, what did you say?"
I tense up and slowly check our surroundings.
Four large, furry, four legged gray beasts are slowly circling myself, Akashi and Ban. Man, they're huge! At least seven feet tall each by my estimate!
They stare at us intensely with their haunting yellow eyes snarling and salivating. I guess we're tonight's special!
I immediately look at Akashi, who's still deep in thought with her eyes closed.
Seriously? At a time like this?
"Akashi, maybe you should do something here?" I suggest, while keeping my eyes on the predators. "You're the overpowered witch, remember?"
"Hmmmm… Thinking… Thinking…"
Oh, great. I seemingly asked her too deep a question and now it's up to me to fight back…
No matter.
I'm no pushover.
I can handle these beasts!
I pull out my sword from its leather sheath with my right hand, and place my left hand on the crystal enshrined in the handle. "Ancient light, increase my might!"
My sword glows blue, and I feel its power increasing.
The sight of my shining, enchanted weapon doesn't deter the giant wolves, though. They're still snarling, but that's not a problem. They'll just have to learn about my power the hard way!
One of the wolves halts, crouches down, then pounces at me with full force!
I slash my sword, and a blue shockwave is launched from it toward the beast. It strikes her, knocks her back hard, and she crashes into a tree.
WHUMP!
The other three wolves see their knocked out friend, then they look back at me and growl more ferociously than before. Now they know I'm serious!
"Ban!" I shout. "Get ready to run!"
Ban jerks his head back, bumping Akashi up in the air. She lands on his saddle, all the while she still has her eyes closed in thought.
She's really not gonna help me out here, huh?
Two of the wolves ferociously launch at me.
I slash my sword once again - This time, more widely. It generates a long horizontal shockwave which knocks back the two wolves at the same time. The third wolf standing behind them thinks fast. He jumps up and his two siblings fly underneath him. The two I knocked back also crash into the trees behind them. Those now unconscious wolves are showered in falling leaves.
The final wolf lands on the ground. He's by far the biggest of the four. He slowly creeps towards me with care and attention. He knows what my moves are now. I must be careful, too!
I slash my sword at the wolf, and launch a shockwave at him. He jumps over the ray of energy, lands a mere few meters from me, then roars as he tries to jump me. I quickly jump to the side, dodging his pounce. I forward roll across the floor before regaining my upright stance.
He's not the only one who's athletic!
I continue to fire shockwaves from my sword at the wolf, but he dodges every shot. He really does know all my moves now!
In the corner of my eye, I notice something. Ban starts to glow in a red light.
As I face him in surprise, his hooves begin to lift off the ground, and he starts floating up into the air! Horses don't do that!
Suddenly, Ban begins to transform! His body turns from hair and muscle into solid, shining light blue crystal. His eyes convert from organs into bright white pearls! He even spouts a huge crystal wingspan from his shoulders! From his mane to his hooves, he has now become… a crystal horse!
The sight is incredible - Like a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly! Weird, but incredible!
The wolf is soon distracted by Ban as he touches down on the ground. He focuses on the predator menacingly.
Akashi is still seated on the saddle and deep in thought, but I know she's the mastermind behind this.
The crystal horse fires beams from his eyes at the wolf, but the wolf darts to the side and dodges the attack. The lasers strike a tree instead, and they go straight through the bark, cutting it down! The wolf, realizing the new threat, growls and launches himself at Ban.
But then, the crystal horse's wings flap, and Ban launches up in the air and the wolf continues his leap beneath. Then Ban, fast as lightning, bites the scruff of the wolf's neck, and does not let go.
The wolf growls in shock as Ban pulls him high up into the sky!
I force myself to close my opened mouth, and shake my head to awaken from my trance.
"Hey! Wait for me!" I sheath my sword and race through the forest, all the while looking up at Ban as he flies through the moonlit sky carrying the wolf.
"Waaahh!" I've stopped myself from running, and just in time, too!
I stare at my feet with widened eyes as I stand at the edge of a cliff, with a lake directly beneath it. I look up at the crystal horse who's now flying above the water.
Ban opens his mouth, and the wolf falls down.
SPLASH!
The wolf swims to the surface, and looks at up Ban in the air. He stops snarling, then quietly swims away defeated.
"Ha ha! Ban, you did it!" As I pump my fists in the air, the crystal horse flies over and hovers at the cliff edge before me.
I can't help but smile at my friend.
Just then, Akashi, who was sitting and thinking on Ban's back the whole time, jumps up and lands seated on the horse's head again.
She opens her eyes and smiles.
"Thanks for saving my life, your highness. And, of course, I will help you find that special someone!"
My jaw drops. "Huh?"
I stare at the witch, not knowing what to say. She simply grins and rubs the back of her head. "Hee-hee-hee!"
Akashi…
She's…
Really gonna help me…
It's a miracle! Mission accomplished! A witch, with real superpowers, is gonna help me find a Queen!
The answer's been found, and the advantage is now mine.
Akashi, you'll be handsomely rewarded for your help!
I try to contain my avid excitement. I simply nod to her with a humble smile.
***
We fly through the air, high above the forest and away from the dangers down below.
I sit on Ban's saddle, whilst Akashi sits cross legged on his head. She seems to really like that spot.
I should be scared of being up here, but considering how powerful Akashi is, I'm sure she'd easily save me if I fell.
As I watch Akashi before me, I instinctively ask, "Um, Akashi? Were you… Testing me back there?"
She spins around to face me. "Hmm? Oh, you mean me sitting on my backside whilst you were knocking those wolves onto their backsides? Of course it was a test!" She faces her palm to the sky and closes her eyes. "I'm flattered that you want my services and all, but if you want me to help you find love, I can only help a man, not a wuss!"
I respond gently. "Oh… Yeah… I guess you're right."
I should be mad at her for putting me in danger like that, but she does have a point. Plus, she did help me out in the end.
"And turning Ban into… a crystal horse. That shows your main power, isn't it?"
"It sure is!" Akashi starts waving her hands around like she's casting spells. "Making and shaping crystals is my speciality. I can make crystal weapons, crystal traps, and even flying crystal animals!"
"Wow. That's really impressive, Akashi!"
"Thanks! I'm not just a pretty face, you know! Cya-hahahahaha!"
As she cackles away, I place my finger on my chin as I grow more and more curious about her. "So, um, can your crystal powers help me find a queen?"
She begins tapping her chin. "Well, I can make fantastic gifts and jaw dropping light shows to really impress your crush. I also know a few cool spells, and even a little voodoo magic." She then puts her hands on her hips and proclaims, "I know! I'll just place a spell on your lover girl's mind! Pretty easy to make a pretty girl fall for you with a little brainwashing!"
Huh? She can just trick someone into loving me?
Wait! I have to focus here. I have to set some ground rules or else I'll end up married to a zombie!
"No, Akashi. No brainwashing. I want her love for me to be natural, not forced."
"Hmm? Ah, I see. You want the real deal, huh?"
"I do." I can't help but turn away in shame. "I know I'm being selfish, but I know what I want."
I don't know how Akashi will react to what I just said.
"Hey, don't worry about it, your highness. In case you haven't noticed, I can be pretty self-centered, too! Cya-hahahahaha!"
I smile at Akashi. I'm glad she's so understanding.
"Not to worry, your highness. I'm going to be your ultimate wingman!" she declares.
"Huh? Ultimate wingman?"
"Yeah! You choose the hottie, and I'll work behind the scenes to get the atmosphere juuust right! You'll have women fighting over you in no time with me by your side!"
A wingman?
A powerful witch for a wingman?
Yeah!
That's not such a bad idea!
