FSE

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Morning came the next day without any new, unexpected happenings. Truffletree forest remained a peaceful and joyous home for the animal folk as they carried on their routine. Inside Flaky's cottage however was a very rambunctious if slightly less joyful affair. The five unlikely companions sat at Flaky's dining table, the twins ate rather vigorously, not having experienced breakfast prepared for them.

"More please!" Said Lifty and Shifty, their faces covered in bits of food while holding their plates to Flaky. Flaky took the plates calmly without any fuss. In truth, she was flattered that her cooking skills were being highly praised, recognized, and eaten. Disco Bear and Axel however were not quite so amused or flattered by the twins behavior towards their gracious host and new companion.

"Geez, don't you have any manners?" Asked Axel, calmly chewing some cake.

"We lost them around the time we were in jail for the second year in a row. Cut us some slack! We haven't eaten something this good in ages!" Said Lifty, Flaky gave him and his brother another serving of what seemed to be a honey cake she had baked.

"You two don't even have the good manners to appreciate high-class food. Typical bandits" Said Disco Bear, stabbing a piece of cake with his fork in a dignified manner.

"Well our manners weren't built up over time only to be squandered on renting out girls so, lecture us on something original for a chance Baron Bear." Shifty objected snarkily. Both he and his brother didn't take being addressed as lower-class or lesser Tree Friends lightly. Not to mention that they were pretty damn sure they had done less sketchy and dubious things than the Baron had done. It was at this particular remark that Flaky finally seemed to grasp the tension overflowing within her cottage.

"G-guys, i-its just cake. I-its not something to fight over." Sweat-dropped Flaky.

"Yeah stop scaring her." Axel bared his teeth in a slightly more threatening way to get his rowdy comrades under control. It ultimately did the trick and breakfast continued and finished without a hitch.

The five companions eventually set out for their journey, the reluctant thieves limping with their still fresh wounds they got from last night. It'd take some time for them to fully heal but at least the cream seemed to make it so that it wouldn't take nearly as long as it would normally. They admitted to liking camping out in the forest considering how run-down Happy Tree had gotten at the advent of the criminals release but were ready to move on. Nearing the exit of the forest and towards the mountain trail that would take them well beyond Happy Tree, conversation started back up again.

"So where are we headed? Why aren't we like, building a huge staircase to that fucking castle in the sky anyway?" Asked Shifty.

"Because a barrier is surrounding the castle, further preventing entry." Disco Bear pointed out.

"So like, besides the castle being unreachable, you can't even get in… How the hell does going on a journey somewhere else going to help?" Asked Lifty.

"Splendont, the guy who was responsible for freeing the bandits, including you two, ordered me to find Splendid and kill him, another wizard or something. Then there's the fact the Barrier can possibly be broken if we gather enough powerful mages. He didn't give us the exact location but I'm going to find him, killing him though, is something up to debate, so for now, we're heading to the great library of Mondo. Hopefully on the way we find some mages." Said Axel.

"So Flaky here is one of them?" Shifty asked.

"Y-yeah… I specialize in nature magic but um… I'm not sure if, if he won't attack us while we try to break the barrier or something. Hopefully we'll be able to be well-armed or have a lot of friends to help us…" Flaky confessed.

"What did we get ourselves into…?" Whispered Lifty to Shifty. Both brothers just wanted to leave this land but now got themselves swept up in something that was sounding like a war in the making. They didn't mind having to fight and perhaps even kill some wimps in a show of strength but a big-scale battle was far more life-threatening. They would never die for anyone else's cause but their own.

"I don't know but it doesn't look like we have much of a choice if this guy takes over from country to country. I'll keep us safe no matter what brother. Promise." Said Shifty. Both twins gave one another a fist bump that Axel noticed. He thought it was a surprisingly sweet and compelling gesture given how volatile they were as individuals. Hopefully they would show that kind of potential warmth to others even if they were working for their own ends. For now though, the entire group began to make their way through the big and sometimes treacherous mountain trail. The quest's hardest and most mysterious part had truly begun.

Meanwhile in Bleakburn…

Ever since the advent of Axel and Disco Bear from Happy Tree, Bleakburn knew they had to keep themselves in tip-top shape as the morning progressed into daytime. Nutty's fabled inn currently was quite packed with villagers from Riftvalley, Lushwood, and Bleakburn and they were chowing down on a homemade pancake breakfast courtesy of the squirrel himself. A white mouse boy sheepishly ate his own delicacy, looking rather chipper than his last time outside. His parents had no excuse to keep him cooped up inside their house for much longer, not when this could be their last days. And what he once viewed as a decrepit little town was now a safe haven for all to go, though this inn brought back painful memories, courtesy of a wolf guard who had embarrassed and shamed him, it had been the only place where they could get their food. Yet, he can't help that there was something missing in his life and this realization suddenly made the mouse feel forlorn and depressed.

"Can I help you with anything?" Asked Nutty, noticing the boy's forlorn expression, he had slowed down and frowned sympathetically.

"N-nothing sir. Just eating…" Said the Mouse Boy, wanting to avoid further discussion. He took a bite from the pancakes, drizzled gracefully with natural honey and butter, and seemed very content with the taste.

"Hey, you look familiar. *gasp* Yes! You're the guy who came out running naked in the streets! Why did y-mph" Nutty's mouth was muffled by the boy's hand.

"Please… I don't want to get in trouble again…" Said the Mouse boy, public humiliation was the last thing on his mind. Nutty nodded despite the hands covering his mouth, making the Mouse ease up and let go.

"I'm sorry… But, you're the friend that Axel came with in the inn right?" Asked Nutty, the mouse looked down almost bitterly.

"So his name is Axel…" Muttered the Mouse.

"He never told you his name? That's so unusual! Normally he usually would let a fella know of his name. Even when he sleeps with them." Nutty pouted. Nutty had never experienced any sort of envy or disgust or anger at Axel for his occasional sex drive but recently it seemed like Axel had been doing it an awful lot. At least 'recently' meaning the days before King Fliqpy came into power.

"He used me…I thought he would be the person that would take me away from here, to take me where nobody can ever hurt me. Knights are told to protect people, the most honorable people you could ever know. When he saved me from the bandit and flirted with me, I thought he really cared for me and wanted to have something special with me... But why did he not apologize to me after being humiliated so… He even admitted to have seen my public humiliation and yet he didn't come… Is this what knights are truly like?" Said the mouse with a heavy heart.

"No, Axel is not like that… He is a very caring person, maybe he just didn't want to hurt you further?" Nutty said, wanting to defend Axel. Not even Axel was perfect and Nutty wanted everyone to have a fair chance at friendship. Especially since it seemed like the Mouse and Axel were clearly very happy when they entered the inn together that day.

"Then maybe I don't deserve to be loved. Nobody can truly love me for myself. Not after being humiliated in front of everyone." Said the Mouse, starting to tear up.

"I don't think that's it at all… please calm down. I-I've been humiliated in front of people too but Axel helped me recover! And became my best buddy in the process. You're young too and have a whole life ahead of you. Plus, with the way the kingdom is now, we have to forget any negative associations that were put upon us beforehand because we're all trying to endure this… 'happening.' So until things get back to normal, we all will show love to one another and be friends to one another. Happy Tree Friends." Nutty giggled encouragingly. The mouse looked at him with awe and admiration, nobody had spoken to him like that before, words that filled him with hope and confidence were not something he had expected from the lazy-eyed squirrel.

"T-thank you, um, w-what's your name?" Asked the mouse boy, blushing a whole lot and having never shared much of himself before.

"Nutty, my name's Nutty…" Grinned Nutty. The two of them began a long and simply delightful discussion about Axel, the inn, the situation, favorite sweets and treats to bake and eat, and their hopes and dreams for the future.

In another room of the inn, Cuddles and Giggles had a room to themselves, Cuddles had Giggles' head resting on his lap, comforting his lover and gently stroking her head. They had been very relieved and even at ease being together but ultimately Giggles was the one who seemed to be having difficulty adapting to the new situation. So many mixed emotions were constantly running through her mind and she felt insecure in her very own home kingdom.

"What will happen to us Cuddles? My father could be dead at this point and who knows if the King won't just hunt us down himself. Or his mage." Said Giggles with a bit of worry, the recent encounter of Splendont had gotten to her, if they had an enemy as powerful as him, this might spell their final days if they decided to do away with Happy Tree's survivors.

"We'll be fine, Axel will find a way, he will bring whatever help he can to free the king." Said Cuddles to calm down his girlfriend.

"I hope so… I don't think he would be patient enough to wait for Axel's assassination attempt. Or fully counting on Axel to kill whoever Splendid the Sapphire is given its not even right to kill him without knowing what he did to deserve it." Said Giggles, closing her eyes and daydreaming of better days to spend in the future with the image of peace with Cuddles. Cuddles giggled to himself though as he just thought of something that'd help his lovely lady relax.

"You know, before all this was happening, I was going to get you a really nice gift but I got ransacked by those bastards Fliqpy let loose. So I've got something that I hope will make up for what was taken away and meant for you."

"And what's that?" Asked Giggles, opening her eyes up at him.

Cuddles pulled something from under the pillow behind him, making Giggles briefly wonder if it was something as simple as a tooth for the tooth fairy. Instead, Cuddles pulled out what looked to be a glorious and very expensive looking rose quartz ring with a silver band in a chipmunk's face design. Giggles looked in awe at the exquisite treasure and even sparkled in the reflection of it's sheen.

"I kind of swiped it while I was in Disco's manor but hey, if he can turn over a new leaf like Axel thinks he can, I'm sure he won't mind I have this one favor." Cuddles's left ear scratched his other ear in anticipation.

"Its beautiful… But I can't take it. Not yet at least. It wouldn't feel right without Disco Bear's approval, he probably planned to give this to his betrothed… Whoever it may be" Said Giggles, restraining herself from keeping the expensive looking jewelry. Many of the higher ladies she met at balls and important occasions would've instantly had kept the ring for themselves as a favor or fashion statement. Giggles cared about her own appearance and certainly about being stylish but she knew stealing was wrong regardless of the intent and that even the Baron probably had a sentimental side to him. She was touched by Cuddles gesture though.

"Well he had like… twenty of these in his drawers. Different designs too. I think it might be some kind of date favor thing for him." Cuddles laughed.

"Yes, but then we'd be no better than thieves. Please Cuddles, can you do this one thing just for me?" Pleaded Giggles.

Cuddles frowned sadly and his ears dropped. He was hoping to make Giggles smile, not ask him to do something he wasn't meant to do.

"Well of course Giggles but… I could never buy you something like this with my income where I live. Stable boy doesn't get you very far in terms of presenting nice favors for the one you love. Especially compared to the niceness you've demonstrated towards me. I just wanted to give you something that made you feel like the goddess you are to me." He said somberly.

"Cuddles, its fine. I don't care about anything as long as you're with me. And there's an even better gift that you already gave me. But first Cuddles, I have something for you… Here" Said Giggles, handing him the same perfume she bought in the market that Axel had oversaw her doing.

"What's this?" Said Cuddles, holding the red colored bottle in his hand, some sort of liquid with rose petals floating in it was inside.

"I got it for you, because of how important you are to me, how much I love you deeply, and how you've changed my entire world into something magical and more humbling than one I could've found myself in. You also came to rescue me… More than anybody else has done for me since this kingdom went south." Giggles blushed with a smile as she saw Cuddles adorable giddy smile that she loved so much.

"Thanks Giggles, I… I'm very lucky to have you" Said Cuddles, embracing her.

"... Both of us you mean" Said Giggles, as if she's in anticipation for something.

"W-what do you mean?" Said Cuddles, not knowing what she exactly meant.

"Cuddles… You're going to be a father." Giggled, well, Giggles, though she was secretly afraid of telling him.

"..." Cuddles said nothing and fainted on the bed.

"Oh dear… Maybe I should have picked a better time to tell him" Said Giggles, idly lying down on the bed. They had one particular fling that had gone incredibly well but she had started showing signs rather recently so… It would definitely take a few more talks to make certain both of them were prepared and ready and they'd likely get married for real.

"So you've rallied the other goblins as well?" Asked Handy, Tooth and Nail were all on top of a self-made tower, while Fang was spitroasting a bunch of frog on a stick. The goblins had been having a somewhat mixed reception in the new community formed in the wake of everyone who had escaped carnage and capture from King Fliqpy or the bandits. They thought of the goblins as a nuisance in general but respected their protection of them and their strength and Handy and others advocated for those who were especially skeptic to change their preconceptions. The goblins didn't particularly care for the gossip and were just happy to not be hunted down for a change and to have food and clothes and comfort.

"Yes, brothers came and clobbed bandits to death with pretty magic lady!" Exclaimed Fang, Handy had an idea of who this 'pretty magic lady' was.

"Yes! Lady turned bandits into tasty frogs!" Said Fang, Handy found it a bit disturbing at the thought that what Fang was cooking was one of the bandits.

"Well, I'm glad the three of you are still alive, why don't you guys eat something better, like, anything inside Nutty's inn?" Asked Handy.

"Blech! Hate hate hate hate hate! Nail like it, but we love this better" Said Tooth, pointing at the rest of the sticks cooked with a bunch of insects, amphibians, and all sorts of small critters. Handy saw a bunch of cockroaches pierced onto the stick and if he had hands, he would've put them on his stomach or on his knees as he bowed down to contain his appetite.

"Oh no…" Said Handy, getting sick of the smell he had found rather tasty at first, but now disgusted him. Feeling hands on his back to soothe his nauseating feeling, he was escorted by Toothy who was just nearby.

"Why don't we go get you to a restroom Handy?" Sweat-dropped Toothy. Handy nodded shakily and rather relieved.

"M-miss Petunia?" Said Cub, catching the attention of the blue skunk. The two of them were currently residing near a courtyard in Bleakburn's slightly better areas where many civilians were wandering around, talking, and making discussion and business within their confined but safe community. Petunia was sitting down in a chair reading a book on 'Capitol and Capital: How to manage both.' She always liked to read intellectual and instructional stories while she had very scarce amounts of free-time working in the castle. King Flippy on occasion was merciful enough to let her have additional breaks if there was nothing he felt needed to be done by her that day. Petunia was still shaken up by how twisted her sire had become but unlike Giggles, she felt confident enough that they could bring him back to normal and wasn't dwelling on the negative circumstances.

"Oh why if it isn't the brave son of the captain! You're cuter than I imagined!" Complemented Petunia. Cub found himself blushing at the older woman. He thought she was so calm and confident and beautiful. She also smelled serenely like a flower and he knew that his mother's love for Pop was something incredibly special. He was hoping that by charming Petunia like this, he could make his daddy proud of him.

"I-I'm not cute! I-I mean, uh, yeah, I'm the son of the captain. Miss Petunia, I know this is not knightly of me to ask but… Can I have your hand in marriage?" Cub blushed, getting on one knee.

"I… What?" Asked Petunia, not believing that of all the people to first propose to her, it was a kid, and a captain's son at that. They also hadn't known one another for particularly long which made the former servant feel rather uneasy.

"I s-said will you take me as your husband?" Stuttered Cub, mentally cursing at himself to calm down. Petunia was flattered that a kid fancied her, but the age gap was a bit too big and now wasn't the time for this.

"Oh… I'm flattered really but you really should go for a girl… Your age. Though I am flattered that you see me worthy of your hand" Said Petunia, ruffling his hair a bit.

"I guess so... I mean, yeah! I should find a girl suitable to my age! Thank you miss Petunia for showing me the right path!" Said Cub, hiding a disappointed tone, though it still did not go unnoticed by her.

"Ohh don't be so disappointed, I'm sure whoever you find will be very lucky to have you. For now, here" Said Petunia, giving him a kiss on the cheek, making Cub blush madly and quake in his boots. The loud cheering of the other passerby did not ease his embarrassment at all and he left running away.

"Igottamakesurethetownissafebye" Said Cub, running off in a random direction. Petunia giggled at the little boy she left flustered.

The 5 unlikely friends continued their journey up the mountain trail. What possible dangers await them in this quest? Will they find what they're looking for? Will they find 5 mages before it's too late? These questions lingered in Axel's mind as they trudged the dirt road of the mountain. So far they hadn't encountered any monsters but there certainly had been a lot of steep areas and a few dangerous chasms to leap across and overall it wasn't the safest trail but the only one. Disco Bear wheezed at the long upward journey to climb it, the rest had no trouble climbing up but the baron took many long rests just so he could keep going. Disco Bear begged for a break as he felt this to be far more exhausting than anything he had ever done in his life.

"DB this is the sixth time you've asked for a break" Said Axel at the kneeling bear, who was on all fours in exhaustion. Axel knew DB was out of shape but this was kind of pushing it in over exaggeration.

"Well… it is a hard climb… I'm getting a bit tired myself." Flaky admitted.

"True, with how sheltered you are I doubt you get much exercise. He's just fat." Shifty snickered and gave his brother a hi-five.

"Hmph! I was not raised in dealing with these kind of circumstances, so you can shove it you thieves." Said Disco Bear haughtily, his nose up in the air.

"We can't keep going like this, Shifty, Lifty, if you have time to insult him, you have time to help him climb, we don't have any time for more breaks" Ordered Axel, determined for the lack of teamwork to end.

"What!? Why us!? And why not you?" Said Lifty.

"Yeah, we're just trying to motivate him to push his limits! There's no reason for us to be babysitting him!" Shifty objected.

"Even so, it'll make the trek faster, and we need to get to town before night, unless you want to spend the night with no shelter and vulnerable for night attacks, I suggest you do it now" Said Axel sternly. The two thieves groaned and debated momentarily who was going to do the lifting. Ultimately they compromised on working together to hoist Disco Bear on both arms and started catching up to Flaky and Axel. Flaky just meekly looked anxious about everything and this was making Axel grow a bit exasperated with the fact these boys couldn't suck it up and behave in front of her.

"Urgh, you're too damn heavy you obese excuse of a bear." Grunted Shifty.

"Well I didn't ask for your help in the first place!" Muttered Disco Bear.

They eventually made it to the top of the mountain, making the twins throw Disco Bear onto the ground, Disco Bear didn't even complain at all, glad that he got some much needed rest after climbed for hours. The view from the top of the mountain was spectacular and heavenly. They could see the oceans bountiful blanket of water, a large and bustling-looking town with a port that had ships coming and going with visitors and deliveries, more of the path leading downwards to that edge of the country, and a wonderful library that shun brightly with seemingly magical energy in the sunlight. The sight made Flaky's eyes sparkle as though she saw a dream come true before her very own eyes and Axel smiled with pride. Sights like this were scarce and even a rarity in themselves in Happy Tree.

"T'is beautiful! See guys, the journey itself is the reward we get for our hard work" Said Axel. Shifty, Lifty and Disco Bear looked at him and glared.

"Yeah yeah it's not like you carried an a thousand pound bear on your back on the way to the top" Said Lifty in anger.

"Yeah! Wait… Hey! I take offense in that!" Said Disco Bear.

"Whatever!" Said Shifty, equally as tired as Disco Bear.

"W-well, look on the bright side, we don't h-have to climb anymore. It's just downhill from here..." Said Flaky.

"Yeah, at least you don't have to carry DB anymore, let's goooooo!" Said Axel, climbing down the mountain ahead of them. The four tree friends soon followed, making their way to the great library they heard about. The edge of town in which they entered was marked 'Port of the Siren's Sea' and had a welcoming sign posted up for visitors. The salty air of the town was definitely a lot more refreshing than the sometimes pungent aroma of Bleakburn. Villagers waved hello to the group in a cheery way and it seemed a lot friendlier and better run as a civilization. Flaky was feeling a bit modest and nervous about her attire and if she really fit in but Disco Bear held her hand gallantly to assure her she was perfectly on trend in this town. The thieves on the other hand eyed many of the stands and shops and even vulnerable coin purses with intense desire. They knew it'd be dumb to get Axel on their case or on the town's bad side this soon so they had to regretably follow after the wolf and his pals without such opportunities. After a somewhat leisurely walk, they finally got up close to the library.

The monastery-like library had scholars coming in and out, probably to test any theories they had found outside or check out new books. Some villagers from the town visited the library for different reasons, not to study, but to offer food and comforts to the librarians and those who studied overnight and leaving them in the entrance with the rest of the offerings as a sign of respect for their contribution to making the town better in pursuit of unfound knowledge. Axel gave a hopeful glance, knowing Happy Tree lacked such a place of knowledge and research other than perhaps what they could find in stands offering books from this town. The information on Splendid the Sapphire and Splendont the Scarlet that they desperately needed must be here.

"This is it! We've finally reached the library! If this place is as nerdy as the rumors have been told, the librarians can tell us immediately how to look for a book that will tell us who Splendont or Splendid is!" Said Axel.

"W-well, this place is surely b-big and has lots of people… I think you might be right Axel." Said Flaky.

"Come now my friends! Education awaits!" Said Disco Bear, dramatically opening the doors as if they were a set of windows. The twins were the only ones not to express any enthusement for this but they simply nodded in agreement and followed after the crowd. Stealing books was not really something they thought was profitable so they were willing to cooperate here at least.

The library had several floors worth of books along with a castle-like interior of stone walls, elegant carpeting, and big curtains and various comfortable-looking sofas, tables, and chairs to sit upon. There even appeared to be a few people wandering around serving tea and meals to those seated leisurely in the midst of full-fledged reading and research. Scholars climbed stairs and passed each other like ants, read books, slept, ate, and talked amongst each other with passion that varied from heated to excited. Axel could now understand why scholars dreamed of living here. An ant librarian manned the desk, peevishly reading a book on a cook-book about baking cakes whilst eating a cake that had been served to her by one of the workers. Axel rang the bell placed on the counter to get the librarian's attention. It worked like a charm as the female ant eyed the group of five with expert composure and friendliness.

"Oh! Um, what is it you need?" Asked the young female ant librarian.

"We're looking for a book about Splendid the Sapphire, or Splendont the Scarlet. Do you have it by any chance?" Asked Axel. The ant looked a bit surprised about the particular book Axel in mind.

"Are you sure that you're asking for a book on that myth? It's an ancient legend that only children would believe these days. Unless you are studying on mythos I imagine." Asked the ant, Axel nodded and the ant looked a bit distressed. She checked the catalogues and had a worried look on her face when she was done, she checked the list of borrowed books and her fears came true.

"I'm afraid there's only one particular book you're talking about has already been borrowed for 1 month's worth on that subject." Said the ant. The five simultaneously felt their jaws drop, one month is too long for what they had in mind.

"What!? But we need that book right now! The fate of the world rests in that book." Said Axel in disbelief.

"Yes! We're trying to stop a mage from overrunning this world with bandits! Or demons or… evil things or whatever." Shifty exclaimed, Disco Bear rolled his eyes at him. _As if you're not a bandit, t_old Disco Bear to himself mentally.

"Calm down sir, the book, "Rulership of the Scarlet and Sapphire Haze" is written in another language only the monks of peace and tranquility can read, none of our linguists have ever been permitted to study their language, nor even granted an audience with the pacifist monks of that island. The legend itself has only been told once in this very town by the monk who donated this tome to us. The book itself is curated in our library normally as a treasured artifact but that's only changed recently. Not to mention that it is a dangerous journey to travel by sea to that very island they reside in itself. Also, there's been news from surviving scholars of a war breaking out on the two rival tribes of that island so I doubt you would be safe should you survive the journey toward the island. I know I'm not supposed to disclose the whereabouts of my colleague nor even believe the actual existence of magic, but in this case, I'm willing to make an exception. The one who borrowed the book, Sniffles, is an anteater, though we may not see eye to eye at times, I don't particularly want him to die, so if you promise to keep him safe, I will tell you where he had decided to go, do we have a deal?" Proposed the librarian.

"Is it because you are an ant and he eats ants?" Lifty teased.

"Well I have a mean right hook and I could probably make some lethal traps if I really wanted to. But seriously, we are on good terms when he's not in a particularly grumpy mood from having his theories objected to." Said the librarian with a confident expression. Lifty looked mildly impressed by her replying with such a smart response.

"Y-yes, we promise. Now c-could you tell us where he went to?" Promised Flaky.

"Excellent! Sniffles borrowed the book not too long ago and told me he was going to translate it, as I said, from the monks on the island that they resided in. If you hurry, you can catch up to him in the docks, maybe begging one of the sailors to take him. Trips to the island are scarce since the journey is dangerous so only the hardiest of sailors will agree. Now go, I shudder at the thought of him going there alone." Said the ant, returning to the book she was reading and daydreaming of baking a cake that tasted just as good as the ones the library had.

"You heard the lady! Let's get moving!" Said Disco Bear, the five of them hurriedly rushed out of the library and into the docks, all sorts of burly tree friends carried stacks of crates and rations and materials to resupply their ship's needs.

Many of them were of species not native to Happy Tree and reflected this place as a true site of mingling countries and trade. Disco Bear drooled at the sight of half naked and muscular men on par with Axel, which Axel gave him a disappointed glare to remind him that they were here to find a scholar and not flirt with any random crew members. DB caught the glare instantly and scratched his head sheepishly, laughing it off. Shifty and Lifty in the meantime were eyeing the busy trade for a different reason. Curious if they could pickpocket some helpless or absent-minded fool for valuable goods or trinkets or treasures. They weren't finding anything yet but they did notice something of interest. A magnificent pirate ship, the design of it being golden and bronzed and wood with a hint of turquoise scattered throughout to create a dazzling design. It seemed to have a small crowd of people around it, most of them being people who had been on the ship but also a few passerbys. The twins listened closely into what they picked up with their sharp senses. It seemed like there was some male pleading with a shipowner at first...

"Oh come on! I won't cause any trouble! Please... this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of history!" Whined a nerdy voice among the streams of people passing by.

"Sorry matey, we aren't keen on being part of history! Isn't that right me boys?" Said a turquoise otter, he wore a pirate hat, the symbol of authority among his crew members, making it evident he was in charge of the operations around. He was built very thickly and muscular, with only a small evidence of pot belly that was completely masked by muscles attained by the trials and tribulations of being out at sea and on many adventures. He wore a long trench-coat of navy blue with black pants, a white and red striped shirt, and had fittingly enough, peg legs to match his eyepatch and hooked right hand. The twins had to admit that whoever this guy was he was probably more than able to back up his authority with wisdom and strength.

"Aye aye!" Replied the several different tree friends who seemed to be his crewmates. Shifty and Lifty gestured to their allies to come over and see what the commotion was all about. Axel, Disco Bear, and Flaky did so and all of them broke through the crowd to get a closer look. They saw the Captain facing down the person complaining about wanting to hop on board the ship.

"See lad? Ye ain't gonna bribe me anything with yer scholarly status around here" Said the otter, further frustrating the thin and small bodied scholar. Based on his species alone and this clearly was Sniffles the anteater. He had notably thick glasses, a long snout just like an ant-eaters with small ears and a paler blue skin compared to the otters. He carried a thick tome in his hands and was wearing a short-sleeved shirt with brown and somewhat baggier pants, and shoes that a scholar would wear. There was something rather admirable about how he had to give up or turn away but Axel knew that this pirate captain wasn't interested. He had the same resigned and cocky expression some of the knights of Axel's childhood demons had given him. Not to say that this pirate captain was as bad as they were, it just seemed the otter had heard this story far too many times or was not about to risk anything valuable to himself to pitch in on someone's idea.

"This could lead you to fame and fortune your crew could possibly have!" Argued Sniffles as he held up the book in front of the captain angrily. Sniffles looked like he was about to throw it into the pirate's face with how tense his mouth was getting and Axel realized intervention would be needed soon.

"No offense lad, but have you seen what we're wearing? We're pirates, we are the meanest, toughest sailors in the seven seas of the world. What makes ye think we want ta be part of any of this fame and fortune you be speaking of? You be want us to be known so we could get arrested by seaweeds that know not of our creed? We not be giving you a chance to leave us vulnerable to the authorities. Well, not that any of the knights be present in the kingdom." Said the otter as he wiped his jacket with a vain expression. His crewmates snickered in response and at this point Sniffles was looking and feeling very foolish. Axel seized the opportunity however.

"I'm here" Said Axel, walking in front of Sniffles and staring down the otter himself. Sniffles was startled to see the wolf in front of him and noted he looked very ferocious and intimidating. Yet he had come to his defense rather than try to do something else like help the otter mock him. The pirate captain on the other hand merely raised his eyebrows and looked intrigued by whom he took as a rebellious upstart who agreed with the scholar. His crewmates gave a more hostile reaction and one even reached for their weapon protectively in case this 'knight' was going to try to arrest their captain.

"And who might ye be to stare me down in front of me crew? Ye be having a lot of nerve to challenge me. Do you know who I am lad?" Intimidated the otter.

"I don't know you but I do know that it is my duty as a knight to help those in need. And right now, this scholar is in need of someone to transport him to the island or so help me I'll execute my own brand of justice right here, right now. Unless you want to suffer losses, I suggest you comply with Sniffles here and we can come to a temporary truce. There's more at stake here than what anyone around this town knows and what Sniffles wants is crucial to helping us resolve that!" Tried to negotiate Axel.

"Don't be daft knight! You obviously have some other purpose fer being here than to simply speak tall tales! Why have ye come to the port town so far from King Flippy's palace?" The otter taunted. He was well aware of this country's government and geography from several expeditions to the farthest parts of this place and from maps bought and made by his navigator.

"I'll put it plainly, the government itself IS the one under the threat we are trying to resolve. If you value anything, or anyone in this world, you'd do well to comply with making a deal with us. Unless you want a mage more powerful than all of your crew combined, by himself, to take over the kingdom, then I suggest you hightail it out of here, surely there's a more braver lot than you and your crew" Taunted Axel.

Some of the crewmates looked a bit flabbergasted and nearby townsfolk who had been watching the confrontation for sport started murmuring to themselves nervously. Was their country really under some sort of threat? Or was there an invasion coming or happening? For a town that thrived on stories and information, this threw a big cannonball in their peace of mind. Sniffles himself though looked incredibly curious rather than scared. He ignored the somewhat angered expression of the captain to speak to Axel.

"Powerful mage you say…? Is it a red-hued flying squirrel?!" Sniffles adjusted his glasses carefully.

"Yes, that is correct nerd!" Said Shifty, which Sniffles took a bit offense in.

"Ugh! I am more than a nerd you bushy bushwacker! But holy crap! That's the tell-tale signs of Splendont the Scarlet! He exists! I know from the pictures within this very book and I am seeking the translators who wrote it within this language to find out more about him!" Sniffles held his tome proudly.

"Yarr?" The otter now just looked confused.

"How can a legend suddenly exist?!" Asked one of the crewmates in disbelief.

"Well it was very out of the blue for all of us… he showed himself to us and lifted King Flippy's castle into the sky in a mighty display of power! On top of that, summoned a barrier that killed anything that went inside it's proximity!" Disco Bear added.

"That's not good… a barrier of that level needs multiple powerful magics working at once to break. Not to mention to bring it back down to the ground..." Sniffles winced, worried for the kingdom.

"So please otter. We're looking for other mages to disable the barrier and for clues t-that might help…! Let Sniffles and us journey to the island on your ship. Pleaseeeeeee?" Flaky asked, holding her hands together.

"Yeah! What she said!" Lifty agreed.

Silence and a staring contest went on between the two, until the otter started laughing.

"Yar har har! I haven't met a more hardy soul as ye be having since the last raid we be done in the last few years. Fine, since ye be no dissuading you, I'll be permitting ye to be part of me crew, in exchange fer payment. Captain Russell's crew doesn't simply fight against legends without proper reward." Said the leader of the pirate crew, revealing his name as he took his hat off and bowed. Axel cursed under his breath, he knew a pirate such as this one would demand more than what they had.

"Tch! Fine, is this enough?" Said Axel, giving a whole coin pouch of their travel expenses. Russel took the pouch and started counting, giving a disappointed grunt and handing it back to Axel.

"No can do lad, yer gonna have to do better than that. Do ye have any idea how many of me crew I have to be paying?" Said Russel.

"I'm sure we can find some other way to oblige your time and services? I come from a VERY prestigious House back in Happy Tree and I'm sure I can offer you some treasures and services that would appeal to you." Disco Bear, with newly developed bravado, stepped forward to try his hand at negotiation.

"Hmmm, that sounds intriguing, but we still demand payment for braving the seas with us" Said Russel, Disco Bear sighed and thought that he was now going to make a sacrifice for once.

"Then take this, this is only one of my symbols of my nobility I have on my person so don't you get it lost" Said Disco Bear, handing some kind of royal ring, embedded in it was a diamond, the symbol of House Lionell was emblazoned on the sides of the ring that signified that it was indeed of noble jewelry. The captain made a motion for one of his crew, a rat had come swooping down the sails, and running to his captain's side and started inspecting the jewelry, with what seemed like a miniature telescope, biting onto it, and looking at the symbol to signify if it was a legitimate noble's ring. The rat nodded at the captain and returned it, climbing back up to the top of the pole.

"Looks like yer friend here is indeed who he says he is. Fine then lad's… And lassie. This ring will be enough to cover our expenses to last a year. Just remember, no stealing, no killing of me crew, and certainly no word of any trouble from any of ye, or ye be walking the plank. Are we clear?" Said Captain Russell.

"Yes we are! Captain… What was your name again good sir?" Asked Sniffles, he was certainly glad this band of unusual people suddenly came to his rescue.

"Captain Russel, as I said. Don't be gettin salt in yer ears now Sniffles. We be sailing to the island in the morning, so ye better get what ye need, I don't want to be hearing any complaints about misplaced luggage or undersupplied passengers. Now if you'll be excusing me, we'll be refilling our winery with as much liquor as we be getting." Grinned Russel, walking away to the town with the crew following behind him. The townsfolk seemed very relieved to have what appeared to be an alliance between the knight, his friends, and the pirate's working to protect their country from this Splendont fellow. So they dispersed and carried on their days with renewed hope.

"Thank you Captain Russel, for giving us this opportunity for scholarly learning!" Shouted Sniffles in appreciation. Axel turned to Disco Bear, a bit concerned about what he just did.

"Disco Bear, are you really sure about that? Isn't that a symbol of your house? And a whole year!? Disco Bear what is that ring exactly worth?" Asked Axel.

"I can always have a new one made. Technically this is my oldest ring and the sign of corruption that I left my House befall. If I can perhaps get a new ring someday… be it a wedding ring or even a simple band made from the forest, it'd mean so much more. As for how much it's worth, I had the finest smiths forge that golden ring and fitting it with a diamond. All I will reveal to you is that a house' symbol is more valuable than the ring or diamond itself" Disco Bear said wistfully.

"Well well well, looks like the baron has a heart after all" Teased Shifty, making Lifty snicker with him.

"I appreciate your humble sacrifice. Rest assured, your name will be going in the tomes of knowledge that I will be translating." Said Sniffles.

"W-we appreciate what you d-did Disco Bear. That w-was really selfless" Said Flaky. Disco Bear hadn't been complemented in so long, at least not as sincere as them.

"I… Thank you… Everyone" Said Disco Bear, almost getting teary eyed, for the first time in his life, he felt like he had friends. And as opposed to yesterday where he was still uncertain of how satisfying friendship was to him as opposed to a romantic relationship… he felt absolutely thrilled to have them.

"Come to think of it, who are you people? Surely you didn't come here just to join a poor frail scholar get on a pirate ship with big, strong, scary and sexy men now dd you? Not that you're not as sexy, big and strong all of them" Said Sniffles, striking a mockingly macho pose for emphasis. Axel felt that Sniffles was being a bit forward with how he just described the rest of the crew, and towards himself, but nonetheless, explained himself.

"We're actually interested in finding out about the contents of what the book you have on you means. And also, to find out something about Splendid the Sapphire, or Splendont the Scarlet. Hopefully… And thanks for the compliment… I guess?" Explained Axel.

"Compliment you say? Well I happen to admire the Tree Friends physiology as part of my studies on a variety of topics but I… ah! I got off-track. You were seeking information on these two legendary mages yes? Rumor has it they may be related!" Sniffles stopped himself from getting on a rambling streak and opened to a page to show to the others.

In a somewhat ornate style, two flying squirrels were drawn in what looked to be very fine paintings dressed in different robes and casting spells of fire and ice individually. The fire-caster was Splendont and the ice-caster appeared to be a very similar looking individual but with blue fur instead. These had to be Splendont the Scarlet and Splendid the Sapphire. The text beside the pictures on the other page was definitely not anything that Happy Tree could decipher so the struggle Sniffles must've been going through to translate it needed to be resolved quickly.

"Yes! Though both are flying squirrels, we can't be certain yet. Not until we get it translated anyway." Said Axel.

"Do you think we can recruit Splendid if we find him…?" Flaky asked hopefully.

"... I'm not sure Flaky. Splendont wants him dead and Splendont's the bad guy here. Maybe Splendid is the nice one but obviously some kind of bad blood exists between them. For all we know, they could BOTH be bad guys in this picture" Axel admitted with his ears dropping slightly.

"Well, if the names you've given are to be correct, I deduce that they were rulers or kings from another era, or perhaps even ancient gods. But that's just a hypothesis on my part. I do find it very curious to know that he suddenly emerged quite recently. How long ago was this exactly?" Said Sniffles.

"Well it started about five days ago? Our King suddenly sent out a bunch of bandits and rogues that had been imprisoned in jail out onto Happy Tree and started calling himself King Fliqpy and threatened our civilians. That's when we realized something had happened to our king and we had one of the mages we found figure out that it was because someone had used a spell on our majesty. They turned him into his darkest self and now that we've seen Splendont, we know for a fact it was him." Axel explained.

"Well such advanced and powerful-sounding spells do fit the bill for a legend. Truthfully I imagine that if he didn't strike you down he may be rather haughty or have some kind of deeper plan behind his emergence. I have to figure out where he's been all these centuries or years and why he came to Happy Tree specifically. That island should have our answers!" Sniffles said confidently.

"Well, believe it or not, we should be preparing for our voyage tomorrow. I don't know how long we will have to spend in the ship, but it'd be worth it if we find out first" Said Axel.

"Oh right, i-its getting a bit late and the shops are surely going to close up. It's best that we get what we n-need right now and get a good night's sleep early. W-we wouldn't want to sleep in and g-get left behind.." Said Flaky. The quickly growing group of unlikely allies agreed with each other and headed back to town, eager to find a place to stay in this hustle and bustle sea town.

Back at Happy Tree…

In the comfort of what was a room that Splendont had made much more comfortable and welcoming for him, Pop felt his strength returning, although he still felt sore from the lovemaking he and Splendont have done, it was more of a pleasant experience than with Fliqpy. In fact, he hadn't seen Fliqpy all day at all which had made him feel safer from the evil king's desires. However he was still feeling rather homesick and was tired of looking out and realizing he was high and above everyone and everything he cherished more. There was also the matter of his men who were imprisoned in the dungeons. In his passionate romance (or was it not really romance he feared) with Splendont, he realized he hadn't thought about how his men were faring at this particular moment. What if Fliqpy had decided to take his anger out on them instead of himself? Pop feared his younger, less burdened and tough men would be in agony. He was hoping it was just paranoia speaking for his thoughts right now rather than any sort of actual truth. Then there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." Pop had been instructed to say those words whether or not it was Splendont or Fliqpy. A sense of dread was now building in the back of his mind as maybe it was the mad king after all.

King Fliqpy decided now was the time to barge into Pop's chambers. Splendont was tired and resting from summoning his new forces to replace the dwindling number of bandits in Happy Tree so now was the right opportunity. Deducing that it would take a bunch of demons of all shapes and sizes to do this deed he was ready to inflict on Pop. Some towered above him like a troll wielding a mighty club. Some only reached the height of his hip like a swarm of small imps. One was an incubus of impressive muscle and girth barely constrained by a loincloth and one was a snake demoness slithering along the ground. But regardless he knew they would be useful in breaking the former captain. So Fliqpy took the doorknob, turned it slowly, and then promptly kicked the door open aggressively. He was going to make Splendont regret taunting him and making him cum the way he did by 'punishing' his treasure.

Opening the doors, Fliqpy walked inside confidently with his newly obtained forces and ordered the imp to close the door. Pop felt on guard against Fliqpy and was extremely startled by the appearance of these demons. They had to have been summoned by Splendont at King Fliqpy's request yet why were they here…? If Fliqpy was going to torment him once more, he was going to resist with all his might before he would willingly let the king he believed to be a faker to make false love with him once again. Yet why were they here…? Pop held the blankets close to his body only for Fliqpy to pounce onto the bed and take them away from him. King Fliqpy was still dressed in fine clothes, Pop noticed, but based on the lustful and even furious grin on the king's face there was no mercy to be found.

"Pop… MY most loyal knight. I've got a special treat for you." Whispered King Fliqpy, Pop shuddered at the feeling of his breath on his neck and feared to even reply.

"W-what is it?" Said Pop, wishing Fliqpy would just leave him already.

"We will be doing some… Adjustments for your 'training regimen' as my slave. You see, I know that Splendont has been sneaking inside, bewitching me with his magic. So I have decided that I will make the most out of our time. That is to say, I will make sure your loyalty belongs to ME, and ONLY ME. Try to resist me and your guard, who has been starving without food or drink through the whole day, will pay up until tomorrow." King Fliqpy finished his threat with a brutish cackle.

"What!? B-but didn't we have a deal? I gave myself to you willingly! I didn't break this truce, not a single one!" Pleaded Pop.

"Thank your 'boyfriend' for breaking it for you! He denied me an audience with you who was meant to be MY property! Besides… we all know you'll enjoy the thrill of the king more than the chill of the mage…" Fliqpy kissed at Pop's cheek oddly sweetly but the terror of the situation had already set in.

"N-no, not again! Please be more gentle!" Said Pop, feeling Fliqpy's hands pin his arms down on the bed.

"Oh I'll be gentle 'preparing' you Pop… after all, I need you to be loose for me first. And for them." King Fliqpy snickered as he undid Pop's bathrobe and exposed his nakedness. The demons gladly pinned Pop down on the bed, licking, rubbing and kissing every part of his body that they can. Pop was completely overwhelmed and feeling a bit dizzy as he felt everything from his cock to his armpits to his nipples to his feet being licked or caressed with furious abandon. When he looked up though he suddenly saw what appeared to be some kind of snake woman eyeing him with a gaze that seemed to go on for eternity. He felt himself drawn to the gaze, as if nothing mattered but staring at it.

"Prepare me." Said King Fliqpy, though not towards Pop, but to one of the demons, who started sucking Pop off hardly and another one who started to strip the King's clothes off of him. Pop didn't even hear the request of the twisted King who had moved out of the way, suddenly feeling completely light-headed and in bliss. His body felt like it was meant to be in this level of heightened sensitivity. King Fliqpy's cock, once his clothes were fully off, was surprisingly soft as of now. An imp demon lifted his length into his mouth and took the member lustfully, as if he was thirsty for some sexual action in a long time.

Meanwhile, the incubus removed his loincloth and forced Pop to choke down his cock in a somewhat violent manner. Pop cringed and felt very uncomfortable but yet also like this was absolutely wonderful. He wasn't thinking clearly anymore, the troll's licking on his anus did not help at all, and despite the obvious discomfort and now with what little conscious thought he had, he was scared. He wanted Splendont to come and intervene…

"Looks like the captain's enjoying it" A demon said, pointing at Pop's hardon. The incubus pulled out of Pop, letting him take a single breath before ruthlessly shoving it all back in.

"Ahhh! I can't stop my hip! Suck it! *pant* *pant* Suck it harder! YOU BITCH!" Taunted the incubus, roughly grabbing Pop's head and using it as leverage. Pop whimpered more out of ecstasy than pain and nodded obediently and started sucking harder much to his conscience's shock. All the while he still stared at the snake woman's gaze.

"Give in to the pleasure… Revel in the pleasure only King Fliqpy can give you… Surrender your will Pop.. There will be no more pain… Just go with it..." Said the snake woman. Her words felt enticing, he was tired, he only wanted to feel good, all other choices in his mind were immediately crushed by the woman. Why should he resist this any longer anyway? Wasn't this what Splendont used him for anyway? The feeling of utter joy and happiness from sexual activity?

"G-go on… *Cough*" Pop managed to speak out at last after the Incubus pulled away, satisfied with his hardness.

"Have you decided who you pledge your allegiance to? Captain Pop?" Asked King Fliqpy, pulling his dick off of the imp's mouth, now fully hard.

"B-but… But Cub…" Muttered Pop, suddenly realizing that King Fliqpy was asking a question that made him slightly uneasy. Cub surely would want him to be aligned to someone he loved or that was a good role model… right? No pleasure could ever fully erase the moral standard he held for himself in hopes Cub would become just as just a man. Fliqpy shook his head, disappointed Pop's will was stronger than expected and that his question was weakening the hypnosis of the demoness. He'd have to try something that'd keep Pop from thinking altogether. He pulled out a knife and dangerously held it over Pop's eye.

"What is more important to you? Your eye? Or the slim chance of your son even surviving?" Threatened King Fliqpy, the tip the knife just inches from Pop's eye.

"My… my son is everythi-" Pop suddenly felt something hard and uncomfortably warm and big press against his hole.

"If he really was everything… wouldn't our summoner have summoned your son to you…?" The Incubus, the culprit for this deed, taunted with a sly accent. It seemed the Incubus was determined to make the first move onto Pop himself.

"I… What… No, he… I…" Pop whimpered as he felt confusion, fear, suspense, and dread suddenly wipe away his confidence. Something was about to stab into him, a knife in his eye or a thick dick into his own body, and Splendont was not here to protect him. Splendont was not here to free the kingdom, he was here for his own purposes. Splendont still kept him here, captive and separated from the knights who were trapped in another part of the castle. Splendont was not… someone he could fully trust yet. His situation was truly making him aware that he was fully… alone here. Powerless.

"Face it Pop… Your stupid son is dead… And no amount of pleading will ever bring him back… Not even with the vast magic Splendont knows… EVER! Your life belongs to me now!" King Fliqpy fed into his mind, his hold on the dagger being incredibly tense and shaking.

"N-no… He's still alive… I feel it in my heart…" Said Pop, trying to hold onto his sanity before it left him entirely at this rate.

"Submit to what you are best for… a toy for the king to play with. That's what the knight's captain is after all." The Incubus declared as he began to painfully inch his cock into Pop's anus.

"G-gah! T-this is a dream! Ahhhghh... Yes! A n-nightmare!" Pop began to wail as he felt waves of pain and pleasure hit his mind. He struggled not to jolt his head directly into Flippy's dagger. At that moment he felt like he could hear the cackling of mad demons and beasts fill the air and King Flippy's demented grin being the only thing he could see as his arms were held down.

"Bwahahahaha! The old man is delusional! And he calls himself a captain? How laughable!" Said an imp, toying with his cock and started licking the tip to add measure to the insult. The incubus in turn, began thrusting into Pop aggressively and remorselessly to the point the hole began to bleed, the cock stretching him out too much. Compared to King Fliqpy and this was even worse than the king's usual bloodlust-filled romping.

"S-stop! Too big! T-too fast! Ahhhhhhh…!" Begged Pop tears filling his eyes, hoping there was even a small amount of pity in the demon's mind.

"Don't bother. This is your punishment after all. Now service your king TOY!" Fliqpy finally took the knife away and rubbed his cock against Pop's face disgracefully. Pop cried, he couldn't take it anymore, the pain, the overstimulation for the past days, the doubts the fear, he can't keep up the strong bravado he once had and started sucking on Fliqpy's cock just to have something to focus on. Anything that made him feel as though he had some kind of independence and success in his duties. It really was… all up to Axel… now. This torment of the demons in Happy Tree's castle carried on long into the night until Pop's 'punishment' was firmly deemed administered.