Prologue ♡ Chapter 1

5 months had passed since the great fae prince had spread worldwide panic. To have such a powerful mage lose control of himself made everyone question, "Would it happen again?". Prejudice against fae had greatly improved in the last few hundred years, but it hadn't dispelled entirely. The prince's overblot only further fed into those who still held such predispositions against the race. It did not help that media coverage of this incident still hadn't ceased. It was hard for the prince to even step foot out in public without news reporters on the standby waiting to snap a photo and bombard him with 50 questions. Luckily, most of the fae's time was spent inside one of Sage's Island's schools he attended, Night Raven College. It's headmaster forbade outsiders from entering the premises without written permission or if a special event was occuring. If Prince Malleus Draconia had any need for items and supplies only obtainable outside the school's grounds, the headmaster, oh so kind and generous as he, would send someone else to fetch them.

Throughout all of the coverage, several questions were always asked. "How did each nation feel about this?", "How did the current monarch of the Valley of Thorns feel?", "How do the people of Twisted Wonderland feel?". But, there was one thing no one ever asked.

"How does Malleus Draconia feel?".

No one ever concerns themselves with how the perceived enemy may feel on the matter. To the people, he was no longer a being capable of complex emotion. In their eyes he was naught but a beast, unfeeling, and driven by madness. It was only the select group of students who aided in pulling the prince from his rampage that knew part of the truth. From those 22, only 3 could confidently say they knew, in great depth, why Malleus fell into the temptress that is overblotting. Unfeeling, so the people claim, but in truth it was the very opposing intensity and sensitivity of his emotions that threw him over the edge. "How does Malleus Draconia feel?", perhaps more than any other being in Wonderland itself. Nobody else knew this more than the fae he perceived as his own father, Lilia Vanrouge.

Throughout those 5 months, Lilia noticed a great change in the group he regarded as his family. Malleus had always been a reckless and troublesome child, taking much after his reckless mother and troublesome biological father. He may be polite, mature, and polished on the surface but having spent nearly 200 years with the prince taught Lilia better. His "world ending tantrum", as Lilia began to refer to it, did not come as a surprise to him or his family. Still, it left deep and everlasting cracks much like the violent shiftings of the tectonic plates, scarring the earth indelibly. The prince, himself, not fully comprehending what happened. He would come to Lilia often, tugging on his coat sleeve like that of a child, and ask him to repeat the events of those days like a story. The elder fae would oblige each time, and each time Malleus would stare off into the distance as if searching for an answer to a question he could not form. Chartreuse eyes glazed over, lost to the true meaning of those murky days of May.

Lilia blamed this partially on what the fae refer to as "children of heart". Among many being youthful in appearance, many of the fae were also young of mind. Their bodies would grow but their minds and hearts would stay equivalent to that of a child, some more than others. It was one of the many parts of the Valley of Thorns's culture other kingdoms found strange. For they pushed the idea that "growing up" was more essential, and the younger their residents conformed to it the better. During his travels after the war, Lilia had learned of this greater opinion shared by other countries and was bewildered. The fae considered those that are children of heart a great blessing, and celebrated whenever one was realized. To lose one's inner child was to lose a core part of yourself, as their mindset goes. Malleus wasn't the only one apart of Lilia's established family that had this aspect, for Silver was a child of heart as well.

Ever since Lilia had found the boy 18 years ago, internally he knew he wanted to baby him until he passed. Humans could not live as long as the enduring fae, so in the eyes of Lilia, Silver would always be but a child. Perhaps if he had been raised outside of a fae family, the boy would of hardened and lost his child-like sense of wonder for the world. But, in the care of Lilia, he too developed into a child of heart. Come the age of 14, he still diligently used a pacifier and had to be manually changed into a new diaper whenever the previous one grew overused. In between sword fighting practice, he'd stack his hawthorn letter blocks together to form nonsensical words and hug his pelage woven plushies close to his chest. Both of which, Silver had watched Lilia create from his very own calloused hands. But, when the family was invited to attend Night Raven College, Silver began to change. He had never really had any contact with residents of other nations beforehand, and as such, knew not of their customs or opinions towards those of the Briar Valley. Lilia saw in real time his boy grow confused and even frightened to be a child of heart around others. The elder heard what his fellow students were feeding into his boy's head, and it broke his heart the day Silver said he was abandoning "all this childish nonsense". Lilia could see how much this was upsetting his son deep down, but any concern Lilia expressed was pushed aside. The boy wanted to fit into a world he didn't quite understand, so his father let him. He was his own person, after all.

Now, in present time, the war within the boy had grown exponentionally. Ever since Malleus's overblot, Silver had grown distant. He was always reserved in a way, but never quite like this. Lilia, in the past, would of never described his boy as being being full of anger, quite the opposite actually. Now, he seemed to always be on the brink of blowing his top, and had even snapped at Lilia and Sebek a number of times. Not only that, but his sleeping problems had worsened. He was having more difficulties waking up from deep slumber, and when he was awake he was falling unconscious more and more throughout the day. Silver tried to put on an unbothered face, but Lilia knew how much the events from 5 months ago were getting to him. Seeing someone you considered a brother lose himself and nearly destroy the world, having your own father die before your very eyes, and having to take the role of a hero would affect anyone greatly. For someone who is a child of heart, the affect on the individual is even greater.

Among his behavioral and sleep issues, there was another problem that had surfaced... or rather resurfaced. Lilia had kept Silver in diapers for so long due to his incontinence tendencies. The fae suspected they might have come on either due to the spell he was under as babe, or from a relative. He had warned the boy about this when he had declared he was done using them, among other "childish things". As expected, Silver had a hard time conforming to this change. When he wasn't soaking his bedsheets or soiling his pants in between classes, he was running at mach speed to the nearest bathroom every hour. Due to his stress worsening these past few months, his incontinence had only worsened. It was to the point nearly every morning he awoke in a puddle of his own urine. He couldn't even hide it from his father anymore. Not that he had it hidden in the first place, the nose of fae were stronger than that of a human, after all. Lilia never said a peep, but his ear would twitch each morning to the sound of his boy trying to discreetly wash his sheets and joggers. Just yesterday, Lilia had caught word from Professor Crewel that Silver had rushed out of his classroom mid lecture, gripping his posterior in a strange manner. That had done it for Lilia. After the two had gotten out of their club activities, the elder invited Silver to his own room. He sat atop his bed, feet hovering above the ground, and patted beside himself for Silver to join.

"Father, is something the matter? You look cross," Silver exclaimed as he took a seat atop the blanket littered with bats. His bangs were still plastered onto his forehead from sweat. Lilia was more than cross, he had 3 years of anger billowing up inside him, but he let the comment slide. "Silver Vanrouge", he hissed out. Now that the boy had adopted his own surname, Lilia could finally say his full name to indicate when he was in trouble, much like any other parent would. "Ah, the joys of parenthood never stop bringing new opportunities, even now!", Lilia nearly smiled from the thought, but he had to remain serious. "I have discussed this with you many times and yet you refuse to listen. You can swear off everything "childish" all you want, but that won't just wish away your incontinence. Professor Crewel told me of what happened in your Potionology class yesterday. Don't think I haven't noticed the fact your bedwetting has been getting worse."

"Father, I said I'm fine! It was just a few accidents, they won't happen again. You don't need to keep checking up on me."

"Of course I have to keep checking up on you, you're my child! You've been saying that since your first year at Night Raven and you're nearing your third. Nothing has changed, in fact it's only gotten worse. How many more 'won't happen agains' until your incontinence magically goes away?"

Crimson orbs flicked down to where Silver's fist was beginning to clench. An exhale sounded through flared nostrils, much like the very horse Silver rode. "I'm not a child anymore, Lilia, so stop treating me like one! I can deal with my problems on my own, if I needed help I'd ask for it." There he went snapping again, each time feeling like a mousetrap triggering onto Lilia's heart. His ears drooped, voice softening to a gentle crackle, "Silver, please. You've changed so much in so little time. I know you want to fit in with the other boys, but, this isn't the right path." He brought a wing up to his boy's cheek, glistening with sweat, and rubbed his clawed thumb gently against it. They were tinted red from intense practice, and it reminded Lilia of when Silver was just a babe. Over a year or two may seem long to a human, but to a fae it went by in the blink of an eye. Lilia wanted to give his boy time to try out being like the others boys, see if he'd come to his senses or truly find a different path in life. But, ever since May, the drastic shift in Silver's behavior and actions made Lilia feel the need to step in. "I haven't seen you truly happy ever since back at the cottage when I homeschooled you. Are you, without fault, undeniably happy this way? Changing yourself to suit the wants of others?" Those aurora eyes couldn't meet his own scarlet. His boy's brows were furrowed and he kept licking his own chapped lips, a habit when he was conflicted. "F-Father, I-I-...", as Silver tried to turn his head away that clawed thumb brought it back harshly. Now, he was forced to stare into Lilia's intense gaze."I never taught you to stutter or to waver, there IS something wrong. Silver, I need you to be honest with me. I've let this slide for far too long, because I wanted you to be happy. I wanted to stop this the day you came to me and said you were giving up being a child of heart. But, if you really felt you had a different path in life I wouldn't have stopped you. But, I can't sit by idly as my baby suffers before my eyes. You're not happy, Silver. I've raised you for 18 years, I'm not a fool. Especially now of all times, we cannot suffer alone. You saw what that did to Malleus, and I cannot let the same happen to you."

In all 18 years of Silver's life, he could only recall Lilia crying a handful of times. Now, before him, was another of those times. The elder held his composure, just barely, as tears glistened in the corners of his eyes and the wing against his face shook slightly. Lilia swallowed audibly, and said once again, barely above a whisper, "Are you, without fault, undeniably happy this way?"

Every person, be it fae or human, hardened or not, has their breaking points. Something to shatter the wall they've so desperately put up around themselves to remain composed. For some, it's easier to tear down than others. For Silver, he had built 10 more around himself when one would fall. One can only do this for so long, as hastily building so many walls would result in many of sloppy result and faulty foundation. This was his breaking point. "Oh, Silver, baby, c'mere", Lilia wrapped his wings around the frost-haired boy as sobs wracked through his body. Arms wrapped tightly around the fae's frame, as if they were afraid to let go. With his face pressed into the small of his shoulder, Lilia undid the tie holding up his son's hair. Clawed fingers grazed through the moonlit locks, which had grown quite long over the months. Among the many ways Silver had been neglecting himself both mentally and physically recently, trimming his hair was among the list. Lilia hadn't touched on this aspect among his complaints towards his son's negligent self care habits. In fact, he actually quite adored the longer hair. It reminded him of a fling of auld lang syne. Now down against his hunched back, it fell down to his shoulder blades like a cascading, frozen waterfall.

They stayed, held in each other's arms, for many long minutes. The only sounds permeating throughout the room were the moans and sniffles of Silver, the gentle breathing of Lilia, and the light patter of the rain that began to settle in. Then, another sound arose, a soft hssssss. It took the pink-streaked fae a moment to realize where the new sound was coming from. A dark, rapidly expanding patch had begun to form in the crotch area of the boy's britches. Lilia felt a swell of pride in himself and nearly wanted to blurt out, "What did I tell you!". It's a miracle Samson's coat had not once been drenched, at least to his knowledge. Lilia decided to remain quiet and let the boy finish emptying out his tears, and his bladder. The boy, oh how he so desperately tried to harden himself like the other grown up boys. A child can only play pretend as a doctor or a parent or a teacher for so long. With clever words and intricate disguises until playtime is over and the jig is up, if the jig was ever there. When Silver finally raised his head, his eyes and cheeks were awash in red and tears, and snot spilled far past his chin. His white britches now a sullied grey, no doubt having spilled into Silver's very boots. Lilia would have to change his blanket and bedsheets later, but he was quite used to that from Silver's younger years and, still to this day, Malleus. As they gazed into each other's eyes, Lilia saw that sparkle in his son's eyes he hadn't seen in years. His little, baby boy peeking through.

"Father... I feel so conflicted. I want to make friends here, I want to fit in, but how can I do so when everyone views the ways of Briar Valley so maliciously? I've heard the way people speak of our culture, how they speak of Malleus. They regard me as being 'unlike most people from there', as if that's some kind of accomplishment. I don't know if I like being seen that way."

"Silver, if you hold such respect for our culture, why try to avoid it? I know you want friends, dear, and I know you want to belong, but is it worth all this sacrifice? You remember what I told you growing up? Don't waste your time chasing after butterflies who don't appreciate your garden. Tend to your garden, and the right butterflies will soon come. You mustn't ever change yourself just because a bunch of people share a certain opinion. You need to do what's best for You, and what makes You happy", for every 'You' Lilia jutted his claw into Silver's chest. Now, the boy averted eye contact out of embarrasment. With a sigh, he said, "I know." Not a moment after, he received a harsh thwack to the head, "If you knew, you wouldn't have have done it!" The scowl upon Lilia's face didn't last, and quickly turned into a soft smile. He couldn't stay mad at his boy forever, even when he made stupid decisions. With a gentle sigh, the elder continued, "You have reached the teenager stage in human years, you were bound to get rebellious about something. I will forgive you, on the promise that you do what you want from now on. Do we have a deal?"

"I promise, Father," Silver replied, palm to his heart. "Truth to be told, I don't know what I want. I feel like I'm lost in a forest I've never explored before. I could try to find my way back or I could risk venturing deeper into the winding ash branches. I'm not sure what to do."

"You've had a taste of those dark woods, Silver. Why not head back and come to familiar grounds for a while? Where the moon isn't obscured by leaves, and you have space to think. The woods isn't going anywhere. If you truly want to venture back in I won't stop you, but you can't blindly run around in there and expect to find results," the bat leaned up to press a kiss to the boy's right cheek."Can you do that for me, at least just for a little while?" Silver closed his eyes, and took a moment to breathe, to think, to listen to the patter of rain against the glass. Then, with a sniffle, he nodded."I won't lie, I have missed the way things used to be. It'll be nice to come back to something familiar for a while," then he paused rather sheepishly."I do hope you didn't throw out all my toys, even though I requested you to."

"Not at all, dear. I put a lot of time and effort into making those! Plus, on the offchance your old self did return, they'd still be here for him. I've had them all sitting inside the trunk underneath my bedstead."

"What about my old clothes? Like the onesies and such. You kept the pacifiers and everything else too?"

"All safetly tucked away, dear. I even still have all the diapers I packed when we all first started attending Night Raven College. I had anticipated you using them back then. Of course...", Lilia's gaze trailed down towards Silver's pants."We could always open up that pack now. In fact, I insist." The boy followed his gaze and nearly leaped out of his seat with a gasp, another few squirts of pee shooting out in the process."Lilia! I didn't- I wasn't-"

"'Won't happen again', huh? You know, earlier when you said that it had reminded of something, now I know what. When you were younger you'd come to me saying 'Papa! Papa! I had an accident' when I very clearly saw you mess your pamps on purpose. Oh, I so miss when you used to call me Papa." The fae pushed himself off the bed and pulled out a large, cardboard box from underneath it. The lettering on the side read out, "Spindlehugs" and underneath, "For protection even before the sun sets on your 16th birthday!". It was decorated with pastel greens and purples, with graphics of spinning wheels plastered about. The tape that once sealed the box had already been cut open, so Lilia reached inside to pull a diaper out. It was decorated in a similar fashion to it's box. The usual white base, with accents of green for the sides of the back sheet and cuffs. The wetness indicator was decorated with the same spinning wheels in pastel lavender. The frontal tape was a slightly darker shade of violet, adorned with white "ZZZ"'s across it."I have to hand it to disposable diapers, they're a lot easier to use than cloth ones. Oh, what a pain those are to clean. Also, they're a whole lot cuter! Now, come here, Silver, staying in wet clothes will make you sick."

It had been almost 3 years since the last time Silver wore a pamper. He remembered so fondly picking out this brand too to start wearing to Night Raven College. Spindlehugs were some of his favorite, both for their design and comfort. He also liked how much more poofier they were compared to other diapers. A part of him regretted ever swearing them and his other "childish" things off. Another part of him was regretting having to put them back on as he lay on the floor before his father. There never really had been a downside to wearing Spindlehugs or any diaper for that matter in the past since it was commonplace in the Valley of Thorns. All saw and none cared. But, here at Night Raven, everyone would see and everyone would care. Before any of their classes had started, Lilia had gotten special permission from Headmaster Crowley to preform any traditional Valley acts. Denial would mean prohibiting one from their culture and the oh, so very kind headmaster did not have it in his heart, or his reputation, to be accused of discrimination. As such, Silver technically could run around with just a diaper and not get in any trouble. He could also run around with one underneath his schoolwear. The thought of either spiked his anxiety greatly. He was beginning to regret this decision immediately.

As Lilia worked to undo Silver's sodden britches, he thought of his father's earlier words. "Father," he began, reluctantly."If I do return to being a child of heart, I might lose some of the friends I currently have, if not all of them. The thought saddens me." Lilia glanced up at him, and pulled down his equally as sodden underwear. "Well, that is normal to feel. I don't think anyone enjoys the thought of losing friends. But, if these friends are only with you for the image you've conjured up to them, perhaps they're not true friends," Lilia crawled over to the bed once more to pull out a small box of baby wipes. These, too, were Spindlehugs branded. He began wiping off Silver's legs and the droplets of pee that lingered on the pewter follicles decorating his thighs. "Do you think some people would stay if they found out who I truly was?", the boy expressed as he toyed with the buttons on his riding jacket."I'm afraid I can't tell the future, silly," Lilia smiled up at him as he began cleaning Silver's genitals and scrotum. This elicited a giggle from the boy, for he was quite sensitive there."Father! Pa! Stop!", he choked out between guffaws. "Oh alright, you're so dang cute", Lilia chuckled and gave his thigh a pinch."Don't be shy, you can start calling me 'Papa' again, if you want. Pick your legs up, Sil, I gotta wipe you down here," Silver did as he was told and watched his father at work. "Well, if you do choose to be yourself around the others and they don't appreciate it, you'll always have us. Me, Sebek, and Malleus. Everyone back in the Valley, too." The fae finished wiping Silver's buttocks and pulled the sides of the Spindlehug up around him. He fastened the tape on and gave his bum a few playful smacks.

"Thank you... Papa," Silver said the last part with a blush. He got up slightly to peer down at his newly padded bottom half. He forgot how HUGE these things were! The boy squished his hand down on the front, the material having a soothing feeling on his skin. The regret he had earlier was replaced with a great feeling of longing. Oh, how he missed this."I can give you a more proper bath later if you want. Oh, would you like to take one together? It's been so long since we have." Bubble baths, Silver hadn't had one of those in ages. When he found out all the other students took quick showers he also went along with them. It was unpleasant to say the least, it could never compare to the relaxation a bubble bath gave. The warm, deep water surrounding him, along with the layers of bubbles. The scent of apples and strawberry filled the air, or perhaps pineapple and mango if he was feeling up for it. An assortment of bath toys floating across the water and into the fortress of bubbles, all made by Lilia of course. Speaking of his father, it wasn't a proper bathtime without him there. Silver remembers when Lilia would tower behind him, washing him from head to toe. When he wrapped his great big wings around the boy, it was like the entire world was encompassed in the space where the light shone in through his membranes. Come 15 years of age, Silver seemed to almost tower over him instead. He could no longer fit into that membraned world within his father's wings. Still, their positions never changed and Lilia continued to hold his boy close from behind. Those, now much smaller, webbed hands hugging him in embrace and lathering him in soap. Gentle kisses now between his shoulder blades instead of his forehead as the fae massaged shampoo into his locks. Oh, how Silver missed it so.

"Before we do that, though, there was something I wanted to inform you about," Lilia's voice, which was like that of a low, crackling, fire, flickered through Silver's absent mind."In a little while, I am going to go gather Sebek and Malleus. There's something I wish to discuss with you all. I think it'll be the solution to bring us salvation during these trying times," Silver sat up and watched his father inquisitively. "I'm sure you're well aware of how Malleus is doing mentally, he's been more attached to my hip than ever before. I'm surprised he was willing to go off to class today alone," Lilia paused, then spoke again."He's so petrified of potentially losing me again. How have things been with you and Sebek?"

"Hard, to say the least," Silver said with a sigh. Out of all of them, Sebek had been the most distant. The moonlit-haired boy actually was beginning to miss his constant yelling and complaining. A phrase he never thought he'd say in his life. It was true, Sebek hadn't been doing much of either these days. He went to class, he did his club activities, but outside of that he seemed to be avoiding people. Lilia knew he wasn't fully quiet, though, as multiple times throughout the night he heard shouting in the crocodile fae's room followed by loud banging. If the elder hadn't known any better, he'd have thought Sebek was going through a violent rut. Fae went through heat cycles, much like many of the animals and beastmen of this world did. Sebek was no exception, even taking in to account his half human blood. Because of this, it was common for fae to mate with many even outside of their own established partners. It had become tradition for Lilia, Malleus, Sebek, and Silver to help each other out through their heat cycles. More traditions of Valley culture which Lilia came to find out were considered taboo in other parts of Wonderland. This, too, Silver had sworn off from doing when he entered Night Raven. Though, he still partook in mating with Sebek. Saddened, Lilia was left to simply have Malleus breed him, which the prince was all too happy to do, very often. It had been a long while since Lilia had caught the scent of sex on either Sebek or Silver. Though, the elder had a feeling these violent outbursts weren't solely due to an unsatisfied heat-induced thirst. "I haven't really spoken to him much as of late. When I do, it's very brief and he seems to want to cut every conversation short. He also seems to be really pissed off. I know he always had indignation, but this seems... different. I'm worried about him, Lilia. It's like he's changing into a whole new person."

"He's doing what you were doing, Silver. Holding it all in and avoiding the problem instead of facing it. I'm worried for you all, but him especially. That isn't the Sebek we know, and if any of us were to..." Lilia paused with an audible swallow. "Overblot, it'd be him most likely. I haven't seen his gem recently but I fear it's become quite blackened. All the more reason we all need to have this discussion later. We've still got some time though, want some milk?" as Lilia was speaking he had begun pulling off his t-shirt. Still adorned in his clubwear, he also removed his striped black and lime long sleeve underneath. Fae were special, in that both mammalian and not, male or female, they were all able to produce milk. It was also common for fae to possess multiple nipples spanning from their chest down to their navels. The reason for this was to nuture and provide comfort for each other. Be it family, friend, or stranger, it was how fae showed they cared for one another. It wasn't limited to just their young drinking it either, for adult fae partook in it as well. Much like how one invites someone into their home for tea, fae did so with their milk. Much like the Valley's other traditions, Lilia got quite the rude awakening about this one during his post war travels. It was while he was in the Queendom of Roses at the popular Jabber 'n Wocky Pub with some fellow traveler buddies he made along the way. He never forgot the looks on the faces of the Queendom men when he exposed his perky nipples to them. One second it was, "Care for a drink, lads?", the next he found himself face first in the dirt outside tavern. A lesson learned, though he wished he hadn't lost his friends in the process. Out of all the traditions scorned, this one baffled Lilia the most. How could others not want to care for each other's wellbeing? The lot of them!

Silver watched with bated breath as his father exposed his front. His breasts were a lot bigger than Silver remembered. No, perhaps heavier was a better term."Malleus can only drink but so much from me. It's quite a pain draining these, you know? I won't force you, but if you'd like a drink I'd be happy to give it." Fae milk was one of the best tasting drinks Silver had ever had grace his tongue. It was said to taste like that of rich, sweet nectar. Any would do, but Lilia's in particular he enjoyed the most. The school cafeteria's milk came nowhere close to it. Silver eagerly crawled over. He stared stupidly at the teats staring back at him, as if he had not suckled on those same ones for 15 years of his life. The doubts from earlier began creeping in once more. What if the other students found out? What if- "Oh, come now, don't tell me you've forgotten how to nurse," Lilia jested. Realizing he'd been staring for too long, Silver timorously nestled into Lilia's arm and latched onto his breast. Like an angel sent from above, Lilia's warm voice quieted Silver's searing mind. It took a few vigorous sucks, but soon warm milk began flowing into Silver's mouth. He didn't want to sound repetitive, but, oh how he missed this. Within Headmaster Crowley's special permissions, Lilia was allowed to nurse Silver and Malleus wherever he pleased. In the end, it had only been Malleus who he fed out in public or even in private. Lilia's ears wiggled and his tail flicked. To say he was overjoyed in this very moment would be an understatement.

The boy let his eyes fall closed as he continued to nurse. He never learned the science behind it, but they weren't kidding when they said fae milk had soothing effects. It made him feel like a child again, those nights before bed, face pressed into Lilia's chest fur as he suckled away. Many times, he'd fall asleep just like that, milk trailing down his chin. Lilia began humming a familiar tune, gently rocking Silver. One he'd always sing to him and Malleus throughout the years. Sometimes, when Lilia was alone, his son caught him humming it to himself. He never did learn the name of it, by the time the question ever formed in his head he was off to dream land. Even now, he could feel himself slipping. The tempting voice of sleep in his ear called, and how he so wished to answer it. Silver wasn't sure when, but he vaguely recalled hearing a soft 'click', followed by voices unlike his father's. Then, it all faded to black.

By the time Silver's eyes fluttered open he found himself still snuggled within the crook of Lilia's wing. Just like as a child, milk had spilled down his chin. At some point during his slumber, the elder fae had attached a bib around his neck to catch any falling driblets. The boy rubbed his eyes and sat himself up properly in his father's lap. Surrouding them were the great fae prince, Malleus Draconia, and his guard, Sebek Zigvolt. "Huh, when did you two get here?" Silver pondered out loud."When little miss baby princess was taking her beauty rest," Sebek quipped, though without the usual volume and haughtiness. Even his expression was dull and lifeless, it made the boy's heart sink a bit."Silver, I thought you swore off being a child of heart? Did you, indeed, have a change of heart?" The fae prince said as he approached. Clad in his usual dorm uniform, he had opted to remove his pants and boots for the time being. While most of his front was covered by the long, draping fabric of his jacket, the sides offered a glimpse of his large, poofy pamper underneath. When Malleus had learned that diapers came in colors other than the standard white, he demanded one's in black and refused to wear any other. He demanded they be specially made extra poofy as well. How he went around school like this with no shame flabbergasted Silver to no end. His level of bravery was something the boy both wished to achieve and also could not fathom achieving. At least, not with the deep, internal shame he felt for his childish side."I did, and I still might, I'm just... thinking about it," Silver exclaimed, though deep down he felt he already knew his answer. There was still a part of him that felt ashamed to be participating in any of this. A part of him that wanted to rip off this ridiculous bib, throw his Spindlehug away, and be done with Lilia's parental shenanigans. That part was the boy he conjured up for 3 years, an image given life and form through repeated thoughts and patterns. It would be hard to put such a being to rest after having tasted the addicting flavor of this new world Silver found himself in. Of friends, of community, of acceptance. It wouldn't be an easy task, weaning the image. There had to be something to quiet it's incessant cries.

"Well, while you were being a sleepyhead, Papa told us of this wonderful trip we'll be taking!" Malleus chirped with a happy swish of his tail. Silver blinked, "Trip? Trip to where?" The prince's tail swished again and he could barely keep his feet still. "You've heard the tales of the Great Fae King, Chernyy. Everyone in Briar Valley is told it as children. It is said that he resides within Mount Lysá, apart of the Howling Canyon in the Valley of Thorns. Papa wants to take us on a trip there within a few days." Silver blinked again, now he really must be dreaming."A few days? But, we're in the middle of a semester! We can't afford to let our grades fall, not to mention Headmaster Crowley doesn't let his students just casually take a vacation whenever they want."

"You're most certainly right, Silver," said Lilia behind him. He caressed his boy's cheek and wiped off the remaining trails of drool and milk from his chin with his bib. Then, a kiss was placed on that same cheek. "I thought of that when contemplating this trip. A while back I spoke to the Headmaster about this idea. I know we all haven't been doing well mentally, and staying here isn't improving anything. I brought my concerns to him and we came up with a solution."

"Ah, Vanrouge, a pleasure to see you in my office! What brings you here?" the headmaster gleamed from pointy ear to pointy ear. He arose from behind his desk to meet the compact man before him. "Headmaster, I'd like to discuss something that's been worrying me a lot," as Lilia spoke he pulled out his magic pen from his breast pocket. The once radiating jewel of emerald was now tainted in splotches of sable ink. "It's been stuck like this for months, and it's only getting worse. I'm not the only one with this issue, Crowley. Malleus, and Silver's gems are also full of blot. I haven't seen Sebek's but given his recent behavior, I suspect it to be blotted as well. In fact, his is the one I'm most worried about." Even behind the Headmaster's shadowed mask, his gleaming eyes expressed worry."What is the meaning of this? I was under the assumption you 4 had made a swift and steady recovery," the feathers around his face and neck were bristling with unease. A common trait of bird fae."I'm afraid not. Things have been quite rough between us. Malleus is petrified of being alone and can barely go 5 minutes without being at my side. He has constant nightmares of the incident back in May and wakes up crying, looking for me. Silver is even more moody than before. I know why he is, partially, but the events of those days have been really getting to him. He's been neglecting to take care of himself properly and has been snapping at people. He never used to do that, really. Then there's Sebek, who I fear has been taking it the worst of all. He used to be so boisterous and full of pride, and now he's a shell of his former self. The boy barely even speaks to anyone anymore. I hear him during the night, yelling in his room. I think he's breaking stuff in there."

The headmaster raised a golden claw up to his chin, those glowing orbs disappearing for a time. When they finally reapeared, he spoke, "I am terribly sorry to hear the state you all have been in. It was careless of me to assume any one person could easily recover from such a devastating incident, let alone in a short amount of time. Your gems have coagulated with blot most likely due to your poor mental states. I cannot allow that to continue. For not only are you putting your own healths at risk but I cannot imagine the nightmare it would be having to take on not only an overblotted Draconia again, but you, Silver and Zigvolt as well. I'm afraid the world would actually be doomed at that point. I cannot let Night Raven College's reputation be tainted any further by any potential world ending individuals! But, what to do... what to do..." the bird-masked man paced about, pondering aloud."Headmaster, I was thinking," Lilia interrupted."Perhaps we could take some time off from school? I'm aware it's the middle of the semester, but maybe we could tie in our leave to our classes somehow?"

"How do you propose to do that?" Crowley stopped mid-pace and cocked his head to the side in a funny matter. Lilia exclaimed, "I was thinking me and my boys could return back to the Valley of Thorns, maybe for a few weeks or a month. What we need is to become connected again. We're lost without each other, and right now we all feel separated. Being here at school, where everything occured, I think it's clouding all of our minds. But, it won't just be a vacation. We could make it into a research project. You're familiar with the legends of the Great Fae King, yes?"

"Yes, I am quite familiar. My own father would tell me the tales of King Chernyy around Halloween. He claims his uncle was alive during the nights when the King still roamed what was once called Briarland with his people."

"His uncle, huh?" thought Lilia to himself. "Headmaster Crowley, you wouldn't happen to know anything about your great uncle, would you?"

"I'm afraid not, Vanrouge. I never got to meet much of my father's side of the family," he pointed a talon to his mask and tapped. "The only information I can spare is this mask was given to me by my grandfather. He carved it, as he claims, 'in memory of someone'. I met my grandfather when I was but a wee chick, and never got to ask him what he meant by that. I suspect it might have to do with someone on father's side of the family, perhaps my elusive great uncle?"

"How about we strike a deal then, Headmaster? During our trip, I was planning on going to Mount Lysá with them to research what we can about the Great Fae King. It'll act as both a chance for us all to reconnect and clear our minds, and also to research a topic not heavily covered in any of the History classes here. Our research could add something new and exciting to your curriculums. And..." Lilia stepped forwared, pointing at Crowley's veiled face."Perhaps, even dig up some information on this great uncle of yours? I have a feeling he's more tied into this than one would presume. Kill two birds with one stone." Crowley began pacing around, deeply pondering again."Vanrouge, under any normal circumstance I'd have to decline this offer. If any of the other students heard about this outing they'd all come to me with forged stories about why they, too, should take time off," the raven fae stopped his stride in front of the bat."But, I fear if I don't do something to help you all our school, and my reputation, could be in grave danger. I have been wanting new topics to be added to our History classes. Our students are bored and are wanting something new! It is quite costly to hire researchers, but you all would be doing it for free! Vanrouge, you have yourself a deal. When do you plan on taking this trip so that I may inform your professors?"

"Let's do it in October. In the past, King Chernyy would come out and dance among his people every Halloween. I think the best research would be conducted around then."

The headmaster's orbs blinked, "You speak as if you've met him personally. I don't recall any of the legends referring to when he'd come out of Mount Lysá. Though, perhaps that is why my own father would leave these tales under such an occasion."

"I was but a pup when I first got to witness the Great Fae King arise from atop that mountain. Oh, what a sight it was. Me and my friends at the time lit ablaze our scarecrows we made and danced the night away. The King would come to each and every one of us and bless us with the very moon. Well, anyway, thank you Headmaster, I believe this trip will help ease me and my family's spirits." Headmaster Crowley placed his hand upon the small of Lilia's shoulder and smiled, "I wish you all the best on your travels. It is a shame you will be missing this year's Halloween festivites but what must be done must be done. Don't let me down, or I will tell each of the Professors to unfreeze your grades. You just let me know when you 4 are ready. Oh, aren't I so kind?"

"...and that is what he said to me," finished Lilia, recalling the events of just last month. "I've already got permission from Malleus and Sebek, but what about you, Silver? Do you wish to take this trip with us?" He then quickly added after,"Only if you want to, of course." Silver took a long pause to think. So much had happened in the span of... what did the clock say? An hour had passed. He still wasn't fully sure if he wanted to go back to being a child of heart. Now, another big change was coming, he could be whisked away to go on a grand adventure. Change was hard for the moon-blessed boy, even if he didn't show it often. He was much like his father, in that he preferred when things were unchanging. But, life cannot remain that way forever, or nothing ever gets done. In the case of this family, change needed to happen or the future would metamorphize itself into a papilio of tragedy. If he didn't go, would he fall back into the temptress that was trying to belong? Belong in a world that cared of the character, and not the actor behind the mask? A family was all parts, not partial. Like the very bodies they inhabited, what affects one part can affect the entire system. He wanted them all to come together again, it was unnatural the way they were now. If Silver didn't go, none of them would be able to fully recover, and the thought of that made him sicker than the day he contracted iron poisoning.

"Yes, I'll go."

And so it was decided, and later that day Lilia went to tell the Headmaster it was time.