Where The Heart Is

A Trip To The Movies

Note: Anon prompt: For the drabbles thing, what about all of the gang going to see a movie together like Arthur wanted? (this'd be post WTD I'd imagine). Child note: I’ll say post WTD and also post move, so already settled into the new place and everyone has their new jobs but money’s still a little tight.

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            “I still think this is ill-advised.” Mystery muttered, shooting a sideways glance at the cloaked figure at the edge of the group.

            “Relax Mystery.” Vivi grinned. “I think Arthur finally got through to her about what movies are after that whole Saw incident. She won’t be carving up the screen this time. Besides, it’s not like we’re going to see a horror movie, it might even be right up her alley.”

            Mystery grunted uncertainly, and Vivi rolled her eyes.

            “You’re just worried if you go out in public as a human all the girls will hang all over you and your dapper little cane, aren’t you?” She teased.

            He bristled at the indignity. “Have you lost your senses? As if I would have any interest. I swear Vivi if anyone lays a finger on me they’ll lose their…” he trailed off, mortified at what he’d been about to say.

            “Lose their arm?” Arthur supplied, grinning. Mystery ducked his head, and Arthur chuckled, patting his shoulder. “Gotta lighten up Mystery. You can’t be so serious all the time. Come on, we’re just gonna have some fun. We can finally hear your take on a movie, yeah? Besides, Callie’s got to get used to modern America as much as possible.”

            “And it’s been too long since we did something fun together.” Vivi wound her fingers through Lewis’, beaming. “It’s been a month since we moved and no major disasters, time to celebrate.”

            “Well, celebrate on a budget.” Lewis shrugged sheepishly. He’d been put in charge of the group finances. “Lucky they have a re-run theater in town. When did this one come out?”

            “I think about a year ago.” Vivi mused. “I liked the retelling, and the effects were awesome. It’s always neat to see an old story from another point of view.”

            “What old story?” Callie peered out cautiously from the cloak. She kept the garment fastened close at the neck and let it drag on the ground to give the illusion of a body as she hovered along with the group.

            “Oh, well usually we know it as Sleeping Beauty.” Vivi explained. “It’s the story of a princess who was cursed at birth by an evil fairy to fall into a hundred year sleep when she pricked her finger on a spinning wheel, but was saved by true love’s kiss. Maleficent takes the same story and tells it from the evil fairy’s perspective. I’m sure you two will get a kick out of it and tell us everything they got wrong about the spirit world.” She giggled, walking up to the counter. “Five for Maleficent please.”

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            As the credits rolled, Arthur stretched, glancing over at Vivi. They’d flipped up the armrest and she was securely nestled in Lewis' arms, already going on about the parallels between the film and the original Disney release, comparing the two to the fairy tale origins. He rolled his eyes, she’d be going on for a bit, so he turned to Mystery and Callie, and started when he realized Callie was missing.

            “Hey Mystery, where’s Callie?” He asked, tense.

            “She left not long into the film.” Mystery replied quietly. “I assumed she needed some air, but she didn’t return.”

            “When did she leave?” Arthur stood. “Why didn’t you say something?”

            “She left when Maleficent walked back to the Moors trailing darkness.” Mystery sounded a bit peeved. “Seems she takes issue with dark spirits whether they are real or fictional. And to be perfectly honest, Arthur, I don’t care for her. That’s why I didn’t say anything.”

            Arthur frowned. “Work on that attitude Mystery.” Mystery’s head came up sharply. “I know you’re a powerful spirit and I’m just a human, but Callie’s part of the group now too. She’s my responsibility. You’re gonna have to learn to get along, both of you. And that attitude’s not gonna help.” He stepped past Mystery and headed for the exit.

            He didn’t have to look far. Callie had found a bench just outside and had situated herself carefully. The robe folded over the edge exactly as if she were sitting.

            “Callie?” He took a seat next to her cautiously. “Are you ok? Did the movie bother you?”

            “I am fine, Arthur.” She kept her eyes low. “Perhaps these events… movie? These movie events are not something I should continue to experience. They do not seem necessary to function in your world. They exist for amusement and to pass the time, correct?” At his nod, she continued, “I am not amused. I would prefer to not return here, perhaps next time I can rest at home.”

            He scratched the back of his head. “I’m really sorry it bothered you Callie. I just hoped it would be something we could all enjoy.”

            She glanced up briefly. “Your intentions were kind, Arthur. Your intentions are well received and appreciated. Prehaps another sort of event would be enjoyable, but not this.”

            Arthur watched her for a moment, before asking, “Callie why didn’t you stay through to the end?"

            “There was no need. I did not enjoy it in the beginning therefore it stood to reason I would not enjoy it as it continued.” Her eyes flicked away.

            He gauged her carefully, before shrugging it off. “If you say so. Maybe we can talk to Vivi about getting you over to the bookstore, maybe that’s more up your alley.” He craned his neck as the doors opened. Vivi was going into the fine details of symbolism and foreshadowing in the story, gesticulating wildly as Lewis nodded, smiling at her excitement. Mystery trudged out a little more slowly, leaning on his cane.

            “You gonna give Mystery a chance, or are you two going to be at odds for the rest of my life?” He asked her bluntly. “Cause that’s how long Mystery’s going to be with me, the rest of my life.”

            Callie’s expression darkened. “You say that. But you don’t know dark spirits. He is foul, I can smell the blood of flesh and soul on him from here. He will never be clean.”

            Arthur’s brows pulled down slightly. “Callie, I like you. And I’m grateful to you. But you are going to have to learn to work with him. He’s been my protector since I was born, and I don’t want to hear him insulted. Understand me?”

            Callie kept her eyes lowered, but mumbled under her breath, “It isn’t an insult, it’s the truth.”

            “Truth can be stated a lot kinder than that.” He fell silent as Mystery took a seat on the other side of him.

            “It was an enjoyable film, Arthur.” Mystery said loudly, leaning forward onto his cane. “I thought the part where the evil fairy realized what she had done and returned to her former glory was particularly well done. Her whole land lit up with her return, marvelous what can happen when a life changes direction.”

            Callie abruptly hovered off, heading toward Vivi and Lewis who were already walking back toward the house.

            Arthur frowned, a sense of unease tugging at him. Something was off, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

            Mystery just shook his head, growling low in his throat. “As dense water spirit as ever I met. Best of luck with her adjustment. This whole world’s become a darker place since her time. She’ll never truly fit in.”