Lavender Snow

Truth Burns

Turns out flying was much faster than running. Eret and Gem had to loop back several times to make sure Wilbur didn't get lost, and he had to take a break twice while trying to get to the outskirts of the city.

There was a dense crowd of Enderians when they finally arrived, yelling and squawking, but they parted at the arrival of the queen, extending their wings respectfully. Wilbur shoved through the crowd. "Ranboo!"

Ranboo turned, tears spilling down his cheeks. "Wilbur?!"

Wilbur ran, grabbing Ranboo in a hug. "Oh my god, you're okay. Are you hurt? Where were you?"

Ranboo gently pushed Wilbur back. "We need to talk."

"We need to take action!" Someone yelled. Wilbur looked up at the Enderian that had shouted, scowling at him. "There's a murderer right there, why isn't anyone doing anything?!"

"No one shall lay a feather on these men until we figure out what's going on," Eret said calmly, staring up at the Enderian with their blank white eyes. The Enderian murmured an apology, ducking his head.

Eret turned to Ranboo, inspecting him. "We never had a chance to formally meet. I am Queen Alastair Eret of Kinoko city. I hope the city can still give you a welcome, despite the unfortunate incidents a month ago."

A few Enderians shifted uncomfortably, feathers ruffling up in discomfort.

Ranboo glanced at the crowd, then awkwardly spread his arms in an imitation of wings, flushing at the giggles that spread through the crowd at the action. "U-um, I'm Ranboo. Of. . . the Essempí, I guess? I don't remember which Enderian city I was born in, and it's probably not there anymore, so. . ."

"Anywhere you call home will serve as a title here," Eret said easily. "But it's unimportant. I think a talk sounds like a fine idea, perhaps in a more. . . secluded area."

Wilbur nodded, linking his arm with Ranboo's. "The palace, then?"

Eret squinted at them. "Will you be fine walking back on your own?"

"I think I can teleport us there," Ranboo said.

Eret hummed. "Alright. Gem will guide you from above. Everyone else, you may return to your activities."

The Enderians took off reluctantly, dispersing back to their houses with some glares and some sympathetic glances in Ranboo's direction. The square was filled with whispers and murmurs, and Ranboo stared at the ground, trembling slightly.

"You alright?" Wilbur said. "You were crying earlier."

Ranboo sighed. "I'm just. . . tired of not knowing things."

"That's fair." Wilbur gestured down the street. "You ready to figure it all out?"

"I don't know," Ranboo said, barely audibly. He raised his head, there was a lurch in Wilbur's stomach, and then they both collapsed to the ground, groaning.

"Oh, fuck, man, I forgot that's what it feels like," Wilbur moaned, swallowing back bile.

Ranboo covered his face, making a pained noise. "Ow. Ow. Ow. Okay, turns out I wasn't as charged as I thought I was."

"Does it hurt?" Wilbur sat up, concerned. "Are you okay?"

Ranboo groaned again, then blinked up at the void. "I don't think I should try teleporting again."

"No shit." Wilbur stood and bent down, offering his hand to Ranboo. "We'd better get walking, then, Gem's waiting for us."

He helped Ranboo to his feet, then looked up and cupped his hands to his mouth. "Hey Gem! We're walking!"