Bloody Dawn - MCD AU [REWRITE PENDING]

Twenty-Two - The Good, the Bad, and the Plot Twists

"That's quite the accusation, Zane."

"I didn't say I was sure! It's just a hunch, but the evidence is pointing towards it."

"Zane's older brother was sent on a 'mission' to the Overworld a little while ago. I think it's perfectly likely." Michi pointed out.

"And he did look like our older brother. Same blonde hair, same blue eyes, same chiseled features..." Vylad said, making a completely legit point.

"Same voice, same classic arrogance..." Zane continued, counting out on his claws. "Am I forgetting anything?"

"He did smell like smoke, netherrack, and blazes." Michi spoke up.

Katelyn just stared at the three demons who had just made-what Katelyn believed, at least-was a very ill-founded accusation.

"Interesting theory." Emmalyn said, joining in. "But if he was a demon, then why would he look like an angel?"

"Simple." Michi said. "Illusion magicks. It's quite common in the Nether. Probably has some kind of charm keeping the illusion constant."

"Okay." Emmalyn said. "But we all saw him battling Aphmau. No demon could've kept up with her like that."

"It's not that our muscles are underdeveloped, just underused." Zane said. "It's probably possible for a demon to fly as fast as an angel if they have the space for flying. Which, as you can clearly see, is quite abundant here."

"Look, can we discuss this later? Like, maybe after we save Aphmau?!" Katelyn asked, annoyed and frustrated.

"Of course!" Emmalyn said, snickering. "You'd rather Garroth be a legit angel, wouldn't you? You wouldn't want the good name of Drake the EliteWing to be-mmph!"

Katelyn removed her hand from Emmalyn's mouth. "C'mon. We should probably get moving. The castle is that way."

"Wait!" Michi said. Everyone paused. "Okay. We can go. Any passerby will just think us demons are angels."

"Impressive. Now, let's go!" Katelyn said before flying off.

"You forgot something!" Emmalyn yelled.

"Oh, yeah." Katelyn said, holding four golden lassos.

"Maybe we should all ride in those." Michi suggested, half-sarcastically.
+=+=+=+=+
Staring out over the horizon in melancholy despair, Levin's wings drooped with longing.

"Prince Levin? May I have a word?"

Levin turned around, finding himself face to face with General Ivy of the KnightWings (*various booing sounds, wolf whistles, and weak smatterings of applause*).

"Well?" Levin asked, his wings perking up a little in false hope. "Has she woken up yet?"

Ivy hung her head, giving it a small shake. "Nope. The royal medical team has tried almost everything. They've just about given up hope."

"Then why'd you come, if all you were going to say was more bad news?" Levin asked, annoyed.

"It's not that, I just came to tell you that Garroth wishes to speak to you. That's all." Ivy said as she backed out with a bow.

Levin sighed, then went back inside. Had he stayed out a moment longer, however, he would've seen the blue-haired angel speeding towards the castle from the horizon.

Inside, Levin found Garroth in Aphmau's bedroom, looking down at her longingly. "She is beautiful, no matter what form she takes." The EliteWing-in-training said.

"Yes. That is very true. I'm proud to be her younger brother." Levin said sadly as he, too, sat down on the edge of the bed. He tentatively placed his hand on Aphmau's cheek. A single tear fell from his eye. To see her like this, his sister, whose strength and determination he had taken pride in, was like a sword through his heart.

"I was told you wanted to speak with me?" Levin asked, looking at Garroth.

"Yes. I actually wanted to ask just one request." Garroth said, taking on a serious face.

"You want to marry my sister? A lot of suitors say that in this situation." Levon said, catching Garroth off guard.

"Wait, wait." Garroth said. "How many times has she been in this situation?!"

"We've been through a lot of suitors." Levin said, as if that explained anything.

"Okay..." Garroth said, completely caught off guard by that semi-awkward moment. "Kinda ruined the moment..." he muttered. "Yeah, exactly. But you don't have to say yes."

"Well, I've actually been thinking." Levin began. "Thinking that maybe it's finally time for Aphmau to settle down and find love. So... yeah. Maybe. I'll think about your offer." As Levin got up to leave, Garroth smirked. Just as Levin was about to open the door, Jeffory the handsome and golden-hearted KnightWing burst in (*various cheers, whistles, applause, and fangirl screams*).

"Oh! My lord, I'm so sorry!" Jeffory said as he bowed so low he could lick the floor (thanks, Kai, for that idea). "I just came to tell you-Lady Katelyn is alive!"

Levin lit up, and Garroth let a tiny growl escape his throat.

Goddammit! If Katelyn squeals about what really happened, I'm through!

Levin smiled to himself.

Maybe there is hope after all.