The Survivors

Nine

By Thursday, all four villages were buzzing with excitement, and so was the castle in which Yellow was rubbing her eyes as she awoke. "Good morning Cream." She got up, her hair looking like she had been struck by lightning. Cream laughed and covered her mouth, shaking her head.

"Miss Yellow, you look silly!"

She smiled softly and laughed along, trying to pat her hair down. As Yellow sat at her mirror, the maid brushed her hair out slowly. She smiled softly, watching her in the mirror. "I'll make you look really pretty for today, okay?"

"Why me? I'll make you look pretty, ma'am!" She grinned at the older woman.

"Because I want you to look pretty. I'll give you a pretty dress too." She looked over at her, rising up. She picked out a pink dress for the small girl, handing it over. She got out her own dress, quickly changing before helping Cream get hers on and laced. Yellow smiled softly and watched her twirl. "It looks good on you! Keep it!"

"Keep it? I can't, ma'am. My mama would want to sell it."

"Then I'll talk to your mother and convince her. Okay?"

"Okay!"

After a few more hours of getting ready, Yellow, Red, Cream, and Pumpkin went outside and waited for their carriage.

Yellow blinked a few times. "You are together?" She was shocked, staring at Red and Pumpkin, who's hands were linked.

"Yes, we are. Already you have forgotten? Idiot." Red rolled his crimson eyes.

"Yes, Yellow. Anything to say?" Pumpkin cut in quickly, smiling.

"No, I just didn't expect it..." She looked down and watched the carriage get close. Cream clung to Yellow's arm, nervous of the Emperor angry look.

"You're bringing along a servant?"

"You are too, brother." She looked at Pumpkin.

The orange haired woman scoffed. "I'm his date."

"Ah! My apologies, Pumpkin!" Yellow hid her shame behind a smile, quickly climbing into the carriage with the others. It began to move once everyone was settled, bringing them towards the Village of Magic.

"I hope you know how to talk to an Empress, Yellow, if you plan to actually win." Pumpkin barely looked at any of the others, her gaze focused outside of the window.

As they made their way down the cobblestone road, the houses of their village became farther and father apart before they stopped all together. Fields of fruits and grain bordered the road, and farmers stopped their work to wave at the royal carriage. Yellow waved back happily as Red groaned.

The castle was beautiful, made of stones matching the changing colors of the Empress's eyes: red, orange, yellow, white, red, yellow, orange, yellow, white, red. Never the same color long. Steps of polished marble reflected the dimming light of dusk, their white faces glowing with the moonlight and sunlight combined. Pillars of the same material lined the front of the castle and down the steps, each one holding a banner holding the crest of the Village of Magic. People flocked inside, chattering with their fellow partygoers. The twins were left with their mouths open, shocked at the beautiful sight. Red went straight in while Yellow lingered, gently feeling each step and each sound, feeling every detail of the house.

Pumpkin barely glanced around; she would get a chance to once she was on the throne. Red also thought that, now accustomed to its beauty. He waited at the door for the other two to arrive. Cream ran to Yellow's side, eyes wide with wonder. She was awestruck and wanting to explore. The older servant calmly took the Emperor's hand, laying hers on his.

He squeezed it softly before opening the doors, going in. Yellow blushed a little and held the little girl's hand, staring around in awe. Yellow quickly ran to join the other nine champions by Diane's throne.

Diane's gaze flicked around the room before resting on the tall man before her. "Ah, Sammy! My favorite water nymph."

Pumpkin nodded to them. "The first is ready to dance, Red."

"A water nymph with the woman of fire?" Cream giggled. "Funny!"

Red laughed and watched them. "She will burn through him in a day!"

Yellow watched, trying to remember her dance moves. Diane tilted her head and spun away from Samuel. "You're tiresome."

"She barely danced with him!" Cream whined.

"She doesn't like him that much." He laughed and watched the next challenger appear. The Empress let the smaller woman take her hand and waist. "Oh, I feel terrible, but I don't know you."

"She's testing the woman's patience. It's already weakening." Red turned to Pumpkin.

She nodded. "I can see her vein pulsing from here." She gave a laugh.

"I'm Shiro," she whispered, the little woman barely got to her shoulders.

"And what race are you?"

"I'm an ice golem." She smiled, deep blue eyes looking up at her shyly.

Diane held back a laugh, amused by how her complete opposite could ever wish to become her bride. Soon she stepped away, bored. "Thank you for the-" she didn't get to finish as Shiro ran out, crying.

"Oh my. You, go after her." A young maid ran after and she let the next person grab and spin her. "And you are?"

"I'm Hanur." He grinned. "From the Village of Animals."

She gasped as she saw his fox ears twitch. "I've always had it soft for foxes. I have many in my gardens." She smiled and laid her head on his chest, feeling muscle beneath his clothing.

As the night dragged on, she got through nine of the champions. Finally, Yellow stepped up. Diane breathed out a sigh of relief and took one of the Wine's hands, her free hand on her shoulder. She let out a small gasp as Yellow pulled her closer by the waist, but gladly let it happen.

Yellow was the only one to get through an entire song, and they didn't speak. They just smiled and laughed, enjoying each other's presence.

The whole room was watching them, so no body saw Pumpkin break away from Red and head outside.