Lost and Forgotten

Chapter 6

I went over the plan once more with the Proxy Trio and Jeff. We were to meet at the spot an hour before the show. If we were able to obtain the Meet-and-Greet tickets, we would split up, the Trio would get in line for the main show and Jeff would come with me to meet the singer. Then if it is Fear, we talk her into coming back. If not, we enjoy the show and keep looking.

Simple. I hope. I look at the guys, "Any questions?"

Hoodie shyly raises his hand, "What if we don't get the tickets?" I pause for a moment, "Then we see if it is her on stage and track her down after the show." I lean back against the counter. "It's the best we can do." They nod, then look down. "How's LJ holding up?" Masky asks. I shake my head, "He tried to hang himself yesterday and he has a short fuse." He huffs a bit, "No surprise. He had a short fuse before meeting Fear. Then after he did, it was a complete 180. She was his world to him. She would keep the hands in line and brought in many of the victims for his circus," He explains. This is the first I heard about their true relationship. He continues, "We never saw him so happy. For her to just up and leave, it was a shock to everyone."

"Remember that her sister betrayed us to those 'doctors'," Jeff jumps in, "That was a real shock." The other two nod in agreement. I push myself off the counter, "We have until tomorrow at noon for the Meet-and-Greet tickets. Get those submissions in as soon as you can." I say my goodbyes to them before heading out.

The sun was setting as I walk out of the mansion. I go out into the woods for a nighttime walk. The air has cooled significantly after the sun had gone, my clothing now too thin for the nighttime weather. The moon glowed a soft blue-ish white as it rose into the sky, a full moon tonight. I follow a hidden path, leading up a hill to a cliff. It looked over the huge Slender forest, being able to see some of the landmarks, along with LJ's circus in the distance. It's been a while since I was here at this spot. I spread my gray wings, feeling the cool breeze against the feathers. I step closer to the edge, closing my eyes, before I drop off over it. "A leap of faith", I remember Fear saying to me, "Learning to be and feel free takes a leap of faith". I take a deep breath before opening my wings and eyes, gliding swiftly over the tree tops. I can hear her laughter, watching her diving in and out of the trees, like a dolphin in water, then spinning up into the air like a top. Our flights together were few, but no less magical. I can see her doing her tricks, showing off a bit, but amazing none the less. "Put trust in yourself, and anything is possible", she would say to me.

She must not look for us. Look for the entrance.

I land near the portal home. I sigh and fix my hair before opening the portal. Standing on the other side was one of Zalgo's many guards. This one was a buff demon, incredibly intimidating. "Queen Y/N. Welcome home." His deep voice greets me. I look at him, confused at his appearance in the portal. I step through before asking any questions. Once the portal to the Overworld closes, I look at the guard, "Why are you in the portal tunnel?"

"Lord Zalgo has ordered guards at the Overworld entrance to every portal. He doesn't feel safe after that man threaten you and the Lord." He explains, "He's looking for you in the dining room." He then turns back to the closed portal entrance. I shake my head and continue down the tunnel to the main palace.

I walk to the dining room, smelling the amazing food from down the hallway. I look into the room. Zalgo sat alone at the far end of the table in his normal form, drinking red wine and eating roasted duck. I walk in with a smile, "I'm back dear." He looks up from his glass of red and sees me, "I'm sure you saw the guard on your way in." My smile falters a bit, "Yes, and that's quite a hello." I joke, walking around him to sit in my seat on his left side. He sighs, "I'm sorry, I have little choice. I want us safe." His cold eyes turn soft and warm. He smiles a bit. "You smell of pine, went for a flight?" He reaches over to me to pick a leaf from my H/C hair. I chuckle, "Guess I missed one. Yea, it's a beautiful night for one. Not too warm, not too cool, and it's a full moon."

He chuckles, "I know you didn't get out much until recently. Royal duties stack on top of each other." He sips his wine. "The Proxies and Jeff are joining me for the show." I say as I'm served my meal by one of the servants. They pour red wine into my glass and hurry off, standing off to the wall in case they were needed. "Is that so? I'm surprised with Jeff. He's...a free spirit that boy." He snickers, "But he is a good companion." I start to eat my portion of duck, moist and lean. "He is, but can at least read a crowd."

Zalgo sits back in his mahogany chair, "Very true, but also has a thirst for a fight." I shrug, "I'll keep him in line." I smirk, winking at my husband, who shares a smirk as well. "I hear you. But still be careful."

I was going to tell him about thinking I saw the man, but I stop myself before I do. He's worried enough about me, I can handle myself. We talk for a while before he decides to retire to bed. I changed into one of my royal gowns, not feeling tired enough to sleep. I walk around the palace, followed by my advisor. I open the doors to the castle library, walking inside and looking around at the tall floor to ceiling shelves filled with books. In the old section of the library, I look at some scrolls, some that were lost for centuries to the humans' world. I then go through the aisles of books, Poe's many poems and stories to great works of modern literature. My hand brushes over the spines of the books.

I work my way back to the center of the library, where my book lays. In a glass case it lays closed and locked. I never used it since I first met Zalgo. I learned its secrets, its magic now mine to wield. I look down at its faded cover, the room grows colder as I feel the ones that used the book from years long past. Their names and faces lost to me, but their presence is known to me. I stand tall, breaking the trance.

"Mistress, it is quite late." My advisor says to me. I look at her, "I'm going to be up yet, but you may go to bed. I'll be alright." I give her a soft smile as I take the candle from her. She sighs a bit, but bows. "Goodnight mistress." With that, she turns and leaves. I am alone with my thoughts in the grand library.