Revival

Night of the Golden Rays

  We came back and sat down. This AU was silent. An expansive forest with houses dotted away from the river. Cross bought blankets for us there and we managed to find that everyone in the AU lives far away from each other unless they were in the cities. For some reason this place felt just like home. I couldn't put my finger as to why.

  Cross tended to the fire with a fire potion that he bought and set a rock on fire.

  "There now we will be warm for the rest of the night. How about a story time?" Cross bounds off the ground to my side.

  "But I'm the the destroyer. I don't like to create."

  "Just because you're the destroyer doesn't mean you can't make a story. A story is just a tale. It doesn't require much. You can't destroy a story. If you need help I will give a starter. Like this:"

Cross

  Long ago there lived a guardsman. Handsome and brave he conquered many foe. Yet he longs for a good drink from the goblet of shimmering wine.

~

  "You try."

  "I think I got it."

Error

  There was once a being named Cindererror. The being was ugly and a pathetic existence with that who fell under the right of their holder and leader for they supposedly had no real right to themself to be who they were.

  One day while running errands they found a group of people huddling around a pamphlet. That was to be read by the town scribe.

  'There is to be a ball at the palace.... Every citizen of this state shall be allowed to attend!'

  Cindererror grew with joy that they will be able to attend. They pulled their hood over their head and went to cook a good meal for the afternoon.

  When Cindererror returned home. Their 'family' were cheering because they had a chance to break into the royal family.

  When Cindererror decided to go to the ball they had already made plans to make a suit. But Epipen, Subway and as well as the family's leader Squid decided to make it impossible to attend. All by making chores stacked high as devil's lettuce.

  Cindererror felt a pang of sadness. They wanted to join the festivities. They had to maintain the Familia's post and ensure that they don't get robbed by the neighboring tribes. Plus they were already pretty much dirt in the eyes of the high-esteemed socialites. They could care less if one small time citizen gets to go. More room for the upper-classes.

  The day of the ball arrived and Cindererror was left alone in the house waving good bye at their Familia's large carriage.

  Living in the slums made easy money for some reason, fore this Familia thrives in the poorest nations and lack of support from the complete protection of the higher powers in the kingdom.

  Cindererror felt discouraged. That is until their fairy god-dude showed up. He gave Cindererror a chance to go to the 3 day ball. But each day they must attend as a different mysterious woman.

  The Fairy god-dude, or just dude for short used his magic to make Cindererror a golden dress that shone like the sun. A fancy golden carriage ready to escort Cindererror to the palace. The footman stepped out of the carriage- a golden wisp.

  Cindererror looked back at 'dude' and quickly hugged him whispering thank you before getting into the carriage.

  The moment Cindererror got to the palace, all eyes were on them. Despite arriving fashionably late the prince's attention was caught at the same time stopping the dance with his partner rudely.

  Who was this being with the gold dress and shimmering black hair with gold streaks. The crowds erupted with gossip. The instigators taking in the refreshing tea, including the Familia.

  Cindererror now a woman named Jian Fan Mi, walked through surveying the ballroom in awe that they have actually made it in.

  The prince was so intrigued that he went to ask for a dance, hoping that their presence will cure his boredom.

  Upon dancing with them the prince was lovestruck. He wished that he could cancel his engagement to his fiancée just to be with them. The prince led Cindererror now Jian to the balcony away from the jealous eyes of women who wanted a turn to spend time with the prince. Angry eyes turned to the crown prince of the kingdom who is still unmarried.

  The prince and Jian spent the rest of the day laughing and enjoying the splendors that the 3 day ball has held. The prince set his mind to it. He proposed to Jian when the moon was high in the sky. The last quarter moon hung over the sky, left half illuminated right half dark.

  However the answer:

  'I am sorry your majesty. I mustn't, I couldn't, I shouldn't. No matter how much my heart dearly does so.'

  The prince's eyes flickered with sadness and his hand enveloped over Jian's hand. He whispered:

  'So I guess we must finish the night. Will I see you tomorrow?'

  Jian shook their head. Then with a sorrowful gaze bid farewell to the prince before taking the carriage to the quarters that was designated to the guests of the poor country.

  Jian opened the door to their room and locked it. They will remain as Jian Fan Mi for the rest of the night.

  ~

  "So the prince wanted Cindererror to stay? Why didn't they stay?"

  "It will be revealed soon." I tell him.

Error

  Jian removed the golden gown and hung it in the closet and called for Dude.

  Within moments Dude has appeared and motioned for them to sit on the straw bed. The best that they could do for the lower classes.

  Dude gives them a slightly see-through silk dress that will help them sleep. Jian lays down to rest.

  On the other side of the door keys jingle in the door and said door creaks open. Light pours in and a silhouette strolls in closing the door behind them.

  They sit on the bed startling Cindererror awake. Jian slightly present in the hair. The prince sat on the bed watching 'Jian'.

  The night ends with the prince leaving rubbing smeared lip balm from his face and pulling his cloak back over his head and sneaking away.

  Only then did Cindererror realize what happened.

  Jian faded back into Cindererror at 12 am. When twilight was at it's finest.