Predator & Prey

  ( Merry' )

  Merry' leapt up to a fuzzy, curved branch and strained her eyes. The thick canopy of the Enchanted Forest could reduce light even on the brightest of days, so with the sun now setting, visibility would only get worse. She raised a hand and projected a light breeze to thin the spiralling veil, only to reveal yet more sprawling undergrowth.

  Somewhere within the leafy labyrinth lurked a villain. A menace of unforgivable intent. Someone or something that could, and likely would bring harm to the Queendom's people, yet despite that, Merry' wanted nothing more than to return to the palace. She wanted to check on Winter' and Cherry' again and again until she was so far beyond certainty of their well-being that the ugly worry constricting her heart would loosen. But orders were orders. Queen Titania had spoken, and the Fairy Princesses had a duty to fulfill.

  Panting and struggling through the forest floor with ill-suited footwear, Puddin' finally caught up. "I must say, I'm a slight kerfuffled. I don't suppose you'd be willing to walk a while?"

  Merry' shifted upon the branch and cast another turbulent twirl into the twilight, inadvertently showering her partner's parasol with a rain of fluffy leaves. "I'm not sure a casual stroll is what Queeny had in mind. We're supposed to be searching, Puddin'."

  "Prin-cess Pudd-ing-puff."

  Merry' sighed.

  She's not taking this seriously at all.

  "This isn't training," said Merry'. "There's an enemy out here somewhere. A real enemy. We need to find them before they can cause any more trouble."

  "Indeed," said Puddin'. "However, I believe our probability of success would be unchanged if we were to simply sit and wait. Though, quite honestly, neither is much better than burying our heads in the ground..."

  "Well, we can't just give up, and complaining won't help," said Merry'.

  "I'm not complaining, but merely saying that this is almost entirely and utterly pointless. Do you have any idea how vast this forest is? I can somewhat understand the purpose of the flight-capable searching, but having us stumble through sticks and mud like a pair of peasants is -"

  "Winter' and Cherry' were attacked!" Poison spilled from Merry's tongue and brought tears to her eyes. An emotional toxicity she usually refused to acknowledge, yet right now there was little she could do to stop it from coursing through her veins.

  For once, Puddin' seemed speechless. She pursed her lips and rolled them from side to side.

  Merry' felt her face contort with guilt. She reached up and massaged the bridge of her nose, hoping it might help the surrounding muscles relax. When thumb and finger did little to ease the pangs, she finally dropped from the canopy. "Ok, ok. We walk, but only while you catch your breath."

  Puddin' smiled politely. "Marvelous and most wise, my dear Merrymint. Even if we were to somehow discover a nefarious needle in this hopeless haystack, I'd be of little use exhausted."

  "Just... do me a favour and at least look like you're looking, ok?" asked Merry'. "Sunny's going to be real mad if she drops by to see you checking your hair again."

  Puddin' seemed to take the request as a reminder, producing a locket from her pocket which flipped open to reveal a mirror. "Well, I'm sorry for not wanting creepy crawlies rummaging around my scalp. This place is riddled with wee beasties. Besides, why worry over what our feathered friend thinks? Don't allow the position of glorified errand girl to go to her head. That's the last thing she needs."

  Merry' readied herself to retort, but realised that on this occasion she couldn't really disagree. Sunny was always a little sensitive when it came to group dynamics. It was a fire that needed no more fuel.

  Satisfied with her reflection, Puddin' clicked the locket shut and returned it to her pocket. "Dearest Merrymint, do you mind if I ask you a question? Or dare I chance, a series of questions?"

  "You're supposed to be catching your breath," said Merry'. She tried to keep her attention on their surroundings, despite her search partner's apparent disinterest.

  "Come now. We don't know how long this little show will last for. It's already getting dark. You don't honestly want to spend an entire night in silence, do you?" Puddin' paused, as if awaiting an answer, yet continued the moment Merry' prepared to respond. "I think our relationship akin to a bud. Neglect would see it wither, but a little nurturing would have it bloom to a beautiful bouquet. Would a fresh friendship not be a most joyous outcome to this otherwise fruitless endeavour?"

  "Look..." Merry' took a moment. She scrunched her eyes closed and waited for frustration to abate. "...It's not that I don't want to be better friends. That'd be fantastic! That'd be super-incredible! But this isn't the time. Winter' and Cherry' could've gotten hurt, and I... we weren't there to keep them safe."

  Puddin' narrowed her long lashes. "...You're rather protective of them, aren't you?"

  "Of course I am! Who wouldn't be protective of their little sisters?" asked Merry'.

  "Quite. Tell me, how is Winterwish?"

  Merry' restrained the urge to squint whilst trying to suss Puddin's intent. "...She's doing great. Why?"

  "Great? Hm." Puddin' gave a slight shrug as if the matter were concluded. "I thought you might have more to say, but no matter..."

  Merry' swept a bush aside with her stave. "I have plenty to say, just not behind her back."

  "If you say so. I think it rather odd for one to conceal praise of their Mentee..." Puddin's voice lowered to a whisper. "Wait, don't tell me you think poorly of her?"

  "No!" Merry' cried. "Never! She's a real hard worker. I just don't feel comfortable talking about her while she's not around."

  "Really?" asked Puddin', as if she'd not once considered respecting a person's privacy. "You've never mentioned, say, Cutiehorn, Bubblebun or Sunshine without them being present?"

  "...Well..." struggled Merry'.

  "Oh..." gasped Puddin'. "Then perhaps your discomfort is not a matter of subject, but rather whom you're conferring with..." Pink orbs lowered, then her whole head followed. "My apologies, little sister. I did not intend to earn your resentment."

  Merry' winced. While it was true she didn't always agree with the way Puddin' spoke to others, it wasn't as if she disliked her. In fact, Merry' was conscious never to dislike anyone, no matter what. Bad attitudes were infectious. If one didn't wish to see their life polluted, then it was important to remain positive. She even had a motto to reinforce her beliefs. One she repeated both morning and night, either side of sleep.

  Each and every friendly face makes the world a happier place.

  She'd recited the phrase countless times, and hoped that one day, with enough dedication, it might help erase the negativity lurking within. She'd been given such a wonderful life, filled with fun and friendship. There was no reason for malaise, and as such, she'd refused to acknowledge it. She hated the idea of bringing others down. She would remain happy, and she would make others happy too.

  Merry' shook her head and summoned the largest and brightest smile she could muster. "I'm sorry. You're awesome, Puddin'!" she sang. "I'm just worried about them, is all. I didn't mean to be rude."

  Puddin' raised a lace gloved hand to her heart. "Thank goodness! If it's any help, Cherrychomp is quite capable, and as for Winterwish, well... she has enormous potential."

  "She does?" Merry' reached beneath her hat to scratch at her scalp. "I mean, of course she does!"

  Puddin' nodded. "Titania sees something in her. You have no idea how strongly she felt about having Splishsplash serve as Mentor."

  Stunned, Merry' almost tripped over a protruding root. "Queeny didn't want me to Mentor? Did she say that? When?"

  "Oh no, no, no. You needn't concern yourself with her initial misgivings. She made the right choice in the end." Puddin' placed a hand upon Merry's shoulder and looked her right in the eyes. "You were and still are the correct choice. If Winterwish is to master her magic, it'll be under your Mentorship."

  Merry' swallowed hard. The pink peepers offered nothing but support, yet she couldn't help feeling doubtful. "...If?"

  "Let us liken manifesting magic to pouring water a moment. We might compare yours to transferring a beverage from one glass to another. A challenging task for a newborn, maybe, but one easily mastered with maturity."

  "...Right, and?"

  "And, for Winterwish, it seems more akin to tipping a brimming barrel. Not only does it take far greater effort, but it's much more difficult to control. Angle a single degree too far and the whole thing comes crashing down. An unstoppable tide, if you will. Though, in Winterwish's case, perhaps an avalanche would be more apt."

  Merry' inhaled steadily and tried to focus on the sense of pride. "You're saying she's strong. Strong enough to surpass me... just like Cherry' did."

  "You're missing the point, my dear. I'm saying she could surpass all of us. One day, she might even match the Radiant Queen herself."

  "...What?" Without even realising it, Merry' had come to a complete stop. "Is that even possible?"

  "Indeed. Did you know Titania had a fascination for one cocoon in particular?" Lofty boots halted. "She hasn't ascended to the Nursery once since Winterwish's emergence..."

  It took a moment for Merry' to make the leap. "...Really?"

  "Do not tell her," said Puddin'. "She is unprepared for such a burden."

  As much as Merry' hated the idea of keeping secrets from her student, she had to agree.

  Winter' worries enough, and that's without knowing she's some kind of super-special-chosen-one. Then again, Winter' isn't the only one capable of feeling pressure...

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  "Why tell me?" she asked.

  "Because you should know of her importance, and thus by extension, your importance," said Puddin'. "Facetious decisions can have grave consequences, my dear. Feigned frivolity will not excuse any of us from said repercussions."

  Merry' triple blinked.

  That's supposed to be advice, not an insult... right?

  Puddin' whipped her parasol to a close, upturned it, and planted the tip in the ground whilst resting both hands upon its handle. Quiet air turned heavy in an instant, and Merry' couldn't help but flinch.

  "Princess Merrymint. My final question: Where exactly do your loyalties lie - To Titania, or to your sisters?"

  Merry' caught herself adjusting her spectacles, as if steadying them would help her keep up with the runaway conversation. "...To both, obviously!" She added a single-note laugh, though a little too late.

  Pink eyes squinted with dissatisfaction. "Before we departed on this foolish errand, you expressed a desire to remain with Winterwish and Cherrychomp, yet Titania demanded otherwise, and you obeyed."

  "Yes. Of course." Merry' reached for the first statement that came to mind. One that was usually said in the most monotonous of tones. "The Queen's will is absolute," she sang, poorly.

  Laced fingers tightened upon the hooked handle of the parasol. "Then am I to take it you would heed any command, no matter how awful?"

  Awful? What does she mean by awful?

  "What is this about?" asked Merry'.

  Puddin' responded with the unthinkable. An idea Merry' could never have imagined, even in her darkest of moments.

  "Suppose Titania grew fearful of Winterwish. Suppose she ordered you to slay your student by any means necessary. To sneak into her room one night and cut her throat. What then?"

  Merry's breathing shuddered. She shook her head, hoping the moment might pass, yet judgemental orbs remained locked upon her expectantly. It would've been the perfect time for Sunny to drop by and check on them, or to bump into some locals. Anything would do to change the subject and free herself of the confusing intensity, yet the Enchanted Forest had never felt so still and silent.

  "...Are you uncertain?" asked Puddin'.

  Merry' swallowed hard. "No," she almost choked. "I've never been more certain. There's no way I'd hurt Winter'."

  Puddin' curled her lips, then opened her parasol and lifted it in time to deflect a tumbling leaf. The atmosphere changed once more, from crushing to breathable.

  Merry' gritted her teeth and clenched at her stave. She squeezed as if trying to force her venom into the inanimate object where it couldn't hurt anyone, though to limited success.

  What the heck is she even thinking asking questions like that?

  Grutch-spluck.

  Merry' spun around and gazed deep into the dark. "Puddin', you hear that?" she whispered.

  Dusk had turned night. The only remaining source of light was the bioluminescent fungi which painted trees in otherworldly hues. Merry' quickly realised that she no longer recognised the eerie trunks that divided the abyss beyond.

  "Puddin', where the heck are we?"

  No response came.

  Merry' glanced over her shoulder, only to discover she was now alone. "Puddin'? Puddin'!" she whispered louder, desperately trying to reach her search partner without alerting whatever lurked within the lightless.

  Sleeping leaves loosed hushed rustles. Twisted branches creaked. Nocturnal animals shuffled and scratched. Yet one sound was unlike the others. It oozed through the inky beyond, as if staining the air.

  Grutch-spluck, grutch-spluck.

  It was gaining volume. Growing closer.

  "Pud-... Princess Puddingpuff?" Merry' whispered urgently.

  Grutch-spluck, grutch-spluck!

  She thrust a hand high and prepared to launch a signal tornado, whilst brandishing her stave defensively.

  Suddenly, silence.

  Nothing lunged from gloom. Nothing prowled behind bark, crawled through the canopy nor slithered over mossy logs.

  Merry' tightened her jaw and began to move, stepping lightly, as if testing thin ice. She stayed low and steered clear of glowing fungus, hoping to stay as hidden from it as it was from her.

  Snort!

  She whipped around, jagged leaves circling her splayed fingers, ready to fire off a ferocious flurry.

  Behind her, a young shroomhide obliviously snuffled for truffles, its back aglow with fluorescent fungi.

  Her tense chest deflated with a groan of tremendous relief. "Heck, lil' piggy! You almost scared me to death!"

  Thud.

  A stump limb jabbed down, partially crushing the baby boar. Shrill squeals rang out. Tiny trotters kicked and spasmed. Mushrooms crumbled and innards popped. The hoglet struggled for its life until a mutated maw clamped shut.

  Crunch.

  The squealing stopped.

  A half-hidden horror towered from the murk. Enfeebling fear flooded Merry's body like a shiver-inducing sickness. Just like her, the contorted creature must've been human once, though whilst the change she'd undergone had been beautiful, this abomination had been hideously warped by ichor.

  Its eyes had swollen so much they dangled from sockets, weeping like punctured pustules. Dozens of thin, gangly limbs stretched to torturous lengths, ending not in hands nor feet, but bloody stumps. It stalked towards her like a pained spider, one lacerated lung swaying from its ruptured ribs, wheezing and gurgling like a wet balloon.

  Grutch-spluck!

  Merry' unleashed both a scream and a stinging storm. The grotesque shot back, its spine crashing against a large trunk. Bones shattered, and the pulverised piglet spilled from a gaping gut. But it wasn't enough. With a thrash of frenzied stalks, the predator skittered back into the impenetrable gloom, its movements too swift and messy to predict.

  She tried to steady herself.

  Ok... Ok... Ok! This is what we trained for. Me and my sisters, every darn day. All to prepare for this moment, as a family. I'm not letting everyone's efforts go to waste!

  With confidence came calm, and with calm, clarity. Merry' knew what she had to do. She snatched the hat from her head and reached for the violet vials within...

  ...Yet all too late.

  The ghastly ghoul pounced from the shadows before her fingers could grasp the faefire. She raised her stave to block, only for it to splinter before her spectacles.

  In that instant, hope vanished. All that came to mind were the friends she would leave behind. The little sisters she'd failed.

  Cherry'... Winter'...

  Sharpness slashed swifter than eyes could follow, though it was not Merry's flesh that parted.

  The mangled monster fell back, its face cleaved in two. Divided brains tumbled from a broken cage. For a moment it continued to quiver and crawl, even as its skin sizzled and steamed into swirling smoke.

  "...Do you have any idea how much I loathe being wrong?" Princess Puddingpuff stamped a heel down upon the split skull.

  "I... I thought I was dead!" stammered Merry'. "I thought you'd left me!"

  Princess Puddingpuff guided her away from the fallen foe as its skeletal structure softened. "Come now. I would not forsake a good friend."

  "Then where the heck were you!?"

  "Watching. Waiting. My apologies, but I don't fare well in fair fights."

  Merry' scowled. She was more than ready to embrace the furious toxicity brewing within, but Princess Puddingpuff had just saved her life, and so she redirected her wrathful glare toward the lumpy, hissing soup.

  ...Why is it melting?

  "Princess Puddingpuff," whispered Merry', "...how did you do that?"

  Princess Puddingpuff tilted her head curiously. "Me? You needn't be so modest, sister. You did all the heavy lifting, I merely tipped the balance."

  "No, I -" started Merry'.

  "More importantly," interrupted Princess Puddingpuff. "You are going to throw that, right? Better to be safe than sorry."

  Merry' looked down at the vial of faefire in her trembling hand. "Y-yeah." A stiff thumb pushed down on the cap, causing a crack to snake through the surface of the bottle and the butterfly within to flutter wildly. She steadied her breathing, then tossed the vial toward the mound of sloppy, bubbling viscera.

  Potent purple plumed high. A surge of brilliance illuminated the night, engulfing and annihilating all trace of the enemy.

  "Hm. Quite violent, isn't it?" asked Princess Puddingpuff. "Seems we needed neither flare nor tornado. No way Miss Eagle-Eye is missing that."

  At any other time, Merry' might've thought the mystical fire pretty, but she was still quaking. Realisation hit with a flap of panic. They might've only encountered a mutant rather than pure ichor itself, but she wasn't about to take any chances. Eyes scoured arms, legs and anywhere else they could glimpse, before looking to the socialite beside her.

  Boots! It's on her boots!

  "Princess Puddingpuff!" Merry' pointed frantically.

  The fanciful fairy looked down and grumbled at the sight of frothing splatter. She crouched and worked nimble fingers upon crisscross laces. "Seems I got a little carried away. How reckless of me. Still, something to keep our dear dolly busy, I suppose."

  Merry's heart continued to race as she watched the heavy shoes land amongst the dying blaze.

  "Say..." started Princess Puddingpuff, wiggling socked toes. "...I don't suppose you'd mind carrying me back home?"