( I need to borrow a wheelbarrow, says Fakir. )

"Princess Tutu," Fakir gasps, with what remains of his breath. "You must see to Mytho's future."

Good. That's the last thing. The Prince's sword is broken; Mytho won't lose his heart, and Tutu will keep him safe. Fakir can fall now.

The lake closes over him.

(Happiness, to those who accept their fates.It's quiet down here, lit by a strange and ( Read more... )

Scene, a lake in an underground cavern, separated from the gap by a narrow shore. In the center of the lake, there is something like a white branch, or a great ivory tusk, or the silhouette of a swan's neck. On it stands Princess Kraehe, in black tulle and satin ( Read more... )

The tunnel opens on a spiral staircase in red sandstone, and then on a set of rough, uneven paths overlooking a cliff face ( Read more... )

When the battle comes at last, Fakir has decided, it's likely to occur on rough terrain rather than in a salle with a flat wooden floor and a mirrored surface. He ought to practice his sword forms on uneven ground.

That's why Fakir has found a convenient ruined tower in which to run through his Marozzo routines.

Princess Kraehe has kidnapped Mytho, told Fakir and Duck all about it, delivered a string of threats and insults and vanished in a cloud of raven feathers.

The meadow by the gazebo seems unnaturally quiet now that the crow-princess is gone. Duck and Fakir stare at each other. What now?Then the silence is broken by a hand-organ playing "Music of ( Read more... )

Because every plot requires them.

Thunder cracks, or perhaps it's Fakir's head throbbing. He opens his eyes.

Where-- I'm in our room, of course. That's my ceiling. But--

He has a vague sense that something's wrong about the ceiling, but he can't place it.

"How did I--" Fakir says, out loud. How did I get here? There was -- there was a battle. Princess Kraehe. I couldn't fight, ( Read more... )

[partially cross-posted to rymenhild]

Whoever gave this journal a paid account extension, thank you so much. I am both surprised and very pleased.

Do you like drabbles, anonymous giver? Send me a story request. Anonymous comments are enabled if you prefer to remain unknown (but I'm curious!).

Not long ago, Fakir said to Tutu, "When the Raven faces you, strike!"But when at last Fakir held the Warrior's sword, and the raven princess danced before him, he couldn't touch her. She shielded herself with Mytho's body, and Fakir hesitated ( Read more... )