Chapter X ~ Fate is Kind

Another had come from abroad with fateful warning, and everything inbetween… how it made her heart want to sing. As well as giving her a peace of mind, as well as for all of them. Staying together, proved to not only be life saving, as it was for her sanity, but it kept darkness away from them long enough for others to come to their cause. Also, while she had it in mind, Casey worried at how fuzzy her own memories were becoming. She had to situate herself elsewhere, as if to make herself scarce. At least for a moment so that she could settle her thoughts.

While on some nights when Jiminy became trusting enough to rest amidst her feathers during the day, she would think to herself after waking from any sleep she could muster. Discovering that there was a great connection to all things, sparking an enchanted war among all odds woke her up.

As day had come, and becoming a swan again, the hours would draw on to thinking now as it would often help her muddled mind remain sharp, in spite of all. During her first interaction with the Hunchback, it was something unlike she had ever been through, socially, before. No one in her current memory had never been that devoted to a stranger like her before, upon a land that was never marked on any map. His appearance had no hold in the situation at hand, as he was so humble, and so worried all at once… As they were all told, lands were cursed and people were as well - it wasn't just them gathered in Germania, at first glance.

As she and Ida both went under the sun's glare, Cassandra remembered how pained Quasimodo looked, besides Jiminy's silent and grim stature as they were both forced to watch it overcome them. The shallow thoughts she had prior to ever talking to him for the first time may have been because of their Curse itself. In spite of the world's issues, as well as her own, his kindness kept overcoming her anxious thoughts. A promise had come true for them, with constant reminding. Perhaps Jiminy Cricket could finally have his rest… Seeking safety in order to get out of this beautiful prison meant finding trust in people again, and the Woodsman was that simple key to getting there on that next step. With more mystery flooding through her own mind, lately, this gathering began to feel long overdo. It was truly feeling like she had been asleep for many years, despite always being awake.

The brain fog cleared, more so, now ever since that quaint meeting around the little bonfire; where she had been opened up to the terrors happening. Those things their spell had dulled them to but had tortured the men who provided so much for them. Time was aching for a change in their role in all this… The more she thought about, Casey realized that she could not fathom another life outside of this one… Why was that so? Concern plagued Quasimodo's eyes. He knew well too that something was going on, further than being in this prison by itself. It was leaking inside their heads, or was it only her own?

Once again trapped within the body of a swan, Casey paddled measly along with Ida, who flapped the pangs of the change away from her, and soon tried to stay close by her side. After the sunrise, they observed Quasimodo speaking still with the Cricket even now after all was witnessed again.

"Do pardon me though, good sir… Do tell me what really compelled you to want speak with her?" Jiminy asked Quasimodo, finally on this fine morning. The lad kept his eyes on the floating swans nearby them, dwelling deep down as to why.

"I doubt it was due to intuition~ my-my whole world felt that it was changing upon nearing that prism. I sent a friend to deliver a message for me as soon as I was sure I felt it was safe ~ in my heart. I don't know how else to say it, only that it felt right, and it felt needed, if that makes any lick of sense." he spoke out of modesty. "… um, how involved we all are in this, I do not know." he sighed, resting back against the tree with the two swans still in view. "… don't know~"

"It truly means so much to us." Jiminy remarked, touched by this young man's decision, however even he was still confused by how things were falling through lately. "You did not have any obligation to, yet you've made a choice."

Quasimodo soon gazed at the Cricket after picking up a change in his voice; a hint of overjoy or fear perhaps. It made his heart go cold for some reason. After picking that up from the gentleman, Quasimodo pressed himself back up when the Diamond wearer silently paddled her way back to him, to be sure that he was still there. He neared her, in turn… at her trust, reaching out to her with gentle hand. She stretched her neck outward in a greeting to say that she was all right. Ida, the smaller one, duck her bill into the water in a sort of bow towards them.

"I am so sorry," Quasimodo began in a mournful tone. Jiminy purposely followed him close to them, glad that their attitude had not changed since the dawn.

"You know, for what it's worth," Jiminy began after a swift cough to clear his throat. "… you could suppose this little gathering was preciously overdue. It took her some time to find a peace of mind about it. I surely can relate to that,"

"How you mean?" the Woodsman found himself asking. There was suspicion in that statement. "Where do you hail, may I ask?"

"Collodi, of Italy. It's a quaint seaside town. One I came upon during my travels. I am not from there, personally. I jumped ship at one point and escaped after being trapped there… I soon settled in Collodi in hopes of becoming a more… proper and a more respectable cricket."

"You are world weary, and that is fascinating. I've only dreamed as a boy to meet someone like you," Quasimodo lightly spoke. "… of course, I might lack in that weariness. I still have much to learn, sir Jiminy."

"I would very much like to disagree," Jiminy warmly countered, as a form of a tease. "… Quasimodo. Never sell yourself short, we folks often say… But say now, from where I hail, we often sing."

"Et tu…?" Quasimodo softly smiled at that. It came as a kind surprise to know that about this one gentleman.

"Yes, we truly do~ as corny as that might sound, it catches on quick." Jiminy soon sported a lively tone.

"I least expected to come upon such like-minded people~" Quasimodo spoke, finding delight in this. He found himself needing to return his attention towards the swans, before their conversation needed a little change when five other birds appeared on the other side of the lake. Not a change in it, rather… but a song instead~

Crooning, towards a brand new sun,

a heart's little lament~

Come now, don't dawdle…

Remarkably, the Cricket began to sing as a means to comfort the enchanted flock; a lovely croon that came from the heart so deeply rooted that his voice could almost break at any note.

These wide, open spaces are the same as their hearts,

So lonely and empty constantly…

They long for embraces, ever since they're kept apart

Her one comfort seems to be…

Singing, a song to the sun

and counting the days ~

She praised your eyes are the Seine, that sparkle, sparkle

So when the night is done,

Crooning, towards a brand new sun,

a heart's little lament~

Come now, don't dawdle…

Singing, singing a song to the sun,

She's dreaming, just dreaming of you…

That simple poem sung so lightly, with sadness with thin hope, it seemed, Quasimodo's heart truly wanted to break apart as he listened. "… now, I truly understand," he solemnly nodded. "… as the protective one said, you do speak for them, in the only way you'd know how… Simply beautiful…"

"And it isn't what it's all cracked up to be," Jiminy spoke, now with the entire flock of seven with them. "… seein' that I am already in love. In the most common sense - like. First and foremost, it was the Seven men who endured this, before I was ever flown into the picture."

"All of our journeys are important, and it brought all of us to this place. Altogether, by someone's hand, for these lost ones… I had been worrying that I have journeyed too deep,"

"Us both, good fellow." Jiminy agreed. "… a deep magic is in league, so deep that it seems almost too specific to be randomly placed on them. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes. I had my fair share of seeing the darkest among other men. Our belief that it was a Hell sent punishment, but over time, we were soon living with the knowledge that there was more to magic than what we initially thought. Even coiciding with fairies,"

"You know fairies?" Jiminy was delighted by this.

"One in particular. Exceedingly small, almost to your size — delightful. They resemble flickering stars from afar~ with beautiful, life sustaining abilities. Their wings are strong but seem as fragile as wet parchment."

The Matter of Faer

Cassandra was able to hear the two men speak quite clearly as her fellow maids paddled closer and around her. She gently nibbled at her brooch, neatly, before looking up at the men conversing over hopeful things~ and all this talk of fairies helped her ease away from her pain for a moment. Locking her eyes on Quasimodo's once more, who then turned to her with the utmost concern. She was surrounded by love despite all.

Another day had come without mercy, of course, and she was overcome with guilt. It came to a moment in the late morning when even Jiminy had to lay himself down for once on this wild journey. The least Casey could offer him was safety and warmth from her own feathers, upon her back. Right then, their Voice slept as he so deserved, after enduring so much in his own right, and so it was only just. He had been so kind, just as the Dwarfs had been.

Despite it being such a bright day, it did not change the fact that they needed intense rest. It was often the only time to do it when they were not human, as it left time to think. If that were dangerous enough, Cassandra personally had stayed somewhere remote where her body would be still enough for her tiny rider to rest. Emotions were often too high and it would always leave them all so dizzy… It was enough to drive one insane at this rate. Her heart felt warm for those around her, whilst happily resting her head low and careful so not to disturb her friend. There was an array of new senses around her, as she could feel Jiminy's tiny heartbeat against her on her back… his form shaded from the day by a few of her feathers. Along with all of these earthy smells, Casey often would feel too overcome to rest deeply. However, it seemed there was more within this moment than she initially thought while protecting the cricket.

It was, for what it seemed, a normal day at the seaside Villagio… and a thing of beauty it was to see the town so giddy after what had gone down a few years before. The little Puppet made of Pine had earned his being as a natural boy after such an inspiring journey. It was truly inspiring for both of them, entirely.

Could life ever be better?

Ultimately, it could because soon after the Fairy had granted the wish as a whole eventually, justice seemed to follow suit soon after. Jiminy Cricket had become more of a surragate than a Conscience to the little boy after a time. As far as his own dream would go, it would be that history was repeating itself, as a looming shadow had overcome the little town. Something, either from breathing the air or touching it, had come over their minds like an acid — burning away all joy and passion of the artist.

Pinocchio lost joy in dance and play. Geppetto had lost all motivation to create in his work in wood and marrionettes. So for Jiminy, he lost all heart in his songs and even hope for the better…

Children did not go to school. Parents fought among themselves, and taxes flew through the roof by selfish ambition.

It felt as though it flown in overnight, and it spread along like a thick relentless invasive vine. It grew so poisonous that Jiminy had to initiate the idea of leaving their homes behind for the sake of all of their sanities, and so he planted a seed in Pinocchio who then told one of his friends, who then spread the word to all of the children~ along with those rescued from the dreaded Pleasure Island.

Something felt wrong to Cassandra when Jiminy finally awoke from an uneasy sort of rest, however. It appeared to have been an night terror because he had tears in his eyes. Casey gasped in worry and softly rose her head over him.

"Jiminy, my friend~ are you all right?" Casey softly asked, with the gentle nudge from her bill to help him to stand.

"Oh gosh, m'lady~" he gruffly replied, realizing how this was looking to the swan. "Only a shrill reminder, oh~ forgive me!"

"Oh please, it's all right now~ it was only a nightmare." she comforted him. "Don't you cry."

"I'm fine, fine as ever… thank you for your kindness, letting me take a wink… I think it was a calling. A bad memory or two revisited, or so it could be another guide in the right direction." he said after getting himself decent for her by placing his hat back on. She opened her wings to stretch, granting him leave to hop back onto the shore so they could talk, face to face.

"Is everything okay?" she found herself asking out of worry.

"It sure does not differ from the now, but it got me thinkin' some more."

"I assume that's a good thing, sir Jiminy?"

"Of a sort… Listen close now because this just solidifies the idea that this place is more than just a forest…"

"How do you mean? I mean, of course… this has to be one of the safest places I've known." Casey inclined to agree with him.

"Yes, so… you do remember what I told you about the Villagio? That strange mist that just flown in over us? … right. So, as a means of the magic here keeping this Curse outside of its borders, as it did allow Quasimodo inside, who is to say that his father and company cannot enter as well?"

Casey curved her neck a bit and with one swipe with her bill along the water, she nodded her head towards Jiminy. "Simply, I do not see why not. Our Diamond has warmed up a bit, I think someone else agrees with you."

Jiminy's eyes were warm towards her as he shared a kind smile. "My only concern is there is no argument that we must leave."

"I am not denying that, but we mustn't forget Mondfall. It is our sanctuary."

"And we must keep it that way. Above all else, we must hope to get the men to agree."

"Challenge accepted, sir." Casey's tone sounded full of laughter to his ears. "I am sure they'd be flexible at this rate. Besides, where is Quasimodo?" she then asked curiously.

"Last I checked, he was by the willow…" Jiminy told her before she seemed to drift away. He followed along, by hopping.

"Jiminy. It had been an ailing couple of years, but I've got to tell you… as far as I can remember, I can tell you one thing."

"Whatever could that be, hon?" he asked, providing his listening ear.

"I am not one who is used to being surrounded by so much support. I was a simple girl, I believe, learning her way around, but… most of the time, I was always on my own. I remember being a lonely child, with no one there… I remember being given a life before…"

"Oh, Cassandra~"

"It's okay though, I got over it… but the truth of now, I am just amazed to have all of you with me. I am certainly far away from home…"

"Home is where your heart is, my dear~ Riddle me this, but do you remember your father?" Jiminy had to ask, out of pure concern.

"I have forgotten his name… I know his~ even the colors of his eyes. Brown…"

"Do not forget him, hon." Jiminy perked up, close to tears again, for that matter. "When we have come so close, you will find them again~"

"You are so kind to me~ I am trying hard. Th-that is why we must speak with him… Quasimodo…"

Her sudden interest poked at his curiosity however felt an urge to leave the two to bond alone for a hot minute. Meanwhile, Quasimodo was restless as it was so natural for him, as being the self appointed night watchman over the lake. Of course, although, he had an headache due to his exhaustion, Quasimodo continued to remain as patient as could be for these others; particularly for the Swan Maidens, of one of whom had taken his sole attention from the very beginning.

Either it was some more magic at play, or what…but he could not imagine leaving after everything he had seen here. These poor women needed aid, by some means, to find an end or at least understand behind what began this binding Curse, and who truly cast it.

It was cast all over the land, obviously… but this was something fairly specific in nature, with pure purpose. As these compassion fellow men were for them, as was he. Who was he to not do anything…? It was far too late, and he ventured far too deep. The maiming and destruction of people, and throwing justice aside… having those innocent to suffer the brunt of it was the last straw. This was a War between the enchanted and the mortal~ and dark means of it spread along like famine.

As long as his own thoughts would linger, they soon stopped when he caught sight of pure white on the water. As though instantly, he leaned forward off of the tree once he saw her… That line of thought leaving his brow, Quasimodo offered a gentle hand towards Cassandra, who stretched her neck up for him to touch the feathers on the top of her head. His breaking heart dwelled no longer in pity for the situation but it was the conversation they had earlier. Despite the sadness she could make out in his eyes, he sweetly shared a partial smile as he stroked along her white wing…

Whatever it may have been, yet this was a sacred calling to him. Fate would it be called? No matter the name for it, but he knew deep down that he was led here~ by enchanted means. Of which kind, he was certain, was of the kindly nature of things. It began with genuinely good people, returning together in an Exodus, aimless at what to do without stepping out of this place. The dapper cricket who gentlemanly hopped upward to be more level with him, Quasimodo nodded his head as a greeting.

"How is she…?" he asked Jiminy, who took his hat off in due respect.

"She is hopeful still, but tired." Jiminy told him. "As are the Seven," he continued before calmly sitting himself down on the stone he was on. "These poor ladies never asked for such trouble~ due to this dark ambition."

The swan who chose to remain by them turned towards them again, softly preening through her wing feathers. A self taught habit presumably, that had gotten perfected over time. It earned gazes of not pity but something akin to horror on their faces~ the swans were becoming less human everyday, and if they wait any longer, it would only worsen each moment.

However, a miraculous moment came to the three when a certain pair of wings sounded close to their ears.

This tiny orange bird lost itself in the air and fell through the canopy above, much to Quasimodo's dismay~ and he could no longer hold his form, and fell through flat in a heap in the grass. Jiminy did not expect a furry elven to fall so suddenly, and according to the Woodsman~ it was whom they were waiting for. Casey flapped her wings in alarm as she watched Quasimodo come to help the creature.

Faer felt his friend's strong hand grip his spindly little arm to help him to his feet. Faer shook his head.

"I knows where I am, I knows where I am~" Faer spoke in a folksy, rather drunken sort of voice that confounded the cricket more than he thought prior.

"Careful, Faer, careful~ breathe~" Quasimodo told him and Faer shook himself awake.

"As I live and breathe~" Jiminy remarked in his surprise. "Is this whom you sent?"

"Certainly! I spared him from a snag. Little did I know that he had another form." Quasimodo explained to Jiminy and the befuddled swan.

Jiminy curiously quirked his head at the furry creature who pat his coat free of dust and sweat. He had the widest pair of eyes Jiminy had ever seen, with one half lit awkward smile appearing on that face as soon as he made himself as decent as could be.

"Hi- uh, sorry- sorry!" he scrambled on his feet for a moment. "Some call me Faer, er Wanderer~ is- it's nice to meet ya!" he spoke in a squeaky sort of voice, akin to a young lad's spry sort of way.

"Urm, pleasure is all mine, young man - Faer, is it?" Jiminy kept it proper, even extending his hand to touch Faer upon a lanky finger. "Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever met someone like you before."

Casey swam close with interest in this mysterious being, perking her neck high up with intrigue. The same was shared by Faer when he first saw her. Swans were common to see, however this one held something new to him~ it was a strange feeling Faer could not place. Her curiosity was not like the common swan's.

"I'm, uh, I am a little new~" Faer came off as shy as he was still addressed.

"Is it Wanderer you would prefer?"

"Either or, I go with what anyone wanna calls me~"

"That is a first~"

"Creatures of great magnitude clamber in odd places, particularly during odd times~" Quasimodo teased at the elf (if he even was one). As far as that would go for current events, it was a swift laugh. The rest of the flock followed close to where the laughter was coming from. Soon the maidens had come in time to see a splendid little gathering around the elf as with the Seven little men who had also come out of mere curiosity.