Chapter Text
Once upon a time, there lived a tight-knit family. They were common folk of a respected kingdom, and the mother ran the local bakery. The eldest son was a human, and the other 5 were all fae. The boy was left on his mother's doorstep as a baby, and she raised him as her own.
His name was Reki Kyan, and he lived a very simple life. He would run the bakery with his mother, watch his sisters, and sew in his free time. His younger sister was the real star of the family.
Koyomi was on track to become a part of the Junior Royal Guard, and Reki couldn’t be more proud. He would work himself to the bone if it meant they could pay for another archery lesson.
Reki was honestly happy with his life. He enjoyed the familiar routine, and he loved working with his mother. Reki’s life was perfect.
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“Mamá, please don’t make me go! The royal family terrifies me!!” Reki complained, slumping against the wall like a child.
His mother looked at him with an unimpressed look, “Watch your tone young man; and they’re not scary! They’re very nice for letting us partner with them. And you love your mother, don’t you? So do me a favor and take these to the palace kitchen,” Reki’s mother, Masae, scolded as she placed two pastry baskets in his hands.
“I need the head chef to approve the recipe for the upcoming occasion!” She gleamed. Reki knew just how excited his mother was about this partnership, so of course he would do this for her.
“That’s great, but, uh…what’s the occasion?” He asked, slightly embarrassed. “¿En serio, Reki?” His mother deadpanned.
“Prince Langa’s 18th birthday celebration is on the horizon! The whole kingdom is in preparation, I can’t believe you forgot.” His mother sighed, shooing him away.
“What- Mama! Which way do I take?” He yelled, turning his head back to face her. “The usual one! Also, please give these to your sister,” she handed him what he assumed was a lunch box wrapped in a red cloth.
“She should be with Mr. Sakurayashiki at the archery site,” She explained, giving him a warm smile as she pushed him out the door.
“The things I do for her…” He mumbled to himself, lifting the pastry boxes and lunch wrap up to get a better hold on them. He then set out to the castle, greeting the people of the town along the way.
His family lived above the bakery, putting them at the heart of the village. Reki loved the kingdom; Queen Nanako is a noble and honorable ruler, and so was King Oliver. However, things with the royal family hadn’t been the same for a while due to the King’s passing about a year ago.
Crown Prince Langa had taken it the hardest. There was a rumor running in town that he had rarely been seen by even his family since. And in turn, the Prince swore off using the abilities he inherited from his father.
That’s one thing Reki doesn’t have to worry about. His family was born with some fire-related abilities, but Reki was adopted. His family were fae, the elven type, along with most of the people in Nieve. The Kyan’s took him in when he was left on their doorstep as an infant, raising him as one of their own even though Reki was a human.
Humans were usually looked down upon in other kingdoms, but he was lucky that nothing had happened to him in Nieve. Very lucky.
His mother was like a personal heater, his sister could conjure fire from her hands and transport it to her arrows, and the twins? He wasn’t sure the extent of their abilities yet, they were too young.
It bothered Reki for a very long time that he had no magic, but he learned to find joy in things that didn’t require it, like baking and sewing. Reki loved to create things from nothing; to make something anew.
As he walked through the busy town, he noticed the preparations for the Prince’s birthday all around.
The walls, street lamps, and shops were lined with streamers and flowers, and the townsfolk were becoming more lively.
Imps wore their socks inside out to keep away bad luck, and honey was smeared above doors to welcome new company.
Women began wearing elderberry necklaces for good fortune, and the ogre’s were drinking earlier in the day. Human children and non-human children were decorating the square, throwing flowers and pinecones all about.
Bakeries and trinket shop owners were stocking up on inventory too, Reki was included- his mother was making more sales this week than ever!
“Goodmorning, Reki! Tell your mother I say hello!” Said the armory owner, a large orc-like man. “I will!” He shouted in return, waving at the man with his free hand.
As he kept walking, Reki wondered if the prince even wanted a celebration this big, but he shook that thought away. He’s a royal, right? Royals like big, extravagant parties.
But, Reki has heard Koyomi talk about the Prince. She says how Mr. Cherry, the Queen’s royal advisor and Koyomi’s archery instructor, always bears a solemn look when speaking of him.
Reki took pity on the Prince; if he had to live with such intense grief, along with the new pressure of governing an entire kingdom so suddenly, he’d run away from it all.
“Hello, Yemelda!” He called, waving to the lady who ran the cafe nearest to the castle. “Hello, Reki!” She yelled back, wiping the wooden glazed counter.
She was extra lively today, probably due to the festivities upon them. Even though he complained, Reki loved walking in the morning, especially in the summer. Nieve was hardly ever warm, but for the short months it was, Reki thrived. He did have a family who was called to the heat, after all.
He turned onto the path that led up to the palace. The dirt he kicked up turned to stone, and the music grew louder. It was swarming with people decorating the poles and cleaning every crevice. The boy nearly tripped when an elven child ran between his legs to attempt and catch a hare.
“Be careful next time!” He scolded the child. All he got in return was a few flowers popping up in his hair.
Reki recognized a few parts of the palace, having taken this path a few times to retrieve his sister. He weaved his way through the people, muttering far too many apologies for him to count.
Reki decided to go give Koyomi her lunch first. He turned toward the archery sight, walking through the freshly cut grass. The palace fields in the summer were breathtaking; the flowers perfectly in bloom, the trees tall and healthy, and the soil perfect for crop harvesting.
The field workers were in good spirits as well. The trolls and druids were chatting and chirping while harvesting the fruits and berries.
“Pardon me,” He greeted, smiling. The castle must’ve hired some extra help; he hardly recognized some of these workers. In the distance, Reki could make out the shape of his sister, who was practicing her stances while Cherry watched her.
Reki was scared out of his mind of the man; he wasn’t sure how his sister was so comfortable around him. He was half dragon born, and scales decorated his skin patches of cherry pink, hence his nickname.
He watched as she summoned a bow, quickly shooting it right on target when Cherry gave her the signal.
“Koyomi, I have your lunch!” He called up the hill, almost out of breath. “Hi Reki! Thank you!” She yelled back, running toward him after getting the ‘OK’ from Cherry.
She took the cloth and looked at him funny, “What’s all that?” She asked, unwrapping her lunch and ushering for Reki to follow her. “I’m meeting with the head chef very soon to discuss what Mamá needs to make for the Prince’s celebration,” He said, following her.
This seemed to catch Cherry’s attention, “So you’re Masae Kyan’s son? You smell like a human… nevermind. Koyomi speaks of you fondly,” He says kindly.
Reki turned to face the older man, slightly shaken. “Yes sir, I am a human, I was taken in as a baby. Um…would you mind pointing me in the direction of your kitchens?” he asked, straightening his posture and feeling a bit awkward.
He wanted to walk away from there as soon as possible. “How polite, much unlike someone…” Cherry trailed off at the last part, glancing at his sister. “Hey! It’s your fault for making me angry all the time!” She fires back, taking a bite of the breadloaf her mother made.
“Anyways, you’ll use the closest door to your right and go down the hall until you see metal doors, that's the main kitchen entrance. If you don’t see a green haired bastard the second you enter, call out and say I sent you, He’ll appear,” Cherry explained, unphased.
“Thank you, sir. I’ll see you at home, Koyomi,” He waved her goodbye, picking the basket back up and heading towards the grand wooden door.
The castle seemed much larger up close than it is from far away. Reki wondered why two people needed this much space just for themselves.
As of right now though, the castle was filled to the brim with fae and folk. Most of them were putting up decorations around the castle, and some were running with clipboards calling orders. Many servant girls and boys filled the halls using old rags to polish the floors. Most were human in debt to the late King, which made Reki slightly uncomfortable.
He eventually made it to the kitchen, regretfully so, as the second he entered he was met with insanity. Cooks were running and yelling, flour was everywhere, some food was burning, and there was no “Green haired bastard” to be seen.
He cleared his throat and everything went still.
“Who are you?” One cook with blue skin and a long tail asked.
“Um, I was sent by Masae Kyan? I’m here to talk with Chef Nanjo about the pastries for the Prince’s 18th birthday,” He mustered out, stumbling over some of his words.
“Chef Nanjo doesn’t have the time to talk to somebody such as yourself right now, human. Please come back later,” they spat vehemently.
Now that was shocking; they must be an occasion hire. Reki spoke up, offended “Mr. Cherry said he’d be here,” which seemed to quiet the cook.
Soon after Reki spoke the name ‘Cherry,’ a man with green hair and dark skin appeared from behind a door.
“You must be Reki! C’mon kid, don’t listen to him,” Someone Reki could only assume was Chef Nanjo said, if the green hair was anything to go by.
“And you,” he pointed at the cook, “If you speak to anyone in that way again, I’ll turn you into cooking oil.” He threatened.
The man was huge and had curled horns peeking out from under his green hair. He wore a velvet sage tunic, and elderberries along with spices in jars adorned his neck and waist.
The village boy felt satisfied with the situation, walking smugly past the rest of the cooks who all grumbled but went back to work.
“Sorry about them, they think just because they work with me they can order people around. Anyway, I’m Nanjo Kojiro, but please just call me Joe, no need for formalities.” He smiled warmly, making Reki feel instantly more comfortable.
“I’m Reki Kyan, son of Masae Kyan! The one who’s making the cakes and— you get the point.” Reki said, smiling bashfully. “Ah, yes! I’ve tasted many of your mother’s pastries and such, and I can’t say my cooks do it better. I’m very excited to work with you.” Joe said, leading Reki to a seating area.
“So, your mother made you bring these all the way from your house? How far out do you live?” Joe asked, sitting down and crossing his legs. “Not too far…Maybe a 15 to 20 minute walk? My sister takes archery lessons here so…” Reki explained.
“Oh, is Koyomi your sister? That makes so much sense, she’s got your spunk.” Said Joe, taking the basket and unfolding the cloth. “You know my sister?” Reki asked, looking up. “Cherry speaks of her often, he says she’s very talented with a bow and arrow.” He explained.
“Yeah, she practices too much for her own good, and tears up her new clothes almost weekly,” Reki mused. “Mhm, anyway let’s see…” Joe said, taking out the individual pastries and setting them out. There were three different types of cake and two different types of bread.
“My mother only made the cake, she didn’t think decorations were needed yet since the flavor was yet to be chosen,” Reki said. “We have a week until the party…Is that enough time for her?” Joe asked, grabbing a fork to taste the cakes. “It should be? How many loaves of bread and cake are needed?” Reki asked, slightly nervous. “Well, as for cake we need about three; two medium ones and a large one made specifically for the Prince. As for bread…” Joe started thinking, counting out loud.
“We’ll have around 350 to 400 guests, so around 300 loaves. We can halve them if need be?” Joe said, like it was nothing.
Reki nearly fell off his chair, looking at Joe as if he was joking. “300? Sir, my mother couldn’t do that in a month!” Reki exclaimed. Joe sat thinking for a while, then he stood up and walked over to the main kitchen.
“I might have a solution,” He said, closing the door and walking back to Reki. “Do you think your mother would take a week long job at the castle?” Joe asked. Reki gaped, of course his mom would take a job at the castle! It’s the castle after all, not to mention the pay.
“Yes! Of course she would sir- I mean, Joe. This is so exciting, thank you so much!” Reki beamed, which got a laugh out of Joe. “No problem kid, we could use someone else who knows what they're doing at this castle!” he laughed, standing up and clapping Reki on the shoulder.
“Koyomi is still here, right? We could go pick her up and then I’d be more than happy to give y’all a ride to your mother's bakery.” Joe offered, leading Reki out of the kitchen.
“Wow okay- Yeah that’d be great, thank you so much,” Reki said, following him out. Joe used a different path to get to the garden, he took Reki out into what he could only assume was the main foyer.
The interior of the castle was breathtaking, the ceiling was higher than the church steeple, the walls were lined with gold and silver, the ceilings were painted with ancient scenes, and pillars that were hand carved were scattered throughout the room.
Reki was in awe, this might be the prettiest thing he’s ever seen, “Never been inside the castle before?” Joe asked, side eyeing him. “Not until now… this is crazy…” Reki said, eyes glued to the scene before him.
Just then, Reki heard fast footsteps coming from the corner. “Joe! Jesus christ there you are, do you have left overs from breakfast?” A short boy with black hair asked. He looked human, but the obvious and familiar wings on his back made that impossible.
Reki was stunned, he swears he’s seen this boy before, “Holy shit, Miya?!” he said, switching his gaze from the interior.
Miya paused and turned. When he saw that the accusing voice belonges to Reki, his face twisted into one of annoyance. “Godammit….” He said, grabbing Reki’s elbow and pulling him to the side.
Reki hadn’t seen Miya in what felt like ages! Just as Reki was about to ask the younger boy more questions, Miya stopped him.
“Shh!” Miya said, putting a silence spell on Reki for a brief moment. Reki made an offended “mmph” sound. Joe wasn’t aware of Miya’s living situation, and if he did it’d be a pain in the ass for him.
“If you let it slip to him I’m living on the street I will find you in the night and murder you.” Miya sneered, not ceasing eye contact.
He made a motion with his hand, un-binding Reki’s lips so the boy could speak again. “Okay jeez- I didn’t know you worked in the palace now! That’s why I never see you anymore!” Reki said, turning back to Joe.
“You two know each other?” The elven man asked, crossing his arms. Reki was about to answer before Miya elbowed him in the side. “Yea- I used to work for his mother!” Miya smiled through his lie.
“Oh, you know Masae? She’s gonna be working here soon, that’ll be nice.” Joe said and Miya deflated, knowing if Masae saw him she’d make a fuss over him. “Oh that's great!” He gave a fake smile.
Alright, let’s go get your sister and head into town now, that way I can be back before lunch,” He said, ushering Reki to follow him. “I’ll see you later Miya!” Called Reki, who only scowled in return before flying off.
They walked through what seemed to be endless halls of the castle until they reached a backdoor. “So, she trains with Cherry huh? Poor girl,” Joe said, leading the pair. “You know Cherry?” Reki asked, still fully entranced with the palace.
“You could say that…Cherry and I have known each other for a while. That lizard loves bossing me around…” He said, rubbing the back of his neck.
‘Lizard??’ Reki thought. Soon enough, they saw Koyomi and Cherry chatting in the distance; Reki assumed her lesson was over. “Koyomi! I have great news!” He yelled, picking up his pace.
Koyomi noticed Reki and waved, “What’s going on?!” She yelled, cupping her hands around her mouth. Reki eventually caught up to where she was, slightly out of breath.
“Joe wants to offer Mom a job in the kitchen for a week!” He beamed, to which Koyomi did the same. “Really? That's amazing, thanks Joe!” She said, turning to him.
“That's awfully nice of you… which you aren’t very often…” Cherry said, mumbling the last part. Reki took this chance to look at the pink haired man, and Joe’s previous comment made sense.
“What was that?” Joe asked with a scowl. “Nothing,” The man replied, looking smug. “Alright kids let’s go, don’t let that thing bother you any longer,” Joe smiled sweetly, motioning for them to follow.
“I’m this close to reporting you to the Queen, I hope you know!” Cherry yelled. Joe turned away and smiled, waving his hand a bit.
What the kids didn’t see were the five flowers that mysteriously appeared in Cherry’s hair, which he angrily picked out while grumbling words under his breath.