Chapter 1: Daemon
Chapter Text
Daemon stared at the empty paper in front of him, the tip of his magical quill hovering inches above it, threatening to spill drops of black ink onto the expensive parchment. (Mother had made sure they bought only the best for the Dark Sultan, of course.)
Half an hour ago, writing a letter to his friends—at least he hoped that’s what they were—had seemed like a wonderful idea. After all, he hadn’t seen or heard from them in weeks.
But now, where he actually had to write something, his mind seemed to have forgotten every word it had ever learned. All the questions he had wanted to ask them, all the things he wanted to tell them about were gone all of a sudden.
He released the mental grip on his quill. With a thud, it fell onto the wooden desk, ink splashing all over the paper. He held back a curse and sighed, tipping back his head and staring at the dark purple ceiling of his chamber.
How could it be so hard to find the right words?
He tried to think of everything that had happened in the past few weeks. So much in his life had changed—he'd officially become the Dark Sultan, he’d made friends for the first time ever, his father had turned out to be still alive, and then the world had almost ended. They’d found out that Lunares—the literal moon— wasn’t as out of reach as they thought, that there was a God the size of a house and that the Goddess had actually existed, and they’d managed to stop Reveria’s destruction, even if it had been a little too close for his liking. If he’d been able to adjust to so many new things, he should be able to write letters to people he cared about. It shouldn’t be this hard.
“You can do this,” he told himself, taking a deep breath. “You don’t even have to send it yet. Just write.”
He took a new piece of parchment, reached for the quill with his mind and closed his eyes. And he wrote.
Chapter 2: Ava and Yuelia
Summary:
Humming a lullaby from Lunares her best friend had taught her under her breath, she skimmed the mail.
Bills, flyers, an invitation to another banquet from Andy, and—a letter from Al Maajik.
Chapter Text
A week later, several people in Reveria received letters in violet envelopes, sealed with a golden wax seal. One of them even reached Lunares.
Ava got up early that morning, woken by the chirping of the birds outside. Yawning, she closed the door to the attic behind her and descended the stairs. She’d decided to let Yuelia sleep a little longer.
Still half asleep, she didn’t even recognize the envelope at first. She took the mail, went back upstairs and sat down at her desk. On the other side of the room, next to her bed on the nightstand, Yuelia was still snoring quietly in the little bed Ava had crafted for her butterfly form.
Humming a lullaby from Lunares her best friend had taught her under her breath, she skimmed the mail.
Bills, flyers, an invitation to another banquet from Andy, and—a letter from Al Maajik.
Curiosity getting the best of her, she shoved the other envelopes aside and flipped it around. Her eyes widened when she saw who had sent it.
To Ava of Castele, Saviour of Reveria, and Yuelia of Lunares , the text on the back above their address read. Beneath it: From Daemon Helbourne, Dark Sultan of Al Maajik .
The title Saviour of Reveria made her laugh. She might have been the one who had travelled all around the world to search for the Goddess’s treasures, and she’d accompanied Yuelia and Noelia to Lunares, but she would’ve never been able to do it without all the amazing people she met throughout the past months. Her fellow Reverians with their powerful wishes and their love for their home were the real reason they’d been able to save the world.
Still, she couldn’t help but let out a squeal. Daemon had sent a letter! She hadn’t seen or even heard from him ever since he came to Castele to attend the Reveria summit, and back then they’d been so busy with finding a solution for stopping impending doom from happening that they’d barely had any chance to talk about other things.
Excited to find out what he’d been up to until now, she opened the letter, careful not to damage the paper. Al Maajikan parchment was expensive enough as it is; an envelope signed by the Dark Sultan himself could probably be sold for thousands of Dosh. Also, it made a nice memory.
Before she began to read, she stood up and walked over to Yuelia’s bed on the nightstand. Gently, she petted the little butterfly’s head. “Wake up, Yuels,” she said softly. “We got a letter from Daemon.”
Yuelia drowsily opened one eye (as far as Ava could tell; after all, a butterfly’s facial features weren’t exactly the easiest to spot). “Hm?”
“Daemon sent us a letter,” she repeated. “Don’t you want to read it?”
Yuelia closed her eyes again, snuggling herself deeper into the tiny blanket.
Two seconds later, she shot up, her wings spreading sparkles in the air. “What?!”
Light filled the room, and by the time Ava could see properly again, Yuelia was standing in front of her in her human form. “What did you say? A letter from Daemon?” Her blue eyes were bright with excitement and joy.
Ava grinned, gesturing towards the desk. “Yeah, I was just getting the mail. Isn't it great?”
Yuelia didn't answer. Instead, she hurried over to the desk and plopped down on the chair, reaching for the parchment.
Ava took the second chair—the one Pam had given her what felt like eternity ago, back when she hadn't even dreamed of all the things that would happen to her mere days later—and pulled it closer to the desk to sit down next to Yuelia.
“Shall I read it?” her best friend and roommate asked.
Ava nodded, and after clearing her throat, Yuelia started reading the letter to her.
“Dear Ava and Yuelia,
I know you haven’t heard from me in a while, and for that, I am deeply sorry. There have been a lot of major changes in my life, and it took some time to adjust.
Mother and Father are doing well; they still fight sometimes, especially about decisions concerning my future and that of Al Maajik, but they spend more time together, so I suppose that’s a good thing.
Odin told me I should say hello from him. Well, he didn’t tell me per se, but I think it’s what he was thinking when I asked him, even if he didn't answer.
Life in Al Maajik is mostly back to normal. There weren't any doomstones in the city itself, so the citizens didn't notice much of the impending doom threatening our world. Of course, they were worried after we informed them about what was discussed at the Reveria summit, but they soon went back to their old everyday life.
I'm fine, too, if that's what you're concerned about. Being the Dark Sultan means I have a lot of duties and responsibilities, but Mother, Father and Eldred are always there for help, advice and support. And I have friends now—the two of you, Noelia and Princess Laura as well as Governeur Olivia and her brother Andy. I'm not alone., at least not anymore, and for that, I will forever be grateful to you. You showed me that there’s more to life than just becoming Dark Sultan, that the world is so much bigger than the fortress I grew up in.
Best regards,
Daemon Helbourne, Dark Sultan of Al Maajik.”
Yuelia finished reading the letter, and when she looked up, Ava could see tears glistening in her eyes.
“Yuels! Are you okay?” she asked, audible concern in her voice.
Her friend nodded. Sniffling, she wiped away a tear. “I’m fine, it’s just—” She covered her face with her hands. “He’s so sweet. I think I just realized how much I actually miss him, with his awkward humour and adorable personality.” She giggled quietly. “Can you believe everyone used to think he was this really bad and evil Dark Sultan who only cared about world domination? Meanwhile he’s basically sunshine personified.”
Ava let out a chuckle. “Yeah. Daemon is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I wouldn’t trade our friendship for anything in the world.”
Chapter 3: Noelia
Summary:
Sometimes, she wondered if she’d made the wrong decision.
Maybe she’d be happier down there with her friends.
Chapter Text
Noelia enjoyed her life on Lunares. Really, she did. Even if one could only stare into the galaxy trees so many times until they grew bored, and even if it was quite lonely up there, her father being the only company she ever had.
Okay, fine, maybe she didn’t enjoy it as much as she tried to convince herself she did.
She didn’t like to admit it, but she missed Reveria. She’d grown to love it during the time she’d spent down there, searching for the purified doomstones—had grown to love its beautiful places and kindhearted people.
Most of all, she missed her sister and her friends. Yuelia … Robin … Ava and Laura … Daemon … and all the other people she’d met while trying to find out what had made her mother decide to leave them and live in Reveria instead.
After being near them for weeks, they seemed awfully out of reach now, although they could always visit Lunares with the Goddess’s ship. So far, they hadn’t.
But it wasn’t like Noelia could blame them. Their world had almost been destroyed; she was sure they still had tons of work to do, even if it had been weeks since Yuelia had returned to Reveria and she had decided to stay.
Sometimes, she wondered if she’d made the wrong decision.
Maybe she’d be happier down there with her friends.
But then there was still one question that hung in the air above her like an executioner’s axe—the question if they even wanted her in the first place.
After all, she hadn’t exactly been the nicest to any of them. Sure, she had helped them, of course, but she had to admit she’d been quite rude to most of them, especially her sister and Ava. And there was also the whole thing with bewitching Pierre and Magnificus, people Yuelia seemed to at least sympathize with. (Not that Noelia felt bad for doing it. In her humble opinion, they’d both been useless idiots she couldn’t care less about. Really, she’d done Reveria a favour by making them incapable of stupid decisions for while.)
She was still brooding and staring into the dark abyss outside of the Starlight Garden when someone stumbled out of a galaxy tree, letting out a yelp as they tripped and fell onto their hands and knees.
Noelia whirled around, dark orbs appearing in her palms, but when she saw who had entered the garden, her heart skipped a beat and she dropped her arms, releasing the magic. An annoying fluttery feeling spread in her stomach. “Robin!”
The young mechanic from Port Puerto stood up, clearing his throat. A faint blush was visible on his cheeks. “Hi, Noelia,” he said, smiling nervously.
“I didn’t expect you to come here,” she replied, watching him cautiously.
“I’m here to deliver something to you,” he explained, reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulling out an envelope.
Skeptically, Noelia took it from him. She’d never gotten mail before. After all, no one had known of their existence for most of their life, and during her short time in Reveria, there hadn’t been any need for letters either. Who would go through all the trouble to send it to Lunares? “Who’s it from?” she asked.
“Turn it around.”
She did as he said, and when she read the sender, her eyes widened for a moment. “Why would he send me a letter?” she muttered. “We barely ever talked.”
Robin shrugged. “I don’t know. He sent it to me with a note saying that I should give it to you the next time I come to Lunares.” He nodded at the letter. “Don’t you want to read it?”
Noelia sat down onto the ground, crossing her legs, and opened the envelope, pulling out a piece of parchment filled with words in small, neat penmanship. It was a nice contrast to Yuelia’s messy and almost indecipherable handwriting she was used to.
Dear Noelia,
We didn’t have much time to get to know each other, but I still wanted to show you my gratitude for your help in saving Reveria. Without you, we would have never gotten as far as we did.
How are things on Lunares? I hope you are well and healthy. Please know that you are always welcome in Al Maajik, so if you ever want to come by for a visit, we will have a room ready and a banquet on the way.
What foods do you prefer? We have many traditional Al Maajikan delicacies I’m sure you would like, but we can always ask Governor Olivia for recipes from Port Puerto if it’s seafood that you desire. And, of course, there are also a lot of Castelian dishes I’ve personally found to quite like.
Noelia suppressed a fond smile. Out of all the people she’d grown to like in Reveria, Daemon must have been one of her favourites, even if they hadn’t interacted much. She had to admit that staying in Al Maajik for a while—in the fortress of the Dark Sultan himself, at that—did sound nice.
I would be delighted if you decided to visit us some time. I’m sure your sister would appreciate it, too. I haven’t heard from her in the past weeks, but she probably misses you a lot.
I also couldn’t help but notice that you too fight with dark magic. Perhaps we could duel each other when you visit; I think it would be interesting to have some sort of trial of strength.
And before I forget it: Please tell Robin my sincerest thank you for delivering my letter to you. I wish I could have come to see you myself, but I’m afraid the Dark Sultan’s power only reaches so far.
I’m awaiting your reply (and hopefully a visit).
Best regards,
Daemon Helbourne, Dark Sultan of Al Maajik
“What did he write?” Robin asked curiously when Noelia folded the letter back together.
“He invited me to visit him in Al Maajik. He mentioned a duel and a banquet, so maybe I’ll take him up on his offer.”
He chuckled. “A duel? How hospitable of him. And I didn’t peg you as a food lover, either.”
She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Well, as much as it pains me, I have to admit that you lowly Reverians have taste, despite being such inferior creatures compared to us divine beings of Lunares.”
This time, he let out a laugh. For some reason, it made her heart beat faster. “He also asked me to thank you for bringing me the letter,” she added, ignoring the fluttery feeling in her stomach.
“Oh, that was no problem. It’s nice seeing you again, anyways.”
Noelia looked at him curiously. “Why did you come in the first place? Just to deliver it to me?”
Robin blushed. The red spots were dark against his pale skin. “Well, I—I have something for you.” Obviously flustered, he pulled an object out of his pocket. It was wrapped in rough brown packing paper and small enough to fit into his palm. Hesitantly, he held it out towards her.
Noelia felt heat rushing into her cheeks. Slowly, she took the object. “You really didn’t have to—”
“No, no, just open it.” Robin bit his lip and turned away.
She looked back at the gift. Curiosity winning against embarrassment and nervousness, she threw one last glance at him, then she carefully pulled the paper away and stared at the shining little machine in her hand.
It was made of copper, with accents of gold at the edges, and had the form of one of the dice often used to play Reverian games with, just a bit larger. As she held it against the light, she could make out two words engraved at the bottom. For Noelia.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, looking at Robin. “Thank you.”
He blushed even deeper. “It can do even more than just look pretty. There’s a button at one of the sides, try to press it. But gently, otherwise it tends to act up for a while.”
Noelia turned it around, and when she found the button, she pushed it lightly, unsure what to expect. But then, a melody began to play, soft and sweet. She’d never heard it before, but it reminded her of the lullaby their mother used to sing to them when they were little. It reminded her of times where she’d been truly happy, without worlds that took away mothers and sisters or that she wanted to hate but ended up falling in love with instead.
“Thank you,” she repeated, rapidly blinking to stop herself from crying. “I love it, really.” Somehow, a tear still managed to run down her cheek, and furiously, she wiped it away with the sleeve of her robe.
Robin smiled softly. “I’m glad you like it. I don’t remember the name of the song, but my mother always sang it to me as a child to calm me enough to sleep. It’s one of the only memories I have of her, so I treasure it a lot.”
She returned his smile, careful and hesitant as if this moment between them was something fragile that would break the second she became too reckless. Maybe it was.
But then she took a step forward and kissed him on the cheek. It was short, and undeniably awkward—but for the first time, she felt brave without having to put up a show, without having to pretend to be stronger than she was.
Chapter 4: Laura
Summary:
Doing her best to ignore her pounding headache, she cuddled up in her bed, pulling up the blanket until her eyes were the only thing left uncovered. Reaching out from under the blanket, she grabbed the letter on the edge of the mattress, and with eyes sparkling with joy, she began to read.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Laura had never been a very patient person. She hated having to sit and wait, and preferred to just follow her instincts, even if they weren’t always right.
When her mother had knocked on her door that morning, saying something about a letter from the Dark Sultan, she’d wished she had inherited a bit more patience from her parents.
Half asleep, her brain had registered the words “letter” and “Dark Sultan”. Despite still being partially in the dream she’d had—a world where humanity had been threatened by vicious demons and she’d been the fearless leader of a group of rebels—she’d jumped out of her bed, tripped on the blanket wrapped around her legs and promptly sprawled, followed by a series of curses a proper princess should not know of. (She’d never been interested in being what was considered a “proper princess”, though, so she didn’t really care.)
And that’s how Laura found herself sitting on one of the counters in the castle’s kitchen, a piece of frozen meat wrapped in cloth pressed against her pounding temple. Somehow, she’d managed to hit her head on the edge of her dresser, and now the skin had split and she was bleeding. It was only a little bit of blood, so her mother had really been overreacting by almost dragging her to Professor Hughes. Thankfully, she’d been able to convince her that cooling it would be enough. It’s not like she’d bleed out before she’d even had a chance to read what Daemon had written to her.
“Did Daemon really send a letter?” she asked, brimming with excitement. How cool was that? She hadn’t heard from him in what felt like eternity.
Her mother sighed. “Yes, dear, he did, but that’s no reason for you to injure yourself.”
Laura pouted. “It’s not like I did it on purpose,” she muttered. Then, she perked up again. “Can I read it now?”
“Of course. But be careful today. If you feel dizzy or nauseous or anything please tell me, alright? You could have a concussion for all we know, and I’m worried about you.”
Laura rolled her eyes. Yeah, I can see that. “I will, promise. The letter?” She held out her hand.
“Yes, right. Here.” Her mother reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out an envelope, handing it over to her.
Gleefully, Laura jumped off the kitchen counter and promptly groaned as a wave of pain rushed through her head.
“Laura!”
“I’m fine, I’m fine. I’ll be more careful.” Without waiting for her mother’s reply, she put down the frozen meat and left the kitchen, giddily skipping back to her room.
Doing her best to ignore her pounding headache, she cuddled up in her bed, pulling up the blanket until her eyes were the only thing left uncovered. Reaching out from under the blanket, she grabbed the letter on the edge of the mattress, and with eyes sparkling with joy, she began to read.
Dear Princess Laura of Castele,
I sincerely hope you are doing well and that your family is happy and healthy, too.
You probably wonder why I’m writing to you, and to be honest, I’m still a bit unsure. I suppose I feel connected to you, in a way. You know what it’s like to grow up as royalty, isolated and kept away from the public, raised to one day inherit a throne and all the duties and responsibilities it comes with. Perhaps I long for someone to understand, even if I try to tell myself otherwise.
I’m digressing, forgive me.
Anyway, how is Castele doing after the world almost ended? Are your people alright? If anything were ever to happen, please know that Al Maajik will be on your side, ready to support you with all we can. Our past may have been a little rocky, but the future shall be nothing but bright. I am happy that we can finally leave this part of our history behind.
In case you’re wondering, Father is fine. If you ignore the fact he’s more of a ghost than a physical person and lacks the lower half of his body, he’s back to normal. You should warn King Erik, though. Mother said he’s spending a suspicious amount of time flipping through books containing spells for pranks. Perhaps it would be best to ban him from the library; but at the same time, I can’t help but be curious about what he’s up to. Still, please tell your father to be careful.
How is your mother? I hope she’s fit and healthy. Queen Ophelia is a strong woman, so I suppose I don’t have to worry about her too much, but Mother recently caught a cold and it made me think of her.
If you’re not too busy, perhaps you could write back to me. I would appreciate it a lot.
Best regards,
Daemon Helbourne, Dark Sultan of Al Maajik
Quietly smiling to herself, she closed her eyes, the parchment pressed against her chest. Daemon was too sweet.
The headache had faded a little bit, and she wrapped herself out of her blanket. Carefully, she put the letter back into the envelope and sat down at her desk. She pulled out a sheet of apple-themed paper and started to write.
Notes:
originally I wanted to do Olivia and Andy too but then I ran out of ideas so... yeah. Please leave a comment or a kudos, it literally means the world to me!! xx noelia
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