What should have been a simple life in the desert sand and stars becomes anything but. Haunted by dreams of a life of violence, and seeking answers as to why, Peridot and her friends find themselves caught in an ancient battle between Light and Dark...and find that the cost of being a soldier is higher than they might have ever thought.
Fern: I'm not saying forgive him. She's dead and I'm never going to forgive Sanguine. I'm saying stop giving him the time of day when the past is the past. It's okay to put down the sword sometimes.
Citrine: It's okay, but...it's not exactly easy, you know.
Fern: *snort* Oh, I know! But holding onto this only hurts us now, Cit.
Lucky Penny: Well, look at who finally learned to use her brain...
Moonflower: Hush, you. Some people learn by doing.
Peppermint: Citrine, really. You don't have to protect me anymore, and the girls can handle themselves against a bully. You don't have to protect any of us.
Citrine: ....
Peppermint: But you're going to anyway.
Citrine: Well, yeah.
Citrine: You're all my family. Why wouldn't I? We look after each other, right?
Fern: The key word there is after each other, babe.
Lucky Penny: We all got those lessons, remember? And it's not like we can't just ignore the crud out of him.
Moonflower: ...it's easier when it's like Sanguine, isn't it? When you can make it end and it stays ended.
Citrine: ...*sigh* Yeah. I just...I should be glad bullies are all the trouble we have but...
Fern: but you're still worried.
Peppermint: About what? He's been mayor for eight years now and he hasn't done anything stupid. ...Yet, I guess.
Citrine: It's not that, it's just...*sigh* It is really, really, really stupid, but I can't shake the feeling that he's up to something and with him in office still...
Peppermint: Well, could you do anything to get him out of office?
Citrine: No. He's squeaky clean in that respect, buried his skeletons or doesn't have any, so.
Peppermint: So...as your sibling, I'm saying I understand where you're coming from, but you have to let it go. What was it Dad used to say? Bullies only win...
Citrine: ....if you give them power in your mind, I know! You think I like obsessing over this?
Fern: It's not about like, it's just...*sigh* Okay, look. Give it until the end of the year. If you don't find anything that can pin him in trouble by then, you let it go and move on. Otherwise, you've got something to work with.
Citrine: That's only three months, though...
Peppermint: And you've been fighting this guy since we were the kids age! Three more months is too long, if you ask me, but...
Citrine: But?
Fern: But it lets you close this book for good.
Lucky Penny: At least if you don't find anything.
Moonflower: And if you do, well, we're all here to help.
Citrine: ...thanks, guys. For not thinking I'm crazy.
Peppermint: Oh, no, that ship sailed a long time ago. That doesn't mean you're wrong.
Fern: *laugh* Hey, that's my line!
Citrine: Oh, thanks!
Moonflower: Guys, come on, stop teasing. Do you want any help with this, Cit? I have some contacts...?
Moonstone: Still, what choice did he have? They couldn't leave things like this, and Kairi was...well, he had to do something! So, with a deep breath, he raised the Key of People's Hearts. He knew what he had to do.
Moonstone: With one last smile at his friends, Sora plunged the Keyblade into his chest and--*chuckle* We'll finish this tomorrow.
*soft guitar music*
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance... I hope you dance...
Citrine: ...no. Thank you, but...if this goes sour, I don't want you guys involved.
Peppermint: Pff! Too late for that.
Eternal Glow: Yeah, if I get a chance I'm decking him for what he did to Pep.
Peppermint: EG! You are not helping, babe.
Citrine: *tired chuckle* Don't get arressted on my behalf, EG.
Fern: Eh, I dunno. If it comes to it...well, just do your best. What you find, you find. What you don't, you don't.
Citrine: *sigh* I know. ...thanks, guys.
Peppermint: Anytime, sis. Anytime.
Scarlet: You're seriously giving up the spot?! Ribbon!
Peridot: And this was after she knocked the bag over, too!
Ribbon: It's just not my thing! And Dawn wants to try instead, so I'm fine giving it up. ...would you wanna go, Scarlet?
Scarlet: Sure! If Auntie Fern would be okay with it.
Peridot: Why wouldn't she be--whoa!
Ribbon: *laugh* Peri!
Scarlet: Oh, Peri. *sigh* I'm a Vampire, remember?
Scarlet: Super strong, can put a guy through a wall?
Peridot: You're still a little kid, though!
Scarlet: Hey! I am not little--I'm taller than you!
Peridot: by an inch! but that's not what I meant--I meant you're not that strong yet, and Ma's teaching us how to use our strength "wisely" or whatever, so--why not?
Ribbon: She's got a point. It's like...like your superpower or something. And with great power comes--
Scarlet: Great responsbility, I know! I read that book too, Ribbon.
Peridot: Seriously, Scar, if you wanna just come! Ma can say no or yes or whatever but--you can still learn! I'll teach you if she doesn't.
Ribbon/Scarlet: You'd do that?
Peridot: Uh, yeah? Why shouldn't I?
Ribbon: Because if Auntie doesn't, doesn't that mean she has a reason not to?
Peridot: So? She's a grownup! That doesn't mean she's always right!
Peridot: Besides--everybody should know how to protect themselves. You and Meadow, too.
Ribbon: ....right. Um...I think I'll just get pepper spray or something.
Peridot: Ribbon...
Scarlet: ...huh. Can Raven come too, then?
Peridot: if he wants to--oof, got it--sure! Talk to Ma about it at dinner.
Ribbon: Why? D'you wanna spend more time with your boyfriend~
Peridot: *laugh*
Scarlet: He's not my boyfriend! But--yeah I do.
Ribbon: *laugh* Well, Meadow dropped out, too, but I dunno if Auntie wants more kids involved yet.
Peridot: She'd have to talk to Miss Bumble, too, but--why would either of 'em say no?
Scarlet: You're right! Okay, yeah, I'll come!
Peridot: Great! Now come here--let me help you up!
Scarlet: Really?
Ribbon: Yes, really! Come on!
Scarlet: Okay! I'm coming, I'm coming!
Scarlet: So what do I need to bring? Water, a bag, what?
Peridot: Just gym clothes and a water bottle. It's pretty sweaty work.
Ribbon: yeah, why do you think I'm dropping out?
Scarlet: Because you hate being dirty.
Ribbon: Uh, duh?
Eternal Glow, off-screen: Girls! Dinner's ready, come on down!
All: Coming!
Later that night...
Moonstone: Sora looked at the Keyblade in his hand, then at the Keyhole ahead. It had to be closed somehow, but it wasn't all the way there yet. How could he make it appear?
Moonstone: He would have to complete it before he could seal it, and the only way to do that was...
Moonstone: A shiver of fear ran down his spine. He knew what he had to do, even as everything in him screamed this was a terrible idea.
Moonstone: Good night, sweetie.
Peridot: *sleepily* ...g'night, Gram...
Moonstone: That's new.
Saffron: Something I've been composing for Peri. Come listen?
Moonstone: Of course.
Moonstone: That's beautiful.
Saffron: It's only a third of the way done, but...I want her to have it. A reminder to lead a good life.
Moonstone: Yeah.
Moonstone: We've had a good life, haven't we?
Saffron: I think so.
Moonstone: Yeah. I think so, too.
Radio: In other news, two security guards were found dead this evening at another robbery. For those keeping track, this makes five this month alone, and eighty seven in ten years. Police remain close-lipped on the subject...
The next morning...
Citrine: Have a good day at school, honey.
Peridot: I will.
Fern: And remember we have to leave by sunset, so don't get too distracted after.
Peridot: I won't! Ma, come on, I'm not a baby anymore.
Citrine: Not because you're a baby, just--ooh, what am I saying, you can manage your own day now can't you.
Fern: when did you get so big?
Peridot: Ma!
Citrine: *laugh* So remind me again what you're going as?
Peridot: Mommy...*sigh* I'm going as a ninja, and so's Cel!
Peridot: He was all, I'll be your ghostly mentor ninja from beyond the grave or something 'cause he got the white one and he's weird like that.
Citrine: ...that boy is...definitely something.
Fern: His Mom's not much better. *snicker*
Calcite: And your cousins are going too, right?
Peridot: Uh-huh! Ribbon's gonna be a fairy princess, Scar's gonna be a vampire princess, and Meadow's going as...Toda? From Star Wars?
Fern/Citrine: *groan* Yoda....
Peridot: Um...is that okay?
Citrine: *laugh* It's fine, baby, it's just--those movies were old when your Ma and I were born, and they're still going.
Fern: Classics. Real classics.
Peridot: Oh, okay. It's just you two don't like them or something?
Fern: You could say that. Still, if Meadow's happy with it, that's all that matters. ...and it's not like I'll be any better.
Citrine/Peridot: Oh no.
Peridot: Ma, please tell me you're not going to embarrass me!
Fern: Why, you worried I'll be silly in front of Cel?
Peridot: No!
Fern: *snicker* well, you'll see when we leave. I rented a costume especially for today.
Citrine: She did, and it's definitely something. Be very afraid.
Peridot: Nooooo....
Nova: *chuckle* Okay, you two. Let me through.
Nova: Here's your lunch, and--
Peridot: Yes you can have a hug, Grampop.
Nova: Oh, you're sweet, thank you!
Peridot, whispering: Do you know what Ma's costume is?
Nova, whispering: No idea. Sorry, sweetie.
Citrine: Should I have the camera ready for their reactions?
Fern: ooh, yes please!
Nova: Well, have a good day anyway. Don't let Parsley give you too much trouble, and if he does...
Peridot: Thumb out, aim for the tummy not the nose.
Nova: *laugh* Peri!
Nova: A lady doesn't start fights, she--
Peridot: Finishes them?
Citrine: That's--well, yes, but--oh, for the love of the Watcher, Peridot.
Fern: Just don't start something you aren't ready to end, okay?
Peridot: I won't, I promise. See you later, Grams!
Moonstone/Saffron, off-camera: See you later, kiddo!
Fern: Okay, honest question: Where does she get that temper?
Citrine: Oh, uh, no idea?
Nova: *laugh* Honey, I think you know exactly where she gets it.
Nova: I seem to remember fists first was your answer to bullies, too.
Citrine: And look where it go me.
Fern: Oh, I dunno. A wife and kid?
Citrine: *laugh* Fern!
Nova: *chuckle* Well, I don't think that's what Peri's thinking just yet, but...maybe we'll see.
Fern: Maybe. Oh--I've got to take Scarlet to her lessons today. Want me to pick up anything on the way back? Another costume?
Citrine: Fern...
Fern: Hey, I'm just saying you'd be the perfect bride for my monster!
Citrine: I'm good, thanks. *snicker* Honestly...trick-or-treating in Forgotten Honeycomb.
Nova: ...and we're sure it's safe?
Fern: Self-defense courses, actually.
Fern: *sigh* Let me guess, you've talked to Master Chronos.
Bumble: Aren't they the same thing?
Fern: Only in that both teach you how to throw a punch!
Fern: The whole idea was to teach the kids to protect themselves from bullies, but it also builds self confidence and athletic skill. Those are good things for any kid to have.
Bumble: Well, yes, but...I'm not sure our Hunter-Watchman would approve of it...
Fern: Who'd you get?
Bumble: Ardere. He's...well enough, I suppose, but--
Fern: Ardere's a lazy fat cat who's only real concern is chasing Favilla's hind end. He won't care so long as there's no throat tearing.
Bumble: oh. Well, would it be you teaching the children or...
Fern: No, it's me. Caly's taking my adult classes, and I've almost got the boss sold on...something big, so.
Bumble: So we can trust you to have their best interests at heart.
Bumble: Oh, yes. He said many unkind things about us living here instead of in the mountains, so.
Fern: That miserable old fart--mmph.
Bumble: Miserable fits better than old. Tell me, was he always like this?
Fern: Ah...I spent more time training with Master Terra than being aware of what Master Chronos did, but..yeah, I guess so.
Bumble: Shame. He could be a great leader with all that experience, if he ever got his head out of his--
Bumble: --well. Never mind that. When would these lessons be?
Fern: After school hours, and we can start tomorrow. We've got a thing in Honeycomb tonight, if Raven wants to come along?
Bumble: no, thank you. We don't really observe Spooky Day.
Bumble: And, quite frankly, you couldn't pay me enough to go back to the mountains. I'm surprise you're going.
Fern: ...it's for the kids, and it's...pretty enough, I suppose.
Bumble: Fern.
Bumble: Are you alright with this? Is Citrine?
Fern: I....well, mostly? It's not fair to paint an entire people or place for the actions of one person, right?
Bumble: Right, but...you went through some pretty horrible things back there. It's okay to be nervous.
Fern: *sigh* It won't be the same, I know that. Hunters will be there, and without Sanguine it's supposed to be peaceful, I just...
Bumble: It can be hard, to leave horrible things entirely behind us. Will Citrine be going with you?
Fern: No. She doesn't want to go back there and I can't blame her.
Bumble: Nor I. Obsidian could accompany you, if you want some help with the children?
Fern: No, we'll be fine. If Raven's not coming it's just five kids and three houses. And the Library but--
Bumble: but Blue Moon is an absolute darling, I know. Well, if something does happen, don't hesitate to call us. I would say you would be surprised y how fast Vampires can move, but...
Fern: Yeah, no, not surprised. I'll keep you both on speed dial.
Fern: So, about those lessons...
Bumble: ...yes, about those lessons. *sigh* I'll be honest, Fern, I'm not sure...Raven's going to have so much to deal with against him, and Scarlet as well...is it really a good idea to give more credence to the "violent vampire" image?
Fern: -! Oh, Watcher, I hadn't thought about it like that!
Bumble: You haven't had a reason to! If we were non-Occults I'd be pouncing on it, but since we're not...
Fern: A fledgeling learning to fight...yeah, that...that might get Ardere's attention alright...*sigh* Okay, well....I'll take responsibility.
Bumble: For what? The lessons?
Fern: Well, yeah, but also for you three, and Scarlet. I mean, I was watching her already but--
Bumble: Wait, wait, hold on a second. Didn't you say you were retired?
Bumble: You would do that?
Fern: Of course. Why wouldn't I?
Royal Cola: Art class soon. Need three books...one, two...three? Where three go?
Bumble: Well, in that case--Raven, darling, would you like to join self-defence classes with Scarlet?
Raven: What kind of class is that?
Scarlet: *giggle* silly. It's where you learn to throw punches and protect yourself without hurting yourself.
Raven: Oh! Hmm...are you definitely going, Scar?
Scarlet: Yep! Peri's going, so I'm going.
Obsidian: It's always a good skill to have, son, even with vampiric strength. Especially with vampiric strength, really.
Scarlet: And we wouldn't be the only ones going, either. Peri's friends are coming--you could make friends, too.
Raven: I dunno about that, but sure--I'll go!
Bumble: *chuckle* well, that settles that. Should we bring anything?
Fern: Just yourselves...oh, and wear gym clothes. And bring a water bottle. And...
Bumble: And?
Fern: Do you know a business lawyer, by any chance?
Bumble: I do, actually. Why?
Fern: Well, Army's looking to sell and I was thinking....
Royal Cola: Make no sense! *angry grumbling in Sixamese*
Parsley: Lose your brain, freak?
Royal Cola: Wha--no, book!
Royal Cola: Not brain! Brain work fine. Book missing.
Parsley: Ha! Like a book'd help that stupid head of yours.
Royal Cola: ...head not stupid. Head not have smart or dumb. Head just head.
Parsley: *laugh* You don't even get it, do you? Watcher you're even dumber than you look!
Royal Cola: ....not understand. Why so--hitani?
Parsley: Speak Simlish! We're on Maxis, not your backwater rock!
Royal Cola: ...not rock either. Delana--big ship, good ship!
Parsley: *laugh* Oh, so you're a space for brains! Ha, that figures.
Royal Cola: *quietly speaking in Sixamese*
Parsley: What was that? That sounded like a threat.
Parsley: I'm gonna tell the teacher you threatened me, and you can't say you didn't!
Royal Cola: ....
Parsley: That's what I thought.
Peridot: I can tell you what ze said. Ze asked you to leave zem alone.
Parsley: Wha--ugh, you again?!
Peridot: Yeah, me. Again. Buzz off, Herb. Or pick on somebody who can fight back.
Parsley: And that's supposed to be you? Little mixed freak?
Peridot: My color's got nothing to do with how many of your teeth I'll knock out. And that was a threat.
Royal Cola: Peridot...
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