--Grunting—
Quiante groaned as one of the three pale-eyebrow men in cobalt uniform attacked a capture spell behind her back that suddenly pulled her away and chained her off on the chair. While on the other hand, the guy she fought with recently went to the drawer and plucked a bunch of napkins to tuck on his nose. By and by, the frost woman in white martial outfit, ash hair, and revealing long legs went next to him. And in great concentration, the frost woman cast a full health restoration spell and deployed the magic that healed all his injuries from the lame pillow fight.
The bear guy is the same as tall as William and an excellent body structure that seems unobvious when he clothes. His face is so pale and his hair is dusk purple. Eyes so sharp, lips enticing, and impressive nose line. His swollen eye healed and kept it close wrapping it with purple barbarian eye patch. He wipes the bloodstains left on his nose and turns around to Quiante to face his Bear Enemy. While Quiante on the contrary is still apparently trying to escape despite knowing she's outnumbered.
"(Sighs) Struggling is useless, Bear Hugs. I don't get it, I thought girls supposed to be modest, calm, and composed. Not gnashing your teeth at me Butter Cup. Ok nevermind, let her go." he ordered his men.
"But Your Eminence…" the frost woman alerted.
"Don't worry Luna she's powerless for now." He assured.
The frost woman named Luna silenced and halted back. She signaled her comrades and freed Quiante from the capture spell. She went loose and stands up. But this time she has already gained control over her balance. However, as of now she cannot still deploy any magic. And next to her standing is the bear guy. He looked at her and unexpectedly put on a smile expecting for a thank you.
"What are you smiling at, Bear brain!?" Quiante bluntly replied.
"Watch your mouth, commoner!" Luna blasted in anger.
"(Raised a hand sign to calm Luna) my, that was unexpected. But now that you've done it, I think I might kill you now." his aura suddenly changed.
"(Scoffs) don't underestimate me, bear brain." Quiante boldly talked back as the mood begins to get serious.
"O, really Bear Hugs."
"Wanna try me?"
The spark begins to get fiercer and fiercer as the two heated up for another fight. The furious battle is about to start when suddenly…
"Nah forget about it. I know you'll just run away from here and jump over the window, right?" he changed the mood.
"Absolutely" She replied.
"Are you crazy!? Where on the fiftieth floor, Idiot! The moment you fall on the ground you'll be a smashed watermelon. Are you out of your mind!?"
"That's my problem to think about bear brain not yours."
"O for the love of goldilocks, do you really want to die?"
"It's called survival papa bear not suicide."
"(Face palm) is it so hard to ask!?"
"Why, if I did would you let me?"
"Of course, after all I was helping you out remember?"
"Oh really, do you call that helping after you pinned me down and kiss me on the floor?"
"Uh, yes, sorry about that, my mistake; but if I remember it correctly, it is you who kissed me mama bear."
"(Blushed) you're lying!" she immediately defended herself.
"(Sweat drops) seriously, do we even need to argue about this?"
"Well, it never happened if you have just let me go bear brain. (Scoffs) And you call that helping out?"
"Well, I was aren't I?" He insisted as the phone suddenly rang and took it by his hands. "Because if not, you probably have found yourself messing with other guys last night, Bear hugs." He continues as he takes a glimpse over the phone. "And my, I guess your parents are worried sick right now because they've been calling you since ten pm, look."
"Give me that!" Quiante tried to take her phone back but the bear guy is just too swift with tricks. "O, please give it back!"
"What? What did you say?" he teases her making to say please.
"(Exhales) please, give it back." She reiterated with a low voice.
"Nah, I'm not hearing anything."
"Please, give it back." She finally pleased politely.
"Now that's better." He was satisfied and handed over the phone.
She took the phone and answered immediately after the beep, "Pa?"
"Thank goodness Quiante, where have you been? D-did something happen wrong last night? Did William do something to you? Or are you hurt?" her father anxiously asked.
"Pa, it's ok, I'm fine really." She tried to calm her dad.
"Quiante, honey, are you ok baby?" her mom interjected.
"Ma, don't be too loud. It's still so early in the morning. I'm fine, ok. I'm really sorry I didn't call you last night, I'll explain later, promise."
"Just be sure you're fine, ok? And don't hesitate to tell us if something went wrong, do you understand Quiante?!"
"Of course, I will."
"And O, don't go to Mrs. Ashburn any longer Quiante, because we already settled your withdrawal papers and service contract yesterday and it got a little complicated from here and there, but thankfully it went well enough though. So, it is best not to go there anymore, ok."
"(Exhales in relief) I will, thanks mom" she sweetly replied.
"We'll always be there for you and your brother, honey."
"Quiante" her dad followed.
"Dad?"
"I know this might be another trial for all of us, but one day this too will pass like we also had five years ago, right? I just wish you could have a better life. (Sighs) We love you dear."
"Love you too, pa." Quiante lessen her voice
--Door bell chimes over the phone—
"Um, Quiante maybe we should call back later." Her dad finished as the surrounding background seems to be troubled.
"Pa, wait! Have they come to collect now?" she worriedly tried to inquire.
--Phone call ends—
"(Sips tea loudly) ah, love watching your happy family little chit chat, Bruv Bear." Bear guy interrupted.
"I'm sorry, but I got to go now." Quiante pardons.
"Why? You aren't getting to that… Mrs. Ashburn, right?"
"No, but I won't waste my time in here earning not a sequel to pay our dues, your highness. Time is sequel, so I got to work." Quiante explained.
"You know, I can pay your bank dues within the day though, however that, if you accept to be my employee…"
"Ok, I'm listening."
"You-you're really into this, Bear hugs?"
"Well, you're helping me out right?"
"(Smiles) Then you got yourself a deal. And for proper introductions, Hi! I'm Count Zeku Salamander, your employer and you are?"
"Quiante, Quiante Broeker Sir, at your service."
"Hm…"
"Um, is there something wrong with what I said?"
"No nothing really, it's just that your name sound someone I know. Well, nevermind you're hired Polar Bear." Zeku suddenly closed the deal.
"Wait what!? That's it?! No contract, no agreements, no signing of papers?"
"Well, I'm only helping you out, right?"
"Really, just how many times do we have to say that over and over again? It's so lame. But anyways… thank you, Sir." Quiante timidly thanked him.
"Nah, just Zeku."
"So, what's my job description?" Quiante asked.
"O, it's just simple."
"How simple?"
The two bear had a truce and quickly changed to proceed to their brand new employer-employee relationship. Quiante changed to her usual clothes and Zeku makeover for a big celebration. He tossed up his hair, wears white formal attire and put on fully polished shoes. Quiante find this a bit over the top but decided to go silent so as not to cause another argument. Still silent, together with his trusted men and frost lady left the room and checked out in the hotel. Then afterwards they rode on their car stopping over the mall to purchase something very important, a gift perhaps.
"Um, why are we stopping by here?" Quiante respectfully asked.
"Don't worry when we get there, you'll have the gist of everything." Zeku assures her.
"Ok," she replied.
They went inside the mall and drop by a mascot shop. The shop is filled with cute plushies and amazing gigantic stuff toys. This mesmerized Quiante and for that moment she felt like heaven. But to her unexpected, suddenly Luna pulled her towards the fitting room. The two of them were left on the room and Quiante doesn't feel right about this. Luna looked at her strangely and in an instant, Quiante found herself now wearing in a mascot polar bear hoodie with cute paws, fluffy fur, and remarkably cute poufy polar bear head.
"Perfect!" Luna appraised herself.
"What!?!" Quiante lately noticed. "Now, why I am wearing this?"
"This is gonna make her day, the best day ever!" Zeku happily exclaimed.
"Um, can anybody explain why am I wearing this sparkling polar bear mascot?"
"This is your first job, Butter Cup." Zeku replied.
"Ok, but stop with the butter cup thingy please. Now, what am I going to do about this, Papa Bear?"
"Mmhmm, you're gonna walk out like this from here until evening. See isn't it way too easy?"
"So, you want me wearing this and go out there to show off this flashy thing?! No way Papa Bear."
"Yes way Polar Bear, because you'll not necessarily spoil it to everybody. And you'll going to save that cute looking outfit to someone much better."
"Phew! That's better. So, who's this very important person that we're going to meet anyway?"
"(Smiles) Goldilocks" he replied.
WHAT? IS THIS FOR REAL? WE'RE MEETING THE REAL GOLDILOCKS? BUT WAIT, ISN'T GOLDILOCKS SUPPOSED TO BE AFRAID OF BEARS? THEN WHY THE HELL ARE WE BRINGING UP THIS COSTUME? IS HE TRYING TO SCARE HER AWAY? MY, JUST WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WORLD AFTER I GOT DRUGGED? (Quiante thought)
Zeku paid the costume and bought another polar bear hoodie from the shop. Quiante recognized this and felt guilty about ruining the hoodie that she borrowed with. The group then scouted right away to the steam engine station to meet this bear-loving Goldilocks. They waited and waited, and then a few minutes after the station broadcaster announced the arrival of the awaited steam engine that have come a long way from region Sophia. The snake-like vehicle passed like a bullet and in a couple of seconds the brakes anchored down and it successfully stopped at the station.
Zeku and his men suddenly stand up and looked for Goldilocks, while Quiante is utterly curious if who is this Goldilocks that they are meaning to meet with. By and by, ahead they spotted among the crowd is a dazzling golden curls and a cute polar bear hat on the top. It went and the more it gets closer towards their direction. The group began to get excited as Quiante was left on the bench.
She also tried to peek but her height isn't just helping. So she climbs on the bench and there she saw Goldilocks. Goldilocks has the body of a kid, has golden curls like that of the actual iconic hair, pale faced, red eyes and pinkish lips. She wears a uniform, pulls a polar bear trolley, and puts on polar bear knee socks. Overall, she's a typical Goldilocks that is fond of collecting polar bear merchs. As she got closer the more it got clearer.
"Welcome Goldilocks!" Zeku and his men greeted.
"Brother! My you're really sweet as ever, aren't you." Goldilocks replied.
"Anything for you my little polar bear,"
"So, did you bring my request?"
"Sure, here, have a fit" Zeku handed over to her the polar bear hoodie.
Goldilocks was truly happy to see the gift that she had just received. And immediately wore it on to enjoy the wonderful feeling that she just had upon receiving it. He hugged his brother and greeted his brother's men. While Quiante patiently waits behind them looking for a cue, by and by the kid stopped talking and saw Miss Polar Bear at the back.
"So, do you like my surprise?" Zeku whispered at her.
"Oh gosh! This is like a dream! A-am I really seeing this for real?" she cheerfully replied.
"This time, yes it's for real." Zeku assured her.
"Why, I don't know what to say brother. This is just so wonderful! I've never felt life much better than this."
"It's ok, now go."
The girl run towards Quiante and hugged her tightly like any child would do. The kid had a tear from here and there and Quiante noticed this. Slowly, she wipes it off with her paw and embraced the kid back to comfort her. Zeku smiled at this touching picture and moved closer to them. The kid raised her head and began to greet Quiante with a genuine smile.
"Hi! (Giggles) We meet again ma'am," the kid greeted.
"Yeah (Giggles) welcome back Lillian." Quiante replied.
Both giggled as they greeted each other.
"Wait, do you already know each other?" Zeku asked.
"Mm! She's the one that I'm talking about who saved me brother."
"My, what a small world, thank you Quiante,"
"Its fine, the pleasure is mine Zeku."
"(Sighs) I hope this will last for a day," Lillian wished.
"What are you talking about? Didn't I promise you that we will go to Wicked Wonderland Park one day?" Zeku cheered her up.
"Yeah"
"And that one day is today, sissy"
"Really?!"
"Why don't you want it?"
"O, I would love too!"
The pack happily departed for an unplanned trip and enters the Wicked Wonderland Park in the capital city. Together, they rode various and exciting rides in the amusement park. They watched the circus, dig in for a food trip, and rode to an impossibly long zip line. This day has been a happy joy of wacky land, the men are awfully defeated and even Quiante almost gave up. Luna throws up in the restroom but Lillian still asks for more.
And the last ride is the crazy tornado Vikings. Together, Quiante and Lillian are the last remaining warriors. The rest already gave up and resolve to rest on a bench. The boat rowed wildly back and forth and the screams went wild and high. Afterwards, the insane adventure finally ended and Quiante likewise finally have a seat. The group decided to rest a little bit over a café and suddenly Quiante receive a call.
"Hello? Who is this?"
"Hey, Quiante darling how are you?"
WILLIAM? (Quiante thought)
"I'm sorry but I'm too busy right now to talk with you sh*t head, bye"
"Wait, aren't you going to hear me out first?"
"Oh come on William, I am not interested in this engagement. So could you please leave me alone?"
"Is that your final answer? Sure, I won't compel you. But if I tell you a little secret, didn't you illegally forge that bracelet in the room last night? Well, I can even send you some pictures if you're not convinced. In fact, I even have the recorded video. Doesn't that threaten you?"
"How… you little sneaky piece of sh*t!"
"Mmhmm I get that but maybe I'll change my mind if you will be there tomorrow at the registration office and tell us yourself that you're bringing back the contract. Well, is that a deal?"
"Screw you, sh*t head."
"My, don't sweat it darling you'll still have twelve more hours until tomorrow to think about on it. But just remember don't be late, Cinderella."
--Phone call ends—
F*CK!
Zeku notices Quiante and decided to pretend like nothing happened. The sunset began and everyone agreed to go home now. Lillian's trip was in fact truly remarkable and Quiante has likewise enjoyed, however this was interrupted by William that changed the mood. When they passed over the river bridge Quiante called out to drop her by because it is where she'll hitched a cab going back to her home. So they dropped her and everyone waved a cheerful goodbyes.
Zeku and the rest are on a kilometer away when Lillian suddenly remembered that she was meaning to give something very important to Quiante. She insisted to her brother so they had no choice but to turn back over. And as they got nearer they saw Quainte facing the river bridge road oppositely. This seemed strange and it seems that she is intending to jump over the bridge.
"(Inahles and exhales) here we go again." Quiante uttered as she suddenly jumps undoubtedly over the bridge.
She closes her eyes and let herself falling into the two hundred foot drop. She kept falling and falling when unexpectedly somebody caught her arms. And when she opens her eyes, she saw herself hanging by the edge of the bridge and Zeku and Lillian was helping her out.
"Wait, you don't understand! Let go of me!" Quiante exclaimed.
"No ma'am, no! We have to keep on living, you have to Quiante! Brother please, help her!" Lillian cried out.
"(Grunting) Come on, give me your hand!" Zeku called out.
"No! You don't understand! Let go of me!"
"Oh please ma'am, don't! Hold on! We'll save you!" Lillian followed up.
By and by the guards arrived and saw the critical situation. Immediately they tried to cast a spell at once to save Quiante from falling. Unfortunately, due to the rigorous unconditioning of their body from the whole exhausting day of trip they were unable to deploy magic. The struggling went on and his men look for an alternative solution.
"Miss Quiante, why did you jump?! Didn't you say to keep on living? Have you forgotten your word?!" Lillian desperately cried out.
"I'm sorry Lillian, but you don't understand! You have to let go of me!"
"No! We just had fun together! Please, not this day ma'am. Hold on!"
Zeku was almost slipping by the bridge and Lillian is seriously crying helping out. Seeing this critical situation, Quiante finally decided to let go of her paw glove and let herself fall from the grasp of the siblings. She helplessly falls down to the river as Lillian suddenly jumps off with her too to save her. Her brother didn't expect this, so in the abrupt moment he also dive together to catch up with the two. The three helplessly fall to their death deep down into the dark abyss and never knowing what might happen next.