Author: Ciara, Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2021 8:27 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Ciara's official office was on the first floor for easy access and had two large white doors as the entrance. The walls were a darkened shade of violet while the floors were the shade of white. The entire room was filled with cave plants, bookshelves, and some couches to make guests feel comfortable. In the back of the room was a large desk where Ciara sat, writing up a letter to send to some nobles about using some of their musicians at a ball one of them was hosting. Her eyes jumped up from the words as she saw Simone enter her office, injured. The fae woman almost jumped out of her chair and quickly walked over to Simone's side as she started explaining. 

"I remember every face that we let into the guild. Return to Lewis. I'll be back with Saphielle in a moment. If she sees that you're alive, she might try to flee." Ciara explained quickly with a smile. 

Simone had probably seen that smile before whenever one of the visiting nobles tried to make a deal with one of her artists that was unfair. It was a smile that meant whomever had wronged the guild was about to pay the price. The fae woman stepped out of her office and went straight for Saphielle's room. Each member had their own room, except for apprentices. Saphielle was a full member and thus, she had her own room. Just as she was about to head down to the room, she stopped in the hallway when she heard Saphielle's voice muttering beneath her breath. 

"He will be mine. He will be mine." Saphielle repeatedly whispered over and over. 

Ciara didn't say anything but stepped out from around the corner. Saphielle looked up in surprise to see the fae woman. Ciara simply smiled and opened her mouth to sing. The fae woman's voice was like honey and brought a warmth to Saphielle's heart. The magic from the fae woman's song wrapped around Saphielle's mind as the world around the foolish girl began to fade away. Instead of Ciara, Saphielle would see Lewis with open arms. Delighted at the sight, the delusional girl ran to Ciara and embraced her. 

Ciara's fingers began to grow long into sharp dagger-like needles. She pierced Saphielle's arms in the embrace, spilling blood all over the clean floor. The girl screamed out in agony and tried to pull away from the tight embrace. The illusion faded away to reveal Ciara. Saphielle's scent had the taste of distinct terror as she saw a black ooze dripping from where Ciara's eyes were supposed to be. Violet magic surrounded both of them as they were teleported to the room with Simone and Lewis. She released the girl and quickly shut the door. 

"Do you want to do this here my dear Simone? Or should we do this in the special room?" Ciara asked with a calm sweet smile. 

Her eyes had returned to normal as she regained her composure. Her nails were still long and terrifying and that sweet smile remained. The special room was a little room Ciara and Simone used sometimes in case of attackers. Normally some idiot or fan found their hideout for guild members and bothered someone. They usually just locked them in a dark room to scare them away. But it was secure enough that Saphielle wouldn't be able to go free, even if she had magic. 

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:47 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Llynette shook her head, “They are just a dream aren’t they? I want to be with you!”

Simone and Lewis looked at each other and frowned as they hugged her. “We will always love you.” In the few short hours, they had been with her… The little one had grown on them both. She was spunky like Simone but also had a lot of Llywellyn’s more charming personality traits like his tenderness and meekness at certain situations.

They were pulled out of the dream realm by Angela and Xeik. Angela was looking over Simone when she noticed Simone was holding someone.

“…What the hell?” Angela’s eyes got wide. “I think we gave them too much magic Xeik.”

Llynette peeked her eyes open, “Who are you?”

“My name is Angela and this is Xeik… Who are you?”

“Llynette!” She giggled a bit.

Xeik remembered back to the other world, “The daughter of Llywellyn and Simone… Of course, they brought her home…”

Simone popped her eyes open and sat up. She was panting and she had wounds on her. “Where is she?”

“I don’t know…”

“Llynette… Llynette?” Simone was shocked to see her. “Never mind for now. I need to find Saphielle.” She made her way to Ciara’s office hurt. “I need you… to find someone in the guild. Goes by Saphielle. She just tried to kill me and Lewis. I barely made it but I want to curb stop that corrupted bitch.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:24 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis and Simone booth smiled when Llynette stated that she wanted to play all day and night. Simone, used to having to negotiate with terrorists, talked her into the full day, until the sun went down. And reluctantly, Llynette agreed. And so, after breakfast, the trio set off to play all day. The first few hours were Llynette showing the two around the castle and its outskirts. Despite this being a copy of the world they knew, there were a few minor differences, which Llynette was proud of.

Then, as they sat down for a lunch picnic in the courtyard, Simone pointed out all of the flowers and their names, stating that they had a lot of these in their own personal garden at home. Llynette found herself entranced with how smart Simone was, and was happy that she was learning all these new names.

“Momma always gave me books on them, but I didn’t know all of this,” she said, excitedly. “There are so many more plants, right?”

Simone laughed, and went on to explain more about the other plants they had at home. “There’s the wisteria leading up to the castle…it’s absolutely amazing,” she said to the young girl. “I wish I could show you…”

The last few hours were spent playing games around the castle, and once the sun started to set, Llynette tried to argue for more time.

Lewis and Simone, though, could feel the pull of the magic taking hold. They had fulfilled their promise, and the world was ending.

“We can’t stay, Llynette…I’m sorry,” Lewis said as he knelt down and gave her a hug. “The magic is taking us…we’re going home.”

“But I had so much fun…it could be like this every day!” Llynette had tears in her eyes. “I want to go home with you…”

Lewis smirked. “Wouldn’t that make your parents sad?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:10 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone smiled at Lynette and chuckled, “Lewis retired from his job so he wouldn’t miss any moments the children had. He missed Alshaya taking her first steps and he’s never forgiven himself for that one.”

Llywellyn looked frustrated for a moment. “Was I there for Llynette?”

“No, you were in a council meeting.” Simone blinked a bit at him wondering why now of all times it mattered to him. “Remember you told me it had to wait.”

Llywellyn looked frustrated with himself.

“What matters is that you don’t miss it next time,” Simone looked at her counterpart’s pregnant belly. “You have all the time in the world to make things right. Trust me, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes it takes a lot to grow as a person. You just have to be willing to change. Sulwal can handle itself. Your family is only going to be young for so long and the bonds you make now will last forever.”

That seemed to hit home at least with Llywellyn, “I’ll try harder and make time. Make sure Simone frees up time too.”

“Good, but today is our time with Llynette. We did promise and we don’t break out promises,” Simone smirked at Llynette who got excited.

“So… What do you want to do?”

“PLAY ALL DAY! AND ALL NIGHT!”

“I can do all day but once the sun is down you have to go to sleep,” Simone negotiated like a pro.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:55 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

For the most part, Lewis let Simone do most of the explaining. She was better at telling these things eloquently and concise. There were a few moments where he felt as though he had to chime in, but they were few and far between. The questions next though, surprised him a bit. The King and Queen seemed to have a few of their own, but it was Llynette who was taking charge of the miniature interrogation.

“We play with them all the time,” Lewis said with a smile. “Of course, we both have to do a bit of work, but we make sure to spend a lot of quality time with the kids. There’s a scheduled day for it individually, as well as time set aside each day for the whole family. It can be a little hectic, but we all love it.”

Llynette looked at Lewis with wide eyes, “Wow…all of them get time?” She almost gave her own parents a disappointed look.

“All of them,” the ex-assassin said with a smile. “Everett and Alshaya…they’re quite the little fighters. They like listening to stories and pretending they’re knights in shining armor ready to slay the dragon. Then, there’s Jules and Corrine. They’re much less active, and prefer to paint and do crafts. Janus and Lila are young still, and are content with playing with toys and just in general running around. Then there’s Fiori…we bond by going shopping for seamstress materials….”

“So many,” Llynette said, astounded by the amount of things Lewis and Simone did for their kids.

“Mira loves showing off her sea friends….she’s a wild one. Then there’s Rex, Lucas, and Ezili, who are all pretty much adults at this point. They spend a lot of time doing their own thing, but they drop by and say hi when they can. And then baby Glyn…he’s too young to do much playing, but he loves being sung to….Simone’s really good at that…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:40 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“So you’ve told me a half dozen times,” she chuckled and let her eyes close.

She purred at his forehead kiss and smirked, “Loads, but we can do that at home after we’ve put the kids to sleep.” She kissed his lips softly and stroked his face. “I love you more than anything… I would do my utmost to make sure you are just as happy as I am Lew. You deserve it too.”

There was a sudden laugh from her as she saw his blush, “Ohh? You really liked the feisty me? I’ll have to practice so it looks good.” She winked at him. “Who knows? I won’t until I try.”

There was a knock on their door, “Breakfast Lord and Lady.”

Simone let out a snort, “I love the face you make when they call you Lord.” Once they were dressed they made their way into breakfast where the others were waiting for them.

“Now, I do hope you’ll tell us all about you and how you ended up here.”

Simone looked at Lynette hesitant but she told their tale as close as she could without scarring the girl. The queen and king look taken back as they looked at each other. “That’s a lot to take in.”

“It’s a lot that’s happened.” Simone held Lewis’s hand for them to see and she smiled up at him. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“You said you have kids… Do you have lots?” Lynette spoke up.

Simone smirked, “We have twelve. I can’t have children like your mommy but Lewis and I… our love created two beautiful children that we named Janus and Lila. All of our children are beautiful but we have four around your age too.”

“And you play with them?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:15 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“You’re cute when you’re angry,” Lewis said with a half smirk as they lay there. This was the most relaxed he had felt since this damned thing had started. He just wanted to stay where he was, looking down at his Simone laying next to him. This could be heaven…

“The children,” Lewis said after a moment. “I miss them too.” He smiled, and wondered what the little rascals were up to. He leaned down, and kissed her forehead. “We have a lot to talk about now, don’t we? I’m sorry if it seemed like I doubted you… I love you more than anything, and would do anything to make you happy, you know…” Now that the resonance was back, he felt safe again.

As she spoke of what she wanted to do when they got back, though, Lewis blushed and looked away. “I….wouldn’t be opposed. Though I can’t see you acting like that…” There it was again, that half smile as he looked back to her. “Think you can manage?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2021 7:44 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone smirked a bit as he snuggled into her. She nuzzled him back and let out a sigh. “Morning…” It felt like it had been an eternity since they had last been able to lay like this. “I hate how long it’s been since I could lay with my own husband.”

She turned around in his arms and put her head into his chest. Taking his arms she put them right where she liked them. “I almost don’t want to get out of bed but then I remember that it feels like it’s been a lifetime since I’ve seen the kids… and I just want to get this over with. I have a bitch to kill.”

She felt his lips with her fingertips. “Because I have to kill her for even touching what’s mine… and thinking about taking what’s mine…” She was just as possessive as he was. “You know how it is… Imagine if someone tried to touch me like that.” She had seen him cut off a person’s appendage just for thinking about it.

She kissed him. “Then once we get home I’m going to lock you in our room for an hour. How’s that? Maybe I can be brazen for you?” She chuckled. “Like the one me? Would you like that?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 7:54 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis nodded in agreement at the rest portion of things. He looked over to the King. “Lly, can we steal a room? It won’t be for long.” Despite everything that had happened, the fact that the ex-assassin referred to the King as “Lly” sent a few ruffles through the guards.

“Deal with it,” Lewis said before anyone could honestly respond. “I just saved the Queen…I think I can have a little leeway…”

Once Lewis and the Queen Simone had explained what happened, Llywellyn was more than happy to provide a room for the two, though he did so with the demand that they attend breakfast before the day with Llynette. Both he and the Queen wanted a full explanation of what had happened. Lewis agreed, though he and Simone knew that they would have to curve some of the facts of the matter.

Lewis helped Simone into the bed they were provided, and once they hit the soft pillows, each of them fell asleep near instantly. When Lewis woke in the morning, he was holding Simone from behind. He wasn’t sure how long he had been in this alternate world, but it had felt like weeks since he had last held Simone like this. He almost didn’t want to get out of bed.

Lewis nuzzled the back of her head. “Morning…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 6:51 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The queen and king looked at each other not really knowing what to think but they nodded. “Do you really think I have the worst habits?”

Simone looked up at Llywellyn, “You have the absolute most nauseating habits known to elven kind. For instance, you don’t listen. You have to take a rock and beat it on your head before you even get a single hint of what you need to be doing. God forbid the only time you get actual balls is when you are mad at something or someone.”

This time the queen started to laugh, “That’s pretty accurate actually…”

“She had to tweak my personality to manage this,” Simone’s eyes landed on herself and she smirked. “Because I couldn’t stand that part of Llywellyn’s personality from the day I met him. He was a good man… still is… He just has his priorities fucked up on a lot of things. He is a good king though I will give him that.”

Lewis helped Simone up and she looked tired and hurt. “Man… I feel like a dragon hit me. I think a dragon did hit me now that I’m remembering the encounters. Rest first, then play with Llynette. I’m sure Xeik would agree. If I try to exhaust anymore energy I’m scared what it might do to all of us.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 6:45 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis merely smiled through Simone’s explanation to Saphiele, waiting for her to lose her mind. As predicted, the crazed woman merely yelled and screamed, trying her hardest to reach Simone and Lewis. She she grew closer, though, the azure flames that were still encircling Lewis and Simone grew hotter, forcing her to retreat.

Once she was gone, Simone nearly collapsed, and Lewis caught her, feeling a bit faint himself. “Well…that was fun…”

Llynette ran up to them, a worried look on her face. “Are you okay Lewis!?” she asked.

“Fine,” he replied, groaning. “Say, Llyn…” He smiled. “I know it’s sudden…but do you want to spend a day with Simone and I?” Lewis looked up to the Queen and King of this world. “Of course…if your parents are okay with it.” He looked down, back into her stormy grey eyes. “We can show you what happiness is…what full happiness is.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 6:22 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The queen went to go catch her child but instead, she went to stand with Llywellyn to look at the scene. She had felt so close to Lewis when he cured the poison in her… but now… She understood why.

“I’ll live…” Simone snuggled into Lewis and she felt tired. Her body was full of wounds and bite marks but she looked like she gave one hell of a fight. “Had to make sure that my mister didn’t lose faith in me somehow.” She smirked a bit.

Simone looked at Llynette and she reached out patting the girl on the head, “It’s alright. Llynette right?” The girl nodded. “You were very brave running out here like that. Go to your mommy and daddy ok?” The girl hesitated before going.

“You fail in understanding why the resonance works. You think it’s just some magic? It’s not. In order for the resonance to work there had to be a connection before that. A pure act of love. That’s the only reason why I’m even alive right now. Lewis poured all of his love into the spell to bring me back. See, you could kill Lewis and you could bring him back the same way but it would never take. Lewis’s soul would have to be willing and it’s not. He would never love you because you would have taken me from him.”

Then Simone’s smile got soft, “Children are little drunks Saphielle. They see things we often can’t and they will call it like they see it. Their hearts when properly taken care of are filled with so much love that they can see it almost immediately. Children know the most about love. Maybe not the individual love that we feel on a special level but they know what they see.”

She held up her fingers, “First though. This last world was wholly manipulated by you. Let me explain. First, if Llywellyn married me and we were in a world where nothing bad had happened we would be in Auclair and not Sulwal. Two, never in a million years would I actually be happy with Llywellyn as a wife because he has the worst habits known to mankind… AND HE’S COCKY.”

The king looked offended by Simone. “Third, while Llywellyn did love me he never once tried to pursue anything past a sibling relationship with me but twice. Both times I turned him down. You rewrote the rules Saphielle and so I did too… by making sure that one of the obstacles in your path knew who I was.” Simone pointed to Llynette. “Lewis would always listen to a child if they opened up their heart to him. It was the perfect thing because you never saw it coming. All I needed her to do was be able to hear me so I could talk to Lewis even if indirect. To make me happy in this world? I rewrote that too. In order to win this world… You have to make Llynette happy.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 6:10 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

In many circles, it was usually frowned upon to ignore a Queen when she was addressing you, but Lewis didn’t seem to care. The moment that he saw his Simone, he couldn’t look away. She was his world, and now that his world had returned to him, it was all that he could do not to jump to her on the spot.

As Simone raged, Lewis walked up to her, pulling her into his arms. The azure blue flame swirled around them, and immediately Lewis’ calm flowed into her, and her rage flowed into him. The emotions swirled around like fire and ice until they finally evened out, at least for the time being.

“You’re okay,” Lewis said as he stared into her azure eyes. “I was worried…” He knew that they needed to focus on the world around them, escaping, and most importantly, Saphiele, but he couldn’t tear his gaze away.

For a moment, the world quivered, and Saphiele was standing at the entrance to the throne room, tears in her eyes. “But why? Why, why, WHY!?” She threw her hands down, and the world seemed to bend. “All I wanted was you, Lewis. That magic connection…that’s the cause of all of this, right? I can break it! I know I can! Just give me a chance. See? Look! She’s so happy with Lly-what’s his face…she doesn’t want you…she never has. She even killed you! I saw it. I’ve seen it all!”

LLynette looked at her mother, squeezing her hand gently. “I’m sorry, Mommy…” Without a warning, she ran to the other Simone and Lewis, standing in front of them. “You’re a liar!”

“Llynette!?” Lewis said, shocked. “What are you doing!?”

“Mommy isn’t happy at all. She has no time for me…not in this world, or the last! It’s really sad! But her…” The girl looked to the real Simone. “I felt it when she came here. She loves Lewis. More than anything!”

“What do you know, you little runt!” Saphiele screamed. “What would a child know of love!?”

“Apparently a lot more than you,” Lewis quipped.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 5:58 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The rush of magic to the world’s Simone helped clear the poison. She was hyperventilating as her eyes met his, “Who are you?” She had never felt closer to anyone in her life.

A commotion rose and Lewis helped the pregnant Simone stand up. “That… sounds like the throne room.” There was screaming and yelling. A very, very familiar voice followed. “Tell me later?” Simone looked at him before dragging him to see what was wrong.

Llywellyn had a few soldiers and he was trying to keep Simone back as blue fire kicked up. “Saphielle, you stupid bitch where you are you.” Simone was screaming at the top of her lungs as she hovered in the air with her wings out. She looked like she had been through hell.

“Simone?” Llywellyn looked between his Simone and then the Simone in front of him. “What the hell is going on.”

“I’m trying to kill a bitch what does it look like?” Lewis’s Simone was angry beyond belief as she caught a shadow creature and ripped it apart almost with her bare hands. “When I get my hands on you… I’m going to destroy you! I’ll rip you to pieces!” Simone lost her wings thanks to the magic flux and she was just screaming at seemingly nothing.

It was the fire that she had started that was the problem as Llywellyn helped the guards try to put it out.

"Is that really me?" The queen Simone was scared and honestly, she should have been. Lewis's Simone was more like a wildfire and she wasn't about to be put out by just any old water.

"SAPHIELLE!"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 5:51 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis was shocked that Llynette could hear his Simone. And that his Simone was still fighting. Hearing that, even from Llynette, was the surge of strength he needed to press on. All of the doubts that he had were washed away, and he knew that there had to be a way out of here.

“You can…forget she said that,” Lewis said with a half smile. “It’s adult talk that you’ll understand when you’re older, though I wouldn’t mention those words to anyone around here. They might find it offensive.” Before anything else could happen though, this world’s Simone walked in, surprising both Lewis and Llynette.

“What’s this?” Lewis asked as he was handed the tea from the other Simone. It smelled pleasant, but there was something about it that was familiar. He watched as Simone sipped it, and he took another whiff of the tea. “Wait, this is-”

Simone started to choke, and immediately Lewis knew what was happening. It was poison, one that Lewis had used a fair number of times in his old line of work. He moved over to Simone, and set her on her back, looking her over. Normally, he would have the antidote nearby in case something went wrong, but he wasn’t on the job anymore, and had nothing. “Damnit, I’m not a healer…where the hell is Xeik when I need him?”

“Not again,” Lewis said as he frantically tried to think of something.

Lewis! Use your resonance! A voice echoed in his mind.

“But she’s not-”

You’re both right here, right next to each other! Nothing is stopping you!

Lewis’ eyes widened. It was Xeik. He was still there, on the outside, fighting. Just like Simone. And he was right…Simone and Lewis were together in the room. They were always together, always connected. Even when he couldn’t feel her, they were still as one, as they always would be.

Azure flame circled around Lewis as his eyes flickered blue. Magic flooded the room, circling Lewis, Simone, and Llynette, burning at the edges of the dream world. “Saphielle never stood a chance, huh…” He placed his hand onto her face, and felt the magical flames burn away at the poison inside of her. “Wake up…Simone…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 10:22 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Llynette gave him a sly smile as she nodded, “Yeah! I know alllll about it. I know that my mommy you’re married to misses you very much and she’s been screaming this WHOOLEEEE time. She’s calling you a moron though.”

“WAIT, you can hear her?!” Lewis’s eyes lit up.

“Yeah, in and out but I can hear her lots. She’s screaming at you that you are a… that’s a dirty… dirty word… but she says you are an idiot for thinking she would love my daddy more than you. She says she can’t stand how stupid he is sometimes.”

Llynette thought for a moment and nodded, “She said she loves you more than anything and that she has to cut the connection because she is going to… What’s curb-stomping a bitch?” She had a funny look on her face. “Okay, that’s it she’s gone.” She hopped up and was surprised when her mother came into the room.

“I’m sorry about earlier. I managed to push my meeting back.”

“Really? FOR ME?” Llynette’s eyes got bright.

“Just for you.” She had some tea with her. “Got this from the kitchen help. I bet it's good.” She poured three cups and blew on it, to taste if she steeped it right. Something wasn’t right though as Simone started to choke.

“Mommy? MOMMY?!” Llynette jumped up. “LEWIS!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 10:15 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

It was odd that they were so trusting of Lewis, and when Simone more or less offered him up to entertain Llynette, he was taken aback. Maybe it was the safety of the castle, the fact that they were surrounded by guards at all times. Or maybe, this Simone was too wrapped up in her duty as Queen to really understand the implications. Even Llywellyn seemed to be busier than he had ever seen the real version.

Llynette pulled Lewis to her room, and flopped down on her bed, complaining about the new baby and her lack of attention. Lewis sat down on the ground, his back to the wall as he faced Llynette. “I don’t really know if I’m cut out for ‘playing’,” Lewis said with a half chuckle at how much she reminded him of Simone. “But…I have stories. And I’ve memorized some poems too…”

“Oh…stories?” Llynette asked. “Could you tell me stories from your world?”

“What was that?” Lewis asked, confused by her wording.

“Oh. I mean…” she paused, realizing that she probably shouldn’t have said that. “Sorry. I would like to hear your stories though. I bet you have great ones! Of mothers who actually dote on their daughters.”

That earned a small chuckle from Lewis. “I can’t say for sure, but I do know of a few great stories. Let’s see…there’s a tale of a thief and the boy he saved. Have you heard anything like that?”

“Nope!” Lynnette responded cheerily.

“Well…long ago, there was a boy named Xeik. He wasn’t anything special in his mind, just someone trying to survive on the streets. He was a talented thief…and one day…”

Llynette seemed enthralled with the tale, and when it ended she clapped. “But that boy he saved…you never gave a name.”

“Oh. Well… I…” Lewis glanced away.

“That’s okay. I know the truth…you’re that boy, aren’t you!”

“I am,” he replied. “You’re quite smart, you know.”

“I know,” she said back with a gleeful smile. “Since Mama and Papa barely pay attention, I read a lot. I’ve learned a lot. But I know you have different stories. I want to hear about the other ones…”

“Other ones?” Lewis asked.

“Well…yeah. Xeik is your friend. I’m sure he’s worried about you. But there must be others, right? From your world?”

There it was again, that phrase. “Llynette…you know, don’t you?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 10:02 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“No, they are just busy… Mama has a hard time having babies because of the Everglade potion though. It makes her age really slowwwwwww.” Llynette took his hand and sneered at them when they looked at her. Simone looked to be getting into an argument with Llywellyn.

“Mone, I don’t have time. The council is meeting. A few days will be fine. You have to meet with the other leaders as well. Don’t forget that. We just don’t have the time.” Llywellyn kissed his wife’s forehead and Simone came over and knelt the best she could.

“Hey, I’m trying okay? I’m sorry for what it's worth,” Simone looked at Llynette.

“You’re always sorry… You left in the middle of our playtime last week.”

“That was an emergency Llynette…”

“It’s always an emergency. Everything is always more important than me.” The little girl had a huge attitude much like how Lila was showing hers. Totally Simone.

Simone had her hand on her belly and she looked up at Lewis, “Not to be a bother but can you help me up. He’s angry with me right now.” Lewis helped the queen up and she took his hand. “Seriously feel this child.” It was nothing but angry kicking. “I have to go though… Llynette… Why don’t you ask Mr…”

“Lewis.”

“Lewis. Ask Mr. Lewis to play with you? That’s better than nothing isn’t it?” Simone waved and left to join a group of chatting women.

Llynette nodded and she grumbled. “Finee… Will you play with me?” Llynette looked up at him, “I’m not allowed outside the palace.” Which was a lie because she was outside of it when he found her. “I sneak out though.” She took his hand and took him to her room. “I hate it. I hate that they are always busy. I hate the new baby… I was excited but then I remembered they don’t play with me so they aren’t gonna play with him either.” Llynette got some of her stuffed animals and she pouted at Lewis.

“THIS SUCKS,” Llynette threw herself on the bed. “I wish they didn’t have anything to do so they could spend time with me all day.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 9:54 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Seeing the family together was something else. Simone was absolutely glowing, and in this timeline she had her womb. It was the happiest he had seen her, ever. Except, Lynette didn’t seem too happy about the status of things. She seemed to want to play, but Simone was being oddly protective of her belly, and of the child to be.

The fact that Lewis was present in this situation made him feel awkward, as he was the odd one out. It was odd how they welcomed him with open arms, and in the same moment, shot down Llynette’s wish to merely spend time with them. Simone and Llywellyn moved to the side to have a hushed conversation, leaving Llynette to complain to Lewis about her parents.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Lewis replied. “They must be very protective of your sibling.” He wondered why. He doubted that his Simone would be anything like that. If anything, he admitted to himself that he would be the more cautious of the two, worried to death over their child. That brought a half smile to his face.

“What do you do, then? It must be very lonely for you…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 9:28 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“We have to try Xeik. If that’s the only answer then we have to do it. Lewis is going to give in if we don’t do something. For all the lousy times for you to be pulled out.”

–

Once they got into the clearing. “MOMMY! DADDY!” Simone lowered herself the best she could. She looked to be about four or five months pregnant.

“Llynette, I was so worried about you!”

“The nice man brought me home!” Llynette hugged onto Simone but Llywellyn was quick to take her.

“You know holding onto your mother right now is bad for your little sibling,” the elf laughed and looked at Lewis. “Please, come to our palace it’s the least we can do. This is my wife Simone and I am Llywellyn. We’re pretty much friends now… Aren’t we, Llynette?”

“YES!” She kicked down and ran to Lewis before taking his hand. “Isn’t my mommy glowing? Daddy says she’s glowing! I don’t know what that means but I’m getting a sibling to finally play with!”

“Llynette… We’ve talked about this,” Simone frowned a bit.

“But…”

“No,” Simone shook her head. “We can spend time with you in a few days okay?” Simone looked sorry she had to have the conversation in front of Lewis.

“They never make time for me…” She frowned. “And now they have the new baby too…”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 9:05 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Xeik ruffled his hair, “Auughh…I don’t know Ang. I don’t know what to do…” He closed his eyes. “Okay, here me out. Saphielle…she keeps changing the rules, right? Well…what happens if we try to cheat? You can’t send me back in, but what if we send…like…a mana construct of me? One that I can control? If we flood enough magic into it, we might be able to break the flow of mana for her world?” Was that even an option? Would Angela even risk it? “The only downside I can think of…is that Lewis and Simone might not be able to handle that much magic. It might result in a burnout…but…”

—

Lewis could almost understand Saphielle, but when she was pulled back unexpectedly, Lewis looked around curiously. What had happened? “Saphielle? Where did you go? Whe-” He blinked. The little girl from the second timeline was there, Lynette. She seemed to be lost, and was asking him to take her home.

“Er…Llynette?” lewis was confused. What kind of world was this where Llynette existed? Her red hair matched that of Llywellyn’s, but she still had Simone’s signature storm grey eyes. This was definitely their daughter. “Oh…of course. I can…I can take you..” He held out his hand. “Here…let’s go.” As she took it, they wandered through the woods, towards the sounds of the trumpets. It wasn’t long before they entered the clearing.

“Here we are, Lynette,” Lewis said, letting her hand go as she ran towards her parents. Surely enough…Llywellyn, and Simone…

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 8:57 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Angela looked at Xeik, “Lewis is wavering. His heart is breaking. We have to do something… IDEAS XEIK. We’ll lose both of them.”

–

The world that he came into was the last one. “You see now? How everything is so wrapped around Llywellyn. She even names her child after him.” Saphielle walked around him. “She doesn’t need you. You were just there. You were the only one there.”

Suddenly Saphielle was yanked out by her hair by some unknown pissed-off force. No doubt it was Simone but she wondered if Lewis would actually know.

“Hey,” a little red-haired elf girl appeared at his side. “Can you take me home? I climbed out my window and I can’t find my way home no more.” She batted her pretty storm-colored eyes up at him. “My name is Llynette!” She took his hand.

“Can you take me back to my mommy and daddy? I’m pretty sure that they are worried about me. I hear the trumpets.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 8:47 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis froze when the life left Simone’s eyes. It wasn’t the first time he had seen her die, but this time, there was a finality to it. When he had killed her so long ago, she had waited, her stubborn soul unwilling to move on. This time, he knew that she didn’t linger. This Simone was done, finished with the world that had failed her. Even the solace of being with her loved ones as she passed was not enough to dispel the apathy in her heart.

“Kill them all,” Lewis said as he laid her body down. “Alvaro…the fae lord. Kill him, and every last of the fae who followed him. Burn his city to the ground, and…” He paused, looking at Llywellyn. “Save her daughter…I don’t know her name…but Simone called her Llynette…” Again, a world where she loved Llywellyn enough to bear a child in his name. The two really did have a strong connection.

Perhaps…it was meant to be. Is that what Sapphiele is hoping for? Lewis wondered if her despair, the feelings that he knew she hid from him, would go away if she were with Llywellyn instead of him. He wondered if she wouldn’t wake up feeling as though she had no right to her own life. He wondered…

“To arms,” Llywellyn said, breaking Lewis’ concentration. It was a full two days before the army was ready to march. Lewis joined them, of course, and as they stormed the city, Lewis realized just how powerful Llywellyn really was. As an assassin, Lewis was unparalleled, but the blade of an assassin wasn’t to protect. What Llywellyn had…the respect of his people, and the power to protect them.

The power to protect Simone.

Lewis’ purpose was more of a formality than anything. His strength was not needed here, in a battle of elves and fae. It was a one sided slaughter, and soon Llywellyn faced down Alvaro, destroying him. It was then, he met the little girl that he took to calling Lynnete. Despite being part fae, she had Simone’s hair and stormy grey eyes. She smiled at Llywellyn, and shied away from Lewis.

“Thank you, Lewis,” Llywellyn said as he picked up the girl. “I am…forever in your debt.” He bowed to the assassin, who shuffled awkwardly in response.

“Don’t,,,mention it.”

“I am sure that Simone is watching us from the soulstream, proud of what was achieved here…” The world shimmered, signifying that Lewis had ‘saved’ Simone in this world. Images of a happy Lynnette growing up to rule over Sulwal flashed around Lewis as the world went dark, but…

Is this what she really wants…to wake up beside me every morning? She hides the pain, hides the guilt… He had not felt this alone in a very long time….

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 8:25 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone opened her eyes slowly and looked at the elves, “That stupid prince.” She said it softly enough. “Llywellyn. Tell 'im it’s Mone.” They barely heard it and from the looks on their faces, they weren’t expecting such a thing.

“This way. She isn’t going to make it if we don’t hurry.” They didn’t dare take her from Lewis as they got him into a cart with her. The ride to Sulwal hurt her and she laid on his lap. “Janus and Lila huh? Like the poem?” She finally recalled what he said and she held a smile. “Reminds me of a poem I read once.”

She was trying to stay lucid as they arrived. Word had already been sent ahead and Llywellyn was running down the palace steps to them. “MONE,” he saw Lewis and he hesitated but he didn’t even take her as he held her with Lewis. Almost as if he was scared of breaking her. “Fucking hell look at you.”

“Listen, I know I’m ugly but,” she coughing up some blood, and Llywellyn called for healers.

“You aren’t any of the sort even now,” Llywellyn shushed her.

“Thank you, Lewis,” she looked up at him and smiled. “Remember your promise okay? I’m tired now.” The moment she closed her eyes everything seemed to leave her as if she had enough strength for this one thing.

The healers were rushing towards and Llywellyn shook his head at them. “I’m going to fucking murder that man. Your promise to her… What was it?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 8:17 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“Aye, I can do that,” Lewis said as he knelt down and pulled her into his arms. “Anything for you.” He lifted her, and was still surprised at the lack of weight. “It’ll be a long trip…please try to get some rest.” His voice cracked. It was to be a several day trip at the pace Lewis had to go, but he knew that it would be worth it, even if Simone didn’t make it. And so, he set off on the journey with the love of his life, broken in his arms.

The first day was the hardest. Lewis wasn’t used to carrying someone, and soon he grew tired. They stopped for a rest at a creek, where Lewis gave Simone some of the water. Despite her struggles, she sipped at it, commenting on how it was the best water she had ever had.

Lewis told her stories from his world, of a happy world where the children they had could play on the island without fear. A world that existed outside of this cruel time, of a happier Simone. That seemed to put her mind at ease, that at least in another world she had succeeded. It was the tiniest, simple things that she ended up enjoying the most about her freedom. But, her temporary happiness didn’t last.

The second day was easier for Lewis, but harder for Simone. Her body threatened to give out more than once, causing fits of coughing and convulsions. It was as if the fae had been keeping her on the edge of death, and without their ‘aid’, she was slowly dying. “Stay with me, Simone…”

It was on the third day, the day when they were to reach Sulwal, that Lewis realized that she might not make it in time. He picked up the pace as her breathing quickened. She looked to be in pain, gripped Lewis’ shirt as she coughed more. Blood trickled down the side of her cracked lips.

“We’re here, Simone,” Lewis said as they crossed into the forest. “Look! Simone…” Already, he could feel the presence of the elves circling around him. They didn’t know what to make of the stranger who carried a broken woman into their territory.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 8:03 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone found herself confused and she started to laugh if you could call it that. She started to cough and she caught her breath. “You are a funny man. I don’t know you but… You know me don’t you?” Her feet felt the grass and she looked felt the sunlight on her. “This is the best present you could have given me.”

Simone leaned into him as if he were the sun because of how warm he was, “Why would you do anything for me?” She looked up at him though briefly before closing her eyes. “I failed everyone,” she spoke briefly before taking a short break from what she was about to say.

“Because I gave up. I couldn’t handle it anymore and I just gave in. I am the worst sort of person.” She laughed a little and played with the grass. “I wasn’t even allowed to hold her. I know she won’t be told about me at all. I’ve been calling her Llynette. Out of spite really.”

Her eyes drifted up to Lewis’s and she gave him a small smile. “This is the best… If we follow this road… It will go to Sulwal. If not for me for yourself. They’ll notice I’m gone but if you can cross into Virens… They can’t touch you. Just ask for that stupid prince. Llywellyn is his name. He’ll probably jump if he hears I’m there. Even if I don’t make it. Just go to Sulwal.”

She looked like she was struggling for a moment, “If I don’t live for the trip… Tell him where the city is. Get my baby. Burn it to the ground. The whole fucking thing. Will you do that for me?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:41 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Once they were free of the fae city, Lewis set her down, and let her adjust to the outside. It took everything he had not to break down right then and there. Yet, he knew he had to be strong for her, so he did everything he could to keep his composure. It was when she finally awoke after a rest, when they had their first proper conversation.

At her first words to him, of not crying for a person like her, Lewis shook his head. “No. You’re…more than worth crying for. You're worth laughing, and loving…worth dying for, even, Simone. I would do anything for you.” At this point, he couldn’t keep his tears from flowing again, and he wiped them away with the sleeve of his shirt. “They…probably took her, yes…” He tried to think of something positive to say, but he couldn’t think of anything.

“I’m sorry…Simone…I’m sorry nobody came. You did your best…but we failed you…” Lewis fell to his knees, catching her gaze. Her stormy grey eyes seemed to meet his for a moment, but they unfocused, as if she were so far away. “I’m so sorry…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:34 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone didn’t have the strength to fight his touch but once she realized it wasn’t hurting her she seemed to be swallowed by it. Her tired eyes looked up at him the best she could. “Who… are you?” He knew her and for all, she knew it could have been just a dream.

She could feel the hot tears he had as they dripped down onto her. She was weak but still, she brought her hand up and cleared one side of his face. “Outside. Can we go outside? The sun.” She wanted to see it.

“Okay. Yeah,” He picked her up easily realizing just how much lighter she was compared to his Simone. It took almost nothing to get the two of them out of there. They got away from the fey city and she seemed to breathe easier like a weight was gone from her. She leaned back in his arms as they reached a clearing and looked up at the sky.

It hurt her eyes and Lewis could tell as he tried to shield her a bit while carrying her. “So bright… I forgot.” She seemed so emotionless perhaps from crying too much and fighting too much beforehand. She closed her eyes a bit to rest herself and it was a good ten minutes or so before she opened her chapped bloodied lips, “You shouldn’t cry for a person like me.”

She didn't move to look at him or even try to get more comfortable, she didn't have the energy to. "This is nice." She flexed her toes a little and made a face from how sore her body was. "Where's my baby? He took her, didn't he?"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:25 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“Damnit, Simone? Stay with me now!” Lewis couldn’t believe the state she was in. It didn’t take him long to pick the lock on the cell, and when he neared her, he could tell just how much of a mess she was in. The smell was the first thing that hit him. It was evident that she was barely being kept alive.

“Simone…” Lewis couldn’t bear the sight of her like this. “What…what the hell happened to you?” It didn’t take him long to free her from her bindings, and he pulled her into his lap. She was feverish to the touch, and possibly delusional as a result. Her eyes fluttered open, looking up at Lewis.

“What the hell…” He could barely contain the emotions flooding through him. Anger. Sorrow. Hatred. Regret. It didn’t take much to put the picture together of what had happened. Simone had given up. If the last iteration of Simone had broken into madness, this one had broken into apathy. Tears started to stream down Lewis’ face. The images of his Simone, of her strength and determination flickered in his mind. All of that could have easily disappeared…

“You were so strong…so brave, but…” Lewis closed his eyes. The pain he was feeling was unlike anything he had ever felt before. “How do I save you from this? How?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:18 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“I’m sorry Xeik but I’m not the one who pulled you out and I can’t put you back in without knowing the rules of the game… She is changing them as they go… It’s making it difficult even for me to handle this. We would do better to pump them full of magic and help them keep going… That’s the best we can do.”

–

Simone looked weak and brittle. She had half her rags coated in the blood that could only be from childbirth. It looked old enough but it was clear she hadn’t received much if any medical attention. It was amazing she was alive in the condition she had been left. Her black hair was wild and full of knots. It was hard to tell if she was asleep to rest or exhausted from poor health.

Her eyes slightly stirred at the call of her name, “Mmm?” She turned them up to where she heard the voice. “I must be hearing things.” She let herself fall again as she gave labored breaths leaning against the wall. Her head rolled a bit as she tried to rest once more.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:13 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Xeik woke with a start, bolting up. “LEWIS!?” He looked around, his eyes wide with fear. He had been resting in Mia’s lap when he came to. They were still in the office at Elisora, but it had been changed into a makeshift ward. Lady Angela was there, watching over Lewis and Simone. Both of them had been moved to exam tables.

“Ang? Where…?” He looked around, realizing that they were still in Elisora. “Angela! I can unravel the dream! Just throw me back in and I can-”

—


Lewis groaned, looking around. The last thing that he had remembered was getting stabbed by Simone, but…he was still alive. “Xeik?” He looked around, whispering his friend’s name. “Xeik, where are you!?” There was no response. Lewis cursed under his breath, and scrambled up. He could hear the fae whispering, and he groaned.

Just great, he thought to himself. Lewis was alone now. But, at least he had an idea of what was happening. The far lord had Simone. It was easy enough to determine where she was, and what he had to do. “Find and rescue Simone…got it…” With that thought in mind, he set off.

Sneaking into the city that Alvaro Mistweaver held sway over was no easy feat, but Lewis was a master assassin. Well, a retired master assassin, but that didn’t dull his ability too much. Still, it took him more time that he would have liked, and with much more bloodshed than usual. He felt nothing for the fae who would fall to his blade….not for those who would protect a monster like Alvaro.

With a little luck, he managed to sneak into the main castle at the center of the city, and soon after found the dungeon. It was here, he found her chained up. The one he was searching for.

“Simone!?” he whispered, trying to get her attention.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:04 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The world began to unravel at that moment. The world was too much for Lewis than what could have been. The evil that had been sleeping in Simone’s heart, it didn’t compare to the madness that it could have been.

The world faded to a black as the pike disappeared from Lewis. There were footsteps as Simone came running at them. “Xeik hurry! HEAL LEWIS! She’s about to kick you out. I’m keeping her distracted but she’s noticed you!”

Simone got attacked by something in the darkness and let out a scream as blood ran down her arm, “Stupid mistake on my part,” she was more worried about her husband as she jumped out of the way of the hidden pursuer. “HURRY XEIK.” Xeik did as he was told and Lewis and Simone’s eyes met very briefly before the world churned. "I love you, Lewis. Stay strong."

Xeik was thrown out of the dream realm back into his body leaving Lewis near an enchanted spring. Fey magic hung in the air. Some feys were talking nearby as they ignored Lewis, “I hear he’s going to keep that girl locked up like livestock.” There were giggles, “Stupid little girl thought she could outsmart our Lord forever.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 6:53 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

It was worse than Lewis could have imagined. It was the person who he cared for the most standing before him, broken and insane. Her eyes were full of hatred and malice, something that he had only ever seen once before in his life. Even then, the personification of Wrath in her mind was nothing like this.

“Lewis! Nothing has changed!” Xeik called out. “It’s a test! The only way to save her is to-”

Simone raised her hand, and immediately Xeik fell to his knees, gasping for air. She rushed down Lewis with her pike, and with no hesitation started to swing wildly. There was no control behind her swings, and they were easy to dodge, but if Lewis made a single misstep, he would be killed almost instantly, even with his strength. Whatever madness gripped her had given her the power to overcome any obstacle, at whatever the cost.

“Simone!” Lewis yelled, catching the pike after a heavy thrust. He pulled her close, and she started to yell, cry, and scream in his face as he tried to reason with her. “Simone!? What happened!?”

“ALL OF YOU MUST DIE, I HATE YOU, JUST DIE ALREADY!” she screamed, shaking the pike free. She whipped around and slammed the butt end of it into Lewis, launching him into the air, and throwing him mere feet away. “THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!” she cried as she leapt into the air, aiming to pin Lewis to the ground. He rolled, narrowly avoiding the strike. The ground cracked from where the blow landed, and Simone started to laugh.

“I’ll be free….free from it all soon…just you wait….Lynnete, I’ll see you soon…”

Lewis’ eyes widened. “Lynette!? Where is she? Is she safe!?” He tried to scramble to his feet. “Simone! Talk to me!”

“We’ll be reunited soon, my sweetie…just as soon as they’re all gone…those who betrayed me…who left me here. I’ll punish them all….”

Xeik, finally breaking free of the magic that Simone had used, jumped up and lunged at Simone with every intent to kill her with a dagger in hand. Xeik, the pacifist, and the one who would rather talk things out than fight, was going all out. This wasn’t about right or wrong. This was about saving Lewis. If things continued the way they were going now…

“Xeik! NO!” Lewis said, jumping in front of her. Xeik skid to a halt, a glare in his eyes. “I can do this!”

“MOVE LEWIS, THIS ISN’T UP FOR DEBATE!” Xeik roared.

“But I can-” Lewis started.

He never finished the sentence. There was a sickening sound, followed by immense pain in his chest. Lewis looked down, noticing that there was something sticking out of his chest. The pike. Simone had run him through with the pike. “W-wha?”

Xeik could see it. Despite Lewis’ power to heal, and the bond he and Simone shared, the life force was draining from his body. Everything around him was darkening. The flow of mana and life, so wrong, as if… “No. Not here,” Xeik said as he slammed his hands together, dropped his dagger. I get it now. This world…I see the way it’s constructed. The life that’s been woven…the strands of mana…

“Shatter the illusion!” Xeik said aloud, ripping his hands apart. The world around them shook, and started to tear. “Fuck your stupid game, Saphhiele!”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:58 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone sat on a throne with bodies all around her. Her eyes looked directly at them. Her hair was wild and she was a mess. Covered head to toe in blood. “You remind me of someone.” She held the head of the world’s Lewis in her hands. “I quite favor this one for some reason. I don’t know why… He disgusts me like every other man in this world disgusts me.”

She chuckled a bit as she got up. Her dress was tattered and the scars over her body told unimaginable horrors. “Tell me… Are you a ghost did you come to hurt me?” She grabbed a long pike by her side. “Should I put you and your friend outside too? Did you come to offer me pity!” She threw Lewis’s head against the wall and screamed at them. “I HATE YOU ALL! ALL OF YOU DID THIS TO ME!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:47 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis and Xeik were both in shock at the image that lay before them. Xeik took a step back, holding his head. The life force of this place, the flow of mana was black, and hard to follow. It was almost too much, and he keeled over, throwing up from the overwhelming sense of death around him. Lewis had seen this before…in Simone’s memories. The flames that had consumed Auclair. Only this..this was so much worse. There were those who had deserved death, but there was also Llywellyn.

“This is a world where they lost,” Lewis said, his eyes widening with fear. A world where the fae lord had won, where he had taken Simone for his own. Even if this wasn’t his world, he knew how very real the possibility was. If Alvaro had won…was this what was to come? “Xeik…we need to go. We have to hurry. Simone’s in real danger!” He helped pull Xeik up, and the two ran into the flaming Auclair.

Lewis easily recalled the way to the throne room. As they ran the halls, the gravity of the situation grew more and more apparent. Families had try to flee, to no avail. Knights were burnt to a crisp guarding innocents, their failure plain to see. Alvaro had gone too far.

They approached the throne room, and Lewis readied his dagger. Xeik knew that his partner had the intent to kill, but even he couldn’t argue the need for death in this situation. And so, when the door opened, Lewis charged forward, straight for the throne. It would be a short, and simple kill. Straight for the throat.

“I name thee, Alva-” He skid to a halt, his eyes widening. “No…”

“Damnit, Lewis, what did you-” Xeik darted out from behind cover, and he froze. “Wha…?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:38 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Llywellyn looked at Simone, “You hate being touched?”

“I hate being touched when I don’t want it… Because of what he did to me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You never stopped to ask me…” Llywellyn moved to hug her and stopped. Simone nodded to him and they hugged finally. “Thank you Lewis…” She gave him a smile.

“I’m going to do better I swear… If I don’t… Lewis here can have you.”

“He can’t handle two of me.” Simone made a face.

“I think having two Simones would lead to Lewis being eaten alive…” Xeik made the comment and Lewis gave him a look before agreeing.

The world faded away showing images of Llywellyn and Simone doing better. Eventually, it showed images of their large family. They did much better. They were finally happy.

The world they were thrown into was much different. There was fire everywhere, a blazing inferno that didn’t stop. In front of them were bodies of men on pikes. Llywellyn, Jerome, and many others. A broken palace in the background that was Auclair.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:26 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

This was a very strange situation Lewis found himself in. Llywellyn was asking him for advice on how to please Simone, when they were both married to different versions of her. Furthermore, Llywellyn had guessed that Lewis was somehow from a different world that he was, and ascertain all of this, yet…

“You’re the smartest, dumb person I’ve ever met,” Lewis said, staring at the King in confusion. “She literally told you what she wanted. Just now. She wants her freedom. She wants the ability to make her own decisions. She wants to take ahold of her own future, not be guided into it by someone else’s hand.” He paused. “She wants to love you on her own terms, not on yours…”

Xeik was surprised at how well Lewis was doing on his own. Normally, the ex-assassin wasn’t good with words, but for the time being he was getting his point across in a rather impactful way.

“I think…you both need to realize that if this is going to work, you need to put effort into it. You pity her for what has happened, and you expect heirs as you were trained to. You haven’t realized that she hates being touched…that she can’t stand it. She tolerates it because she thinks she has to…or, well…she thought she had to.” He glanced at her. “Maybe you two were always meant to end up together,” Lewis said. “But you’ll never know, because you can’t see her for who she truly is…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:17 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone threw up her hands and looked at Llywellyn, “You to give me the choices I want. Don’t just tell me Lly.”

Llywellyn was taken back. “You called me Lly.”

“Yes, yes I did. Because you are actually fucking listening to me for once. If you want me to love you…”

“I do.”

“THEN LISTEN TO ME. If you want me to love you… I want choices. I want freedoms. I want our daughter to grow up knowing she isn’t just some hostage to a fucked up system. My father fought it because my mother died and they didn’t mourn her. I hate it.”

Llywellyn looked at her, “Do… you want a lover?”

Simone gripped at her own hair, “NO, I WANT YOU TO FUCKING LISTEN TO ME. Drop the whores, start giving me choices, and let me do what I want to do when I want to do it. Llywellyn Celestina, you are not this much of a fucking moron.”

She looked at Lewis, “Tell him what I want. You know what I want. You know exactly what I want.”

“Because he… is married to a Simone. Isn’t he? It’s why this one knew what the issue was… Why he was able to bed you when I’ve hardly ever had the chance too.”

“Yes, see you aren’t dumb.”

Llywellyn struggled for a moment, “Tell me what I need to do.” He looked at Lewis. “Apparently, I suck as a husband.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:09 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

When Lewis awoke, it wasn’t to something sweet. If anything, he had half expected to wake up next to his own Simone, and for everything to have been just a bad dream, but no. He awoke to the King of the Elves, and he had just fucked the Queen. He was up in a flash, but his clothes were strewn about, and he was nowhere near a weapon. Yet, it seemed like Llywellyn wasn’t out for blood. At least, not yet.

Xeik was close by too, his eyes wide with surprise. Not that the two had slept together, but more surprised that Lewis was caught so off guard.

“Well…that explains why you never came back,” Xeik replied, throwing his friend a dry cloak. “Here…”

It was about now that Simone went off, yelling at Llywellyn. He had done the same as her, taken himself over lovers in order to satisfy the urges that he had. Simone had, evidently, never done that. At least, not until now. But that was the least of Llywellyn’s concerns. No, it was the outburst from Simone that shook him. It was slowly dawning on him that what she had accused him of was nothing but the truth.

Lewis stared at the two, unsure of what he needed to do, if anything in this situation.

“Well then, Simone,” Llywellyn responded with a look of defeat. “What is it that you even want?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:59 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“Good.” Simone said as they made love in the pond. It was something him and his Simone had never done before. She was fierce and in charge, not taking no for an answer from him but also asking for his opinion. In the morning, she was snuggled up to him under a tree near a bush. She only woke up when Llywellyn threw a cloak on them. He looked mad at her but she stood up and let the cloak fall.

“Don’t you have morals?”

“Don’t give me any of that shit,” Simone yelled back at him. “It’s always Simone, it’s time for our duties. Simone is going to do this. Simone is going to do that.” She pushed Llywellyn. “You know why I want to off myself half the time? YOU AREN’T EVER CONSIDERATE OF WHAT I ACTUALLY WANT!” She hollered at him. “Not now. Not when you forced us to get married. Not when you started to bring whores into our room. You are an inconsiderate asshole!”

Llywellyn looked shocked for a moment, “You need… Please just cover yourself? Can you do that?”

“I’m doing it because I want to do it. Just like I fucked him because I wanted to do it.” Simone pointed at Lewis and finally put her cloak on. “Why can’t you EVER just ask me what I want. You know I hate being told what to do and ALL this time that’s the only thing you’ve done.” She shook her head. "You are no better than those you try to save me from."

"I love you, Simone… I just want the best for you."

"Then fucking act like it! ASK ME WHAT I WANT!"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:51 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis glanced away when she stripped, his eyes wide. This was both just like his Simone, and nothing like his Simone. It was this crazy mix of her and not her that was so alluring. “Er…my Simone’s…breasts are a tad…smaller.” He couldn’t help but smirk, but kept his gaze averted.

Simone swam closer, threatening Lewis with her words. “I’m not scared,” Lewis replied as he turned to meet her gaze with a flustered look. He realized that she was practically on top of him now, her face close to his. “And I know…Simone is Simone…I get it…it’s just…” He smirked.

“You said it yourself…you’re tired of being told what you want. I’m just…worried you’re going to do something you regret. You love Llywellyn…but not in the way he loves you. I know that. I love my Simone more than anything…and even if you’re not her, I can’t help but feel that towards you as well…it’s always been simple in my mind.”

He took a breath. “But this isn’t about me. It never was, and never has been. It’s about you. Everything is about you…” Lewis smiled, staring into her grey eyes. “What do you want, Simone? What is your heart's desire? Can you speak it aloud?”

Simone rolled her eyes. “All of that drama…all I want is you right now…” She pushed forward and kissed him, pressing herself against him. Lewis was shocked, but wrapped his arms around her, holding her as the two floated, briefly sharing a passionate kiss. When they broke apart, breathless, Lewis stared into her eyes.

“Fine…you can have me,” Lewis responded.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:43 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“That’s what a husband should be. The rock and the broom and dustpan. You’ve done well being the rock but now you need to clean up whatever the hell I’ve been through in your time. I’m not invincible Lewis… Now should have shown you that. I hate myself and I hate this life but when I’m with you I feel alive. Which is weird considering my whole two interactions with you.”

Simone gave him a weird look. “I’m literally your wife in another world. You fuck me in your world. You are concerned about,” she took her dress off and let it float away. “About these tiny little breasts of mine?” They weren’t actually that small any more thanks to pregnancy. “Are you kidding me? You are really worried about my modesty?” She started to splash him.

"Are you scared of me seducing you? If I were me and I am, by the way, all I would give a shit about is if it were me."

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:36 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

When she let out a scream, Lewis’s eyes went wide, but Simone already had a plan, and pulled him into the cattails, keeping her hand over his mouth. When the guards came to investigate, she tightened her grip, just a little, tensing. Lewis could feel her heartbeat, almost hear it. This was fun for her, this excitement of almost getting caught, of getting away with something she knew very well she shouldn’t be doing.

Finally, the guards left, and Simone released her grip, and the two went back to the center of the pond.

“No,” Lewis responded, answering her question about his Simone. “She hates the water. Three hundred someodd years of drowning will do that to a person,” he replied sorrowfully. When this Simone said he should help her, he thought for a moment. “I never really…thought of it that way. She’s always trying to do things on her own, so I offer to take on things for her but…” He had never tried to help her with the trauma of it all.

“I guess she needs more than just her own strength to get through it all…” Lewis laid back in the water, letting himself float. This lasted for a moment, and when he righted himself again, he noticed that Simone’s nightgown was floating.

“Er…” He glanced away. It was hard not to look, though. Simone was his wife in his own world. That made things complicated. “Your nightgown is floating up. You might want to get out of the pond….”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:27 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“To go back… Pin Llywellyn to the wall and tell him exactly how I feel and what I want to change.” Simone tried to skip a rock again. “That I’m not helpless and that when I start to feel like myself… Like I do now… That I can be fierce.”

After she pushed him into the pond she started to laugh hard. “Isn’t that the point of pushing you into the pond?”

Lewis gave her a look before he swam over to her and grabbed her hand dragging her in. She let out a scream as she fell into the pond. There were some guards were came over and she shoved him into the water with her into the thick cattails to hide. She had her hand over his mouth.

Once the guards were gone looking for where the scream came from she tossed off the cloak and looked at him, “Now we’re both soaked. I guess that’s the point of a pond.” She chuckled at him and swam on the top of the water. “Does your Simone like to swim?”

“She hates the water?”

“I guess drowning for that long would do that to a person…” She thought about it and she sighed. “All well… You should get her to like it again. That much trauma in your life isn’t good for you. You said it yourself. Does… she get help? Like how you are helping me?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:19 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

As they neared the lake, Lewis watched her start to skip rocks in the pond. What she had said made sense. His own Simone had talked to him about it, and it was here that he was starting to realize that, for all of their differences, they were both still a facet of Simone. Their experiences had been different, but the core of who they were had never changed. It wasn’t his Simone, but it was still Simone.

Lewis scoffed, “Simone is Simone.” That was something he hadn’t said or thought about in quite some time, but even now it still rang true. “You want your freedom to choose?” he asked with a half smirk as he perfectly skipped a rock clean across the pond. “What do you want, then? Right now? What would you choose?”

Simone skipped another rock, and frowned when it didn’t go quite as far as his did.

“Here…” He showed her how to skip the rock like he did; the angle, the spin…it was all reminiscent of throwing a knife through the air. Lewis touched her hand, showing her how to hold it differently. “Try it now…”

Simone tossed the rock, and it sank immediately. She frowned.

Lewis couldn’t help but laugh, and when he did, Simone started to get annoyed. “You know what I want to do right now!?” she said.

“What?” Lewis asked with a half smirk.

“THIS!” She shoved Lewis hard into the pond, where he flailed for a moment before he righted himself and started to swim around.

“Damn it, Mone, now I’m soaked!” Lewis complained.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:10 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“The only time I can be myself is when I can be out here. Outside the eyes of the elves,” Simone paced herself with him now. “Even in the palace, I have to be careful how I hold myself. They were quite pissed when Llywellyn chose to marry me against his father’s wishes. He murdered all of them you know. I appreciate him but… I feel guilty. He never asked me what I wanted.”

She brought him out to a small pond that seemed to have thousands of fireflies around it. There were lilies and other flowers. “This is my favorite place in all of Sulwal.” She took a rock and threw it watching it skip. “I want to bring Llynette here someday but because of how dangerous it is… Llywellyn won’t permit it.”

She took a breath. “I want my freedom to choose. Everything even my destiny has been chosen for me.” These were familiar words that even his Simone had complained about in the past. “The rules so to speak… Are not in my favor as a woman.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:04 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone was being…odd. It was hard to really pinpoint what she was going for, or why, but it was almost like she was trying to play a game. She was teasing and toying with Lewis, and he wondered where that rebellious streak of hers came from. Of course, his Simone had one too, so it wasn’t too hard to believe. That almost brought a smile to his face.

Lewis sighed, “It’s less about fear and more-” but she was already starting to climb down the balcony. The ex-assassin sighed, rolling his eyes, and started to climb down after her. The two hit the bottom, and Simone was already off, as if yelling at Lewis to follow. She’s brave. Fearless. Either that, or she hasn’t a care in the world. I wonder if that’s a part of the problem. Still, he followed her. It took little time to catch up with her, and when she noticed that he was easily keeping pace with her, she smiled, as if to say ‘that’s more like it’, and pressed on.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 6:59 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone was pressed into him and she was blushing a bit. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m getting some fresh air and I couldn’t quite cross the room to get my robe. Llywellyn falls like a log when he has too much whiskey. It’s how I get out of having sex with him if you must know.”

There was a coy smile from Simone as she pulled away from him. “Lock you up in a cell? Killed? That sounds like bullshit.” She knocked a vase with a cloak in it. “Let’s go. Or are you afraid of getting caught? No husband of mine would be afraid of getting caught.” She pulled out the cloak and put it on.

“I have something to show you. Let’s go… Unless you are afraid.” She started to climb down the balcony again. "I want to take you to my favorite spot in all of Virens. With as much whiskey as I gave Llywellyn, he'll be out until dawn."

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 6:48 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis’ aimless strolls took him out to one of the main balconies. The cool, night air was just what he needed to clear his mind and focus on the task at hand. He took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. I need to figure this out. What can I do here? He was lost in thought, pacing back and forth. It was then, that Simone dropped from the balcony above, and the two of them were equally shocked to see each other, Simone even stumbling.

Out of instinct, Lewis grabbed Simone’s wrist, pulling her back up, Though, there was an overcorrection and she stumbled into him. For a moment, neither of them moved, but finally Lewis took a step back. “Sorry,” he muttered. “What the hell are you even doing here?” She was in nothing but a light, nearly see through nightgown. “I thought you and the King had some duties to fulfill or something.” He was being rather coy about the act, trying to avoid the image of his Simone with anyone other than him. It was a painful thought, but this wasn’t his world, and it wasn’t his Simone. It shouldn’t bother him, but…

“You shouldn’t be here. I’ll probably be killed if I’m seen with you like this. Or worse. I’d really rather not end back up in a cell.” It was meant to be a joke, but it came off just awkward.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 6:42 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

It was true she and Llywellyn never discussed anything. He was a king and she was his wife and that’s all there was to it. So when he came to her she looked back at Lewis with a frown. “Yes, isn’t it my duty?”

Llywellyn paused and brushed back her hair, “I wish you wouldn’t talk about it like that.”

“Please get settled into nice rooms… The palace help will be around to collect you,” Simone said as Llywellyn brought her away to do her queenly duties as well as it was.

He was walking past a balcony when a foot dropped down from above him. Soon another foot dropped and she started to slip a bit. “You!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 6:27 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis hated seeing her like this, but he didn’t have an answer for her. He had no idea what he was supposed to do here, or how to help. This displeasure was evident in the way he looked at Simone, but he quickly tried to stifle the feeling. It was bad enough that he couldn’t find a way to help Simone. The last thing he needed to do was worry her more.

“My Simone is lucky. She’s happy, but…even she had her breaking points. It’s a lot of work between us…is that not something that you and Lywellyn do? Talk through things?” When Simone shook her head, he wasn’t surprised. It had taken the real Simone dying for the two to start talking, and even then it required an immense amount of work.

Before either of them could continue further, a guard and Llywellyn came down into the cells.

“Ah. This is where you got to, though I shouldn’t be surprised,” Llywellyn stated as he opened the cell door. “Well..I would love to keep letting you two chat, but as Simone is feeling better, I do believe you’re free to go. Xeik here has told me that he’s willing to help for as long as you all stay. I’ve already made arrangements for your rooms.”

With that said, he turned his attention to Simone, giving her a look. “As you’re feeling better…tonight might be a good night to…” He paused, realizing that he was being rather open about things in front of strangers. “Er…it’s time. Come Simone.” He held out his hand.

With that, Simone and Llywellyn left the room, leaving Xeik, Lewis, and the guard awkwardly standing there before the guard finally decided to do his job and lead the two to their rooms.

It didn’t take long for the two to settle. They barely had any belongings, this being an alternate timeline. The ex-assassin sighed. He had a general idea of what may be happening, and was trying to keep it out of his mind.

“I need to walk,” Lewis said finally as he excused himself and stepped out the room. It wasn’t long before he was wandering aimlessly, his mind mulling over what he had to do to ‘save’ Simone in this time. What was there to save her from, other than herself?

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 6:15 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The sexual tension between the two was more than anything Simone had ever dealt with. However, what he had to tell her was the worst she had heard. “I think I would have killed myself.” She sat there on his chest and gave him a frown as her eyes met his. She was sad as they connected.

“Is she happy? Your Simone?” She wanted to hear that she was justified. “Am I just so spoiled that I can’t be happy with Llywellyn? I made it through something so bad and I just can’t bring myself to love him… It’s tearing me apart. I hate it when he touches me but he has to…” She had tears in her eyes.

“I love my daughter but I can’t stand being touched by someone I don’t even love. I can’t stand the looks he gives me because I worry him…” His Simone would have never opened up like this to him. “All I want is to love someone and be loved back… but this one-sided love that Llywellyn gives me is breaking me. I hate it. What do I even do?” She hugged herself to him.

“Your Simone is so lucky…”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 6:02 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

With her so close to him, he couldn’t help but be aroused by her. The dagger mixed with the pressure she had against him was so much more than he was used to from his Simone, but…she was just like her, if only a little different. His excitement didn’t go unnoticed either, with Simone blushing once she realized what was happening. Neither one of them wanted to admit what it was, or what they were feeling about it, so both ignored it for the moment. After all, there were more pressing matters.

She was smelling him, his ‘scent’, of sorts. It was a mix of his and Simone’s, something that was a unique blend that could never really be anyone else's. When she leaned down close, Lewis’ breath hitched. Her lips were the same as his Simone’s. Her eyes, piercing his. She was close, barely a breath away. That tension wasn’t something he had felt in a long time….

When she pulled away, Lewis was almost relieved. A part of him was disappointed, but as she sat on his chest and pulled the dagger away. She explained parts of the story that Lewis had already heard, all but the one where Llywellyn saved her before she was ever thrown in the lake.

“You lucked out, then,” Lewis said finally as he stared up at her. “My Simone was tortured for seven years, just like you. However, she was a hell of a fighter, and Alvaro got tired of it. She had her womb ripped out of her, and she was chained at the bottom of a lake. Three hundred years passed before anyone found her…” He glanced to his side as she got up. Avoiding her gaze was easier than facing it at the moment.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to save you from,” Lewis said as she asked the question. He still wouldn’t meet her gaze. “But I do know that if things keep going like this, that you’ll break eventually.” With that statement, he locked eyes with her. “The front you put up broke a long time ago. Your misery will turn into resentment soon…and Llywellyn and your daughter don’t deserve that.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 4:51 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

He wasn’t making sense to her so Mone did what she did best she improvised and put him in a worse position. Pushing him now she was on him with the dagger to his throat, reverse grip and all. “You know so much about me. Even my curse now?” Her hair fell and brushed against his face as she hung over him.

“It smells like wildflowers and woods. Not heavy, but like an oil of some sort.” It was Simone’s hair oils that she often coated Lewis in on accident when they took a bath together. “Now, I want you to try me. You are sitting here upset about not having your Simone but saying I am not her. Your friend knows way too much about me for coincidence. You aren’t a stalker that’s for sure otherwise you would know that…” She stopped herself and leaned down. “That I don’t want to be married to Llywellyn and you would have tried to seduce me to get out from under my blade.”

She sat on his chest, “What’s your Simone like?” She released the blade, “And why do you think I need saving? Other than the fact I obviously don’t want to be here. Llywellyn married me to save my honor since I was raped. Tortured for seven years. My kingdom was in fire. You must know all of this to know about the curse. He’s the one who found out where Alvaro was keeping me and brought me out of the dungeon himself.”

She gave up and got up off of him, “I’m feeling faint again.” Simone looked obviously more tired as she had taken a lot of energy to do what she did. “I’m miserable. I love my daughter but… how can I love a man who pities me? You said you wanted to save me. Is that what you are supposed to save me from?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 10:46 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis tried to look away, but Simone’s stormy grey eyes kept forcing his gaze. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” he said. Still, her insistence was something that he couldn’t ignore. He had always found it attractive when she was brazen, but this was a whole new level, something that Simone had never really done around him, or had the need to.

“No…I didn’t come here to kill you. But it’s good to know you’re free of Alvaro and his curse,” Lewis said with a half smile. That was the first true thing he had said to her, and it showed. He sighed. “I don’t know what to say about a scent, but…” He closed his eyes. Why was it easier to explain to a younger Simone? He opened his eyes, trying to gather determination to explain.

“I…you…we….Uhh…” Lewis blinked. She was intoxicating like this, even though she wasn’t his Simone. But it was like seeing her right in front of him. “You’re not her…you’re nothing like my Simone…” he said finally. “Yet here you are…making me miss her more than anything…” The words were tumbling out now, even if they didn’t make sense aloud. “I need to save her…which means saving you. And all I want to do is see her again…”

Lewis looked away, taking a moment to recompose himself. It was rare that he lost his senses like that. “I’m sorry…that didn’t make much sense…I’m a bit of a mess….”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 10:37 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone’s face didn’t change if he did stalk her if anything her eyes got a little angrier. “Are you mocking me? I hate my whole name you know. Just Simone but something tells me you already knew that.”

She reversed the grip and held it closer to him. He smelled good to her and she tried to keep it from her mind. This was the first time in a long time she had felt so clear. “You are lying to me. Do you think I’m stupid?” She actually stomped his foot with her heel.

"OW! What the hell Mone!?" Lewis blushed, and looked away. "er….I…"

“I KNEW IT,” Simone wagged the dagger at him. “Did you come here to kill me for revenge for killing that fey lord? You and your friend know so much about me. He even knew where my mana veins were without checking first.” She held the dagger out to keep him away.

“And what the hell is up with your scent?” Her scent had gotten a bit better since she took the Everglade drink. “It’s almost too nice. Why did you call me Mone?! Why are we on such good terms you call me something not even Llywellyn will call me right now. SPEAK!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 10:31 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis noticed when Simone entered the room, but didn’t react to her. This wasn’t his Simone, so he had no way of knowing how to act or what to say to her. He was surprised, though, when she broke into his cell, and shoved him against the wall with a blade to his neck.

“You’re holding the dagger wrong,” Lewis said, appearing unconcerned. “You have a stronger reverse grip.” The ex-assassin rolled his eyes at her questions. “Simone Beatrice Monte Auclair,” he said with a half smirk. “Or should I just call you Queen Celestia, of Sulwal? I’ve never addressed a queen before, so pardon my insolence.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm. He wasn’t sure why he felt the way he did…even knowing that this world wasn’t real, he still felt hurt by her presence here.

“I’m no one of importance, your majesty. Just a lowly guard dog for a great healer,” he lied. “We did our research before coming. Xeik knew how to heal you, and we hoped for a nice reward…” Everything he was saying was a lie. But he was good at lying. He had made a living off of it.

Except his Simone always could tell. Even before the resonance…

But this wasn’t his Simone….

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 10:19 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone tilted her head at him. “You look at me like you know me but that’s not possible.” Simone caught on quickly just like she would being Lewis’s Simone. “The white-haired one… He stared at me with big eyes. He wanted to run to me. Why?”

Xeik was a bit shocked at her for a moment but he answered her, “Yeah… We both know you but it’s complicated I promise.”

She tilted her head at him. “Unlike other doctors you know right where to touch me. How?”

“I… Uh… Complicated?”

She relaxed a bit and closed her eyes, “I do feel a lot better…” She took a breath that sounded a lot like a relief. “Thank you. Can I rest now?”

Once Xeik was gone she peeked around and began to climb out the window. Llywellyn was talking with Xeik when he noticed Simone climbing, “I think you worked a miracle… I want to know where she is going but…” He tilted his head with a smile. “It's been a long time since I saw her this mischievous. I’ll let her have this victory.”

Simone broke into the cells underneath and she came up to where Lewis was being kept and grabbed him pressing a blade to his neck, “Your friend sucks at explaining. How do you know who I am?”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 10:06 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis was hesitant to let Xeik go alone, but when he saw the confidence that the healer had, he decided to trust Xeik. With Lewis left in the cell, Xeik found himself wandering the oh so familiar halls of the castle that Llywellyn owned, yet the pictures were all…different. Gone was the Queen of old, replaced with pictures of a sullen looking Simone and their daughter.

As Xeik was introduced to Lynette, the healer smiled at the girl. “Hello, Llynette. Are you feeling well?” The girl nodded to him, and soon after, Xeik was left alone with Queen Simone.

“All right,” Xeik said as he walked towards her. “I’ll do some basic things first. May I have your wrist?” It took him a few minutes to throw out a few basic tests. Everything about her was…wrong. The Simone he knew had a faster heart rate, and her temperature was much higher. This Simone was completely different, and that meant he didn’t have a proper baseline. That’s right. She’s not a phoenix in this time. He closed his eyes, sensing her life and mana flow.

“What the…?” He opened his eyes. Yet again, things felt…wrong. The flow of mana and life energies in the castle made little sense, as if they were going against the natural order of things. But that wasn’t meant to be his focus, and instead he looked at Simone.

“You’re mana is stagnant,” he said finally. “Your heart and…womb?” It was strange seeing her with one. The powerful life energies that should have been swirling there were barely spinning. “Everglade…” He crossed his arms. “Everglade…where have I heard of that…”

The notes! From when I was trying to do research here! He quickly started writing in the air. “Everglade..is meant for those with a powerful mana. A source that can flow like a raging stream. It’s meant to prolong life, yes, but it does so by stifling the flow of mana, slowing it. It causes the drinker to age slower, but it has negative side effects due to that. You’re struggling because of the lack of flow…” He reached for her wrist, and smiled.

“Relax. This might sting a bit…” He closed his eyes, and pushed a steady stream of mana through her veins. “But…you should feel a little bit better…at least for a little while…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 9:45 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Llywellyn thought about it, “If this is a plan to hurt my family… I will kill you both with no remorse… However, if you can help my queen I will allow it. She’s been… ill since the birth of our daughter and…” He pulled himself up out of his throne before going down to him. Whispering to Xeik, “Ever since we were married. She’s just not happy. I worry about her. She’s been through much.”

The elf king stepped back, “I will… agree to let you help her but to make sure you stay faithful… I am going to request that your friend be locked up in our dungeon until you have successfully treated her.” His eyes were looking over Lewis and Xeik. “I hope that you understand that my family is everything to me. Simone drank the Everglade when we got married. It is a special brew made by a hedgewitch that increases her lifespan but makes fertility hard. We conceived my daughter after… Well, it has been a long time.”

Once Lewis was in the cell Llywellyn beckoned Xeik to come with him. “I don’t need you, guards, with me. I can handle this Xeik.” They got to an ornate door and Llywellyn knocked and opened it up. Simone was in a chair reading to Llynette.

“This is our daughter Llynette,” Llywellyn laughed as the little redhaired girl ran to her and he picked her up. “She will seven this Glaciem. Our little snowflake baby,” Llywellyn laughed as he got kisses from Llynette.

Simone was watching before she looked out the window with a frown.

Llywellyn saw her and he frowned a bit. “I’ll be outside Xeik… For privacy for her. Come on Lly.” So the elf king left them alone.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 9:31 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

It took everything Lewis had not to run up to Simone the moment he saw her, but he knew how the world worked. This wasn’t his Simone…what was worse, was the gut punch of the realization that this Simone was with Llywellyn. It hit him hard, but he remembered that his own Simone had chosen him, and nothing could ever change that in his reality.

Things were just different here.

Lewis was about to speak, but Xeik stepped forward. It was a gamble, but the Divine Mender had a plan.

“Lord Llywellwn Celestia,” Xeik said with a quick bow. “My name is Xeik Eraphim. I am but a humble healer who has been blessed by the Gods. I heard a rumor, a tale of sorts, of your Queen. It is known that she is in bad health…” There were ruffles in the guards, and one of them inched forward, as if trying to threaten Xeik at the heresy that he had spoken.

Llywellyn raised his hand, stopping the archers. “Speak.”

Xeik smiled, “I would offer my services, though I make no promises that I can heal her fully…but I can improve her quality of life, if you let me.” There it was. The modesty. Lewis sighed with relief as the archers seemed to lower their guard.

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 9:24 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The elves had bows on them. They were led into the gates of Sulwal castle. There on the thrones sat Llywellyn Celestia and next to him was a daydreaming Simone. She looked depressed almost but older in a way. “Simone? Do you need to go back to our room again?” Llywellyn looked at her with concern.

Simone nodded as she stood up. A little girl ran past the prisoners and ran to Simone. “Mommy, you don’t look so good.” Simone hugged her and smiled.

“Come on, Daddy is busy.” Simone looked so tired and just out of it as she lifted the little girl up. “You need to be more careful Llynette… What if these people hurt you? Hmmm?” She watched Llynette with lots of love but still, she looked so tired.

Llywellyn watched his wife and frowned before turning his attention to the prisoners. “You were caught trespassing on my land. Give me one reason why I shouldn’t send you to the dungeons.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 9:15 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The younger Lewis had returned from his talk with Xeik. The real Lewis gave a questioning look to the healer, who merely smirked and gave a thumbs up.

The younger Lewis had a bunch of random wildflowers in his hand, and a grumpy look on his face, as though he were being forced to do this. Still, he marched forward, and shoved the flowers at her. “Here.” The response he got made no sense to him, though, and when Simone dove into his arms, his face turned a bright red.

“W-w-w-w-what the hell are you doing Simone!?” Despite his words, he didn’t try to fight it too hard. She was happy, and that was what mattered.

“He might be grumpy now, but I promise he’ll grow into it…” Xeik said as he walked up. “After all, I know you better than you know yourself. At least…the younger you.”

Lewis crossed his arms. “Well, it looks like this is-” The world seemed to shake for a moment, and the ground beneath Lewis and Xeik gave away. There were sounds all around of a happy Simone, and a grumpy Lewis, almost as if their life were flashing ahead. Soon, the sounds changed, and there were happier tones of Lewis and Simone. Shortly after, the sounds of babies cried in the air.

And then nothing.

When Lewis woke up, once more they were at the edge of the Virens. But something was wrong. Terribly wrong. And…terribly familiar. He looked around, and as Xeik came to, nudged his friend. “Put your hands up, Xeik,” he said as he slowly raised his hands. It took Xeik a moment to realize what was happening…

They were surrounded by several elves, all with bows trained on the two.

“It looks like we have ourselves a couple of trespassers…”

“Just great,” Lewis said with a sigh.

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 9:07 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone nodded as she listened to the real Lewis’s instructions. “I did it! Do you feel better?” She pushed her hair behind her ear in a way that was signifying that she was proud of herself.

Then she frowned when the younger Lewis started to snap. She was really going to marry this guy? Simone watched as Xeik took the younger Lewis away.

“A spark? Like fireworks?” She tilted her head at the older Lewis and took his hand as he held it out. “What kind of bond?” Once she took his hand she saw a bunch of memories pass through her. A lot of them stood out. Their wedding. Their other wedding. Each of the kids they got.

”Lewis, come here you are going to miss it!” Simone yelled.

“FUCK I CAN’T MISS THIS,” Lewis ran into the room and knelt down as Lila got stubborn. She looked up at Lewis. “Come on. You know you want to come over here to me you little deviant.”

“Give her a moment…” Simone smirked. Lila let out a squeal as she started to tot over to Lewis. Lewis caught her and threw her up in the air where there were lots more squeals.

“I’m so proud of you Lila! Janus will be next!” Lewis snuggled the toddler. Janus let out a grunt as he took his spot on Simone and snuggled him. “Hopefully…” Lewis got a cheeky smile on his face.

“That’s… our babies?” Simone looked at him. “I look so happy… I can be happy with you? Have babies?”

There was a spark in her eyes as she ran over to the younger Lewis who had flowers in his hand. Immediately, she dove into his arms. “Stay. Even… If you are a big bucket of grumps now… Stay.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 8:45 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The younger Lewis glared at Simone, but the real Lewis knelt down. “Just ease the pressure here, and put a bandage there. That’s all you need to do to finish.” He watched her follow his instructions, and when she tied off the bandage, she smiled.

Lewis stood up, “Now…we just have to wait for Llywellyn to kill Alvaro, and we’re good. You can be free.” He looked between the younger Simone and Lewis, and frowned. “But I wonder if it’s really that easy…”

Xeik shrugged, “Maybe. You definitely saved Simone. AIf it weren’t for you, she’d be in the lake by now. I’d say that’s a win.” And yet, they were both still there.

“Maybe…there’s more?” Lewis asked aloud.

“More what,” the younger Lewis snapped. “Gods, just let me go already. I’m not gonna kill the brat anymore. Hell, I’m probably hopping on the next ship to Parvpora after this. I don’t want anything to do with this crazy girl or the fucking Queen after her.”

That interaction alone made Xeik and the real Lewis look at each other. “We have to-” Lewis started.

“-fix the timeline,” Xeik finished with a smile. He looked at the two. They didn’t need to say anything else between the two to understand what they needed to do. “Say…Lewis,” he said, looking at the younger boy. “Let’s go for a walk. I need to talk to you about something…”

Without giving him an option, Xeik more or less dragged the young Lewis off, leaving the real Lewis and the younger Simone together.

“Simone…it’s hard to explain, but that kid…he’s got a lot of problems. He doesn’t know what to do with himself…he’s lost. It may not look like it, but he’s…broken.” Lewis sighed. “But in there is someone who has the potential to love. Even if you think of yourself as broken…he’ll do it. All you two need is that spark…a chance to understand each other…”

Lewis held out his hand, “My Simone and I…we have a powerful bond. Take my hand, and I can show you the strength of it…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 8:26 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone was looking up at the other Lewis. “Huh.”

She was trying to be gentle with the younger Lewis and she made a few faces at him. “What are you going to do kill me? You can try but it won’t work. That’s what they are trying to tell you.”

Her gray-blue eyes met his hazel. “And I marry this guy?” She pointed at the younger Lewis. “I don’t buy it. What do we do have a bunch of little Simone and Lewis’s running around?”

“In our world…” Lewis looked sad. “Llywellyn never saved you. You ended up taking revenge on Alvaro and he ripped your womb out. We managed to have twins but… not the normal way.”

Simone looked sad, “But I al–”

“You always wanted a big family. We do. We have twelve children. We adopted all but Lila and Janus.”

“NO WAY,” Simone got excited. “Like Lila the poem and Janus the author?!” She hurt younger Lewis in the process. “I’M SO SORRY!” She started to panic. “I can try to kiss it?! Make it feel better? WHAT DO I DO?!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 8:20 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis looked at the younger version of himself, and gave a glance that said “Don’t even try”, and released him. The younger Simone started to bandage him up, and that was when the real Lewis finally nodded.

“Yes…I was an assassin. I was contracted to kill you…er….my Simone. The problem is,” he looked at her, and her eyes widened. “That’s right. The curse. I couldn’t do it.” His eyes went to the younger Lewis. “Back then…I was prideful…”

“The hell are you doing, acting like you’re me?” the younger Lewis said with a glare. “You aren’t-” He winced as the bandage went around his wound.

“I am you,” Lewis replied. “From…a different time. A different world…” He sighed. “Look, I won’t bore you with the details, but…I wanted to break the curse.”

The younger Lewis winced again, “The hell. Do a better job, or I’ll-”

“Shut it,” Lewis shot back. “When I first met you, I was a lot like this asshole here. Cold. Callous. Willing to do what I needed just to get ahead. I didn’t even bother taking care of myself.” At that, the younger Lewis’ stomach grumbled. “So, I went to a Goddess to break the curse. And…in order to get the name of the Fae Lord, I had to save Simone.”

Xeik rolled his eyes. “You make it sound romantic. He basically just dove into Simone’s mind to find the name of Alvaro. He did it out of selfishness.”

Lewis glared at his friend, and sighed. “No, Xeik is right. But…what I saw in Simone’s mind…in your mind, were things that changed me. I don’t know how, or when it happened, but…we ended up together.”

“You’re leaving out the part where you ki-”

“Shut up, Xeik,” Lewis said quickly. “We don’t need to go into all of the details.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 8:11 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone rubbed her eyes from the sleep and heard the commotion as she opened it. Once she got her answer she came out and plopped down by the obviously younger Lewis. “You were an assassin?” She looked up at the older Lewis.

Focusing she tilted her head, “They were married eighty years ago.” She pulled out her diary and flipped through it. “That’s when Lly… got really mad at me. He stopped coming to see me around then. Just came to see me when I rebirthed.”

She blinked a bit, “IS THIS how you met your Simone?! YOU MARRIED YOUR VICTIM?! ISN’T THAT LIKE AGAINST SOME KIND OF RULES?! What did you do put a knife to her throat? Threaten her with 'If you want to live come with me'?! YOU ARE LIKE THE VILLAIN IN THE STORIES I READ! THE POEMS EVEN!" She saw that the younger Lewis was hurt she went inside and came out with the bandages. "Let me help you."

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 8:03 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Xeik glared at the elf king as he left, looking back to see Lewis standing outside the door of the small hutt. It pained him to see Lewis this way, and even if none of this was real, it didn’t change the fact that he cared for Simone in a way that he couldn’t possibly understand.

“Lewis, I think it’s a good idea if we just let her be for awhile,” Xeik said after a moment. “I think she just needs time to process what’s happening. Maybe she’ll come around.”

It took him a moment to respond, but finally he nodded, and walked away from the door. The two found a nice set of trees close to the hut, and with Xeik’s Divine Sands, he made two makeshift hammocks. “Let’s get some rest and we’ll figure things out as we can, okay?”

“Yeah,” Lewis said, climbing into one of the hammocks. It wasn’t long before he fell asleep. Xeik, however, stayed awake. This world felt wrong to him, perhaps because he could see the way that the life energy flowed through it. Perhaps because this was a world that shouldn’t exist, things were different. Was it really an alternate timeline? That magic, if it existed, wouldn’t be easy to pull off. It would take more than even the power of a God to do it.

The Divine Mender sighed, and climbed into the hammock. “It doesn’t make sense…” He closed his eyes. “Life…mana…”

Lewis bolted up. He could feel it in the air, a chill. The sun had set, but the cold that was running up his spine was something more. It was familiar. The eyes of a killer, the silence before the slaughter. He was up in an instant, without a sound. Where. He barely had to ask when he saw movement. Sloppy. Amatuer. He threw a dagger, and the figure stopped, parrying it.

The figure seemed surprised, and unsure of what to do. That hesitation cost him dearly. The clash of daggers, though, resonated loudly, and Xeik was up in a flash as well, drawing his own daggers. Lewis was already on the amatuer assassin though, tackling him onto the ground and putting a blade to his throat.

“Nice try,” Lewis said as the hood fell back. “You’ll have to-” His eyes widened, mirroring that of the assailant below him. “The fuck?”

“What the fuck?” the figure said, his hazel eyes staring into a matching pair.

Xeik ran up, and looked at the two. “What the fuck?” He was staring at two images of Lewis. One was obviously older, and more toned, while the younger one with the blade to his throat looked small, and starved like he hadn’t eaten in days.

The real Lewis put pressure on the blade, “Start talking.”

“Fuck off,” the younger Lewis said, struggling. “The hell kind of magic is this!?”

There was scrambling at the door front he hut, and Simone peeked her head out, “L-Lewis? What’s happening?”

The younger Lewis looked shocked. “What the fuck?” He looked between the girl and the real Lewis, and shook his head. “No…this isn’t worth the pay. What the fuck is actually going on…”

“Who’s the mark, Dusk?” Lewis demanded, using the codename.

The younger Lewis glared. “How do you-”

“Talk.”

The younger Lewis scoffed, “The girl. I was hired to drown the girl. I was told specifically that she was to be chained and tossed in a lake, never to be found.”

“How much. And who.”

“Never got a name,” the younger Lewis replied. “But it was five hundred thousand silver up front, and two million upon completion. Some crazy lady. Looked like an elf chick.”

Xeik’s eyes widened. “Wait…did she have…” He drew a symbol in the air, the Sulwal Crest, “This symbol?”

“Yeah…” the young Lewis replied. “How did you know?”

“The Queen?” The real Lewis responded. “The Queen hired you…”

“Wait, a fucking Queen? This definitely isn’t worth the money then…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 7:40 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Llywellyn looked to them, “I thought you said no outsiders Simone? Since when do you go back on your word?”

Simone shook her head, “They just showed up today! They know things about me… They couldn’t have unless they actually know me.”

The elf king took a step back and stared at Lewis, “Speak now or I will kill you both. I have an army waiting.”

Simone looked hurt but she nodded to Lewis, “Please, tell him…”

“His name is Alvaro Mistweaver. It’s his true name and you can hunt him down using it,” Lewis went to comfort the terrified Simone but she just ran back into the housekeeping him out.

“I’ll eliminate the fey lord then she can do gods knows what with her shell of a life. Stay here for all I care.” The elf king left in a huff to complete his promise to Simone.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 7:34 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis and Xeik were surprised at the sudden excitement from the girl. The name was all they needed, and Llywellyn could hunt the fae lord down and kill him. That would be the end of that, and the problem would be solved. “It sounds like a solid enough plan,” Xeik said with a smile. “We can make it work.”

It took several hours for Llywellyn to show, and when he did, it was a shock to both the Divine Mender and the ex-assassin. His entire demeanor was completely wrong, and the two barely recognized the man that they had befriended. What shocked them more was the disdain and loathing that he displayed towards the young Simone. The few words that he pointed at her were enough to piss Lewis off.

“Hey, what the fuck,” Lewis demanded as he stepped between Simone and Llywellwn. “She called you here because she trusts you. I know the fae lord’s name, and I’m willing to hand it over so we can break the curse.” Though now, he was starting to wonder if giving him the name was a good idea.

Xeik looked at Lewis and then at Simone. This is a different timeline, supposedly. Does that mean Llywellyn changed too? And that means… He wondered if even the Gods would be different. That also meant that Lewis and Xeik might have taken different paths. He wondered…

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 6:56 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone was watching with amusement. This man was going to be a father. That was nice. “You seem like you would make for a good father. You are really caring.”

“One more thing, I think that… It would be a bad idea for Xeik to break the curse on Simone.”

When Simone heard those words she got really sad. “I see… so you can’t do it.”

“No, but you do know the true name of the fey lord don't you? Why not just tell Llywellyn and have him kill the fey lord?”

“His name?” Simone got excited and ran into the house. She came back out with what looked like pyrotechnics and lit one off. “Llywellyn has been trying to find out his name for ages. He should be here soon…”

After a few hours of waiting a rugged Elven man with a small army showed up. It didn’t look like their Llywellyn after all. Even Simone was weary of him. “Please tell me you didn’t drag me all the way out here for some foolishness like loneliness again. You were the one who wanted to be out here.” His voice was cold.

“It’s just that…” Llywellyn dismounted off the horse and shoved Simone against the house.

“Stop wasting my time.”

Simone’s eyes teared up, “They know the fey lord’s name!” She pointed at Lewis and Xeik.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 6:47 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

"Telling Mia what?" Xeik yelled at the sky. He paused, letting the news sink in. "Mia is …" he flushed. "Pregnant?" He spun around on his heels and immediately shook Lewis. "LEWIS. MIA IS PREGNANT."Lewis blinked. "Yes. Yes she is. Now can you HELP ME FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET OUT OF HERE.""Oh, right," Xeik said as he looked back to the sky. "Well? What do you think Ang?""Well," the sky spoke. "I'll see what I can do about the magic, but the magic is situated in Parvpora, so I doubt it'll do much."Xeik was barely paying attention, muttering to himself about how he was going to be a father. "Okay then, Angela. Do what you can." He looked to Lewis, mouthing that he was going to be a dad."Focus, Xeik." Lewis looked back to Simone. "But ..I can break the curse. Well…Xeik can break the curse. I can set you free from this pain. I can make it so you're never lonely again…"He paused. "I care…because I can't stand seeing you hurt. Even if you're not my Simone…"

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 5:14 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“Oh well forgive me for telling Mia she was pregnant and that’s where I’ve been,” Angela muttered back.

Simone was looking at Lewis now, “You really must love your Simone…” She got closer to him. “You are trying so hard for me but why? I don’t actually matter to you… Llywellyn… Blames himself a lot so he doesn’t come around too much.”

She went inside and came out with a small diary, “I write to myself for when I rebirth… and it's the same story. Someone shows up and then they leave when they can’t take it anymore. I’m a throwaway Lewis. Everyone leaves me. So… After carefully reading… I decided not to let anyone close anymore.” She held up a page entry with that written in big letters. It was dated fifty years prior.

“Not even Lly.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2021 4:56 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Xeik groaned when Angela finally responded. "Look! I'm trying my hardest here. We're in some weird….dream thing. Simone is here, she's tiny, and doesn't seem to know us. Cut me some slack!" Lewis pouted when she mentioned that no one ever came to visit her. That hurt him in a way that he wasn't expecting, knowing full well that the real Simone would hate being all alone. "But…don't you hate it? Not having visitors?" She started to poke at Xeik, who rolled his eyes."YES, I'M REAL.". He huffed in a very Mia-like way, crossing his arms. "Angela! What is happening? I've never seen magic like this before. Can you nullify it?"While the healer conversed with Angela, Lewis frowned at the young Simone. She has called herself a throwaway. "Why…do you say that about yourself? You're not a throwaway, Mone. You're a person who deserves happiness, just like everyone else. I bet you're lonely out here…that you miss talking to people. I bet Llywellyn comes around every so often too, and even as you push him away, you secretly hate it."

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 9:01 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Xeik, it’s taken a bit to get through the mental fog that both Lewis and Simone have but if you want me to be lazy I can just go home and let you both figure this out alone. The voice spooked Simone and she waved the broom around like a seasoned veteran. She couldn’t place where the voice was coming from and backed up over a pot tripping herself onto the ground.

“Owie,” she laid there for a second. “So, I’m just supposed to believe some weird guy who showed up all excited to see me… When no one is excited to see me EVER.” Well, no one ever visited her so she wasn’t lying.

“Man, I think I got into those mushrooms again~” She got up and stared at the boys. “Well… Are you or are you not real.” She walked up to him and pulled up on his hair then pulled up on Xeik’s hair then she got her broom. She turned it around and started to poke Lewis with it.

“If you already have a Simone why do you want to save me so much? I don’t actually matter to you. I’m not the one you like.” She poked him some more. “I’m just a throw-away.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 8:54 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Lewis couldn’t believe how much the younger Simone was fighting back. Except, he almost could, since that was how she used to be before they saved her. He wondered though, if it would be easier to just kill her and reset her memory, but he immediately discarded the thought. Maybe when he was younger, that would have been an easy fix, but for now it wasn’t.

Xeik, on the other hand, had a reaction very unlike him. “Excuse me…what the hell ‘mone. Chill out! It’s me, Xe-..” That was when she started smacking him with the broom. “Damn it, I’m the Divine Mender, ambassador for the Goddess Angela. Can you just CALM DOWN FOR A MOMENT CAUSE MY LAZY ASS GODDESS WON’T ANSWER ME!”

“Woah,” Lewis said, a little surprised at Xeik’s outburst. “Can you…tone it down a bit, Xeik?”

“YOU’RE ONE TO TALK!” Xeik raged back. “WE JUST LANDED IN NEMESIS KNOWS WHAT KIND OF LAND, AND ALL YOU CAN FOCUS ON IS SAVING SIMONE.”

Lewis blinked. “Well…duh…” He sighed. “But you are right…she probably doesn’t even know me…which…” He stared at her for a moment. “It’s hard to explain, Simone…but I know you, because I saved you once before. I can’t…” He looked down. “My Simone is different from you. She was freed from the curse that binds you now, and she was able to grow into the person she’s always wanted to be…and…” He smiled at her. “All I want is that for you. A happy life…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 8:45 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone was curled up under the table trying to wait for the strange man to leave but he didn’t. He got the biggest eye roll from her as she crawled out from under the table. She got the broom and opened the door fully. Her eyes were still sad but she raised her arms.

“YOU ARE SO SKETCHY,” she started to beat Lewis with the broom. “You show up out of nowhere screaming my name, asking my name, and you are giving me PUPPY EYES. I don’t trust you!” She continued to beat on him before she saw Xeik.

“YOU BROUGHT AN ACCOMPLICE TO STEAL ME!” She went after Xeik now as she beat him. “BACK BEASTS!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 8:41 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

The amount of information that Lewis got was surprising. She knew so much about herself, and that was a boon in this situation. The curse was still in effect, and Llywellyn had saved her from the prison. No mention of Alvaro though, and that meant that the curse was still going strong. It was Angela who had broken the curse. All she needed was to have the curse broken.

“But I don’t have Angela…” He looked over at Xeik, who was still trying to find a way to contact Angela. “But…” He ran up to Xeik, surprising the healer. “Xeik! Can you break a powerful fae curse!?”

Xeik jumped a bit, surprised. “Y-yeah, I can…I think? What are we talking? Angela showed me a few tricks, but-”

“Xeik! You’re a fucking genius!” Lewis exclaimed. He ran back to the door, and pounded on it. “Simone! I can break your curse! I know how to do it!” That was the way out of this. That had to be.

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 8:35 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone opened the window again and stuck the broom out to wave it at him, “HOW DO YOU KNOW SO MUCH?!” Those gray-blue eyes were on the defensive as she studied him. “Yes, Llywellyn told me I could stay here forever if I wanted to and he’ll always protect me.”

She tried to take the broom back but Lewis took it from her. “Rude!” She closed the window with a bang. “How can you help me? No one can help me. I can’t even help myself.” She opened the door a bit but had a second broom. “Llywellyn broke me out of a prison hundred years ago. He told me so. I die every twenty-nine years and Llywellyn comes to tell me about it. Then he leaves me be because I ask him to. No one can help me. No one can save me. So… Please leave.”

Her eyes were sad as she closed the door.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 8:30 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Out of all of the reactions, getting smacked with a broom wasn’t even on the list of things Lewis thought was possible. Despite the situation, Xeik couldn’t help but find it almost amusing, but when he had no response from Angela, he was too disappointed in her lack of reach to have a proper reaction.

“Wait, you’re cursed?” Lewis asked. “No…that makes sense. If…” He paused. “That means…” He sighed as she locked the doors and windows, and shook his head. “Llywellyn too? So he’s protecting you.” That was somewhat reassuring. He walked up to her door, and knocked.

“Simone…I just want to help. I need to know what happened. How did you escape Alva…the fae lord? You’re safe from him, right? He can’t get you?” If Alvaro was still alive, then that would mean he would need to protect her from him. That was an easy first task, if so.

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 8:23 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone was immediately startled. “H-how do you know who I am?! DID YOU COME TO TAKE ME YOURSELF?!” She readied the broom and started to beat Lewis with it because he was in her way to the cottage. “WELL, YOU CAN’T HAVE ME! BACK BEAST, BACK!” Once she got a clear shot she ran into the shack and locked it.

“You have to leave! I don’t know you! If we’ve met I’m sorry but I don’t remember you either! I’m death itself so GO AWAY!” Her voice sounded said but it was clear from the way she was running around and closing the windows that this was a fairly regular occurrence.

“DON’T MAKE ME SUMMON LLYWELLYN!” She opened the window a bit and peaked out at him. Once she saw that Lewis was still there she made a face, "I'm really bad for you so go away!"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 8:19 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

“My name is Lewis Terrowin,” Lewis replied. “I’ll beat your little game, and when I get out of here, I’ll fucking-” And suddenly, nothing.

—

The sun was shining, and for a moment Lewis wanted to roll over and snuggle Simone. That was all he wanted, but when he rolled over, there was nothing but grass and air. He groaned, and sat up, shielding his eyes from the harsh sunlight. Xeik was to his side, waking up as well.

“Where…” He groaned. Things were still a bit foggy. As his brain caught up, he stood up, and looked around. “Five challenges…five timelines? What the hell is that supposed to mean?” “Where even are we?” Things looked…familiar.

Xeik glanced at the sun, and then around. “ANGELA! CAN YOU HEAR ME!?” His voice called out. It echoed for a moment, but there wasn’t a response. “I wonder if she can get us out. Or at least tell us what’s happening.” He looked back down. “Oh…wait. This is…Virens? Why would we be here?”

Lewis’ eyes widened as he heard humming, and he looked around. There was a small shack, and his heart jumped as he noticed Simone. “S…Simone? Why is she?”

“Alternate timeline…” Xeik mused as he looked at her. “She’s so young. Does that mean the curse was never broken?”

“Simone!?” Lewis called out. “Are you okay?” He started to walk towards her.

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 8:06 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Simone reacted a little too late before she had already drunk the poison. The guild was supposed to be a safe place for her and her family. However, a snake had slithered into their midst.

“My dearest Lewis, I plan on killing both you and Simone unless you can beat my game.” An imagine of Saphielle appeared. I love you. I want to show you how much I love you by killing the woman in the way. It wasn’t hard to find out about you two and how your love works… If that’s how it works that means you can love me too. I’ll just bring you back and brand you myself. We can resonant together.”

There she held out her arms to him. “We can take all of the kids. I can be their new mom. I love the stories of the Dusk Assassin but I had no idea you were such an ideal father and husband. It just made me want you more… but I will give you a chance to save Simone and yourself.”

She held up five fingers, “You will enter five different timelines of Simone’s life. You will have to fix each one. How you fix it will depend entirely on the situation and not even I know what it will be. If you can do it… You’ll get her back. You’ve brought a friend so I’ll allow him to stay.” Xeik appeared next to him.

“I love you Lewis Dusk. I always have.”

–

The area became a part of the Virens forest. Not far from where they stood was a small shack, almost as bad as Hazel’s. There was humming as a young Simone was outside in a plain dress. She was smacking a rug with a makeshift broom. Dust was flying off.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 8, 2021 7:57 PM, Post Subject: The World that Never Was [P/R]

Wait! Simone! That’s her, that’s the-

The connection between them vanished, and Lewis’ eyes widened with fear. “No. Not again…”

Lewis passed all of the children off to Xeik, who immediately took them home from Benin, and Lewis made a portal directly into Simone’s office in Elisora. Simone was laying there, and Lewis ran over to her. The teacup was laying next to her, spilled over. Xeik portaled in, and rushed to Lewis’ side.

The ex-assassin pulled Simone into his arms, checking her pulse at her neck. Still alive, and a healthy rate. “Simone!? Wake up, Simone!” He couldn’t get a response out of her. “Xeik!? What’s wrong!?”

“I don’t know, I-” Xeik put his hand to her wrist to check her pulse, in case Lewis had missed something

Simone’s body shimmered for a second, as if something was happening. Then, at once, Lewis and Xeik both collapsed. There was laughter from the other room, and then everything went dark.

—

When Lewis awoke, he was in a darkness that felt cold and isolating. Beside him, he could feel Xeik’s presence, but couldn’t see his friend.

“Where the hell are we?” Lewis tried to ask. His voice seemed not to carry. “The fuck is this!?”