Her laughter broke the silence that had settled between the two. Neville smiled and rubbed his left arm, causing the girl before him to giggle ever more.

“Go on, Neville. What were you going to ask her?” Professor Snape interrupted, the whole class now intrigued. “Don’t be afraid. If you can interrupt me while I’m teaching, it must be very important.”

Neville was stuttering, evidently failing to say something back to the Professor.  ”Oh shut up, Severous,” Wynter responding, rolling her eyes at the teacher before her.

Snape was furious now, “You think, my dear ‘Wynter’, is it? That you can talk to me in that tone of voice? What kind of Hufflepuff do you think you are? You’re just a cruel joke, you’re useless, and shouldn’t even be allowed to enter Hogwarts. You’re completely pathetic.”

Wynter sat up and left towards her dorm room but, not before setting Snape’s robe on fire. She smiled as she left. Everyone in the class room was astounded, and proceeded to clap as she left. Neville stood as she exited and ran after her, Snape not even noticing as he was trying to get out the flames bursting from his clothing. 

”.. H-hey! Wynter!” Neville huffed, poking at her side as he caught up. She turned around and smiled, giving him a hug. “So…”

“So?” She laughed, not getting what he meant.

“That uh, question. Will you uh, you know.”

“I know what…?”

“Go out.. with.. me?” Neville smiled. 

“Hm.. I’ll think about it,” Wynter winked, kissing him on the cheek just as the bell rang. “Walk with me.”

Neville’s smile faultered but, he continued to walk Wynter to her next class, heading to his own class after they said goodbye. The whole time throughout Herbology, his favorite class no doubt, he seemed disconnected. Professor Pomona had even noticed, and kept him after class. She had proceeded to ask him what was wrong and if the poor child was okay. He kept to himself however, and she just let him continue on to the main hall for dinner. 

Throughout dinner he was once again asked many questions, mainly by Ron and Hermione. After he had finished playing with his food, Harry had ended up dragging Neville just outside the hall.

“You asked, didn’t you?” Harry sighed. Neville had nodded a yes in responce, cringing at the memory. “Listen.. I told you that it’d most likely be a no. She just.. went through a lot, you’ve noticed the changes.” Neville looked at Harry, and Harry gave him a quick hug before the two went back inside, to notice Wynter panicking near Ron and Hermione. Harry smiled and told him to go, and he did just as commanded.

“No, guys, where is he!?” Wynter panicked, Ron and Hermione not knowing the answer. “Guys, no this is important what if he- no, what if, ah oh my, you don’t kno-“

“Wynter..?” Neville smiled, gently putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Neville!” Wynter yelled, hugging him quickly. “Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes.”

“I-…”

“Thank you,” Wynter smiled, a small tear threatening to escape. She blinked quickly before hugging him again. “You’re.. my best friend and.. I know you can help me.”

Noel sighed as he once again, snuck his way out of the house. He assumed his younger sister hadn’t yet figured out about his hunting, even though he had been doing it ever since their father left. It was extremely doubtful that the other had not noticed at all in 6 years but, it’d make perfect sense if she hadn’t. He left in the morning, would come back to walk her to Nora and Bartolomy’s house, go back, and then come back to the schoolhouse to pick his younger sibling up if needed. On days when Bartolomy went out of town, Nicole would stay with Nora and Hope until after dinner, and he’d come back then. But, even if she hadn’t figured it out yet, and were to later.. he’d never stop, no matter how much danger it put him in.

Noel had met a girl within the first two years of his hunting. He hadn’t known her name, nor her age, but they ended teaming up and spliting everything between themselves equally. After the first few months, they grew fond of each other and when Noel had taken it upon himself to get his little sister a chocobo, he got in a rough spot.

x-o-previousencounter-o-x

“Oh but, Hope!” Nicole giggled, dragging him down the road. “I just  love these! Do you think Noel would get me one?” The young girl ask the slightly older boy before her, while petting the small chocobo.

“Nicole.. I don’t think he has the gil,” Hope sighed, pointing at the sign by the Old Xanward’s farmhouse. Once Nicole looked, a frown found itself upon her face. Noel had walked up and heard all of this but, said nothing. He came up shortly afterwards and backwardsly picked up Nicole, sliding her over his shoulders.

“Bye Hope! See you tomorrow morning!” Nicole giggled, waving at the boy, Noel winked as well.

o-x-endscence-x-o

As Noel had been thinking about it, he mindlessly wandered out of his known boundaries. His hunting partner noticed, and quickly rushed out towards him. Before she could make it, a monster was heading towards Noel, and at a rather quick pace at that. Deryn ran as fast as she could but, before she got there Noel was already in gaged in battle. When she made it there, Noel muttered a quick thanks and they finished the monster off. She looked at him, hands on her hips, with a hmph.

He ended up explaining why the chocobo mattered so much. She nodded, not completely understanding the reason but, not wanting to argue. He smiled and they both walked back but, Noel forgot the chocobo.

It turns out that, it was fine though. Nicole had gone on a trip with her class. Ren, Hope, Adolania, and Nicole had all gone on a trip with Nora and just come back. Nicole saw Noel and ran over to him, carrying an over-stuffed chocobo plush. She shoved it in his face, “Look at what Hope won me!” She jumped up and down, excitedly. “It’s so cute, huh?” Hope was blushing while holding his mom’s hand a few feet away. 

Noel smiled brightly at Nicole, “Did you thank him?”

“I-no!” Nicole gasped, handing Noel the chocobo to hold for her momentarily. She ran over to Hope and smiled at Nora. “Hi Mrs. Esthiem, Mr. Esthiem..!” She giggled at the thought of calling her childhood friend that.

“That’s my dad,” Hope laughed. 

“I know that!” She smiled, before getting on her tippie toes and giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for the chocobo plush, Hope.” She then yelled to Noel that she was going to stay with them for the night, and they all went off.

Noel smiled and then headed back towards the gate, looking for his friend. He found her shortly, and split a piece of candy that Ren had brought him back from Jerlar, the forest town they had taken the trip on, with her. He tried anyways. He couldn’t get the thing to break in half so, he put half in his mouth and then told her to put half in hers. They ended up kissing but, sharing the candy.

Nora
“I can’t believe it…! We’re finally going home,” Nicole whispered over to Noel. She had really missed the place, much more than she or the others had shown.  The twilight was slowly slipping over around them, nightfall was threatening. Noel looked down at her and nodded with a bright smile. He linked arms with her, noticing how dark it was getting. “Noel.. I’m not a kid anymore..!” Nicole sighed, un-linking her arm from his.

“You’ll always be a kid to me. So will Hope,” Noel denied, shaking his head.

“What?” Hope questioned, lifting his head up from the ground. Both Noel and Nicole turned, Noel let out a small laughed. Hope shook his head silently, smiling at the two of them. 

“I’m gonna go catch up with Snow and Mariah, make sure they’re okay up there!” Noel winked, running off and leaving the two alone. 

“So..” Hope started.

“I-“

-x-o-x-o-x-

Noel stopped running after he had reached behind the two before him. Snow and Mariah where talking about the wedding that was suppose to have happened already but, kept getting put off because of emergencies amongst their friends. Noel realized that this time, it was partly his fault. He felt guilty but, walked up and slung his arms over the both of them, “Hey guys.”

Snow laughed, “Oh now, if it isn’t Mr. Hero,” Snow smiled. He hadn’t really gotten along with Noel in the past but, now they were good friends. Snow had finally realized that Noel had good intentions, but didn’t know how to use his brain. Mariah smiled at the both of them.

“It’s getting really dark.. Nicole always told me how it’s so dangerous here, is it okay that she’s alone?” Mariah questioned, genuienly worried about her friend.

“She’ll be fine, the gates right there, anyways. And they’re still visible from here!” Noel reassured the other two. 

They made it home safely but, Noel was quickly pulled away by Astell. Noel turned to his friends and shrugged, mouthing that he’d be back.

“Is.. is Hope coming?” Astell whispered, a gleam showing in her eyes.

”.. Yeah, why?” 

”.. N-nora.. She.. Well.. He’d already..” Astell couldn’t say it but, Noel understood. He got on his knees and gave her a hug, thanking her silently. Astell ran off, leaving the town looking completely empty. Nobody wanted to be there when Hope found out.

-x-o-x-o-x-

Hope and Nicole entered the town, hand in hand. Snow and Mariah waved at the two and Noel walked back slowly. He pulled Nicole away and whispered in her ear. Nicole looked at him, in complete disbelief. “Is this some kind of sick joke..?” Nicole whimpered, Nora had been like her mom, considering that Nicole herself had never met her mother or father. She thought about how Hope would take it. “We can’t tell him..”

“Can’t tell who what?” Snow blinked, he had walked up towards the two while they were talking and had only heard the ending. Nicole couldn’t breathe properly and rushed into Snow’s arms, getting a soft teddy bear hug in responce. Snow looked over at Noel, and Noel had mouthed the words. Snow’s face had gone from that happy-go lucky smile to a frown that nobody had seen before. “Who’s… telling?”

Mariah had seen the three talking in the corner. She knew what they had to say. She knew it would’ve happened. Nobody can attack the Royal Knights and go on without harm, nobody. She didn’t want to be the one to tell Hope, so she smiled off to him and headed towards the inn, giving him a quick hug before leaving towards the group. She ended up pulling Noel and Snow away, telling him that it’d best come from Nicole.

Nicole refused at first but, when they all walked away she had no choice. She turned to Hope, and walked over, as slowly as possible. She grabbed his hand, a tear escaping her eye. Hope questioned what was wrong but, Nicole ignored him and led him to Hope’s house. As they walked inside, Nicole went to sit down, offering Hope a spot as well.

”.. You’re going to hate me for this…” Nicole cried out. Hope didn’t understand what she was trying to say, so he simply nodded. “Your mom.. she.. she’s not here.”

“What do you mean?” Hope laughed, not getting it at all. Obviously, she wasn’t here, and either was his dad.

“She.. She’s dead, Hope.” 

“N-no… No, she’s not.. She was here when we left..” Hope bit his lip. Nicole turned her head, tears escaping once again. She couldn’t handle it. Hope’s mom, the reason Hope was living, the reason Hope hadn’t killed himself or left.. his only reason, was gone. “SHE WAS HERE, NICOLE,” Hope yelled, clutching onto the table. “You’re LYING to me.” Nicole turned back to him, the trickling of her tears still shoving evidence. 

“I’m… I’m not..” Nicole heaved. Hope looked at her, denying everything.  He got up and left, leaving Nicole to herself. 

-x-o-x-o-x-

“Hope. She didn’t kill your mom. She told you what happened. Now go back, look her in the face, and apologize,” Snow threatened. Hope ignored her and kept on walking. “I’m serious, Hope. She would NEVER do something to hurt you like that.” Hope turned to him, “Really? You really think she would never do something to hurt me? Ever?” He was furious now, he hadn’t believed a single thing anybody had said.

Mariah had told him that Nicole told him because she didn’t want him to be alone. That she was going through just as much trouble as he was. Nora was her mother, too. That everything would be okay, but he didn’t listen.

Noel had told him that he has to be brave, he can’t show the Royal Knights how much it’s affecting him, he can’t give them that power. He has to stay strong, no matter how much it’s hurting. That this is when he needs his friends most, because they’ll protect him. Hope didn’t listen.

And that’s why Nicole accepted that Hope would never look at her the same again.

“What are you talking about?” Nicole questioned, raising her brow at Hope. She turned to look at her arm, seeing a slight scratch - well, it looked more like a bite.. and it wasn’t that ‘slight’, either. “O-oh.. I got attacked coming back home b-but! It’s nothing, I’ll be fine. Noel comes home with stuff like this all the time!”

Hope disagreed with her silently, and walked over to her current spot. He position himself on his knees and poked at her arm. She flinched in response. “This isn’t okay, Nicole..” Hope sighed, looking up at her. He quickly walked towards the small bathroom and took out some small bandages that his mother kept for emergencies at the school. He came back quickly and slowly wrapped it around her arm. He looked at her eyes and smiled softly. “I’m glad you came back.”

Nicole blushed at the attention she was getting from Hope. She realized she got this a lot but, it really meant something to her this time. She giggled as he stood up and before he could walk back over to his books, she grabbed his hand. “Thanks Hope,” she laughed, trying to act as normal as possible. She stood herself up and kissed him on the cheek, and just as she did that, Nora walked in.

“Dearie-, Oh, oh oh, what do we have here?” Nora laughed, figuring that Hope finally told Nicole her feelings, even though he actually hadn’t. A noticeable blush was on both of them but, Nicole was more relaxed.

“Oh, hey Mrs. Esthiem!” Nicole smiled, waving to her. Nora nodded to them both and set down a plate of cookies and two glasses of milk next to Hope’s desk. She then walked back out with a wink aimed towards Hope. “Heh, well.. That was weird,” Nicole laughed, patting his back. She headed over to the cookies and put half of one in her mouth. Hope laughed at her from his bed. Nicole cocked her head to the side and went to sit next to him. 

—-x-o-x-o—-

“Yes, Mariah. That’s fantastic!” Cauis called out towards his star pupil. Mariah had just cast Provoke on her’s and Nox’s enemy. It was a great move, considering Mariah has three times the health of her younger sister. Nox cast deluge - a water spell, that quickly killed off their last enemy of the day. Cauis clapped and let the two girls walk towards him. “Okay, girls. You did great! Your improving is very, very, amazing. You two are dismissed. I’d like to talk to you if you aren’t busy though, Mariah,” Cauis smiled, winking at the two. 

Mariah got on her knees and looked at Nox, “You’re spending the night with Jaylik and Yuana, correct? They live close to here. Go on with one of the mentors and spend the night, I’ll get you in the morning,” Maraih smiled. She patted the girl on the back as she ran to find one of the upperclassmen. Mariah looked over to Cauis and did a small solute of honor before completely walking up to him. “Yes, Mr. Ballad?”

Caius laughed at his friends formality, “It’s okay, Mariah. Nobody is here.” Mariah laughed along with him. “But, I’d like you to help your sister improve on her green magic.. for you to do that, I’d like some private sessions schedule with the two of us, so you’re ahead.”

Mariah nodded at all that Caius had to say. She hoped that these private lessons would turn into something more.. She had a crush on her mentor for quiet a while now. Private lessons? With Caius Ballad? Yes. Her choosing this training was going amazingly well! Much better than expected, too. He was a great teacher, and hot as well. Mariah couldn’t help but find herself blushing. “Is it getting hot in here or what!?” Mariah laughed.

Caius laughed along with her, he had known about the crush for a while but, never said anything about it. He always acted oblivious, for legal sakes. “Well, the heaters did just turn on,” Caius winked, before leading her out of the training room. “Would you like me to walk you home tonight, my dear?” He asked politely, holding out his arm. Mariah nodded to him and linked arms with him. 

—-x-o-x-o—-

Noel was looking out around the town, with Len. Len.. his friend of 12 years.. Len, his friend who was leaving to a complete different town soon. Sure, Nicole had always been a closer friend to Len than Noel had been but, Len was his partner in crime. Nobody really knew they were that close of friends other than themselves and Ri. 

Noel sniffed to himself slightly and Len turned to him, his knife raised. “Oh, Noel, was that you?” Len laughed, trying to ease the area.

“Yeah! Jeeze man, try and kill me, will you! Then you definitely won’t be crowned the prince!” Noel laughed himself. The two boys were wandering around and before long, sunrise was coming close. Noel nodded off to Len and they both departed, no monsters would dare come towards the town during daylight, no matter how much was there.

Ineelmi Families - Ocupation                 Ineelmi Ages

Osyphe Family
Davian Osyphe - Common Baker             x Age: 30
Cruven Osyphe - Royal Knight               x Age: 37
Ren Osyphe - Prince of Eingihina            x Age: 15
Riana Osyphe - Princess of Ineelmi         x Age: 12

Kreiss Family
Noel Kreiss - Hunter                             x Age: 18
Nicole Kreiss -  Student of Mages           x Age: 14

Jeddaso Family
Astell Jeddaso - Student of Archery        x Age: 8
Xanward Jeddaso - Chocobo Farmer        x Age: 64

Esthiem Family

Nora Esthiem -  Math/English Teacher      x Age: 41
Bartolomy Esthiem - History/Science Teacher      x Age: 40
Hope Esthiem - Student of Guardian’s       x Age: 16

Trastrenth Family
Zanalin Trastrenth - Barkeeper/Innkeeper  x Age: 45
Marvaria Trastrenth - Elf Barmaid             x Age: 38

Schikl Family
Wilrry Schikl - Sailor/Messenger               x Age: 19

Jh’tira Family
Nerisdiana Jh’tira - Weaver                     x Age: 27
Crestilna Jh’tira - Student of Guards         x Age: 9
Ionlor Jh’tira - Blacksmith/Carpentry         x Age: 28

Alrisaera Family
Alidove Alrisaera - Elf Maid                      x Age: 36
Norhorn Alrisaera - Elf Farmer                  x Age: 39
Adolania Alrisaera - Elf Student of Thieves     x Age: 18

Eingihina Families - Ocupation                Eingihina Ages

Jerkinpenis Family
Mariah Jerkinpenis - Student of Mages      x Age: 18
Nox Jerkinpenis -  Student of White          x Age: 9

_______ Family
Deryn _______  - Student of Guards         x Age: 17

“Noel!” Nicole screamed from inside their small house, rushing out and trying to find her older brother. She looked left and right, seeing some of the towns people stop what they were doing and shrug, and others ignoring her because this happened a lot. Her friend from when they were younger, Hope, pointed towards the lake. Nicole nodded and smiled, before heading that way.

Nicole ran half-way there, before sunset was threatening to come forth. She sighed, and continued walking, knowing it was dangerous.  The town was really the only safe part anymore and, she was already far out of the boundaries. She heard a wiggling in the bush beside her, and curiosity took over. She looked through the bush, to find a bunny. She quickly picked it up and carried the remainder of the way to the lake.

Once she had arrived there, she stood behind a tree, staring at her brother and a girl that she didn’t think she knew of. Of course that was what her brother was always sneaking off to do! He wasn’t hunting, he was hitting up chicks! She sighed to herself and started heading back to the town, deciding not to interrupt her brother and whoever he was with.

Darkness was surrounding Nicole quickly and all she could do was run faster. She had come out unprepared, no weapons - and she still hadn’t learned dark magic, all she knew for know was cure. As Nicole was fearing what could happen, it did happen. A giant monster, of what type she didn’t know, flung before her and hit her in the head. She didn’t know what to do, so she tried to run. The monster, was much too powerful for her however. 

It had only been a few moments before she had fallen to her knees, and accepted her fate. 

——x-o-x-o——

Noel had arrived home much quicker than he thought he would have. He had picked up a few bunches of beasts, that he could easily make into dinner. He walked inside of his and Nicole’s small house, remembering how his day had gone with Deryn. After packing away the meat, he realized it was much too quiet in the house. He laughed as he noticed that Nicole wasn’t there. He walked out towards the small fire that was always in the middle of town during the last hours of the night. He looked for Hope but, couldn’t find him either. He did, however, find Riana. 

The young girl smiled up at him. She got on her tippie toes and poked his chest gently. “Would you like something, Noel?” She asked, as politely as could be. 

“You can, miss Ri! Have you seen Prince Osyphe?” Noel laughed, still trying to get use to calling him that. Riana’s older brother was to be leaving soon, as he had been crowned the new prince of their friendly rival town, Eingihina. 

Ren walked up behind them, laughing himself. “Noel, my friend, you don’t have to call me Prince Osyphe. It sounds lame coming from you,” he smiled. Ren gave Noel a quick high five before asking, “But, what would you like?”

“You’re friends with Nicole and me, so.. Would you happen to know where she is?” Noel asked, an annoyed tone appearing in his voice. The first few times that Nicole hadn’t been home, she was somewhere simple, like with Ren, Hope, or some of the other young kids. Ren simply shook his head as a no, he hadn’t seen her at all that day.

One of Riana’s friends walked up, and poked Noel’s side. “I saw Nicole leave earlier, she went the direction of the lake! I think she came back and went with Hope!” Astell smiled. Noel frowned quickly, realizing what had probably happened. He smiled at Astell and patted her head, “Thank you, Stell. Tell your mother that her cooking classes have been helpful m’dear.” Astell smiled and ran off. Noel headed towards Hope’s house.

Noel knocked on the round shaped door twice, and waited quietly outside. Nora opened the door, with a small smile on her face. “Oh, hello Noel! I was just about to send Bartoromy to go get you,” Nora laughed. “Hope has been in the forest, up in a tree all day studying. Would you mind getting him down for us?” 

“Anything for you, Mrs. Esthiem,” Noel smiled, heading over to go get Hope for them. He needed to talk to Hope anyways. Noel felt his side, to make sure that his blade was still there. He smiled as he walked out of the town and towards the forest. He had stopped to defeat a few monsters occasionally but, made it faster towards Hope’s spot than he thought he would. He kicked the tree once, recieving a, “hmmph!” and a thud. Hope had fallen out of the tree on top of Noel, along with Hope’s text book. 

“Do you know where my sister is?” Noel laughed, helping Hope up. He thought that Hope would say that she was up in the tree with him, and hadn’t fallen down. But.. That wasn’t the answer he got. 

——x-o-x-o——

Nicole had expected a blow but, never got one. She just heard the monster squeal in pain. She opened her eyes to see a young girl before her, her arm out-stretched. The girl was holding what Nicole thought, was a gun. They weren’t common in Ineelmi, but they were in Eingihina, where her and Ren had been a few weeks ago. Nicole quickly grabbed it and stood up, watching the other girl continue to fight off the enemy. 

As the enemy slowly died off, the other girl walked over to Nicole. She looked her up and down, and nodded to herself. Nicole was about to question the other, before the girl had taken the gun back, and shown her how to shoot it. Nicole nodded, and her new.. ‘friend’ took her back to the town. Just as Nicole was about to enter the town, she turned around, “What’s your nam-” but, the girl wasn’t there anymore. Nicole sighed to herself and walked towards the flaming circle. She sat down next to Ren and smiled. “Hey..” 

“Oh, hey. Noel was wondering where you were. We all thought you were with Hope. You better go find them before Hope freaks out.. Hope thought you were with Noel. They’re at Hope’s house now, talking to Nora,” Ren explained, patting Nicole on the back before letting her part.

Nicole sighed to herself before heading to Hope’s house. She figured since it was late, she should knock. In the daytime, Hope’s house was a walk in zone. Nora and Bart loved her. Bart answered the door and a quick smile formed over his face. “We were so worried!” He laughed, before leading her into the house. As they arrived at the table where Nora, Hope, and Noel were sitting, she rubbed the back of her neck, realizing what she had almost caused. Both Noel and Nora looked extremely upset with her, and Hope was relieved, his smile getting brighter. 

“I’m sorry…” Nicole apologized, hoping it’d be great enough but, knowing it wouldn’t be. Noel walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulder, giving her a quick hug. She knew that she had worried him too much tonight.. She never should’ve left the town knowing it was getting so dark, especially unprepared. Nora sighed and offered them all dinner, and Noel and Nicole smiled to her. 

Before long, dinner was done. Noel went off to his guard duties, it being his day to stand watch for the town, and Nicole helped do the dishes. She was going to stay at Hope’s house because, Noel didn’t trust her right now, and she hadn’t stayed over in a while. Nora and Bart told Nicole to go up and hang out with Hope, considering there wasn’t much left to do at the house anyways.

Nicole walked over to Hope’s room and walked in, noticing Hope had fallen asleep reading his text book. Nicole walked over to him and poked him gently. Hope woke up, startled, and looked at Nicole. “Oh, hey,” He smiled, rubbing his shoulder. Nicole smiled back before taking off her sweat shirt and laying herself on his bed. 

“Hey, Hope. Sorry, I worried you and your parents earlier. I didn’t mean for that to happen,” Nicole muttered, still feeling bad that she might have caused anything. Hope looked at her, his brow raised. “I mean.. I didn’t think that I wouldn’t be back in time and..-“