Dawn

  ( Cutiehorn )

  Cinnamon scented warmth radiated from the fireplace. Spoons and forks were raised to hungry lips. Siblings joked and laughed. They were a family. False, yet fond. More importantly, whole.

  Then it started. A metallic cracking.

  She looked down to her gauntlet, fear rising as fractures spread. Flakes of silver lie crumbled away, exposing sinful skin.

  Her chair toppled as she rushed to her feet. Confused eyes watched as forgeborn flesh fell away to reveal decades of betrayal. She raced for the door to escape their gaze, yet it wouldn't budge. She howled and she begged, yet the exit had become as immovable as any fortress, the room but another in a series of cages.

  Soon she wasn't the only one screaming. Her sisters' faces contorted in horror and disgust. An expression she'd seen before, upon the Queen the day of her emergence.

  "I'm sorry!" she cried.

  The fireplace roared. Furious flame flooded forth, engulfing all.

  Cutiehorn clenched her eyelids and exhaled slowly. She steadied her breathing, and waited for her heart to settle. It wasn't her first nightmare. It wasn't even her thousandth. She'd become used to waking in cold sweat, but that didn't make it any less unpleasant.

  She turned to the twinned bed that rested just a foot from her own, only to see it empty. First came confusion, then alarm. Her stomach lurched. She bolted up to a seated position and cried out. "Bubblebun?"

  To her relief, Bubblebun was not gone. She was simply getting dressed.

  "Shhh! You'll wake Splishsplash and M-" The ribboned rabbit caught her mistake before the name left her lips, and grimaced.

  Cutiehorn clenched the sheets. If she could crush the fabric to dust, she would. There was no risk of disturbing Bubblebun's other neighbour. Not anymore. "I'd hoped it was a bad dream. Just another awful nightmare, but..."

  "...No," said Bubblebun softly.

  The faesteel shield was propped up beside Cutiehorn's bed. The first night, she'd gazed at it until her eyelids grew too heavy. The next night, last night, she'd done the same, only the sight had filled her with pain, not pride.

  Merrymint suggested I name it Sisterhood...

  She sighed, then looked to Bubblebun. "If you'd been left in command, what would you have done differently?"

  Bubblebun slowed buttoning her thick winter coat until her fingers paused entirely. She strode over to Cutiehorn's bed and sat down. "It's not your fault."

  "That wasn't the question."

  "Panic, probably." Bubblebun gave a deflated shrug. "Throwing myself at an enemy is one thing, but asking others to do the same? I'm not brave enough for that."

  Cutiehorn eyed the mint leaf and snowflake emblems upon the shield. "Getting your allies killed isn't bravery."

  A ribboned hand reached for Cutiehorn's, yet she pulled away.

  The ballerina's ears drooped. "...Listen. You didn't get anyone killed. They acted alone. Merrymint and Winterwish weren't the sort that could just hang back while others are in danger. I don't think it would've mattered what you'd said. Nothing would've stopped them. You know that, right?"

  Cutiehorn couldn't respond. A part of her wanted to believe her closest sister. Bubblebun had always been the honest one, after all.

  I didn't even want leadership. If only I'd pushed back a little harder. If only I'd stood my ground...

  "Were you dreaming of them?" asked Bubblebun.

  "Yes and no. Not specifically, I mean. They were there. Everyone was, but..."

  "The usual?"

  Cutiehorn nodded slowly. "...If you could tell I was having a bad dream, why didn't you wake me?"

  "Cutiehorn..." Bubblebun sighed, "it's all nightmares. From the moment you close your eyes."

  For a brief time they sat in solemn silence.

  "I must be a pain to sleep beside."

  "It's the same for all of us, I'm sure." Bubblebun hopped up and resumed dressing. "Except maybe Cherrychomp. She always looked so peaceful snoozing on Merrymint's back, drooling all over her shoulder without a care in the world..."

  Cutiehorn swung her legs from the bed and hurried over to peek from the frosty window. Flakes continued to flutter from the sky. The few trees that had managed to cling to their leaves had turned autumnal. White and orange spread as far as the eye could see. Despite her short stay, it seemed Winterwish had truly left her mark, and not just on the sisterhood.

  Cutiehorn spotted the shape of Puddingpuff's snow-topped parasol beside an iced Muncher. "We're going to have to look out for her from now on... You think she'll be safe with us?"

  "You were quick enough to sacrifice one arm for your friends. By my count that means anyone by your side can survive at least three more attacks."

  Cutiehorn failed to see the funny side. "You're heading down now?"

  Bubblebun shifted awkwardly as she finished tying the ribbons of her rabbit-paw snow boots. "...Yeah."

  "Then you definitely should've woken me. You know it takes me way longer to suit up than you." Cutiehorn gathered a furry thermal lining from the second of two cupboards. "I really don't want to hear a lecture on punctuality from Puddingpuff right now."

  "...I'm not going to relieve Puddingpuff. That's why I didn't wake you." Iridescent eyes flicked away evasively. "I'm going to see what I can find out West."

  "What? On your own?"

  "Yeah. I can cover more ground that way. No offense."

  "You... You can't! What if you're attacked?"

  Bubblebun punched her palm with enough force to make nearby furniture rattle, then cracked the knuckles. "Oh, that'd be perfect."

  "No. You have to let me come with you. I know you're strong, and I know I'm slow, but... please. Losing Winterwish and Merrymint is tough enough. If anything happened to you..." Cutiehorn tried to shake the thought from her head. "I can't let it happen. I just can't."

  Bubblebun loosed a groan. "And I suppose it won't make a difference if I remind you we're back under lockdown?"

  "I don't care. It's not like Queen Titania can think any less of me. The only reason she gave me leadership is because she thought it might make me a more attractive target."

  Not that it worked...

  Bubblebun pressed her prominent incisors together. "Dammit. Why's this place full of so many bitches?"

  Cutiehorn flapped her arm, as if trying to waft the word away. "Shush! You can't just say that! She's the Queen!"

  "And I'm rapidly running out of fucks to give."

  Cutiehorn winced and pinched the bridge of her nose. "...Look, do me a favour and go find something warm for Cherrychomp to wear. And some breakfast. It'll take me ten to strap in anyway."

  Bubblebun tilted her head, causing fluffy ears to flop. "You know we'll be getting her into trouble if we're found out, right?"

  "I'll take the blame. Besides, Puddingpuff is going to need some rest, and with Cherrychomp's Muncher I won't slow you down as much. Searching will be easier from the air."

  Bubblebun's eyes narrowed to the faintest of slits. "You know why I'm going, right? And you're sure you can handle it? If we find them, they'll be no holding me back. Fairy, mutant, human. You're not going to stop me."

  Cutiehorn tightened her armoured fist. "I know. I get it. You're... no, we're out for blood."

  Bubblebun nodded slowly, then headed for the door.

  With faesteel strapped to her forearm and a thick pelt draped from her shoulders, Cutiehorn led the way down the hillside. Deep snow crunched beneath fur-lined sabatons and heavy, heavy steps.

  Puddingpuff looked to them with tired eyes and pluming breath. "Good morning. Did you manage to get any sleep?" Even wrapped in blankets and huddled beside the campfire, she was rosy-nosed.

  Cutiehorn passed over the first of two warm bread rolls. "A little. Somehow."

  Bubblebun offered no more than a shrug. A scowl had been steadily forming upon her face since they'd exited the palace, and had only grown stronger the closer they'd gotten to Puddingpuff.

  What's up with her? Did something happen between these two yesterday?

  Freshly baked bread shimmered into sponge and cream the moment it met pink lips, but it at least maintained some steamy heat.

  "I guess our next training grounds might be of your making, Puddingpuff," said Cutiehorn. "Cake Town doesn't sound so bad, I suppose."

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  The fanciful fairy finished her bite, then raised a napkin to dab away crumbs. "I have more than enough on my plate already. Besides, my magic only affects the edible. Someone would have to construct an entire settlement out of food first, at which point my involvement would merely make things messier."

  Cutiehorn sounded a half-hearted hum. Bubblebun only clicked her tongue.

  "Is there something the matter, dear sister?" asked Puddingpuff.

  "You're damn right there is," snapped Bubblebun. "Where the hel were you? Before the flares launched, what exactly were you up to?"

  So that's what's got her all worked up. Nice try, Bubblebun, but she's just going to say 'busy', as always.

  Yet for once Puddingpuff wasn't so quick to answer. She considered, brought the enchanted food back up to her lips, took another bite, then continued to ponder whilst chewing.

  Bubblebun crossed her arms tight and tapped a foot in waiting.

  Eventually, Puddingpuff swallowed. "I was searching Titania's Chambers."

  "Her bedroom?" asked Cutiehorn. "If she finds out -"

  "Are you going to tell her?" interrupted Puddingpuff.

  Cutiehorn blinked in surprise.

  "Well?" asked Puddingpuff.

  "...No. I suppose not," said Cutiehorn.

  "And are you going to tell her?" asked Puddingpuff.

  Bubblebun gave another reluctant shrug and cast her gaze away.

  "Then she won't find out," said Puddingpuff.

  Cutiehorn looked around, then, despite their isolation, lowered her voice. "What were you looking for?"

  "Anything really," said Puddingpuff. "I've grown rather desperate of late. Though, I turned up relatively little..."

  Cutiehorn sighed.

  "I don't buy it," said Bubblebun. "Why would she tell us? She's never this open."

  Puddingpuff didn't flinch at the accusation. "Quite fair. I have been anything but forthright. Your distrust is well warranted."

  Bubblebun cocked her head. "And now you expect us to believe everything you say?"

  "No," said Puddingpuff. "You're free to believe whatever you wish. I just wanted to be honest with you."

  "Nah," said Bubblebun. "You want something. What is it?"

  Puddingpuff smiled politely. "How about friendship?"

  Bubblebun clicked her tongue again, triggering an awkward silence. An awkward silence Cutiehorn couldn't stop herself from filling.

  "...I keep replaying it in my head. Thinking about what I could've done differently..."

  "Cease," said Puddingpuff. "To regret is to waste. Linger not lamentation."

  "Still..." said Cutiehorn.

  Puddingpuff released a swirling sigh into the cold morning air. "For what it's worth, you acted decisively. Your commands were clear. Mirrorpond, Plumpberry and Songflower suffered minimal casualties thanks to your readiness. You saved lives, Cutiehorn. Many lives..." For some reason, her gaze turned skyward and lips soured a slight.

  Cutiehorn couldn't help feeling guilty when she questioned whether saving hundreds of unfamiliar villagers was worth the loss of two sisters. She grasped the grip of her shield and squeezed, as if asking its emblems for strength. "...And Tuberly?"

  "I've been considering that," said Puddingpuff. "I believe it likely fell hours before the others, with our enemy launching that first flare themselves, as bait. Yesterday was no senseless slaughter. It was carefully orchestrated. Our victories, while efficiently executed, were calculated. They sacrificed pawns so they could reap royalty."

  "Who are they?" asked Cutiehorn.

  Puddingpuff's expression sharpened. "They're one step ahead there. I can't say for certain. Yet."

  "So you're saying we were screwed from the start?" asked Bubblebun.

  "By devious design," said Puddingpuff. "Word of Titania's plans must've leaked. From Obon or Useel, if I had to guess. It's possible one or both courts have been compromised."

  Bubblebun huffed. "I don't see why she even had to leave in the first place."

  Puddingpuff clutched at her blanket, as if trying to stave off a sudden bout of shivers. "...One cannot blame her. The enemy employs the use of runes. Such knowledge is anything but common. It'd be foolish of her not to question the other Queens."

  A third click sounded from Bubblebun's tongue. Cutiehorn watched as she waded through the white toward the Muncher. The ribboned rabbit glanced into its humid maw, then beckoned.

  Nestled within, a sleeping fairy tossed and turned atop a lulling tongue. A bloodstained hat served as her pillow.

  "She thought it'd be warmer inside," said Puddingpuff. "...Didn't fancy it myself."

  Bubblebun cautiously reached past the rows of giant teeth and gently shook Cherrychomp, who startled awake with uncharacteristic ease. Using the tongue as a slippery slide, the little red fairy hurried out, glanced around and sniffed at the air. Finally she looked to Puddingpuff, who slowly shook her head.

  "Morning, Cherrychomp." Cutiehorn offered her the second bread roll.

  The little red fairy accepted it with minimal enthusiasm. "Not 'ungry..."

  "Look what I found." Bubblebun brandished a hooded crimson coat she'd grabbed from the Dressing Room. "Kind of cute, right?"

  Dainty fingers reached out to pinch at the cotton. "...'S'not fluffy."

  "Yeah, well, you're wearing it, kid." Bubblebun started forcibly dressing their pint-sized sister. "Put the hat down a minute."

  Cherrychomp resisted.

  "How about I clean it for you?" asked Cutiehorn. "It'll only take a second."

  But the little red fairy would only cradle to her chest. "It don't need cleanin'! I gotta keep it safe 'til Merry's back!"

  Cutiehorn and Bubblebun shared a concerned glance.

  How do we even handle this? Merrymint was always the one to deal with her. What would she do? ...Oh, of course.

  Cutiehorn awkwardly lowered to her armoured knees. "Do you think I might be able to try it on?"

  Concerned rubies raised to the sharp point sprouting from Cutiehorn's forehead.

  "Don't worry. I'll be really, really careful." Cutiehorn tilted her head forward. "Would you mind putting it on for me?"

  After a few seconds of cold silence, Cherrychomp twisted away. "No. It's Merry's 'at, an' only Merry' can wear it."

  "Right," snapped Bubblebun. What followed could only be described a strange wrestle of coat-pulling, bread-passing and hat-juggling.

  Feeling a little defeated, Cutiehorn struggled to her feet and looked to Puddingpuff. "Any sign of Queen Titania?"

  "She returned just before sunrise. I imagine she'll be rather busy conjuring faefire..."

  "Ok," said Cutiehorn. "We'll take Cherrychomp. You go get some rest."

  "Respite is something I can ill-afford." Puddingpuff shook the layer of snow from her parasol. "I'm going to uncover what I can up in Rainbow City." Though with the very first step she took, Cherrychomp raced over.

  Sharp teeth latched onto the pastel dress, like a puppy trying to play. "Don't go, Puddypuff!" she muffled.

  "You needn't worry yourself, Imp. I'll be back."

  Cherrychomp released her bite and shook her head, whipping pigtails from side to side. "No, no, no! No more goin'! We should all stay together! You an' me, an' Cutie'orn, an' Bubblybun, an' Splishysplash an' Sunnyshine too! Everyone together!"

  Puddingpuff rolled her lips, and, in a rare display of compassion, reached out to scratch the little red fairy's head. "Do you remember what I said last night, Imp? Do you remember what I'm going to do?"

  "...You're gonna pinch their pies?"

  "Precisely, and Merrymint wouldn't want your hands getting all sticky now would she? Stay with Cutiehorn. I have work to do. Work only I can do, and only on my own. You understand?"

  Cherrychomp's expression quivered. "Don't stay gone, 'k?"

  "Deal." Puddingpuff reached down, eased the bread roll from Cherrychomp's grip and granted it a kiss. When the shimmer of pink faded, she tore off the small piece that'd made contact with her lips and passed the rest back.

  "Caked it," gasped Cherrychomp, accepting the spongy treat as if receiving the greatest of honours.

  With that, Puddingpuff started for the treeline.

  "What was that about?" whispered Bubblebun.

  "Your guess is as good as mine." Cutiehorn looked to Cherrychomp once more, who was already licking her lips clean of cream. "Hey. We're going on an adventure. Want to come?"

  "...'S'not time for adventurin'. An' we not supposed to go nowhere."

  "True." Bubblebun stuffed Cherrychomp's pigtails down the back of the coat so she could pull the hood up. The sizeable bulge made her appear like a miniature hunchback. "But Cutiehorn has promised to take the blame if we're caught, so we won't get in trouble!"

  Cherrychomp squeezed at the hat. "Trouble or no trouble, Merry' dun' like breakin' rules."

  Cutiehorn crouched down to address Cherrychomp on her level. "...I'm sorry. I fibbed. I tried to make it sound fun. I shouldn't have done that. It's not an adventure. It's a very, very important job. We're going to try and find those who hurt Merrymint and Winterwish."

  "And we need your cute little snoot!" Bubblebun tapped Cherrychomp on the nose, causing her to go cross-eyed.

  The hooded fairy rattled her head as if to straighten her vision. "...What for?"

  Cutiehorn took a deep, slow breath. She supposed it'd be best to give a measured response.

  But Bubblebun was already cracking her knuckles. "So we can rip them to shreds and tear them a hundred new arseholes."

  "Rip 'em... an' tear 'em?" asked Cherrychomp.

  Cutiehorn winced. "We'll make sure they never hurt anyone else ever again. We'll do what good Fairy Princesses do, and protect the queendom."

  For a time, the hooded fairy seemed lost in intense thought. She looked to the hat in her arms, then back toward Puddingpuff who was now little more than a pink speck.

  "...We won't force you," said Cutiehorn. "If you'd rather stay here, then we'll both stay with you." She bumped Bubblebun's shoulder before she could protest.

  To their combined relief, Cherrychomp shook her head. "No. Stayin' 'ere is no good. Merry' will want us to be good Fairy Princesses. We should go an' protec'."

  An all-too sinister smile spread across Bubblebun's face. "The hunt begins..."