Chapter Two-hundred Thirty-Eight: Varg Island

Chapter 238

Varg Island

Fabien lay in bed that afternoon. The sunlight peeked in through the blinds. Fabien’s eyes fluttered. His head pounded, and he was sore all over. He gasped when he saw a cut on his arm. It’s not healing, he thought. Then he recalled Deimos lost his powers, but didn’t know for how long. The door creaked open, and Celeste stepped inside. She wore a tiger stripe tank top, a spiked collar, and a denim skirt. She smiled when she saw him.

Fabien: “Hey, babe.”

He groaned. She crawled into bed with him, draping her arms over him and resting her head on his chest.

Celeste: “What’s wrong?”

Fabien: “I’m sore all over.”

He replied.

Fabien: “I feel like… I am dying.”

He laughed and groaned. It hurt to laugh.

Celeste: “Why aren’t you healing yourself?”

She asked, knitting her eyebrows.

Fabien: “I can’t. I took that mystical spirit water Deimos took.”

Celeste gaped owlishly at him.

~

Fabien was in the living room, sitting down with Celeste, snuggling him close. He wore a Mountain band tee with a blue plaid flannel shirt over it, jeans, and was barefoot. He had pieces of tissue on his face where he had cut himself shaving. Tristan and Deimos sat across from him and Celeste. Tristan wore a navy-and-white striped button-down shirt, white pants, and boater shoes. Deimos wore a black tank top, torn jeans, and cowboy boots.

Fabien filled the two men in on using Oliver to break into Andreas’ store to steal the mystical spirit water, the sewer monster that Celeste had killed, and the need to go to Jaxon to heal her.

Tristan leaned back into his seat, resting his hands on his chest, and formed a pyramid with his hands. Deimos drew a long breath.

Deimos: “Your powers are not going to work for a week.”

Fabien: “No shit, Sherlock. Look at my face, I haven’t had to use tissue after I cut myself shaving for five years!”

He huffed.

Deimos: “Well, the good news is when your powers come back, they will improve, and you will gain a new power.”

Fabien: “I hope I get healing because I don’t want to go to Jiro.”

He muttered.

Tristan: “Why didn’t you go to Deimos?”

He raised an eyebrow. Fabien embraced himself.

Fabien: “Jiro is closer. He lives across the street. Deimos lives two blocks away.”

He said with pain in his voice. Celeste knit her eyebrows and snaked her arms around Fabien. Fabien held her close and kissed her head.

Deimos: “Look, man, I get it. I took this shit for Tristan. I hated not having my powers for a week, but the reward was worth it.”

He smiled. Tristan raised his eyebrows and laughed bitterly.

Tristan: “Yes, because he can fly, he follows me everywhere.”

He said sardonically. Deimos smiled dumbly.

Tristan cleared his throat.

Tristan: “About that monster that you two faced, how did you kill it?”

He asked.

Celeste: “I forced its head to vomit acid on the ceiling, and it came crashing down.”

Tristan gazed at her.

Tristan: “You didn’t rip it apart to get the core?”

Celeste shook her head. He cupped his mouth.

Tristan: ‘...Are you certain it was a lamoris?”

Deimos: “What else would it be? You and Jaxon faced something similar in Seashell Cove that Josh owned.”

Tristan shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Tristan: “Yes, that was a lamoris, but I am dubious if that’s what Celeste and Fabien faced.”

He stroked his ponytail.

Celeste: “Then what was it?”

Tristan shifted his eyes.

Tristan: “It sounds like it was a richonoid.”

He said bleakly.

Fabien: “Ichiro is not far from those things. I didn’t see him.”

He laughed a bit.

Tristan: “It doesn’t mean it wasn’t.”

~

Jaxon was in his living room after showering and freshening up. He wore his red dragon silk robe and rested his bare feet on the coffee table. The segment on TV featured Noriko and her father, Nobuyuki, with the header, “Picolo CEO, Nobuyuki Nakamura, purchases a seventy-five million dollar island for his daughter, Noriko, for her birthday to inhabit her Varg theme park.” It showed Nobuyuki in a suit, wearing a horned Viking helmet, with Noriko in an orange kimono, holding up a feather sword.

The camera zoomed in on the island. The sun hung in a pale, cheerful sky, casting its golden light over an island that seemed pulled from the pages of a forgotten legend, yet buzzed with the frantic, joyful energy of a summer festival. The island was no ordinary patch of land; it was a Varg-the-Viking-themed paradise.

Dominating the scene stood a colossal statue of Varg the Viking, his hand raised high in a triumphant gesture as he clutched a feather sword, serving as the island’s whimsical gatekeeper. Beyond him, the park unfolded like a tapestry of Norse-inspired chaos. To the left, a serpentine roller coaster coiled through the lush greenery, its tracks echoing with the distant, joyful screams of riders. To the right, the towering “Ragnarök” drop ride loomed over the landscape, while the “Valhalla Plummet” promised a refreshing splash for those brave enough to challenge the waters.

Between the rides, there was a village of traditional timber-framed houses hosting museums and gift shops, navigating a bustling central plaza bedecked with vibrant banners. Everywhere one looked, the spirit of the North was alive—longships bobbed gently in the surrounding waters, a wooden Ferris wheel turned lazily against the horizon.

A white woman in a red pantsuit and a large blonde perm was on the island with Noriko and Nobuyuki.

Woman: “I’m Penny O’Nell, and I’m with Noriko Nakamura and Nobuyuki Nakamura on her ‘Varg Island.’ Noriko, tell me more about this island?”

She put the microphone to her. Noriko licked the microphone like an ice cream.

Noriko: “IT'S VARG-TASTIC!”

She beamed and stomped her feet, humming the Varg theme song.

Penny: “Noriko has her own Varg theme park and a Voyage Burger replete with staff!”

She showed part of the Varg theme park, including a Varg claw machine and a Voyage Burger with staff. Noriko kissed the Varg animatronic.

Noriko: “I loooooove you, Varg!”

She cooed.

Jaxon shut off the TV and quickly rose, pacing around the living room. That fucking weirdo is here, and I am going to be kidnapped AGAIN, he thought. He saw Tristan and Deimos exit from Fabien’s house. He rushed out the door and marched to Tristan.

Jaxon: “TRISTAN!”

He rushed to him and wrapped his arms around him.

Deimos: “HEY!”

He snapped. Tristan was surprised by the sudden gesture, especially given how they left things off the last time they spoke.

Tristan: “What is this, Jaxon?”

Jaxon: “I need you to keep me safe, Tristan! That fuckin’ weirdo, Noriko, is in town!”

He cried. Tristan gaped down at Jaxon.

~

Tristan and Deimos were in Jaxon’s house and watched the same segment he saw on TV.

Jaxon: “What am I going to do?! Her father bought her an island for her birthday, and I live here!”

He screamed and pulled at his temples. Tristan cupped his mouth.

Tristan: “Any idea where this island is?”

Deimos shrugged.

Deimos: “I just know it’s one of the many islands around this area. Many billionaires buy them up to host their private homes, so having one for a theme park is… unique.”

He stated, folding his arms.

He glanced up at Tristan.

Deimos: “Is it open to the public?”

Tristan: “Knowing her, I doubt it. You’d need a copter or boat to get to it.”

Jaxon: “Yeah?! This isn’t making it easier! I need you to stay with me, Tristan!”

He held him close. Deimos felt his fury soar.

Deimos: “HEY! Get off him!”

He bellowed.

Tristan: “Deimos! He needs someone to rely on during his time of need!”

He chided him gently. Deimos drew back.

Jaxon: “Thanks, Tristan… I’m sorry for how I treated you the other day.”

He sighed and broke the hug. Tristan’s expression softened.

Tristan: “Thank you, Jaxon. You are forgiven.”

He smiled a bit.

Tristan: “Rest assured, Deimos and I are close, and nothing will happen.”

He nodded to Deimos, who smiled a bit.

Deimos: “Yeah, you can count on us!”

He pounded his chest.

~

Fabien stepped out of his bedroom shirtless, wearing his green hot pants and calf socks. Celeste gaped mutely at him.

Celeste: “You’re going to work?”

Fabien grabbed his server pouch and slipped on his green sneakers.

Fabien: “Yeah, babe. Just because I lost my powers for a bit doesn’t mean work stops.”

He said wryly and kissed her head. She smiled when he kissed her head. She snaked her arms around him and kissed him deeply. He welcomed the kiss and raked his fingers through her soft, neon green tresses.

Their foreheads touched.

Fabien: “See you tonight.”

Celeste traced her finger along the choker she made for him and over his tummy, making him shiver and laugh.

Fabien: “HEHAHAHAHhahahahaha!”

He held her close.

Fabien: “I love you.”

He whispered.

Celeste: “I love you, too.”

She smiled.

He smiled as he stepped out of the house and sauntered to his car. He stepped into the driver’s seat, tossed his server pouch on the passenger’s seat, and checked his rearview mirror. He slid his keys into the ignition and started the car. He lifted the emergency brake and shifted the gear into reverse. He looked behind him as he backed out of the driveway. He then shifted into the first gear and drove down the road.

~

Fabien pulled up to Danny Donger’s and parked away from the customers. He stepped out, locked his car, and walked up to the restaurant. Fabien navigated the crowded main floor, weaving past tables where the neon green lighting bathed everything in a surreal, electric glow. He made his way to the back staff area and clocked in at the POS station.

“Hey, Fabien!” a coworker wearing yellow hot pants and yellow sneakers shouted from across the deck, balancing a tray of appetizers with practiced ease.

Coworker: “The patio’s slammed. Two big groups at the corner tables, and the sunset crowd is already looking for rounds of the ‘Neon Green’ Margaritas.”

Fabien grinned, grabbing a fresh tray.

Fabien: “Got it.”

He called back, his voice steady.

~

Noriko stepped out of a helicopter with the help of a slim Japanese man with short orange-black hair wearing a slightly tight suit. His name was Yohei Yamamoto. Noriko wore a red kimono with sakura blossoms, white obi, tabi socks, and zori sandals. On her head, she had a hairband with horns. Stepping out and towering over most people was Nobuyuki, dressed in an impeccably sharp, tailored silk suit, and had a Viking helmet on his head.

The chauffeur opened the door, where Noriko skipped over, waving her Varg purse, and stepped in with Nobuyuki and Yohei. He closed the door.

As they drove through town, Yohei showed Nobuyuki and Noriko the brochure for Pink Top City.

Yohei: “There are many wonderful places to visit in Pink Top City, Nakamura-san. Shall I interest you in something different from Pizza Hutch?”

He offered. Nobuyuki furrowed his eyebrows and turned to Noriko for approval. Noriko waved around her feather sword.

Noriko: “What is there?”

Yohei: “This place, Danny Donger’s, is popular in town. They’re noted for their wings, beer-battered rings, and burgers.”

Noriko: “Sounds Viking! Let’s go!”

Nobuyuki smiled politely and nodded.

~

The energy inside Danny Donger's was electric, a pulsating mix of classic rock, the clatter of beer steins, and the neon-green glow that bathed the entire establishment.

His manager, Gary Owens, signaled him over.

Gary: “Fabien, I’m putting a special table in your section. Corner booth. It’s important.”

Gary pointed to the trio being seated. It wasn’t the usual raucous crowd. It was Nobuyuki, Noriko, and Yohei settling in. Janine placed their menus at the table and left to return to her station.

Fabien: “Sure.”

He approached the table and pulled out his notepad.

Fabien: “Evening, gentlemen and young lady. Welcome to Danny Donger’s. My name is Fabien, and I will be taking care of you this evening.”

He said smoothly.

Nobuyuki barely looked up, his menus tracing the menu and leaning over to Yohei to translate some things for him. Noriko gazed at Fabien, drinking him in.

Fabien: “If I may make a recommendation to start, I would recommend the ‘Grand Slam Platter.’ It has beer-battered onion rings, mozzarella sticks, battered mushrooms, fries, and pepperoni, and it comes with three sauces.”

Nobuyuki closed the menu precisely. He looked at Fabien, then at Fabien’s uniform. His gaze lingered on his sneakers for a moment, then back to Fabien’s face. He nodded once.

Nobuyuki: “Very well.”

He replied, his voice quiet but commanding.

Nobuyuki: “We shall try that with three mild sauces. And for drinks… You have a large ‘Big D’ Lager?”

Fabien: “Yes.”

He smiled. He noted the order on his pad.

Fabien: “And for you, young lady?”

Noriko: “I want the Viqueen!”

Fabien laughed awkwardly.

Fabien: “What is that?”

Yohei: “It’s lemon-lime soda topped with cherry juice, orange juice, and grenadine, topped with cherries.”

He replied. Fabien suppressed a laugh.

Fabien: “Sure, I can do that. What will you have, sir?”

Yohei: “Water is fine.”

He nodded.

Fabien executed a precise turn and headed for the bar, weaving past other patrons. He explained to the bartender how to make a “Viqueen” and burst out laughing.

He returned minutes later, perfectly balancing the tray. He placed the heavy, frosted mug of Big D Draft in front of Nobuyuki.

Fabien: “Your Big D Draft, sir.”

Next, he placed a glass of an orange and red drink garnished with an orange wheel and cherries in front of Noriko.

Fabien: “For you, the Viqueen.”

He said, trying not to laugh. Noriko beamed.

Noriko: “Arigato!”

Nobuyuki raised his frosted mug.

Nobuyuki: “Noriko, kanpai.”

Noriko: “Kanpai, Daddy!”

She responded, touching her glass to his larger mug with a soft clink. Yohei raised his water.

Minutes later, Fabien stepped out of the kitchen carrying a tray with a “Grand Slam Platter”, which was a basket that had mozzarella sticks, beer-battered onion rings, battered mushrooms, fries, and deep-fried pepperoni, with three tubs of mild sauce. He placed the basket before them. Noriko caught a waft of his cologne as he leaned over to place the basket on their table. It was a lovely cedarwood scent.

Fabien: “Here you go! Enjoy!”

Noriko: “A meal for a Viking! RARRRGH!”

She raised her feather sword. Fabien snorted.

While her father ate some mozzarella sticks and Yohei cut each with a fork and a knife, Noriko gazed at Fabien leaning over at the bar, checking out his butt.

Yohei: “Noriko-san, is this not to your liking?”

Noriko: “There is no Viking placemat!”

She pouted. Nobuyuki furrowed his eyebrows. Yohei looked as if he was going to pass out. He wrung his hands and signaled Fabien, who was carrying a tray with mugs of beer to a rowdy table of men. He nodded to Yohei.

After he delivered the tray of beers, he approached the Nakamura table.

Fabien: “Yes?”

Yohei: “Sorry, young man, but Noriko-san wishes for a Viking placemat.”

He said softly. Fabien tried not to laugh.

Fabien: “Let me see…”

He went to Janine’s station to get a placemat. He returned with crayons and leaned over to draw on the placemat. Noriko bit her bottom lip while Nobuyuki watched him like a hawk. He drew a crude drawing of Varg the Viking with his big, smelly feet up and a tiny Noriko hugging them. He stumbled over a laugh as he drew it and handed it to Noriko.

Fabien: “Like that?”

Noriko’s eyes lit up, and she clapped with glee. Nobuyuki smiled and patted her head. Fabien turned his head to laugh.

Noriko: “Thank you! I love this!”

Fabien pursed his lips.

Fabien: “Pleasure is mine!”

He laughed.

~

Fabien brought another lager to Nobuyuki and another “Viqueen” cocktail to Noriko.

Nobuyuki: “Now what is for dessert?”

He stroked his chin.

Fabien: “Well, we have ice cream, apple pie, key lime pie, Apple City Cheesecake, deep-fried Oreos, and double chocolate cheesecake.”

Noriko: “I want VARG ice cream!”

Fabien laughed and jotted it down.

Fabien: “Sure.”

He chuckled and went to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, he placed two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a waffle bowl, added M&Ms for the eyes and smile, two cones for the horns, and some strawberry jam for the beard. He bent over laughing and slapping his knees. He placed it on a plate and on his tray, then took it out to Noriko. When he placed it in front of her, her eyes lit up.

Noriko: “Look, Daddy, it’s VARG!”

She said gleefully and clapped. Nobuyuki smiled.

Nobuyuki: “Now, this is true customer service! I am impressed, young man.”

He nodded. Noriko gazed at him dreamily, drinking him in and locking her gaze on his shoes, wondering what his feet look like. Fabien pursed his lips and tried not to laugh.

Fabien: “Let me know if you need anything else.”

He said tersely.

He went to the bar and burst out laughing.

~

The golden hour sun dipped low over the horizon, casting a honeyed glow across the open-air deck of Danny Donger’s. Neon green light strips pulsed along the floorboards and overhead rafters, creating an electric, verdant lattice that cut through the encroaching twilight. The air was thick with the scent of salty ocean breeze and the clinking of glasses.

Ivy sat on the patio wearing an oversized black derby hat adorned with a peacock feather, a black cheongsam with a golden peacock cascading down it, and black criss-cross sandals. She was sipping on some tea and smoking from her kiseru while Samson had his face slammed into the Grand Slam Platter. She read Noriko’s mind as well as Fabien’s mind. Like dumb Deimos, he lost his powers, she thought. Ivy picked up her purse, unsnapped it, and looked inside at the vial of mystical spirit water. Should I take this… or bargain for it? She wondered.

She seethed with anger that Celeste spoke back to her, but what’s worse is that Celeste had a one-night stand with her airen, Tristan. I will make her pay for that, she thought. I knew that slut always wanted MY airen, she thought. She glared at Fabien and inhaled a drag from her kiseru. Now, I have the means to ensure she loses her man, while Tristan falls for me, she thought smugly.

~

Fabien returned with their bill. Nobuyuki handed him his credit card. Fabien took it to the cash register and returned with the receipt for Nobuyuki to sign, while Noriko gazed at Fabien, wondering if he had ticklish feet and if he had a girlfriend like Jiro.

Nobuyuki tipped Fabien five hundred dollars. Fabien’s emerald eyes widened.

Fabien: “Oh, thank you so, so much!”

He took the cash and counted it up, beaming widely as he counted it.

Noriko was going to ask him something, but Nobuyuki placed his hand on her shoulder.

Nobuyuki: “Come along, Noriko-chan! The copter is waiting to take us to the island.”

He nodded.

Noriko: “Okay, Daddy! Bye, Fabien!”

She waved her feather sword.

Fabien: “Take care.”

He beamed at the huge tip he received. And they say trolling doesn’t pay off, he thought.

~

The towering fortress of Varg’s Stronghold stood as a solitary sentinel against the deep tropical sky on Varg Island. Carved from granite and fortified with ancient timbers, its walls bore the runic whispers of the past. The stone ramparts were not merely walls but guardians, topped by horn-shaped turrets that seemed to call out to the wind.

Upon the highest keep, a heavy banner featuring the likeness of Varg himself snapped in the warm air, its text stark and unyielding. The main gate was a puzzle of runes and oak, flanked by two colossal statues of Varg, their feet massive stone slabs, their feather staves held high as a sacred duty.

Behind the walls, warm, golden light spilled from windows and a wooden great hall.

Noriko was in her bedroom, dressed in a long-sleeved floral nightgown. The room was bathed in the warm, golden glow of a bedside lantern, casting long, cozy shadows across the wooden floorboards.

Every inch of the space paid homage to the legendary Varg the Viking. A cartoonish, oversized mural of the stout warrior stood watch on the deep blue wall, his painted gaze eternally fixed on a quest. Below, the bed acted as the centerpiece, draped in linens that echoed the mural’s spirit, while a soft rug lay waiting at the foot of the frame.

To the side, a rustic wooden wardrobe carved with a mountain scene stood like a sentinel, its doors draped in a string of tiny, twinkling lights that mimicked a starry night. Even the small details—a carved ship, a lone axe resting near a plush toy of Varg himself, and an ancient-looking chest tucked beneath the window.

She opened the windows to gaze out at the starry sky, gazing dreamily as she envisioned Fabien, thinking how handsome and kind he was, and that he loved Varg as much as she did. She wanted to ask him to accompany her to her island for her birthday, but time ran out.

She was going to see him again tomorrow. She was going to make him hers, and they would have some “naughty” fun with the Varg robot.

~

That night, Fabien stepped out of the shower wearing his green plaid pajama bottoms. Celeste was already in bed. He threw off the sheets and climbed into bed with her. She rested her head on his chest and buried her face in his neck.

Celeste: “Hey, handsome man…”

She murmured. Fabien turned to her with a smile. He brushed his knuckles on her cheek.

Fabien: “Hey, beautiful.”

He whispered.

Fabien: “I got a five-hundred tip.”

Celeste: “Wow, did you?”

He nodded.

Fabien: “From Noriko’s dad.”

Celeste snapped her eyes open.

Celeste: “Noriko?! Do you mean Jaxon’s ex?”

He nodded.

Celeste: “...I see. I have nothing to worry about since Jaxon and I are no longer dating.”

She replied.

Fabien: “She didn’t mention Jiro.”

Celeste shrugged.

Celeste: “He rejected her a few times. She might have thrown in the towel.”

Fabien cupped his chin. It’s funny she didn’t mention Jiro, he thought.

Celeste: “Oh, your shaving cuts healed.”

Fabien rubbed his face.

Fabien: “Yeah, it took hours as opposed to seconds. It’s getting there.”

He sighed. Celeste rubbed her face on his, and they kissed.

~

The next day on that evening, Fabien was working at Danny Donger’s, carrying a tray of Big D Drafts to a group of rambunctious men wearing jerseys for the Pink Top Pumas while watching the Pink Top Pumas play against the Apple City Mets.

He went over to Janine’s station.

Janine: “There’s a booth in the corner with one customer, Fabien.”

Fabien’s jaw tightened. He marched over there expecting to see Craig’s stupid smile and his dumb requests of “sixty-nine wings” or some other idiotic innuendo worthy of American Pizza, but was surprised to see Noriko sitting alone. She wore a red kimono with butterfly patterns, tied with a pale yellow obi, tabi socks, and zori sandals.

Fabien: “Oh, hello again!”

He sighed with relief.

Noriko: “Hello, Fabien-kun!”

Fabien laughed and got out his notepad.

Fabien: “What can I get for you?”

Noriko: “The Viqueen for the Viqueen and the Varg sundae.”

Fabien jotted it down and stumbled over a laugh.

Fabien: “Of course.”

He walked away laughing.

Minutes later, he returned with her mocktail and the ice cream done up to resemble Varg the Viking. He placed it in front of her, and she eyed it up with stars in her eyes.

Fabien: “Enjoy!”

He walked away, laughing and rolling his eyes.

~

When she finished, he approached her table with another Viqueen mocktail.

Fabien: “Is there anything else you need?”

A wry smirk spread across her lips.

Noriko: “Yes, I need you to take your shoes and socks off, please!”

Fabien laughed and gave her a look.

Fabien: “Why?”

Noriko: “Because I need to inspect your feet!”

She grinned widely. Fabien burst out laughing.

Fabien: “Sure!”

He sat across from her and bent over to untie his shoes. He slipped them off and pulled off his socks. He rested his bare feet on the seat by her, flexing his toes and curling them. Noriko gazed at his milky, creamy soles and his perfect toes. Fabien snorted. Noriko tickled his feet with her feather sword. He jolted, jerked, and tightly curled his toes as he laughed hard.

Fabien: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!”

He laughed and yanked his feet away.

Fabien: “If you wanna do that, it will cost you.”

He winked.

Noriko: “OKAY!”

She beamed and grabbed his ankles, intensely tickling his feet with her feather sword. Fabien screamed with laughter as the bristles of the feather danced on his soft soles. Tears welled in his eyes as he laughed loudly, gripping the booth’s seat and digging his fingertips in.

Fabien: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! FUCK! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!”

He laughed hard, gasping for air in between laughing. He slammed his back against the wall as he laughed uncontrollably.

Fabien: “ARGH! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!”

He wheezed in between breaths and yanked his feet away to stop the tickling and catch his breath.

She tickled his neck with her sword. Fabien laughed and pushed it away.

Fabien: “Hahahahahaha, enough…”

He laughed and clasped his hand over his chest to catch his breath. Noriko pouted.

Noriko: “Fabien-kun!”

She held her feather sword to his neck. His eyes moved toward her.

Noriko: “Come to Varg Island!”

She commanded. Fabien gaped at her and burst out laughing. Noriko gaped at him when he laughed.

Fabien: “You’re joking, right?”

He snorted and rolled his eyes.

He put his socks back on, slid his feet into his sneakers, and tied them.

Fabien: “I’ll get your bill.”

He said tersely and left. Noriko’s bottom lip trembled as tears spilled from her eyes. She ran out of the restaurant in tears.

She ran into someone and fell over. She saw Ivy tower over her. She wore a green cheongsam with a golden peacock cascading down it, black criss-cross sandals, and an oversized black derby hat adorned with a peacock feather, and carried a peacock fan.

Ivy: “Oh, dear, a fair maiden is crying because a man rejected her! He doesn’t want to admit his feelings, like what happened in my favorite Hallmark movie, ‘Can’t Fight the Heart’!”

She fanned her face and handed Noriko a handkerchief.

Ivy: “Now, darling, Auntie Ivy will take care of that bill, and I will help you win your love!”

She crooned. Ivy went inside to tell the cashier to put Noriko’s bill on the Donati tab.

When Ivy returned, she knelt to Noriko.

Noriko: “Wh-Why do you want to help me?”

Ivy: “Because I can use magic to read minds and Fabien really likes you…, and I believe in true love!”

She smiled.

Ivy: “Think of me as your fairy godmother!”

She beamed. Noriko dried her eyes and smiled at her.

Noriko: “You really want to help?”

Ivy: “I do. You leave everything to me, my darling.”

~

The heavy cedar doors groaned as they swung open, revealing the cavernous expanse of the Imperial throne room. The moonlight filtered through the intricate lattice screens, casting geometric shadows across the polished, dark floor that stretched like a frozen black lake toward the dais.

At the heart of the chamber, the Imperial throne sat enthroned in golden splendor, a testament to absolute power, while Zhaolin sat fanning herself with a fan between her toes. Flanking the throne, two massive pillars rose toward the coffered ceiling, each entwined with colossal, gilded dragons whose claws seemed to grip the very foundation of the hall. Every inch of the surrounding architecture dripped with ornate, vermilion, and gold lacquer, while delicate porcelain vases and suspended lanterns added a quiet, deliberate grace to the overwhelming majesty of the space.

Ivy stood across from Zhaolin, bowing before her. Helga, Dr. Zola Quirk, and Veronica were standing by the platform, with Veronica biting her lip and gazing at Ivy.

Ivy: “Lan Longtou, I am aware of the negotiations you have with my father, Fen Huang.”

Zhaolin held a hurricane glass between her toes and zipped from it.

Zhaolin: “Are you begging for mercy on his behalf or do you have a deal for me in exchange for his freedom?”

She asked coldly. Ivy’s chocolate eyes lit up.

Ivy: “I have a deal for you… I want full autonomy of my father’s estate. I want to move out of the Donati household, away from that silly nepo baby, but I also request help from your subordinates.”

Zhaolin: “Oh? You’d better have the Aetheris-9!”

Ivy nodded.

Ivy: “I do, but you will lose your powers for a week after drinking it!”

Zhaolin: “You drink it? So it does exist!”

She hissed.

Ivy: “I will give it if I get full autonomy over my father’s estate, and I want your subordinates to kidnap a Danny Donger’s waiter named Fabien Bellegarde and escort him to Varg Island!”

She smiled.

Zhaolin leaned her head against her hand and smiled.

Zhaolin: “Ivy, if this doesn’t work, you will face severe punishment. Are you willing to gamble that?”

Veronica smiled.

Veronica: “I would love to be in charge of her punishment, but if you want to let loose, call me, darling.”

She winked. Ivy blinked.

Ivy: “Yes, Lan Longtou.”

She opened her purse and presented the vial to her. Zhaolin’s eyes widened. Veronica sauntered over, took it, and handed it to Zhaolin, who snatched it between her toes and raised it to examine it.

Zhaolin: “Helga, Zola, you two can help Ivy’s friend escort this boy to this island.”

Helga’s smile spread to show her missing teeth.

Helga: “Will do! What’s he look like?”

Ivy pulled a picture of Fabien serving tables at Danny Donger’s. Helga gasped and fanned her face.

Helga: “Hubba, hubba! What a hunk! If I had a dick, it’d be reaching to the moons!”

Zola stroked her chin.

Zola: “He will be a… fascinating research subject, and judging by the tightness in his hot pants, he seems like a nice size.”

She chuckled.