04: SolarisFest

Chapter 4

SolarisFest

The orange Kingswood Station wagon pulled up outside the ‘Nuklear Intoxikation’ house. The aftermath of the party was scattered across the lawn with a minefield of empty beer cans and pizza boxes.

Ashley: “Oh dear… Do you need help cleaning?”

They knit their eyebrows at the mess. Makayla turned to them with a smile.

Makayla: “Aww, thanks for all your help, Ashley! You’re as sweet as pie!”

She cooed at them, poking their nose. Ashley chuckled and redenned.

Makayla: “Come on in. I’ll treat you to a snack.”

She purred at them, getting out of the car.

Ashley: “Ooh! Sure!”

They smiled and followed her out of the car.

Ashley carefully and cautiously made their way across the lawn while Makayla stomped all over the pizza boxes and beer cans. She barged her way into the front door, making their presence known.

Makayla: “Hey guys!”

She beamed.

Ashley: “Hello again!”

They chirped and waved at them. Andreas had his hair braided to one side and his sleeves rolled up, wearing dishwashing gloves. He stood over Craig with a broomstick as he lay on the floor of beer cans.

Andreas: “Get up and clean up, Craig!”

He groaned, poking him with his broomstick.

Craig: “Yeah, alright!”

He spread out his arms and legs, clearing the beer cans away from himself.

Craig: “Ta-da! I’m a wicked sick beer angel!”

He grinned and laughed, glancing down at his angel silhouette on the floor. Andreas shook his head.

Ashley: “Uhh, is he stoned?”

They tilted their head and chuckled. Andreas paused and turned to Craig.

Andreas: “I knew it. You ate those cookies!”

He placed his hand on his hip.

Craig: “No, I didn’t!”

He pouted and sat up. Andreas sighed and shook his head.

Craig turned to Ashley and Makayla.

Craig: “Did ya find Booze-o-da-clown?”

He pressed them.

Makayla: “Nah.”

Ashley: “I’m sorry…”

They bowed their head.

Craig: “FUCK.”

He huffed and threw his arms up.

Andreas: “That’s probably for the best. I’d rather lose out on a couple of hundred dollars if it means never seeing him and his stupid cardboard cut-out again.”

He shrugged.

Makayla: “Maybe you’re right… Maybe that clown should stay gone.”

She stroked her chin and swung her gaze to Ashley.

Craig: “OH, but I wanna kick his ass!”

He pouted.

Andreas: “There, there, Craig.”

He said dryly and patted his back. Ashley knit their eyebrows, pondering on Maxx. Why is everyone mean to this guy? They wondered.

Andreas: “Okay, let’s get this shit cleaned up.”

He announced, holding up his broomstick. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Ooh, are you going to fly on your broomstick?”

They gasped. Andreas quirked an eyebrow and looked at his broomstick.

Andreas: “If only.”

He said dryly. Makayla smiled at Ashley and chuckled.

Makayla: “Aww, you’re so cute and silly, Ashley!”

She petted their head. Ashley laughed and scratched their head.

Andreas: “Broomsticks are for clearing away mess. Literally and energetically.”

He explained, sweeping up the mess with the broomstick towards the door.

Andreas: “Don’t forget under the rug, too.”

He stated, lifting the rug next to Craig, sweeping out the dirt.

Craig: “OI!”

Andreas: “Just because it’s out of sight, doesn’t mean it isn’t there under the surface.”

He added. Ashley listened and smiled.

Ashley: “Do you need some help?”

They offered, picking up an empty pizza box. Andrea’s eyebrows rose surprisingly.

Andreas: “That’s kind of you to offer, but they should clean up after themselves.”

He gestured to Craig and Makayla.

Makayla: “Dude, relax, it’s only ten o'clock! What’s the big hurry anyway?”

She waved her hand.

Andreas: “SolarisFest.”

He said dryly.

Andreas: “It's ironic. You threw this party to celebrate us getting in, but now we can't rehearse for it because of all this mess!”

He groused, shaking his head at the chaos.

Ashley: “SolarisFest?! Ooh, is that a sun solstice festival?!”

They beamed with enthusiastic curiosity.

Ashley: “Ooh, I can’t wait to burn an effigy to the sun gods and goddesses and have a big feast together! What kind of wreaths do you guys like? And what’s your favourite sun chant?”

They beamed. They all turned to Ashley. Andreas quirked an eyebrow, and Craig gaped and laughed at them.

Makayla: “A big feast, huh?”

She cooed at them, poking their tummy.

Ashley: “HehehEHEHEHEH!”

They squealed and melted onto the couch.

Craig: “The fuck are ya on about ya weirdo? That ain’t a festival!”

He scoffed and laughed.

Craig: “THIS is a festival!”

He picked up the flyer off the floor and presented it to them. ‘SolarisFest’ was written in large font surrounded by sunbeams. There were illustrations of various carnival rides, market stalls, and a circus tent. Various acts were listed on the flier with ‘Nuklear Intoxikation’ among them, and a ‘Special mystery Guest’.

Ashley’s eyes sparkled.

Ashley: “OOH! Can I come, too?!”

They gasped, cupping their cheeks.

Makayla: “Of course, sweety pie! You’re coming with us!”

She patted their head. Ashley beamed.

Ashley: “Ooh! What do I need to sacrifice?”

They beamed. Andreas cross-examined them with curiosity. Craig gaped at them and laughed.

Craig: “Sacrifice? You’re a funny cunt!”

He laughed.

Andreas: “...Money?”

He quipped.

Makayla: “Cookies.”

She smirked at them.

Ashley: “Oh! I know! I’ll bake some treats and make some wreaths!”

They chirped.

Andreas: “Oh, you want to run a market stall?”

He smiled. Ashley tilted their head.

Ashley: “A market stall?”

Andreas nodded.

Andreas: “Yeah, I’m running one for Måneravn.”

He stated.

Ashley: “What’s that?”

Andreas: “It means ‘Moon Raven’. I do tarot readings, make candles, spells, and curses.”

He explained. Ashley’s eyes lit up.

Ashley: “OOH! Magic?!”

They beamed.

Andreas: “Are you a Sortilège too?”

He asked them.

Ashley: “A Sortilège?”

They tilted their head. Makayla interjected.

Makayla: “YES! Ashley is my apprentice, Sortilège!”

She declared, draping her arm around Ashley. Andreas cross-examined them.

Makayla: “It’s what we call a magic user!”

She added.

Ashley: “Ohhh! I like it!”

Craig interjected with laughter.

Craig: “Pfft. Magic ain’t real.”

He waved his hand, disbelievingly. Andreas rolled his eyes at Craig.

Ashley: “My brother says the same thing…”

They sighed and bowed their head.

Andreas: “Just because you don’t believe in something, doesn’t mean it’s not real, Craig.”

He said firmly.

Craig: “If magic is real, how come my spells didn’t work, huh?”

He huffed.

Andreas: “Because you were trying to do it to appease me, and not for you.”

He sighed.

Andreas: “And you used beer instead of water…”

He added. Craig pouted. Ashley giggled.

Andreas: “Anyway, it’s too late to register any more market stalls. Perhaps you could sell your baked goods and wreaths at Måneravn and watch over the stall while we’re playing our set? You’d keep your profit, of course, just pitch in for the market fee.”

He offered.

Ashley: “Really?! I’d love to! Thank you so much!”

They gasped and beamed, hugging him. Andreas was taken aback by their hug, but hugged them back.

Makayla: “Here we come, SolarisFest!”

She draped her arm around Ashley and beamed widely.

~

The day of SolarisFest arrived. The orange Kingswood station wagon pulled into the parking lot. Ashley emerged from the car’s passenger side, carrying a large basket full of baked goods, wreaths, tea leaves, and various other crafts. Ashley was dressed in an orange sun-face shirt with lantern sleeves and jean shorts with sandals and anklets with bells on their feet. They inhaled deeply, taking in the warm summer breeze and the appetizing waft of the food vendors. The wave of joyful screams was contagious as Ashley’s heart fluttered with excitement. Upbeat music filled the air, coming from the live band playing on the stage. The stage was in the shape of a dome and resembled a large shell, drawing crowds of smiling faces, and Ashley wanted nothing more than to share in that experience.

Suddenly, they were jolted by Blake’s hand grabbing their shoulder as he got out of the driver’s seat of the car.

Blake: “Not so fast, Ashley.”

He said firmly. Ashley glanced up at him. He was dressed in a black tank top and torn jeans, carrying his leather jacket draped over his shoulder.

Blake: “Stay close to me.”

He added.

Ashley: “Thanks for helping me with the market, Blake.”

They smiled.

Blake: “Well, I couldn’t have you running off with strangers on your own.”

He said. Ashley’s smile faded.

Ashley: “They're not strangers. They're my new friends!”

They declared.

Blake: “Well, I don't know Andreas and what his intentions are, and… I don't trust Makayla. There's something off about her.”

He frowned. Ashley bowed their head.

Ashley: “Makayla is nice to me!”

They sighed and turned to him.

Ashley: “Andreas is really cool! You'll like him!”

They chirped.

Blake: “I doubt that.”

Ashley sighed.

Ashley: “You should give people a chance, Blake.”

They wandered through the carnival grounds as loud carnival music and bright colors danced around them. The cheers and laughter of people zooming past them on the roller coaster echoed and faded away.

Ashley beamed at the rides and pondered on what they would ride first. The spook house? No way, too scary, they shivered at the thought. Ooh, maybe the funhouse? They beamed, gazing up at the large multi-colored structure with its mirror maze, tunnels, and slides.

Ashley inhaled deeply with a smile on their face when they caught an appetizing waft of fairy floss cotton candy, fried snacks, and gyros. Suddenly, they were gasping for air with laughter as they felt someone tickling their tummy from behind.

Ashley: “HahahahahhehehehehHAHAHAHEHEHEHE! HAHAHAHA!”

They burst out laughing, falling to the ground, almost dropping their basket. They looked up to see Makayla beaming down at them. She was dressed in knee-high boots and a purple tie-dye jean skirt with a tight black tank top that showed her purple navel ring.

Makayla: “Hey there, cutie pie.”

She cooed at them. Blake glared at her and went to say something when Andreas interjected.

Andreas: “Watch it, Makayla, they could have dropped everything!”

He scolded her firmly, but gently. Blake turned to him, and his demeanor shifted when he saw him standing at the market stall, dressed in a loose white shirt draped over his black singlet and black jeans with his hair swept into a braid to the side. He was struggling to get the black velvet curtains over the tall marquee poles.

Blake: “Allow me.”

He stepped forward, taking the cloth and reaching over his head, draping it over the market stall. Andreas swung his gaze up at him and smiled.

Andreas: “Thank you…”

He said softly and cross-examined him, noting his tan skin, blue eyes, brown hair, and sun tattoo like Ashley’s. They both looked different, yet unmistakably familiar to each other, he thought.

Andreas: “You must be Ashley’s brother.”

He deduced. Blake's eyebrows rose surprisingly at his accurate judgment, and he nodded in confirmation.

Blake: “That’s right. I’m Blake Solegatti.”

He held his hand out to shake his.

Blake: “You’re running the market stall, so you must be Andreas.”

Andreas smiled and nodded. Ashley poked their head in, beaming at Blake.

Ashley: “Ooh! I told you you'd like Andreas!”

They teased. Blake reddened and glared at them.

Heavy footsteps and a loud booming voice interjected as Craig approached the market stall with a beer in hand.

Craig: “OI! The fuck is goin on here?”

He thundered. He was dressed in the same denim vest and jeans with a ‘Nuklear Intoxikation’ shirt he wore to the party. Is he like a cartoon character who only wears one outfit? Ashley thought to themself with a laugh. Andreas sighed and shook his head.

Andreas: “We’re setting up the market stall, Craig.”

He said flatly.

Craig: “Back off, mate, that’s MY job!”

He glared at Blake. Andreas rolled his eyes.

Andreas: “Which you were supposed to do an hour ago.”

He said with exasperation in his tone.

Andreas: "While you were off doing more important things…”

He flicked his gaze to his beer can in hand.

Andreas: “Blake did your job for you. You’re welcome.

He concluded, gesturing to Blake beside him. Craig glared at Blake and bared his teeth.

Craig: “Who the fuck do ya think you are, mate?”

He scoffed and laughed bitterly at Blake. Blake folded his arms across his chest and cross-examined him.

Blake: “Blake Solegatti? Who’s this? The town drunk?”

He quirked his eyebrow at Craig. Andreas stumbled over a bitter laugh.

Craig: “FUCK YOU! I’m HIS BOYFRIEND, ASSHOLE!”

He rasped. Blake gaped at him disbelievingly, swinging his gaze to Andreas and back at him.

Blake: “...Really?”

Andreas bowed his head.

Andreas: “Yes, Craig is my boyfriend.”

He nodded in confirmation. Craig grinned smugly, giving Blake the side-eye as he draped his arm around Andreas. Andreas gaped at Craig and wrenched away from him.

Andreas: “Even though he is acting like a big jerk right now! We talked about this, Craig!”

He scolded him, waving his finger at him. Craig recoiled and knit his eyebrows.

Craig: “W-what? What did I do?”

He whined.

Andreas: “You promised me you would stop with the jealousy tantrums!”

He scolded him. Craig bowed his head.

Craig: “I’m NOT jealous!”

He pouted. Andreas rolled his eyes and shook his head, setting up his candles and spell jars on display.

Andreas: “Yes, you are.”

He laughed bitterly, laying down his tarot cards on the table.

Andreas: “I warned you, Craig. If you continue down this path with me… THIS will be your future.”

The ‘Death’ tarot card jumped out of his deck, landing between them, facing upright to Craig. Craig gasped and squealed.

Craig: “Y-YOU’LL KILL ME?! NO! I DON’T WANNA DIE!”

He cried and cowered up.

Ashley was setting up their stock with Makayla and peeked in on their conversation.

Ashley: “Uhh, I don’t think he’d kill you, haha! I think he means your relationship with him will die… I’m so sorry.”

They tilted their head and scratched their head. Craig knit his eyebrows.

Andreas: “Very good, Ashley. That’s right. Death represents endings and transformations, like a job, a lifestyle… a relationship.”

He flashed them a smile and turned back to Craig.

Andreas: “You should know what that card means by now, Craig. I’ve explained it to you countless times before… but you still don’t get it.”

His voice trailed off, taking on an exasperated, defeated tone. Craig bowed his head.

Blake: “Maybe you should try using children’s learning cards next time.”

He quipped. Craig glared at him. Andreas stumbled over a laugh.

Craig: “Shut up, asshole!”

He huffed. Ashley tilted their head, glancing down at the ‘Death’ card on the table between the two men.

Ashley: “What does it mean in reverse?”

They pressed Andreas, noting the card was facing upright from where Craig was sitting, but facing in the reverse direction from where Andreas was sitting.

Andreas: “A refusal to let go and accept the death of something, holding you back and stifling your transformation.”

He explained and paused when he glanced down the reversed ‘Death’ card sitting in front of him, across from Craig, and it suddenly dawned on him. Blake peered over them and nodded.

Blake: “So, like a relationship?”

He interjected, flicking his gaze between the two men.

Craig: “Fuck off!”

He pouted. Andreas paused and pondered. Is this relationship serving me anymore? Do I still love him? He pondered, studying Craig and his puppy dog eyes.

Ashley laid out their freshly baked cookies and mini cheesecakes across the table. The colourful and cutesy desserts contrasted with Andreas’ dark decorations and items.

Ashley: “I know what you guys need… a nice cup of tea and freshly baked cookies!”

They chirped, serving up cups of tea for them with colourful cat-shaped macaroon cookies.

Andreas: “That’s kind of you, Ashley, but it will take more than tea and cookies…”

He sighed, looking at Craig. Andreas placed the ‘Death’ tarot card back in his deck and shuffled them up.

Makayla: “Awww, you’re such a sweetie pie, Ashley!”

She cooed at Ashley, grabbing a cookie and poking their tummy.

Ashley: “HEHEHEeheehehehehheheheheheeeeee!”

They wiggled and burst out laughing. Andreas glanced over to Ashley, and ‘The Moon’ card jumped out of the deck, landing on Ashley’s plate. It depicted an illustration of the moon between two towers and a lake.

Ashley: “Ooh, that’s pretty!”

They smiled.

Andreas: “Or so it seems…”

He stroked his chin. Ashley tilted their head.

Andreas: “The moon is about illusions and reflections. What lies beyond the surface…”

He explained.

Blake: “Oh, you mean like a big fat liar hovering around?”

He laughed bitterly, looking at Makayla. Makayla glared at him. Andreas’ eyebrows rose surprisingly at Blake.

Andreas: “Something like that…”

He cross-examined Blake with curiosity, and another card jumped out of the deck, landing in front of Blake. It depicted a tower being struck by lightning. Blake quirked an eyebrow.

Blake: “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He pressed him.

Andreas: “It means something is about to break you out of this tower you’ve built up around you. A big change is coming your way.”

Ashley’s eyes widened. Blake paused and looked at Andreas.

Ashley: “Wow! That makes so much sense! He makes me feel like Rapunzel, keeping me locked away in the tower! But my hair isn’t long enough to let down a tower!”

They sighed sadly.

Andreas: “Really now?”

He pondered, looking up at Blake. Makayla placed her hand on Ashley’s shoulder.

Makayla: “Aww, poor Ashley. Have a cookie.”

She placed a cookie in their mouth. Blake glared at Makayla.

Blake: “I’m protecting them!”

He declared, snatching the cookies away from them. Andreas turned to him.

Andreas: “Are you though?”

He challenged him, folding his arms across his chest.

Suddenly, an announcer came over the speaker.

Announcement: “All performers make way to the stage.”

Craig jumped up with enthusiasm.

Craig: “FUCK YEAH, IT’S SHOWTIME!”

He clapped his hands together, grabbing Andreas’s hand. Andreas sighed and unlocked his hand, picking up his guitar.

Andreas: “Well, that’s our cue. Can you mind the stall while we’re gone?”

He asked them.

Ashley: “Of course! Have fun! Don’t break a leg!”

They chirped and nodded. Blake sighed.

Blake: “Sure. I’ll keep an eye on them.”

He looked over at Ashley. Ashley pouted.

Makayla: “I’ll be keeping my eye on them, too. Their cuteness is irresistible!”

She poked Ashley’s cheeks and picked up her bass guitar. Ashley reddened and giggled.

Makayla: “Don’t eat the cookies without me!”

She waved her finger at them. Blake rolled his eyes and groaned.

Ashley: “I won’t! I’ll sell them all!”

They smiled and waved them off as they left for the stage.

~

While the band was getting ready backstage, Blake and Ashley sat at the market stall. Blake neatly organised everything across the table spread.

Blake: “I don’t know what he sees in that idiot.”

He groused to Ashley and shook his head.

“What idiot?”

A chirpy woman interjected. Blake turned to see Madelyn dressed up as a pixie. She was wearing an olive green corset dress with little toadstools, moss, and leaves glued onto it, with a green pixie hooded scarf over her head. She was wearing green eyeshadow and lipstick and had psychedelic green wings on her back. On her feet, she wore leafy fairy boots with criss-cross laces on them.

Blake: “Uhh, who are you?”

He quirked an eyebrow at her.

Madelyn: “I’m Madelyn! I know who you are! You’re Blake Solegatti!”

She sat down on the table, nonchalantly picking up a cookie and eating it.

Blake: “Yeah, how did you know my name?”

He pressed her.

Madelyn: “‘Cause I’m your neighbour, silly!”

She swung her arm.

Blake: “I see…”

His voice trailed off. So, she’s one of those girls from that weird mansion, he thought.

Ashley: “Hey, Madelyn! Wow! I love your costume! Are you a pixie?”

They chirped.

Madelyn: “Thaaaaat’s right!”

She beamed.

Blake: “Why are you dressed up as a pixie?”

He quirked his eyebrow.

Madelyn: “Yooooooou’ll see.”

She smirked at the stage and giggled.

Craig marched onto the stage, grabbing the microphone.

Craig: “G’DAY SOLARISFEST! WE’RE NUKLEAR INTOXIKATION!”

He exclaimed. Andreas strolled onto the stage, swinging his guitar over his shoulder. Makayla followed suit with her bass guitar. The drummer, Kurt, sat behind the drum kit and tapped his drumsticks together, crashing the cymbals. Andreas plucked his strings, shredding into a heavy riff, playing alongside Kurt’s drum beats. Makayla plucked her bass guitar, but the tune was off-key.

Makayla: “Huh?”

She fiddled with the tuner pitch. Craig gave her a look and picked up the microphone, breaking into the lyrics.

Craig: “Moonlight on the water’s surface. Let go of what no longer serves us!”

He belted out his vocals and paused when he thought of Andreas’ reading from earlier. Makayla’s bass guitar was still off-key with the rest of them.

Craig: “Set sour to glower, break out from your tower!”

He glared at Blake across the crowd, recalling Andreas giving him the tower card. Suddenly, he was snapped out of his raged daze by what sounded like a kazoo noise coming from Makayla’s bass guitar.

Makayla: “What the hell?!”

Craig glared at her and mouthed “What the fuck, Makayla?!” Suddenly a huge fart ripped from her bass guitar as she plucked the big E string. The crowd burst out laughing and turned their attention to Makayla.

Makayla: “It wasn’t me!”

She cried and plucked her bass guitar again, this time making a cow mooing noise. The next string played a pig oinking noise. She heard a familiar cackling and turned in the direction to see Madelyn rolling around on the floor laughing with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Madelyn: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

She wheezed. Makayla glared at her through the crowd.

Makayla: “You little shit!”

She seethed, picking up her bass guitar to see the little swirled foot sigil painted on the back of it. She dropped her bass guitar on the stage and stormed off.

Andreas: “Makayla! What are you doing?!”

He hissed and glared at her as she left in the middle of the set again.

Makayla pushed her way through the crowd, marching up to Madelyn.

Madelyn: “Uh-oh!”

She stumbled to her feet and ran. Makayla chased her through the festival grounds, panting with fury.

Makayla: “Get back here!”

She panted with short breaths. Madelyn ran to the market stall that was half-black and half rainbow. Juniper sat on the rainbow side, resting her bare feet up on the table and a painted sign above her that read ‘‘Sole Healer’ with a picture of a spiraled foot painted on it. Abigail sat on the black side of the market stall, surrounded by dark candles and herb jars with a sign above her that read ‘Dark curses’ on it. Madelyn dove into the tent, hiding behind Juniper and Abigail and laughing. Makayla panted and buckled over her knees, catching her breath.

Abigail: “Well, well, looks like someone needs to lay off the Voyage Burger.”

She scoffed and laughed at her. Makayla glared at her. Madelyn looked away. Suddenly, a large foot was shoved into Makayla’s face.

Juniper: “Oh dear, I can sense that you’re swarming with rage and unkind intentions. Bad vibes be GONE!”

She gently shoved her away from the tent with her foot.

Makayla: “URGH! Because you’re ruining my life!”

She snapped at them and reached over, grabbing Madelyn by her wings and raising her clenched fist.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her fist from behind, and they all turned to see Ashley.

Ashley: “Makayla?! What’s going on?!”

They knit their eyebrows. Makayla threw her arms around Ashley, holding them close to her.

Makayla: “They’re bullying me, Ashley!”

She sobbed onto their chest. Madelyn rolled her eyes and pouted.

Madelyn: “NO! You’re getting your justice desserts!”

She declared. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “No one deserves to be treated like that.”

They pursed their lips.

Makayla: “Madelyn pulled that mean spell prank on my bass guitar, and then Abi called me fat, and Juniper kicked me with her big feet!”

She cried into Ashley’s chest.

Ashley: “Why did you guys do that to her?”

They cried.

Juniper: “Oh, no, I didn’t kick her. I lovingly pushed her bad vibes away from us.”

She smiled and waved her hand.

Abigail: “Because she brought it on herself.”

She said flatly.

Madelyn: “That’s right! She’s a killer whale, hunting down her prey!”

She clasped her hands together, making a swimming fish motion with them, stepping towards Ashley. Makayla glared at her.

Madelyn: “And you’re next!”

She poked Ashley’s tummy.

Ashley: “Hehehehehe!”

They reddened and chuckled.

Makayla: “Hey! Keep your hands off them!”

She huffed, slapping her hand away from Ashley. Madelyn ignored her and leaned into Ashley.

Madelyn: “I was doing you a favour, pretty kitty. Beware the bass.”

She whispered in Ashley’s ear, making them shiver and giggle.

Madelyn: “Watch out, she's gonna GETCHA!”

She exclaimed, tickling her hands down Ashley’s sides and tummy.

Ashley: “HAHAHAHAAHEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHOHOHHOOHEHEHEEHEHEHEEHEHEHEHEEEEEEEEEEE!”

They squealed, flopping to the ground with ticklish glee. Juniper beamed, and Abigail pulled out her black raven feather fan and fanned her face.

Abigail: “Oh my!”

Makayla glared at Madelyn, wrenching her away from Ashley.

Makayla: “Don’t touch them! Stay away from them!”

She hissed at her, shielding Ashley in her arms. Madelyn pouted and glared at her.

Blake: “NO, you stay away from them!”

He interjected, stepping between Makayla and Ashley.

Blake: “You sabotaged your band’s show for some stupid gags, so what will you sabotage for Ashley, too?”

He pressed her.

Makayla: “I DIDN’T DO THAT! IT WAS HER! She hexed my bass guitar!”

She snapped, pointing at Madelyn. Madelyn looked up with dewy purple eyes and an innocent pout.

Blake: “Whatever. Come on, Ashley, forget her, we need to head back to the store.”

He rolled his eyes and waved his hand dismissively.

Juniper: “Hello, neighbour! You look like you need some healing.”

She smiled and waved at Blake. Blake turned to her, looking perplexed.

Blake: “No thanks. I don’t believe in that stuff, and you spelled it wrong.”

He pointed to her sign that read ‘Sole Healing’

Juniper: “No, I didn’t.”

She smiled and placed her foot on the table, pointing at the sole of her foot.

Juniper: “I’m a sole healer! I can read your soles and heal your souls!”

She declared, wiggling her toes.

Ashley: “You’re a healer?”

Ashley tilted their head. If she’s a healer, why would she kick Makayla? They pondered.

Juniper: “Yep, that’s right! I heal with my heels and read souls with my soles!”

She chuckled and pressed her feet against Ashley’s feet on the ground. Ashley started to feel a vibration pulsing through their feet.

Makayla: “NO! Don’t touch them!”

She gasped, pulling Ashley away from her. Ashley snapped out of their daze, and their head swarmed with confusion.

Makayla: “Come on, sweety pie, let’s head back to Måneravn for some cookies.”

She cooed at Ashley sweetly, leading them away from them. Blake rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Blake: “You’re all crazy.”

~

Makayla, Blake, and Ashley returned to Måneravn, where Andreas, Craig, and their drummer, Kurt sat.

Craig: “What the FUCK, Makayla?! You made us look like fuckin’ drongos with all that farting and mooing!”

He snapped at her, throwing his big arms up in frustration.

Andreas: “What the hell is going on, Makayla?”

He folded his arms across his chest. Kurt silently shook his head at her. Makayla’s bottom lip trembled.

Makayla: “HEY! It’s not my fault! Madelyn hexed my bass!”

She cried. Blake rolled his eyes, and Craig scoffed and laughed bitterly. Andreas drew a breath and shook his head.

Andreas: “Look, I don’t know what’s going on with you and your ex, but you need to get your shit together! You can’t just up and leave in the middle of our set!”

He scolded her. Makayla’s bottom lip trembled.

Makayla: “What the hell was I supposed to do?”

She cried.

Andreas: “Don’t feed the pixies! They wanted a reaction, and you gave it to them, and now our show is ruined!”

He hissed.

Craig: “Fuckin’ oath! You’re gonna make us the new laughing stock!”

He huffed bitterly.

Makayla: “I-I don’t need this shit right now!”

She cried and stomped off. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “Makayla!”

They cried and went to go after her, when Blake placed his hand on their shoulder, shaking his head.

Blake: “Let her go, Ashley.”

He urged them firmly but gently.

Blake: “You have a market stall to run and she’s weighing you down.”

He added. Ashley glanced down at their baked treats, tea, and wreaths, and they nodded. Andreas sighed and flicked his gaze to Craig, wondering if the same applied to him and Craig.

Suddenly, an announcer came over the speaker.

Announcement: “Now, it’s time for our special guest…”

The crowd gathered around the stage, eagerly anticipating the show. New wave music blared over the speakers, setting an energetic and mystical vibe. The stage was decorated to resemble a night sky, complete with glittering purple curtains and a starry backdrop.

Announcement: “Presenting, Master Chef Magician, LAZAROS KATSAROS!”

Ashley lifted their head with an excited gasp and sparkling eyes. A bundle of culinary herbs fell to the stage from the ceiling, and a plume of purple glitter filled the stage. A lean figure sitting on a crescent moon descended onto the stage. The stage lights illuminated Lazaros, dressed in a purple paisley black suit with black gloves and loafers and a matching top hat on his head. His midnight blue-black hair shimmered under the stage lights. He leaped off the crescent moon, spreading his arms out with a wide smile, resembling his pose in the cookbooks.

Lazaros: “Greetings, Selene Valley! I am Lazaros Katsaros!”

He announced, removing his top hat and taking a bow.

Lazaros: “Prepare to be amazed by the magic I cook up!”

He exclaimed and stood over a table with a purple glitter cloth over it, pulling a chicken moo-goo-gai-pan dish out of his hat. Ashley giggled in amazement.

Lazaros: “Now… who will be my lucky volunteer?”

He stroked his chin with his gloved hand, scanning the crowd. A bunch of eager hands shot up amongst the crowd, pleading with him.

Ashley: “Oooh!”

They gasped, shooting their hand up. Lazaros swung his gaze to Ashley, standing with their table of freshly baked treats, and his dark violet eyes sparkled.

Lazaros: “Well, well, what do we have here?”

His smile spread to show his even white teeth as he glanced at Ashley. Ashley’s eyes sparkled when Lazaros’ gaze met theirs. Lazaros held his gloved hand up, wiggling his index finger, gesturing for Ashley to come up onto the stage with him. Ashley gasped and pointed to themself.

Ashley: “...M-Me?!”

They tilted their head and looked around. Lazaros chuckled and smiled, nodding in confirmation.

Lazaros: “Yes you, the adorable baker!”

Ashley reddened and giggled. Blake grabbed Ashley’s shoulder and shook his head disapprovingly.

Blake: “Ohhh, fuck no!”

He hissed. Ashley frowned at him.

Ashley: “Ohhh, heck yes!”

They pouted defiantly, scurrying to the stage. Blake gaped at them and groaned.

Ashley climbed up to the stage, approaching Lazaros.

Lazaros: “What’s your name?”

He greeted them with a smile. Ashley swallowed hard.

Ashley: “I’m Ashley Solegatti!”

They chirped and waved.

Lazaros: “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ashley.”

He took their hand, leading them to the purple glitter dining table.

Ashley: “Hehe, you too! I have your cookbooks at home!”

They chirped.

Lazaros: “Really now?”

He smiled, pulling a chair out for them. Ashley sat at the table in front of the Moo Goo Pan dish he had pulled out of his hat.

Lazaros: “Enjoy!”

He gestured to the dish and sat down across them, smiling.

Ashley: “R-Really? You want me to eat your cooking?”

They gasped, gesturing to themself. Lazaros smiled tightly and nodded.

Lazaros: “Absolutely!”

He waved his hand over the candles, sparking glitter all over them and igniting their flames. Ashley gasped, wide-eyed. Fire?! Is he a sun-wielder too? They wondered. The crowd clapped.

Lazaros: “Not unless… You would prefer to eat something else…”

He pulled another dish out of his top hat and placed it in front of Ashley. It was a chicken stir-fry dish with egg noodles and prawn spring rolls. Ashley's eyes sparkled. The crowd watched intently and clapped.

Lazaros: “Or would you prefer fish?”

He smiled, pulling another dish out of his hat. It was a miso salmon dish with ginger rice. Ashley’s eyes lit up with excitement and hunger.

Ashley: “Ooh, I love fish!”

They beamed, licking their lips.

Lazaros: “Really now?”

He smiled and pulled out a wine glass from his hat, filling it with water. He then pulled out a roll of cash, dropping a goldfish into the water. The crowd cheered and laughed. Ashley gasped and beamed with glee.

Ashley: “Wow, you’re amazing!”

They clasped their hands.

Lazaros: “I know!”

He sat across from Ashley, resting his crossed hands under his chin and smiling at them.

Lazaros: “Enjoy!”

He gestured for them to eat. Ashley smiled at him and picked up the shiny purple fork, and went to dig in, when suddenly, they were startled by Makayla’s yelling above them.

Makayla: “NO! ASHLEY! Don’t eat his food!”

She cried, riding down on the crescent moon. The ropes snapped under her weight, causing her to crash down on the stage with a thud. The crowd gasped and laughed. Madelyn’s cackling pierced through the crowd.

Ashley: “M-Makayla?”

They knit their eyebrows. Lazaros’s smile twisted into a frown as his demeanor shifted into fury.

Lazaros: “YOU!”

He glared at Makayla with burning hatred.

Lazaros: “You’re ruining my show!”

He hissed at her. Makayla stood in front of Ashley, protectively.

Makayla: “Back off, Lazaros! Ashley is with me! He’s MY boyfriend now!”

She hissed at Lazaros, draping her arm around Ashley.

Ashley: “B-Boyfriend? …He?”

They gasped and tilted their head, feeling a mixture of joy and other emotions they couldn’t place. What are these feelings? Why do my chest and tummy feel weird? No, I can’t let negative feelings taint my vibes, they thought.

Lazaros: “Boyfriend?”

He quirked an eyebrow, examining them both.

Blake: “Oh, HELL NO!”

He seethed as he sat at the market stall.

Lazaros: “So, you moved on, huh?”

He said flatly, crossing his arms over. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Y-you dated?!”

They gasped. Madelyn watched them intently, and she stroked her chin.

Lazaros: “Unfortunately.”

He glanced down at his gloved hands.

Makayla: “Yes, unfortunately, I dated this pompous jerk! But now I’m with a sweety pie like you, Ashley!”

She cooed at Ashley, cupping their cheeks.

Makayla: “Come on, Ashley, let’s go ride the rollercoaster and grab some Voyage Burger!”

She squeezed their hand, dragging them away.

Lazaros: “Hmph! You’d rather eat that garbage than my cooking.”

He scoffed.

Ashley: “...Rollercoaster?”

They swallowed hard and shuddered.

Ashley: “Aww, I want to eat his cooking…”

They sighed and bowed their head. Lazaros grinned widely.

Makayla: “You’re not missing anything, sweetheart.”

She smiled sweetly at them, dragging them off the stage with her. Lazaros sighed and shook his head, watching them go. Lazaros turned around on his heel to see Madelyn sitting at the glittery dining table.

Madelyn: “I’ll eat your food!”

She beamed, digging into his dish. Lazaros’s demeanor brightened, and he clasped his hands.

~

Makayla led Ashley off the stage and through the festival grounds.

Ashley: “What was that all about, Makayla? Lazaros is your ex-boyfriend?!”

They knit their eyebrows. Makayla sighed and nodded in confirmation.

Makayla: “Yes, I was his magician's assistant. He was trying to seduce you and feed you like he did to me, Ashley!”

She cried.

Ashley: “What’s wrong with that? Isn’t that what you do to me?”

They tilted their head.

Makayla: “WHAT? NO! It’s nothing like that!”

She huffed.

Makayla: “I’m sorry, Ashley, I had to save you from him! He hurts people like us with his bare hands! That’s why he wears those gloves! He lures us in so he can control us, and if we step out of line… he will break your bones!”

She cried. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “O-oh god! R-really?!”

They cried and cupped their mouth. Makayla nodded and swung her gaze to Maneravn.

Makayla: “That’s what Andreas was trying to warn you about with that moon card in his reading… Lazaros is all about the moon, and he’s an illusionist… is that someone you can trust?”

She challenged.

Ashley: “I guess not…”

They sighed and bowed their head.

Ashley: “So… uhh, boyfriend, huh?”

They pressed her meekly.

Makayla: “That’s right, isn’t that what this is?”

She declared, holding their hands. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Uhh… I dunno about boyfriend…”

They said meekly.

Makayla: “What?! Don’t you want to be with me, Ashley?!”

Her bottom lip trembled. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “O-Of course I do!”

They gasped and waved their hands around.

Ashley: “I-It’s just… I’m not a boy… or a girl…”

Their voice trailed off. Makayla smiled at them.

Makayla: “No, you’re a cutie pie!”

She beamed, cupping their cheeks. Ashley giggled and reddened.

Makayla: “And so it shall be, you’re bound to me! So mote it be!”

She kissed them on the lips, leaving her purple lipstick mark. Ashley froze and reddened, returning the kiss.