Creative Corner

[font=Gabriola][size=7][b]Tilted Rose[/b][/size][/font] [img]https://imgur.com/fxeMqTX.png[/img] [color=transparent]..........[/color][font=Gabriola][size=5]In a foreign kingdom, the gentleman thief, [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/83714185]Robbert Kidder[/url], is notorious for his many successful heists, having stolen countless valuables from many prominent figures while escaping seamlessly from the retribution of the law. However, when a chance meeting with the knight-in-training [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82096679]Sir Ricky[/url] sweeps the normally carefree criminal off his feet, the love between a champion of justice and an outlaw seems doomed to fail… Or is it?[/size][/font] [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][b]Author:[/b] [b]Language:[/b] [b]Rating:[/b] [b]Genre:[/b][nextcol][color=transparent]..........[/color][nextcol][font=Gabriola][size=5][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/30890393]Rubie Kanary[/url] English T Romance[/columns] [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [font=Gabriola][size=7][b]Content Page[/b][/size][/font] [LIST=1] [*][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3208033/1#post_53346545][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 1[/url] [*][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3208033/1#post_53346546][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 2[/url] [*][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3208033/1#post_53346625][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 3[/url] [*][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3208033/1#post_53346627][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 4[/url] [*][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3208033/1#post_53346628][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 5[/url] [*][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3208033/1#post_53810028][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 6[/url] [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 7 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 8 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 9 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 10 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 11 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 12 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 13 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 14 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 15 [*][font=Gabriola][size=5]Chapter 16 [/LIST] [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [font=Gabriola][size=7][b]Chapter 1[/b][/size][/font] [columns][img]https://imgur.com/gimQJqr.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent].....[/color][nextcol][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]By now, Kidder had been in operation for long enough to know with near certainty that nothing the law of the kingdom threw at him could stop him from doing what he wanted, as far as his heists were concerned. There might have been some real attempts at putting a stop to his criminal activities, when he had first arrived on scene, but that conviction had long since faded. Kidder had never been good at holding up a serious facade, and had no less than a dozen or so of recorded instances of him back-talking the various enforcers of the law in his genuine, childish manner that he had unintentionally become quite a popular figure, a public sweetheart, if you will, especially among the younger and more rebellious-prone members of the population. The fact that the worst crime Kidder had truly committed was property theft likely also contributed to the leniency he currently received- The police had to be more concerned with putting literal murderers behind bars than a petty thief who was also a semi-celebrity in the eyes of the public. It was just simple, common-sense priorities. [color=transparent]...............[/color]On the one hand, Kidder was glad. Even though this fact assured that he would likely never spend any meaningful time behind cell bars on the rare occasions when he was caught, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t rather avoid having that particular situation[/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5]from occurring in the first place. Besides, this meant that Kidder could afford to spare more effort in providing the gathering crowds with a good show whenever he planned a heist that featured treasures or heirlooms put in broad display of the public view, and Kidder knew he was doing a good job in this regard as well, if the loud, thunderous cheering of “RK! RK!” as he disappeared into a swirl of petals in the dark midnight air were of any indication. Though he liked the shinies he stole, Kidder was also a showman at heart, and if people were going to be there anyways, then he might as well show them a good time before he retired for the night. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Yet, at the same time, Kidder couldn’t help but be rather troubled, slightly frustrated by a somewhat self-imposed predicament; The thrill of genuine danger, the exhilaration of barely scraping by certain entrapment, and the delight of escaping with a prized possession, snatched from right under its original owner’s nose… All the reasons Kidder had considered when he signed up for a life of crime on the run, he could scarcely find any remaining traces of them anymore. Now, when he failed a heist, it was from his own sloppiness, rather than an unexpected variable he failed to consider and take into account. Now, when he does slip away scott-free and unharmed, it was just to be expected. There wasn’t anything special about successfully getting away with some minor nobility’s valuables anymore, and the nagging revelation weighed on his mind. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Still… Regardless of how he felt about this situation, it wasn’t as if there was anything Kidder could reasonably do to change it. He wasn’t going to turn himself in. He had been pulling off consistent thefts for the better part of the past four years, and he wasn’t about to stop now, but if law enforcement wasn’t going to do anything about his heists, then it was just as unlikely that Kidder could do or say something to convince them otherwise, either. [color=transparent]...............[/color]So here he was, stuck in this stalemate, and unless something drastic happened to change up the scene, it would seem that this was the dilemma Kidder would find himself trapped in for the foreseeable future. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Sighing to himself, Kidder raised his current catch to the moonlight to get a better look at it after he managed to ditch the guards several corridors back. Standing under the arched columns of the balcony, the gleaming sapphire gem sparkled in its delicately crafted crane-shaped frame which hung from a chain made of intricate silver, and Kidder considered the possibility that the baron he had stolen the jewel from might actually miss this gemstone in particular, having gone through the effort of putting it on display at his social party. He also suspected that some especially charmed lady at the party would have a vase put up for the roses he left in place of the jewel shortly after his theft was discovered and the guards alerted. [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“[b]RK![/b]” [color=transparent]...............[/color]With a gasp, Kidder reacted more on reflex rather than intent as he jerked backwards, narrowly avoiding the quiver that was aimed directly at his hand which held the precious jewellery. As it were, the chain of the necklace became caught on the quiver as it shot past and lodged itself into the stone wall beside him, suspending the jewel there just slightly out of reach for the gentleman thief, though that was the least of Kidder’s concern right now. Forcibly jolted to full alertness, Kidder jumped from the railings of the balcony, landing with a soft thump as he faced his unexpected contendant, stepping out from the shadows of the long corridor in a set of iron armour, accented by the moonlight reflecting off its smooth surface. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“RK,” The figure spoke, readying his crossbow for a second shot, the helmet he wore obstructing all aspects of his face and physique, yet the voice emitted from him informed Kidder that his current pursuer was an unmistakably male. “Give up now. There’s nowhere left to run.” [nextcol][color=transparent].....[/color][nextcol][img]https://imgur.com/G5bzprG.png[/img][/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder tilted his head, curious. Not only was the confrontation unexpected, but this wasn’t a voice Kidder had recognized either, and Kidder was certain he had been around long enough to be at least somewhat acquainted, even if superficially, with most of the members of law enforcement. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“A knight-in-training?” Kidder asked, out loud. If the one opposite him was a newly assigned member of the knights, then it would make sense why Kidder did not recognize him, and judging from the slight pause and tense from the figure before him, he had been right in his assumption. Kidder placed a hand on the handle of his rapier in anticipation.“Just you?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“More than enough to take you down!” The knight snapped, recovering from his surprise and raising his crossbow a second time. Another quiver flew towards him, though Kidder was prepared in this instance, ducking in time with his lunge so the quiver passed over him harmlessly, and with a swift swing of his rapier, he disarmed his opponent, the knight hissing as the crossbow clattered onto the ground. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Alright, then,” The words were said in a snarl as the knight reached for his own sword. “Have at you!” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The sword went down, and Kidder dodged to the side, barely missing the weapon as it grazed past his arm, though it did manage to tear through his cloak, the loose fabric fluttering onto the ground. With another hop and skip, Kidder leapt back slightly, anticipating that the knight’s slowness in catching up would give him ample time to strike another disarming blow, but his opponent had dove after him with shocking swiftness and ease, closing the distance between them much too quickly for Kidder to do much else but to retreat another few steps to avoid having his head cleaved clean off his neck. [color=transparent]...............[/color]It was the second time that night he had been caught off guard. Most knights, with their heavy body armour and all, sacrificed too much mobility for their defences that it was pain-stakingly easy for Kidder to run circles around them as they struggled to pin him down, yet this newcomer who Kidder knew scarcely anything about was not only able to keep up with him, but match him blow for blow as their weapons clashed and sparks flew. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Then, Kidder realised he was gasping. Partly from the effort from having to defend himself against a necessarily worthy opponent, of course, but partly from thrill and exhilaration. Thrill, at the fact that victory and success was no longer a certainty; And exhilaration, at the fact that he was being made to fight in order to have an opportunity to grasp at such victory. [color=transparent]...............[/color]There was another swing of a sword, and Kidder found himself perched on the railings of the balcony in an effort to avoid the resulting blow of the attack, peering down at the knight still standing on the stone flooring. The knight similarly stared back at him, with his sword raised, pointing keenly towards the gentleman thief. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Give yourself up, RK,” The knight spoke again. Kidder noted he hadn’t joined him upon the railings, likely due to the fact that balancing on such peculiar surface whilst wearing such heavy armour would be a rather difficult task, “I won’t ask a second time.” [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder blinked, the action most definitely lost behind the visor covering his eyes and, for the first time in a very long while, grinned not with the aim to charm or bedazzle, but in genuine glee and excitement. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Why don’t you make me?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The sword was thrust forward with a loud yell, just as Kidder took a step backwards and slipped off the balcony railings and, with practised swiftness and efficiency, Kidder’s glider sprung open, the thief casting a long look backwards as he flew further and further into the dark night, leaving the knight still standing on the open balcony glaring after him, and Kidder’s blood rushed, his heart pounding, even long after the darkness of the night had all but consumed the silhouette of the mansion building he had just escaped from. [color=transparent]...............[/color]The fact that his current heist had technically ended in a failure seeing as he was unable to escape with the jewellery on his person had long since slipped his mind, and on the long way back to his home base, all Kidder could think of was the anticipation of being confronted by this unknown knight whilst on another act of theft in the near, near future. [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [font=Gabriola][size=7][b]Chapter 2[/b][/size][/font] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder had taken this route through the rosegarden to the Princess' quarters often enough to have memorised the guards' patrol route and schedule like the lines in the palm of his hands. Thus, it was with relative ease that Kidder leapt up to grab the ledge of the balcony leading to the Princess' bedchambers the night after his attempt to steal the precious sapphire from one of the local barons before flinging himself over the railing. The gentleman thief dusted himself off, then approached the large, stained double glass doors and tapped on it several times. Kidder waited, patiently, for a few moments. Then, a slight shadow fell upon the other side of the stained glass and the doors clicked open. [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]"Oh, R-" The Princess' eyes widened in shock, a wide grin threatening to tug at the corner of her lips as she recognized just who her visitor was, but as a lady of royal standings, she swiftly managed to compose herself, her lips settling into a small, pleasant smile instead. "Kidder, what an unexpected surprise." [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Your Highness," Though he knew that the Princess was a fan of his work, and they had been well acquainted to the point that Kidder was comfortable considering the Princess his friend, the gentleman thief wasn't nearly crass nor careless enough to forget basic social etiquette, and he bowed while addressing the princess. [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Well, don't just stand there," The Princess pushed the glass doors wider as she urged him, "Come in, before the guards see!" [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder didn't argue, and as he stood and stepped into the Princess' bedchamber, he noticed the crimson rose placed precariously in a porcelain vase on the cupboard next to the Princess' bed. Kidden hadn't seen the Princess amongst those at the baron's party, but she seemed to have somehow managed to get ahold of the roses in the end.[nextcol][img]https://imgur.com/gPdXc0u.png[/img][/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]"So," Turning away from the vase, Kidder focused on the Princess who had taken a seat in front of her dresser, combing through her long, vivid locks with a brush, "What is it this time? Do you need help with another heist?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]It was true that, though it would blossom into genuine friendship later, not long after discovering the Princess' admiration of him, the two became swiftly acquainted as Kidder saw an opportunity to gain unprecedented access to information through the Princess' grace. So, it was no surprise for the Princess to assume the thief's current impromptu visit to be one of such similar nature as well, and in any other circumstances, the Princess would have been correct in her judgement. However, in this particular instance, the gentleman thief had something completely different on his mind. [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Your highness, actually, I was wondering-" Kidder paused briefly to wonder if a Princess would care or even bother with matters regarding law and the military, but ultimately decided it couldn't possibly hurt to ask regardless, "...I was wondering if you could tell me about the new knight recruits?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]"The knight recruits?" The Princess blinked, pausing mid-brush, "I can't say I know too much about them… Are the knights giving you trouble? You always seemed to be able to handle them without much hassle." [columns][img]https://imgur.com/butMDAN.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]"Not exactly…" Kidder thought back to his encounter with the knight-on-training on the mansion's balcony. Though it was the first time in a long while Kidder had been forced to actually defend himself in a fight, the thief wouldn't exactly say that this confrontation warranted the description of 'giving him trouble', either, "I guess I'm curious. I ran into one of them during my heist yesterday." [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Hm," The Princess hummed, her expression contemplative, before she turned to face him, "Actually, I do recall my father and some of the nobles mentioning something about a new recruit." [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Yes?" Kidder leaned forward unconsciously. [color=transparent]...............[/color]"He's just been recruited last week, but from what I heard, his performance and skill in battle is just as good as many of the veterans, if not better," At this, the Princess pursed her lips in a pout, "I only know this, because everyone who knows him seems to have nothing but good things to say about him!" [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Did they mention a name?" Kidder asked, eagerly.[/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]"Sir Ricky, I believe," The Princess made another face, "He's just barely started his training as a knight and he's already being called Sir Ricky! Can you believe it?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder didn't respond immediately. Instead, the thief fell quiet to mull over the name. Sir Ricky. Kidder repeated the name mentally. It had a nice ring to it, and Kidder decided he liked this name. [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Thank you, your highness," Kidder said, finally, once he was done with his internal musings, "I'm certain Sir Ricky is every bit as skilled and talented as everyone says he is." [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Oh?" It was clear that the Princess was a bit confused by Kidder's response, though she didn't seem quite able to put a finger on why the thief's reaction felt strange, and so just simply glossed over it for the time being, "Well, I'm glad I could help. Is there anything else you wanted to know?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]Sir Ricky's face, for one. Any of the knight-in-training's interests, for another, but Kidder was certain that, with a bit of time, he would be able to figure those particular details out for himself. "Nothing else, your highness. If I may, I will be taking my leave now." [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Of course! I won't keep you," The Princess giggled, her eyes squinting, "But before you go, could you tell me when I can expect your next, ah… Performance?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder glanced back from where he was standing between the stained glass doors, flashing a grin of his own. [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Soon, your highness. I can assure you that it will be soon." [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder was in a ballroom not a fortnight later, ducking behind a mirror when the familiar sword came down upon him once more, the sharp edge of the weapon just barely scraping the silver frame of the mirror before lodging itself clean into the floorboard right next to the gentleman thief. Even in his haste to confront the thief before he could escape with his mark this time, the knight-in-training still retained enough wits about him not to damage the looking glass, valuable not only for the intricately crafted filigree framing it, but for circulating rumours of it having been enchanted with prophetic properties which it reveals to whomever looks into it. Kidder steadies his hold on the mirror, making sure he wouldn’t accidentally drop and shatter it, before poking his head from behind the reflective surface to gawk at the knight. “Sir Ricky?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The next strike of the sword came at him with surprising speed, and Kidder nearly loosened his grip on the mirror as he swung himself around it to avoid the blow. “How did you learn that name?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Ways,” Kidder answered simply as he swung back around, this time with his rapier drawn. Their weapons clashed together with a loud sound, but the action did cause the knight-in-training to withdraw enough for the thief to follow through his attack with a kick, his opponent grunting as he stumbled further backwards. Taking the opportunity, Kidder reached a hand to grasp a piece of hardwood dislodged from the knight’s initial strike and flung it towards the nearest window, the glass shattering and providing the thief with a convenient escape route. [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“RK!” The gentleman thief had barely flung himself onto the windowsill when the bark caught his attention. The knight was in the air, in mid-lunge in an attempt to land a crippling blow on him before he could flee. Briefly, Kidder wondered if he might be able to angle the mirror in a way which allowed him to reflect the light coming from the chandelier to shine into the knight-in-training’s eyes to blind him temporarily, but he ultimately decided to go with the simpler and more sensible option of tossing the mirror directly into his purserer’s path, forcing the knight to pivot lest he damage the valuable looking glass. As it were, Kidder smirked as he watched the knight struggle, but somehow still managed to catch the heavy mirror before it could hit the ground and shatter. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Impressive reflexes, really. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“My name is Kidder,” The ballroom was barren, the guests of nobel standing having filed out of the room shortly after their confrontation began, and it was still too soon for reinforcements to arrive yet, so Kidder had no issues announcing his name out loud to the knight-in-training.[nextcol][img]https://imgur.com/MRkmfoG.png[/img][/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“What?” The knight paused, confused by this line of dialogue, his grip on his weapon tightening, but Kidder merely neglected his bafflement and continued speaking. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“I’ve truly enjoyed this evening we’ve spent together, as brief as it was,” Reading his glider with one hand, Kidder raised his other hand, and a single rose materialised between his fingers, “I hope Sir Ricky will continue to make my acquaintance in my future performances as well.” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The mirror was set aside in favour of striking him down from where he stood, but the thief had disappeared once more into a swirl of rose-coloured petals into the dark night sky. [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [font=Gabriola][size=7][b]Chapter 3[/b][/size][/font] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder wasn’t being dishonest when he told the knight-in-training that he hoped they could become better acquainted with each other, and the thief was delighted when he continued to clash with the knight in any and all future instances in which he could make the time to appear at Kidder’s heists. While Kidder wasn’t so naive to believe that Sir Ricky’s frequent appearances alluded to an eagerness to see him… yet, the thief allowed himself some leniency in fancying that their many repeated encounters meant Sir Ricky, at the very least, tolerated his presence, and though they stood firmly on opposite sides of the law, Kidder found himself warming up to the knight's presence. Kidder had missed the rush of adrenaline he received whenever during the struggle to snatch victory from impending doom, and Sir Ricky was a worthy and formidable opponent to try and wrench said victory from. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Still, if there was one thing Kidder found slightly vexing about Sir Ricky, it was that the knight could most definitely afford to shed some of that cold, icy personality of his. [columns][img]https://imgur.com/hZYktMg.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]"You're a menace to society, RK!" Sir Ricky had chased him up to the roof of the mansion after Kidder had conveniently snatched a pair of earrings made from the finest rubies in the kingdom and fled. "Don't you ever get tired of all the trouble you cause people?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]"You can call me by my name," Kidder insisted. It had been months since the thief had initially announced his name to the knight in the ballroom. "We're friends?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]That seemed to have garnered a reaction from the knight, his posture becoming more rigid and defensive. "We are not friends." [color=transparent]...............[/color]"We're not?" Kidder leapt to the side as the tiles of the roof were obliterated by the knight's blade. "Why not?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]"You are a [b]thief[/b]!" With a mighty yell, Sir Ricky heaved his sword, and Kidder just about managed to dodge the resulting debris being flung his way. "We won't ever be friends." [/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]But Sir Ricky and I spend lots of time together," Kidder reasoned as he parried another blow from the knight-in-training, hearing the sound of marble shattering as the knight's sword was diverted. "And I enjoy the time I've spent with Sir Ricky, too." [color=transparent]...............[/color]"...You're delusional," the thief's response had most likely surprised him, if the knight had to take a moment to contemplate before answering. "You're crazy. Insane." [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Does Sir Ricky not enjoy the time we spend together?" Kidder asked, a genuine question, as he detached his cloak from his shoulders and threw it, the wind catching the fabric perfectly to land against the knight's helmet, blinding him temporarily. [color=transparent]...............[/color]"Stop kidding yourself!" With a roar, Sir Ricky had torn the piece of cloth from his face, but by then, Kidder had nearly made it to the other side of the rooftop, his glider raised in anticipation as he neared the edge, and the knight-in-training raced to stop him from escaping. "I'm only here to bring you to justice!" [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]"Is that so," The thief murmured, moreso to himself as he cast a final glance back towards the knight the instant before he lept. Kidder had honestly thought the knight-in-training would be a bit less hostile towards him after months of harmless banter, and he had also thought Sir Ricky would be less guarded around him, with how Kidder had hinted at possible friendship several times prior to their current encounter, but he supposed he guessed wrong. Even after months of their little cat-and-mouse games, the knight's drive remained steadfast, like an impenetrable armour around him that Kidder couldn't possibly hope to pry at, regardless of his own interest and intrigue of the knight. His mental fortitude was truly that impressive, which was a shame, because it was now acting as a barrier that prevented Kidder from learning more about the knight in question. [color=transparent]...............[/color]I'm sorry to hear that," Kidder spoke, finally, somberly. "I hope Sir Ricky will find my company more agreeable the next time we meet." [color=transparent]...............[/color]With that, the gentleman thief leapt from the rooftop, the wind catching his glider as he flew home. [nextcol][img]https://imgur.com/NcrUZt6.png[/img][/columns] [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]By chance, Kidder had flown past the balcony leading to the Princess’ bedchamber and noticed the stained glass doors had been opened, leading into darkness. The double doors being opened wasn’t all that surprising, as Kidder knew of the Princess’ habit of enjoying the night sky by herself after an arduous day of entertaining the nobles, though the lack of a light coming from the Princess’ room did draw his attention. The stained glass doors were usually locked tight by the time the Princess retired to bed, so out of curiosity, Kidder angled his glider to land on the balcony in front of the glass doors and approached carefully. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Your highness?” The thief called upon hearing some sort of muffled sound from within the Princess’ bedchambers. It took a while for his eyes to adjust to the darkness, though when they did, Kidder realised the Princess was kneeling at the end of her bed staring back, with large tears swelling from her eyes and trailing down her face. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Oh, Kidder!” The Princess sprung from where she was crouching to embrace him, and the thief stood still, uncertain of what had transpired to warrant such a reaction, and of how he should react in turn. “It’s terrible- Simply terrible!” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“What is, your highness?” Kidder asked, still uncertain. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Here, look,” Withdrawing, the Princess went back to the bedside, shuffled the sheets around, before producing several pieces of paper that were slightly crumpled, and Kidder took the papers as they were handed to him. It was a bit challenging to read the words scribbled upon it within dim light, but Kidder was able to make out the first few sentences after raising the parchment towards the moonlight. [indent][font=Gabriola][size=5][b][u]To the Royal Highness, Princess Momo, If you wish no harm to befall those you care about, then you shall tell no one of this and do as this note says…[/u][/b][/indent] [columns][img]https://imgur.com/81kowSE.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“I found it on my pillow shortly after returning from another ball,” The Princess was still sobbing, distraught, “I know you would never write anything like this, Kidder, but who could’ve done something like this…?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]No one was allowed in the Princess’ private quarters after nightfall, that was true. It was also true that the gentleman thief was the only person whom the Princess knew personally who had access to her bedchambers through unconventional means, though Kidder could still think of a list of several suspects who might have committed this act. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Possibly the Trix Magician,” Kidder said as he contemplated the handwriting. Though the gentleman thief stuck to more petty crimes himself, that did not mean he was completely clueless about the dealings of some of the more hardened criminals in the underground network, either. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“T-trix Magician…?” The Princess quivered. The Trix Magician was a criminal notorious for kidnapping and ransoming prominent figures in the public eye, and for some reason, he seemed to have his eyes set on the Princess for his next act of ransom. “Oh, this is simply dreadful… What should I do…?”[/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder squinted, considering a possible course of action as well. The gentleman thief didn’t exactly want the Princess to be kidnapped, having come to consider her as his friend, but he also doubted the Princess would agree to some of his more drastic plans as well. Knowing the Princess, she would refuse on the grounds that the Trix Magician was threatening to harm those around her should she refuse to do as the note says, and she didn’t want anyone else to get hurt on her behalf. Whatever Kidder suggested, it would have to be precise and subtle enough to draw any unnecessary attention or suspicion. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Then, without prompting, the gentleman thief’s mind drifted to a certain aspect of this current predicament that hadn’t been made obvious until this specific moment in time. If the Princess, an important member of the royal family were to be kidnapped, the entirety of the knights in the kingdom would get involved, which would surely also include… [color=transparent]...............[/color] “Your highness,” Kidder spoke, a plan quickly materialising in his mind. It was a bit unusual, a bit strange, and a bit… self-indulgent, but it was a plan that would surely meet the Princess’ requirements nonetheless. “I have a plan. Just do as I say…” [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [font=Gabriola][size=7][b]Chapter 4[/b][/size][/font] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder was currently in a bit of a bind. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Dangling precariously upon a dangerously narrow surface and elevated several stories above the ground, the thief wriggled around, testing the restraints securing his wrists presently tied behind his back. There was just barely enough slack for him to squirm his way out from the ropes tying him, and in literally any other circumstance, that was exactly the course of action Kidder would take without the slightest hint of hesitation, yet something was stopping him, and at this, the thief leaned as much as he dared to without accidentally tipping himself over the edge to peer at the scene playing out before him. [columns][img]https://imgur.com/vaKPoyR.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“How utterly pathetic!” The Trix Magician cackled as another bolt of violet lightening was shot from his palms, evaporating anything that dared stand in its path. “Is a single knight all the entire kingdom could muster up to save its precious Princess?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The blast of electricity connected with a wall, and Kidder fought to remain standing on the slight surface he was given as everything shook from the resulting tremors. This was, apparently, one of the ways in which the Trix Magician enjoyed tormenting his hostages. A truly wicked technique, Kidder believed, as he managed to catch his own bearings once more, though not without considerable effort. Amongst the dust of cloud resulting from the impact, a figure emerged, shooting upwards to confront the foul magician. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Your highness!” Sir Ricky called as he recovered from being flung backwards after his sword failed to dispel the Trix Magician’s barrier. “Are you alright?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“I’m alright, Sir Ricky!” Kidder called back, his voice carefully modulated to reveal just the right mixture of fear and concern in the timbre he desired. “Please, be careful!”[/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]It was not the first time Kidder had to adopt the guise of those of the opposite gender, nor was it the first time the gentleman thief had taken on the likeness of those of royal blood. Like most thieves worth their weight in salt, Kidder was able to appreciate that different identities were uniquely beneficial in accessing various locations, acquiring assorted information and securing peculiar company, and Kidder had, over many years of practise and dedication to his craft, learnt how to assume and shed these identities with ease and finesse. Still, as Kidder watched the knight-in-training being forced to deflect another bolt of thunder shot his way, the thief couldn’t help but consider this particular moment an isolated disadvantage of his identity theft of the Princess. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder considered the ropes binding his wrists, and the Trix Magician, who was wielding his magic with wild, gleeful abandon below him once more. While Kidder himself didn’t quite specialise in the more supernatural craft, he was well-antiquated and familiarised enough with it that he knew he could weather what the magician could throw at him with staunch confidence, and his original plan had involved something similar, actually. His original plan involved something akin to getting himself kidnapped as the Princess, disarming the Trix Magician while they were alone, quickly switching places with the Princess again before anyone could learn that the exchange had occurred in the first place and leaving whoever came to the Princess’ aid to deal with the aftermath, which he fully anticipated to be the knights of the kingdom. And, well, if a certain knight-in-training happened to appear as well, then Kidder could afford to have some fun with him before making his grand departure. [color=transparent]...............[/color]What Kidder failed to consider was this: When had the knight-in-training ever failed to surprise him? [color=transparent]...............[/color]Unlike the rest of his knight companions who were still busy dealing with the traps set up by the Trix Magician, Sir Ricky had bursted through the barricaded gates leading into the clockwork room just as Kidder noticed an opportunity to ambush the Trix Magician, and the gentleman thief was forced to pivot in his plans. It would be quite uncharacteristic of the crown Princess to slip out of her bonds, grab the hidden dagger tied to her thigh underneath her frilly dress and stab the Trix Magician while his back was turned, so Kidder would refrain from doing so, lest he wanted to break character, reveal his true identity and draw not only the ire of a particularly skilled magician, but of a certain knight-in-training as well. Even if that decision resulted in the thief playing a convincing, if rather redundant, role of a damsel in distress. [color=transparent]...............[/color]It wasn’t exactly all bad. At least Kidder was privy to a front row seat of Sir Ricky’s mastery of the blade as the confrontation continued, but it was still an annoying predicament at best. Was there really nothing he could do to be of some use in this situation? [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder shuffled around, trying to gauge which of his hidden pockets he had access to with his arms tied as they were, and discovered he was able to reach into the pouch where he kept a handful of little pebbles that acted as ammo for his slingshot. These were always helpful as a convenient distraction, and Kidder couldn’t quite help the cheeky smirk as he peered down at the battle going on below him. It wouldn’t kill or injure the Trix Magician, of course. But at this height? [color=transparent]...............[/color]If Kidder timed it perfectly, it was most definitely going to hurt enough to notice. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Sir Ricky seemed to be struggling with his current opponent. Kidder didn’t blame him. Magic users were atrocious to confront up right, what with the many spells and tricks in their arsenal that they can utilise to great effect and degree. It was the reason why Kidder’s initial plan had involved him ambushing the magician and catching him off-guard. The barricaded gates were the only one way to enter the clockwork room, however, and the Trix Magician had been expecting the knight to begin with, so it was unreasonable to expect Sir Ricky to come up with a better plan with what little time and the amount of urgency he was given to act, so Kidder watched on, heart hammering in anticipation as he waited for all the pieces to fall into their correct places.[nextcol][img]https://imgur.com/JQ2xH1T.png[/img][/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color][i]'A little more , just a bit more to the left…’[/i] [color=transparent]...............[/color]There! The Trix Magician had put himself into the perfect trajectory to intercept Kidder’s ambush, and Kidder made sure to angle the stone’s fall as efficiently as he could as he nudged it over the edge of the small platform. The pebble swiftly disappeared from his sight, but if Kidder had made all his calculations correctly- [color=transparent]...............[/color][b]“Mother f-!”[/b] [color=transparent]...............[/color]A loud shriek interrupted the curse, and Kidder teetered as far as he dared to and caught sight of Sir Ricky ramming his sword through the magician’s right shoulder. Reeling, recoiling, the Trix Magician grasped at his own wound, gasping. Then, the air around the magic user twisted in a strange manner. It was a teleportation spell. Kidder had seen those before. The Trix Magician disappeared from where he stood, most likely to avoid any additional injury which may prove crippling or fatal, but not before releasing one last spell with a final cry. A shockwave ripple through the walls of the clockwork room, and the scream that tore itself from his throat was only half-feigned as Kidder was knocked off his perch. [columns][img]https://imgur.com/wLVAX1j.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“Your highness!” An abrupt force caught him mid-fall, and Kidder was glad that, when it came to his disguises, the gentleman thief spared no expenses. “Hold on!" [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder wished he could take that suggestion, but the ability to do so was robbed from him by the merit of his hands still being tied. Thus, the best he could do was to lean into the nearest solid surface as he endured several more forceful jolts until the sound of crumbling stone faded and the rumbling subsided. Heart still hammering from the experience, the thief took a moment to recover from the freefall and catch his breath. That had been a bit too close for comfort. When he returned home and had gotten some rest, Kidder was going to spend some much needed time tinkering with a gadget that he could easily access to catch himself with, even when he had his hands tied behind his back. [color=transparent]...............[/color]"...Your highness?" [color=transparent]...............[/color]The voice tugged Kidder out of his internal musings and back to reality, by which point the gentleman thief realized he was still being held by the knight-in-training, with one arm on his back, and another one underneath his knees as Kidder leaned against his chestplate.[/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]"I'm, ah-" Kidder flustered. That was rather uncharacteristic, both for the princess and for himself. Hopefully, the knight would simply attribute it to the stress from being put into a near-death situation. "...Thank you for saving me, Sir Ricky." [color=transparent]...............[/color]The knight-in-training set him down gently and cut the ropes binding his wrists. "It is a knight's sworn duty to protect the members of the royal family, your highness. Any knight in my place would have done the same." [color=transparent]...............[/color]A deflection? Well, that was hardly surprising. It was just the usual coolness Kidder had come to expect from the knight, after all. Without much fanfare, the gentleman thief stood and rubbed his wrists, certainly raw from how tight the bonds had been. This whole affair had taken much longer than Kidder originally planned, and the thief was certain the princess would have no fewer than a handful of questions for him when he went to trade places back with her, and he shuddered at the thought. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Then, Kidder noticed that a red cape had been placed around his shoulders, and further noted that he hadn't realised the fact until several moments ago. He looked towards the knight beside him in astonishment, and the knight-in-training merely looked back. [color=transparent]...............[/color]"The night air seemed a bit cold," Sir Ricky explained. Then, with a place placed carefully over Kidder's shoulder, "Come, your highness. Your father, his majesty, must be worried of your whereabouts." [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder nodded, but all the thief could focus on was the arm around his shoulders. [color=transparent]...............[/color]When [b]had [/b]Sir Ricky ever failed to surprise him? [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [font=Gabriola][size=7][b]Chapter 5[/b][/size][/font] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]If he were less smitten and more sensible, Kidder would have realised this arrangement was inevitably, ultimately, only going to lead to tragedy and end in heartbreak, but as caught up in the moment as he was, it was difficult for the gentleman thief to see through the fragile veneer of illusion and make-believe. Dressed in an elegant ball gown and standing on top of a set of marble staircases leading into the royal gardens, Kidder idly sipped from a champagne glass as he waited for his guest to arrive. [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“Your highness?” Kidder turned towards the voice. The knight-in-training was still clad in his full iron armour, even at such a festive event. “You requested my presence?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Sir Ricky,” Kidder beamed, his painted lips curling into a kind, genuine smile. “Would you walk with me? If you don’t mind?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The knight paused, though he just as quickly recovered and reached an arm out, which Kidder effortlessly linked with his own. It had been two months since the Princess’ initial kidnapping. It had also been two months since the gentleman thief started to regularly adopt the Princess’ identity. As cheerful and bubbly as she was, the Princess grew tired and weary of life within the castle walls from time to time, and since Kidder’s initial plan to get himself kidnapped in her place, the Princess saw an opportunity to have the gentleman thief take on her identity every once in a while in order to give herself a break from all the balls, the parties, and the social gatherings she was forced to attend so she could sneak out, disguised as just another commoner girl her age to enjoy a nice picnic or stroll around the streets of the kingdom.[nextcol][img]https://imgur.com/vc9ExZY.png[/img][/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder’s original, knee-jerk reaction was to reject the offer. Even though he wasn’t opposed to adopting the guise of another person on principle, taking another person’s likeness was more a means to an end for the thief, and he didn’t exactly want to turn it into a game or habit by playing dress-up. But then, the more opportunistic portion of his mind caught up, and Kidder was made aware of the unintended consequences the perceived social status Kidder would attain just by merit of being recognized as the Princess. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Sir Ricky, as a knight working underneath the royal family, would be unable to disobey a direct order from the Princess, and suddenly, Kidder found himself taking on the Princess’ role with much enthusiasm and zeal. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“It’s very kind of you to make the time for me, Sir Ricky,” Kidder said, after taking another sip from his glass. “While I don’t mind making conversation with the rest of the nobles, I must admit that I find your company much more enjoyable.” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The false Princess then looked up towards the knight. Sir Ricky was still wearing the helmet that obstructed his face, but it was tilted downwards to show that the knight was looking at him back. The knight was six years his junior, Kidder had learned, though he was still able to tower over the thief with such effortless ease. Some people were just born with good genes, Kidder mused. [columns][img]https://imgur.com/zI1UcWD.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“I’m flattered, your highness.” The knight replied honestly, courteously, “But are you certain you wouldn't enjoy the warmth back in the ballroom more than the cold air outside?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Oh, Sir Ricky,” Kidder laughed, eyes squinting. “You’re too nice.” [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder had to admit, it was such a breath of fresh air from the usual sneer and disdain he confronted the thief with during his heists. Months of constant play and banter with the knight as the gentleman thief had yielded no rewards other than contempt and scorn from the knight-in-training despite Kidder’s best efforts to befriend him. Now, merely two months of occasional conversation with the knight as the crown Princess had yielded much better results than Kidder could have ever hoped or even dreamed of. Kidder now knew of the knight’s interests, his hobbies, some of his friends and even his extended family members. He knew of the knight’s past, how he had grown up surrounded by crime and injustice, and how stories of the knight’s courage and bravery fueled his hope to pave a better path for both himself and those within the kingdom. And he knew of the dedication, the unbreakable will and determination that drove the knight to train himself in the art of war and combat, so he may one day be able to protect the weak and uphold his ideals of truth and justice.[/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder didn’t know he could grow even more fond of the knight-in-training, but he had. Kidder appreciated the knight’s kindness and attentiveness. He admired the knight’s skill and mastery of his craft. In awe of the knight’s resolve and persistence in his pursuit of what he believed to be just and true. [color=transparent]...............[/color]It was… a strange feeling. Unsettling, yet not exactly undesired at the same time. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“...Sir Ricky?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Yes, your highness?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“If it’s not too much of a hassle…” Kidder began, talking with a sudden shyness that was only partially feigned. “Could you… Take off your helmet?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“I understand if you’re unable to, since you’re still supposed to be on duty and all,” The false Princess continued when the knight-in-training didn’t respond immediately, “It’s just that… We’ve been talking for so long, but I still don’t know what you look like…” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“...If that is what your highness wishes…” [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder blinked. He had scarcely recovered from his surprise upon hearing the response when the knight had reached both hands towards his head, unclasped his helmet then lifted it over his head, and Kidder could only stare in star-struck wonder as blond hair, borderlining on gold in the dim light spilled out from beneath his armour, a pair of brilliantly blue eyes staring right back into his own. From his appearance, the thief could definitely tell that the knight was younger than he was, but there was something, an aura about him that made the knight appear much wiser, more mature than his actual age would suggest, and Kidder- [color=transparent]...............[/color]“...Sir Ricky?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“...Yes, your highness?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“I think-” Kidder stopped as he faltered. The hand holding the champagne glass was shaking, Kidder realised, and the thief tried desperately to compose himself. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“I believe… I’ve grown rather fond of you, Sir Ricky.” [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder was in an unusually chipper mood as he adjusted the cuffs of his suit on his wrists after switching places back with the Princess, who was going on a detailed monologue of her adventures as just an unsuspecting commoner in the kingdom, but Kidder could barely pay attention to what she was actually saying. He had just had quite the pleasant evening, and if Kidder had to admit it, the thief was rather pleased with himself as well, of the progress he’s made with the knight-in-training, and of the bond he seemed to have established with said knight-in-training. Sure, he had done so whilst under the guide of being the Princess, but it wasn’t as if that little fact would matter in the grand scheme of things, right? [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Ah-” A loud knocking on the door caught both the thief’s and the Princess’ attention, and the Princess quickly blew out the candle next to her dresser. “Hide!” [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder shot towards the shadow cast upon the wall which had resulted from the action and wrapped his cloak around himself as he blended into the shadow with practised ease just as the Princess opened the door leading to her bedchamber. [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“S-sir Ricky?” The Princess gasped, upon recognizing the person on the other side of the door. “This is- Ah, this is unexpected!” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Your highness, I-” Kidder noticed a certain amount of tenseness in the knight’s voice as he spoke. “I realise I shouldn’t be here but… Could I come in?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Erm-” The Princess was baffled, but didn’t object. “Well, alright. Come in, then.” [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder heard the door close and the sounds of footsteps approaching, before both the knight and the Princess walked into his field of vision. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Your highness, I was…” The hand holding the helmet visibly tightened. The knight appeared to be struggling with his following words. “I was… Thinking about what you said in the garden…” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Yes…?” The Princess had no way of knowing the contents of the conversation which transpired between the knight and Kidder in her place mere hours ago, and so was rightfully confused.[nextcol][img]https://imgur.com/HucCVmv.png[/img][/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“I thought about it, and I realised-” The knight-in-training gasped, breathless, “I realised, your highness, I feel the same way-” [color=transparent]...............[/color]Without warning, Sir Ricky had leaned forward to kiss the Princess, and Kidder stumbled backwards at the sight, unwillingly knocking over the vase holding one of his roses placed on the Princess’ bedside. The thief had been blindsided. He had been caught off guard, caught completely unawares, abruptly [b]knifed and stabbed-[/b] [color=transparent]...............[/color]“RK!” The sound of porcelain shattering alerted the knight, his expression changing from shock into anger upon seeing the thief, already drawing his sword. “How dare you break into the Princess’ private quarters!” [color=transparent]...............[/color]In any other instance, Kidder would argue back, make a clueless remark of sorts to elicit more opportunities for banter from the knight, but all the gentleman thief could focus on was the only other exit from the Princess’ bedchamber. The delicate stained glass doors cracked and fractured into hundreds of pieces as Kidder flung himself through the surface and further threw himself over the balcony railings, opening his glider as he escaped into the night. [color=transparent]...............[/color]The gentleman thief had barely just fallen in love, and he was already being forced to suffer the consequences of heartbreak. [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [font=Gabriola][size=7][b]Chapter 6[/b][/size][/font] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color][i]‘How dare he. How dare he.’ [/i] [color=transparent]...............[/color]It was all Kidder could think of, long after he had fled from the scene of the crime and curled himself underneath the covers of his bed. All That time spent attempting to befriend the knight, Kidder had to endure his unusually cruel and hostile behaviour. The thief had scarcely complained of his vile attitude, yet all his efforts, all his goodwill and kindness and compassion had been thrown right back into his face as the knight had confessed his love to the Princess instead. The fact that it was Kidder’s liberal use of the Princess’ identity which had landed him in this predicament to begin with was completely neglected, never once crossing the thief’s mind. All that mattered to Kidder was how carelessly the knight had given his kiss to the crown Princess right in front of him, without once consulting or considering how the thief would feel upon being forced to watch such a scene transpire. [color=transparent]...............[/color][i]‘How dare he?’[/i] [color=transparent]...............[/color]Kidder flipped over onto his side, still fuming, unable to sleep. How could he? Kidder could barely recall a time when he had felt so betrayed, so upset yet so distraught all at once, and the more Kidder thought back to the kiss Sir Ricky shared with Princess Momo, the more angry and distressed he got, but he could hardly think of anything else to occupy his mind. The thief was caught in a loop, stuck in a precarious trap of righteous fury and inconceivable sorrow, yet still somehow unaware that the majority of his agony was indeed self-inflicted. [color=transparent]...............[/color][i]‘How dare he.'[/i] Kidder rose, then, agitation forbidding him to remain idle, and the thief began to pace around his bedroom. The scene of Sir Ricky’s kiss with the crown Princess played several more times in his mind, and with a yell, Kidder flung a nearby table onto its side, not caring that it was in the middle of the night, nor that the action resulted in the trinkets he had been working on being scattered all over the tiles of his bedroom. He slammed his foot into the furniture, the resulting sting causing him to hiss. He would have kicked the table a second time, but the pain had thankfully brought back some much needed semblance of sense back to the forefront of his mind, and the thief took a deep breath as he stepped back, his anger having ebbed into resolute indignation. [color=transparent]...............[/color][i]‘How dare he… How dare he do something like this to me…’[/i] [color=transparent]...............[/color][i]‘Punish him,’[/i] A delirious impulse called to him. Kidder might have been a thief, but even he treated the objects of his successful heists with more care and dignity. Not like Sir Ricky, who had cruelly snatched what he wanted from Kidder before trampling all over it with careless impunity. [i]‘Punish him. Make him hurt. Make him pay. He can’t get away with what he’s done…’[/i] [color=transparent]...............[/color][i]‘Punish him?’ [/i]Normally, Kidder would let any impromptu plans stew for a few hours more for the flaws to surface, thus allowing him a better, fuller picture of the merits and quality of such a plan, but betrayal and resentment had gripped his brain, impairing his rationality and judgement.[i] ‘...Yes. He must be punished. He must be made to suffer. He must not be allowed to get away… But how?’[/i] [color=transparent]...............[/color][i]‘How? You’re the gentleman thief, aren’t you? Surely, planning the knight’s punishment shouldn’t be at all dissimilar to planning your usual heists?’[/i] [color=transparent]...............[/color]There was logic in that thought, and Kidder found it sound. Yes, of course. Now that he bothered to take even the briefest of moments to ponder upon it, it all boiled down to whether Kidder could unsuspectingly, carefully and subtly manipulate various circumstances into his favour, and wasn’t that what he had been doing all along as a thief? [color=transparent]...............[/color][i]‘Sir Ricky… You will surely pay for what you’ve done…’[/i] [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img] [columns][img]https://imgur.com/KStKIZk.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol][color=transparent]...............[/color][font=Gabriola][size=5]“RK!” Sir Ricky yelled into the dimly lit hallway. The knight was so sick and tired of Kidder’s antics by this point. It was the same, redundant thing, each and every single time: The thief would make some sort of brilliant, elaborate entrance with the goal of dazzling everyone in the room so their attention was diverted elsewhere when RK inevitably made off with his mark for the day, and Ricky had long since grown numb to its charming allure. Despite his own grievances against the thief, Ricky had to admit that Kidder knew how to play the masses like a fine-tuned fiddle, and the knight might resent them falling for Kidder’s tricks time and time again, had he not sworn on his life to protect the weak and the innocent from criminals such as Kidder. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“RK,” Ricky called once more into the darkness, “Your tricks don’t work on me. I know you’re here. Come out and face me right now.” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The voice that replied startled him. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Sir~Ri~cky~”[/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]A quiver was shot his way, and the knight barely managed to side-step out of the way, grunting when the tip of the arrow still managed to graze his iron armour. His hand went to the hilt of his sword in alarm, unsheathing the weapon just in time to block the rapier aimed straight for his neck. The gentleman thief had appeared before him, lips twisted upwards in a strange smirk, and Ricky could just barely make out the thief’s crimson eyes gleaming, squinting, from behind the visor that masked the thief’s face. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Years of training told him that now was the opportune moment to counter and strike back, to swing the momentum of the battle back into his favour, but Ricky remained where he was, unsettled. Suspicion and disturbance scratched at him from the back of his mind. While the knight had expected, and was right in his prediction, that the gentleman thief would chime back with a word of his own to Ricky’s loud bellow, something about the thief’s tone felt wrong to Ricky. [color=transparent]...............[/color]He had grown so bored, accustomed and expectant of the thief’s casual, childish pitch that the introduction of a sinister slant in RK’s voice had thrown the knight completely off his composure. [color=transparent]...............[/color]Whilst Ricky stood there, stunned and befuddled, the thief struck again, this time swinging his rapier skywards and knocking Ricky backwards, the knight-in-training taking several steps to steady himself after the initial recoil. Ricky’s grip on his sword tightened, in anticipation of another incoming attack... and in concern. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Sir~Ri~cky~” RK slurred again. He was stalking towards the knight with a crouch to his posture now, a metallic, scratching sound coming from his rapier as he dragged the tip of the weapon on the stoned tiles of the floor whilst he walked. As he got close, Ricky noticed the thief beginning to tilt his upper body, a gesture which he recognized as a clear windup for a particularly devastating strike, and the knight wondered if it was in RK’s intention to telegraph his next move so clearly, or if the thief had meant for him to see his hostility on full display. “You’ve been a very, very bad boy…” [color=transparent]...............[/color]The next strike, when it came, caught him off guard not due to its abruptness, but because of the ferocity in which the thief’s rapier was swung, and the knight staggered once more, even as his sword caught the brunt of the thief’s blow. Ricky snarled as he finally swung back, though his weapon was met with the broad side of a stone wall as RK weaved, seemingly effortlessly, around the knight and their surroundings. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Did you think you could get away with it?!” The thief’s tone had changed once more. This time, instead of an amused wickedness, RK’s voice reflected something akin to toxic fury, venomous rage, the resulting whiplash caused from the wild shift in tenor causing the knight to falter enough in his stance that Kidder was able to deal him a wound, right on his shoulder blade. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Did you honestly think,” The next blow that was dealt was to his arm, just above his elbow, “That you could get away with it? Stealing? Taking what wasn’t yours?!” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“What are you going on about?” Ricky groused, lashing out with his own attack as he braved the thief's unusual onslaught, like iron striking steel, which was so, so distant from the swift dance, the smooth rapid that should be expected from a confrontation with the gentleman thief. “You’ve gone mad!” [columns][font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“Gone mad, have I?” There was the sound of tearing fabric as Ricky’s sword managed to catch the gentleman thief’s cloak, but RK remained otherwise undeterred. With a quick spin of his heels, the thief had whipped back around, rapier raised high above his head, a raw, unfiltered, untamed look in his eyes of a wild animal staring down its savage predator. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Perhaps I have- But only because of what you’ve done to me!” [color=transparent]...............[/color]RK’s next hit struck sound, squarely and firmly against his breastplate, and any chance of recovery was snuffed when the thief followed it up with a strong kick. The gentleman thief wrestled the knight’s weapon out of his hands the moment Sir Ricky was laid flat on his back, and RK produced a second weapon of his own- The ornate dagger he had stolen moments prior to warrant the knight’s current pursuit. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Elincia’s dagger,” The thief explained, pressing the sharp tip of the weapon against the knight’s neck to dissuade him from rising, “So named when she stabbed herself out of heartache upon discovering her husband harboured a mistress. Some say it went through her very heart itself.”[nextcol][img]https://imgur.com/Ogk2B1v.png[/img][/columns] [font=Gabriola][size=5][color=transparent]...............[/color]“What,” Ricky began. RK had always been shifty, spouting nonsensical things, but he had long since lost track of any shred of legibility to the thief’s current tirade. All this blabber about unknown thefts, mysterious wrongs and strange maiden tales… It was enough to make his head spin. “What do you even mean?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“What I mean,” The dagger’s handle almost seemed to creak from how tightly the thief was gripping it, “Is for you to get what you deserve!” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Which is…?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“A heart, Sir Ricky,” The tip of the dagger was trailing lower, blocked by his breastplate, but Ricky wasn’t quite bold enough to do anything just yet. The weapon might be unable to pierce through his armour, but it could still do some serious damage to his exposed neck. “Since you’ve so blatantly taken mine, it’s only right if I get to have yours in return, isn’t it, Sir Ricky?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]What. [color=transparent]...............[/color][i]What.[/i] [color=transparent]...............[/color]“You’re-” Ricky was cut off by his own disbelieved laugh, “You’re- Wow, you’re serious?” Another short laugh, “Oh, I don’t believe this.” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Did you think that,” RK appeared momentarily stunned by Ricky’s bemused reaction, and the knight took the thief’s slight instance of hesitation to push onward with his speech, “Actually, what did you think would happen? That, after confessing whatever twisted love you’re claiming you’ve harboured for me that- That what? What would happen after that?” [color=transparent]...............[/color]“Shut up,” The thief snarled, though it felt noticeably less harsh and more uncertain, the tip of the dagger wavering slightly. [color=transparent]...............[/color]“You’re so disillusioned,” Ricky continued in a sneer. It was a bad idea to taunt or goad someone, not while they were so unstable and were holding a weapon to your neck, but Ricky couldn’t control himself. He was suddenly delirious with hilarity. “That you honestly thought that whatever preposterous plan you’ve concocted in your head would work. I would feel sorry for you, but you’re such a freak. All that time when we were fighting each other, you actually thought-” [color=transparent]...............[/color][b]“SHUT UP!”[/b] The words were now a loud roar, and in a flurry or blurred motion, Ricky caught sight of RK raising the dagger high above his head in preparation for the inevitable downswing, and the knight moved one forearm before him. At this speed and angle, it was unlikely that RK’s strike would be very accurate, and chances were, the sharp end of the dagger would just glide off his gauntlets and bounce off his sturdy chest plates. [color=transparent]...............[/color]What waited for him instead was the reverberating echo of the ornamental dagger as it clattered onto the ground, and as Ricky raised his head, all that surrounded him were dark shadows and dim lighting. The gentleman thief was nowhere to be found. [img]https://imgur.com/THgwmOc.png[/img]