Carnival Of Clichés
After the girls found out about the kidnappings that first day of school, they wanted to know if there was something they could do, but they were just kids and unlike those old stories the evil was not in the castle. (They made sure to get rid of those damn Basilisk bones decades ago.) What they should focus on was their studies and let the adults handle this mess.
Though Vi and Caitlyn had gotten Vander and Cassandra to tell them if something changes, as a trade for keeping their silence. Secretly the two adults were proud of how calm and diplomatic the duo were taking the news.
In truth, Caitlyn and Vi had snuck out to the room of requirement that night so Vi could let out her frustrations.
"I let that kid go! I let that kid get taken and who knows what's happening to him now!" She destroys another training dummy.
"Vi you didn't know what was happening. You didn't know what the man was capable of." Caitlyn said as she stood behind Vi.
"I COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING! I COULD HAVE TACKLED HIM OR UGH!" Another dummy destroyed. "I let it happen. I watched it happen.
Caitlyn hugs Vi from behind. "He could have taken you too." She whispers and Vi breaks. She melts into the familiar embrace of lilac and gooseberries.
After a rather stressful few months of the kidnappings just suddenly going cold after the train station, Vi was glad to be home for a while. Snowdown break had been rather uneventful for Vi and Caitlyn. The latter did have duties as a Kiramman but ever since Cassandra had started becoming more lenient she'd been more willing to fulfill her duties. Back in Zaun, Vi receives some news.
"Fucking really?!"
"I don't see why not. But only if Cas agrees."
"Thanks dad! OWLINGTON!"
Hey Cupcake,
I've got some great fucking news! So you know how the kidnappings have basically gone cold since the day at the train station? Ya. So dad says it's safe to go out. But that's not the best news- okay that sounds pretty shitty- I have more good news! The wizards of Zaun and Rye have finally put up protective wards around the nearby amusement park. They said fear shouldn't keep the magic or muggle world from living their lives so they're making the park extra safe. No sleazy fucks getting in on their watch.
Anyway dad says, if Lady Kiramman is cool with it, you can come over with Grayson and we can go to the park! Dad got a bunch of tickets from a muggle friend. Everyone is going so we'll be safe.
-Vi
"Mother?" Caitlyn knocks on the office door.
"Come in." Cassandra calls from the other side.
Still standing properly she strides confidently into the room "Apologies mother but I have something for you." She hands Cassandra the letter.
She quickly reads the contents with an unchanging expression. "... No." She answers sternly.
Caitlyn nods solemnly. "I knew you would say that."
She turns to face the door and pulls out her wand. "Aberto." The door swings open revealing her smiling father.
"Darling it's only for a day. I'll even accompany her along with Grayson. Not to mention Vander and Silco will be there. Those three are unstoppable together." Tobias approached his wife, puppy dog eyes at full power, and oh how Cassandra was weak to those eyes.
The matriarch looks between her beloved husband and daughter, and sighs. "Fine. One. Day. If anything out of the ordinary happens I want both of you back here immediately. If not I will be pulling Caitlyn back into full Councilor training."
"Yes dear" "Yes mother." Tobias and Caitlyn chorus before leaving to pack up for the trip the next day. Outside the door they shared a cheeky high five.
It was rather early in the morning when Tobias, Caitlyn and Grayson arrived at Kings Cross for the trip to Zaun.
"So tell me, what am I to expect?" Tobias asked Caitlyn as they drove, Grayson behind the wheel.
"Um they might not like you at first-"
Caitlyn is suddenly cut off by a lighthearted chuckle from Grayson. "Wrong, young Kiramman. Tobias, don't play mind games with your daughter."
While Tobias chuckles, Caitlyn locks curious eyes with Grayson's from the rear view mirror. "What do you mean?"
Grayson smiled. "Your father has been to Zaun back before it was renamed by Vander and Silco."
Ah yes, Tobias was the only one amongst their group who did not know the truth of the Day Of Ash. All he knew is that The Lanes was renamed and expanded a few years ago thanks to some negotiations with the council. No one had the heart to tell him the truth and no one ever would if they could help it.
"It was a long time ago, Cait. A few times between the years after we graduated and before I married your mother." Tobias adds.
"Many in Zaun haven't forgotten you. The only pureblood that could make the hardass Silco smile. You might have some trouble with the new folk but you've got quite a few people vouched for you." Grayson happily explained to him before turning her attention back to Caitlyn.
"Besides, it's impossible to hate your father. It's a running joke between us that he has Veela blood, a natural charmer. He's far too much of a pure soul to ever be seen as hostile." The Sheriff of Pilover allowed her professionalism to fall around her best friend and her prodige.
Caitlyn giggles and glances at her father who was pouting. "I don't have Veela blood, Odette!"
Caitlyn and Grayson break into full blown laughter.
Its around 7am when Caitlyn braces for impact as she stepped out of the car.
"CATIE!" Powder runs out of the Last Drop and throws herself at the bluenette.
"Hello to you too, Pow." Caitlyn chuckles and hugs the little troublemaker.
"Hey! Where's my hug?" Vi stood outside the bar and held her arms out, puppy dog eyes at full power.
Caitlyn rolls her eyes but swiftly moves to hug her best friend. As she did, Vander and Silco came out to meet their other guests.
"Toby, it's good to see you back here after so long." Vander pulled the lanky man into a warm bear hug.
"It's good to see you too, Van." He wheezed out.
"Brother put Toby down." Silco drawls. Vander chuckles and releases the man from his affectionate entrapment.
Tobias takes a deep breath. "Thanks, Sil." He smiles and pulls the ever stoic Silco into a hug.
He pulled away and looked around more, admiring the mix of muggle and magic under a shining blanket of snow. "Love what you've done with the place. All the protection and expansion. I still remember how small it was before."
Grayson, Vander and Silco were expecting their friends naivete and thus were barely fazed by the comment.
"Dad! Come on! Everyone's waiting for breakfast!" Powder calls out to the four adults as she, Caitlyn and Vi vanish inside to eat with the others.
"Alright kiddos." Vander speaks up to catch everyone's attention.
Breakfast finished a while ago and the visiting piltovans had put their extra things away in their guest rooms. Tobias also set up an emergency port key with Vander and Silco's help. The park would open in an hour and Vander still had to run everyone through the protocol.
"Silco you're taking Powder and Ekko." The 3rd years in question looked rather insulted. Vander chuckles. "Sorry but there are a bunch of rides you're either too short or too young to ride and I know you two are going to use growth spells. Your uncle is the best of us at those." He gives the two trouble makers a wink.
Vander looks to Grayson. "Odette, take care of my boys and Abby will you? Really Mylo is the only one you need to keep an eye on."
"Hey! I detest that!" Mylo barks.
"Oh wow! Becareful Lo, you don't want to hurt your head with those big words." Vi teases with a grin causing everyone to laugh.
"Shut." He snaps back, stiffly pointing his finger at her like a threat.
Vander shakes his head fondly before looking at the last two members of their group. "Finally, Vi, Caitlyn, you're with Tobias and I."
"Hey how come we get two babysitters?!" Vi whines and Caitlyn could only see a sad puppy.
"Sorry Violet dear, but I have to be with my daughter and I'm not a very good fighter. That's where Van comes in." Tobias gestures to the large man.
"And Cas would kill us if we left you two with just one person. You're trouble magnets."
Caitlyn and Vi look like they're about to contest the statement but they think back on how much shit they've gotten into- willing or not- since first year they back down.
"If it makes you feel any better we'll be a few steps behind." Tobias chuckled. Was he low key insinuating the girls could enjoy their date in peace? Yes. Yes he was.
"When we get there grab a map and go wild!" Vander smiles fondly when the young ones cheer.
They arrive at The Playground- yes it is indeed a silly name for an amusement park- just as it opened and after planning their routes at meet up times they split off.
"So where do you want to go first?" Vi asked Caitlyn as they looked over the map.
"Um… I've never been to a place like this so I don't know." Caitlyn answered clearly nervous and unsure of the whole situation.
On the other hand Vi lit up like the fourth of July. She knew exactly how to get the pureblood to relax. She scoots on over to Vander and Tobias and points out something on the park map. Vander grins like a mad man and Tobias beams, both giving the go ahead. Vi turns back around to Caitlyn and grabs her hand on instinct.
"Come on, Cupcake! I've got the perfect first ride!"
"Vi. I'm going to kill you in your sleep." Caitlyn hisses as she grasps the reins of the carousel horse she sat upon. Vi could only laugh and look at her friend with the most shit eating grin.
Though Caitlyn was scarlet red Vander and Tobias could see her body relaxing and the barely noticeable smile on her lips. Vander and Tobias quickly take pictures while the girls are distracted by each other.
"Say, when do you think they'll get together?" Vander glances down at Tobias.
"Hmmm I say-"
"You alright there, Cupcake?" Vi grins and quickly steps back when Caitlyn tries to punch her shoulder.
"I hate you so much." She snarls with no real heat.
"Well then, why don't we try something else?" Vi offers and Caitlyn looks around.
The bluenette spots something much taller than most attractions around them. She points to it.
"What's that?" She looks to Vi who beams.
"That's a rollercoaster! No take backsies!" Vi grabs her hand again and starts pulling her towards the nearest one.
"V-Vi! Wait! What does it even do?" Caitlyn stumbled along behind her.
"It's like flying." Is all she says in reply.
The next thing Caitlyn knew she was being strapped into one of the front seats of the car, traveling up a very tall drop.
"Vi. If I die. I'm going to come back and haunt you." Caitlyn mutters as she holds Vi's hand in a death grip.
"If you die uncle Tobias will make sure I join yyyOOOUUUUUUU-"
On the ground Vander takes a video of the whole event. He can pick out Vi's cackling and Caitlyns terrified screams. Tobias laughs when he spots his daughter clinging into Vi for dear life.
The ride came to a slow stop and the harnesses automatically lifted allowing the passengers to unbuckle. Vi helps Caitlyn onto the exit platform and looks her over. Her long blue hair was an absolute mess and her eyes were wide with shock. Even her steps seemed unsteady.
"Uh. Cupcake? You alright?" Vi's voice lowered, genuinely afraid something was wrong.
Then she looked at Vi and whispered. "Can we go again?" Her look of shock morphing into childlike wonder and excitement.
Vi matches her smile. "Hell ya! That's the spirit! Let's go to the even bigger one!"
Vander and Tobias really had their work cut out for them as they chased their girls around the park. Several times they'd seek the two others groups for a moment before trucking on after their daughters.
Vi dragged Caitlyn to the second biggest rollercoaster in the park much to her delight. Then they got on the big tower drop, they absolutely loved that one. Then they rode the tallest coaster of them all. The smile on Caitlyn's face warmed Vi's heart and chased away the chill of winter. Caitlyn looked at Vi and silently thanked whatever higher power was out there that they had met.
After that they met up with the others at a bistro style restaurant with a jukebox! To which Vi, Powder and Mylo reenacted something from years ago. They shared their experiences so far and all agreed to go through the big Haunted house together.
By the time they walked out Caitlyn and Powder clung to Vi like cats on a climbing pole. Abby was using Claggor like a human shield while Mylo and Ekko faked indifference. In truth the duo were shaking in their boots. Even Vi was shaken but she takes on the big strong one for Cait and Powder.
Then they parted ways again.
"Okay. Break before we try something else." Vi sighed when Caitlyn finally released the death grip she had on her arm.
"What do you have in mind?" Caitlyn asked after straightening her clothes.
Vi grinned and proceeded to drag her to the nearby corn dog stand and several other greasy muggle food stalls. As they walked around something caught Caitlyn's attention.
"Vi what are all these stands?"
"Oh they're carnival games. They have prizes and stuff you can win depending on how well you play. They're sly rigged for you to fail though." Vi gestured to a kid getting a small puppy plushie from a stall.
Caitlyn looks around and lights up. She grabs Vi's hand and drags her to a stall that looks to be a shooting game.
"Hey there miss." The man behind the counter greets them. "5 bucks for 10 shots. You just gotta knock down those targets. The higher the targets the more points."
Caitlyn slammed down some of the money and picked up a rifle. Her first round of shots did nothing and Vi was about to tell her it wasn't worth it but Caitlhn cut her off and slammed another 5 dollars down. This time she grinned with confidence. Ten shots. Ten downed targets.
"... Cupcake… what the fuck???" Vi's jaw was on the ground.
"W-well then. What do ya want, Miss? You can pick anything."
Caitlyn instantly pointed to the large red wolf stuffed toy. The man brought it to her and with the biggest smile she pushed it into Vi's arms.
"It's you!" Caitlyn beams. What the fuck is Vi supposed to do? Refuse? Hell no!
"Thanks, Cupcake. You're so sweet- what are you doing?!" Vi chases after Caitlyn as she beelines it to a ring toss game.
That was how they spent the next few hours. Tobias and Vander watched as the stuffed toy pile in Vi's arms grew with every stall Caitlyn demolished, though none of them were anywhere near as large as the wolf. At some point the group was offered a bag to carry everything and Vi was happy to accept, everything went in except the wolf. Then a prize caught Vi's interest and she proceeded to drag Caitlyn towards it.
Test Your Strength!
The game was one of those machines with a punching bag that you hit and measures the force of your punch. The higher the force the better the prize.
"Yep. This is my game." Vi grinned and paid the handler of the game. She then handed Caitlyn the wolf for safe keeping.
Vander steps up behind Vi and places his hands on her shoulders like he does before she trains back home. "You got this, little wolf. Remember, the force comes at the last second."
Vi nods and her expression morphs into one of pure determination. She takes her stance, breathes, and swings. The right hook slammed into the punching bag, knocking it back quite a bit. The group and the bystanders watch as the numbers go higher. Top score. Vi cheers and runs over to the prizes.
"That one!" She points to the giant pusheen plush holding a cupcake, it was roughly the same size as her wolf.
With a satisfied smile Vi gently yoinks her wolf from Caitlyns arms and replaces it with the cat. "It's you!" Vi emanates pride and sass. Caitlyn couldn't help but laugh whole heartedly.
"It's almost time to go. Anything else you want to try?" Vi looked up to Caitlyn as they walked through the park. The sky had gone dark now and they would have to meet back up with the others soon.
Caitlyn hummed in thought. " Oh! Can we go to that one?" Vi followed Caitlyn's gaze to the large feris wheel.
Luckily it was dark thus Caitlhn couldn't see the violent blush on Vi's cheeks. She knew the cliches,the possible scenarios, Caitlyn didn't.
That's right. If she knew she definitely wouldn't risk going in one of those… at least not with her... and if she did nothing would happen. Friends. That's all the were and all they ever would be...
"Sure! That's called a Feris wheel." Vi offered her bent arm out of habit and Caitlyn rested her hand at the crook of Vi's elbow as they walked.
It was time. One more pair in front of them and they would get on. Vi would be in one of the most dangerous situations she's ever been in and she didn't know if her secretly panicked Sapphic heart could take it.
They step forward-
"GIRLS!"
The duo whip their heads around to look at Vander. The smile he'd worn all day was gone and replaced by a scowl of urgency. Without hesitation they jumped out of line- much to the annoyance of staff and relief of the group behind them. Vi and Caitlyn stopped in front of Vander and Tobias.
"Several suspicious individuals have been spotted in Rye. We have to head back. I'm sorry." Vander quickly explained.
"Dad, we can help!" Vi offered and Caitlyns eyes shone with the same vigor.
"No. I need you to protect Powder and Zaun, and Caitlyn needs to go home."
The two reluctantly nod in understanding and follow the two men as they lead the way out.
During the ride home several questions were thrown at the adults from the clueless teens. Vander explained that Benzo reported some suspicious individuals in Rye and they had to go back.
Silco drops off the group at the Last Drop and drives back out to meet with Grayson and Vander in Rye.
"Caitlyn, pack your things. We're leaving." Tobias said sternly.
Vi follows Caitlyn up to her room to help. As they put away all the extra things they'd gotten, Vi speaks up.
"I'm sorry we couldn't go on the Feris wheel."
Caitlyn smiled softly. "It's alright, we can do it another day." She says as the wears her backpack and hugs the cat plushie close to herself.
They join Tobias in his room, everyone else already waiting inside to say their goodbyes and Snowdown well wishes. Hugs and words were exchanged. With a final wave Tobias and Caitlyn grasped the wine bottle portkey and vanished.
"...So how was your date?"
"POWDER!"