Story Hub: [link]
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In a possible future, in a world not unlike our own, one single kingdom rose as the dominant and only power. It was an ethereal realm with castles made of gemstone and technology so great it was indiscernible from magic. A land where humanity had advanced so far that to live in comfort and excess was the standard, and a life of hard labor and servitude was a rarity. It was known as the kingdom of Celene.
To be a worker or servant in this kingdom was a special privilege. They were the 1% who slaved their lives away so others may prosper. Alas, to be a worker was not a simple choice but a burden granted at birth. As in our time, where to be noble meant to be part of a family lineage, in this kingdom, a worker was a sort of birthright. Grand worker families spread their branches across the domain. To be born in one meant a life of hard work and labor, no matter your personal opinion.
However, their best and brightest were chosen for the highest of honors. To be personal servants for the eternal royal family that ruled this ethereal kingdom. Among those best and brightest exists one family. For generations, that family has held the grandest honor of being the only ones allowed to attend the Queen and her daughters. However, such an exclusive honor can create odd results in exceptional circumstances. Such abnormal results greatly influenced the life of the young woman Serena Diane. Suddenly thrust from her life as an average girl into one as the personal maid to the kingdom’s youngest princess. Such a life should be one of poise, elegance, and formality. Alas, Serena is not so lucky, as the Queen, princesses, and high nobles are anything but…
However, today is not another day of petty politics, poorly hidden schemes, and nutjobs with super strength. Today, the people of New Celene put that all behind them for the moment to disappear into the sunny beaches. It’s time for the Maid in Fantasy (Late) Summer Special!
<<<~--~>>>
It was the height of summer, the sun was a radiating beacon of heat, the scent of the ocean was in the air, and the beach might as well have stretched on forever. Serena and Orion stepped out of the idling hovercraft first, setting down a large towel on the sand before helping the two princesses out of the vehicle. Orion took Princess Atlanta by the hand as she gracefully stepped onto the beach. Serena gripped Princess Irene’s waist for dear life as the little girl was already intent on bolting away at full speed the second she touched the ground.
Lady Aphros and Lady Aré stepped out last, the former with a pleasant grin and the latter with a suspicious glance directed towards her companion. The two nobles strutted out from the group first to observe their surroundings. The tropical island they had landed on was relatively large and practically deserted. The only sign of civilization was the massive resort hotel resting on a cliff overlooking the ocean in the distance. The rest of the island was pure sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and dense jungle, the “perfect vacation getaway,” according to Lady Aphros.
“Beach hut there, lunch table there, and cabana there. Please and thank you,” Aphros ordered. A surrounding quartet of hovercrafts opened up. Each released a squad of servants who swarmed the beach and set up the requested structures, plus a kitchen, some hammocks, and a dozen beach chairs. As quickly as they came, most of the servants piled back into the hovercrafts and were replaced by a team of royal guards in swim trunks. The guards formed a solid perimeter around the area before giving an all-clear signal.
“Your beach is complete, Lady Aphros,” one of the remaining servants stepped forward. A fairly tall man in a chef’s hat with a pencil mustache.
“Sorry, Dimitrios, not a new record,” Aphros held up a stopwatch.
“Curses,” the servant clenched his fist. “Lunch shall be ready in two hours,” he announced before stepping away.
“Orpheo,” Lady Aré turned back towards their hovercraft, “all is well here. You’re clear for take-off.”
“Acknowledged, Lady Aré,” the royal valet nodded from inside the hovercraft. “I’ll return in about four hours,” he declared before flying off. Once the dust settled and everyone seemed quiet, Serena finally spoke up.
“Lady Aphros, is it safe to assume that the Queen and Second Princess will not be in attendance?” Serena inquired.
“They’re…otherwise occupied,” Aphros answered hesitantly, “so it’s just us, the sun, and the beach for the next week.”
“Weren’t there three important political events this week?” Serena asked.
“Don’t you worry about that,” Aphros assured the maid, “just enjoy the tropical environment.”
“As you wish, Lady Aphros,” Serena rolled her eyes. She could sense Lady Aré glaring at her, likely upset at her sarcastic comment. ‘Or maybe she wanted to rib Aphros, and I stole her chance,’ the maid wondered.
“Enough talk, time for the beach,” Aphros directed the group towards the recently constructed luxury beach hut, and everyone followed. Except for Irene, whom Serena had to pick up and carry before the little girl could run for the tree line.
<<<~--~>>>
As the group arrived at the beach hut, Aphros stopped in front of it for a moment. The noblewoman took in a deep breath of ocean air before making a declaration.
“When you think of the beach, you think of the ocean, and when you think of the ocean, you think of swimming,” the blonde remarked. “And you can’t swim without swimsuits. On that note,” Aphros pulled out a woven straw bag from nowhere, “I went ahead and bought everyone swimsuits.” Out from the bag came a set of frilly and skimpy swimsuits worthy of only the raunchiest of magazines. “And I didn’t intend to leave Orion out,” Aphros whipped out a tiny speedo. “Now, for the first princess, I got this pink and lacey…girls?” The noble finally realized she was alone.
Aré and Serena shared an annoyed sigh inside the hut, then glanced at the other for a moment of uneasy harmony before shaking it off and going into their respective changing rooms.
“Do us all a favor and ignore Aphros,” Aré advised as she shut her door. “Just let her tire herself out, and whatever you do, don’t humor her.”
‘You don’t have to tell me twice,’ Serena thought as she changed out of her uniform. The raven-haired girl exited her room, dressed in a black, athletic one-piece swimsuit with the royal crest etched into the top, where a logo would usually be. She looked more ready to dive into an Olympic swimming pool than to spend the day on a tropical island. The two princesses emerged from their own shared room. Both sported matching white and gold one-pieces.
“Excellent choice, princess,” Serena complimented the royals. “I hope Irene wasn’t too troublesome.”
“She can at the very least put on a swimsuit with minimal fuss,” Princess Atlanta assured as she brushed a lock of hair out of her face. The royal had tied her long silver lilac and pink-tipped hair into a pair of twin pink buns. Irene’s blonde hair was tied into a single lilac bun on the back of her head.
“No,” Aphros burst into the hut. “Girls, why? I picked out such cute outfits for you,” the blonde teared up.
“If you think I was going to wear that gaudy, pink monstrosity you’ve been trying to force on me since last week,” the princess huffed, “you have another thing coming, Aphros.”
“Serena?” Aphros turned her puppy dog eyes to the maid.
“Apologies, Lady Aphros,” Serena shook her head. “It would be improper of a maid to wear such an audacious outfit. Especially when both of the princesses have chosen such modest attire.”
“Irene?” Aphros tried once last time.
“Nope,” the youngest princess stuck her tongue out. Aphros fell to the floor in defeat.
“Aré, you’re my last hope,” the noble declared dramatically.
“Well, sorry to burst your bubble,” Aré emerged from the changing room in a simple black one-piece. The exact same one Serena was wearing, a fact both noticed immediately. “Maid, tell me, what made you choose that swimsuit?” The noble ran her hand through her dark red hair in a coarse fashion.
“It was provided to me by the palace,” Serena answered professionally. “The standard garb for all maids who must attend their charges waterside.”
“I see,” Aré’s gaze was cold, with a hint of annoyance. Serena returned the gesture.
“Teehee,” Aphros giggled. “You both wore the same dress.”
“Shut up,” the two yelled at Aphros in unison.
“Ahem,” Aré coughed. “It doesn’t matter.” The noble turned and walked out, not even commenting on Serena’s outburst.
“Lady Aré is right. It doesn’t matter,” Serena agreed, took Irene’s hand, and strode away.
“They’re funny,” Aphros laughed to herself. “Now to wow the world with my swimsuit!” The blonde leaped into the last changing room while Atlanta stepped outside.
“I hope you are well, princess,” Orion greeted Atlanta. The blonde butler was garbed in a pair of navy-blue athletic swim trunks. The royal crest was sewn at the bottom of the right leg.
“Never been better,” Atlanta slipped on a pair of sunglasses. “Now, let’s get out of here before Aphros tries to make you wear that ridiculous speedo.” The two stepped out onto the beach and headed towards the water.
“Ta-da!” Lady Aphros busted out from the hut. The noble had put on an audacious yellow two-piece, covered in frills and polka dots. The skimpy swimwear was held onto her body by flimsy-looking strings that looked ready to unravel at the slightest provocation. It was all topped off by a transparent, white sarong[1] wrapped around her waist. “Behold, the most gorgeous beauty to walk this beach. No need to be jealous. I have plenty of spotlight to…spare…where is everybody?”
<<<~--~>>>
The group, sans Aphros, seated themselves in a pre-setup luxury beach, complete with a cabana, gazebo, giant chairs, fans, and drinks on ice. Princess Atlanta quickly applied her sunblock before seating herself on a chair. Her sister, on the other hand…
“Princess Irene, hold still,” Serena ordered as she chased the little princess around the beach with sunscreen in hand.
“Why do you guys keep leaving me?” Aphros ran up to them, fuming.
“You’re a big girl. You can take care of yourself,” Aré blew her off.
“Fine,” Aphros sighed, “would you like me to put sunscreen on you?”
“You still use that old crap?” Aré snorted as she pulled out a can of Chrona brand Instant-Sun Protection. With a click of the can’s top, the noble was instantly coated in a perfectly even layer of sunscreen.
“Where’s the fun in that,” Aphros pouted.
“Quit being a child,” Aré snapped. “Now get your sunblock on. You burn like firewood.”
“Fine,” Aphros stomped away.
“The tropical air brings out the worst in her,” Aré groaned. “Maid,” she turned towards Serena, “I’m going for a swim. Keep the princess safe.”
“As you wish,” Serena exclaimed as she grabbed the mischievous young princess.
“Atlanta, is everything well with you?” Aré turned to the elder princess.
“I’m content,” Atlanta leaned back into her beach chair. Orion was immediately by her side to deliver a glass of ice-filled water, which the royal gratefully accepted.
“Oh ho ho,” Aphros reinserted herself into the conversation. “Orion, the only boy in our group, hehe,” the noblewoman began giggling. ‘You know what they say about young men surrounded by beautiful girls. So young, so eager…who knows what embarrassing situations or even erotic happenings may result…He and Atlanta might even…’
“What’s gotten into Lady Aphros?” Orion wondered aloud.
“She’s in her own little world right now. It’s best you ignore her,” Aré huffed and marched away, only to glance back at Serena. “Maid, do me a favor…”
‘…And then after their fourth romantic night under the stars, they’ll start to get serious,’ Aphros continued her elaborate fantasy. ‘They might even tie the knot before…’ Her delusions were cut off by a splash of ice-cold water. “Gah, who did that?” The noble jumped.
“Apologies, Lady Aphros,” Serena admitted to the act, an empty glass in her hand, “but Lady Aré said the tropical sun must be getting to your head. So, it would be best to cool you off in the quickest way possible.”
“That spoilsport,” Aphros fumed as she spotted Aré running into the ocean. “Well, two can play at that game,” the noble moved towards the sea. “Oh, and before I forget. Keep away from the jungle, you two. There’s a reason we took the hovercraft directly to the beach,” Aphros revealed, “I just don’t remember what that reason is.” With that, the blonde raced off to torment her rival.
“Well, that’s not at all concerning,” Serena replied sarcastically.
“Serena, shouldn’t you be keeping a closer eye on Irene then?” Orion pointed out.
“Not to worry, I trapped her in a stack of inner tubes over there,” Serena gestured.
“You mean the stack she’s currently digging her way out of?” Atlanta commented.
“What?” Serena whipped her head around to see the stack of inner tubers, minus Irene, with sand constantly shooting out the top. “Oh no, you don’t,” the maid rushed over and picked up the tubes, only to reveal no Irene. “Where?”
“Boing,” Irene popped out of the top of the inner tubes, bounced off Serena’s head, and ran for the jungle. “Tag, you’re it!”
“Princess,” Serena chased her.
“Same bit, different setting,” Princess Atlanta rolled her eyes and went back to sunbathing as the two disappeared into the distance.
<<<~--~>>>
The tiny princess had outpaced Serena by the time she reached the tree line. Her caretaker successfully eluded, Irene began to frolic and play along the jungle’s edge. The easily amused little girl found herself fascinated by the tropical foliage. As she observed each and every plant, she noticed one patch of leaves rustling.
“Oh,” the princess vocalized as a small, bi-pedal reptile emerged from behind a fern. Even compared to the small child, the creature was positively tiny, standing no taller than a small dog. “What’s your name?” Irene asked the creature, which simply stared back at her.
“Princess, where are you?” Serena’s voice yelled from nearby.
“Oop,” Irene giggled. The tiny creature chirped like an exotic bird as if in response.
“What was that?” Serena’s voice grew closer. Which drew the princess’s attention.
“Shush, or she’ll find us,” Irene warned, but as the girl turned around, she realized that she and her new friend were not alone. Dozens of the little creatures emerged from the jungle and began to surround the princess, chirping like a chorus. “Ooh,” the situation began to slowly dawn on the child.
The tiny creatures grew closer and closer to the princess until one slightly bigger one jumped in front of the others. It reared up, ready to pounce, before leaping at Irene.
“I’m afraid not,” Serena appeared and snatched the creature in mid-air. Without missing a beat, she hurtled the reptile into the tree line before returning her attention to the rest of them. “Beat it, you stupid lizards,” the maid kicked the creatures away. Several tried to claw and bite her, but Serena was no ordinary person. By the time the first one managed to sink its teeth in, more than half the creatures had been repelled. The few that did bite Serena were quickly removed and thrown far into the jungle. Before long, all the animals retreated.
“Ah, I wanted to keep one,” Irene commented before noticing the few bite marks on Serena’s leg. “Does that hurt?” The princess looked a little guilty.
“Not really,” Serena shook her head as she grabbed the princess by the scruff of her neck. “Princess Irene, I hope you realize how much trouble you’re in for running off like that.”
“Hmm,” the princess looked away.
“No candy with lunch today, and no dessert tonight either,” Serena declared. “Unless you behave, then I might, just might, get you something small. Understand?”
“Uh, huh,” Irene twiddled her thumbs, not wanting to meet Serena’s gaze.
“Come on,” Serena dragged the little girl away from the jungle.
However, unknown to both of them, something watched them from within the tree line. Its gaze honed in on the two girls like a sniper sight. Yet, all it did was watch, not even moving from wherever it hid. But, for the briefest moment, it seemed to lock eyes with Irene. A fact that confused both parties.
<<<~--~>>>
By the time Serena and Irene returned, the rest of the group had convened for lunch. A gorgeous spread of beachside favorites was spread on a newly setup table. Plate after plate of boiled crab, fried oysters, pesto salmon, and roast beef sandwiches came out one after the other. The salty air mixed with the scent of freshly cooked food created an appetite-wetting smell.
“What took you so long?” Aphros inquired as she cut into her salmon.
“Irene is quite the explorer,” Serena remarked as she set the princess in her seat. “I’m considering handcuffing her to my side.”
“You didn’t go into the jungle, did you?” Aphros asked.
“No,” Serena covered the bite marks on her legs. “I got the princess before she passed over the edge of the tree line.”
“Okay,” the noble gave a thumbs up. “Take a bowl of lobster stew as a reward for keeping the princess safe.”
“Thank you, Lady Aphros,” Serena received the bowl from one of the waitstaff before sitting over at an adjacent table with Orion. Aré watched Serena suspiciously for a moment, noting the marks on her legs, but said nothing.
Far in the distance, the thing in the tree line watched the group. Its presence was still unknown to the majority of the group. The being’s gaze darted around the tables, taking stock of each occupant, with particular interest directed towards the princess and Serena.
“You know, it’s been so long since we last vacationed here,” Aphros commented, “but I can’t remember why.” She tapped a fork on her lips thoughtfully.
‘I can only imagine,’ Serena kept her thoughts to herself. ‘I swear I’ve seen those little things before, but where? Was it on TV? A movie?’
During lunch, Irene was surprisingly well behaved. The little princess made no attempts to escape or make a mess. She simply sat quietly and ate her food. Serena breathed a sigh of relief, glad she was finally making headway in disciplining the mischievous child. So, for a brief moment, the maid relaxed and took her eyes off the young girl.
Sensing an opportunity, Irene nabbed a spare roast beef sandwich and wrapped it within a cloth napkin. As Serena glanced back, the princess went back on her best behavior, but the second the maid looked away, Irene was back to her plot. Finally, when it seemed Serena was at her most relaxed, engaged in an animated discussion with Orion, the princess grabbed her hidden sandwich and ran back to the jungle.
“Darn it,” Serena immediately sensed Irene’s escape, bolting after her before anyone else had realized the princess had left. “Guards, the princess is escaping again! I need support!” A group of the swimsuit-wearing guards broke off from the rest and followed the maid in her pursuit of Irene.
“Oh dear, they’re heading right for the jungle again,” Aphros drummed her fingers.
The being in the jungle watched the entire situation with glee. As the princess sprinted back for the tree line, the watcher in the trees moved to meet her. The being salivated in anticipation, it would eat well today.
<<<~--~>>>
Serena decided catching up to Irene in time wasn’t going to happen. The princess always managed to stay one step ahead in a direct chase, as though she adjusted her speed like rubber-band AI. Instead, the maid decided to bolt around her charge and jump her at the tree line. Irene, believing she had completely shaken Serena, slowed her pace and skipped back to where she encountered the little creatures.
“Come out, come out,” the princess announced as she waved around the roast beef sandwich. At the sight and scent of food, one of the little reptiles hesitantly emerged from a bush and approached the little girl. “There you are,” Irene bent her knees and observed the creature, “here it’s roast beef.”
“Princess, have you ever heard the phrase, don’t feed the animals?” Serena revealed herself, hanging from a tree above. Startling both Irene and the reptile. “Why would you ever return to where these things almost attacked you?” The maid gracefully jumped to the ground.
“I want to take one home,” the princess asserted.
“Of course,” Serena could feel a migraine forming.
Nearby, the thing in the trees drew closer to the pair. Its presence was still unnoticed by everyone but Irene. It lurked and stalked until it was nearly on top of the two.
“Princess, pay attention to me when I’m talking to you,” Serena scolded the girl, who was more focused on the unseen attacker.
“Serena,” Irene muttered.
“Don’t interrupt,” Serena stopped her, “I’ve been too soft on you, but now I’m going to put my foot down.” The maid seemed almost oblivious to the tall shadow looming over her.
<<<~--~>>>
“Lady Aphros, what’s this terrible thing in the jungle you’ve been alluding to?” Atlanta asked.
“Well, there are things out there,” Aphros explained, “things we’d rather avoid.”
“Stop being vague,” Atlanta narrowed her gaze. “You know Serena and Irene are out there right now.”
“Well, it shouldn’t be a problem,” Aphros made a popping sound with her lips. “Only a few small ones should be able to get this far outside their pens. A few big ones have escaped before, but not usually this far.”
“Just come out and say it already,” the princess demanded.
“Atlanta, dear, you worry too much,” Aphros brushed her off. “I mean, it’s so inconsequential that I barely remember what I was concerned about-” A bolt struck into the table in front of the noble. Both women turned towards Aré, who was suddenly polishing one of her hand crossbows.
“What? It was just a misfire,” Aré lied through her teeth, “but I’m sure it helped jog your terrible memory.”
“Okay, I’ll talk,” Aphros squeaked.
<<<~--~>>>
“Serena,” Irene whimpered. Even the little creature began to cower and back away slowly.
“Princess, I’m not done scolding you,” the maid shook her head.
“But,” Irene tried to raise an objection. The thing from the trees was practically breathing on Serena by now.
“But what?” The raven-haired girl glared. “You mean that scientifically inaccurate dinosaur sneaking up on me?” Serena glanced back. “It’s no big deal.”
Startled by its prey’s casual attitude, the large raptor-like creature tried to pounce on Serena. Yet, the maid casually backhanded the beast before it could even move. The raptor was flung back into a nearby tree and fell to the ground in a miserable heap.
“What? You thought that thing could sneak up on me?” Serena exclaimed. “It isn’t a giant cow. Nor was it even half as tough.” The maid walked over to Irene, who now clutched the little reptile in her arms like a cat. “Now, we’re leaving, princess.”
However, the raptor was not finished. It rolled over and sprung onto its feet, ready for round two. Serena was so unthreatened by the beast that she didn’t even bother to look back. She was correct in a sense, as the raptor was not a threat. A loud stomp flattening the creature proved that.
“What the-?” Serena finally looked back to see a giant three-toed foot behind her. The maid glanced above to see a huge reptile looking down at her. Its mouth was full of teeth and saliva as it growled at the two. “How’d that sneak up on me?” The maid screamed as she grabbed Irene and ran.
<<<~--~>>>
“Well, the island was originally for housing clones of scientifically inaccurate dinosaurs,” Aphros stated with a straight face. “Alas, plans for a circus performance featuring them fell through when they proved too difficult to train.”
“And let me guess, this is General Chrona’s doing?” Princess Atlanta asked.
“How’d you know?” Aphros was taken aback.
“Lucky guess,” Atlanta grumbled.
“It was mostly done for fun, so it didn’t have any official backing,” Aphros revealed. “When the money ran out, the whole project was abandoned, and the dinos left to their own devices. Safely contained in electric fences until they died of natural causes.”
“If the funding ran out, who’s paying the bill to keep the fences active and maintained?” Aré pointed out.
“Um,” Aphros looked away. She shot Orion a pleading look, but the butler wisely remained silent. “Anyway, I’m sure Serena is more than capable of handling whatever escaped captivity.” Right as the noble said that, the whole table began to shake. A quick glance into the distance revealed Serena, Irene, and a squad of guards running from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. “Whoops, Sneaky got out of her pen again.”
“Sneaky?” Atlanta made a bewildered expression.
“The quietest T-Rex in history. It was going to be her tagline for the main act,” Aphros chirped but quickly realized everyone else was not amused. “Orion, could you be a dear a grab my communicator from my bag? I need to call Orpheo and ask for an early pickup.”
<<<~--~>>>
Serena had expected to be much further by now, even carrying Irene shouldn’t have slowed her down so much. Alas, when the ground shook with each step of your pursuer, keeping a good pace or balance was hard. The maid questioned how she didn’t feel the vibrations when the creature initially approached. However, examining the illogical nonsense she put up with daily never produced desirable results.
‘I’m not going to say it can’t get any worse. I’m not going to say it can’t get any worse,’ Serena repeated to herself while clutching Irene tightly. Alas, she mistimed a stride, and her foot touched the ground right as it shook, throwing her off balance. ‘Okay, now it can’t get any worse,’ Serena thought as she fell on her bottom.
The T-rex jutted towards her, ready to go for a bite, only to be knocked on its side. Another, larger dinosaur with a huge fin coming out of its spine stomped on the T-rex before turning to face Serena. However, before it could even open its jaw, a massive two-headed T-rex burst into the area and ripped it in two. Then an enormous dinosaur emerged from nowhere, as though it were invisible before, and bit the two-headed rex’s heads off. But then, a positively gargantuan three-headed T-rex rose from underground and chomped the cloaking dinosaur in one bite. Yet, even that paled compared to the absolutely colossal hybrid dinosaur covered in cybernetics that teleported out of nowhere and zapped the three-headed tyranno with its laser eyes.
“Oh, come on!” Serena exclaimed.
<<<~--~>>>
“Seriously!” Lady Aré gestured at the absurd (even for them) sight unfolding in the distance.
“You know as well as I do that General Chrona doesn’t know the meaning of the word restraint,” Aphros shrugged.
“Is that what you’ll say to Queen Celene when you tell her the princess was stepped on by a dinosaur?” Aré snapped. “Is that what you’ll tell the maid’s parents, or how about the guard’s families?”
“Okay, okay,” Aphros held up her hands. “Look, see, that’s Orpheo coming right now,” the blonde pointed to the hovercraft approaching fast.
“Hand me that damn communicator,” Aré growled.
“Okay, but I don’t think yelling at Orpheo will get him here any faster,” the noble handed over the device.
<<<~--~>>>
Serena ran for her life (not that she wasn’t already) as the remaining dinosaurs and a few new ones broke out into a brawl. Teeth, claws, scales, and lasers went flying in every direction. The squad of guards that had initially followed Serena had long since run screaming towards the ocean, leaving Serena alone to protect the princess. The maid’s danger sense was going bonkers, alerting the young woman that every direction was instant death.
‘Yes, I know I’m in danger, thank you,’ Serena snarked at her sixth sense. ‘We’re going to die here, and there’s nothing I can do about it,’ the maid lamented. ‘Best I can do is cover the princess’s eyes, so she doesn’t see it coming.’ As the raven-haired girl looked down at the small child held in her arms, she was surprised to see a very neutral-faced and not at all panicked Irene.
“Hmm,” Irene hummed.
“Princess, I congratulate you for putting on a brave face, but we are in mortal peril,” Serena admitted. “It’s okay to cry.”
“Nah,” Irene denied.
“Princess, you really don’t have to act so tough,” Serena assured. “Nor, so indifferent.”
“What’s peril?” Irene asked with her head cocked. Serena’s brain short-circuited, and for the briefest moment, she forgot she was surrounded by giant dinosaurs killing each other. Thankfully, the constant ground shaking snapped her out of it. Alas, the maid flew when a five-headed T-rex crashed into the ground next to her.
“Oh Lord,” the young woman yelled as she flew through the air and crashed back on the beach with a thud. “Good thing we’re on a beach, or I might have broken a couple bones there.” The dinosaurs still circled and swarmed around her, but just as the maid was ready to give it all up, a beacon of hope shined in the distance.
“Attention Irene and Serena, please proceed to your nearest hovercraft for an emergency pickup,” Lady Aphros’s voice echoed across the beach from the hovercraft’s speakers.
“Maybe, I’m not doomed,” Serena bounced to her feet and ran for the flying vehicle. Orpheo’s craft zoomed straight down, hovering mere meters off the ground as it sailed directly for the two girls. Serena ducked and dodged over a few more swipes and crashes from the dinos as she and the hovercraft prepared to meet head-on.
“Serena, over here,” Orion popped out of the hovercraft’s side door and reached out for his friend.
“Finally,” Serena leaped into the air and reached out her hand. Thinking it was finally about to be over, the maid just about relaxed her guard. So, of course, one of the cloaking dinosaurs emerged from the ether in front of her, jaws opened. “F***!” The maid swore as she kicked the roof of the beast’s mouth. The creature was sent reeling, but Serena had missed her window to grab Orion’s hand.
“Must I do everything?” Aphros’s voice came out over the speakers again, right before the noble’s chain whip zipped out of the vehicle, wrapped around Serena’s torso, and dragged her inside. The maid immediately collapsed to the hovercraft’s floor, debating whether she would hurl from the excitement or pass out from exhaustion. Alas, a little bird-like noise made the decision for her.
“I’m going to call him Nibbles!” Irene held up the tiny dinosaur she had been carrying the whole time. In response, Serena slammed her head into the vehicle’s floor.
<<<~--~>>>
Orpheo wasted no time returning the group to the resort hotel. The cliffside building presented a lovely view of the ongoing carnage on the beach. Every minute, a new dinosaur seemed to emerge from whatever direction to join the brawl.
The gathered nobles and servants stepped off from the hovercraft. Serena had to be carried out by Orion as the adrenaline had worn off. They all looked back at the beach with a mix of horror and relief, except for Lady Aré. She was too busy yelling at someone on Aphros’s communicator.
“Well, this is a gosh darn mess,” Aphros rubbed her neck. “Don’t worry, I’ll have all those terrible lizards wrangled up and put back into their pens. Just as soon as I can get General Chrona on the line to fix this.”
“Good luck with that,” Princess Atlanta rolled her eyes.
“Um,” Aphros pursed her lips. “Did you have a lovely time, Serena?” The noble changed the subject. Serena’s response…well, if looks could kill. The expression caused Aphros to recoil.
“You’ve learned well, maid,” Aré finally chimed into the conversation. “I just confirmed that the last of the guards have been safely evacuated from the beach. So, I can do this,” the dark redhead pulled out what looked like a garage door opener and clicked it. A massive heat shield rose up to cover the resort.
“Oh, that’ll keep the dinosaurs out,” Aphros nodded.
“No, this will,” Aré opened the communicator again, “do it!” A squadron of flying vehicles descended from the stratosphere before firebombing the island. The heat shield protected the resort, but the surrounding beach and jungle were obliterated in a great ball of fire.
“Aré, why? Those beautif…er, those poor creatures,” Aphros freaked. “And not to mention the island’s natural charm and the beach! You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“I’m not putting up with Chrona’s leftovers anymore,” Aré snapped. “You should be ashamed for bringing us to this death trap for vacation in the first place,” the noble got right in Aphros’s face before turning away. “Besides, I’m sure Herme can regrow it…eventually.”
“Well, this has been fun, but I’m going to bed now,” Atlanta turned on her heel and walked away. “Come on, Orion.”
“But Princess, it’s not even 3:00,” Orion pointed out.
“I’m going to bed,” Atlanta repeated.
“As you wish,” Orion nodded and followed her.
“The princess is both young and wise,” Serena muttered. “Come along, Princess Irene. We need to find a muzzle and a vet for that thing in your arms.” The maid took the princess’s hand, and they walked off.
“Oh, hehe,” Aphros blushed as she watched Atlanta and her butler. “Those two, off to ‘bed’ in the middle of the day. I bet Orion will sneak back into the princess’s room in the middle of the night to…”
“Knock it off,” Aré smacked Aphros upside her head. “Bury the bit and move on,” Aré stormed off towards the hotel.
“Why is everyone so mean today?” Aphros grumbled.
<<<~--~>>>
The next day, the group gathered at a different, unscathed beach on the island. One that thankfully contained much fewer dinosaurs. Although not zero, Irene was leading her new pet Nibbles around on a leash. Serena, on the other hand, led Irene around with a child leash. Aré and Atlanta laid down on a pair of beach chairs nearby, watching the two as Orion served drinks.
“What a wonderful summer,” Atlanta took a glass of ice water.
“Yes, it’s much quieter than the hustle and bustle of the palace,” Aré agreed. “I made sure of it.” Sitting further away was a very upset Lady Aphros, her mouth duct tapped shut.
May This Fantasy Continue A Little Longer…
>>>~~~~<<<
A relaxing vacation is an essential tool in recharging one's energy and drive, so that you may return to your workplace ready for whatever challenges you may face next.
I wrote this story (well most of it), while on a trip to the beach. I thought to myself, hey this would be the perfect place to strike inspiration for such a tale. Then partway through dinosaurs hijacked my thought process, go figure.
Consider this a bonus story, like a special episode of a tv show released mid-season or between seasons that may or may not be canon depending on how you look at it.
Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy.
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