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twistedtummies2 · 1 year ago

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Super Beanfest, or Harps & Monsters - Part 2 (Commission)

My final commission for what SHOULD have been my March 2024 round of comms. I am just as angry about how long all this has taken as you are, trust me. -_- ANYWAY...this is the continuation of a multi-part story. The commissioner is @clouddreamer101. For a very long time, they and I have had an idea for a multi-part story for Twisted Wonderland. The story has two basic purposes: introducing their OC, Harmonia (based on the Golden Harp from “Mickey and the Beanstalk”) in a proper piece of writing, and also shipping them with my big lad, Billy (based on Willie the Giant from the same cartoon). The two have been shipped together by us for a VERY long time, so it’s nice to finally write a full and proper story getting that ship sailing.

Oh, there’s also some stuff going on with the canon cast, for the record, with the main focus being Epel Felmier. Because why not? XD

This is the second part of the story, and I will write the other parts with the other commission rounds to come. On that note, if anyone from that next round is reading this, I will be contacting you all sometime within the coming week. YOU CAN FIND PART ONE HERE.

WARNING: THIS SECTION CONTAINS NON-FATAL VORE, BELCHING, VERY MILD RUMP SMOTHERING/BUTT CRUSHING, SOME FANTASY-BASED ACTION, AND GENERAL INSANITY. DON’T LIKE? DON’T READ.

You can find Chapter 3 here.

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THUMP-A-THUMP-A-THUMP.

Harmonia A’Cappella had to hold himself back from flinching at every pounding, powerful footstep that sounded off below him. Ironically, he found comfort in the warm, soft, fatty flesh that acted as a cushion beneath him…though the comfort was slightly marred by the view of five large, strong-looking fingers that could easily curl inwards, cage him, and then crush him to a pulp. The Golden Harp’s descendant bit his lip, trying to not to shudder at such thoughts. He brushed his hair out of his face and tried to keep his focus on the landscape around him, yellow eyes watching the trees go by as the giant that held him stomped through the forest, en route to the Colosseum of Night Raven College. It was only so long, however, before his eyes would wander to other sights: to the strong arm the hand he sat in was attached to; or the giant belly that swayed and shook, padded with more blubber than a whale, below; or even the broad, powerful-looking shoulders and chest that loomed over him. And then his eyes would float upwards towards the face of the ogre…and it was as if a light switch was flipped in the harp-boy’s brain. After all, Billy Geant hardly had the most threatening features. His smile was bright and chipper as he marched along his merry way, humming a soft tune to himself. It was…calming to see such a sweet, happy look on the giant’s face, and for a moment, Harmonia could forget what was, in his mind, a somewhat harrowing situation. But then the eyes would roll and look down on him. And even though the look in them didn’t change, the sensation of being gazed upon by the giant - by eyes that were about as big as Harmonia himself, in comparison - was certainly perturbing. Harmonia would quickly avert his gaze to peer around the wilderness of Sage’s Island. “Doing okay there, little friend?” Billy asked, sweetly and seemingly obliviously. “Yeah,” Harmonia half-lied (he wasn’t hurt or physically uncomfortable, after all). “Are we, ah…a-are we nearly there?” “Yep! It doesn’t take me long to move across this island to the campus; the Colosseum’s just a little further away from things. That’s why they picked it,” Billy replied. “Gotcha. Cool,” mumbled Harmonia, not sure what else to say. Billy blinked and tilted his head…then shrugged and continued his journey. It was less than a minute later when they reached the Colosseum. Billy wasn’t QUITE huge enough to just step over the wall, which Harmonia had half-expected to be the case. He could, of course, climb over the wall…but that would require two hands, and Harmonia was currently occupying one of them. “So…how do we get in?” asked the blonde. Billy smirked, looking rather proud of himself. “For me? It’s super easy,” he giggled, and then began to chant: “Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum…Hee-Hi-Ho-Hum!” SWOOMPH! The giant transformed into a huge cloud of pinkish mist. Harmonia gasped as he suddenly found himself in the grip of a fist made from vapor. How it kept its grasp so tight, he could not fathom…but - with a sensation not unlike riding a log flume ride - he was thrown and pulled over the wall and into the center of the Colosseum. A few seconds later - after hovering precariously in the air, surrounded by the cotton-candy-colored smoke - he heard Geant utter the same chant in reverse, and with another SWOOMPH, the titan reappeared in solid, humanoid form. “Ha HA!” Billy cheered, and made a show of brushing himself off with his free hand, before giving a sort of cocksure smirk. “Pretty cool, huh, little friend? Am I an awesome giant, or am I an awesome giant?”

“Put me down!” was all Harmonia could sputter out, feeling rather disoriented after all that. Billy’s smile faded. He quickly obliged, first sitting down before carefully placing Harmonia down on one of the bleachers on the top row, closest to his head. Harmonia collapsed into the bench with a few gasping breaths. “Are you alright?” Billy asked, his voice unusually soft for someone so massive. Harmonia looked up and swallowed, eyes flickering as he took in the giant’s expression. Billy looked…sad. Maybe even a little scared. Certainly concerned. There was no sign of maliciousness or mocking intensity to his face or his voice. “I’m…I’m f-fine,” Harmonia insisted, and let out a nervous laugh. “Just…j-just haven’t traveled that way before.” “Ohhhhhh,” Billy nodded in understanding, and his smile returned, bright as ever. “Well, don’t you worry, little friend! Now that we’re here, all you have to do is sit there and wait for the Farmers to try and pick you up!” He smirked and looked away, crossing his arms over his chest. “Heh…if they can get close enough…” “I…I guess that’s true…” Billy looked back at Harmonia. He raised an eyebrow, noticing the way the harp boy curled in on himself, looking at anything but the giant. Once more, his smile began to fade. “Are you nervous, Harmonia?” Harmonia looked up at Billy. Silently, he nodded, not sure how wise it would be to give away all the thoughts and feelings he had in that moment. Billy smiled gently. “It’s just a game,” he reminded Harmonia. “When the contest is over, you can go back to Royal Sword, and I can go back to Night Raven. I won’t hurt you, little friend. I told you that before.” “I…I know,” Harmonia admitted, quietly. “It’s just…well…I guess I’m…kinda intimidated by you, y’know?” Billy blinked blankly. “Initiated?” “No, intimidated.” “...Emaciated?” Harmonia sighed. “In-tim-i-dated.” “In-tim-i-dated,” repeated Billy, and nodded. “Got it. Cool. Um…what does…that word mean?”

Harmonia smiled almost sadly. “It means you’re very, very big, and you’re from my school’s rival campus, and so I’m kinda scared.” Billy looked a little hurt. “N-Not REALLY scared!” Harmonia quickly backpedaled. “Just…um…kinda. A little bit. Like…this much.” He held up a thumb and forefinger in a pinched posture to indicate. Billy’s expression cooled. “I getcha,” he said, and smiled. “Well, I can’t do anything about the big part right now - even if I could, I don’t really wanna; being big is super amazing - but if it helps, I don’t really care about the whole ‘rival’ thing between our schools.” “You don’t?” blinked Harmonia. He was a bit surprised: the feud between the two campuses was rather pronounced. Most Night Raven Students were known to attack RSA students on sight. He’d expected the literal giant on campus to be much the same; as far as he knew, the civility Billy had displayed so far was just him being a good sport. “Not really,” Billy confirmed, shaking his head. “I mean…I wanted Night Raven because it’s where my first real friends were. It was just luck the Dark Mirror chose me. But to me, both schools were just as good each other, and still are. I don’t get why little ones fight so much over stuff like that.” Harmonia’s eyes widened a bit. “I feel the same way,” he said. “I mean…it’s not that I’m not proud to be part of Royal Sword, because I am. I don’t think I’d want to study anywhere else. But I really don’t get why it’s such a big deal that our two campuses compete so much. I mean, they’re both pretty great and have some great people in them. It’s kinda silly to me, to be honest.” Billy grinned and nodded in agreement. “Yuh-huh! Exactly! So there’s nothing to worry about!” “I guess not,” chuckled Harmonia, scratching the back of his head. “So, uh…can I ask you a question, big guy?” Billy grinned wider and waved a hand around the empty Colosseum. “We’ve got lots of time, you can ask me anything,” he said. “Well…you ARE descended from the Giant of Happy Valley, aren’t you?” “Oh, yeah!” Billy said excitedly, with a joyful nod. “So, um…y-you...how do you feel about it?” “About what?” “Being related to that Giant?” “Heh. Actually, it’s something I’m super proud of,” grinned Billy, sticking up his head confidently. “I mean, it IS pretty awesome, don’t you think?” “That’s…one word for it, heh…”

“It’s why I love Beanfest! It kinda gives me a chance to follow in my ancestor’s footsteps. It’s one of the few things about my family, I actually am proud of, really…” Billy’s voice trailed off, and a slightly sad look came to his face. Harmonia felt his anxiety ebb as he saw the expression. He glanced over and saw Billy’s hand resting near the bleachers where he sat. Scooting closer, the tiny harp-boy placed his own small palm on one of the giant’s fingers. “I know how you feel,” he said gently. Billy looked up and blinked, wide-eyed. “You…you do?” Harmonia smiled and nodded. The giant began to smile wider once more. “Well, thanks. Um…mind if I ask you a question now?” “Go ahead, big guy.” “How come you got chosen to play the Golden Harp?” Something icy seized Harmonia’s heart. “Oh, uh…n-no reason,” he said, hastily and evasively. Then, before Geant could press him further, he shifted in his seat to face the titan. “So. We have time till the game really gets underway! How ‘bout you tell me a few things about yourself?” “Um…o-okay, I…don’t actually know where to start,” admitted Billy, with obvious embarrassment, tapping his forefingers together childishly. Harmonia giggled, then quickly chose a topic: “Vil Schoenheit is your Housewarden, right?” “Mm-hm!” Billy nodded happily. “Well, why don’t you tell me what he’s like? I’m really curious to know, I’ve…actually been a big fan of his for a while, you see…” “Oh! Well, sure, I’m happy to talk about Mom!” “...Mom…?” “So, the Housewarden is super, SUPER strict, but he’s actually really nice when you get to know him! You know…aside from the whole poisoning people thing, but I guess that just comes with the territory. ANYWAY, when we first met, he was REALLY mean, but I guess I kinda deserved it…” “What makes you think that?” “Okay, so, it happened when I was first sorted into Pomefiore, right…?” Billy thus began to ramble on about his experiences under Vil’s leadership. Harmonia smiled, laughed, and nodded along with his story. He had to admit, he was really warming up to his giant companion. "Maybe this whole event wasn’t such a bad idea after all,” he muttered to himself. “Hm? You say something, little friend?” “No, nothing. Go on, tell me more…”

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“Aaaand click! Now, just gotta prep this post…HashtagSavetheHarp, HashtagForestFarming, HashtagSuperBeanfest! That oughta do it!” “HUMAN! WILL YOU PLEASE STAY QUIET?! THE WHOLE FOREST CAN HEAR YOU!” “Look who’s talking,” grumbled Deuce Spade, nudging both Cater and Sebek. “Keep it down, both of you!” Cater blushed and mimed zipping his lip. Sebek just growled. Near the head of the group creeping through the woods, Epel Felmier shook his head, glancing back with a sigh. At the start of the competition, he had decided it was an obvious but wise idea to split up the Farmers into different sub-groups. He’d elected to make his own team that of the Captain’s Pool…along with one other person… “Rook,” whispered Epel, turning to the grand archer of Pomefiore, who stood to his left. “Make sure those three don’t cause too much trouble.” “Oui, Mon Capitaine,” winked Rook, with a smirk, and scurried back as ordered. Epel nodded, then turned forward. Jack Howl was leading the pack, sniffing as he prowled through the bushes and around the trees. “Still clear, Jack?” Epel checked. “I think so,” grunted the wolfman, and glanced back with an arched eyebrow. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Epel.” “Just trust me,” smiled Epel. “And keep alert.” Jack nodded stiffly, and continued to move forward, the rest of the team trailing behind him. “Jack may have a point,” spoke up a voice from the right. “This strategy seems…a bit too plain.” “Especially with who we’re really up against,” mumbled another from the same basic direction. Epel paused and turned to face the ones who had spoken up. It wasn’t long till his soft eyes met those of Riddle Rosehearts and Felmier’s own dorm leader. “It makes sense to me,” he protested. “With all the other teams fanning out to find gear and keep the Monsters occupied, that gives our team an easy route to reach the Colosseum and rescue the Harp. We just have to charge forward and do what we do best!” “What YOU do best,” Vil Schoenheit retorted, somewhat cuttingly. “And I think you’re missing something important: if any team is going to be a high-profile target, it’s the one with the Head Farmer and his runner ups. Che’Nya can identify us, and he WILL be looking for us.” “Well, yeah, that’s why I have Jack up at the front,” snorted Epel. “He’s got better senses than any of us, so he can keep us posted if danger pops up.” He turned away and continued to move forward, adding almost under his breath: “Besides, I think you’re worrying a little too much about their Captain.” Vil narrowed his eyes. He and Riddle shared a dark look between them, then moved to catch up with Epel. Deuce and Rook waved to Cater and Sebek to follow as they took up the rear, the four checking around carefully. While all of them were armed with bags of beans, none of them had proper gear or camouflage yet; having yet to stumble across any loot crates, they would need to be on highest alert. “If the Captain were that fool, Neige,” Vil whispered, “I might be inclined to agree with you. But I think you are unwise to underestimate the Cheshire Cat.”

“Vil has a point. Trust me,” Riddle butted in. Epel paused again, frowning at them both with some confusion. “What makes you think that pink pussycat will be so much trouble?” he asked, point blank. Vil leaned in close, his expression toxic. “Have you forgotten the lessons I taught you?” he asked, coldly, and lifted a hand, placing a finger to Epel’s forehead, making Felmier freeze up. “There’s always more to a person than what first meets the eye.” Epel gulped slightly and cautiously brushed Vil’s hand away. “But…even Riddle seemed shocked by Billy’s decision!” he exclaimed. “And he knows Che’Nya better than anybody, except maybe Trey…” “I was shocked,” Riddle confirmed, with a nod and a cross of his arms. “But not for the reasons you expect. Billy actually made an EXCELLENT choice.” Epel blinked. For the first time, a look of slight dread crossed his features. Riddle smirked for a split-second, and then elaborated… “Che’Nya is NOT like many other students at RSA. Most of them play things by the book. There are exceptions, of course - Matthew Satyr is fond of a few tricks here and there, according to James - but they are, at the end of the day, what I think Ace would call ‘goody two-shoes.’ They won’t use the same tactics and don’t have the same ideals as many at Night Raven have. Che’Nya is another story: he’s a Cheshire Cat. They are creatures of chaos and deception; they thrive on conflict and take great delight in trickery. While there are lines he won’t cross, there are also boundaries he’ll step over that others at RSA wouldn’t. He’s much more cunning, much more clever, than he seems at first, and he uses that fact to his advantage.” Epel nodded slowly, digesting all this information. He glanced between Vil and Riddle. “If I were you, I’d take the hint. After all, we’re your seniors,” snorted Riddle, huffishly. “Age and grade level have nothing to do with it,” Vil put in, and looked sternly at Epel. “It may do you well, regardless, to take our advice.” Epel looked Vil up and down, then took a deep breath… “Jack?” he called out. “Have you smelled anything yet?” “No, not so far,” the lycanthrope replied. Epel let out the deep breath, and smiled with slight triumph. “For now, I think you’re overselling him,” he said to the two, and tossed his head. “Now come on! After all, I’M the Captain this time.” With a slightly over-proud smirk, he tromped away. Riddle glared and reached out a hand, opening his mouth to protest…but stopped when Vil swept out an arm to block him. His own expression was icy. Silently, he shook his head at Riddle and mouthed three words: Let him learn. Riddle looked skeptical - and a bit miffed at obviously being ordered around - but stepped back obligingly. The two Housewardens nodded respectfully to one another, and continued to follow Epel.

Meanwhile, at the back of the posse, the four other students had gathered into a sort of box-like formation, and were each eyeing different points. Cater and Sebek would jog forward a few steps, then turn around and steadily walk backwards, to keep their eyes on the rear flanks. Deuce and Rook, meanwhile, were peering through the gaps in the trees, to see if there was anything they could spy which the four others ahead had missed. “Have you spotted anything of interest yet, Monsieur Spade?” Rook checked. “No, not so far,” Deuce answered, and looked towards Rook. “How about you?” “Oui,” smirked Rook with a nod. “After all, a Hunter must be always aware of his surroundings.” Deuce halted, and Sebek and Cater came to a sharp stop behind them. “What do you see?” he asked, seriously. “Monsters?” “Non,” Rook replied, and waved a hand off in another direction. “Something much more useful. Ah, like rye on troubled waters; mana from the Heaven’s above!” “...You see bread?” droned Deuce. “How’s that gonna help us, we don’t need snacks…right now…” “It is an expression,” chortled Rook, and then called out to the leaders. “Mon Capitaine! Rois du Poison! Riddle, Jack! Je crois que je vois des fournitures!” “What did he say?” Sebek blinked, whispering to Cater. “I dunno,” Cater shrugged. “Sounded totes romantic though! Hey, can you repeat that, Rook? Wanna share that with my followers!” “He said he’s found some supplies,” smirked Jack, before Rook could do any such thing, as he trotted past Epel and the Housewardens and moved in the direction Hunt had indicated. “HUZZAH!” boomed Sebek, and followed them quickly. “TO ARMS, THEN!” Cater and Deuce blinked after them, and looked at each other. “Jack can speak French?” Cater whispered. Deuce shrugged. It was news to him, too. The pair soon caught up with Rook and Sebek. Epel, Riddle, and Vil soon followed as well, the three leading members glancing around briefly to make sure they weren’t being followed, before slipping between a gap in the bushes after their partners. They found themselves in a fairly small, crescent-shaped clearing; it was hard to tell if it was natural or man-made. Regardless, at the base of a tree at the opposite end from where the arrived, they could see a particularly large wooden crate, with the Farmer team’s insignia stenciled upon it. “Strange,” mumbled Jack, inspecting the crate. “It’s not locked.” “Maybe someone already claimed what was inside it?” suggested Deuce. “Only one way to find out,” Epel grinned.

“Careful now,” Vil spoke up, warningly. “This feels too easy, don’t you think?” “Again, you’re worrying too much,” Epel replied, dismissively. “Perhaps you’re not worrying enough,” scowled Vil. “A large crate, unlocked, unguarded, all for us?” “What’s wrong about that? We’re getting all the goods we need on a silver platter!” grinned Cater, as Sebek moved to flip open the lid of the box. “Exactly,” said Vil. “Never trust a silver platter.” “Vil may have a point,” said Jack, and looked at Epel. “I’ll stand guard at the entrance, see if anybody is trying to sneak up on us.” “Good idea,” nodded Epel. “Thanks, Jack.” Jack grunted and blushed slightly, muttering, “Just doing my job,” before striding over to the spot in question. Meanwhile, Deuce and Riddle were digging into the crate, pulling out the items inside to pass out to the rest of the team. “Ha Ha! Looks like we hit the mother lode!” Deuce declared. “Enough bean shooters for six of us…” “...And one of le Roi de Ta Chambre’s Bean Launchers pour moi!” chuckled Rook, hugging the sniper-rifle-esque weapon close and patting it. “Ah, mon bleu…it is like Christmas has come early!” “Which is precisely why we should be on guard,” Vil spoke up, even as he checked his launcher and quickly began to load it with beans. “Something like this is too good for the Monster team to pass up.” “Whoa…I’m glad none of the Farmers got here first, I have to admit!” Epel grinned, as he reached into the box and pulled out a familiar-looking beret and special camouflaged jacket. “Heh…hey, these are my size…” “Are you even listening?!” snapped Riddle. “I’d love to see any of those humans get near us now,” smirked Sebek, checking the sight on his shooter. “Awww, man, there’s no other outfits in there. Uncool, I was hoping for another mega cammable photo like the last couple Beanfests,” huffed Cater. Riddle’s eye twitched…and he facepalmed. “That’s a no,” he growled to himself. “Keep your eyes on the trees,” Vil whispered to his fellow housewarden. “At least two of us know better than to have rose-colored glasses on…” “Nya-ow, that hardly seems fair,” a familiar voice sounded out, from above and behind them. “After all, Riddle loves roses! And rose-colored anything sounds purr-fect to me!” Everyone (except Vil) seemed to nearly jump out of their skin, and whirled about to face the voice. Many eyes widened (and a few others narrowed) as they saw the familiar figure of Che’Nya lounging lazily in the bough of a tree overhead. He was dressed in a long purple-and-green trenchcoat - typical of a Monster team leader - beneath which was, appropriately, a black “catsuit” and fingerless black gloves. He carried a long pole-net, similar to one Rook had used a couple of Beanfests back, and wore goggles not unlike the sort Azul had worn once upon a time.

Epel felt himself step back. As he saw the Cheshire Cat’s slight, toothy grin, combined with this arraignment, he suddenly had a feeling maybe Riddle and Vil had been making a good point. “Hello there,” cooed the Cheshire Cat, and winked. “Did you like the present I left for you all?” “You left this for us?” Deuce blinked. “Why?” “Well, it’s no fun if my little mice don’t have a CHANCE to win, is it?” Che’Nya almost seemed to pout. “I’d say you’ve ruined your own chances,” Sebek growled, baring his own fangs and pointing his bean shooter up at the Cheshire Cat. “After all, we have you outnumbered!” Che’Nya grinned a little wider. His long, bushy, pink tail swished in the space between the tree branches and the ground. “Do you?” he meowed, and melodramatically threw one hand across his forehead. “Oh, dearie me-ow! What-EVER will I do?” With a flute-like giggle, Che’Nya then snapped his fingers…and with many a rattling, scraping sound of branches and twigs being disturbed, a group of seven other Monsters - all RSA students that none of the others recognized - popped out from behind the cover of the trees. Each wielded a different trapping device; two of them held nets like Che’Nya’s, another two had large claw-like weapons, which Jack knew all too well; the remaining pair had larger nets, which they whipped about with a flourish around their heads. “WHAT?!” barked Jack, alarmed, as he lifted his own bean shooter, the rest of the team, trying to keep an eye on their surrounding attackers. “How? I never picked up your scents!” Che’Nya whistled from the treetops. Jack looked up…and his eyes widened as he saw a small, black aerosol can held in the cat’s hand. Che’Nya winked and waggled it about teasingly. “Scent-disguising spray. I made sure to pack enough to mask all the Monsters on my personal ‘strike team,’” he purred. “Pretty neat, right, doggy?” Jack snarled violently. Epel cursed under his breath, realizing how thoroughly he and his team had been played. “Alright, guys,” he started to say, as Che’Nya hopped down from the tree, twirling his pole-net with a cocky smirk. Carefully, Epel began to move into a battle-ready posture. “It looks like we’re going to have to-” “RETREAT!” The sudden, sharp, frigid-sounding command caught everyone off-guard. It came not from Epel, but from Vil. Standing ramrod-straight, with all the authority of a military general, Vil fired two beans, putting out two of the Monsters who were trying to block the way they’d come - one with a claw-arm, another with a net. “Retreat!” he repeated. “Conserve your ammo and retreat!” For a few seconds, the remaining members of the team hesitated. Epel quickly realized why: Vil wasn’t the Captain. He was. They were waiting for his command. Against his better judgment, he hastily called out: “Yes! Retreat! Retreat now!” “Nya! No you don’t!” mrowled Che’Nya, and at almost the same time ordered his own troops: “SNAG ‘EM!”

The remaining Monsters lunged forward, but by now the NRC gang was in motion. Jack held open the gap, beaning out another two Monsters, as Epel, Vil, Deuce, Cater, and Sebek raced through and fled into the woods. Riddle was the last to run, urging Jack to get moving as well. He readied his own Bean Shooter, aiming at Che’Nya… …And missing, as the cat disappeared in an instant as the Rosehearts pulled the trigger. A second later, Riddle yelped as a spider-web-like material flew over his head seemingly out of nowhere, surrounding his whole body. Riddle froze up as Che’Nya reappeared, grinning with mischievous glee as he held the magical net. “Gotcha!” he sang out happily, swishing his tail gleefully, then turned to his remaining Monsters. “Go on, kittens! Follow them!” The RSA students all voiced their acquiescence, and trotted after the fleeing NRC Farmers. Riddle sighed as he watched them go, and gave a miffed look at the Cheshire Cat. “Congratulations,” he drawled. “Well-played.” “Awww, thanks, Riddle!” meowed Che’Nya, seemingly genuinely delighted at the praise. “I mean, I know I’m purr-fect, but it’s nice to hear somebody else remind me.” Riddle rolled his eyes. “Well, don’t get too confident. You haven’t won yet.” Che’Nya giggled. “Ooh-hoo-hoo! If your Head Farmer doesn’t learn better strategy, it won’t be long till my team DOES win.” Che’Nya swiftly secured the net in place, stringing a new “web” into the pole’s expanding center. He then smirked and playfully patted Riddle on the head. “Now, you just stay riiiiight here. We’ll have some strawberry tarts when it’s all done, okay? See ya!” Before Riddle could reply, the Cheshire Cat had disappeared. The head of Heartslabyul sighed again, and sat down petulantly, huffing behind the cage of the net as he puffed out his cheeks. “Someone’s head will roll for this,” he grumbled.

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“I spy, with my little eye, something…white.” “It’s a cloud.” “Nice job, little friend! Now I spy, with my little eye, something else that’s white.” “It’s a cloud.” “Wow! You’re on a roll! Okay, now I spy with my little eye-” “Can I take a wild guess and say it’s another cloud?” “HOW DID YOU KNOW?!” Harmonia let out a sound somewhere between a sigh and a light laugh, shaking his head with a weary smile. “Just lucky,” he mumbled. Billy just smiled with real admiration, and looked back up at the sky. The giant and the harp had been sitting pretty in the Colosseum for a while now. It was very quiet; the Farmers and Monsters duking it out in the forests across the island beyond were much too far away to register in Harmonia’s ears, and even Billy’s heightened senses could only really pick up faint smatterings of commotion. To be honest, each was feeling a bit bored. Harmonia, for his part, was twiddling his thumbs and fidgeting in his seat. His brow was knitted in thought; he was pondering what Che’Nya had told him when he’d confided in the cat about his misgivings over his role as the Golden Harp. The cat had indicated there were other things he could do than just “sit pretty,” as he was doing now. And with boredom overcoming his brain, the golden boy was wondering what those other things could be. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind. “Ahhhhhhmmmmmmmm…I’m feelin’ kinda sleepy…” Harmonia looked up at the giant. Billy lightly scratched his nose and smiled in a blithe, lazy way, eyes half-lidded as he reclined back against the wall of the great Colosseum. A brief lightbulb seemed to go off in the harp’s head, and he spoke up, scooting closer. “Why not take a nap, or go walk around?” he suggested. Billy glanced at Harmonia and chuckled, shaking his head. “Nice try, little treasure, but it’s not gonna be that easy.” “...T-Treasure…?” “I’m not falling asleep while on watch,” the giant went on, not noticing the blonde’s reaction. He then checked a wristwatch he was wearing. “And it’s not my time to walk yet.” “Your…time to walk?” Harmonia repeated, curiously. “Yuh-huh!” chirruped Billy, bobbing his head in a happy nod and pointing at the watch. “See, in the legend, when the Farmers arrived at the Giant’s castle, he wasn’t there. Yet. He was patrolling around his territory and came inside for lunch when he found them trying to steal from him. So, to kinda…kinda…um…home-lodge…?”

“Homage?” “Yeah, that word! To do that, the Headmages told me to routinely patrol a specific distance around the Colosseum, for specific amounts of time. You can’t leave, but it gives the other team a fairer shot at getting in here, and also gives me a chance to stop people ahead of time if I catch them. Makes everything fair, and acts as a nice callback to the story.” “Huh,” blinked Harmonia, and cocked his head. “I…guess I forgot that part of the legend.” “Lots of people do,” chuckled Billy, and slung his arms behind his head, eyes closed as he slothfully basked in the daylight. “I mostly just remember because it’s part of my family history.” Harmonia nodded quietly. A faint blush was painting his cheeks as he looked up and down Billy where the giant rested. Something…strange, unfamiliar, was flowing into his bloodstream, filling his heart and his mind with feelings he’d never really experienced before. Something about seeing this big, soft, rather handsome young giant stretch out - so careless, and so content - was sending a new sort of warmth through his veins and arteries, different from that coming from the sunlight above. He gazed down at Billy’s large, buttery belly…took in the way it folded at the sides, how it sagged and nestled down onto his tree-sized thighs. Peering closely, he swore he could see the indentation formed by the ogre’s navel, right in the center of the purple-and-green camo top. The stomach rumbled deeply, suddenly, and one of Billy’s huge hands swept over and scratched at its upper curve with two fingers. As this happened, the giant let out a deep, almost hoggish grunting noise. Harmonia felt the warmth heighten inside of him, and his eyes drifted back up to Billy’s face. With his eyes closed, his smile so satisfied and almost smug, the giant looked…not just cute, but…honestly really, REALLY handsome. Then one of Billy’s eyes opened, quizzically. His tone matched it as he spoke. “What’s up, little friend? Have I got something on my face?” asked Billy, scratching one of his plump cheeks with the same two fingers. “N-No!” Harmonia said, and then cleared his voice when he realized his voice had cracked. He shook his head, wondering what on Earth was going through his mind now. “Oh,” Billy blinked, now with both eyes open. An innocent, perplexed look was on his face. “Then…what were you staring at?” “Nothing,” Harmonia lied. “I was just thinking, um…it must be pretty cool. To know so much about the legend, I mean.” Billy smiled, clearly accepting that answer, much to Harmonia’s relief. “Ha! Well, like I said, it’s the one thing in my family history I’m proud of,” he repeated. “I didn’t get along well with my parents, but I’m genuinely really glad to be descended from the Giant of Happy Valley. It…kinda makes me feel…I dunno, like I’ve got something more important in me, y’know? I like that feeling.” “Well, that makes one of us,” snorted Harmonia, rolling his eyes. “Personally, I would have given anything NOT to be descended from the Golden Harp, but-” Harmonia froze and clapped his hands over his mouth as he realized what he said. He looked up at Billy with sudden mortification as the giant suddenly sat up straighter. He looked down, slack-jawed and wide-eyed, at A’Cappella. “Y-You’re…you’re descended from…the harp?” Billy asked, breathlessly.

“Y-yes,” Harmonia confirmed, a little hesitantly, worried about where this might go. Billy was visibly starting to hyperventilate. “The harp? Like…THE harp?” he pressed. Harmonia scooted away and gave a frightened sort of nod, as he felt the warmth of the ogre’s breath from that open mouth. “Y-yes, I…I am,” he peeped, bracing himself. Billy Geant took a deep breath…and then let out a squeal of childish delight, clapping his hands excitedly and wiggling where he sat like an overgrown kindergartner. “That is SO COOL! Wow, it’s almost like this was meant to be! Ha Ha! No wonder the Headmages wanted to do things this way, it all makes sense now!” “Y-Yeah, I…I guess it would,” Harmonia replied, slowly, a little overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response…then let out an “eep!” as Billy’s head swooped in closer. He all but had stars in his giant eyes. “How does that work, huh? Like…how are you descended from her? You don’t have strings or anything…wait! Did she REALLY have strings? Was she not an actual harp? Or…o-or was it, like, something she just called herself? Like a stage name? Oh, gosh, I have SO MANY QUESTIONS, THIS IS AWESOME!” The booming roar of joy made Harmonia flinch, but a slight, crooked smile returned to his face. He was…not expecting this kind of reaction. He’d half-expected Billy to go berserk with rage, or to suddenly demand to keep him like a pet, or something…but instead, he was just excited to learn more. “I…w-well, um…it’s a bit complicated. Basically, the original Harp no longer has any sentience or power. She’s sitting in a museum, dead to the world. I don’t really know WHY, but the Golden Harp’s power is passed on genetically, and has been through my family tree,” he explained. “Every other generation, a new person gains the Unique Magic the Harp had, and…well…now that person is me. So we’re not exactly related in BLOOD, per say, but the Golden Harp literally resonates within me.” “Whoa,” murmured Billy, looking and sounding spellbound, seated cross-legged with all the energy of a toddler listening to his mother tell him a story. “And…Happy Valley? Have you actually been there?” Harmonia nodded. “Not for a long time,” he said. “But yes, I’ve been there.” “Why aren’t you there now?” Billy asked, cocking his head. “Doesn’t the Valley need the Harp’s power to prosper?” “Again, it’s kinda complicated,” chuckled Harmonia, rubbing one arm. “Don’t worry, though, all you need to know is it’s not in any danger right now. Which is more than okay by me, because I don’t really wanna go back there anytime soon.” “I guess it’s not as ‘happy’ as the legend made it sound?” Billy asked, rather ruefully. “Depends on who you ask,” Harmonia mumbled. Billy looked Harmonia up and down briefly…then grinned. “So…do you sing?” he asked, rather shyly. “Or…o-or is that just something you can do with your Unique Magic?”

“Oh, sure, I can sing!” Harmonia smiled. “My Unique Magic just gives my singing special power. It’s not like I need the power to perform, it’s…more like my performance is a conduit for that power.” “Ohhhhh, I see,” Billy nodded, surprisingly seeming to understand the word “conduit.” This was almost as surprising as his next question: “So, what kinda music do you like most?” Harmonia’s smile widened. His heart seemed to flip for a moment in his chest. He wasn’t sure why, but…that question meant a lot. He’d expected the giant to ask more about his family, or to demand that he sing for him, but…Billy just…wanted to know more about HIM. And Harmonia was happy to tell him. He’d officially decided it: he liked Billy. “Well, like I was telling Epel, before everyone else got to the rendezvous point: my specialty is classical, but I also like other genres.” “Classical? Like opera?” “Yes, actually! Do…you like opera?” “Heh…sorry, I’m…kinda more of a wrestling than an opera guy. Another little friend of mine - Eli - likes opera, though; he’s even shown me some bits of music! It’s soooo cool the way people can sing like that…” “Well, maybe I can sing for you sometime, if you’d like?” “Oh! Well, um…I wouldn’t mind, but only if you want to, heh. I mean…I’m guessing, being the Harp, a lot of people ask you to sing for them, and I-I don’t wanna make you do that unless you really wanna.” This simple admission made Harmonia’s smile widen. His heart seemed to flip in his chest. In that instant, he officially decided it: he liked Billy. He liked him very much. “We’ll see,” he promised the giant. “So…wrestling, huh? I don’t know much about that, but are you any good at it?” “HA! Am I any good? I’m the BEST! Hey, um…d-do you mind if I…tell you a bit?” “We’ve still got lots of time, and I liked hearing you tell me all about Pomefiore. You can tell me anything you want to, big guy.” Billy grinned widely and made a happy squeaking sound. “Alright! Hee hee…y’know something, little harp? I think you and I are gonna be SUPER good friends!” Harmonia’s smile became warm and soft. He somehow found that phrases like “little treasure” and “little harp” weren’t so bad when coming from this handsome, sweetheart titan’s mouth. “You know something, Billy? I think you’re absolutely right.”

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Epel Felmier took a few heavy, deep breaths as he leaned against a tree, palms resting on the bark and head turned down. He and his crew had made it to a safe haven, somehow managing to give Che’Nya and his allies the slip. His breath hitched and he froze up for a moment, as he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. He turned around fast - faster than he probably expected - startling the one who had placed their hand there. Two peacock-feather eyes widened - one surrounded by the tattoo of a playing card spade - before softening in concern. “Hey…are you okay?” Epel sighed with relief and smiled gratefully at Deuce. “Yeah. Sorry, just…that was close.” Deuce smirked slightly. “Heh. Trust me, I noticed,” he chuckled, then seemed to squirm uncomfortably. “Um…on that note, uh…you might have a problem.” Rubbing the back of his head with one hand, Deuce jabbed the thumb of his other over his shoulder. Epel blinked his large, aqua-hued eyes around Deuce. In the distance, he could see Sebek, Cater, and Jack all arguing. His heart sank, and alarm filled his heart, when Jack just snorted and flipped a hand dismissively in the air, turning away. A second later, Sebek snorted right back, and picked up his bean shooter, gesturing to Cater. Diamond looked a bit uncertain, but did the same…as the two began to walk away from the group. “H-Hey…HEY!” Epel called out, and ran over to the pair. They stopped and turned to face him as he frowned upon approaching. “Where are you two going?” “To the Colosseum,” announced Sebek. “It IS our intended destination for all Farmers, is it not? And I am very much finished dealing with silly humans and their pathetic plans!” “Jeeze, Sebek…HashtagHarshMuch?” muttered Cater, and moved around him to face Epel directly, an apologetic look on his face. “Listen, uh…after what happened to Riddle, both of us are kinda feeling like maybe we’d have better luck going YOLO Solo.” “...Yo-Yo what?” “Basically, we wanna do this on our own terms,” Cater explained. “Heh…so…sorry, Captain. We’re breaking off.” “But…b-but you can’t just-!”

“We can and we will,” sniffed Sebek, snootily. “I will not disgrace the name of the Great Malleus and House Diasomnia by being led astray by one who does not know how to lead! Now, come, Diamond! We have a harp to save!” Sebek marched off authoritatively. Cater sighed and then gave Epel another feeble smile. “Between you and me,” he whispered, “I mostly just want to go with him to make sure he doesn’t get netted in about five seconds flat. No hard feelings, kay-kay?” Epel tried to smile back, but it didn’t quite meet his eyes. Unsure of what to say, he just nodded. Cater chuckled and gave a mock salute and a wink, then jogged after Sebek. “DIAMOND! PICK UP THE PACE!” “Stop yelling so much! C’mon, Sebek, this isn’t social media; keep a low profile!” Epel’s weak smile disappeared as he watched the pair go. A sudden wave of hopeless guilt flowed over him. He glanced back towards Deuce. Spade smiled, but the look was as feeble as Epel’s own had been seconds before. He then looked towards Jack Howl, who was leaning against a tree with a grumpy sort of look on his face. Jack didn’t even seem to acknowledge him. A sort of prim-sounding sigh caught Epel’s attention, and he turned to see Vil and Rook standing near another tree; each had been checking their ammunition supply. “Rook? Would you be so kind as to follow Sebek and Cater?” he requested. “They clearly have no solid plan in mind, perhaps you could assist there.” “Ahhh…well, to hunt a giant would be a real challenge. Magnifique!” cheered Rook, with a smile that was perhaps slightly too wide. He then looked at Epel, rubbing his hands together. “What does Mon Capitaine say?” Epel was taken aback. He glanced between the pair…then nodded. This time, he was able to find his voice. “Yes. Go after them. Please make sure to keep them safe. If you reach the Colosseum, help them figure out a way to get to Harmonia.” “Oui, Monsieur Pommette!” Rook declared, with an elegant bow, and picked up his Bean Launcher before sprinting off after the retreating breakaways. Epel watched Rook go, then turned to Vil. The icy lord of Pomefiore glared at him, and the Poison Apple glared right back, his hands curled into fists at his side. “Don’t look so petulant,” sniffed Vil. “It’s hardly becoming for anybody.” “Do NOT give me orders right now,” Epel growled, a bit of fire sparking in his vocal chords as he went on. “What in tarn-I mean…wh-what do you think you’re doing?! Who’s running this rodeo, huh?!” Vil arched a single, immaculate eyebrow. “I’m not sure,” he replied, coolly and calmly. “Why don’t you tell me?” “You’ve been undermining my command since this started!” Epel protested. “Telling the others to retreat, giving Rook orders…!” “...Warning you about Che’Nya and the loot crate,” Vil finished, in the same tone. “How did failing to listen to me pan out for us?”

“You are not the one in charge here!” snapped Epel, jabbing a finger in Vil’s direction, then pointing at himself. “I’M the one who was chosen to lead the Farmers!” “Then I suggest you start leading them.” Epel turned red as any delicious apple. “Being a leader doesn’t just mean ordering people about. I consider that more of a perk to the job,” Vil said, a slight smirk crossing his face on the last few words, before falling again. “In a film or a play, the director steers the ship, but a good director will also know to trust their performers or their crew. They listen to advice and suggestions, and think ahead towards the final product in a broader sense. They only give orders when something has to be done, has to be fixed, and only they can make it happen.” There was a pause. “I am not trying to undermine your efforts, Epel,” Vil went on. “Though I’ll admit it is irksome to act as underling to one of my own underclassmen, I’ve seen that you have the potential to be a good leader. You’re a capable warrior, and you have no great shortage of self-confidence despite everything…but what you lack is the ability to see the big picture. I am an experienced leader of more than one sort.” “That doesn’t mean I can relinquish command,” sneered Epel. “No,” Vil agreed. “Nor do I want you to. But don’t dismiss me simply because of the history we have, or the situation we’re in.” So saying, he stood straight and tall before Epel, almost like a soldier. “Every leader needs a guide. A queen needs a counselor. A director needs a manager. You’re the conductor of this performance, Epel; will you let me help you write the score, or is the symphony going to be nothing but chaotic noise?” Epel looked at Vil for a bit longer, his expression hard to read…then took a deep breath, and let it out. His face became contrite. “I…I’m sorry,” he said quietly, then quickly cleared his throat and strengthened his voice. “Ahem…I’m sorry. I guess I got a little too carried away with the responsibility. You’re right. It’s my fault Riddle got caught, and most of my decisions so far haven’t been the best. I don’t want to lose anymore people, so…if you’re willing to offer help, I’ll accept it.” Vil’s lips quirked into a slightly victorious smile. But there was more than supercilious triumph in the expression; he seemed proud of Epel. “Well, I can hardly let you make a mockery of my own dorm while I’m around, can I?” he teased. Epel smiled and then turned to Jack and Deuce. “Are you two still with us?” he asked. The two were smirking, standing side by side. They’d heard everything. “I’m not goin’ anywhere!” Deuce grinned, and pumped his fists. “Doesn’t matter what Che’Nya or even Billy decides to throw at us! I’m not letting our school down. We’re winning this game, and I’m with the Captain all the way!”

“You and Vil are the alphas here,” intoned Jack. “Where you decide to go, I will follow. It’s just what wolves do.” “Well. Good to know somebody knows their place,” smirked Vil, a glimmer in his eyes. Jack blushed and growled, quickly turning away. “Don’t read too much into it. I just don’t wanna give Sebek the satisfaction of thinkin’ he’s right,” he grumbled. Vil chuckled, while Deuce and Epel sniggered. “So,” Epel said at length, adjusting the beret atop his head as he looked up at Vil, before picking up his bean shooter. “Have you got any suggestions for what to do next?” “I do indeed,” Vil replied, picking up his own gun. “With your permission, Captain?” “By all means,” grinned Epel. “Fine,” Vil said, and waved for Jack and Deuce to step closer, so they could plot more privately. “Here’s what I think we should do next…”

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Glllllrrrrrrlllllg… Harmonia winced and clutched his belly, biting his lip. Billy Geant paused and blinked down at the harp; in his fat mitts he held half of a large sandwich - which was stuffed with cheese, garlic cloves, a couple slices of lettuce, and an entire chicken leg. He’d packed his snack into one of the small packs nestled against his hip (part of his Beanfest uniform). He gulped down a mouthful of food, licking some stray flecks of black pepper off his plump lips, before addressing the little harp boy. “Hey, are you okay?” “Y-yeah,” stammered Harmonia with a nod, rubbing his small stomach. “Just, uh…kinda hungry. I didn’t really eat very much for breakfast.” “Neither did I,” Billy said. “Just six eggs, thirteen strips of bacon, four sausage links, a bit of ham, three large pancakes, a bunch of grapes, and a few glasses of chocolate milk. Pretty light stuff.” “O-Oh,” was all Harmonia could reply with, rather flabbergasted. “Yeah,” Billy sighed, and gestured to his sandwich. “Hence why I figured I might need this. So, um…what did you eat for breakfast.” “Oh, um…a muffin.” “...One muffin.” “Yeah.” “Just one.” “Uh-huh.” “How big was this muffin?” “Um…muffin-sized, I guess? Like, not one of those really big ones, but-” “Did you…have anything else to go with that?” “Well, I drank some tea.” “...And?” “That’s it.” Billy was staring at Harmonia as if he was shocked the harp was even alive and breathing. “I-I’ll be fine till the contest, is over, really!” Harmonia eeked out, worriedly, afraid he’d somehow angered the giant. “Nope,” Billy responded, in a stern, firm kind of voice, and stuck out his tongue as he pinched one of the unbitten edges of his sandwich, and pulled away a bit of bread with some chicken and cheese attached to it. To him, it was not much more than a crumb, but to Harmonia, it was the size of…well…a chicken-and-cheese sandwich. “Here. Have this, at least.” “I-I don’t really-” “Eat it.” Harmonia gulped nervously. Billy’s voice and face made it clear the giant would brook no denial. Remembering Epel’s warning from earlier that day, the harp reached out and muttered a quiet word of thanks, taking the sandwich in his hands.

Billy didn’t look away. He didn’t even blink. He was clearly not going to do either till A’Cappella took at least one bite of food. So, Harmonia did. The instant he did so, his face lit up, fear and nerves fading as he tasted the crispy, toasted bread…the excellently roasted chicken…the flavorful, sharp cheddar cheese… “Wow, this…this is…really good!” he murmured. “I mean…it’s not extravagant, but…it’s still delicious!” “I always use the best ingredients,” smiled Billy, nodding with satisfaction, the brief cloud that had fallen over his expression dissipating immediately. “I think I did a pretty good job with the chicken; had to get up early to make sure it would be fresh and hot-” “Wait! You cooked the chicken in this yourself?” “Yep!” Billy chirped, before taking another bite of his sandwich. The next things he said were half-spoken with a full mouth, and half-spoken after he swallowed: “See, I’ve kinda had to fend for myself for a long time. So I learned how to cook a lot of things to keep my belly full. Incidentally, I guess one other thing I can thank my family for is our special recipe…” “Special recipe?” “Chocolate-glazed pot roast!” boomed Billy, proudly. “I’ll have to share some with you sometime; it’s been in the family ever since the original Giant!” Harmonia giggled. “Maybe you should have made some of that to eat for this event,” he teased. “Would have been fitting.” “Yeah, well, a sandwich is a lot easier to pack,” chuckled Billy, waggling the remains of the sandwich in the air before stuffing the rest into his mouth. Even as he continued to bite and chew his own bit of edible goodness, Harmonia couldn’t help but watch as the giant stuffed the entire sandwich past his broad, sharp-and-strong-looking teeth and into his vast mouth. He watched those pudgy cheeks puff up a bit more as he chewed, and shuddered a little as he heard the molars and incisors crunch through the solid bone of the chicken leg as easily as if it were a graham cracker. After a few chomps, Billy tilted his head back, and Harmonia saw his Adam’s Apple bob in his neck as he swallowed the remainder of the sandwich down into his great belly in a single gulp. Billy then sighed, and patted his belly…before grunting, grimacing, and thumping his chest. His lips flapped as a big, whopping burp left his mouth, echoing through the colosseum. “BUUUURRRRROOOORRRRRRRP! Hoo! Oh, man, I needed that! Pretty good, huh, little friend?” he grinned down at Harmonia, clearly proud of himself. Harmonia was afraid of answering vocally; his voicebox seemed to have seized up, and he could feel his cheeks turning pink as a pair of rosebuds. So he simply gave a thumbs-up. Judging from the way Billy’s eyes brightened and his smile grew wider, that was enough for the commodious colossus. Harmonia’s own smile widened in return. So far, this whole experience really hadn’t been as bad as he expected. He and Billy had found much to talk about, and much to share, and he was quickly finding the giant’s company…pleasant, to say the least. The blush on his own face agreed with him on that last part.

All in all, he was beginning to think that maybe everything he’d learned about giants had been a lie. The half-harp was about to say this…but stopped short of doing so when Billy’s smile faded. His eyes widened and his ears seemed to prick up slightly as he turned his head quickly, looking around on obvious high alert. As the ogre sniffed at the air with his small, round nose, Harmonia found himself on the verge of giggling; the whole demeanor of the giant was so like a big puppy dog, distracted by something they smelled in the distance, he couldn’t help himself. “Is…something the matter?” he asked, slowly. “Maybe,” mumbled Billy, then looked to Harmonia with a stern sort of expression. He jabbed one huge finger - larger than Harmonia was tall - in the Golden Harp’s direction. “Stay right here, don’t move.” Harmonia, a bit startled by the shift in demeanor, crossed his heart to show he wouldn’t. Billy smirked for a split second, then groaned as he hauled his hulking mass up onto his feet. His hands slapped against his trousers - the clapping made Harmonia wince and adjust his hearing aid - and he began to move around the circumference of the arena. He sniffed the air several times, eyes darting about in a chary, wary way. It took Harmonia a few seconds longer than he personally felt comfortable with to realize what was happening: the giant was hunting. The Farmers had finally arrived. Within the halls that stretched through the behind-the-scenes interior of the colosseum, three figures crept quietly. They paused before an open portal, which led out to the stadium field, from between the rows of stands. Each was dressed in a Night Raven athletics uniform…and one wore a baseball cap. This one carried a Bean Launcher; their forest green eyes and blonde pageboy-style hair made it clear who they were, which likely made the identities of the two students behind them equally obvious. Especially given the Farmer patches each had pinned to their outfits. “I can’t believe we’re the first ones here!” hissed Cater. “Like, this is gonna make my likes and shares go through the ROOF!” “Wait on that post, Monsieur Magicam,” advised Rook. His usual mask-like smile was on his face, even if his tone was warning and dangerous. “We must wait till we have the harp to celebrate. And we are at a decided disadvantage.” Cater blushed at that and nodded in acquiescence. The three had run into further interference from the Monsters of RSA on the way up; now, he and Sebek were low on ammo, as Rook had elected to save his “bullets” till they reached their final destination. The moment of contemplation was interrupted by a wall-rocking shout from Sebek. “DO YOU SEE IT?!” “Shhhh!” hushed Cater, urgently. “Not so loud! He already knows we’re here!” “What?! Does he? THEN WHY ARE WE STILL TALKING?!” Cater facepalmed. A loud, deep growl from outside, followed by approaching, elephantine footsteps told the trio that Billy Geant had most certainly heard those rash shouts, and was now stomping towards their hiding spot. Quickly, the three darted past the portal and made their way further down the hall. They were just in time, for a moment later Billy got down onto his belly, peering into the passage with one blue eye.

Billy blinked and frowned, wiggling forward a little to try and get a better look. Unbeknownst to him, from behind, Harmonia was getting quite an eyeful. The musical RSA student felt his face flush red as a beet as Billy’s bubble-butt was stuck up pertly into the air. With every motion the giant made, it jiggled and bounced like a pair of giant jelly molds. Harmonia cupped one of his blushing cheeks and looked away, shivering a little. “What is wrong with me?” he whispered to himself, having never felt attraction this strong or sudden in his entire life. Was he really falling for the giant so easily? “Hm? Did you say something, little treasure?” rumbled Billy, looking up and back at Harmonia innocently. “Nope. Nope, nothing at all,” Harmonia lied, shaking his head quickly. Billy looked at him for a few seconds…then shrugged and began to crawl around on his hands and knees, still sniffing about. “Come on out, little friends,” he called in a sing-song way, a mischievous sort of smile on his face. “I know you’re here somewheeeere…wherever you are, I’ll find yoooouuuu…” His words whistled through the halls, and into the ears of the first three farmers, who were still in hiding in a new part of the hall. Sebek and Cater let out matching sighs of relief at still evading capture, while Rook just looked excited. He could feel his heart pounding with every sound of the giant’s movements; with every vibration of the ground quaking beneath his feet. It had been quite some time since he’d enjoyed a hunt quite like this! “Can you see the Harp, Monsieur Crocodile?” he asked Sebek. Sebek peered cautiously around the edge, through a different portal about a quarter of the way around the Colosseum from where they’d previously stood. His yellow-green eyes scoured the stands beyond…then widened slightly. “YES! HE’S…ahem,” he quickly lowered his voice at a scathing look from Cater and what could only be described as a homicidal smile from Rook. “He’s…in the stands directly ahead of us, at the very top of the seats.” “Tres magnifique,” Rook purred, like a housecat ready to filch a canary from its cage. “Have you got a plan?” Cater asked, curiously. “Oui-oui,” nodded Rook. “Our best bet is to put Monsieur Geant out of the proverbial running. Ah! To strike down one of my own dormmates…it is enough to make one weep! Alas, the vicissitudes of fate!” “The what of fate?” blinked Cater. “Peasant! To not know what…that word means!” huffed Sebek…then leaned close and whispered to Rook: “What does that word mean? I must learn it; my liege has used it before, and I still haven’t got a clue.” “It is not important right now,” Rook replied, and took a second the relish the distraught look on Zigvolt’s face before continuing: “As I was saying…if we try to make off with the harp while he’s still active on the field, Monsieur Geant will doubtless pursue us. And as there are only three of us, and he is a VERY large fellow, this probably will not end well.” “What do you suggest then?” Sebek scowled. Rook pointed around the portal, towards one of the towering statues - each topped with a couple of stone ravens - that ran in a ring around the edges of the colosseum walls.

“One of those would make a prime sniping position pour moi,” he said. “You two run interference, while I make my way up there. I’ll shoot a bean straight at Monsieur Geant’s head, put him out, and then clamber down to fetch the Harp. We can then work together to bring Monsieur Dore to the rendezvous point. C’est bien, non?” “Totes ‘bien,’ yeah!” grinned Cater with an enthusiastic nod. Sebek just grinned, fangs glinting in the thin light that streamed into the darkened hall. “Conserve whatever ammunition you have and focus on simply getting his attention,” Rook said. “I shall deal le coup fatal. Allez! Tout suite!” Rook thus took off down the hall in one direction. Sebek and Cater shouldered their bean shooters, and then began to stroll out of the passage and onto the field. Meanwhile, Billy had his tongue stuck out, brow knitted and furrowed, as he peered into the original portal once more. The smell was fainter now, but still lingered, and he could have sworn he heard something! If only he could see… “Where are you, little friends?” he almost whined out. “C’mon, y’know you can’t hide from me!” “NOR DO WE WISH TO, GIANT!” Billy rose up to his knees and looked back…then a beaming grin split his face as he saw Cater and Sebek hop out into view, waving their arms to ensure they got his attention. “There you are, little friends!” Billy cheered, and smirked as he rose to his full height and loomed over them. “Guess you knew you couldn’t fool me, huh?” “PREPARE TO FACE DEFEAT, OGRE!” boomed Sebek, thrusting out one arm imperiously. “WE ARE HERE TO RETRIEVE THE-” “Hey! Billy!” Cater interrupted, and held out his cell phone. “Before we get into the whole ‘saving the harp thing,’ mind smilin’ for Cay-Cay’s camera?” Billy’s smirk changed to a genuinely happy grin. “Oh! Sure thing, little friend! Um…how do you want me to pose first?” “Just smile and wave, and we’ll go on from there! A big cutie like you is ALWAYS mega-cammable, no matter what!” “Awwww,” Billy blushed, and giggled before sitting down cross-legged and waving with one hand. “Like this?” “Yeah! That’s ten-outta-ten right there!” laughed Cater, and snapped a photo. “Now, let’s try a fierce pose, like a big, mean giant!” “I can do that,” smirked Billy, and gave an evil sort of grin, lifting his hands in claw-like shapes. “Grrrrr! How’s that?” “Perfect!” Sebek just gaped, glancing between the ogre and Cater as Diamond continued to snap pictures. “What are you doing?!” he hissed. “We’re supposed to be fighting!”

“Wrong-o. We’re supposed to be DISTRACTING him,” corrected Cater, with a wily smile. “And do you know how hard it is to get pics of giants? Especially one like him? He’s totes kawaii!” “...What in the name of the Thorn Fairy does THAT mean?” “It means, as long as he’s focused on us, it doesn’t matter what we do. Now, lemme do my thing.” “Any more pics, little friend?” chirped Billy, oblivious to the conversation. “Just a couple more!” Cater called out. “How ‘bout you do a silly face for the next one…?” Sebek groaned and looked up at the sky, crossing his arms in a huff. “Thank the Gods that My Liege isn’t here to see this stupidity,” he grumbled. While Cater and Sebek (mostly Cater) distracted Billy - and while Harmonia was scratching his head, wondering what in the world was really going on - Rook made his way to the top of the colosseum, emerging from a trap door that was used by the utilities personnel to reach the statues on the rim of the great structure. Adjusting his grip on the Bean Launcher, he stealthily tip-toed across the roof of the arena, till he reached a vantage point behind Billy’s head. Rook bit his lip as he moved onto one knee and took a position against the side of one of the stone constructs. He lifted the Bean Launcher upwards, closing one eye as he nestled the sniper blaster into the crook of his neck, his chin resting lightly upon it, and peered down the leaf-marked sight of the weapon. He aimed, and began to squeeze the trigger…timing the incoming shot with his breath… Cater had just taken another photo of Billy, as he and Billy gave each other a thumbs-up…but then the giant noticed something. A shadow. Behind him. The Sun was in just the right position that he could make out something, or someone, nesting in the presence of one of the statues on the Colosseum wall. It was a mistake Rook likely should have calculated, but somehow he had not yet realized it. The Master Hunter of Pomefiore took the shot. PANG! A single bean popped out from the barrel of the launcher, and went spinning through the air, shot out at tremendous velocity towards Billy Geant’s carrot-colored crew cut. Victory for the grand marksman seemed inevitable… …Until Billy - with genuinely startling speed - whipped around fast, mouth wide open…and caught the bean inside his jaws with a SNAP! Everyone watching froze up and jerked back, including Rook. Billy grinned from ear to ear, a slightly wild look in his blue eyes. The swallow was barely audible. The slick sound his tongue made as it slid across his teeth was another story. “Nice try,” he hissed through the gap in his teeth, and suddenly shot out a fat hand, grabbing hold of Rook the way one might grab hold of a small doll. Rook - winded more than in any real pain - let out a sort of grunting gasp, and his grip on the launcher was slackened. Billy let out a bear-like growl and lightly shook him, knocking the weapon out of his hand. It tumbled back onto the roof with a clatter, as Rook struggled to pry away the oversized sausage-fingers around him, the arm withdrawing with him in tow.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Billy smirked cockily, clearly proud of himself as he held Rook before his face. Rook grunted again, this time in exertion as he tried to move the fingers…then sighed and gave a sort of defeated smile. “You have quite the grip, Monsieur Geant,” he said. “Your strength is one of the things that makes you beautiful. But I never knew you had such speed!” “I’ve been practicing,” winked Billy, still grinning almost devilishly. “Looks like you’re out of the game, Rook. Sorry!” “I would agree, but I don’t see any traps here,” Rook pointed out, gesturing around the arena. “Unless you mean to keep me in your hand all day.” Billy’s grin widened. Rook could see just a hint of his gums. “I don’t need any other traps,” Billy replied, and patted his belly as he moved his head closer to Rook, whispering four shaky, excited-sounding words: “I AM the trap.” Rook’s eyes widened. For just a moment, his smile disappeared, a look bordering on stunned on his face…then, his smile slid back into view, and his eyes seemed to sparkle. “Well, Beanfest is meant to give one new experiences each time…bon appetit, Monsieur Geant.” Billy giggled. “Marcy, BoCo!” he replied. “...Ah…I think you mean merci beaucoup, actua-” OMPH! Without any other warning, Billy opened his mouth and tossed Rook inside like a cherry. His mouth shut fast around the hunter before Rook could make any other sound. Billy’s eyes closed, and he rumbled happily, taking a moment to swirl his fellow Pomefiore student around in his mouth for a moment; the hunter tasted like liver pate, spread over fine crusts of toasted, buttery bread. It was a rich, hearty, yet strangely elegant flavor. After savoring for a few seconds, Billy tossed his head back and swallowed Rook whole. The resounding GULP was accompanied by a distended, oblong lump forming in his throat, which disappeared behind his collarbone. The giant sighed and rubbed over his stomach as it gurgled, signalling the arrival of more food within. “Ahhhh…I’ve always wanted to do that,” sighed the giant, happily, then grinned down at Sebek and Cater. “Now, for the next couple of snacks…” Cater and Sebek stared up with something approaching horror in their eyes as they watched Billy devour Rook so easily. The dread upon their expressions only heightened when the giant reached for them. Quickly snapping out of it, each lifted their bean shooters, but before they coud fire… “Boop! Bop!” Billy giggled as he flicked the guns clean out of their hands with his fingers, knocking the pair over as their weapons dropped onto the gray field. Along with something else… “MY PHONE!” screamed Cater, as it flipped out of his hand and fell near his weapon. “HOLD ON, BABY, CAY-CAY’S COMING!” “ARE YOU MAD?!” roared Sebek, as Cater lunged to recover his beloved mobile device. “WE CAN’T…j-just…”

Sebek faltered as he felt a shadow fall over him. A round, vaguely heart-shaped shadow. Slowly, he looked up…and his whole body went slack where he stood, eyes wide, face pale, as he found the ogre’s massive butt looming over him. The sight was like watching a huge moon, falling from orbit…or rather two moons, as the tightness of Billy’s pants made the crease between his glutes very pronounced. Sebek felt his mouth go dry and whimpered. “...Save me, Malleus-sama…” WHUMPH! Billy sat down and snickered as he carefully ground back and forth, making sure Sebek was firmly pinned beneath his blubbery bottom. “Just stay there for a second,” he teased. “I’ll be with ya in a minute!” Billy then grinned as he looked towards Cater, who was currently holding his phone in his hands, nuzzling it and cooing to it like it was his own child. “Oh, sweetie, Daddy’s so glad you don’t have a scratch on you!” he crooned. “I swear, I’m never gonna leave you again-EEP!” Cater fumbled, nearly dropping his phone all over again, as Billy’s hand reached out and grabbed hold of the back of his outfit. He was dangled belly-down over space as Billy smacked his lips, scratching his gut as he picked Cater up with a wicked gleam in his blue eyes. “Don’t feel bad, little friend,” taunted Billy, puffing his breath into Cater’s face. “I was just too awesome for you to defeat. I bet you’ll taste all salty!” Cater just coughed and gagged, trying to shake away the air blasting into his hair. His nose crinkled. “Y-Yeah, well…whatever I taste like? Please remember to use a breath mint after, Billy…seriously, P.U. with a capital…everything!” “Sorry! Didn’t bring any mints with me!” shrugged Billy. “I only use them because of the Housewarden…and TODAY…” He gave a sneaky sort of cackle. “Anyway…hope you got lots of good pics, Cater! You’re gonna need flash for the next set.” So saying, Billy opened his jaws wide, upending Cater Diamond as he tilted his head back, dangling him over the abyss of his maw. Cater gaped, wide-eyed, as he gazed down into the mouth of the giant…past the powerful teeth, over the sloppy pink tongue…deep into the gaping, black hole that was his gullet, where ropes of saliva seemed to pour down like a fountain… Cater blinked…gulped…and then slowly lifted his phone to snap a single photo. Only then did Billy drop him into his jaws. Like Rook before him, Billy took a moment to savor him - he was right, Cater did taste salty! Sort of like a big pretzel! - before swallowing Diamond in a single GULP! Billy patted his belly, and muffled a deep BRRRRRLLLLLLLLMMMMPH of a burp in his fat cheeks with one fist. He then smirked superiorly as he glanced back over his shoulder, and rolled his butt to one side.

“Two down, one to go,” he mumbled. Sebek just groaned where he lay, dazed and barely passing for conscious after being ass-slammed by the titan. If Billy had put just a little more force into sitting on the crocodile-fairy, he might have been crushed, or at least faced a few bruised bones. As it stood, he mostly just felt a sort of numb ache in his limbs, and his head was spinning, from the sparse, musky air he’d been forced to breathe while beneath Geant’s rump. It was a relief, at first, when he was lifted by both his legs - held between a finger and a thumb - into the air, upside-down. As the blood swirled around his body, between his head and his feet, he blinked in a delirious fashion…then, Sebek’s eyes widened, and he began to shout as he saw Billy’s open jaws drawing nearer to him. “Remember what it was like in here, little crocodile?” Billy breathed over him, mockingly. “My tummy and my tongue have missed you…” Sebek let out a sound between a yowl and a snarl, and flailed his arms wildly. His hands scrabbled at Billy’s lips and the dull edges of his teeth, as if to try and push away those hungry mandibles. He had been eaten by Billy once before - swallowed during the previous Beanfest - and he was in no mood to get gobbled up a second time, and vocally made this clear. “NOT AGAIN!” he yelled. “RELEASE ME, YOU OVERGROWN OX! PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME DOWN! PUT! ME-!” SCHLOMPH. Geant popped Zigvolt into his mouth, slurping up his kicking legs as they wiggled beyond his lips for just a moment before disappearing into the gluttonous cave. Small dents and divots could be seen on his cheeks as he spun Sebek between them like a piece of candy, relishing the long-forgotten flavor on his tastebuds. He then blinked, as, suddenly - gasping like he’d been trying not to drown - Sebek’s head popped free of those lips. “F-FAT FOOL!” boomed Sebek, wiggling an arm free and trying to drag himself out of the giant’s mouth. “You…w-won’t…swallow me…so easily aga-ACK!” POPK! A push from one finger proved Billy would, as he pushed Sebek back into his mouth with a chortle: just like last time, the half-reptile proved to be quite the fighter. But that was okay. Struggling felt good in his stomach. GULP! A final swallow sealed the fate of the Farmer Trio, as Sebek was sent slithering down the ogre’s esophagus. Billy licked his lips messily, drumming on his belly happily with both hands as it jiggled like jelly in his lap. “Mmm-MMM! Yummy in the tummy!” he sang out, joyfully, and grinned down at his gut. “I hope you’re all comfy in there!” His guts gurgled; muffled noises could be heard beneath all the layers of fat. Billy chuckled and stroked his belly with his fingertips, before letting out a rumbling, thick belch. “BLLLLUUUURRRRRRAAAAARRRRRRRKLP! Oh, wow…you guys are already making me gassy! Don’t worry, little friends: I’ll make sure to take real good care of you.” He shivered and quivered as his belly visibly rippled with another rumble. “Oooooh…squirming so much…keep kicking, little guys. You are NOT coming out. Not for a while, anyway. Heh…at least you won’t be lonely. After all, there’s bound to be at least a few more Farmers who’ll make it this far.”

Billy drummed his fingers over his stomach with an almost dreamy sigh. “Yeah…I’m gonna be eating GOOD today…” For a few seconds, he basked in the sensation of the three tiny forms wriggling around in his belly…then blinked and looked over to where Harmonia sat. “Oh! Uh…sorry about all that, little friend,” he said, in a cheerful, happy way, as if nothing had happened at all, lazily scratching the side of his stomach as he smiled sweetly. “What were talking about before, again?” Harmonia just gazed with a look of absolute mortification. His heart had never sounded so loud in his own ears. He realized then and there…maybe not EVERYTHING he’d been told about giants was a lie.

To Be Continued in Part 3…

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twistedtummies2 · 2 years ago

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Bad Dreams for Billy

This is a little short snippet I wrote based on a suggestion from @clouddreamer101. It’s a tiny, slightly dark and slightly fluffy ship-fic for my Twisted Wonderland OC, Billy Geant, and his OC, Harmonia A’Capella - based on Willie the Giant and the Singing Harp, respectively. I WAS planning to save major ship writing for these two for some later, larger works, buuut this idea was too nice for me to pass up. XD WARNING: This story gets a liiiiittle bit darker in at least one place than most of my TW pieces do. Just a tiny bit. Nightmares aren’t meant to be pleasant.

It’s mostly cute though, I think. :) Hopefully at least some of you enjoy!

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WUBBLE-WUBBLE. Harmonia A’Capella’s eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times and scrubbed at his eyes…then let out a soft “eeping” noise as he felt the surface beneath him ripple and quake, as if he were laying upon a bed of gelatin. The Royal Sword student sat up, with a very slight blush. He was resting, dressed in blue and white pajamas, atop a bare belly bigger than any bed. The blonde adjusted his hearing aid and looked up towards the source of the quaking, as well as his host. It was a Friday night, and ever since the pair had gotten into a relationship, Friday nights were always spent in the same place for Harmonia. That place was Billy Geant’s house in the Kingdom Above the Clouds. Sometimes, Billy’s expression when sleeping was a peaceful one, a blissful little smile that spoke of sweet dreams. On frequent nights, the topless giant drooled into his pillow, snoring till the whole room shook. These sights would typically bring a smile, perhaps even a giggle, out of Harmonia. In that moment, however, there was nothing like that. Concern shone in the harp-singer’s eyes, which shimmered like gold coins beneath a wishing well’s translucent pool. The overweight titan’s slumbering face was twisted and contorted into a most unpleasant expression; even with his eyes closed, various emotions, all of them negative, could be detected. Anger, sorrow…but most alarmingly, and most evidently, fear. The fear was accompanied by increasingly violent shuddering, which was the cause of the wobbling of his bare gut. Harmonia quickly pressed down the blush that came from the jiggling beneath his hands and knees. Worry flooded his whole soul. Billy was muttering under his breath…no. Not muttering. Whimpering. Perhaps even pleading. “Billy?” whispered Harmonia. Billy keened and shook his head in his sleep, still trapped in whatever bad dream plagued his brain. “Billy!” Harmonia called out more loudly, and thumped the giant belly beneath him to try and get the ogre’s attention. “Billy, wake up!”

Tears slipped into the corner’s of the giant’s scrunched up eyes. Harmonia made out two words. Just two words, barely comprehensible through the whines and rattling teeth… “Please…don’t…” Harmonia’s expression now took on a hint of fear of its own, and he took a steeling breath. He closed his eyes…and when he opened them, the optic orbs were glowing. Then, a hum…just a hum…flowed from the young music master’s lips. He rubbed the belly beneath him in a soothing manner, as the music thrummed in his chest and whistled through his nostrils. The melody was gentle, but rousing, sort of the opposite of a lullaby. Steadily, the giant’s quaking stilled…then, the whimpers stopped. After a few moments, Harmonia let his eyes return to normal…and at the same time, Billy’s own baby blue eyes opened up. They were brimming with tears as he lifted his head. “My…my treasure?” he peeped, in a voice remarkably small for somebody currently the size of a barge. “Yes. I’m here,” promised Harmonia, with a tender smile. Billy let out a sigh, and then let his head drop back onto the pillow. The sound was shaky, deeply unsettled. He lifted one huge hand to his head, rubbing his scalp as if his skull ached. “Nightmare,” he mumbled. “I guessed that,” Harmonia nodded. “It felt so real,” Billy murmured, and shivered again, the memories still quite fresh. “They usually do,” whispered Harmonia, in a tone that indicated many years of vivid experience. Billy just grunted, and sighed through his nose. A sad look was on his round face as he carefully sat up a bit in bed, using a hand to steady Harmonia and make sure the little one wouldn’t tumble off his belly. “I’m sorry I woke you, Harmonia,” he said, quietly. “It’s no problem, big guy,” the harp assured him, and sat on the stomach of the colossus, cross-legged. He tilted his head and urged gently, “Want to talk about it?” Billy bit his lip…then took a breath. He let it out heavily; Harmonia decided NOT to comment on the smell as it washed over him. There were more important things to worry about now. “I…I woke up. In the dream. And…you weren’t there,” Billy said, in an unusually tiny voice. Harmonia just stared back, evenly. “Is that all?” he asked, in a tone not unlike a doctor consulting their patient. Billy shook his heavy head. “Nuh-uh,” he confirmed, mournfully. “I got out of bed to go look for you. And…and I was s-searching all over my home, I-I even went down into the basement! B-But…but n-no matter where I looked, no matter how loudly I called your name, you weren’t there! You weren’t anywhere!” Harmonia lay down on his own stomach, hugging Billy’s gut as much as he could. “I’m here now,” he said, reassuringly. Billy offered a small, gap-toothed smile, but it only lasted a second or two. “Y-Yeah, but…it got worse…” “How?” “Well…when I realized you weren’t anywhere, I went to find the portal downstairs. To…to where all you little guys live, right? And…and the portal wasn’t anywhere! I scrambled around, I-I even asked other giants if they knew a way down, and none of them would answer me! They wouldnt’t LOOK at me! It was…it was like they didn’t even know I was there. And the more I looked, the smaller I felt…it…it felt like…like everything was GROWING around me. I’ve…I’ve never felt so…so…” He paused, searching for a word. “Insignificant?” suggested Harmonia. “...I was gonna say ‘little,’” Billy said, with a wry little giggle. The humor soon evaporated as he continued: “Finally, I spotted a beanstalk. I was so excited, I nearly knocked it down trying to climb back down to the world below! A-And I didn’t even know where I’d end up, I just had to try and find you! I had to find a way down! I got so excited, because I-I saw that Sage’s Island was j-just below! I was gonna see you again! I was gonna see all my little friends!” A haunted sort of look came to Billy’s eyes. His gaze shifted. He wasn’t looking at Harmonia anymore, and the harp boy could tell. He said nothing. Simply listened and embraced. “Then I got to the bottom,” Billy said, his voice going cold and dead. “And…I saw…footprints. Giant footprints. Everywhere. And I mean…everywhere. Trees were wrecked. There were no animals to be heard or seen or smelled anywhere. It was like another ogre had just gone on a rampage down there. I got worried all over again. I went…I went to my school, hoping I could ask my little friends what happened, a-and maybe get some help finding you.” Billy went very quiet. Harmonia let him be silent for a few moments, before using one hand to stroke the stomach’s curve up and down. “What did you find?” he asked. “Nothing. No one,,” Billy answered, ominously. “Not a sign of life. I couldn’t see or smell anybody. The castle was in ruins. Like it had been hit with a wrecking ball seven times. The statues were rubble. The track field was a barren plain.” “Barren plain?” smirked Harmonia. “Vil’s rubbing off on you again, isn’t he?” His smirk faded as Billy continued, as if Geant had not heard Harmonia. The giant was lost in his own disturbed memory. “I called out every name I could think of, all the students and teachers I knew. No one answered. Not even the Prefect, or Ace, or Deuce, or little Grimmy…I…I started screaming. Just screaming. Just desperate for somebody, ANYBODY, to hear me. I asked where you had all gone…” Billy whimpered louder than ever. The shivering began again, and the tears began to dribble down his cheeks. “Then…then I f-found some water, and…and I looked in…and…and my…m-my…my reflection…my teeth…oh, Gods, there was so much blood…” Billy sobbed and covered his face, breaking down into tears. Harmonia’s face changed to one of pity and deepest concern. He remained silent as Billy cried to himself. He didn’t speak, just let Billy cry. After several moments, Harmonia piped up again. “Billy?” The giant sniffled and uncovered his face. His cheeks were stained with tears, and his eyes were still misty. “Billy…I’m still here,” he vowed. “And I’m not going anywhere. I’d never abandon you. And I’d never think you were ‘little.’ I mean…kind of hard to do that with a super big guy like you, isn’t it?” Billy gave only the tiniest smile a giant could offer in reply. Harmonia smiled back and patted the ogre’s tummy. “I also know you. You wouldn’t hurt me. You wouldn’t hurt any of your friends.” “I could,” Billy responded, then gave a look askance. “I…very nearly have…a couple of times…” “Nearly,” reminded Harmonia. “And all those times were when you weren’t fully in control of your actions, or genuinely just didn’t intend it. Can YOU think of any reason you’d hurt any of us, willingly, now?” Billy bit his lip…then slowly shook his head. “I…I guess not,” he said, sniffling a second time. Harmonia smiled his most encouraging smile, and pressed on Billy’s upper stomach. Somehow, the giant interpreted the action…and lay back, carefully and slowly, resting once more on the bed. With the giant laying down once again, Harmonia slid down the curve of the stomach, and crawled across the big boy’s diaphragm. He rested upon the firm, tough pectorals of the burly big’un, where he could feel Billy’s heartbeat pounding beneath his hands. It was rather rapid. Harmonia rubbed one hand over the giant’s powerful chest, and then lay down, giving a chaste kiss to the crevice between the pectorals. He smirked as he heard Billy peep at the intimate little action; he knew the giant was blushing even without looking up at him. “You’re not a monster, Billy,” he said. “And none of us are leaving. Certainly not me. You’re stuck with me, you big baby. And that’s final.” “You promise?” the giant childishly checked. “Cross my heart, hope to cry, slap your belly ‘cause it’s fine,” twittered the harp, with a wink. Billy let out a soft, wet-sounding giggle…then tenderly cupped a hand over his chest. Over Harmonia. His heartbeat began to steady. “Thank you, my little treasure,” he said, gratefully. “No need for thanks, big boy.” “Still gonna,” Billy insisted. “Eh. Guess I’ve gotta live with it then,” shrugged Harmonia. Another giggle, a bit louder, left Billy’s mouth. There was a pause. Then… “Um…Harmonia?” “Mm-hm?” “Could…could you please…sing for me? I…I think…maybe a lullaby will help me sleep without any more bad dreams?” Harmonia smiled with pure love in his eyes. He snuggled against Billy’s chest, eyes closed as he refocused his power. “My pleasure, Billy,” he said. His eyes regained their golden glow…and soon, Billy Geant found himself slipping into a world of much more beautiful thoughts, as the familiar lullaby wound its way into his mind. No giant could ever have a bad dream when graced by the voice of the magic harp. “In my favorite dream, everyone is so delightful…”

#ship fic #fanfic #ocs #oc fic #disney #twisted wonderland #billy #billy geant #my oc #not my oc #harmonia #harmonia a'cappella #clouddreamer101 #bad dreams #nightmare #macro/micro #billy is a big baby #poor giant

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