Chapter Text
He’d never been in so much pain before. Even with the adrenaline and his mind screaming to keep pushing himself forward. Every step edged him towards blacking out.
The cold metal did nothing against his already numbed skin. Merely providing stable support as he made his way through. Thankful that the storm outside had provided the needed cover to make his escape. The power had gone out due to a well placed lightning strike. He knew he was running out of his borrowed time. Even the relief of finding a way out of the flying fortress didn’t remain long.
He wasn’t going to be truly safe until he could no longer see the horrible place.
He held back a scream of pain when he landed onto the muddy ground. His broken leg and sprained ankle buckling under the sudden weight. A choked sob did escape, a hand quickly placed over his mouth. Even if the raging storm covered every sound. He didn’t want to take the risk.
Every part of his pounded in pain as he slowly stood. Taking a deep breath before continuing on in the pouring rain. With nothing stable to lean against and the ground soft, his progress was significantly slowed. Desperately clinging to each tree he could reach. Hoping the surrounding forest could provide coverage.
The noise from the storm was suddenly drowned out by a blaring alarm. A harsh red light piercing through the trees, washing over the ground. His heart spiked in absolute fear. Looking back briefly to see numerous search lights shining through the water and darkness. Panic settled in as he pushed forward once more. Doing all he can to move forward and not collapse.
Maybe they’ll just stay on the base? Thinking he’s still there. It’s all he could hope for at this point. That hope was quickly crushed when the ground shook. Causing him to desperately cling to a tree until it all calmed down again. Looking back to see dozens of figures charging out of the menacing base.
Any attempt to remain even slightly calm was thrown out the window. His mind now screaming, “Run! Just run! Don’t let them catch you again!”
When the ground suddenly disappeared, he couldn’t help but let out a scream. Falling down the steep hill, sliding in the mud, unable to find any perch to get back up. He wasn’t sure how far he’d fallen down or for how long it had been. But he did eventually slide to a slow stop. Wincing slightly when constant pressure suddenly engulfed the lower half of his body. Whatever fight he had disappeared. All of his energy was gone, he couldn't move, it was hard to breathe. Tears being hidden by the falling rain water.
He was going to be found. He was going to be thrown back into that frozen cell again. He was going to be punished .
Lights above moved through the darkness. He knew it was them looking for him, and knew he was going to be discovered. There was nothing that could be done.
Head falling to the side, he allowed himself to surrender to it all. Praying he would drown in some way instead of being forced to go back. Bleary eyes could just make out domed structures a few feet away from him. Was he…near a village? Was this the universe taunting him again? Dangling hope, possibly help, mere inches away from where he laid. Of course it would. He could never catch a break, even at his lowest point.
Consciousness slowly started slipping away from him. Eyes becoming heavy, head sinking further into the mud. Attention being pulled from the structures to a familiar green hat that was clasped in his only good hand. His one last scrap of salvation that he clung to, something that kept him strong for so long.
“Mario… Please…find me…”
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The BeanBean Kingdom was a proud one. Built from a ravaged and overgrown forest. Living peacefully with the strange flora and fauna. It had never seen war or strife. All living within its boundaries getting along well with their neighbors. No outside forces were able to get past the tall mountain ranges or the raging ocean. The only issue really came from the same nature that kept them safe. Because it can be unforgiving, even if it’s unintentional.
“We’ve received word from the HooHoo Village that a mudslide occurred last night. No doubt due to the heavy rainfall. They’ve requested help to clear up and secure the surrounding area. How do you want to proceed Queen Bean?” The soldier lowered the letter he’d been reading from.
Queen Bean was an imposing figure. Large and built strong, one would assume she was a ruthless ruler. However, she was a gentle soul. Ruling over BeanBean Kingdom as gently as she had, even when her husband had departed. She was fair and treated all as her own children. With a boisterous laugh and a strong hug, Queen Bean was loved by everyone.
Currently a frown was resting on her face. “I agree with their assessment. We’ve not had a heavy downfall for a few years. We’ll send out a group to survey the area and create a plan. There may also be a need to move a few citizens if the damage is severe enough. Prince Peasley?”
Turning to her left, Queen Bean’s attention was drawn when another stepped forward. Dressed in pure white garments with a red cape tied around his neck. Skin a vivid green, hair a brilliant gold, and carried himself confidently. Hand resting on his sword hilt, Peasley bowed and replied with, “Yes, Queen Bean?”
“I would like for you to lead the party. Report back as soon as you can on how we need to proceed.”
“Of course. With your permission, we’ll leave immediately.”
“Gather the numbers you’ll need and leave when you can. Please stay safe.”
It wasn’t long before a large group of soldiers, with Peasley leading the way atop his winged bean, were marching down the street. The sidewalks quickly lined with civilians, mainly girls calling out in hopes that the prince would look their way. Letting out absolute squeals of delight as he gave a wave with a dazzling smile.
“Popular as always sire,” the captain smirked as the audience swooned, “Don’t know how you do it.”
“It’s what happens when you have a winning smile. As well as they like the ‘mystery’.” Peasley answered with a huffed smile.
“Don’t tell me you dislike the attention.”
“No, but I do wish they would calm themselves. They like me for being the prince. I very much doubt they would care so much if they saw me as a simple gardener. They’re infatuated with the title.”
“Don’t put yourself down to hard sire. Given the chance, I’m sure they’d find no fault in what you do.”
Peasley hummed softly, thankful that they were out of the main town. “Perhaps. But is it terrible to wish to meet someone a little…different? You know, someone who’s not impressed by my title.”
“Fret not sire, you will find someone.”
“Glad to know you’re invested in my personal life.”
The captain laughed softly, “I think you forget, I helped raise you. Changed your diaper a few times, back in the day.”
“Please don’t remind me.”
Arrival to HooHoo Village started with numerous villagers frantically greeting them. All worried about the possibility of losing their homes. Peasley dispatched a group to start surveying the damage in the village directly while another went to help collect the villager’s items. A ‘just in case’ situation if the houses couldn’t be saved. It was as Peasley was attempting to calm the villagers down with gentle words when a few soldiers came rushing back over. Clearly distraught about something.
“What did you find?” Peasley asked, quickly stepping away to not cause further emotional damage to the villagers if the news was bad.
“Ah… We’re assuming a person? But they’re not like the beings we’ve seen before.”
“Are they dangerous?”
“They aren’t…awake? It’ll be easier to show you.”
Peasley gave a grand wave with a smile back to the villagers with a call that everything was fine before following the soldiers. Being led towards the opposite side of the village limits. The prince winced slightly seeing the mudslide that greeted them. Not as bad as it could have been. But it would definitely need to be cleaned and re-enforced before they left. However, that was the least of his concerns at that moment.
At the base of the mudslide, half buried under a heavy amount of dirt, was a person. None like Peasley had seen before. Skin so pale it reminded the prince of snow, a streak of something red spreading from their nose and mouth. Their face was full of bruises and cuts, one of their eyes swollen slightly. Left arm laying in an awkward position while the right hand clung to a piece of vivid green fabric. Numerous gashes covering what was uncovered by the mud.
“...Why are you just standing around? Get them out of there!” Peasley commanded the surrounding knights. All jumping into action, being careful as they moved the caked mud away.
The uncovering of the lower half revealed further damage. Peasley unable to hold back another wince upon seeing the absolutely mangled right leg and the twisted left. Hoping that the damage was caused by the mudslide and not…something else. It also became a worry when the individual didn’t wake. They didn’t even stir as they were uncovered. Cautiously reaching forward, Peasley searched for some sign of a pulse.
“It’s so faint…” The prince turned to address the nearest knight, “Get the stretcher and take this individual back to the castle. Keep out of sight of any civilians. Alert Dr. Pinto and inform Queen Bean as soon as you can. Do you understand?”
“But…sire… They’re an intruder.”
Peasley frowned at that. “Does it look like they could cause harm to anyone? Especially in the state that they’re in?”
“N-No sire, of course not.”
“Then get the stretcher and get them to the castle, now!” Peasley had to tightly grip onto his arms, not wanting to interfere as the being was moved. The hand holding the green fabric resting on top of their chest before being carried off. Peasley wanted to follow. However, he knew he would be better with helping his citizens than hovering.
With a heavy sigh, Peasley turned to the remaining soldiers. Calling out more commands to clean the area up. Saying they weren’t leaving until the village was deemed safe as a more permanent plan was made.
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When Dr. Pinto had been called out of his office, he assumed the reported mudslide had caused a few injuries. It’s to be expected. Even if the event happened in the middle of the night. So, he foolishly expected to walk out and find a few bumps and bruises. Maybe a sprained wrist or ankle if they were unfortunate.
He was not prepared to find a being barely clinging to life laying before him.
Struggling to get his lab coat on properly as he rushed over to the surgery bed. Calling for extra hands and needed equipment. Pinto carefully pulled the green fabric from the being’s hand while the nurses cut off the rest of the damaged garments, discovering it to be a cap. Frowning at the embroidered ‘L’ that had been placed over the brim. It was clearly well made and extremely durable. Pinto only assumed it was well-loved.
Why else would this being be protected so much?
Worry about that part later.
It was a slow and nervous process. Pinto tried to keep his hand steady as he worked with resetting, cleaning, and wrapping. Thankful for his extensive research and knowing that the being before him was human. Knowing how to restore blood loss even when the equivalent could not be reached. No citizens needed human blood. Working quickly in hopes that everything was enough to keep his patient alive.
Trying to keep that warning voice in the back of his mind quiet for just a little longer.
Only a few hours had passed when the patient finally fell stable. The numerous machines gave comforting sounds that the human was resting as peacefully as they could. Pinto, after cleaning himself up as best he could, allowed a few moments to collect his thoughts. Making sure he fully knew what he saw and what it meant.
“It can’t be helped,” he muttered to himself, “Move forward. Right it down and report back to the Queen.”
With the paper in hand, Dr. Pinto made his way to the throne room. Wide double doors opening to show that Peasley had thankfully returned. Already standing by his mother, no doubt sharing his own report. Both royals looked over as the doctor drew closer.
“Dr. Pinto,” Queen Bean frowned, “Prince Peasley has informed me of his findings. Pair with your distressed look… I can only assume this is not good news.”
“I’ve…come to give my report on the human.” There was a wave of whispers among the crowd. Peasley clearly confused by this word, while Queen Bean leaned forward.
“Please share what you’ve learned.”
Pinto let out a slow breath before looking over his notes. “The injuries he, the human, sustained are as follows. Sprained right ankle, left leg broken in two distinct locations. Right arm was fractured with the wrist sprained as well. Fractures collar bone, numerous fractured ribs, mainly on his right side. Severely malnourished and dehydrated. Severe blood loss due to numerous cuts and worryingly deep gashes. Said gashes appeared to be created to cause damage but not…not death.”
Pinto looked up to observe Queen Bean. While her face was neutral, Pinto knew her long enough to know the queen was distraught. Prince Peasley, not have as long on training his face, looked absolutely horrified. The crowd's curious whispers turned to ones of worry and panic.
“This is…a worrisome report you’ve delivered,” Queen Bean frowned, “But I’m assuming this is not the end of your discussion.”
“Unfortunately, no… I attempted to assess the situation as if the human was merely unfortunate to be caught in the mud slide. Even trying to match the wounds to a lost explorer or traveler. But…all injuries are just too perfect.”
“Please explain.”
“The first red flag is the aforementioned gashes. They’re dangerously deep. But placed in areas that I would say were to cause severe injury, not death. Meaning this human wasn’t hunted by an animal. Furthermore, the malnourished and dehydrated state. It would take days to achieve where he is and in full honesty, he should be dead at this point. The mentioned sprains and more so the breaks and fractures are far to clean. Compiling all of this leads me to one conclusion. This human was not lost, he was not attacked by an animal, nor was the mudslide the cause of this. I…I believe this human…was tortured.”
That caused the whispers to turn into full blown panic. It was terrifying enough to think a lone traveler could break through their protective mountain barrier. But now said intruder was a victim of something more terrifying.
Was the kingdom about to lose their peaceful lives?
The hall quickly fell quiet when Queen Bean suddenly stood. Face and determined stance, showing want to protect her kingdom. “Dr. Pinto, do you have a guess as to when our visitor may wake?”
“No. Currently, I can’t even claim he will wake at all. His injuries are too severe.”
“I will ask that you do your best to keep him alive. Prince Peasley.”
Peasley, currently a pale green with a look of absolute worry, jumped slightly at being abandoned. “Y-Yes, Queen Bean?”
“I will place our guest under your care. Keep an eye on him. Keep him safe, report back anything and everything. Do you understand?”
“Yes…I understand.”
“Lady Lima.”
A wrinkled, kindly faced elder bean stepped forward. “Yes, my queen?”
“I ask for your help with addressing the kingdom about a possible intruder.”
“My queen,” the captain stepped forward with a quick bow, “Would that be best for the kingdom? There are too many variables, too many unknowns. This could send the kingdom into a panic.”
“I’m aware of the unknowns and the dangers. But I would rather have my citizens aware instead of ignorance. If there is an intruder, someone who clearly has no issues harming, torturing another living being, then I want my kingdom prepared.”
“Should we inform them of our guest?” Lady Lima asked.
“No. This individual has been through enough. He doesn’t need curious eyes on him. Give him peace until he becomes comfortable.”
“If he wakes.” Peasley whispered to himself, gripping the handle of his sword tightly.