Like Two Drops Of Water

(Somewhere in the desert)

     A young Red Kyrii princess drank coffee quietly at her study.

     "Milady?" Her ears perked up at the call. She saw a Desert Kacheek servant. "Yes?", she replied.

     "You have mail from your cousin, the King of Qasala."

     She sighed. "Give it to me, please." He then gave her the scroll. It read:

     "To my dearest Jaja:

     I know these past few months have been rough. Remember I love you very dearly, and I wish to help you out however I can. Please, get back to me as soon as possible.

     Jazan."

     Jaja sighed again. "Thank you. I'm going to reply to this." The servant left, and she took a scroll from her desk and began to write.

     "Dearest Jazi:

     Thank you for your concern. We would greatly appreciate your help. It has indeed been rough."

     She paused and felt her breath shake just a tad. Reminiscing the experiences from the past few months... the past few years... was indeed haunting.

     She had grown with a harsh mother who belittled her and crushed her self-esteem at every chance she could. At least Jaja got the good traits from her father, but even he was afraid of his evil wife. Jaja thought her father deserved better than this wicked Kyrii woman.

     But what was worst of all... when Jaja fell in love with this young peasant Ixi man, her mother was furious. Furious enough to try and end the man's life - thankfully, her wicked plan turned against her, ending her own life in the process. Due to that Jaja managed to marry the handsome, kindhearted Nebo.

     Yet, despite her joy at marrying the love of her life and ascending to queen - a title she still didn't feel accustomed to - she still wasn't styling herself as such. She felt... sad. Her people had suffered at the hands of an evil queen. Was she going to be the same?

     He felt someone call her. "Jazan?" Her ears perked up again. It was her father, Ahsan, a Camouflage Ogrin. "Jaja, dear, everything alright?", he asked in a kind tone, as he noticed his daughter's distress. Jaja's eyes began to water at this question. He came inside and hugged her, and tried to comfort her to the best of his ability.

     (Meanwhile, in another land)

     Brynn and Hanso walked throughout a grassy field, and went to a library.

     "So the artefact we're searching for is here, supposedly... But all seems well", stated Brynn.

     "Maybe it's not as dangerous as Fyora thinks?", asked Hanso.

     "Mayhaps... but let's make sure."

     So they walked in and towards the counter. "Hello?", called the Kougra.

     "Hello!", greeted a voice. It was a young Blue Ixi woman with medium-length wavy dark blue hair and brown eyes, wearing a purple cardigan. "How can I help you?"

     "Nice to meet you, what's your name? I'm Brynn, and this is Hanso, my partner."

     "Yes, I know who you are. I read the news", exclaimed the Ixi nonchalantly. "Name's Hellen Moriarty. But you can call me Mori."

     Brynn continued, "Mori, we were sent here to look for an artefact, a gilded mirror. Have you seen it around the library? It's supposed to be kept here."

     "The Mirror Of Wonders, you mean? Yes, it's kept safely here, and it belongs to the royal family. But since our queen is gravely ill at the moment, you should ask her consort. I don't know if he's accepting appointments given her state. Perhaps in this case, since it's important enough for Queen Fyora to have sent you here, he will take his time to attend you."

     "And, how can we request an audience with the king?", asked Brynn.

     "I could accompany you both. I wouldn't mind", said Hellen. "I work for him."

     "Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you!", said Brynn.

     Not long after that, the three Neopets left the library and headed towards a castle. Hellen approached a middle-aged Grey Draik who was sitting on a stone near the entrance. "Hello, Bakar. Nice to see you".

     He looked up and remained deadpan. "That's Lord Bakar to you, Hellen."

     Hellen sighed, a little irritated by his attitude. She continued, "Milord, I have brought two companions with me. Do you recognise them?"

     "Yes."

     "They're here since they need to speak to the king."

     "The king? Need I remind you he's not in a good mental state, young woman. The queen could pass away at any moment."

     "I'm well aware, milord. But as you know, Brynn and Hanso are always sent for important affairs by Queen Fyora. Mayhaps he'll be willing to listen? Or maybe you can tell him yourself instead. You're his closest advisor, after all."

     Bakar looked to the Kougra and Ixi pair, and made them a signal to approach, so they did. "Lord Bakar. It's a pleasure to meet you both. What do you need to speak to the king for? I can deliver him your message."

     So the Kougra and Ixi talked to him about the artefact they were sent to retrieve - the Mirror Of Wonders, said to reveal the heart's greatest desire to its user. It was deemed dangerous since it sparked up the ambitions of many.

     Bakar sighed. "Yes... it is indeed here. Our queen's family has had it for generations. But recently, it was stolen. Thankfully, it was brought back by this young woman."

     "This 'brilliant and fair' young woman, you meant?", asked Hellen proudly.

     "I must admit it was an impressive heist", the Draik said nonchalantly. The Ixi pouted. "Anyway... I'd need to ask the king and queen first. Then, I'll get back to you. How long are you staying here? I wouldn't want to delay you."

     "As long as it's needed", said Brynn.

     "But we would prefer 'as soon as possible'", exclaimed Hanso, this retort earning him a glare from his partner.

     "Very well. I'll let you know the king's answer. Goodbye, then." He rose up and went inside the castle, leaving the three outside.

     "So... you're a thief, huh?", asked Hanso to Hellen.

     "Judging me, are you?", she said, unaffected.

     "Absolutely not. It's just... you didn't seem like that kind of sort."

     "Things aren't always as they seem", Hellen replied. "You seemed like the kind to keep your mouth shut, but it seems not."

     Hanso angrily said, "Hey, now, you-"

     Brynn interceded between the two angry Blue Ixis. "Hanso. Mori. Please. Don't get into a fight."

     Hellen snorted, then accommodated her cardigan. "You're absolutely right. We aren't children."

     "How old are you exactly?", asked Hanso, still sour.

     "Twenty. Now, I'm sure you're older than me..."

     "Twenty-six."

     "Then you have six more years' worth of reasons to not act like a child", she said, glaring at him.

     Hanso pouted. She was right.

     "Well. I apologise for my behaviour. I'll be at the library if you need me. Farewell", bid the Ixi woman, then left.

     Hanso mumbled, "She's unbearable."

     "She's quite like you. You two are like two drops of water", pointed Brynn out.

     "Seriously?!", asked Hanso.

     "Yes. You don't like what you see? Then change", stated Brynn.

     Hanso sighed. He couldn't come up with a witty retort, so, for once, he kept his mouth shut.

     (back at the Lost Desert)

     Jaja was once again reading some scrolls at her desk whilst drinking coffee. Her ears perked up at the sound of the door opening - she had left it half-open, since she was expecting someone. He had just arrived - her husband, Nebo, a Pink Ixi.

     "Sweetheart. Are you alright?", he asked, as he noticed her worry.

     She sighed, and admitted, "Yes, dear... I'm just... tired. You know I haven't been sleeping all too well."

     He dragged a chair to sit down beside her, and embraced her comfortingly. "What can I do to help?"

     "Your presence is healing enough, love", she said softly, laying her head on his shoulder, and smiled.

     "Your cousin is coming to visit sometime today, right?"

     "Yes... I haven't seen him since our wedding. We've mailed each other constantly, though. He's always so reassuring... he's always been like this, at least with me. He sees me as another little sister."

     "That's so sweet", Nebo commented. "I'm glad you have a family... I haven't seen my brother in years", he sighed sadly.

     "Oh, I'm sure you'll see him again someday", assured Jaja.

     "You think? I don't know if he's become as insensitive as my parents..."

     "The opposite could also be true. You never know."

     "You're right, my love."

     A servant knocked on the open door. "Your Highness, your cousin, the king of Qasala, has arrived."

     "Tell him to come here." The Draik nodded and followed her instructions. Not long after, King Jazan came in along with an advisor of his, Zerah, a Blue Wocky, and some guards.

     "Dearest. It's nice to see you", he exclaimed, and gave her a hug. "How have you been?"

     "Let's say 'well'. It's been... peaceful. Not what I'm accustomed to, as you well know."

     "Of course... I understand."

     "And Nabile? How is she?"

     "She's with the baby. She's well."

     "How is the baby?"

     Jazan smiled proudly. "Beautiful."

     Jaja couldn't help but smile, as well. She liked seeing her beloved namesake cousin so happy. She wished she felt the same, however. Seeing him brightened up her day, but it wasn't going to last forever.

     Despite the good things that had happened to her recently, she still felt a sadness overcome her at times...

     "Dear... I see you're a little concerned", commented Jazan. "What's troubling you?"

     Jaja sighed sadly. "I don't want to be like my mother, Jazi. I'm scared."

     Jazan said empathically, "I understand. I felt that way once as well."

     "Really?"

     "Yes... not that I wasn't prepared to become king. That's what I was born to be, after all. But taking my father's place... after all the mistakes I made... It wasn't easy."

     "I feel guilty, Jazi..."

     Jazan blinked. "Whyever do you feel such way, dear?"

     "I wished I could've helped mother... somehow made her change... make her see the better way..."

     The male Kyrii looked at his cousin right in her eyes. "Jaja... She didn't want to. That's not your fault." Jaja began to tear up.

     "Is it wrong that I still love her?", she cried.

     Jazan assured, "Of course not! She was your mother, after all... I wished my father was different, as well. Wished we had a better relationship. Alas, that wasn't the case... But I wasn't going to let that embitter me. I decided I was to follow a different path than his. You have that freedom as well."

     "But Jazi, how can I... do... this?", she asked, gesturing at herself and the room surrounding her. "Be a proper queen?"

     "You're not your mother, Jaja. You are a strong, brave, wise young woman with a bright future ahead of you... wise enough to not have made the mistakes I did... This might sound cliché, but you just got to believe in yourself... And we'll help you become what you're meant to be."

     She saw him, Nebo and the others smiling comfortingly at her. For once, she felt...

     Safe.

     (Back at the other land)

     Hanso and Brynn had been summoned by Bakar early the following morning, alongside Hellen. When they arrived at the entrance of the palace, the Draik was already talking with the Ixi woman, and with them was a tall Orange Kougra soldier.

     Hanso was trying his best not to show his discomfort at seeing his annoying female counterpart again, but failing terribly, so much Brynn elbowed him and quietly reminded him to behave. "I'll try", was his only response.

     "Good morning, Mori, Lord Bakar, and... um, pardon, what's your name?", asked Brynn to the other Kougra.

     "Captain Brian", he said. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Brynneth."

     "It's a pleasure to meet you as well...", she said, a little surprised by how much this man resembled her. She quickly brushed it off, and continued, "So, Lord Bakar, what did the king and queen tell you?"

     The Draik explained, "King Luke and Queen Eve said it was alright for you to take the Mirror to Queen Fyora. However, there's one detail - the person who stole it went mad at seeing what the mirror showed them, and damaged it whilst struggling with Hellen here. We don't know if it's unusable, though."

     "Oh... I see...", said Brynn, a little disappointed.

     "But they don't wish to keep it here. Told me they don't want anything that would potentially put them and our people at risk."

     "Of course. Makes sense."

     "I've asked Hellen and Brian to escort you to the library and back to Faerieland - just in case someone tries to attack you and steal the Mirror again."

     Brynn said sincerely, "Thank you, Lord Bakar, you're very kind."

     So the four Neopets went into the building. Hellen and Brian walked towards a hidden passageway behind the bookshelves, and which Hanso and Brynn followed them. The passageway led to a small, dusty, locked treasure chest. Hellen pulled out a key and unlocked it. Inside there was another locked box, this time digital, that Hellen typed in a password to open. And there was a gilded mirror. The glass was cracked, but still remained attached to the frame. Hellen took it out.

     She explained, looking at the artefact, "This is the Mirror Of Wonders. This young Zafara stole it about two years ago, and... whatever he saw drove him into madness. He didn't want to return it to me, so we struggled until he dropped it, and it cracked, leaving him distraught. He was... is, still, my friend Marc", she said sadly. "He had to get help. I visit him from time to time, but, he's not the same person...". She sighed, pulled herself together, and put it carefully on a bag. "Anyway. It's yours. I don't care about it. It's possibly unusable like Bakar explained to you, but it's better to be in Queen Fyora's hands than anything."

     "Mori, I'm... so sorry about your friend", said Brynn sadly.

     "It's alright", said the Ixi. "I'm sure he'll get better, eventually." She then turned to the other Kougra, trying to avoid a show of emotions. "Brian, have you made arrangements for the travel?"

     "Yes, Mori."

     "Good. Then, let's go." She gave the bag to Brynn, and all of them headed towards the exit.

     They began the long journey back to Faerieland on a fancy carriage. They stopped when night came over the land, and ate around a fireplace, chatting lively.

     "So, Brynn, if you don't mind me asking", asked Hellen to the Kougra. "You and Hanso... are what, exactly?"

     Brynn was visibly startled by the question, and Hanso, who was sitting beside Brian and managed to hear, choked on his food.

     She replied, trying to sound convincing, "We're partners... friends. Have been so for quite some time."

     "Hmm... I see", said the Ixi.

     "We make a good team", continued Brynn.

     "Oh, no doubt about that", said the Ixi with a smirk on her face. "Quite a lovely one."

     The Kougra cleared her throat. "A-anyway, what are you and Brian?"

     "Partners. Friends. Boyfriend and girlfriend", stated Hellen nonchalantly. "Kinda like you two, though you won't admit to the last bit, for some reason."

     Brynn blushed, swallowed, and looked away shily, regretting ever beginning this conversation. Brian smirked quietly, looking at a flustered, blushy Hanso, who looked away as well.

     Later that cold night, Hanso couldn't manage to doze off, so he rose and walked towards somewhere - to where the bag was. He took out the mirror out of boredom to see if it still worked.

     "Mirror, mirror... on my hand... tell me, what's my heart's greatest desire?", mumbled Hanso mockingly.

     "Brynn", he heard a voice say. He was startled by this, and turned around - it was Hellen, who snickered at seeing his reaction.

     "What are you doing awake?", asked Hanso, annoyed.

     "What are you doing?", asked Hellen. "It's broken. It doesn't work. We've tried it. Doesn't mean it couldn't be repaired and used for nefarious purposes." Hanso sighed. "They say only a thief can catch a thief... and it's true... ah, Hanso, when are you going to stop believing your own con?"

     "What do you mean?"

     "You know what I'm saying, silly. You're in love with Brynn. She loves you back, it's so obvious. Why do you deny it?" Hanso's ears drooped at the question, and looked away angrily.

     "Why don't you mind your own business?", asked Hanso in a dark tone.

     Hellen insisted, "Do you secretly think she deserves better?". This question irritated Hanso, who turned to face her, clenching his teeth furiously. Hellen was unaffected by his reaction. "Is it that?"

     "Yes!"

     "Why? She loves you back. Ain't that enough for you?", asked Hellen, crossing her arms. Hanso huffed in defeat, looked down, his ears drooped.

     "I know how you're feeling. I felt that way once as well, when I realised I was in love with Brian. I felt I wasn't good enough for nobody. I secretly hated myself. Is that what you feel sometimes?" Hanso didn't say a word, but he nodded hesitantly. "I'm sure that if someone like her saw the good in someone like you... like Brian saw the good in me... It means you're good, after all... I believe you should stop denying your feelings... or else I'm sure you'll end up regretting it. And you don't derserve to lose someone like that", she said sincerely. "I mean it, Hanso."

     Hanso felt his eyes water. He had only known this Ixi for a day and a half, but, she had read him like a children's book.

     "Hanso?", he heard another voice call him.

     It was Brynn. He was startled at seeing her.

     He began, "How long have you been-?", but Brynn rushed in to hug him tightly. He hugged her back, and began to sob.

     "You know I love you, right?", said Brynn softly.

     Hanso admitted, "I love you, too." He then pulled back, still holding Brynn in the embrace, and smiled a little. The Kougra wiped the tears off his eyes, and kissed him on the cheek.

     "I'm going to give you both space so you can talk", said Hellen, who then left the couple alone, and sighed contently.

     (A couple of days later, at the desert)

     Jaja once again was sitting at her desk, holding a cup of coffee, looking pensively over the horizon.

     She heard someone knock on her door. "Come in", she said. It was her father. She smiled at seeing the Ogrin. "Hello, Dad."

     "Hello, my dear", he greeted, then kissed her on the forehead. "How is my little princess this morning?"

     She sighed contently. "I'm well, Dad. Although... musing to become a queen."

     "You already are, by all means, dearest. You just haven't been crowned yet."

     "I'd have to once again request the coronation ceremony I cancelled... Could you help me?"

     "Of course, dear. I'm here to help you in whatever you need me."

     She smiled. "Thank you, Dad. I'm scared. But I think I can do this, thanks to all of you."

     Ahsan smiled at the young woman. "Before I forget - this arrived", he said, showing her a wrapped scroll with the Qasalan seal.

     "Jazi, I suppose", she said.

     "I haven't opened it. But must be."

     The Red Kyrii opened it, and sighed contently. "It is."

     The scroll read:

     "To my dearest soon-to-be Queen:

     Tell me, when will your coronation ceremony be? We'd love to attend.

     Love,

     Jazan."

     Jaja rolled the scroll again, and said, beaming brightly as the sun, "Let's give him an answer, shall we?"

     "Yes, my Queen."

     The End.