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>/qst/ Thread Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Beyond%20the%20Gate
>QM Twitter: twitter.com/SmileytheQM
>Character list (Incomplete): http://pastebin.com/ffH25ciB

"Hang on. There's no Prince Derrick" Stella says. "The only surviving child of the King is Princess Daria"
"My twin sister" Derrick says.

Stella grimaces. "Twins... huh" She says, like that somehow explains everything.
"Is that important?" You ask.
"Twins are considered a bad omen" Stella says. "If you get them, usually one of them is given away or worse..."

"So I was raised in secret" Derrick says. "Only a few people in the Palace knew who I was, and they were all bound to secrecy"

"So you were sent to Mortifas... by your own father?" Ilica asks. "That's pretty harsh"
"I don't think he ever really liked me" Derrick says. "When mother and Riala, my older sister, died... I'm pretty sure he blamed me"
"Why?" You ask.
"That's the omen of twins" Derrick says. "When mother gave birth to Daria and I, my sister came out first, and I was the unwanted second child that ruined the whole thing..."

>Are twins that bad?

>Does this make us cousins?

>How did they manage to keep a prince secret?

>Other
>>
>>832233
>Why are twins bad?
>>
>>832233

>>Does this make us cousins?
>>How did they manage to keep a prince secret?
Hey Smiley.
>>
>>832233
>>Are twins that bad?
>How did they manage to keep a prince secret?
>>
>>832233
>>Are twins that bad?
>>
>>832233
>>Are twins that bad?
>>Does this make us cousins?
>>
>writing
>>
"Are twins really that bad?" You ask.
"They're seen that way" Stella says. "The belief is that if you keep both, you lose everything"

"Why?" You ask.
Stella shrugs. "I dunno. I don't buy into it personally"
"But a lot of Lubrians do" Derrick says. "There would have been outrage if mother and father had publically kept both of us... so they didn't"
"Must've been a lot of work, hiding an entire prince" You say.

"It got easier as time went on" Derrick says. "The prevailing story around the palace was that I'm the son of my uncle Albion"
"I have an uncle?" You ask.

Stella shakes her head. "If I remember right, Prince Albion died almost a decade ago"
"Oh..." You say.
"How come we never heard that Prince Albion had a son, if that was your cover?" Hella asks.
"Because people around the palace were told to keep that quiet as well" Derrick says. "A secret within a secret. Uncle Albion never married, so everyone figured that I was a bastard"

"Smart" Hella says. "But why tell us all this?"
"Like I said: It's never going to stay a secret at this rate" Derrick says. "Leon is only a few cities over, and when we get there I'll be confronting my Father..."

>Not looking forward to that?

>Ask what his sister is like

>How did Prince Albion die?

>Other
>>
>>832416
>>How did Prince Albion die?
>Not looking forward to that?
>>
>>832416
>>Not looking forward to that?
>>
>writing
>>
"Not looking forward to that?" You ask.

Derrick closes his eyes and folds his hands. "I'm not sure..." He says. "I mean, it goes without saying that he's lost it and needs to be stopped... but he's still my dad... I don't think I could... y'know... kill him"

"Who said we were killing him?" You ask. "If he's off his rocker, we just have to knock some sense into him don't we?"
"I don't think it will be that simple..." Derrick says.

"You're probably right" You say. "And in the end it's Altea's decision and yours to make. But I'll be there"

You hold out your fist to Derrick. He smiles and bumps it.

"I think Frederick and Daria are going to be the real issues though..." Derrick says. "I don't know which of them I look forward to seeing less..."

>Does Daria not like you?

>We can take Frederick

>We can talk strategy another time

>Other
>>
>>832525
>>We can talk strategy another time

The now time is for fun a relaxation.
>>
>>832525
>>Does Daria not like you?
>>
>>832525
>>Does Daria not like you?
>>
>>832525
>>Does Daria not like you?
>>
>writing
>>
"Does Daria not like you?" You ask.
"I wouldn't say that" Derrick says. "I don't think we'll have to fight her... well, I hope we won't have to fight her... the problem is that I'm fairly sure that she has no idea what's going on out here"

"I see" Stella says. "Think you'll have a hard time explaining to her why you're storming your own castle?"
"And telling her why I've been gone, among other things" Derrick says. "She's a good person. She's just... sheltered"

"What if she decides to fight us?" You ask.
Derrick grimaces. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that" He says.

"But if it-"
"Guys come on. Strategy talk can wait" Ilica says. "You're literally putting the Munchkin to sleep"

You look down in time to see Munchkin perking back up at the sound of her name, trying to act like she wasn't dozing.

"It's probably past her bedtime anyway" Stella says.

Speaking of bedtimes, the noise coming from the devil's room has died down.

>Should we keep playing?

>Check in on the children

>Other
>>
>>832665
>>Check in on the children
>>
>>832665
>>Check in on the children
>>
>>832665
>>Check in on the children
>>
>>832665
>>Check in on the children
>>
>>832665
>>Should we keep playing?
>>
>writing
>>
"Speaking of bedtimes" You say as you stand up. "I'm gonna go check in on those 3"
"Okay" Ilica says.

You walk over to the closed door and raise your hand to knock... but the door opens before you can touch it.

You look inside, around, and then down, to see a sleepy looking Gabby and Daisy sitting on a cushion, and a sleepy looking Lily standing right in front of you.

"How's it goin'?" You ask.
"We're really sleepy" Lily says.
"I can see that" You say, as you crouch down in front of her.
"Will you read us a story?" She asks.

>Of course

>Let the bunnies handle this

>Other
>>
>>832792
>>Of course
>>
>>832792
>>Of course
>>
>>832792
>Of course
>>
>>832792
>Other
Tell them a story of the top of our head
Because reading is hard and creativity is key
>>
>>832792
>>Of course
>>
>writing
>>
"Of course" You say, ruffling her hair before lifting her up and carrying her over to the sall bookcase. "Which one?"

"This one" Lily says, pointing to one of the 5 books currently occupying this shelf.

...

Really not much of a bookshelf. More of a stuffed animal and toy shelf...

"I don't get to pick one?" Daisy asks.
"Don't worry. It's your favourite" Lily says.

Daisy smiles. "The one with the dragon?" She asks.
"No. The one with the pirate" Lily says.
"That one's not my favourite..." Daisy says.

"I thought it was" Lily says. "Remember? It's the one with the bog that has the huge rats, and the really cool sword fight"
"Oh yeah" Daisy says. "Okay. That one is my favourite"
"Cool" You say. "Let's get you three settled, and we can start"

>1/2
>>
>>832899
>pirate
>bog
>giant rats
Some patrician taste in here.
>>
You usher the 3 of them around, making sure they're in their pajamas and ready for bed before tucking them all in.

Then you sit at the side of the bed and start reading.

This book doesn't have a lot of pictures like the ones in that room in the hall. It's pretty much all words, in a big, bold print. You figure it must be for kids, since the words themselves all stay really simple.

The book itself is called the Pirate's greatest treasure... though it's not really about a pirate. Well... the main character claims to be a pirate, even though he doesn't do anything even vaguely pirate-y.

Halfway through the story, there doesn't seem to be any treasure either. You can see why Daisy would've forgotten this was her favourite if all she had to go on was 'the one about the pirate'.

Whenever you get to an important part, Lily stops you and coaches you on what kind of voice to use when reading lines.

You had no idea reading to children was so much work... it's fun, but still work.

About two thirds of the way through, when the main character is being captured, you turn to the 3 of them and see that they're all sound asleep.

...

Man, just as it was getting good too...

>Keep reading on your own

>Take your leave

>Other
>>
>>832955
>Keep reading on your own
>>
>>832955
>>Keep reading on your own
>>
>>832955
>>Take your leave
>>
>>832955
>>Take your leave
>>
>>832955
>>Take your leave
>>
>>832955
>Take your leave
>>
>writing
>>
You look down at the page number and make a note of it, close the book, and stand up.

Then you lean over, make sure each one of them is nice and snug, give them each a peck on the forehead, put the book away, and head to the door.

When you reach the doorway, you find Stella there waiting for you.

"Hey" You say in a quiet tone. "What's up?"
"Just seeing how you were doing" Stella says. "Girls all asleep?"
"Yeah" You say. "I was just coming back"

Stella peers past you. "Aww..." She says. "Just one thing"

She steps into the room, walking over to a little orb sitting on a stand. She taps it once, and it lets off a dim light. Then she grabs the stuffed rabbit she got for Gabriella earlier, gently stuffs it under the covers next to the sleeping bunny, and comes back.

"I don't know about Lily or Daisy, but Gabby can't sleep without her nightlight and something to snuggle" She says.
"Oh" You say. "I'll have to keep that in mind"

>Ask if you missed anything

>Ask if she sleeps with any stuffed animals

>Ask if she knows the story you read

>Other
>>
>>833075
>>Ask if she sleeps with any stuffed animals
>>
>>833075
>>Ask if you missed anything
>>Ask if she sleeps with any stuffed animals
>>
>>833075
>>Ask if you missed anything

>>Ask if she knows the story you read
>>
>>833075
>>Ask if she knows the story you read
muwahahaha, locked the vote again.
>>
>writing
>>
"Do you sleep with any stuffed animals?" You ask.
"Not really" She says. "I've got this big fluffy pillow that I'll hang on to if I've had a rough day, but that's it"

"How fluffy?" You ask.
"So fluffy" She says.
"Cool" You say. "I miss anything?"

Stella shrugs. "Ilica fell asleep, and we discovered why Emi's been so quiet"
"Is she asleep?" You ask.
"Has been for a while now" Stella says.

"She's probably still low from mana sickness" You say. "What's happening now?"
"Sounds like everyone else is pretty tired too" Stella says. "We're all getting set for bed"

"Aww..." You say.
"That doesn't mean we're all dozing off right now" Stella says.
"Okay" You say.
"Well, with the exception of Ilica and Emi" Stella says. "And the tykes"
"Munchkin and Vivi are asleep?" You ask.
"Hella's putting them down now. Fran was nice enough to leave a crib for them in her room" Stella says.

>Go get your pajamas

>Go give Hella a hand

>Other
>>
>>833369
>Go get your pajamas
>>
>>833369
>>Go get your pajamas
>>
>>833369
>>Go get your pajamas
>>
>>833369
>>Go get your pajamas
>>
>>833369
>>>Go get your pajamas
>>833388
also checked
>>
>writing
>>
"Cool. This gives me a chance to wear my new pajamas" You say.

Stella giggles.

"What?" You ask.
"Sorry... you just seem so excited about it" She says.
"Well I've never worn pajamas before" You say. "It's a minor new experience, but still a new experience"

She eyes you for a moment, and then smiles. "I like your outlook" She says.
"Thank you" You say.

Her smile widens, and she pulls you into a quick hug before getting out of your way so you can get your pajamas.

You open up the bag and look inside, where the two pairs of pajamas and the stuffed rabbit you picked up for Stella...

>Put on the super soft ones

>Put on the durable ones

>Give the rabbit to Stella? Y/N

>Other
>>
>>833594
>>Put on the super soft ones

>>Give the rabbit to Stella? Y
>>
>>833594
>>Put on the super soft ones
>Give the rabbit to Stella? Y
>>
>>833594
>>Put on the durable ones
>Give the rabbit to Stella? Y

snek's tail will get us with it's MC homing abilities.
>>
>>833594
>>Put on the durable ones
>
>>Give the rabbit to Stella? Y
>>
>>833594
>Put on the super soft ones
>Give the rabbit to Stella? Y

now im worried but whatever we said we'd wear em
>>
>>833594
>Put on the super soft ones

>Give the rabbit to Stella? Y
>>
>writing
>>
You pull out the super soft pajamas, and head to the washroom. Once inside, you take off your hat and cloak, and you're about to take off your shirt when you feel something tugging at your hair.

"Oh yeah. Sorry about that Coral" You say, offering her a hand.
Coral rests on your hand, and when you bring her down where you can see her you're greeted with an angry sprite.

"Did I wake you?" You ask.
Coral turns away.

"I'm sorry..." You say. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll never send you chasing after Altea again"
She glances at you, but doesn't budge.

"And you can have some cake" You say.

She turns back to you and cocks her head in curiousity.
"It's good stuff. Trust me" You say. "But I think it all went back to the castle, so it'll have to wait. Until then... nut?"

You offer her a peanut, which she happily accepts and starts to munch on, letting you set her down on the counter and finish changing.

You move and twist around in your pajamas, feeling the softness against your skin. Then you turn to Coral and nod.

"All set?" You ask.

Coral looks around, and then down at herself. Then she shrugs.

"Maybe I should see if I can get you some of these too" You say, as you lift her up. "You think that sheep lady makes sprite pajamas?"

Coral shrugs again.

>1/2
>>
You come out of the washroom with a srpite in one hand, and a bundle of clothes in the other.

"Oh, it's Coral" Derrick says. "I was wondering who you were talking to..."
"Who else would I be talking to?" You ask.
"Yourself" Derrick says. "Which would be weird"

You consider asking why it would be weird, but shrug it off instead. "Where can I put this stuff?"
"I dunno. I tossed mine in a pile over in the corner" Derrick says. "You can put yours next to it"
"Kay" You reply, as you unceremoniously chuck your clothes to the corner.

You hear Stella sigh. "Not even going to fold them?" She asks.

...

"Why?" You ask.
Derrick leans in and whispers. "People usually fold their clothes" He says.
"You know she can hear you right?" You ask.
"Right..." Derrick says. "Like I said. Usually you fold your stuff to keep it tidy next time you wear it"
"Oh..." You say.

>How do I do that?

>But I have more than one outfit now

>My clothes are fine where they are

>Other
>>
>>833825
>>How do I do that?
>>
>>833825
>>How do I do that?
>>
>>833825
>>How do I do that?
>>
>writing
>>
"How do I do that?" You ask.

Stella smiles. "It's easy, I'll show you" She says.

Stella drags you over to where your clothes landed, and shows you how to fold them properly. Then she unfolds them all.

"Now you try" She says.
"But... they were already folded" You say.
"Yeah, but I can't always fold your clothes for you" She says. "you need to be self sufficient"

...

"I can't just keep getting stabbed so I can get new shirts?" You ask.
"Get folding" She says, taking on a sterner tone.

You immediately get to work, while Coral looks on curiously. It takes a few tries to get things right, but you end up with a nice, neat pile of clothes.

"Excellent!" She says. "Now, I'm gonna go see how sis is holding up. Kay?"
"Kay" You reply.

Stella skips off, leaving you to head back to the couch. They set up a few mattresses on the floor while you were reading to the girls. One of them is taken by Ilica and Madelaine, but the other is free. Emi curled up on one of the couches, while Derrick takes the other.

You figure you'll take the last bed, and let Stella and Hella sleep in Fran's room.

...

But you still have to give Stella her present, so you drag the bag over to the bed, and sit down on it.

>1/2
>>
After a much longer while than you expected, Stella comes back.

"Hey" You say. "How's it going in there?"
"Hey, sorry that took so long" She whispers. "Vivi was giving us trouble, so we had to calm her down"
"What was wrong?" You ask.

"Little Hella was trying to latch onto her, and she didn't like that" Stella says. "Or so we thought. Turns out she was just miffed that she woke up while we were bringing her to the crib. She's all good now"

"Cool" You say.
"You should see it, Yuu. It's like the cutest thing you'll ever see, only tinier" She says.
"That does sound cute" You say, trying to picture it. "So... I got you a thing"

Stella's ears perk up. "A thing?" She asks.

You pull the punny out of the bag and offer it to her.

"Aww" She says. "When did you get this?"
"When we were at the toy store" You say. "I saw it on the top of the pile and thought 'hey, it's cute, you're cute. Perfect match'"
Stella giggles, taking the stuffed doll and hugging it, then sitting next to you and hugging you too.

You expect a short 'thank you' hug, but it isn't until she starts rubbing her head on your shoulder that you realize that's not what's going on.

"Stella?" You ask.
"Ahh... so soft" She says, as she settles into you. "Better than my pillow. I may have to keep you"
"Uhh... th-thanks?" You say.
"Hella! Come here!" Stella says.

"What's-... up?" Hella asks.
"Come here and feel how soft this is" Stella says.
"Uhh... O-okay" Hella says, as she approaches you. She sits next to you and lightly brushes your shoulder. "That is soft..."

Then Hella hugs you, completing the bunny sandwhich and leaving you with no avenue to escape...

"Hee hee hee. You're stuck with us now, Yuu" Stella says in a sinister tone, as she leans the 3 of you back onto the bed and wraps her arms tightly around you.

Your first reaction is to protest, but then you consider where you are. It's warm and soft in between the two of them, and there are really no downsides that you can think of...

"I'm okay with this" You say.
"That's what I thought you'd say" Stella says, back to her usual chipperness. "Goodnight guys"
"Goodnight" You reply.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Not sure when the next thread will be. Things are kind of up in the air again.

I couldn't run last week because I'd just gotten my badly impacted wisdom teeth out, and now there's been a bit of a family emergency. If I see a spot for a thread, I'll take it though.

And as always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time!
>>
>>834089

Oh Yuu. Next time?

Don't forget to turn your swag off. Or do.
>>
>>834089
>bunny sandwich
Yessssss

>>834101
Take care Smiley, sucks about the wisdom teeth.

Thanks for the thread!
>>
>>834101
Thanks for running Smiley
>>
>>834089
Bunnies are good, but Ilica is best girl. Rare to see a tsundere done well, but you pull it off perfectly Smiley, even better since she is a cat and that's how cats are...



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