On Beatrix Hill: Part Two (complete)

Female Main Character x Male Monster (both cis)

Josie stood on her seat, looking over the edge of the boat. The water below glittered silver, reflecting her in a hazy cast. She could see the edge of the water as well; rather than flowing to a bank, it fell over a cliff, cascading down into an abyss that connected with the sky. “Where is this place, anyway?” Josie sat back down in her seat, smoothing her hands over her soft skirt.

“I’ve never been able to really figure that out.” Perley leaned back on the railing. “I was in my plane one day, delivering supplies to the troops. Then I realized I was being pursued. I was used to that sort of thing,” he boasted. “but something about the situation rattled me. I could almost hear the other pilot taunting me, like a ghost or a gremlin. So in case it was an enemy plane, I tried to lead it away from my delivery zone. It kept following me no matter what. I became exhausted, and I knew I needed to land soon, but I was afraid. Against my better judgement, I went higher and higher into the clouds to lose my pursuer.”

Perley sighed heavily, looking down into his gloved hands. “I did, but I realized I was lost, so I just kept flying. Next thing I knew, I had landed in the water just on the outskirts of Beatrix Hill. I told myself at the time that I was dreaming, but the longer I stayed, the more I understood it was all too real.” He looked up into the sky. “There’s no moon here, so perhaps that’s where we are.”

Josie craned her neck up to look, but she saw no crescent in the daytime sky. “Rabbits on the moon,” she murmured.

“I always wanted to go to the moon as a little boy,” Perley chuckled. “It would make sense I would get there by accident.”

“I never imagined I could go anywhere,” Josie confessed softly. “I always thought I’d work at that shop all my life.”

Perley’s soft expression turned serious as Josie spoke, and he followed her sad eyes as she stared around at the people on the boat. Children were playing, mothers were holding their babies, and fathers were reading to their children. He noticed how she stared at them, while looking through them completely. “Is it your family who runs the shop where you work?” he asked.

Josie shook her head. “They just took me in and hired me. At first I helped care for their baby, then I took care of the shop once they were shipped off during the war.”

Perley leaned over so he was on level with Josie. “Then where is your family?”

“I don’t know.” A simple answer for something so much more than that. “I never knew them, and if I did, I was way too young to know.” She kicked her legs slowly. “The orphanage I was at was taken over by troops, so most of us got put to work right away.”

Perley patted the top of her head. “Once we get Bess back, you won’t have to go back to that shop. You won’t have to work if you don’t want to. Like I said, I’ll give you a home as grand as a castle.”

Josie’s distant gaze returned to him, and she smiled brightly. “I don’t need a castle. I wouldn’t know what to do with so much!”

“Well, now you’ll see firsthand what a castle is really like.” He leaned closer to Josie to whisper. “Once we do get to the palace, I’m going to have to rely on you. I could get recognized while I’m there, which means I may need you to go inside and find Bess.”

“Do you think I can do that?” Josie whispered back.

“I think you’re a smart girl, so I know you can. You found me, so I have no doubt you can find Bess as well.” He tapped the tip of her nose. “You’re also a small, sweet thing, so no one is going to assume you’re there to steal away the princess. You just have to act like you belong there.”

“How do I do that?”

Perley pushed up her chin. “Keep your chin up, look annoyed, and don’t look at anyone. It’s a wedding day, so everyone is going to look like that.”

“Really?” Josie almost laughed.

“That’s how everyone looked when I was growing up,” Perley laughed, making Josie giggle. “Just do that, and I bet you’ll be able to get anywhere in the palace.”

The river boat came to dock just below a waterfall. The silver mist from the falls billowed around the boat, fogging Josie’s view. She and Perley disembarked onto the dock, and then along a stone path on land. Perley kept his hand around Josie’s until they came out of the shroud of the waterfall. “We’re very close now,” he whispered urgently. “Once we’re inside the castle, we won’t have much time to find Bess and get out.”

“What do I tell her when I find her?” Josie asked. “How can I prove to her you’re alive?”

“Here, take these.” He took from his pocket the broken fragments of his coattails and ear. “Show her these.”

Josie carefully cupped the pieces in her hand before placing them in a heart-shaped pocket on her skirt. “But how will that prove you’re alive?”

“I’m the only one who calls her Bess,” Perley winked. “so she’ll know that I have talked to you personally.” He ducked his head as they crossed from the dock area onto the castle grounds. A trail wound up to stairs which climbed up the side of a rocky cliff where a castle sat atop of the waterfall. “Oh wow, it’s huge!” Josie remarked.

“That’s the wizard’s castle, the show-off.” Perley kept hold of Josie’s hand. “Once we’re inside, we’ll probably be taken to the courtyard, but we’ll need to go left in order to get inside. Once we are in, I’ll cause a distraction so you can find Bess.”

Josie’s stomach churned, but when she reminded herself it was all just a dream, she didn’t worry. “You have to be careful, okay? You can’t get captured, or that will ruin everything.”

“Don’t worry about me. Just find Bess, and the two of you can get out together. I’ll find my own way, so don’t think twice about it.” They started ascending the stairs, which was a long way up. Halfway, Perley scooped Josie up and placed her on his back. “Rest for now. I can carry us the rest of the way.”

“Thank you, Mr. Day.” Josie had never been carried before, and she knew it was a dream, but it felt nice even then. She laid her head on his back, feeling safe and secure in his arms. Once at the top of the stairs, Perley let Josie back down. Looking out over the waterfall, Josie could see Beatrix Hill spread out before them. In the distance, she saw a strange shape in the sky that almost looked like a blue marble.

“Come this way!” a booming voice announced. “Single file, single file.” A knight moved everyone along.

Perley kept his head down as they were ushered through. Several more knights guided them along, and they came out of the long passage into the courtyard which was decorated with flowers and streamers for the wedding. Perley looked around, his eyes darting every which way as he looked around. “The door to the palace is over there, but there are so many guards. I don’t know how we’re supposed to get in. Perhaps I am expected,” he chuckled to Josie. “That wizard knows he can’t keep Bess for long.”

Josie was listening, but she, too, was formulating a plan in her head. When she made deliveries during the war, she had her own way of avoiding the troops that occupied her town. That was how she knew every corner and pathway throughout the town. She spotted a guard who was looking quite beleaguered, and another who was annoyed at a crying child and slowly inching away from his post. She tugged Perley’s hand. “Just watch.” Then she ran off.

“Josie, wait!” Perley hissed.

Josie ran up to the annoyed guard and wrapped around his leg before beginning to sob loudly. The guard tried to shake her loose, but it only made her scream more. People from the crowd were looking, and more children began to scream in tune with Josie. The beleaguered-looking guard came over to help, but anytime he came near her, Josie screamed louder and louder. “I’ll get the captain. He’ll know what to do. Just take her inside or something,” the beleaguered guard yawned. “I did not get enough sleep for this.”

“Take her inside?” the other guard scoffed. “Ugh, fine.” He dragged his leg, taking Josie inside with him, then shook her loose and dumped her on the floor in the entrance. “Stay here, kid!” He slammed the door, leaving her alone.

Josie stopped wailing and hopped to her feet. She was between two doors, one going to the courtyard and one leading into the palace. Josie checked them both, and the door into the palace opened. Peering inside, she saw more knights guarding a narrow hallway. She could also hear music playing. “I bet that’s where the princess is,” she whispered to herself. She turned and peeked out the door to the courtyard and saw a knight approaching, but he was walking quite strangely. She stood back, hiding behind a chair as he came in.

“Josie?” Perley took off the knight’s helmet and looked for her. “Josie, are you here?”

Josie popped out from behind the chair. “You made it!”

“That was brilliant!” Perley stooped to hug her. “How did you come up with a plan like that?”

“It was just like back home!” Josie was excited that it worked so well. “Lots of working soldiers didn’t want to deal with children, and I could tell one was too tired to protest.”

“I was able to get him in the bushes and take his helmet. Very well done!” Perley peered at the second door. “What’s it like inside?”

“More guards on one hallway,” Josie whispered. “Probably guarding Bess right now.”

“Remember what I told you?” Perley asked.

“Chin up and look annoyed?”

Perley patted her back. “That’s my girl. They’ll see us walking in, so I’ll distract this first set of guards. Once I have them away, go down that hall. I’ll try to catch up, and if I can’t, try and get Bess outside the courtyard.”

“Okay. Good luck, Mr. Day!”

Perley smiled proudly at Josie and shook her hand. “Good luck to you, young lady.” He removed the helmet and popped his top hat back onto his head. “Now, stand back. I’m not a planner like you are, but I have an idea.” He opened the door and serenely stepped out. “Good afternoon, gentlemen. Lovely day for a wedding, isn’t it?”

Josie watched through the crack as a chase ensued. Perley ran, just as fast as he had in her daydreams. With the hallway cleared, Josie stepped out and put on the annoyed scowl Perley had taught her. The hallway looked narrow from the door, but walking down it, it felt so expansive, like it went on forever, and the guards standing at attention made it feel even longer. But none of them paid her any mind. Either she was too short for their line of vision, or the act was working.

At the end of the hall, a door was flanked by two massive guards. Josie steeled herself, prepared to be turned away, then slowly approached. The guard sneered down at her.

“I’m the flower girl,” Josie peeped shyly.

One guard sneered, while the other reached out and opened the door for her. It actually worked! This really was a dream! Josie quickly bundled herself inside as the guards nearly shut the door on her tail. She let out a sigh of relief before taking in her surroundings. The room was round and pastel green, and pictures of pink roses hung on the walls. There were bouquets scattered over every surface. Josie stepped quietly into the room and approached the vanity, where beautiful jewelry was laid out on velvet boxes. In the mirror, she saw the bride laid out on the bed, her beautiful gown spread out over the coverlet.

“Excuse me?” Josie chirped nervously. She took a step towards the bed. “Hello? Ms. Princess?”

“Hm?” Bess stirred from her slumber, slowly rising and rubbing her eyes. She gazed down upon Josie with soft silver eyes. “Who are you?”

Josie was taken aback by how beautiful Bess was. Her long floppy ears framed her soft, round face, and her eyes were so lovely they reminded her of rain. “My name is Josie, and I’ve been sent here to rescue you.”

Bess’ nose twitched. “Little girl, this isn’t funny. You shouldn’t be playing games like this.” She stood up. “How did you even get in here?”

“Wait!” Josie grabbed Bess’ hand. “I’m serious! I really am here to save you. If you’ll just listen to me, please.”

Bess shook her hand free. “I don’t need to be rescued. There’s no need for it.”

Fear struck Josie’s chest. “But…” She quickly reached into her pocket. “I came here with Perley! You are Bess, aren’t you?”

Bess’ tired eyes widened and she stepped towards Josie, who placed the broken pieces into her slender palm. “See? I found him in a store! He’s been in the window for months, and I just assumed he was a figurine. But I accidentally broke him, you see, so I got scared and I wanted to fix him, but I couldn’t! Then he came to life and he asked me to help find you, but when we got here, we found out you were to be wed and…”

Bess sat down at the foot of the bed, clutching the broken pieces tenderly. “He’s alive?” she whispered.

“Yes! And he’s come here to save you. We both have.”

Bess looked at Josie with tears in her eyes. “I haven’t been called Bess in so long. I never thought I would be again.” She held the broken pieces to her chest and stood up. “Where is he?”

“Perley distracted the guards so I could find you. He said he would try to meet here, but if not, I’m supposed to lead you outside the courtyard.”

Bess smirked, looking out her window. She opened the shutters, and a strong breeze blew inside. “I can’t wait much longer. He’ll come for me soon.” She turned back to Josie. “We need to get to the room beside this one, but our only way is to cross the ledge outside the window.”

“I can lead the guards away,” Josie offered.

Bess shook her head. “He would probably see you. I can’t risk you getting hurt, especially when Perley knows you’re with me.” She offered her hand to Josie. “It won’t be scary if we do it together.”

It was just a dream, Josie reminded herself. “Okay, let’s go.”

Bess stepped out of the window first, moving carefully along the ledge between windows. It was wide enough for statues to perch on, but it was still quite narrow. She helped Josie out of the window, and carefully set her down. Below them was a steep fall into the dark waters, which churned over jagged rocks at the waterfall’s edge.

Bess gripped Josie’s hand tightly. Her chin tilted up and eyes fixed on the window ahead of them, Bess took her first step. “I have you. I’ll fall before you do.”

Josie made a silent promise to herself that would reunite Perley and Bess no matter what. “Don’t say that, Ms. Bess!”

Bess smiled at her, and then her expression hardened as they walked sideways along the ledge. Voices could be heard coming from the courtyard, partly covered by loud organ music. Bess slipped, and as her foot went over the edge and her shoe tumbled down, splashing into the dark waters below. She picked herself up, looking to Josie. “Are you all right?” she asked.

“You’re the one who nearly fell!” Josie almost cried.

“It’s fine.” Bess stood up, wobbling on one shoe until they reached the second window. Bess lifted Josie to open the window and hoisted her inside before she climbed through herself. She exhaled heavily, clutching the pocket at her bosom where Perley’s broken pieces were held. “Are you safe?”

“I’m fine.” Josie sat down beside her. “If you wanted to escape, how come you just didn’t do that before, Ms. Bess?”

Bess smiled sadly at her. “There was no reason for me to. I lost the love of my life.” Then she hefted herself up. “But knowing that fool is out there gives me strength again, and I want nothing more than to return to his arms.”

Josie smiled. Seeing how much both Bess and Perley loved one another gave her hope as well. “What’s the best way to get through the courtyard, then?”

“Well, aside from going through the water, all the doors of this place either go out into the courtyard or down through the aqueducts.” She took off her veil and tossed it aside. “I think from this hallway we can make it to the ballroom, and we can reach the hedge maze through there. The hedge maze leads out just past the courtyard.”

“Do you know how to get through the maze?” Josie asked.

Bess braced against the wall, lifting her leg to remove her remaining shoe. “I’m sure if we make it through the bushes, we can figure it out.” She tossed the shoe aside, then took a deep breath. “I do feel a bit woozy, though. That fall nearly made me faint!”

“Stay here. I can go and fetch Pearly.” Josie offered out of concern, feeling that since it was her dream, she would be able to find him easily.

“No, darling,” Bess chuckled. “I will not have you risking your hide like that. Besides, the wizard hates little girls. If he caught you, who knows what would happen to you?”

Josie looked towards the door. “What’s the wizard like?” she asked.

“Big, intimidating, and flabby,” Bess huffed. She stood erect, then bundled up her skirt in one hand. “Come now, we must make haste. I’m sure by now they are aware something is afoot.”