24 (forward dated slightly)

[takethat]

[In the early morning hours of Sunday, there are some smudged words appearing in the journals, written in blue ink and a sloppy hand. For once, he's heeding the possibility that most of the castle residents are likely still sleeping--and he's trying to be quiet.]

It's November 11.

I've been here for a year today.

[He pauses, considering how far he's come in that past year, contemplating what he does and doesn't want to list out for the whole castle to see. In the end, he settles on a very brief little written list, more for the benefit of his own memory than anything else.]


In November, I got here.
In December, I kissed Maya Fey and Geoffrey Chaucer, and I went to Paris.
January brought Miles.
In February, I gained my voice back again.
March saw some really amazing birthday gifts.
In April, Sunflower found me.
In May, I was a mermaid, a phoenix, and a father.
In June everything started to make a lot more sense.
July took away my closest friend in this place, and also gave me something more.
In August, I tried to lead artists.
In September, I met my daughter.
And in October, I broke my leg, lost my arm, became a pony, and existed in others' nightmares.

Let's see what you've got to throw at me for this next year, castle.


[And then, because it's been far too long coming, he scribbles in a filter.]


[ Maya Fey ]

Maya. I need to tell you something.

Comments

[ninjainviolet]

You. Were actually a female.

[Said slowly and with total derpiness.]

[takethat]

Long flowing hair, shell bra, Prince Charming--I had it all.

[ninjainviolet]

I knew the castle could change things like what species you are, but I thought you stayed the same gender.

[She's trying very hard not to picture Mermaid!Phoenix right now.]

[takethat]

It only lasted for three days. If that makes you feel any better.

[Shh don't picture it, shh...]

[ninjainviolet]

Only three days? I thought changes like that lasted more than a week.

[There will be sketches made...]

[takethat]

It wasn't only me it happened to! There were other guys turned into mermaids then, too.

[ninjainviolet]

Really? Any idea why the castle did that?

[You're gonna love being her friend.]

[takethat]

Guess it was just one of its wild ideas. As to why it picked me? I couldn't possibly tell you.

[ninjainviolet]

You didn't do anything to make it mad or something?

[She wouldn't doubt the castle held grudges at times.]

[takethat]

No! As often as it does crap to me, it gives me good stuff, too, so... I think it just likes toying with my emotions.

[ninjainviolet]

Yeah, I guess changing not only species but gender can do that to a person's feelings.