A BMP Fanfic: Fairy Tale (Aladdin/RnJ slight inspiration)
Giveaway for dear neon-circus
A/N: I kind of got too immersed in writing this fic, so it’s pretty lengthy (3.6k words) Aw, now I want a Magician Roberto for myself too. xD
“Roberto’s magic show is starting soon!” A man dressed in a piece of faded vermilion outfit was shouting with enthusiasm, vehemently ushering passers-by to his small make-shift stage; while his assistant stood on the stage with a sour look plastered on his face.
The man’s performance was renowned in the village slum located in the central of the country; there were a small crowd converging quickly around the stage, with even visitors coming from the affluent part of the village.
“Roberto, I am telling you, we should charge people for your performance…” The assistant were wearing battered clothes as well, it was evident that the two were barely making ends meet despite their popularity.
“Aw, come on Al, it’s fine! Watching people’s smiles… that gives me enough satisfaction.” Roberto grinned without a single care in the world. He was magnanimous and kind, and a little bit too selfless much to his friend’s chagrin.
As Alberto began to voice his resentment, Roberto interrupted him brusquely after catching sight of a fair lady who was subtly trying to escape from the congregating crowd.
“My dear lady over there, won’t you spare me a moment of your life to enjoy my show?” Roberto shouted loudly, attempting to catch her attention, and she turned towards his voice in response. In that brief moment, their gazes met, and the seed of fate began to sprout.
He was a mere villager with only his charm to his name while she was the ravishing princess of the entire country. They were two different persons leading two very different lives and from that single second onwards, their paths had become one.
*
She stood there nervously; her face was covered partially with a silk scarf in an attempt to conceal her identity. She shouldn’t even be out in the city, much less the penurious area in the outskirt of the village. However, the princess was worried, she had cared for the country more than the self-indulgent King and with her brother’s aid, she had decided to leave the castle to see the world with her own eyes.
“Miss, you look nervous.” Roberto noted while walking towards her, smiling gaily all the while. “What is your name?” He looked rather attractive, with a crown of brown hair and a pair of eyes that sparkled with intelligence, he was handsome, definitely. His shabby outfit did little to dampen his outstanding features.
His smile indeed gave assurance but she wasn’t convinced, the princess was still uptight at being called upon so suddenly. She eyed him carefully when he had placed his hands furtively behind his back.
“My name is…. Iris.” She mumbled, wavering under his firm gaze, before letting out a loud gasp as a stalk of flower with the same name appeared in his hand.
“You have a beautiful name, My Lady.” Roberto winked, as he smoothly placed the flower in her hands, walking back to the stage amongst the loud applause from the large audience.
“Now then, shall we begin Roberto’s magic show?”
*
Iris was intrigued at the many different acts that Roberto was able to pull impeccably. A pigeon manifesting from thin air, a coin appearing from behind a stranger’s ear, and especially the stalk of flower that Roberto had given to her. As the crowd was dispersing at the end of his show, she had felt compelled to stay, to continue watching the man.
“Alright! This should suffice for two days’ worth of meal!” Roberto counted the miserable number of coins inside his bowl for busking. Alberto sighed in disappointment, adding on dejectedly, “Two days’ worth of bread, you mean.”
Iris stared at them, feeling a little astounded at how stingy the villagers were despite their overwhelming response to his performance. She walked towards them, searching around the pockets in her dress, and pulling out a large bill.
“Here, please have this.” Iris handed them the note with Alberto staring wide-eyed but Roberto had rejected her at once, to her utmost surprise.
Roberto smiled, there was no sign of anger in reply from her sympathy, but there was this strong pride that had blazed in his eyes. “Miss, we are doing this for the people’s laughter, and your enjoyment is enough for us. This is too much of a sum, thank you, we do not require any sympathy but only appreciation.”
Alberto nodded in defeat at his friend’s words, “…This is probably why I follow you, Roberto. But Miss, we shall accept your kind thoughts with heartfelt thanks. But if you do really want to do something for us, I am sure a loaf of bread from you will be more than enough.”
Iris was flabbergasted at their firm reply, it was the first time she had met people with such strength under these circumstances and she was even more piqued by them. Why did these people who seemed to possess so little have so much strength?
“Then… is it alright for me to visit the both of you again and perhaps… bring some bread over tomorrow?”
*
Iris had left the castle in the dawn of the day, after a nightlong of kneading and baking bread, and she was burning with this odd exhilaration and yearning to meet the two villagers again. She skipped down the steps eagerly, not acting like the mature young adult or the nobility that she was supposed to be.
“Hello!” Iris opened the door to the two men’s desolated hut, surprised at how run-down their house was, especially since there was no lock to the door, or to be exact, a piece of long cloth imitating to be a door.
“Uh…” Roberto mumbled groggily, alone in the house as Alberto was already out working in the fields, he was still tangled between the sheets on his mat. “You know… when I meant that you can come over… I didn’t mean to come over at this timing…”
“Oh…” Iris flushed red, as when Roberto sat upright, he had revealed his naked torso while his eyes were still tightly shut with sleep. “I-I am sorry!” She squeaked, turning around immediately while being immensely grateful for her scarf which had efficiently masked her reddened face.
Roberto put on his shirt that was torn with several holes that he might as well be naked, which had caused Iris to avert her eyes intermittently again. She was well aware that the living conditions were terrible in the slumps but meeting Roberto had gave her a whole new determination to resolve the problem.
“So…” Roberto and Iris sat on the concrete ground, the latter’s basket was placed in between them, with the princess staring rather fixatedly at the floor. “When are you going to take off the scarf?”
Roberto had started to help himself to Iris’s basket that was overflowing with bread, praising her skills as he gobbled down loaf after loaf. “You must be from a rich family. What are you doing down here in this area?”
“…Wandering. Visiting… you know…” She murmured, turning her gaze to the ceiling, noticing the prominent holes on the roof. “If… I take this off, will you still be my friend?” Iris gestured to the scarf, it was getting to be rather tiresome to conceal herself, she didn’t want to hide anymore.
“Sure.” Roberto nodded, watching her curiously, was he looking so unkempt that she had refused to even look at him?
Iris took down her scarf slowly, looking ashamed for some reason. Her large eyes turned to meet his, her porcelain skin made her looked pale and ethereal, and her dark brown hair was tied in a long braid down to her waist.
Her red lips pursed as she apologized out of the blue, “I am sorry… I am from the Royal Family.” Yet again to her astonishment, Roberto simply nodded and continued on his journey to hackling another loaf of bread. “Oh, I thought you look like the princess the first time I saw you. You are really her then.”
“Aren’t you surprised or angry…?” Iris asked, she had understood that many villagers had hated the depraved family who controlled the country, yet this man was indifferent towards her.
“Not really. I said I will be your friend, didn’t I?” Roberto smiled, his genuine smile emitting warmth and her pulse quickened subconsciously. “It doesn’t matter which family we are born into. I am your friend because I like you.”
*
Despite Alberto’s protests, Roberto agreed to have Iris over at their place almost every day, under the condition that she had to continue to conceal her identity in the case of sudden protests. After all, Roberto had quite enjoyed her companionship and the days had seemed to shine brighter with her by his side.
Iris began to spend her days in the slums, bringing rolls of cloths over and sewing clothes for the people living in the vicinity. While Iris skilfully sewed clothes with her needle, Roberto would play his flute beside her, accompanying her with his music. Before long, the two of them became an inseparable pair that was well-known far and wide.
It wasn’t long before Iris caught the eyes of many men in the village and from the surrounding ones alike, and while some jested her as Roberto’s unwed wife, there were a few suitors who had genuinely taken a liking to her.
“Hey, Roberto.” A man from a wealthy family to the north of the village had come over for a visit after hearing stories about a goddess in the slums. “It’s been a while.”
Roberto was sitting on a bench, preparing for his magic show while Iris was teaching the children writing from a short distance away. Roberto was pleasantly surprised by his old friend’s sudden visit. “Hello Wilfred!”
Wilfred smiled, his hair turning golden after catching the light from the sun, his features even more princely so. “I had heard stories that the princess has come to stay. So it was true.” After weeks of associating with the villagers, Iris had gained the acceptance of many and under Roberto’s protection and assurance, she had revealed her identity.
“I heard she is always with you too.” Wilfred sat beside Roberto, who was smiling at Iris when she had happened to glance in his way. Her smile bloomed when Roberto waved at her.
“Yeah she is. After all, I am kind of the slum’s head, the next chief in training. I can protect her.” Roberto joked proudly, while Wilfred gave a sad smile, believing that his friend deserved to stay in a much better place.
“I think she likes you.” Wilfred stated sagaciously, looking between the indifferent Roberto and the blushing princess. “While I believe you see her as more than a friend as well.”
“Aw, Wil.” Roberto dismissed him with a wave of his hand, “We are just friends, you know!”
“Is that so?” Wilfred sighed, there were many young girls from the village who had secretly admired Roberto once, and many who had looked at him with loving eyes. Yet Roberto had always used the word ‘friend’ as a shield, to protect them from loving him, he who was incapable of bringing happiness and wealth to them. “You are always such a silly person. Do not cry if you lose her one day.”
“Now, if you will excuse me, I will take this chance to greet the princess. Bring her to my place for a cup of tea, perhaps, if she is simply only your friend.”
Wilfred left Roberto to his devices, who had suddenly become stoic after Wilfred’s declaration. He had walked over to Iris and smoothly introduced himself to her, the princess had looked rather pleased to make acquaintances with Roberto’s childhood friend.
“…Roberto.” Alberto appeared, arriving just in time for the show, he had overhead their conversation and had decided to give a little push for Roberto to admit his feelings as well. “Don’t you think they look good together?” Alberto pointed at the two of them as Roberto’s face contorted into a miserable smile in response.
Sure enough, Wilfred’s princely statuesque was perfect beside the princess and the two had begun to chat amiably, Iris smiling pleasantly at Wilfred’s every word. Roberto’s heart had quaked with quiet rage, he despised the way the two of them was speaking so amicably, while he slowly began to face the emotions he had suppressed.
Roberto ignored Alberto’s words and he marched towards the two, annoyance seemingly emanating from his pores, and he roughly pushed Wilfred and Iris apart, “I am sorry, it seems that my show is going to begin now, I need Iris’s help so I will be taking her with me.”
Roberto grabbed Iris’s hand, holding her tightly as he pulled her away from Wilfred, as Wilfred simply smiled in approval at the turn of events.
“Roberto… Y-you are holding my hand... a little too tight..” Iris stuttered abashedly, struggling to escape his grip but only to have him holding onto her even firmer.
Roberto frowned, “I have to, or some beast will come after you again.” He ignored the blushing princess beside him and trudged towards the stage area, his fingers intertwining hers tightly.
I like her. I can’t let her go anymore.
*
“I have been hearing stories of you visiting the slums rather frequently.” The King’s voice reverberated throughout the hallway loudly, intercepting his child as she was attempting to make her way back to her bedroom covertly.
The happiness from the day’s events disappeared in an instant; the warmth from Roberto’s touch was replaced by an eerie fear that had completely frozen her to the spot. She was afraid, very afraid.
“So tell me… Who is this Roberto?”
*
Iris was confined to her bedroom indefinitely, with guards standing outside the door, watching her under tight surveillance. She was akin to a bird without feathers, jailed within the walls she had called home. The only comfort she had was from the stalk of iris that Roberto had given her, Iris had preserved it after the colours had faded, but the scent was still fragrant although weak.
She stared at the ceiling, suddenly missing the one with many holes in it instead of the high arched marbled roof that she was gazing at now. She missed the hard ground with only a piece of cloth as a make-shift bed while resting in her bed that was as soft as cotton itself.
Iris’s heart ached terribly, she missed Roberto.
His smile that had seemed to shine brighter than the sun, his personality that was always carefree and cheerful, and his touch that was so warm and calming. He had brought hope and happiness that she had never known.
Iris hadn’t even managed to profess her feelings towards him, and she had wanted to listen to what Roberto had wanted to convey to her.
“Meet me tomorrow at the river bed, I have something to tell you.”
That was the first time Iris had seen him so embarrassed but yet so determined and now, she wouldn’t even see him anymore.
*
Few days had passed, the chirpings of the sparrows outside the window had sounded vapid, the scrumptious meals had become tasteless. Her handmaidens were worried about her yet they had refused to help her in her escape.
“My lady, hurry and come!” One of the maids had ran into her bedroom hurriedly, her face ashen as she tried to wake her mistress up, something terrible had happened in the castle. “My lady! Please wake up, stop sleeping!”
Iris ignored the maid out of sheer stubbornness, until the one name reached her ears.
“Roberto is here!”
*
The guards were gone from their posts, and the maid was quickly leading Iris down the long spiral staircase while explaining the situation. “The Prince, your brother, had informed Roberto of your confinement, but we hadn’t expected him to come charging in here, challenging the King to a duel for you.”
Iris was almost out of breath when she reached the main chamber, the King and the Queen, as well as her brother were seated high up on the thrones. Wilfred and Alberto were seated to the side-line while Roberto was standing face to face with a guard in the middle of the hall, the two of them brandishing a rapier at each other.
“You are here.” The King smirked, a slight hint of malice in his voice. “Your man had foolishly challenged for a duel for your hand in marriage. What a fool.”
“Of course, if he wins, he will get to be your Prince. That is, if he wins. After all, this is a match to death, and what chances are there for a village bum to defeat a trained guard?”
The guard was well cloaked in a steel reinforced armour while Roberto was only dressed scantily in a thin layer of fabric, but his shade of red was now striking and fierce, in contrast to the clothing that he had worn on their first meeting.
Her heart had stopped thumping for that split second and her voice was caught in her throat as tears started to stream down her cheeks.
“No…No… Please don’t do this, Roberto… Father…”
Roberto turned and winked at her, his face was pale but his voice was strong. “Don’t cry, Iris. I have never been able to tell you this, but you have caught my eye since the first time I have met you. After knowing you, I think I have… fallen in love with you.”
“So now, please just believe in me.”
*
The match went on for an extended period of time, the King’s guard was apt with his blade, jabbing and striking at areas that were seemingly the blind spots. However, Roberto was agile and he was quick to parry the blows and leaping out of danger’s way. It was as if Roberto was able to see through the guard’s moves, calculating and formulating ways to defend since he wasn’t able to attack. It soon became a battle of tolerance and stamina, and the guard was getting irritated with how he was unable to defeat this mere amateur.
“Now!” At the moment when the guard was looking away for that single second, Roberto strike him in the face with all his force, sending his opponent flying far and colliding into the pillar, unconscious upon the mighty blow.
Everyone was watching with abated breath upon Roberto’s winning strike, heaving huge sighs of relief as a loud round of applause came from the chamber. Wilfred and Alberto were clapping with joy, even the maids and several guards had held admirations for this one brave villager were applauding as well.
Iris ran forward, throwing herself into his embrace, hugging him tightly despite his sweat stained clothes and his ragged breathing. He was safe, he was unhurt and he had won.
“Hey… I smell… You know…” Roberto mumbled with embarrassment while awkwardly patting her back.
Iris giggled amidst her tears, “Well, don’t you always smell?”
The King sighed in defeat, the Queen was nodding with benevolence while Iris’s brother was grinning with obvious acceptance, pleased to have somebody with such wits and courage to protect his beloved sister now.
“Please keep your promise, Your Grace.” Roberto turned to face the sovereign, holding Iris’s hand tightly while staring fiercely at the red-faced King.
“…Fine.”
*
The conditions of the people living in the slums were slowly improving, in lieu of the work of the new prince who had begun to reform the country with the help of his princess’s brother and with his knowledgeable friend, Wilfred’s aid.
It was after days of Roberto and Iris’s wedding and the two were taking a stroll back in his old home town, the slums that had held many special memories for them.
“How did you manage to defeat the guard?” Iris asked curiously, the two of them were sitting on the riverbed, watching the sun set and enjoying the piquant environment.
“I am a magician. I thought you had known that.” Roberto grinned cheekily before turning serious, taking a deep breath before he spoke, “I had also wanted to tell you, on that day that you weren’t able to show up… that I love you. I am telling you this again, I love you so much.”
Iris turned to stare at him after the sudden confession, only to receive a peck on her lips. “What did you just…?”
“Now, I have casted my magic on you using my kiss, that we will always be together forever.” Roberto grinned, his usual mischief was shining in his eyes, but now, there was a hint of love when he gazed at her as well.
Iris smiled and leaned her head on his broad shoulder, savouring the quiet moment; after so many events had happened, they were finally together. The magician and the princess were now never apart.
“I love you too.”
*
END.
Bonus:
Alberto had become Roberto’s butler, following him faithfully to the castle, but he was still very dissatisfied with his job.
