Ben had been tense for a week since the wood began to disappear what means the Fabula Mediocris Iter Labe of hamun is ready again. He waited, heart pounding, for something to happen — and whatever it was didn't keep him waiting.
He'd just gotten up and made himself breakfast when someone knocked at the door. It wasn't a normal knock — it was harder, faster than Henri's. Ben yanked the door open. It was Lovran. Before Ben could react, he was shoved into a car, and Lovran slammed his foot on the gas. They sped off.
A few minutes later they arrived at Henri's castle. They hurried into the bedroom. Ben froze. Henri lay there — his entire left arm and leg were gone. "Henri — no, that bastard!" Ben cried. Henri smiled weakly. "Hey… good to see you."
Ben didn't think. He jumped up, rushed to the wardrobe and searched for something — anything that might help. As he rummaged, he noticed how close Heinrich was to falling apart too. Finally Ben found a book. Lovran handed him the Fabula Mediocris Iter Labe . Heinrich and Henri both placed their hands on the stone. Ben did the same. The moment he held the book in his hands, Heinrich spoke: "L'histoire de la Belle et la Bête."
And so the journey into the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast began.
Plop.
The first sound Ben heard was a soft plop. He took a deep breath — and suddenly he felt okay again. He stood quickly and saw that Henri and Heinrich were both on their feet. Henri wrapped him in an embrace. "Thank you — thank you so much." After a moment they let go. Heinrich cleared his throat. "Thanks, I suppose. Now we must focus on what lies ahead."
Ben nodded and looked around. He first noticed Heinrich's and Henri's clothing: a French-style habit — Heinrich's a vivid red with white and gold accents, Henri's a lighter red mixed with sky blue and grey touches. Ben looked at his own clothes: simple yellow trousers and a green shirt, completed by a green cloak of the same shade. Outside the castle they stood beside a small rural village. Ben asked, "Is this Belle's village?" Heinrich nodded. "Yes. And to be clear — do you even know the original tale?"
Ben shook his head. "No, sir. I'm sorry."
Heinrich clicked his tongue. "Typical of you humans — you never know anything important and—"
"Father, stop," Henri interrupted. "He doesn't deserve to be spoken to like that. After all, he's helping save our lives. And this story is important for us."
Heinrich fell silent, as if considering Henri's words. Then he said, "Very well. Here's the original, summarized: Belle is a beautiful and clever girl who is judged differently by her village. One day her father is lost in the forest and is taken by the Beast. Belle exchanges her life for his. The Beast falls in love with her. One day she leaves in hope they will be reunited, but because of family matters it takes a long time before she can return. When she finally does, she finds him dying, confesses her love, and the Beast turns back into a man."
"Understood?"
Ben nodded. "Good. Then let's go to the village."
Before they moved on, Heinrich turned around one last time.
"One more thing," he said gravely. "You must understand this: we only have one attempt. The Fabula Mediocris Iter Labe hasn't had enough time to fully recharge. No mistakes."
Then they set off.
Within moments, they drew attention. Villagers watched them with curious, cautious glances. It was likely the clothing—Heinrich and Henri looked unmistakably like nobility. Heinrich even carried himself as such: upright, composed, moving with quiet authority.
Eventually, Heinrich addressed a villager.
"Excuse me, good sir," he said calmly. "Is there a young woman named Belle in this village?"
The man nodded. "Yes, but she's not here at the moment. I believe she's in the forest with her father. Would you like me to pass on a message?"
"No," Heinrich replied coolly. "And you will not speak a word of what I asked."
The villager swallowed, nodded quickly, and hurried away.
Without another word, Heinrich continued on. Ben and Henri followed until they had left the village behind.
Then Heinrich stopped.
"We are one day before the story begins," he said. "Tomorrow, her father gets lost in the forest."
Ben looked around, unease settling in his chest.
"We should keep Belle under constant watch," he said. "In case Nahum attacks her. Although—wait. Shit. What if Nahum goes after the Beast instead?"
Henri and Heinrich exchanged alarmed looks.
"Damn," Henri muttered. "He's right."
Heinrich took a deep breath and made his decision.
"We split up. I will protect Belle. You two will watch the Beast."
"Why us?" Henri asked.
"Because I am stronger than you. And because I have more experience," Heinrich replied. "You should stay together. And even if I dislike the idea of leaving you alone with a… human… it is our only option."
Ben nodded. "I agree. It's the smartest choice. We can't waste time."
Without another word, they parted ways.
Ben and Henri ran into the forest.
Heinrich stayed behind—heading toward Belle.
The forest was vast, dark, and disorienting.
It felt like they had been walking for hours, though it couldn't possibly have been that long. Every step grew heavier.
The closer they came to the castle, the stronger the force in the air became.
Suddenly, Henri dropped to his knees.
"Henri?" Ben stopped, his heart racing.
Ben could only watch as Henri began to grow. His body stretched, muscles tightening beneath his skin as dark fur spread across him. His hands turned into claws, his form larger, heavier.
"That must be the power of the Rose," Ben whispered.
"Henri, are you okay? Can you understand me?"
Henri slowly stood back up. He was much taller now.
"Yes," he said, his voice deeper. "I'm still me."
Ben smiled in relief. "Looks good."
Henri smirked. "Save the jokes. We need to move."
"Wait," Ben said, thinking. He looked up at the castle.
"We can't just go in. We stay outside. No—wait. Can you get me onto the roof with your new strength?"
Henri looked up. "That's high. Maybe… climbing."
He crouched down. Ben climbed onto his back.
With a powerful leap, Henri landed near the edge of the roof, slipped briefly, then pulled himself the rest of the way up. Moments later, they stood atop the castle.
Ben barely had time to react—
Pop.
He turned.
Nahum sat on a tree across from them, a flintlock rifle in his hands.
Ben whispered, "Surprise attack from above."
Henri nodded and jumped—slamming into Nahum with crushing force.
Too loud.
"Drive him back into the forest!" Ben shouted.
Henri obeyed, forcing Nahum between the trees. Soon, Ben couldn't see them anymore. He couldn't help. Only listen.
Suddenly, the rifle flew through the air.
Henri thought it was useless that he could just block the rifle with his hand but then Nahum yells
"Iecit."
The rifle shot by itself. The shot thundered. The bullet struck Henri's arm.
Henri screamed, punched Nahum hard in the stomach, and sent him flying into a tree.
Nahum lay still for a second. Then he smiled.
"Teleportis auferet."
And vanished.
Badly injured, Henri staggered back. With his last strength, he climbed onto the roof and collapsed.
"Henri… no…"
Ben knelt beside him, hands shaking but mind clear. He tore his shirt, fashioned a makeshift bandage, stopped the bleeding, placed Henri in the recovery position.
And stayed with him.
Elsewhere, Heinrich knew nothing of what had happened.
For hours, he had been keeping watch near Belle's house. To gain a better view of the surroundings, he had taken position in a tree overlooking the village.
Then he heard it.
Pop.
A man appeared out of thin air.
Heinrich narrowed his eyes. He had never seen this man before — yet he knew exactly who he was.
Nahum.
But instead of approaching Belle's house, Nahum headed toward the tavern, still brightly lit despite the late hour.
Without hesitation, Heinrich moved onto the tavern's roof and listened.
"Who is the strongest and most powerful fighter in this village?" Nahum shouted.
Murmurs followed. Quiet conversations.
"I SAID — WHO IS THE STRONGEST IN THIS VILLAGE!" Nahum roared.
Then another voice cut in. Calm. Dangerous.
"Be quiet, you wretched loudmouth."
A heavy impact echoed. Someone was thrown against a wall.
Silence.
Finally, the voice spoke again, trembling.
"I… I'll do whatever you say."
5 minutes later, cheering erupted.
"All hail Nahum! Our leader!"
That was enough.
Heinrich dropped from the roof and entered the tavern.
"What is going on here?" he demanded.
Nahum slowly turned toward him. "Another villager? Very well. Mens Imperium."
Nothing happened.
Heinrich laughed loudly.
"Mens Imperium? Seriously? As if that would work on me."
He struck.
Nahum dodged just in time.
Chaos erupted. Villagers attacked Heinrich from all sides, but he held his ground — dodging blows, throwing men aside, fighting his way through the room.
For a moment.
Then Nahum struck him hard in the head.
Heinrich fell. Hands pinned him down.
"Vincula ferrea."
Iron chains wrapped around his body, binding him completely.
Nahum laughed — a sound impossible to forget.
"You know," he said softly, "I almost didn't recognize you. Your appearance has changed."
He leaned closer.
"But now it's clear. You are Heinrich. Henri's father."
He smiled.
"And exactly what I need."
They dragged Heinrich onto a table.
"Take him," Nahum ordered.
And so they carried him away — toward the castle.
Ben and Henri lay on the rooftop, staring up at the stars.
Henri was mostly back on his feet, but every movement of his arm sent waves of unbearable pain through him.
"I'm worried," Henri said quietly.
"We haven't heard anything from Nahum. That means he's in the village. Which means… he has my dad."
Ben nodded.
Suddenly, a message appeared on his phone. Ben read it out loud.
"Henri. Come to the forest southeast of the castle if you want to save your father. Ben stays where he is."
Henri froze. Tears of rage filled his eyes.
"Shit… those monsters have my dad."
He prepared to jump down from the roof, but Ben grabbed him.
"Henri, wait. I'm coming with you."
Henri shook his head.
"No. Are you insane? First, you're just a human. Second, it clearly says you're not allowed to come."
Ben slapped him.
"No," he said calmly.
"You're insane if you think I'd leave my best friend alone."
Henri hesitated — then nodded. Ben climbed onto his shoulder, and Henri leapt from the roof.
They stopped before being seen. But they could see everything.
"Good," Ben whispered. "Let me down. You distract them."
Henri stepped forward.
"I'm here. Like you wanted. No Ben."
Heinrich looked up in shock — then confusion — then sorrow.
Nahum smiled darkly.
"Good. Here's the deal. You both become my loyal servants. In return, I let you live."
Henri lowered his gaze.
"No. Never."
"Then you die. A shame. You're both quite strong."
The fight erupted.
While everyone was distracted, Ben slipped toward Heinrich.
"Sir," he whispered.
Heinrich flinched — then saw Ben and exhaled in relief.
"Ben… help me. How did Henri transform like that?"
"The magic of the Rose," Ben answered quickly. "You should be able to do it too."
Ben tried to loosen the chains — failed.
Then he spotted a pistol next to an unconscious villager. He grabbed it and shot the chains.
They shattered.
Nahum noticed.
"Vincula ferrea! Vincula ferrea!"
Nothing happened.
"No energy left," Heinrich said.
"Good," Ben replied.
"Not quite," Nahum growled.
The villagers collapsed instantly.
"Ah… now I have energy again."
He tried to speak — but Henri struck him before he could.
"Don't let him speak!", Ben shouted.
Together they attacked Nahum. He fought fiercely, but the openings were there.
Finally, Nahum fell.
"Why are you doing this?", Heinrich asked.
No answer.
Then Nahum whispered:
"Reditus ad mundum normalem."
He vanished.
Heinrich collapsed. Henri followed.
"Damn it," Ben said. "He escaped."
Heinrich smiled faintly.
"Not entirely."
They carried the villagers back to the village.
Then they placed their hands on the Fabula Mediocris Iter Labe.
"Reditus ad mundum normalem."
Pop.
They returned to the real world.
Henri was human again.
Ben needed a moment to realize it was over. Then he looked at Heinrich.
"What did you mean earlier," Ben asked, "when you said he didn't fully escape?"
Heinrich smiled faintly.
"I planted a tracker on him."
Ben blinked.
"A… what?"
"A magical beacon," Heinrich explained calmly. "We know where he is now. We can act — not just react."
Henri smiled tiredly. Ben felt something ease inside his chest.
Then Heinrich sighed and looked directly at Ben.
"Boy… I owe you an apology."
Ben froze.
"I've been nothing but an asshole to you for most of the past," Heinrich continued. "You deserved better. I learned that today."
Ben didn't know what to say. He had never expected those words — especially not from him.
But they meant more than he could express.
Henri smiled.
And for a brief moment, everything was quiet.
Somewhere else
Smack.
"You disappoint me," Samuel said, striking Nahum across the face.
Smack.
"You were meant to be my finest warrior."
Smack.
"And yet you fail for the second time."
Nahum fell to his knees and bowed his head.
"Yes, sir. I will not disappoint you again."
Samuel stared at him silently for a moment.
Then he turned away and left Nahum alone.