The Beginnings of MaliciousBeast
Fanfiction entry for the Shipping Wars, featuring (you guessed it!) MaliciousBeast.
Love is never planned. It is spontaneous - unexpected. It comes upon you when and where you would never have looked for it. Such is life. And so it was with this tale of blossoming love.
In an unnamed city of an unnamed land, lived two strangers. Malicious Metal - a tall, armor-clad knight, aspiring to be a dark emperor over the land - and FeBeast - a talented but unassuming musician. But for certain events on a certain night in a certain bar, the two would never have met, and this tale would never be told. But those events did take place, and so you are now reading their story.
Near the center of this unnamed city, one can find a popular tavern known as the Laughing Fish. In the evenings, the Laughing Fish is always bustling and teeming with life - light, music, and laughter spilling out of its doors and windows to warm the dark night in the city. On this particular evening, Malicious Metal entered the tavern, weary from a long day of recruiting warriors to join his small, but growing, army. He sat down in a secluded corner booth and sent a serving girl to fetch a meal and a mug of ale for him.
Only a few tables away from Malicious Metal, FeBeast sat dejectedly - head hung low over a barely-touched bowl of stew. Rejected yet again. No matter where he went, no one would hire FeBeast as a pianist - orchestras, nobles, even taverns turned him away! If only they would listen to him - just once! FeBeast picked up his spoon and picked half-heartedly through his stew once again.
An hour or so passed, and the Laughing Fish only became more crowded. A group of men near the performing stage began to grow rowdy. Before the bouncers could intervene, a fight broke out, fists and knives flying through the air. The raucous shouts and howls of pain shattered the jovial atmosphere, and the music cut off as the brawlers fell onto the stage. Though soon quelled, there were still a number of patrons with broken bones and ugly gashes - including several of the musicians.
Malicious Metal looked on in contempt as the damaged furniture and dishware were moved out of the tavern's main room. Ruffians such as these with no better use of their strength than a tavern brawl were far beneath him. As he watched, Laughing Fish - the proprietress of the Laughing Fish - stood up on the stage.
"Unfortunately, several of our musicians are unable to continue performing tonight. If any of you are able to take their place, I am willing to pay 10 upvotes per hour for your time!" She declared over the din of the tavern. "We especially need a pianist and a singer!"
Hearing this, FeBeast leapt to his feet, ecstatic at this perfect opportunity. He rushed to the stage and was readily accepted by Laughing Fish. He took his place at the piano, then turned expectantly towards the crowd, wondering who the singer would be. His eyes moved to the corner booth where Malicious Metal sat and froze. Malicious Metal was motionless, eyes fixed on FeBeast. The moment their eyes met, neither could avert their gaze. FeBeast blushed, then offered a small smile. Immediately, Malicious Metal shot to his feet and shoved his way through the crowds to the performing stage.
"I will be your singer!" he blurted as he pushed past Laughing Fish onto the stage, causing her to start in surprise.
He took his place at the front of the stage, but still - his eyes never left FeBeast. Suddenly, he realized what he had done - he had never sung before! Fear coursed through him - leading an army into battle was one thing, but to sing in front of a crowd? He looked out at the expectant audience. What had he gotten into? Panicking, his breathing quickened and sweat began to bead on his brow. He couldn't do this! He had to back down!
Just as Malicious Metal was about to sprint from the stage, FeBeast's eyes caught him once again. There was that smile, that faint blush once more! FeBeast nodded encouragingly to Malicious Metal, silently cheering him on! Yes. Of course he could do this! Calm once again, Malicious Metal turned back to the audience and prepared to sing.
And sing he did! Guided by FeBeast's entrancing music, Malicious Metal's voice rang through the tavern like an angel's! The commotion of the packed room hushed as the song wove a delicate spell over the crowd. Never before had they heard such beauty! The piano notes and Malicious Metal's sonorous voice danced through the air, intertwining in a glorious symphony!
