Chapter Text
Prince Minajael, heir to the throne, future Sultan of the Scalding Sands, was having a stange day. One of the strangest he’d ever experienced.
And it all started the night before.
~~~
Minajael had just gotten out of a Friday rehearsal. The RSA theater club had decided to tell the story of a young woman who takes her father’s place in war, and saves the country. He was playing a minor role this time, but he was in charge of directing. So, he still has to show up and work.
He stretched his arms and yawned. Before, heading back to his dorm he was heading to Ms.T’s shop. She sells her homemade delicious gumbo on Fridays, and she keeps a pot full in her store. Hopefully, there still some in stock for him to grab.
His stomach grumbled, thinking of the soup was making him even hungrier. He picked up the pace, if there wasn’t any gumbo left he’d reserve some of her homemade beignets for tomorrow morning’s breakfast. He smiled to himself, perks of being a Prince.
The night sky was clear, no clouds, stars or moon. Back home, when the palace got to much for him, he’d climb out onto the roof to stargaze. He never grew out of that habit, even now only a couple years until he’s Sultan. Still he looked up, even on starless nights he’d climb out, just needing a quiet place to get some air and think.
A breeze blew through him, rustling some leaves.
Yet tonight felt different. The starless night the same one he has seen a thousand times, usually a calming presence, felt ominous.
He shifted his eyes, left and right. Nothing. He put his hand in his pocket, ready to take out his wand at the first sign of danger. As a the first prince he was unfortunately used to attempted assassinations. Luckily, his father and the Royal family Wizard made sure that he’d know how to defend himself physically and magically. Hmph, whoever or whatever will think twice when attacking him.
He was nearing the school store. He did another once over, no shadows near him. He looked left, the grass had a flat patch like someone had just stepped there. He looked right, the leaves had shifted again. The air ruffling his hair.
Wait…the air seemed too precise.
He heard a rustle from behind, he grabbed his wand, spun around and…
Was suddenly blinded by a pair of hands and heavy weight on his back. A chuckle by his ear as the weight wrapped itself around him.
Like a cat.
He groaned. “Che’nya was that supposed to be your idea of a prank?”
“Heehee, you’re to uptight sometimes so I figured it wouldn’t hurt.” He purred. Che’nya had draped himself on Mina’s back.
“A prank that makes me even more guarded?” He asked. “And can you get off me?” He said wrestling the cat’s arms off him.
Che’nya obliged with grin, but kept an arm on Mina’s shoulder. Mina crossed his arms, at least that explained the feeling.
“So what are you doing anyway?”Mina asked, turning to keep path to the store. “Y’know besides trying to get a hit with a stun spell.” He said, poking Che’nya with his wand.
“Ehh, I was just taking a nap in that tree.” pointing behind him. “You should seriously try it. It’s pretty comfortable.”
The school store was finally in reach. He pushed Che’nya’s arm off him, moving ahead him, if there was gumbo he was going to get in first.
Ding!
“Evening, Ms. T!” Mina greeted.
Ms.T was young woman from port o’ bliss, and in charge of RSA’s school store. Most recognized by her green stylish outfits and homemade cooking. She was a beloved member of the staff and many students admired her.
“Evenin, boys!” She responded, poking her head out from behind the counter. She straightened her clothes out, and wiped the invisible dust from her hands. “What can I do for y’all?”
Che’nya opened his mouth. But, Mina quickly interrupted him.
“I was uhh… hoping you had some gumbo left?” Mina asked hopefully.
“You’re in luck! I have just enough for you two!” She turned and moved to the back. “Let me heat up first, so just wait here.”
Mina sighed in relief, turning to lean on the counter as fished for his wallet. Hmm, where was his wallet? He checked his other pocket. Wait, where was his wand?
Che’nya snicked as he held up Mina’s wand and wallet.
Mina scoffed and snagged his items back. “Do you want me to pay for your gumbo or not?”
Che’nya snickered some more, “Hey, I didn’t ask for the gumbo. That was all you!”
“Alright, boys I gotcha ya gumbos!” Ms. T said, coming back with steaming take-out bowls. She handed one to each the boys “Careful, it’s hot!” She rang the soups up. “Anything else to add?”
Che’nya placed two soft drinks on the counter. And, a fish shaped gummy candy for himself. A prince was offering to pay so why not take advantage.
“Alright, that’ll be…
Mina handed her his card. He knew there’s was enough.
“Alright, have good night boys and thank you for ya purchase!”
They waved bye to Ms. T, already opening the take-out to dig in. They walked outside into the cool air, the soup warming their hands.
“C’mon!” Che’nya said, patting the seat next him.
Mina sat next to him, opening the soup. He inhaled the spices, it smelled delicious. He took a spoonful and sighed. That hit the spot.
Another gust of wind went through him. It was cold, causing goosebumps on his neck.
Mina paused eating momentarily. He looked around that ominous feeling was back again. He looked up, the night was still starless. But, the wind was staring to pick up.
He abruptly stood up. Causing Che’nya to choke on his drink. Mina patted his back, and pulled him up.
“C’mon Che’nya let’s head inside.” Mina said, grabbing their food. Something didn’t feel right to him.
“Myah, why is it the weather?” Che’nya asked. “C’mon a lil rain never hurt anyone.”
To be honest he didn’t know what he was getting up for. And he didn’t remember the weather app saying anything about rain or storms. But, he didn’t intend to find out.
The wind was picking up speed.
“Let’s just get inside!” Mina said, dragging Che’nya with him.
They started running to the nearest entrance of the main building. Don’t look back just keep going. Che’nya suddenly tugged his arm. Bringing him Mina to a stop.
“Hey Mina, what’s that?” Che’nya asked worried.
Mina turned to him, Che’nya was looking up at something. He followed his gaze. There was a hole opening in the sky.
“Oh, shit..” Mina looked on in horror and confusion as some round shaped things fell from the sky. Right into the main fountain.
And just as suddenly as it started the wind stopped.
They looked at each other than back at the fountain.
“Uhh, I think we should call Headmaster Ambrose.” Che’nya said.
~~~
Minajael tapped his foot impatiently. He along with Neige, Rielle, Che’nya, Grum and Dominic were waiting outside Ambrose’s office. He had called them only, none of the other housewardens.
Neige looked worried. Che’nya looked bored the energy of the day drained from him. Rielle was the opposite, he bounced on his feet as they waited. Grum looked like he was gonna explode any minute and Dominic was trying to soothe him.
Mina mentally sighed, “ Right there with ya, Grum..
Finally, Ambrose stepped out, “Alright, come on in my students and try not to freak out.”
They all walked in the office with baited breath. Ambrose walked behind his desk where sitting on top was… them?
The students looked on with confusion at the stack of oval shaped…things. The ones that looked like Mina, Che’nya and Rielle were at the bottom. Stacked on top in the middle was one that looked like Neige. Than on top of that was two significantly smaller ovals that looked like Grum and Dominic.
Mina chuckled to himself, the size difference between regular Grum and Dominic didn’t seem that different to ovals.
“Ahem.” Ambrose cleared his throat for attention. “My dear students, I know you’re probably wondering why our oval shaped friends seem to take on your appearance.”
Mina crossed his arms, how observant.
“Luckily, I have information.” Ambrose said, pulling out a large tome. “These little creatures are known as Tsums. Tsums are squishy, squeaky oval shaped beings who can manipulate their size at will.
“Might I ask why they share our appearance?” Dominic asked.
“I was just getting to that.” Ambrose continued reading, “Apparently, Tsums come from different world that parallels our own.”
“Okay, but why are they here now?” Neige questioned.
“Maybe they got lost?” Rielle suggested.
“That doesn’t explain why they are still here, or why we’re here!” Grim said, raising his hands exasperated.
“Well, you see students.” Ambrose said wiping his glasses. “I actually found the way to send them home but…”
“But?” They asked.
“The spell requires some preparation, a full day at the very least.” Ambrose closed the book. “So, as these Tsums are based off of you all, I figured you’d all could take care of them, until the spell is ready.” Ambrose said brightly.
The Rsa students stared at Ambrose and then back at the Tsums. Well, what else were they supposed to do. Ambrose knows the spell but needs preparations and it would be rude to dump the Tsums into someone else’s lap. They are based off of themselves and who knows better about yourself than yourself.
They looked at eachother, before nodding. It was the right thing to do.
Minajael stepped up. “Alright, headmaster we’ll do it!”
Ambrose clasped his hands. “Excellent, please take the Tsum that looks like you, once the spell is ready I’ll contact you all than we can give them a proper send off!”
At the the exclamation the Tsums jumped on their respective counterparts shoulder. Bouncing in excitement.
“Alright students, dismissed!”
~~~
Mina walked into his dorm room. It was late at night so he hadn’t ran into the other students.
His Tsum was pretty calm, he wasn’t sure what he expected to be honest.If what Ambrose said is true than the Tsum has the same or a similar personality to himself.
And well, Minajael was know for being pretty reliable.
“Alright Tsum, this where you’ll be staying for tonight.” He said showcasing his room.
Dunasmina’s dorm rooms were reminiscent of those in the Scalding Sands. Due to being based of the Rebellious Princess from the legends, everything was peacock green. His room especially was decked out, although it wasn’t as large as his room back in the palace. Still comfortable though.
He held out his hand for the Tsum to jump on. He than placed the Tsum on the King sized bed. “Alright, Tsum me I’m gonna shower and get ready for bed you can meanwhile make yourself at home.” He than grabbed his clothes and went into the bathroom connected to his room, perks of being the housewarden. Hopefully, the room wasn’t a mess when he got out.
~~~
Mina walked out of the shower, pajamas on, clothes folded and a towel he was currently using to dry his hair. He looked around the room, before spotting the Tsum.
His Tsum was sitting on the bed, staring out the window, at the endless diamond sky of Dunasmina. He sat next to his Tsum self, contemplating. Was the Tsum staring outside due to homesickness? Than again if his Tsum was like him probably not. Mina rarely got homesick.
Than was it…freedom? He looked out the window.The same feeling of yearning forming in his chest. The stars shined so beautifully across the sky. If only he could reach out and grab one.
He shook his head, opened the blanket and climbed into bed. What was he thinking? A Tsum couldn’t be a trapped Prince like he was. As he stared into the ceiling, his Tsum made himself comfortable on the pillow next to him.
Freedom… Jamil wanted freedom to. He sighed, of course his nightly thoughts would become occupied by his current object of affection. He grabbed his phone and opened up magicam. He went to Jamil’s profile.
Typical of someone with Jamil’s personality, his magicam was not full of pictures of himself. But, Jamil did post his recipes which always showcased his lovely hands and voice.
He sighed, Jamil had only recently opened up to him. Yet, he had never felt such a strong connection with someone. In hindsight, it seemed stupid to complain about a lack a freedom, to a servant. He chuckled, no wonder Jamil didn’t like him at first.
Yet, during the tournament he saw something beautiful within him. His fire, his passion that burned through is body, the defiance to not let his status as a servant define him, the determination to win and beat the Prince.
They had met face to face yet Minajael was stunned by those fiery eyes. It caused him to want to know more. His eyes were mesmerizing, he’d never forget them.
The Tsum next to him jumped excitedly.
“Huh? Do you wanna watch Jamil’s video’s to?” He brought his phone closer to his Tsum so it could watch. His Tsum self seemed happy hearing Jamil.
Mina smiled and rested his head on his arm. Curious, was there Tsum Jamil that his Tsum liked?
Mina thought about taking a picture of his Tsum self and sending it to Jamil. But, they weren’t that close yet and chances are Jamil wouldn’t know about them.
He shrugged, “Listen Tsum me, as much as I’d love to keep watching videos of Jamil.” He turned to clock nearly 1am. “I’ve gotta go to bed.” Minajael turned off his phone and put it to charge on his bedside table. He fully got comfortable in bed and made sure his Tsum was the same.
“Alright, Good night Tsum me.” Mina said yawning. The Tsum squeaked a response.
“Goodnight to you as well Jamil.” He whispered into the air. Mina than closed his eyes, drifting off to dreamland.