Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Memory! Memory?!” Orpheus called out running  through the dark halls of the manor, “Memory?!” He ran into a lady who wore dark clothing, a sphere covering her face, he hat on top, “Melly! Where is Memory?!” 

Melly blinked, a tad confused,  “I thought Norton had her?”

“Well? Where are they then?” Orpheus was in no condition to search the full manor and not cause a mess

“Forgive me,” Melly started putting her hand to her chin, “But I do not know where they are, the last I saw them, Norton leading Memory outside to the southern garden-” 

“Ugh, Thank you Melly go take your break,” At this Orpheus summoned a raven and sent it away. To find them faster.  It took him about 3 minutes to find and teleport there.

“Campbell!”

Norton jumped from surprise at seeing Orpheus there in the garden, he was carrying Memory in his arms holding her up to see a bird closer. He put Memory down and stood up straight “Yes Master?” He said as he bowed to him.

“Memory go inside please, I’ll be right there,” Orpheus said and Memory went inside cheerfully. Once she was gone Orpheus turned to look at Norton, a dark look came over him, “Why are you out in this garden?” 

“W-well I t-thought this one would be better since she hasn’t really been in this garden-”

“Norton, do you happen to remember why we don’t use this garden?”

“Yes-” 

“And what have I said about taking Memory to this garden?”

“To not take little Memory there…” 

“And what do you do Campbell?” 

“Bring her to that exact location…” 

“Campbell remember, my daughter is not to see or know the world beyond the manor. Is that clear?” Orpheus said the horn-like things around his eyes looked to glow, Norotn sighed and nodded

“Forgive me, master…” Norton looked down, “It won’t happen again…” 

“Good, I trust that it won’t. Please be there for dinner with the rest of the servants. We today shall dine together since it has been a while since everyone has sat down together. Alright?”

“Yes, I will be there…” Norton said and Orpheus went inside leaving Norton alone in the garden, he looked around, the reason why this place was forbidden…?

It has plants and art engraved in some stones of the world beyond the manor…

He sat down on one of the benches when he heard the door open. He turned around and saw Melly, “Oh Melly-” 

“What the hell Norton?!”

“W-what-” 

“Why did you choose this place to hang out with Memory?” Melly hissed 

“I just thought it would be nice to play somewhere new…” Norton sighed looking down

 “Yeah well don’t! You’ll get us all in trouble! The Master will not hesitate to sell us! We are lucky we were bought by him!” Melly sighed and looked at Norton, “Norton, remember he saved us from a worse fate… please respect the boundaries he has set…” 

 Norton stood up, “Yeah! Saved you! I am not a freak! I am a human that got in trouble and that was it! Do not compare our situations! If it weren’t for those damned barriers I would’ve left already!” 

 Melly stared at him in shock

Norton's eyes widened when he realized what he just said, “Shit- Mel I didn’t-”

Melly slapped him across the face, anger welling up, “Shut up you insolent bastard! You are a human, If it weren’t for your kind, I wouldn’t be here.”

Norton looked down and just nodded, he didn’t watch as Melly stormed out of the garden, he just sighed and looked at the the rocks with engravings. 

I just want to be free

[]

Orpheus went to his room to find Memory playing around with her dolls, she turned and looked at him, before smiling, “Father!” 

“Hello memory, what are you doing?”

“Nothing, I just wanted to do my doll's hair!” 

“Say memory, what has Norton told you?”

“About?”

“Anything about another world?”

“Mmmm well he has mentioned this world beyond the manor as he says, apparently it has these things called villages and more humans-”

“I see, well, I hate to break it to you but your caretaker will be changed to Melly ok?”

“Why? I liked Norton!” 

“I have a job for him is all, don’t worry you’ll still see him,” Orpheus smiled and hugged Memory as she pouted but accepted it.

Orpheus said his goodbyes and exited the room, going down the halls, portraits covering the dark walls, opening a door at the end of the hall, entering a bright beige room with statues of the previous masters of the manor, before getting lost in thought. 

The only real reason Orpheus even hid Memory was that humans would always take them and sell them as slaves for anything. Orpheus hated it. He was rich and well-known, but no one knew he was not human. He was able to conceal his non-human features very well since he could make them go away temporarily but Memory couldn’t… not yet at least. “Memory will stay in here so long as I am alive…” He said as he kept walking down the hall, his hands clenching in anger, “Memory, will be safe in here.”

[]

Dinner time arrived faster than expected, and everyone gathered in the dining room. Maids plated the food and everyone sat down once the maids finished serving themselves. No one ate until Memory took a bite of her food. Once she took a bite everyone began to eat. Everyone chatted and had a good time, Orpheus talked to Memory for a while before he talked to one of the maids. In that time Memory talked to her doll and giggled a bit with it. She paid no mind to the others around her. 

Meanwhile, Norton, who sat next to Melly who was still pissed at him frowned the silence between them was painful. Melly though, was the first to break it, “Quit looking at Memory, and quit thinking of what happened today.”

“What if she got in trouble? He did go to talk to her earlier-”

“Please! Orpheus getting mad at Memory? That is unheard of. Get your head out of the clouds” Melly said, venom laced in her voice.

“But Melly-”

“No Norton, just follow what Master says and nothing bad will happen, drop it already. Quit trying to let her see the outside. Drop. It. Besides, what do you know?”

“Know of what?”

 “You don’t know why we hide. You never will because you are a filthy, poor, damned human.” At this Melly stood up, the chair scratching the wooden floors, “Excuse me, I have to go finish a potion,” Melly said and was about to leave but Orpheus stopped her.

“Wait, I have to announce something before you leave, I will be going away for a bit. I will leave in two weeks. I trust you will all care for Memory and the Manor in the time I am gone. And remember, there is nothing beyond the manor but horrors.” Orpheus said the last line as he glared at Norton. 

“Yes, Master,” Everyone said in sync. 

“Good. Now let us eat, you can go Melly” Orpheus smiled and went back to eating. Once Melly left Norton sighed and started to think that maybe she was right… After a while, Orpheus picked Memory up from her chair and carried her to her room. It was rather late, so he will get her ready for bed and then have a little talk with a certain person. “Norton, meet me in my office at 12,” Orpheus said before leaving. 

Norton gulped, he was nervous now, “Yes, Master”

[]

Orpheus brushed Memory’s hair so in the morning it wasn’t too messy. “Father, where will you go?”

“What do you mean?”

“Where will you go since you’re leaving for some days?”

“Ah well, I’m going to go out of the manor because there is a monster that is approaching and I have to make sure it doesn’t get here. Do you understand?” It wasn't a complete lie, nor the complete truth…

“But-”

“I’ll be ok alright? I’ll be safe and you will be too as long as you stay here. Alright?” Orpheus said smiling and patting her head

“Ok father…”

“Alright now let’s get you to bed,” Orpheus picked up Memory from the chair she sat on and took her to her bed, the sheets were white and gold. Very warm and cozy. “Goodnight Memory”

“Goodnight, Father” 

Orpheus blew out the candles and left.

[]

Norton was waiting outside of Orpheus’ office.

He was nervous… He did already talk to him about not letting Memory near the front… What could he possibly need? Surely he’s not in trouble… Right? If he got into huge trouble it could go two ways, he’s sent outside back into the world he came from. 

The world that shunned him out for messing with witchcraft…

Sure he was human but he did do that, or Orpheus would send him to The Forest Hunter. He was a good friend to Orpheus and Memory… So was that cursed robot she named Bon Bon. He knew if he was sent to that dear freak, he’d be turned into something- That wasn’t a human… 

He was the only human there and the rest were magical beings but the difference between them both is that Norton didn’t get to choose what chores he had to do. Everyone else here though was treated like gold. Sure they still were servants but they were allowed to take breaks, and do whatever they wanted, at least chore-wise. If they liked the outside, like gardening, they were allowed to do that, if they liked making potions or medicines they could do that. 

They all had their own rooms too! 

Sure they had roommates depending on their station but they got along. Norton, on the other hand, didn’t really get along with anyone, of course, there was Melly but she didn’t like him at times. 

Norton often felt left out since he was the only human but whatever.

So lost in thought he didn’t realize that Orpheus stepped out of his office, “Campbell, inside”

“Yes, Master” 

They went inside and Norton sat down on the chair in front of the desk. Orpheus sat down and sighed. “How much did you tell her?”

“Pardon?”

“About the outside. How much did you tell her?”

“Umm, I-” Shit, now he’s going to get into trouble, “I- Master I-”

“No use lying, now tell me,” Orpheus said his elbows now on the table and his face resting on his palms. He just looked so tired…

“I only told her about the places, a-and people she could meet…”

Orpheus was tempted to get Fate, an enchantress that roamed the manor. She mostly stayed with Melly the wicked witch. Fate does not know her past, but she can read others' minds. Very intriguing since she is an enchantress. “Is that all?”

“Yes… Master”

Orpheus sighed, “How many times must I say that no one is to talk to her about the outside?”

“Forgive me but she asked-”

“Look, you aren’t in trouble, however, I am very upset you defined the rules and told her. I will not punish you, in fact, I hate that since it is inhumane but remember we are not humans that can just go outside and be normal without someone wanting us dead or as a servant.”

“But Master… You can’t just keep hiding the real world from her!”

“Norton.” 

“No Master! You have to tell her more about the outside! Quit hiding her! Why are you so afraid of her seeing the outside!?” Norton shouted and then he stopped. He just yelled at Orpheus- The man that saved him from execution… 

 “Campbell. You do not. Know what it is like for us. You, humans, are disgusting beings who kill for fun. I saved you from death, and this is how you repay me? Norton. Understand that this is for her safety.”

“Master, tell me why then! It can’t just be because of the humans that kill magic beings!”

“Norton, my wife, her mother was killed by humans. I will not risk Memory meeting the same fate her mother did. So drop it, Campbell, Please for the sake of my family drop it. Understood?”

 Norton huffed and glared at Orpheus before sighing deeply.

“Yes… Understood, Master” Norton looked down and Orpheus sighed

“You’re excused. Go to sleep or whatever you need to do.” Norton left and went to the small plain room he had. He didn’t have any roommates or decorations in his room like everyone else. It was still cozy to him though. After all, most things here were made by magic. Nothing in here was made from the outside. Of course, due to this Norton being a human didn’t have much. 

He laid down and went to sleep. Maybe he will talk to Melly tomorrow…

Chapter Text

In the morning Melly went to wake Memory up and get her ready for the day. She knocked on the door before opening it. She saw Memory sitting up and looking out her window. Her doll in her arms. “Child, what are you doing?”

The memory turned around and smiled, “Melly!” She ran to Melly and hugged her. Melly picked her up and carried her to the bathroom, she grabbed the brush and brushed out the few knots in her hair.

“So? Why were you staring out the window?” 

“I saw Bane! And Bon Bon in the forest!”

“Oh what were they doing?”

“I’m not really sure but it looked like they were looking for something…” 

“Hmm, I’ll ask them later alright?” Melly said and Memory nodded smiling. 

Once Melly finished brushing her hair, she got dressed in a dress with a bow-like thing to the side. 

Melly noticed it was a bit colder so she grabbed a cloak for Memory. It was white, soft, and warm. Galatea had made it not too long ago, that succubus is very talented. Sometimes Melly envied her since Orpheus always gave her many things, sure because of her work but still. 

Once the cloak was on they went to the dining room and saw that Orpheus was already there. 

He was reading some old books. Memory quickly went to Orpheus and started telling him about her dream. “Father! I had a dream about a place where there was a really shiny, bright yellow thing in the sky! The sky was blue as well! Oh and then, there were tiny manors everywhere! There was also a pathway made of stone leading to little huts with food or animals!”

She must have dreamed about the sun and a clear sky… And a town… even a shop she dreamt of? How odd, Orpheus thought to himself as he listened to his daughter tell her dream to him, “Really? What an odd dream! What more did you dream of?” I’ll have to tell MorningStar to increase the fog… I’ll also tell Melly to increase the poison in the dark woods river. Hmm, I’ll even tell Fate to increase the poison gas. He sighed, No human will get near here.

Memory happily stuffed her face with bread before speaking again, “Father, what do you think the yellow thing in my dream was?” 

“It was probably a really big star! Or maybe it was fire!” He said and tickled Memory who started laughing. 

Melly smiled at this sight, but then quickly recomposed herself, Orpheus caught sight of this and softly smiled,  “You know Melly it’s fine, it’s the morning, no need to act so proper. Anyways go eat and then I’ll need to speak with you and Fate, try to find Morning Star too.”

“Yes Master, I shall inform Fate. Can’t guarantee finding MorningStar, they do tend to do their own thing out there so yeah. I’ll be going then, I’ll eat and work on some potions. Let me know when you would like for us to meet” Melly smiled behind her mask before leaving. 

[]

Melly left and then felt someone pull her into a room, “What the-”

“Shh,” Norton said, shushing her. She glared at him

“What do you want?”

“Melly, I know what you’re going to say to what I'm about to tell you but please listen”

“I’m listening??”

“Did you hear what Memory was dreaming of? Please help me sneak her out when Orpheus leaves! Show her around the kingdom that’s not too far from here! To show her how the sun feels! How it’s like when the outside is sunny and warm!”

“I’m sorry, what?! Are you out of your mind? No. We are not doing that! You can keep dreaming of taking her outside but it won’t happen.”

“But Melly!”

“No, Norton. It’s not happening, I think she is happy here. Besides, humans can’t come in or out of this manor. You are a human, you can’t leave. the poison would kill you immediately, Ithaqua's cold winter-like fog would freeze you, and have you forgotten who patrols the woods? It’s not happening.”

“Melly…”

“We’re done here Norton, I have shit to do, Good day.” 

Melly turned and walked away, opening the hall's door and leaving the room leaving Norton lost in thought, “Why can’t they see that this is the best way…” 

He heard someone come in and he turned around, Oh, it was that eagle hybrid… His code name was… 

Eagle’s dance? 

Norton can’t remember his name. Then again he doesn’t talk to anyone apart from Orpheus, Memory, and Melly. 

“What the hell was with the yelling?” The feathered man said. 

“I was talking to Melly not yelling-”

“Ah, that woman . She can be quite arrogant, can’t she?”

“I wouldn’t say that-”

“Oh by the way names Naib” He extended his hand to shake Norton’s. 

“Norton-”

“Oh you’re the only human here right?” he said and Norton nodded, “I never thought I would meet ya if I am, to be honest. I don’t typically come inside the manor-”

“What do you do here?” Norton said, out of genuine curiosity, he knew about the bird hybrids in the manor but had never actually met them due to them being in the forest most of the time.  

“Oh, I help out Bane and Guard 26, and Ithaqua with patrol. I fly in the sky a lot because of it, so Never a reason to be in here but Master wanted me to get a break… anyhow, why aren’t you doing any chores?” 

“Oh um, I d-didn’t ask yet-” 

“Then don’t ask, you could get away with a free day!” 

“But I’ll get in huge trouble by-”

“The head maid, Martha?” 

“Who’s Martha-”

 “Oh uhh Black Swan”

 “Oh her..” Norton said 

“Yeah, how do you not know anyone? How long have you been here?” Naib said weirded out by this 

“Well I’m human… no one pays attention to me or really seeks me out since I am human so yeah… I have been here for maybe 3 years now?” 

“Ah, yeah you’re pretty easy to miss, no offense. You just dress so blandly that you basically blend in with the manor. Plus who wants to actively interact with a human? Pretty sure most people here try to avoid ya. Anywho, I wanted to ask this to you before but never got the chance to,” Naib paused and looked at Norton, “Why do you want to bring Memory outside of the manor?”

At this Norton froze, how did he know? “Well, it would be good for her to go outside for once…”

“But this place is everything any creature could ask for. It’s safe, has resources, and’s heavily protected inside and out. It even has so many halls and rooms that I wouldn’t be surprised if there are another dozen rooms we haven’t seen yet. We have enough people here to fill a village, what’s missing?”

“Freedom…”

“Pardon?”

“I said freedom, tell me when was the last time you left?”

“Good question, but I can leave, everyone here is able to leave, yeah there is poison and dangerous weather in the forest but we can resist it so yeah, you’ve never left since you came?”

Norton stared at Naib, “Well Orpheus never told me anything, nor did he ever tell me if I could leave…”

Naib hummed and smiled taking off his mask, “ok back on topic about Memory”

“Right, I’m just tired of her never seeing the outside, she’s only been here, and only here. The outside is amazing! Sure I haven’t been outside in a couple of years but still. She hasn’t been allowed to do anything that involves the outside. She should get to know the outside world!” Norton said and Naib just stared at Norton

“Well I guess you’re right, she never really got the chance to go see what’s beyond this place…” Naib reached his hand out to Norton, “I’ll help you since you kinda got a point, I can get you through the poisons, I’ll even get you through Bane and Bon Bon. Can’t guarantee getting past Ithaqua, but I’ll tag along since it’s been a long time since I’ve last seen the outside.”

At this, Norton cheered up, someone who was willing to help him. This is great!

“On one condition,” Naib said and Norton looked up

“Yes?”

“You help me get that book Orpheus carries around.”

The book? The one that he always carries around? “What’s so special about it?”

“The book is a potion book! It’s how Orpheus hides his scales and stuff.”

“Don’t we have Melly and Fate for that stuff?”

“No this book is different, there are spells in there too, there are even hallucination potions, memory wipe potions, and even a potion to make you remember things. It is no ordinary spell-potion book. It is an amazing thing! You get me that and we go from there!”

“How about I get it to you after we go outside-”

Naib sighed, if he pushed too much it would seem suspicious so he accepted it, “Fine as long as you get me the damn book in the end”

“Fine…” Norton said and Naib smiled 

“Ok I need to get back to the sky before Bane himself puts me in one of the traps, see ya, Norton,” Naib said and sprouted his white and blue wings. He then flew through the hall. He was lucky the halls were tall and wide. 

[]

Orpheus was sitting in his office like normal, Memory was also there but was on the floor playing with the many dolls Anne had made. Then they heard a knock on the door. They both looked up, and Orpheus spoke, “Come in”

Norton entered and sat down in front of Orpheus, Orpheus raised an eyebrow, “Master I wanted to ask about that book you always carry around- What’s so special about it?”

“Hm? Ah well typically I don't tell anyone if they don’t know but since you are rather trustworthy, despite some of your questionable actions, I’ll tell you.

This book gives spells, potions, and curses. Of course, we have our witches and enchantresses and even demons but that’s not the point. This book contains complex spells, curses, and potions. The main reason people are after it is 1. It’s the only copy in existence and 2. It has two very interesting potions. One of them can turn a human into a creature of magic. The other is to turn a magic creature human. 

One last thing I forgot to mention is that it has a page of potions that are very bad if in the wrong hands.”

“I see…”

“Why do you ask either way?”

“Oh uh, no particular reason…”

“Alright then, oh by the way, can you go clean my room and Memory’s? I don’t think I’ve given you a chore so can you do that? Then come back and take Memory to the dark woods to play in the tree houses or on the swing.”

“Yes Master,” Norton said before getting up, hugging Memory, and leaving. 

Orpheus watched as Norton closed the door. Orpheus frowned and went to Memory. He grabbed her hand and tore a page from a random book. He put it in her hand and it began to burn… “Hmm Memory, can you reset it now?”

“Yes Father,” Memory muttered something, and then the page and book were back to normal. 

Orpheus stared at it and sighed, before going back to his desk, 

What had he done?