Twisted Wonderland: Yulia

Prologue: Charring Statues

It was not a good morning. The ghosts were at it again, and a tired Yulia and Grim were forced to fight them off. The two escaped to the living room–Yulia nearly tripped all the way down the stairs until she finally face planted at the bottom, and Grim had a bruise from falling through a rotten chair during the middle of the night. Shaken, the two sat grumbling on the dusty, stained sofa while awaiting Dire Crowley. It was definitely a kind of ramshackle dorm.

Dire Crowley came with instructions on today's job. Grim and Yulia were to clean from Main Street to the library. Crowley said that Main Street had large statues, and you couldn't miss it. They were allowed to eat at the cafeteria for lunch. Lastly, Crowley left behind a new change of clothes. It was a janitor uniform. Yulia wasn't sure if the wrinkled old clothes she had slept in were less embarrassing. This thing looked like it was from twenty years ago. At least it's not a bright color, she thought once she had it on.

To Main Street they went, a broom and rag in tow. Just as described, there were seven large looming statues. Grim hopped on Yulia's shoulder to get a better look.

"Uwahhh.... They're cool but also kinda scary, ya know? Like what's up that old lady? She looks like a snob!"

"You don't know about the Queen of Hearts?" A voice asked. Yulia jumped slightly and turned to see the stranger, a student.

He had pale red hair that stuck up a bit. His eyes had a ruby red hue and one of them was adorned with a heart? Maybe it was drawn on with makeup? Was it a fashion statement, a tattoo maybe? Yulia was curious, but she didn't ask. Instead, Grim continued the conversation.

"Queen of Hearts? Is she supposed to be important?"

"Haha, well she does have a statue, so of course she's important! Long ago, she ruled as the queen who lived in the Rose Maze. She's all about rules and discipline and was strict in enforcing them. If the rose bushes weren't painted the right color or if the Card Soldiers' marching was out of order, it was off with your head!"

Yulia could have sworn she'd heard that line before. She looked long and hard at the Queen of Hearts, but she just couldn't put her finger on it.

"Ah, that sounds terrifying!" Grim said, his ears drooping.

"I think it's pretty cool! I mean, who'd listen to a pushover queen? A strong leader is definitely better!" The boy said with a grin.

"Hmm, I guess you have a point." Yulia told him. "It's true, a strong queen is better, but at the same time..."

"Oi, what's your name anyway?" Grim interrupted.

"I go by Ace!" He scratched the back of his head, grinning yet again. "I'm a fresh-faced first year. Nice to meetcha!"

"I'm Yu—."

"I'm Grim! This dimwit is my henchman!"

"I'm going to throw you." Yulia whispered angrily to Grim who actually frowned fearfully. "My name's Yulia. I guess you could call me the uh..." It felt embarrassing no matter how she put it. "I'm the school um... assistant or something like that, haha."

"Anyways, I'm curious about that lion over there with the big scar over his eye. Tell me, tell me!" Grim seemed really eager to learn about these statues. It was cute that he was so excited, but Yulia was starting to fidget. It was probably best if they started cleaning now. She fiddled with the broom she was holding.

"That great big lion is the King of Beasts who ruled the savannah. Though he wasn't born king, he took over the throne through effort and elaborate planning. After he took that position, he even allowed the loathed hyenas to come live in his kingdom without any discrimination."