Twisted-Wonderland: Our Precious Treasure (Part 2)

(160) PoD: I Need a Hero

Grim ran as fast as he could on his four legs through the Main Street until he reached Sam's shop where the Surprise Team were making their final preparations. "Guys!" He skitted to stop, staring at four of them, and whistled. "Oh, wow!"

"What's up?" Ace grinned, spinning around to give Grim the full-body look. "How do we look?"

"You guys look great!" Grim turned at Epel who was sitting on a white horse. "Is...Is the horse necessary?"

Epel shrugged. "I mean...Princes are supposed to arrive on horseback, right?"

"Are they still doing that at this age though?" Ace commented.

"Oh, Monsieur Little Apple has put the most thought into his princely appearance," Rook said. "This imagination, effort, energy, and this preparation! It's all extremely très bien!"

"Not to mention, Leia is the hardest to handle among all the horses at the horse-riding club." Riddle approached the horse, running his hand down her mane. He looked up to Epel with a proud smile. "You've made a splendid point. Your riding ability is second to none."

Epel chuckled as he rubbed behind his neck sheepishly. "Hehe. Thank you very much."

"So, what are you doing here?" Ace looked at Grim. "Everything okay over there?"

Grim perked up as if finally remembered the reason he was there. "We're fine. But the ghost co-coordinator's judges are here to test your proposal."

"Wait! Now?!" Ace yelled.

"We tried to stall them but we can't do that anymore! We're in the final phase of the plan!" His ears and tail suddenly shot up. "Eek! They're coming."

"Grim, jump here!" Epel opened his arms and Grim leaped so he sat in front of Epel.

Three guard ghosts appeared through the trees. One of them, the center one was wearing a monocle and didn't bring anything, unlike the others who has their usual spear. "Are you humans part of the Surprise Team?"

"Yes!" Rook stepped forward, a hand on his chest as he bowed slightly. "We are very honored to be part of the wonderful plan to make this the best wedding the beautiful bride would ever dream of."

"And we're here to make sure just that." The ghost flew forward. "Now, I shall make the judgment for your proposal. Pretend I am the princess, and try proposing to me! If you can convince me of your seriousness in this plan, then I shall allow you to come to the wedding." He looked between the four of them, humming as he scored their appearance in their height. All of them had handsome faces and gorgeous attire, checking his boxes. But one did catch his attention immediately. "Starting with you! The one on the horse. Show me your serious proposal!"

Epel and Grim exchanged a glance before Epel sighed, "Well, here goes nothing." He guided Leia to step forward gently and he recite his proposal, "I will always keep you happy, princess. Because I'm the prince on the white horse, who will run any length to save his lover when they're in trouble! No matter what obstacles I face on my journey, I will never give up. I'll protect you from anything that tries to hurt you." He stopped in front of the judge, reaching out as he smiled. "I am the prince who is suited for you, my princess! Please, marry me!"

The two guard ghost clapped their hand as the judge nodded his head in satisfaction. "Such... Earnestness before me!"

Epel sighed in relief and stepped away to stand beside Ace. The judge then pointed at the gingerhead. "Now you! How are you supposed to be the prince's valet?"

"How am I the valet here?" Ace squawked.

"So you have also come to propose?" The judge hummed. "Very well. I will see your proposal, too."