Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 24: A Heartfelt Salute

"I'm angry with myself for failing to give your tenacious spirits due credit," Rook says, "I said at SDC that people are powerful when they truly believe in themselves and each other. And yet I set off alone without nary a word, leaving you both behind. Epel, you always stay true to your heart, and that makes you strong and beautiful. I'm ashamed to have lied to myself for such specious reasons."

"What do you mean by that?" Epel says, confused.

"I feel just the same as you, Epel," Rook says, "The truth was that I couldn't stand by while my boon companion came to harm. I'd convinced myself that it would be wrong to involve teachers or friends in my self-centered quest."

"Well, it's a little late for that. We've been wrapped up in this for a while now," Epel says with a smirk on his face.

"D'accord," Rook replies, "Very well, Epel, Sereia, Tanzanite, Jasper, Trinket—shall we undertake this journey together?"

The group replied in surprise.

"My only condition is that you do exactly as I tell you. Can you promise me that?" Rook asks.

"Sure can do!" Epel says, excited. But calms himself, ...I mean, yes sir!"

He then giggles, "Heh heh. we did it, guys!"

"He did," Jasper says.

"And we promise to not cause you any trouble, Rook," Sereia says.

"Epel and I both have a tendency to charge headfirst and lose sight of what's around us. You, however, never fail to see the big picture. I'm sure your presence will be a real boon to us," Rook says.

"Thank you for having us along," Sereia says.

"We'll do whatever we can to help," Tanzanite says.

"I've never seen you lose sight of what's around you, Rook," Epel says, "I mean, the charging in headfirst part, sure..."

But Rook says, "Ah, but you have. I smacked right into you in the Hall or Mirrors because I failed to notice my surroundings."

Epel laughs, ""Ahaha, I guess you did. You know, now that I'm thinking about it... A lot of people in Pomefiore pull reckless stunts, despite seeming calm and collected. Vil included.

"Heh. 'Tenacity' is our dorm's credo, after all..." Rook says. "And that could arguably mean mustering one's determination to face what must be faced. The Fairest Queen is usually depicted as aloof and statuesque in art and literature... But personally, I suspect she may have been rather active and energetic."

"I have a hard time imagining her flying off the handle and storming out on her own like we did," Epel says.

Jasper laughs, "Surely she never would've done that."

Rook laughs, "Hahaha! I must agree with you there."

They soon hear a strange squeaky growling noise, startling everyone.

Rook shushes everyone, "Shh! Quiet. I hear an animal growling... It's close by."

But feeling so embarrassed, Epel confesses, "Erk... Sorry, um... That was me."

"Oh là là! And here I was, worried we'd incurred the wrath of some forest beast whose territory we disturbed!" Rook says, surprised.

"It's way past when I usually eat dinner..." Epel says.

"Heh. I can just imagine how Vil's beautiful brow would crease if he heard that," Rook replies.

"Heh, yeah, I can see it too," Epel replies.

"Very well, we shall have a quick repast before setting off. I'll go over our flight route while we dine," Rook says.

Sometime later, Rook, Epel, and the others are able to bring out some of the food they have for the trip. Many are satisfied.

Epel sighs in relief, "Ahh... I'm stuffed! Thanks for the meal, Rook."

"I'm just glad I thought to pack food and a camping kit," Rook says.

"We just took off right after you, so it didn't even cross my mind to bring food," Epel says.

"Worry not. There are cities aplenty en route to our destination. We can always buy more sustenance if we need it," Rook says.

Then Epel says, "You said you didn't know where the Island of Woe was, but you could 'envision' where Vil and the others were. What did you mean by that?"

"Ah... That's what my signature spell allows me to do," Rook answers.