Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 66: Downward Trek Tower 1 Part 4

Arriving at the first floor of Tartarus, the group can see that they still have ways to go to get to the gateway.

Vil then says to the group, "We haven't had much chance to speak since reuniting, and now we're navigating an enemy stronghold... But while we've got this downtime, I'd like to take a moment to say something to you all.

Everyone stops and turns to Vil.

"What is it, Roi du Poison?" Rook asks.

"First-you, Rook," Vil says, catching Rook's attention.

Vil sternly says, "You're my vice housewarden, yet you abandoned Pomefiore. I know you don't usually act like a proper vice housewarden... But after Styx's attack, the campus was surely in chaos. And yet here you are, gallivanting around by yourself? As housewarden, I cannot overlook this."

Rook remains silent in response.

"Now just hold on, Vil! Rook came to get you, despite knowing all the danger-" Epel speaks up.

"Zip it," Vil interrupts.

Then Vil continues, "My abduction and Rook's dereliction of duty are two entirely separate matters. The other vice housewardens aren't here because they're all doing their jobs, running their dorms. I'm ashamed of my poor judgment in nominating a vice housewarden so irresponsible he'd abandon his dorm at the drop of a hat."

"Hey... That ain't no way to talk to him!" Epel angrily says.

"That was really mean. Rook was trying to help," Sereia says.

But Rook interrupts them, "It's fine. Vil's ire is entirely justified. I was prepared to be dismissed as vice housewarden the moment I left campus.

"But that ain't fair...!" Epel says.

But then Vil sternly says, "Next-Epel, Sereia, Trinket, and Jasper and Tanzanite will be hearing from me later. Do you have ANY idea how reckless it was to come here? You're inept children playing at being heroes. That doesn't help anyone. Quite frankly, you're nuisances."

"But Vil we couldn't just sit around and do nothing, especially since we were right there when you and Briar were abducted." Sereia says.

"...What fools you are," Vil responds, and takes deep breaths in response.

Then Vil says, "Well, that takes care of everything I had to say as Pomefiore's housewarden. Now for what I want to say as plain old Vil Schoenheit.

"Pardon?" Rook says, confused.

Even Epel, Sereia, and Trinket are confused. Briar is also confused about it.

"Here's the truth," Vil says, and then smiles, "When Idia told me you all had come here, I was beside myself with joy. I've been holding it in ever since we met up with each other. May I give you all a hug and kiss?"

"What?!" Epel, Rook, Sereia, and Trinket are surprised to hear it.

Then Vil gives the four hugs and kisses. Sereia even blushes because of it. Of course, in Trinket's case, he gently gives her a kiss on the head. Trinket blushes in response.

"Oh my..." Sereia says, embarrassed.

"Come, now. You act like things like this are completely beyond my understanding. Can't I show my gratitude? My hunter. My poison apple. And you, Sereia, Trinket..." Vil says. Thank you for coming after me. I'll make certain you're all returned to school safely.

"And we'll do the same for you, our queen," Rook says.

Epel giggles, "Heh heh! I ain't gonna lose this time!"

Briar picks Sereia up and says, "And I appreciate that you and the others have come to help us."

"I'm glad too," Sereia says.

Trinket even happily nods.

Just then, Epel says, "Oh, guess what, Vil! I learned my signature spell on the way here!

"What?!" Vil asks, shocked.

"He did indeed. You saw it yourself, I presume," Rook happily says. "Surely you didn't miss the Charons encased in lovely glass cages.

"Wait... That was Epel's signature spell?" Vil asks, shocked.

Even Briar is shocked to hear it, "You mean, those glass caskets that trapped the Charon Soldiers inside? That was you?"

"Yessir!" Epel says, excited. "Crimson Slumber traps a target in a barrier and immobilizes them. I haven't perfected it just yet, though. My success rate's like maybe 30, 40 percent..."

"But still, Epel saved us," Sereia happily says.

"Indeed," Rook says, "The Charons had us surrounded and we were quite at our wits' end. That's when Epel's signature spell awakened within him. Never have I been so disappointed that my eyes lack the ability to record. Would that I could have captured the moment to share with you, Vil!"

"Heh... It is a pity I wasn't there to see it," Vil says, "But something tells me I'll get to witness Epel in action all too soon."

"Ah.... Yes, you're quite right," Rook agrees.

"What is it, guys? You're both frowning," Epel asks, concerned.

Soon, Vil says, "Ready yourself, Epel. something's coming from below!"

Everyone turns to see one of the Phantoms have appeared, and know that they need to fight the Phantom to continue forward.