Arriving in the Third Tower, Azul, Riddle, and Tanzanite are making their way into Tartarus. They soon begin to make their way down the path, when moaning sounds of the Phantoms rise from the pit.
"Here's Tartarus, then. The Phantom containment facility," Azul says.
"And where so many Phantoms have been frozen and sealed away for years, maybe even centuries," Tanzanite adds.
"Did they drill under the seabed to build this? It's so deep, I can't see the bottom," Azul questions.
"I'm not sure," Tanzanite says.
Then Azul says, "All the high-density blot blowing up is stopping us from using flight magic. I wonder how many stairs we'll have to go down to reach the Underworld."
"It looks like it would take us a while to get down there, and feels kind of chilly here," Tanzanite says.
"Indeed," Azul says, "I can see my breath... It must be rather chilly here. I'm no stranger to the cold, but I suggest you take care to avoid hypothermia, Riddle." and turns his head to notice Riddle isn't near them, "...Wait, Riddle?"
Tanzanite turns to see Riddle isn't here, "Riddle?"
"Where'd he..." Azul looks around, but looks ahead down the path to see Riddle is already ahead, "Hey! He's way ahead of us!"
The boys then rush ahead to catch up with Riddle.
"Riddle, wait!" Tanzanite calls out.
Azul calls out, "Hold on! You can't just run off on your own!"
Riddle stops and turns to see them, "Me, running off? I believe you were the one who slowed down. We're not here to sightsee, and we don't have time for a leisurely chat.
"I'm not making small talk, you know. It's a reasonable first step to try and get a grasp of our situation," Azul says.
"Two sayings come to mind: 'the early bird catches the worm' and 'you snooze, you lose.'" Riddle inputs, "Acting before others gives us the initiative. THAT is a reasonable first step."
"Ahh, classic Riddle, charging ahead. Typical of someone who became housewarden a week after enrolling," Azul says. "There is another saying, you know: 'haste makes waste.' But it's no matter. You're the leader here, so I'll follow what you say."
"And we'll need to be very careful while down here," Tanzanite says.
"You're correct, Tanzanite. It would be a matter of time before running into the Phantoms," Riddle says.
He looks at the map and says, "According to the map we received, there should be an elevator nearby..."
Tanzanite looks ahead and says, "I think that one is it."
Riddle looks ahead to see the elevator, "Ah, that must be it there."
The two begin to approach the elevator.
But Azul says, "Riddle, Tanzanite, wait! What if it's a trap -"
However, when they arrive at the elevator, it doesn't open. In fact, nothing happened.
"Nothing's happening," Riddle says.
"All of Styx's tech is under Ortho's control right now. I'd be surprised if the elevator WASN'T offline," Azul says.
"Now how would we get down there?" Tanzanite asks.
Suddenly, the elevator door opens, startling the boys.
"The door opened," Riddle says.
"I don't like this," Tanzanite says.
"Heh. What kind of idiot would willingly walk into such an obvious trap?" Azul questions.
"The enemy's just offering us a way into their stronghold? How very brazen," Riddle says, "Very well. I accept their challenge!" and walks to the elevator.
"What?!" Tanzanite asks, shocked.
Even Azul is shocked, "Wha.. Are you even listening to me?! This is clearly a trap!"
"Yes, I'm aware. Now do keep up or I'll leave you behind," Riddle says.
"Oh, for crying out loud!" Azul says, frustrated.
"Wait for us, Riddle!" Tanzanite says.
The three walk inside the elevator and right on cue, the door closes on them. And then, Ortho's hologram appears in front of them.
Ortho happily greets them, "Hey, guys! Welcome to Tower 3 of Tartarus, the cursed containment facility!"
"Ortho!" Tanzanite says.
"You see? What did I tell you? A trap," Azul says.
"Nonetheless, it's the quickest way forward," Riddle says.
"I'm just crossing my fingers it's not the quickest way to our demise!" Azul replies.
"Oho, what's this? Are you two already fighting?" Ortho questions, "I don't know if you'll be able to get through all the trials if you keep that up."
"What trials?" Riddle asks.
Ortho chuckles, ""Heh heh. Adventures come with trials, right? And your first one is... this!"
Soon, Ortho shows a projection of the "Legend of the Underworld" Game.
Confused, Azul asks, "Why, isn't that Legend of the Underworld? The game Riddle got obsessed with beating?"
"Obsessed? What are you talking about?" Tanzanite asks.
Riddle sighs, "Let's not talk about that."
"It's the perfect choice for people making their way down to the Underworld!" Ortho happily says.
"Wait, the video game is the trial?" Riddle questions.
"Yup!" Ortho happily replies, "Ah, but this may be harder for you than fighting Phantoms, Riddle Rosehearts."
But Riddle growls in anger that his face turns red, "Excuse me?! I don't need to beat this stupid game. I can just use the full power of my magic and blast right through this door-"
"Hold it, Riddle!" Azul calls out.
"Using your magic like that inside an elevator would be a recipe for disaster! Going down in flames is NOT part of my plan," Azul says, and steps forward, "I'll beat the game. Fire it up, Ortho."
"Okey-dokey! Let's get this game started!" Ortho happily says.
And with that, Azul picks up the remote and begins to play the game.
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld
FanfictionAfter Grim attacked Briar after the SDC, she and her friends search for him, but captured by Ortho. A few days later, the school has been invaded by strong people is armor, and has captured, Riddle, Leona, Azul, Jamil, Vil, and Briar, and has Grim i...
