Twisted Wonderland 2

Epilogue For Ingihyde

Late into the night, you've finished cleaning up and are now ready for bed. Grim is already passed out on his corner of the bed. Smiling, you click off the lamp and your room goes back to the way it was. I kinda prefer it this way. It feels more me in a way.

Before you could climb into bed, the mirror glows brightly. A familiar figure forms inside the glass.

"Hello? Y/N, are you there?"

You rush over to the mirror. "Hey, Mickey!"

"Ah, there you are, Y/N!" Mickey waves to you. "Finally! I haven't seen you since you went looking for your roommate. I was worried, you know. Did you find your friend?"

You nod. "I did. He's right here."

You try shaking Grim awake.

"Which one of you losers... threw that item at me..." Grim stirs awake. "Mrf... Man, it was just gettin' good... Mrah?" Grim glowers, not happy he was awakened. "Mrow, what's goin' on? Are those armored jerks back?"

You shake your head. "No. Look, it's Mickey! It's not a dream!"

Grim looks over to the mirror. "Mickey? In the mirror? What're you talkin' about, Y/N? No one's there. You're prolly still half asleep. Man. I was just about to beat Idia and Ortho in a race... I'mma go back to sleep and finish that race... Mrf..."

You frown as Grim goes back to sleep. He can't see Mickey...

"Y/N? Is someone else there?" Mickey asks. "Is it your roommate?"

"Yeah. He's sleeping on the bed."

"There's always a bunch of fog around you, so I can't see anything but you. Can you see anything on my end?" Mickey asks. "There's a moving chair here, an ottoman that acts like a dog, and a table with a walnut cracker on it. Do you see any of that?"

You shake your head. "No. All I see is fog too."

"Hmm, that's strange. A shame, too. It woulda been mighty nice if I could make even more friends in my dreams. Ooh, speaking of friends! While you were out, I saw a stranger in my dream room. It was a boy with silver hair. His eyes were the most unique color. But he left so fast, I couldn't get his name." Mickey laughs. "Boy, did that surprise me! I've never had a visitor here before. It'd be swell if you could come and visit too, Y/N."

A ringing sounds emits from the mirror.

"Whuh-oh! That means it's time for me to wake up." Mickey waves as he starts to fade. "See... again, Y/N."

You wave goodbye. "Bye Mickey."

Mickey fades entirely and the mirror dims until it shows your reflection. Now just a normal mirror.

There's a dream world through the mirror...

In the Diasomnia dorm lounge, a group of boys lounge in the chairs by the fire.

"Goodness gracious." Lilia sighs. "At last, we can put the whole Watchman attack behind us."

Silver nods. "Agreed. The riding grounds are all restored, and the Equestrian Club is back up and running. Riddle's regained is his hair color as well. He showed up for our club meeting today."

"This happy resolution is owed entirely to our liege, of course." Sebek grins. "THE WHOLE STUDENT BODY SHOULD PROSTRATE THEMSELVES BEFORE HIM IN GRATITUDE!"

Silver winces. "Sebek, indoor voice please. You're hurting Malleus's ears."

They all turn to Malleus who stands by the fireplace, gazing intently at the fire. Staring at something only he can see.

"Malleus?" Silver tentatively asks.

Malleus shakes his head. "Yes?"

Lilia stands from his spot, walking over to Malleus. "What's the matter? You seem distracted."

"WHAT?" Sebek exclaims. "Oh no, did you exhaust yourself sharing your magic with that commoner?"

Malleus smirks. "Do you truly think losing such a paltry amount of magic would drain me?"

"Er, no, I never meant..." Sebek bows his head low. "Please accept my apology for overstepping my bounds."

Lilia turns back to Malleus. "Then don't just stand there zoning out, Malleus. That's not how Briar Valley's heir should behave."

"...I know."

A ping echoes in the room. Lilia takes out his phone from his pocket. "Hm? A message? Oh, it's from Gloomurai!"

"What a curious pseudonym. Is this person one of your old war buddies, Lilia?" Sebek asks.

Lilia smiles at his phone. "He is, albeit from an online game. He hasn't logged on much as of late. I was afraid he might've had to quit due to trouble IRL, but it looks like he's back. Let's see here... 'Would you like to run the new dungeon with me tonight?' Ooh, he's talking about that one extra-hard quest! I've been itching to try it. 'Very well. I look forward to returning to the field of battle with you once more, Gloomurai.' Signed Muscle Red."

Silver sighs. "Father, please try not to stay up TOO late.
It's not healthy to forgo sleep."

Lilia laughs. "I'm retired from the field. I hardly need to stay in peak condition all the time. Besides, you two will be there regardless."

Sebek shakes head. "No, your presence is still very much needed! You remain a role model for us! A shining example we strive to emulate!"

"That's nice of you to say, but I won't be in good health forever." Lilia smiles softly. "I hope you'll both become independent soon and put my old heart at ease."

Malleus turns his gaze back to the fire. He thinks back to what Lilia had said at Ramshackle and on the field. About how human life is so short and fragile. And more worryingly, how Lilia might not be here for long.

"As ethereal as silk thread on a spinning wheel, and just as easily cut short, hm..."

"Malleus, did you say something?" Lilia asks.

Malleus shakes his head. "No. Nothing at all."