C.C.'s Adventures in Twisted Wonderland

Chapter 1-2: And...It Seems...

***Library***

C.C. POV:

"What're you guys doin' huddled together like canned sardines?" Floyd asks, a bit happier after I gave him his hug. "Oh, we got this boring book report we have to do over summer vacation. I was asking Yuu, C.C., Grim, and Jack what books they were going to do theirs on... Then we happened to run into Housewarden Riddle, and now he's helping us pick out some titles." Ace explains.

"I don't even wanna write a book report." Grim complains. "Don't worry. I'll choose the perfect piece of literature for each of your reading levels." Riddle says. "Azul and Floyd are looking for a book as well. Have any of you seen one called Strolling through Twisted Wonderland: A True Story?" Appa asks. "I can't say that I have, I'm afraid." Riddle replies.

"Do you guys have to do a book report too?" Ace asks. "Nah. We wanted it to help us pick out a spot to visit over the summer." Floyd replies. "Oh, you guys are going on vacation too? I'm actually taking a trip to the Shaftlands with my family." Ace says. "Ooh, sounds like you and your family get along." Floyd comments. "Eh, we haven't been on a family vacation in years. My brother just happened to have a bunch of PTO saved up." Ace says.

"The Shaftlands, hm... Jack, do you have any recommendations for places to visit there?" Azul asks. "Hmm... There are these vast highlands that stay cool even in the hottest months. They're a pretty popular summer retreat. My siblings and I went last year. You could see for forever from that high up. It was gorgeous. They've been badgering me practically every day to go again. Doubt that's the only place they're gonna beg to go over the break." Jack says.

"Famous highlands... You're talking about the northern mountains, right? They ARE rather pleasant in the summer. Hmm... If you used magic, that could make for a nice day trip from here. Perhaps I shall take Malleus sometime..." Appa thinks aloud. "How about you, Goldfishie? You gonna spend the whole summer studying in your room?" Floyd asks. "No. I have plans to attend a summer camp." Riddle replies.

"You're going camping?! That's not exactly something I'd expect from you, Riddle." Azul comments. "Really? Well, it was my mother's suggestion, though I am quite looking forward to it. We'll camp out at a lakeside in the Queendom of Roses and hold a study group from the morning into the evening." Riddle explains. "Finally your mother does something nice" I comment. "C.C. thats rude! Although is do agree..." Bubba says.

After a bit of silence Azul speaks up, "Do you have to camp out by a lake for that...?" Bubba picks me up and holds me. "Sounds like fun." Bubba comments. "I'm jealous of alla your vacation plans. The only plan I got is to sit around Ramshackle Dorm, twiddlin' my paws. Boring! Maaan, wish I could go somewhere..." Grim whines.

Suddenly a book from one of the shelves starts glowing and catches our attention. "Hm? Hey, there's a book stickin' outta that shelf. Was that even there before?" Grim asks and he takes the book out of its spot. "Whatcha got there, Sealie? Did you find the book we're lookin' for?" Floyd asks. "I don't believe he did. Its cover doesn't match the one I saw online." Azul says.

"...Hm? There's no title on it at all." Riddle comments as he observes the book. "Or a library tag. It doesn't seem to belong to the school library. Did it get shelved by mistake after someone forgot it here? There's a mirror inlaid on the front cover. What a curious design. And...it seems..." Lilia trails off. "...Dude, I gotta know the deal with this book!" Floyd says.

"Hmm. Is this...magic? It's hard to tell... But it has a strange presence, one I've never felt in all my years." Appa states. "Ahaha, my cool stuff sense is tingling! It's gotta be about something good." Floyd exclaims. "Ooh, yeah, like maybe it spills secrets or gives away the location of hidden treasure or somethin'! Myahaha, I'm pumped for this! Time to pop this baby open and see!" Grim says as he starts to open the book.

"Grim no! Don't open a random magical boo-" I start before the book glows white and practically blinds me and everyone else in the room. "Mrah?! What's goin' on? It's so bright...! AAAH!" Grim screams, it's the last thing I hear.