Twisted Wonderland 2

The Bell of Solace

You and the boys climb the stairs in the tower. It feels as if you've climbed a hundred floors yet there's still more to go. But only you, Grim, Azul and Idia seem to be struggling.

Malleus looks back and sees Azul and Idia staggering behind. "What's the matter? You've both gone strangely silent."

"How many floors... is the bell tower...?" Azul asks, out of breath.

"Why don't they have an elevator?" Idia groans. "This place is in dire need of an upgrade..."

Epel glances back. "Um, are you guys okay? You're covered in sweat."

"Say, what if you took a broom up?" Deuce suggests. "Surely they have some brooms you could borrow."

Jamil snickers. "What a cruel suggestion. Flying would just take them longer and exhaust them even more. So this is all it takes to reduce you to a miserable heap, Azul?"

Azul only throws him a glare, too out of breath to say anything else.

"Yes, you clearly need a more rigorous training regimen!" Sebek shouts. "You should follow Malleus's example!"

"Apologies for the climb." Rollo says. "It's a very old building, so the only way up is on foot. Our school takes just as much pride in this bell tower as the bell itself. I do hope you'll take in all the scenery here. It's rather vast and complex, actually. They say that a person could even live here. But worry not; we're almost at the top."

After climbing another floor, you've made it to the top. You lean against the wall as you catch your breath.

Idia places a hand to the wall, nearly toppled over. "Made it!"

Azul adjusts his glasses. "So this... is the top floor."

"Is that it there?" Grim asks.

"Yes. Behold," Rollo gestures with a hand. "The Bell of Solace"

Glancing up, you see a huge bell. Much taller than anyone here. The light shines on its golden surface, making the bell appear to glow.

"Woah..." You say in awe.

"Impressive." Malleus says. "We have bells that toll to tell the time in Briar Valley, but I've never seen one so large. I wonder if this bell would be able to arouse even you, Silver."

Silver sighs. "I can only hope so."

"Look at the way the sunbeams highlight its brilliant gold luster." Rook observes.

Ruggie's eyes are wide. "Is it actually made of pure gold?"

Riddle chuckles. "Even if it was, you'd never be able to carry it back."

Trein takes a step closer. "It's magnificent... I'm so very glad I was able to view it in person. This will be a fine tale to tell my wife when we are reunited."

Rollo nods. "I'm pleased to see how taken you all are with it. But its true draw lies not in its beauty."

"What do you mean?" You ask.

Rollo smiles to you as he explains. "Remember when I said that the Bell of Solace is a magical artifact? Well, not only is the bell infused with magic, but so is its sound. The ringing of the bells carries magic through the city, safeguarding our people. It's said that long ago, this very bell saved the city from a horrific disaster. Thus its name."

"The sound of a bell saved an entire city?" Malleus questions.

Rollo continues. "Just as unfathomable magical might dwells within Night Raven College's Dark Mirror, so too does the Bell of Solace's ring contain a powerful magic. You'll find a great many rare magical plants growing here in Fleur City, which is another gift of the bell. Its sound suffuses the city with magic and spurs magical plants to grow rapidly. We have gorgeous magical flora that would wilt anywhere else. You won't find scenery like ours elsewhere. Our bell and the flowers are constant sources of reassurance to the people here."