Twisted Wonderland 2

A Chance of Winning

Epel and Riddle dodge and fire spells at the flowers. The firelotuses claw at the air, trying to trap the boys in the vines.

Epel glares down at the flowers. "Pesky little varmints."

"Epel, swerve right!"

Epel dodges out of the way as a vine swipes the air. "Whew, that was a close one. Thanks, Riddle!"

Riddle wipes his brow. "You don't need to thank me for a basic courtesy."

Epel looks to the floor. "Hey, Riddle, I think everyone's made it down the street now."

"I see..." Riddle nods tiredly. "That's good to hear."

Epel looks to him in concern. "You've been blastin' flowers left and right at full power this whole time. Your broom's speed dropped, too. I'm startin' to worry you're running out of magic and stamina both."

Ruddle chuckles. "Even if I was, that's hardly a reason to back down. I must clear this area of as many firelotuses as possible. That's the job I signed up for."

"But you're barely staying on your broom!"

The flowers climb the statue, quickly approaching the two.

"Ack, there's more of 'em!" Epel exclaims. "Riddle, climb higher and get clear!"

Epel shoots into the air but Riddle lags behind. A vine wraps around Riddle's leg and starts dragging him down.

"Riddle?" Epel looks down and his eyes widen. "Oh no, a vine's got your leg! I'll get it off! Just gimme a moment!"

"Stay back, Epel." Riddle fights against the vine. "They'll get you too!"

"But they're draining you!"

"I've accepted my fate." Riddle starts sinking lower. "How frustrating... I thought I could buy... a little more...time..."

"Riddle! No, don't let go of your broom! Stay awake!" Epel shouts but to no avail. "It's no use... The flowers are swarming around him now..."

Riddle looks up to Epel. "Epel... get out of here... while they're focused on me. I'll protect at least... one of us..."

"Riddle..." Epel narrows his eyes determinedly. "YOU WAIT ONE APPLE-PICKIN' MINUTE! You remember what Rook told me? 'I have every faith that you can protect the Roi des Roses.' You, protect me? You got it all backward. I'm gonna protect you! Your eyes will close, your breath will still..."

Riddle's eyes widen. "Wait-"

"Crimson Slumber!"

A glass case surrounds Riddle, blocking the vines from reaching him. The case slowly lowers to the ground as Riddle starts to fall asleep.

"What have... you done..."

Epel smiles. "You did good, Riddle. Now rest up and leave these guys to me. My signature spell, Crimson Slumber, encases its target in a magical barrier. The person inside falls asleep, but nothing outside the barrier can hurt 'em. So as long as I'm fine, Riddle will be too."

Epel looks to the firelotuses. "I can't blast a buncha flowers in one go like Riddle can. But ain't NOBODY got more moxie than me. I'll keep flyin' 'til that bell rings. And when I can't fly no more, I'll hoof it! Bring it on, ya varmints. I'm the Poison Apple of the Felmier Family. Catch me if you can!"

The rest of the boys race into the courtyard. They take a moment to pause and catch their breath.

"We made it down the main street thanks to Rosehearts and Felmier." Malleus says. "Now to enter the main building and head for the bell tower."