Twisted Wonderland 2

We Draw Our Swords

The boys step into the tower. The only light coming from the glow from the flowers outside. Idia holds his arm as he looks up the many flights of stairs.

Silver tilts his head. "Idia's been pretty quiet for a while now."

"Ever since reading that diary, he's ceased his grousing for some reason." Sebek smirks. "It's a welcome change."

Silver hums in thought. "All three of them read Rollo's diary. I wonder what affected him so much."

"What's the matter, Shroud?" Malleus asks. "We've finally reached Flamme's base of operations, yet you're still frowning. Is your heart not in it? If so, then step aside now before you slow the rest of us down."

Azul quirks an eye. "Idia. Whatever your thoughts on the matter, you must know that Rollo is still our enemy. He took Y/N. And yet you still hesitate?"

Idia sighs. "Look, I'm not hesitating. I was just thinking... this will not stand. I'm invested now. I'll get to the top of this stupid, low-tech bell tower even if I have to crawl on my hands and knees!"

Sebek chuckles. "Oh, NOW you're motivated? Did my words strike a chord within you?"

"Wut. What kind of gibberish are you spouting?" Idia rolls his eyes. "Sorry, I don't speak Musclehead."

Vines and firlotuses crawl into the tower. Growing along the walls and the floor.

Malleus narrows his eyes. "And there are the firelotuses, as expected."

"Of course." Azul adjusts his glasses. "There's no way Rollo wouldn't install defenses to safeguard the bell. I imagine the inside of the tower got the largest power infusion when the bell rang, given how loudly it echoes in here."

"The firelotuses are covering every square meter, and this place was all pillars and rafters to start with." Idia says. "It's red all the way up, with no room for even a single step. Like a giant red sign shouting: DO NOT CLIMB."

Malleus hums. "Getting past all of this will be a challenge."

Sebek steps in front of the boys. "Malleus, allow us to handle this."

Silver nods. "Sebek and I will draw the flowers away. I could never face my father if you were to fall here."

"Remember, Lilia said you would be in good hands with us." Sebek adds. "So we shall protect you, whatever it takes!"

Malleus glances between the two. "Silver, Sebek..."

Silver bows his head. "We won't be able to protect you all the way up. For that, I can only ask your forgiveness."

"Even should this be the last time we ever see you," Sebek bows deeply. "we could ask for no greater honor than to have contributed in some small way to your bright and shining future, my liege!"

Idia scratches his neck. "What? Are we suddenly in a medieval drama or something?"

Azul sighs. "Must these Diasomnia boys be so theatrical about everything?"

"Malleus is clearly the strongest guy here." Idia says. "What do they even have to worry about?"

Silver turns to the two. "Azul. Idia. Please take care of Malleus in our stead."

"Uh, did you even hear what I said?" Idia quirks an eye.

"Don't even think about slowing Malleus down!" Sebek demands.

Malleus smiles slightly. "Silver. Sebek. I won't speak overlong. Instead, I'll say this. I have truly fine retainers. That's all."

Sebek's eyes well with tears. "Malleus... Oh, how you humble me with your praise!"

"I'll ensure it's justified and get results." Silver says.

"Good." Malleus nods. "Now show me your resolve."

"Yes, sir!"

Idia rolls his eyes. "Can we roll the credits now?"

Malleus looks to the other two boys. "Shroud. Ashengrotto. Do not cast your gazes back. We must sally forth toward our ultimate destination, the Bell of Solace."

Azul sighs. "The answer is no, apparently."

"Fine, whatever." Idia groans. "Guess we're gonna be in a drama while going up this tower."

The three of them climb the steps to the tower.

Sebek scoffs. "I could have handled this alone, you know."

"I should say the same, Sebek." Silver says. "You could've gone with Malleus."

"Absurd." Sebek folds his arms. "There's no way you could've fought off this many firelotuses by yourself!"

"What about you?"

Sebek laughs. "Are you sleep talking? You hardly need to ask. What could possibly be a threat when the two of us are united? Nothing, that's what!"

The two battle against the firelotuses. Striking down any vine that tries to grab them.

"What's wrong, Silver?" Sebek chuckles. "Flagging already?"

Silver cuts down a flower. "Look who's talking. Your footwork's gotten slower. Don't push yourself now."

"Mind your own business and worry about yourself!" Sebek shouts. "These insolent plants dare to strike at Malleus, our proud and noble fae prince... it makes my blood boil!"

"I can still see Malleus's face when he realized his invitation was just a trap." Silver frowns. "It's been haunting me this whole time. Rollo needs to learn just how much he hurt Malleus's feelings."

"Indeed." Sebek narrows his eyes. "And for that, we must triumph here! Silver, behind you!"

Silver whirls around and cuts down a vine that about grabbed him. Looking back to Sebek, his eyes widen. "Sebek, on your right!"

Sebek slices at the vine reaching for him. "Every time we sever their vines, they just regrow. What stubborn plants."

Silver wipes his brow. "And there are so many of them. There's no end in sight."

Sebek grins. "Hey, Silver. What say we have a little competition to see who can destroy more flowers?"

"A competition? If that's what it takes to get rid of them all, sure, but..."

"What is it?"

Silver smiles. "I was just worried about how I'd calm you down when you inevitably lost."

Sebek laughs. "Bold words."

Si"We'd better get started, then. All set?"

"Ready when you are." Sebek nods. "WE DRAW OUR SWORDS IN SERVICE TO THE GREAT MALLEUS!"