Twisted Wonderland: Princess of Outworld

Chapter 19 Did Mother Know Best?

(Y/n) opens her eyes to see that an empty void surrounds her. She called out to Riddle, but she couldn't find him. Suddenly, a bright light nearly blinds her. She opens her eyes to see a memory planning out. By the looks of it, the memories were Riddle's. The memory shows a child Riddle, sitting on the dining table with a sad-looking cake in front of him. Beside him was a woman, and by the looks of it, she was his mother. "Awww, Riddle looked so cute when he was small." (Y/n) smiled.

"Happy eighth birthday, Riddle. This year's birthday cake is a low-sugar recipe made with nuts and lecithin-rich soy flour to improve your cerebral function." Mrs Rosehearts proudly announced. Riddle gave her a small smile. "Thank you. But, Mom...Just once, I'd like to try one of those tarts covered with bright-red strawberries..." He gently requested. His mother's eyes widened. "Absolutely not! Those tarts are monstrously unhealthy. I might as well feed you poison! Even just a single slice would exceed your recommended daily intake of sugar." She then composed herself. "Now, dinner tonight will be a tuna sauté rich in DHA and omega-3 fatty acids. Now that you're eight, your caloric intake should be 600 kilocalories per meal, so don't eat more than 100 grams of it. Understood?" Riddle nodded as he looked down. "Yes, Mom."

(Y/n) watched Riddle's upbringing. She could see him not enjoying his own birthday, thanks to his mother. She glares at the woman. She then suddenly heats Riddle's voice, echoing in the void.

"I'd always wanted to try one of those tarts with the bright-red strawberries. The local cake shop had them in the window. They shined at me like forbidden jewels."

Then, the memory changed into Riddle studying in a study room with his mother as his teacher. "That's enough classical magic study for today. Your homework is to read the first fifty pages of the Philosophy of Language book referenced in today's magical philosophy texts. You may now have one hour of independent study before your potionology lesson." His mother explained. "Thank you, Mother." Riddle nodded "I need some time to prepare the lesson materials. I will see you in one hour, okay?" Then, his mother leaves him alone. Riddle frowns as he continues his studies on his own.

"I was studying every possible subject, scheduled down to the minute. When I didn't understand something, the lesson was extended until I did. That was my "normal."

(Y/n) continued to watch Riddle's memory as she tried to understand more of Riddle. The child Riddle was studying peacefully until he was interrupted by a knock on his window. He looks up from his book curiously. "...Is someone knocking on the window?" He goes over to open the window to find a child Trey and Che'nya.

"Awww! They all look so cute at that age!"(Y/n) smiled again.

"Whoa, he heard us!" Trey smiled at Riddle. "Hey, come play with us!" Che'nya waved. "Who are you?" Riddle questioned. "I'm Che'nya, and that's Trey. Let's all play croquet! Oh, but it's LOTS of fun!" Che'nya introduced happily. "I can't. I'm supposed to be doing independent study, and I have a lot of homework to do." Riddle declined the offer as he pointed at his books. "Independent study" means you pick what to do, right? My grandpa says play is a form of study!" Che'nya happily explained as he placed his hands on his hips. "Just play with us for a little bit!" Trey holds up a soccer ball. Riddle is hesitant at first, but he agrees. "...O-okay... Just a little, though!" Trey smiled at him. "Hey, what's your name?" Riddle smiled back. "R-Riddle. Riddle Rosehearts."

"I had the best time playing with Trey and Che'nya. We did so many things I'd never done before. They taught me lots of things I didn't know. After that, I snuck out of my room every day. To play with them during independent study time."

(Y/n) smiles as she watches the memories of the three children having fun and playing their little hearts out. She could see them taking a break from running around and relaxing on the soft grass.