Twisted Wonderland: The Phantom Bride - Love at First Fright

Chapter 8: Let's Pump the Brakes

Stunned by what happened, Idia says to himself, "First, a bunch of ghosts surround me out of nowhere, then they tie me up, and now I'm being forced into MARRIAGE? I don't WANNA get married! I'm still in school!"

However, the bride, who's name is Eliza, says, "Aww, Idia, darling! You're jumping for joy! I just love a man who's full of energy."

One of the ghost guards, Nana says, "Oh, Princess Eliza, you've finally found your soulmate! I know it's been your dream to marry a perfect prince ever since you were a wee girl. Yet you were robbed of both that dream and your life. Fate can be too cruel! If only I'd gotten to your room sooner, you'd have made it out alive..."

"Silly Nana, are you dwelling on the past again? Come, don't let ancient history bring you down!" Princess Eliza says, "All my suffering and sorrow was for a purpose, in the end. I never would've met my darling Idia otherwise!"

"What a positive outlook you have, my lady!" Nana says.

"Okay, let's pump the brakes for a second. I don't wanna be that guy but don't I get a say in this?!" Idia panics.

However, a large ghost, named Puffy angrily says, "You ungrateful lout. You should be ecstatic to have the honor of marrying Her Highness!"

"Ecstatic? Is that the normal reaction with people who are forced to marry a ghost?!" Idia asks, shocked.

"You have no idea, do you?" Puffy questions, "No idea how marvelous it will be to spend eternity with our sweet, innocent princess..."

Then Eliza comes over, "Oh dear, are you two quarreling? Puffy, don't be so mean to my darling Idia! He's going to be my hubby quite soon, after all."

"Of course, Your Highness. My apologies," Puffy says, calming himself.

Just then, another ghost guard, Grampy rushes over, "Princess! There's trouble afoot!"

"What's gotten you into such a lather, Grampy?" Eliza asks.

"We've had a report from the gatekeepers. Suitors are showing up in droves to ask for Your Highness's hand in marriage!" Grampy says.

This has the ghosts shocked, even Idia, "SUITORS?!"

"Just so. They're all students of Night Raven College, same as Mr. Idia," Grampy says.

"This is mondo confusing. But I'll take any chance I can to get out of here," Idia says, and snickers, "Whee hee hee. Just so you know, all the students at Night Raven College are eligible bachelors. Like, turbo eligible. Rich boys, preppy boys, bossy boys, cute boys, pretentious boys—you name it, they've got it! I'm like, the bottom of the barrel compared to them."

"It's all right, sweetie. It doesn't matter who comes calling. I'll turn down every one of them. You just relax and wait right here," Eliza says.

"YOU DIDN'T LISTEN TO A WORD I SAID!" Idia shouts.

Then Eliza turns to the guards, "Nana, Grampy. Get my sweet Idia ready while I tend to the suitors."

Nana and Grampy salute, "Yes, Your Highness!"

"What do you mean, 'ready'? Ready for what?! FOR WHAT?!" Idia asks, shocked.

"I'm looking forward to a most delightful and memorable first look," Eliza says.

Nana and Grampy say, "Consider it done. We'll put our skills to the test and turn Idia into the finest of grooms!"

And the ghosts begin approaching Idia.

That causes him to panic, "Eep! Don't you come any closer! Ah... AAAAAH!'

Meanwhile, at the Night Raven College, the ghosts end up meeting the seven suitors. Though, mainly the students, Crolwey have chosen to approach the princess.

"To think that SEVEN suitors would show up at once..." The ghost says.

"I know I am the right prince for your princess. Do not accept any paltry substitutes,' Vil says.

"'Prince'?!" Jack questions, dumbfounded.

"I know she'd end up falling head-over-feels for me. Come on, be a good sport and let me meet her, would you?" Vil says.

"Who are you and what have you done with Vil?" Leona questions.

And Vil says, "I'm not just a model, remember. I'm also a professional actor. I keep tons of acts in my back pocket for a rainy day. She wants a prince, doesn't she? A professional always delivers."

"You don't even know if you like her, Vil. Yet you're still gonna lead her on? You should take love more seriously, if ya ask me," Jack says.

And Floyd says, "Aww, would you look at that. A talking sea urchin!"

"All I'm saying is this is basically a scam, and that ain't cool...y'know?" Jack says.

And Vil says, "Jack, buddy. You're looking at this all wrong."

"'Buddy'?!" Jack questions.

"This is a competition, to see who among us can charm the bride. And I NEVER hold back in a competition. Simple as that," Vil says.

Leona soon gets annoyed, "Ugh. You know, I'd take the regular you over this slimeball."

"What's wrong, Leona? Scared you're gonna lose?" Vil questions.

This has Leona irritated, "You think I'm scared?" And stands in front of the ghost, "Hey! Ghostie! I came all this way to see the lady, so get a move on and bring her out here."

This doesn't please the ghost, "How dare you refer to Her Highness with such flagrant disrespect! You're all random strangers, as far as I'm concerned. We've no reason to trust you. So if you truly want to see Her Highness... You'll have to prove your strength!"