Twisted Wonderland: Glorious Masquerade - Let the Bell of Solace Ring

Chapter 3-13: What an Anguished Cry

Then Idia says, "Okay, but, like... I kinda think...he was targeting Malleus from the start. And it's not just Malleus, Rollo is targeting."

Malleus remains silent.

"What do you mean?" Japer questions with his arms crossed.

Then Idia says, "I'm saying that it's not just Malleus Rollo was after, it's clear to see that he also plans to target Briar as well."

Mallues eyes wide in shock to hear it. What's more, everyone else is shocked to hear it.

"What? But, why us...?" Briar asks, shocked.

"It's entirely possible," Azul says, "Malleus is foremost among the mages at our school...and the rest of the world, really. It wouldn't surprise me if the social was a smokescreen, orchestrated for the sole purpose of bringing down Malleus."

"But what about Briar?" Jasper asks, "Why did he go after her?"

"I wonder about it too. Why would Rollo want to hurt her?" Sereia asks, worried.

Even Trinket wonders.

"I think one of the reasons is because Briar has a strong bond with Malleus, involving her and Malleus' kingdom's being allies. Also, Briar, being the last of her kind of a powerful race of faes of blot healers, he also needs to be sure her magic is drained as well," Azul explains, "And with that out of the way, everyone would be forced to become a non-magical living beings like Briar was when her magic was sealed and sent to a non-magical world as a child. For Briar's case, she'll be a normal human girl with no magical abilities once more."

Then Idia says, "So this whole time, the social was just bait... To catch the two biggest fishes of all: Malleus and Briar!"

Malleus remains silent as Briar is shocked to hear the theory.

"I believe you've both made your point abundantly clear. You can stop hammering it home now," Trein says.

And Briar says, "So that's why Rollo asked me about my predicament."

"What do you mean?" Tanzanite asks.

Then Briar explains, "Back at the square during the festival, Rollo asked me about my opinion about magic and about how I have my magic sealed and lived my life as a normal human girl. I explained to him that I was used to it. And even though magic is fun, I understand how big of a responsibility it is and the dangers of it. He then told me not to worry and said that things will change. Change for the better."

"In other words, he also plans to make you live your life as a normal girl again. If this continues, everyone, including us will be living the life you had before you returned to our world and the seal was removed. We'll be living as normal non magical human beings." Silver says.

Soon, Deuce notices something up with Malleus, "Um... Malleus? Are you okay?"

"He's been frowning this whole time," Jamil says.

"I can't blame him. I mean, you could say that we were all dragged into this mess because of him. Maybe he feels responsible..." Epel says, causing Briar to sadden.

"This whole discussion about Rollo's intentions is pure speculation on our part. Even if it was true, Malleus has broken no rules. He has no reason to feel guilty," Riddle says.

"I know how that sounds, but for Mr. Zero EQ- er, I mean, Taskmaster Riddle... It's not just empty consolation. He'd probs say the same thing if he were in Malleus's shoes," Idia says.

"True. Though, I don't get the sense Riddle or Malleus are THAT upstanding. Something like this wouldn't make either of them feel guilty," Azul says.

Briar walks to Malleus and asks in concern, "Mal, are you okay? Tsunotaro?"

Just then, more of the fire lotuses begin to bloom behind Mallues and Briar.

"Oh! There are flowers behind Malleus and Briar!" Sebek cries out.

"More of them?! What pestiferous plants..." Sebek says.

"Briar! Malleus, get away!" Silver cries out.

Briar turns to see the flowers and tries to run, but notices Malleus isn't moving.

Briar turns to Malleus, "Tsunotaro? Are you okay?"

"...Malleus?" Silver asks, worried.

After a moment of silence, Malleus simply smiles and speaks out, "Now I see. Everything he said was a lie," And soon, he begins emitting his magic and thunder and lightning clashes.

Sereia yelps and Briar steps back in shock and fright.

Silver is shocked to see it, "Oh... This is very bad."

"Malleus is...angry!" Sebek cries out.

"Angry? I thought he was sad..." Deuce asks, confused.

"This doesn't look good..." Tanzanite says.

Soon, Malleus says and his anger begins to grow, "The social, the personal invitation to me... It was all pure deception. A ploy, to lure me into a trap. You'll pay for this..." And his voice rises in rage, "YOU WILL PAY, ROLLO FLAMME!""

"Oh geez, he is BIG MAD," Idia says, shocked.

"There, you see?! Remind me, who spouted the silly notion that he was a sucker who felt guilty?" Azul says.

Rook says, saddened, "Oh, Roi des Dragons... What an anguished cry he has. It makes my own heart tremble."

"Uh, I don't think that's your heart trembling. It's literally the ground!" Ruggie says.

Silver then says, "Malleus was overjoyed to be personally invited to the social. He insisted on making extra preparations and reading everything he could about Fleur City."

"Yes, and he eagerly counted down the days until our trip by marking them on his calendar..." Sebek says.

"Poor Malleus... he must have been excited to go to Fluer City," Sereia says, sadly.

"Sadly yes. Now that all his hopes have been dashed, his sorrow must be unfathomable," Silver says.

"Oh, what a heartrending sight..." Sebek says, feeling sorry for Malleus.

But Jamil turns to the others, "We're in mortal danger and THAT'S what he's mad about?!"

Malleus angrily shouts, "I THOUGHT I'D BEEN ISSUED A GENUINE INVITATION. AND TO MAKE MATTERS MORE DESPICABLE... HE DARE DECEIVED AND PUT BRIAR IN SUCH DANGER, AND PLANNED TO DUE HER HARM. YOU SHALL PAY DEARLY FOR THIS!"

Everyone else jumps in fright, "Eeep!"