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

Chapter 4-2: Suitably Powerful

"Wait," Someone calls out.

Everyone turns to see Riddle.

"I'll be the bait," Riddle volunteers, "All of you run for the tower while I use flight magic to draw the fire lotuses away."

"HUH?!" Deuce exclaims.

Idia says, shocked, "Fr? K, thx!"

"You accepted way too fast!" Epel says, shocked.

Then Sebek says, "At least make a TOKEN protest!"

"Why do you volunteer, Rosehearts?" Malleus asks, "You never struck me as someone who would automatically step up to sacrifice themselves."

"It's simple, really," Riddle says, and explains his reason, "It's a long way to the bell tower from here. The bait must be capable of dragging out the battle until someone else rings the bell. For that, one would need considerable magical proficiency and reserves. They say that even the Queen of Hearts took the field in battle to punish a major rulebreaker. I am the housewarden of Heartslabyul. It's only natural that I would follow Her Majesty's example."

"...Are you sure about this?" Azul asks, worried.

"Yes. Someone suitably powerful must be the vanguard. Surely you must know which of us best fits the bill," Riddle says.

"Heh. You knew it would be a formidable fight, yet you volunteered anyway? You must be very confident in your abilities," Malleus says.

"I guess if we're going by pure magic reserves, Riddle's the optimal choice. Go get 'em, Tiny Titan!" Idia says.

Soon, Jamil questions, "You just made up that justification so you wouldn't have to be the bait, didn't you?"

"No... I can't just march on while my boss is steppin' up and takin' one for the team.

If my housewarden's staying, then so am I!" Deuce says.

But Riddle says, "Out of the question."

"What? Why? I can at least act as bait!" Deuce says in shock.

"Oho. Really now? Deuce, do you think I don't know about your recent flight exam?" Riddle questions.

Deuce flinches, "Grk! Look, uh..."

"What's this about his flight exam?" Malleus asks.

Then Riddle explains, "You started goofing off with Ace during the exam, which led to you both falling off your brooms. You had to take a remedial test, I'm told."

"How do you know about that? And for the record, Ace started it—" Deuce panics.

But Riddle sternly says, "Save your excuses! These brooms are different from the ones at school. They'll be hard enough to handle as it is. The last thing I need is an inexperienced, easily-distracted flier slowing me down. Your "help" isn't wanted."

"Dude, way to slam a guy trying to help you. Guess that's why you're Mr. Zero EQ..." Idia says.

"I expect you to do honor to Heartslabyul in a place more befitting your talents. Is that clear?" Riddle sternly says.

"...Yessir. I was wrong. Sorry for talking back. I'll make sure to make this right!" Deuce says.

Jamil shrugs, "I'm guessing it's a Heartslabyul thing. Must be Riddle's idea of a pep talk."

"It certainly did the trick with Deuce," Silver says.

"Yikes... Heartslabyul must be a horror show..." Idia says, shocked.

Azul sighs, "Goodness... Riddle, you can't just dictate the terms without any input from the rest of us. I applaud your spirit, but Noble Bell's main thoroughfare is quite wide. No matter how fast you fly, you won't be able to draw all the flowers. You can't be the only bait. We'll need one more sacrificial pawn here."

Then Epel says, "In that case, I'll stay with Riddle."

"Epel?!" Deuce exclaims in shock.

"Were you listening? I said I could handle this just fine by myself," Riddle sternly says.

"Of course I was listening. You need someone who can use flight magic to get away from the fire lotuses, right?" Epel says, sounding serious, "You may not know this, Riddle, but I've got PRETTY GOOD grades in flight class."

"But..." Riddle tries to protest.

But Epel says, "And if we're talking about queens going into battle, the Fairest Queen did the same thing. Pomefiore won't be outdone!" And turns to Rook, "ISn't that right, Rook?"

After a moment of silence, Rook says, "...Indeed it is, Monsieur Pommette. Embracing one's aesthetic no matter the occasion truly embodies Pomefiore's spirit of tenacity. None could possibly sway you from the strong. unyielding, beautiful choice you've made. And as Professor Trein said... The Righteous Judge had faith in the Kindly Bell Ringer. That's why the judge let him go. Likewise, I believe in you, Epel. I have every faith that you can protect the Roi des Roses. I trust you believe so as well?"

"Yes, sir! You can count on me!" Epel says.

"So we've got Riddle, the queen with a heavy offense build, and Epel, the pawn with a mobility build... Y'know, that might make a p. good team comp," Idia replies.

"I can agree with that, but nonetheless..." Azul says. Then turns to Epel to ask, "Epel, are you certain about this? You'd better not come crying to us later."

"Absolutely! This isn't a spur-of-the-moment thing. I've thought it through," Epel says.

"After spending the day with you, I find that hard to believe..." Azul says.

But Ruggie says, "Epel's an up-and-comer in the Spelldrive Club, too. I know our club captain Leona would vouch for his flying skills. We'll let you take care of this, yeah?"

"Yes, sir! I've got this, Ruggie!" Epel says.

"Are you sure you both will be okay?" Briar asks, worried.

"Don't worry, we'll both be fine," Epel says.

"Very well. Riddle and Epel will handle things here," Idia says.

"Then it's settled," Malleus says, "Your job will be to lure away the flowers and buy us time until we make it down the main street. Rosehearts. Felmier. Your sacrifice shall not be in vain. I'll make certain to put a stop to Flamme's plot."

"The 'sacrifice' bit is not a given, you know," Riddle says.

"You're taking the fall for Malleus's sake... What incredible resolve you must have! I'm awestruck!" Sebek says.

"Um, we're not taking the fall OR doing it for Malleus..." Epel says.

Then Riddle says, ""From what I can see, the flowers are thinnest at the outer edges of the street. It'll be somewhat of a detour, but you'll be safer if you avoid the front passage where the statue is. We'll run up to the Righteous Judge statue and use our magic to get the flowers' attention."

"I'll signal once they start comin' for us. That'll be your cue to start running. Make sure to be extra careful, okay?" Epel says.

"You too, Epel. Take care of my housewarden!" Deuce says.

And Rook says, "Stay safe, you two. And let us meet again with the brightest of smiles on our faces."

"Be careful, guys," Briar says.

Riddle and Epel nod their heads.

With that, the rest of the gang take their leave while Riddle and Epel stay behind to fight the flowers.

Riddle turns to Epel, "...Are you ready, Epel?"

Epel inhales to take a deep breath and exhales.

He then says, "... All right." And says to Riddle, "Ready when you are, Riddle! I won't let those plants lay a finger-er, I mean a tendril on you! You buncha lousy, good-fer-nothin' flowers... Ah'm gonna rip alla y'all leaf from leaf!"

And with that, Riddle and Epel begin to fight the plans.