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

Chapter 4-7: To the Bitter End

Silver and Sebek move the flowers out of the way with their magic, allowing everyone to get through to get to the Bell tower.

"The sheer volume of flowers is staggering, and their scent is positively suffocating," Malleus says.

Suddenly, they hear something and look above to see the chandelier is starting to give weight.

Rook cries out, "Oh no! That chandelier is going to fall from the flowers' weight! Everyone, get clear!"

Deuce cries out, "Idia, watch out!" and reaches Idia grabs him by the collar, and moves him away.

Malleus holds Briar close as the rest move away from the chandelier that has fallen down and crashes to the ground.

Silver calls out, "Is everyone okay?!"

"Yes, barely..." Azul answers, "I have to hand it to you Diasomnia gentlemen. You certainly have lightning-fast reflexes. You dodged clear of the chandelier with ease. Meanwhile...

"You want 'barely'?! It literally grazed the tip of my nose!" Idia cries out, "If Deuce hadn't yoinked me back by the collar, I'd be 2D right now! The Track Club's no joke. You must've put all your points in agility. For the first time in my life I actually respect a sports club—wait..." but soon notices, "Uh, Deuce? You're not lookin' too hot..."

The group looks to notice Deuce is now on the ground and feels pain in his ankle.

Still in Malleus' arms, Briar calls out, "Deuce! Are you okay?!"

"Argh. Think...I twisted my ankle there..." Deuce says, feeling in pain.

Everyone exclaims in shock, "What?!"

"Oh dear. Let me see," Rook says, and begins examining Deuce's ankle.

"It doesn't look broken, but..." Azul says, showing concern.

"I can walk on it okay, but I don't think I'm gonna be able to sprint for a while," Deuce says. Then turns to the others, "Guys, could I ask a favor? Please, just...leave me here and go.

"Deuce, no! You mustn't talk like that!" Rook cries out.

"Dude, do you realize how much of a guilt trip this is?" Idia says, "You got injured saving me. I didn't even get a say in that!"

But Deuce says, "It's not your fault, Idia. It's on me for not falling properly. I'll buy you guys some time. Please, just get to the stairs!"

"Deuce... I see that bold, determined look in your eye. Do you have a plan to get through this?" Azul questions.

"NOPE!" Deuce answers.

Azul says in shock, "What?! Then how can you be so confident?"

"I can't work out tough problems or use complicated spells like you guys. But I want to do what my housewarden said—find a place where I can shine and show those flowers what for. I won't embarrass you guys by just letting them suck my magic dry. I'll fight to the bitter end!" Deuce explains.

"You truly do have tunnel vision. All right, normally I'd hold off on doing this, but since we're not on campus..." Azul says, "...I suppose it'll be okay. Deuce, would you mind lending me a bit of help?"

"Hey, uh, not to be a Reply Guy, but... I'm also sick of running, actually," Idia says.

"Huh?" Deuce & Azul

"Roi de sa Chambre, did you get hurt when the chandelier fell as well?" Rook asks, concerned.

"No, it's not that," Idia says.

"So then, what's wrong?" Briar asks.

"See, every time I watch a disaster movie, I think to myself, if all you're gonna do is run around in agony and go RIP anyway... Why get all worked up trying to escape when you could just kick back, chill, and go out peacefully? I'll stay behind. You guys can support Deuce and all go on ahead," Idia explains.

"Huh?" Briar replies, dumbfounded.

"Oh là là! How kindhearted you are, Roi de sa Chambre!" Rook says.

"Buh?!" Idia reacts, confused.

And Rook says, "You couldn't bring yourself to leave Deuce alone, could you? Oh, what a courageous offer... And you even framed it like you were sick of running so he wouldn't feel guilty. I'm simply awestruck by your warmth!"

"Huh? Uh... Uhh... That's not..." Idia says, shocked.

"Idia, you're doing this for me? I told you it's not your fault. Please, don't worry about me!" Deuce says.

"Dude, seriously..." Idia replies, disbelief.

"Were I to let you take all the spotlight, I would lose face as a fellow junior. Hence, I shall remain here with Monsieur Spade," Rook says.

"Rook?! I couldn't possibly let you do that!" Deuce says.

But Rook says, "Speak not, Deuce. For this is my choice to make. You needn't feel guilty on my account. I only ask that you tell me, 'Yes, sir'—or rather, 'Oui.'"

Deuce remains silent, reluctant.

He soon says, "...OUI! I owe you big time for this, Rook! Let's give those firelotuses a fight to remember."

"Of course. No crisis is daunting with a dependable ally at my side," Rook says.

"What a beautiful and supremely maudlin display," Azul says.

Then turns to Idia to ask, "So, Idia, you were saying?"

Idia sighs, "...Never mind. There's no way I can cut in after a hot-blooded declaration like that. How did this even happen?"

Suddenly, Sebek shouts, "HEY! How long are you going to keep Malleus waiting?!"

"We can't hold off the flowers much longer. We should move on," Malleus says.

Idia lets out a big sigh, "Okay, okay, I'll run, geez."

Azul then says to Deuce, "Deuce, remember that there's a difference between bravery and recklessness. Work with Rook to clear a path."

"Yes, sir! You guys be careful," Deuce says. Then turns to Azul, "Azul... Make sure to sock that Rollo jerk real good for me! I believe in you guys. I know you'll ring that bell!"

With that, the group quickly take their leave to get to the Bell Tower.

"Come, Deuce. It's time to open the curtain on our double act," Rook says, "Are you ready to tango?"

"Huh? We're dancing now?" Deuce says, confused.

Rook then says, "Ah, pardon. That was my way of asking if you could stand."

"Ooh, I getcha. You bet I can. I can fight, too!" Deuce says, "Rook, now that everyone's gone, I just wanna say... I'm really happy you stayed behind with me. This is one dangerous throwdown. I never thought anyone would offer to stand with me for it."

"I was simply inspired by the bravery that you, Epel, and Idia showed. If anyone is deserving of thanks, it's them—and yourself. Merci," Rook says, "Now come, let us light up this stage together!"

Then Deuce shouts, "AWRIGHT! LET'S ROCK!"

With that, Deuce and Rook begin to attack the flowers as well.