Twisted Wonderland 2

Once Upon a Dream

You wander through the forest with no clear destination in mind, humming a song that has been in your head for a while. With the challenges nearly all done, you decided to take a little break and explore more of the forest. A small flash of orange runs around your legs gets you to stop. Kneeling down, you pet the familiar fox with a laugh.

"Hello, Tod."

The little fox yips as he places his paws to your chest and licks at your face. The golden charm on his collar shining in the light.

You laugh, his whiskers tickling you. "Okay, okay! I missed you too."

Tod yips happily and scampers around you in happy circles. You notice just how much bigger Tod has gotten since the last time you've seen him.

"You've grown a bit, huh?" You smile to the fox. "You're not a small pup anymore."

Tod stands tall and puffs his chest proudly.

You laugh and rub between his ears. "I wish I could understand you. I don't take animal linguistics until next year. Even then, since I don't have magic, I don't know if I even can understand animals."

Tod tilts his head.

You smile and shake your head. "But you don't have to worry about all that."

Tod settles himself comfortably beside you with his head resting on your lap. You pet his incredibly soft fur and start to sing the song in your head again.

"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream."

Tod glances up to you curiously.

You smile and shake your head. "Oh, it's this song that's been stuck in my head for a little bit now. I can't remember where I heard it though."

Tod sits up and wags his tail excitedly.

"Do you want me to keep singing?" You can't help but laugh at the idea. "I don't know how well I sing but I hope you like it."

You feel silly at first singing to a fox, but you don't mind too much.

"I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam."

Malleus walks along a forest trail after having finished exploring the mines. He pauses when he hears your voice carrying faintly on the wind. Intrigued, he follows the sound of your voice.

You stand and dance with the little fox watching cheerfully. "And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you'll do. You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream."

Malleus stands behind a tree and watches you dance and sing. You look so carefree and beautiful. Malleus smiles and approaches.

Your back is turned as you continue. "But if I know you, I know what you'll do. You'll love me at once,"

Malleus holds your hands in his own as he joins your song. "The way you did once upon a dream."

You whirl around, startled by his sudden presence. "Oh, Malleus. I didn't see you there."

Malleus softly smiles. "Apologies, I did not intend to frighten you."

You let out a small laugh. "I just scare easily."

Malleus chuckles. "That is true. Just don't let Lilia find that out, Beasty."

You tilt your head. "Beasty?"

Then it hits you.

"Oh. Ohh" An embarrassed flush fills your cheeks. You hide your face behind the long sleeves of your jacket. "Oh my gosh! I completely forgot what an embarrassing kid I was!"