Please stop calling me Prince Charming Ch.3
(Twisted Wonderland RSA story)
So, according to Tumblr and the votes here on AO3, it seems Pearla will be our main familiar! Don't worry, we will see the other creatures here and there!
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"Thank you very much, Pearla. I know we're gonna be best friends," Y/n smiles as she picks up the water puppy.
"I promise to be the bestest friend ever!" Pearla agreed, her tail wagging wildly.
The other critters smiled happily for Pearla as they all said their congratulations.
"Hey, if you need any extra help. Feel free to just summon us when you need us," Tavia smiled as she handed Y/n a stone.
It had a ruby embedded in its center, with a beautiful pattern surrounding it. Y/n thanked the owl creature; she gently put the rock in her pocket. The next place Mr. Adélain led her to was her new housing during her time here at school. Following a beautifully paved road, leading a bit away from the castle of the school, there sat a great oak tree. It must have been around for ages; Y/n had never seen an Oak so large and wide. As they got closer, she could see windows and balconies sticking out from the large trunk of the ancient tree. Lights and the sounds of bells emanated from inside the tree.
"Wow," Y/n awed. "So this dorm is the extra?"Â
"Yes, it would have become an official one. But the school only wanted 7 dorms for the Radiant Seven." Mr. AdĂ©lain started. " Back when the school was being made, it was originally going to be the Radiant Eight."Â
"Who are the Radiant Seven?" Y/n asked.
"Oh, OH! I know, I know!" Pearla shouted in excitement.
"Mind giving us a small lesson, Pearla?" Mr. Adélain asked with a smile.
"Okay!" Pearla barked happily. "Okay. So the Radiant Seven. First is Charblanche (Snow White), the oldest and most traditional dormitory at Royal Sword Academy. Students in this dorm emulate a spirit of absolute kindness and selflessness. The dorm honors the legendary princess who extended a pure, unwavering helping hand to everyoneâincluding animals while enduring severe hardships.
Marinafinne (Ariel). The dorm values passion, devotion, and unity. It is built upon the legend of a princess who fiercely followed her heart, crossed structural boundaries to unite the land and sea, and overcame deep-seated historical fears through sheer dedication.
Dunasmina, the dorm, focuses on intelligence, wisdom, and unyielding resolve. It honors a figure famous for refusing to be bound by outdated customs, exercising her own independent will, and using her brilliant mind to outsmart villains who threatened to hijack her kingdom.
Rosauroria champions the spirit of hope and adaptability. The dorm instills the virtue of remaining graceful under a curse, maintaining absolute hope instead of falling into despair, and preserving inner peace until a dream is finally realized.
Psycheros, the newest dormitory established at Royal Sword Academy. It values sacrifice and inner emotional strength. It centers around the tale of a solitary figure who closed her heart off due to a past betrayal, but eventually discovered the strength to depend on others, selflessly trading her own safety to protect a hero.
Skyvaloir, the dorm champions open-mindedness, adaptability, and pure intellectual curiosity. It honors the legendary figure who boldly embraced a completely nonsensical world without fear, using her sharp logic, polite manners, and observational skills to navigate chaos and triumph over tyrannical rules.
And finally, Privaloir, It embodies duty, loyalty, and fierce protective instincts. The house centers on the legend of a warrior queen who held her broken homeland together under dark leadership, ventured out into the unknown to find her true king, and fought on the front lines to restore absolute balance and justice to her pride," Pearla ranted. After catching her breath, she looked up at the two humans with a wide smile.
"Wonderful job, Pearla. You have been listening to Tavia's lessons, I see." Mr. Adélain complimented her as he patted her on the back.
"Umm, a lot of information. So what dorm is this?" Y/n asked.
"This is the unofficial Highlandor dorm. The dorm champions bravery, fate-carving independence, and familial honor. It centers on the legend of a princess who refused to let outdated traditions dictate her life. I think it was too similar to Dunasmina, so it never became a fully recognized dorm," Mr. Adélain sighed,
"They don't sound the same. Dunasmina sounds like using your smarts to get what you want, while Highlandor sounds like passion and determination are what get you what you want," Y/n said slowly.
"Hahaha, that's what I said. But the board didn't see it that way," Mr. Adélain said as he reached the door. "So this is an old dorm, but you are not the only resident here. The local fairies have made themselves welcome here. So be careful which room you open."
"Are fairies mean?" Y/n asked nervesly.
"Most of the time, no, but they can be easily offended. So it's best to respect their spaces. But at least they avoid the bathrooms, kitchen, and a few dorm rooms. So you can pick any of those rooms." Mr. Adélain says as he opens the door.
The great hall felt less like a building and more like a living thing, its massive timber beams rising overhead like the ancient limbs of an old forest. Each arch curved gracefully toward the vaulted ceiling, its weathered wood worn smooth by the passing of countless years. Warm amber light spilled from iron chandeliers and flickering wall sconces, painting the stone walls in a gentle, golden glow that chased every shadow into quiet corners.
At the heart of the room, a grand staircase swept upward in a graceful curve, its polished banister inviting wandering hands as it climbed toward a second-story gallery. Above it, an enormous circular window poured soft daylight into the hall, its intricate panes casting delicate patterns across the wooden floor like fragments of forgotten starlight.
"Ah ha! Found one; this will be your room," Mr. Adélain smiled as he presented the room.
 Sunlight filtered through a canopy of emerald leaves, spilling across polished wooden floors in shifting patterns as the breeze stirred the branches beyond. Just outside, a narrow river drifted lazily through the wilderness, its gentle murmur becoming the room's heartbeat.
A low wooden bed sat beside the opening, dressed in thick blankets and an inviting collection of earth-toned cushions that seemed molded by years of peaceful mornings and lazy afternoons. An old book rested upon the covers, abandoned only moments before.
To one side, towering bookshelves climbed toward the ceiling, their weathered planks packed with worn novels, journals, and forgotten maps. Between the shelves, lush ferns and cascading vines spilled over the edges, blurring the line between home and forest. It was impossible to tell where nature ended and the cottage began; the two had grown together, each claiming the other without resistance.
Soft lanterns glowed from every corner, their golden light mingling with delicate strands of tiny hanging lights woven through the exposed wooden beams overhead. The air carried the scent of cedar, old paper, rain-soaked earth, and wildflowers drifting in from the riverbank. Every soundâthe rustle of leaves, the distant song of birds, the slow current slipping over smooth stonesâblended into a quiet melody that no fireplace or city ever could.
"Wow! This is straight out of Pinterest. Y/n laughs a tad as Pearla leaps onto the bed.
"This room is filled with tempting gems. So in the winter, this room will be cozy and warm. And does the opposite in the summer. There should be some school uniforms in the closet," Mr. Adélain explained, as the young lady explored every inch of the room.
â Itâs so beautiful, and I get an awesome view of the school in the distance,â Y/n awed as she stared out the large window. Pearla happily hopped onto the bed and quickly got comfy.
"I'll leave you be and let you explore this dorm. But make sure to put on your school uniform by around 6 pm. There is an important rite of passage tradition the school likes to do for the first years," Mr. Adélain said, closing the door behind him.
Y/n nods as the door clicks. She slowly took in the room when her eyes landed on a portrait. A young woman sits astride a powerful black horse, her posture steady and effortless, as though horse and rider share the same instinct. Her back is straight, her shoulders squared, and every muscle is held in perfect balance. One hand grips the bow with practiced confidence while the other draws the string taut to her cheek, the arrow aimed beyond the edge of the canvas toward an unseen quarry.
Her hair is impossible to ignore. A wild torrent of fiery red curls spills down her back and over her shoulders, catching every glimmer of light like strands of burnished copper. Untamed by braid or ribbon, it billows around her in windswept waves, giving the impression that even the wind refuses to command it. Her face bears the softness of youth, yet there is nothing uncertain in her expression. A dusting of freckles stretches across her fair cheeks and nose, standing out against skin kissed lightly by the Highland sun. Her blue eyes are sharp and unwavering, fixed on something beyond the frame with the intense concentration of a hunter who has already measured the distance, the wind, and the perfect moment to strike. Her lips are pressed into a determined line, betraying neither fear nor hesitation. Beneath her, the great horse stands poised but restless, ears pricked forward and muscles gathered beneath its dark coat. It senses its rider's focus, waiting only for the slightest cue before springing into motion.
Below the painting was a small plaque with writing on it. At first, Y/n was surprised that she could understand this strange writing. Yet, she quickly refocused to read the writing.
"Stand tall, even when the road stands against you,"Â it read.
"That's so cool. This would have been an awesome dorm," Y/n awed, when suddenly there was..
Jingle. She blinked. Jingle, jingle.
"...Huh?" She slowly turnedâ
A tiny winged person was hovering less than an inch from her nose. "GOOD AFTERNOON!"
SMACK! The fairy pinwheeled through the air.
It bounced off the painting's frame with a tiny bonk, spiraled twice, and crash-landed into a decorative potted fern. Leaves exploded everywhere. Y/n stood frozen.
A small hand emerged from the fern.
"Oh my gosh!" She rushed over and carefully parted the leaves. "I'm so sorry! I-I didn't mean to hit you!"
The fairy dusted a leaf off their head with as much dignity as someone three inches tall could manage.
"I was greeting you!" the tiny fairy shouted
"You jump-scared me!" Y/n argued.
"I announced my arrival with bells!" The tiny fairy shouted.
"I thought there was a haunted wind chime!" Y/n countered
The fairy huffed, crossing their tiny arms. Y/n offered her finger. The fairy eyed it suspiciously before climbing aboard with an exaggerated sigh.
"I suppose first-time visitors aren't accustomed to fairies." The fairy huffed. "My name is Glinda."
"Nice to meet you. You must be one of the fairies that live in this dorm. I'm Y/n," Y/n smiles.
"A pleasure. I couldn't help but notice you admiring the portrait of one of the radiant heroines." The fairy straightened their tiny vest.
"One of the radiant? I thought she was unofficial?" Y/n questioned.
"Unofficial to the school. There are quite a few historical figures who are titled radiant. Now then! As Royal Sword Academy's historical docent, I am delighted to educate our guests!" Glinda said.
Without waiting for permission, they zipped into the air and hovered beside the portrait. They gave a dramatic flourish toward the painting.
"Princess Merida of DunBroch." The fairy smiled proudly. "A princess who refused to let others choose her fate. While many rulers earned their crowns through inheritance. Merida earned the respect of her kingdom by proving she could stand alongside any warrior."
Y/n looked back at the portrait. "So she was an archer?"
"The finest of her age." Glinda nods. " Legend says she could split an arrow already lodged in its target. Though, personally, I believe that's underselling her."
"So how many raidents are there?" Y/n asked.
Glinda seemed to start vibrating with energy at the utterance of that sentence. Y/n grimaced as Glinda started to blur in excitement.
"And the most recent addition to the Raidiants is Princess Sofia the First. Well, recent by 200 years, but she is still a worthy figure to look up to," Glinda smiled as she finished her presentation.
Y/n and Pearla were on the verge of falling asleep when there was a knock at the door of the dorm. Y/n was quick to get up, anything to escape this fairy. Sliding down the stair railing and jumped to the door. Mr. Adélain was a tad shocked at how fast she came down.
"Oh, are you eager to attend the trial of wishes?" Mr. Adélain asked.
"Trial of wishes?" Y/n asked.
"Wait, you forgot your uniform!!" Pearla shouted as she ran down the stairs with the uniform in her mouth.
"Should I be worried?" Y/n asked as she slipped on the school coat.
"Quite the opposite. It is one of Royal Sword Academy's most cherished traditions." He chuckled. "The Trial has been held for centuries. Every first-year participates before their lessons truly begin. The students gather around the Well of Wishes. There, each is given a blank card and asked to write a single wish."
"A wish?" Y/n asked as they closed the dorm door behind her. Following the teacher.
"What do they wish for?" Pearla asked excitedly.
"What kind of person do they hope to become?" Mr. Adélain answered. "That wish is sealed inside a crystal vial and carried throughout the trial."
Y/n tilted her head. "So... no one else gets to read it?"
"No one. Some students never open it again until the day they graduate." He let that thought linger before continuing.
"Wait, wouldn't they know what their own wish is?" Pearla asked as she followed.
"No, you see, you will be given a magic vial. As you wish and thing a note or letter appears inside. On it is your wish, but most of the time. It's not what you initially wish; on it is a wish they didn't even know they had, or wanted." Mr. Adélain said. "And they are not allowed to open it till graduation."
"Wow, that's a little freaky," Y/n chuckled.
"The students are then divided into small groups and sent into the Whispering Woods. They walk a marked trail, stopping at old shrines and landmarks along the way. There are no examinations. The journey is meant to encourage reflection... and friendship."
"And at the end?" Y/n asked.
"They'll find a clearing where the Wish Blooms grow. The tradition is to choose a single flower." Mr. Adélain paused.
"Then what?" Y/n pressed.
"Well, it wouldn't be fun if I spoiled the whole thing," Mr. AdĂ©lain said, smiling playfully.Â
"What! No! Spoil it for me!" Y/n whined as Mr. Adélain led them to a gathering area.
The gathering place rested beneath a canopy of ancient trees, where cascading curtains of violet blossoms swayed gently in the evening breeze. Hundreds of enchanted lanterns floated among the flowers, their warm golden light transforming the forest into a sea of stars. Petals blanketed the ground, while towering trunks stood like silent guardians, watching over every generation that had gathered here.
This was where every first-year student came before the Ceremony of Beginnings. Excited whispers mixed with nervous laughter as strangers met future friends, waiting together beneath the glowing canopy. As the appointed hour drew near, the lanterns slowly brightened, conversations faded, and every eye turned toward the forest path ahead.
Mr. Adélain ushered her to join the rest of the first years. The first rays of moonlight spilled across the marble courtyard, turning the forest's dark shadows full of twinkling gold lights. White-robed first-years gathered in a wide circle around its glowing waters, their voices little more than excited whispers that drifted through the cool night air. One by one, the faculty took their places. When the bells of the academy chimed, the murmurs faded.
Headmaster Ambrose stepped forward. His white and gold robes shimmered softly beneath the morning sun as he surveyed the sea of young faces before him.
"My dear students. Welcome to the Trial of Wishes." He smiled warmly. "For centuries, every student who has called Royal Sword Academy home has stood where you stand now. They have come from every corner of the Queendom. Princes and nobles. Scholars and merchants. Farmers and craftsmen. They arrived as strangers. And left as men worthy of the dreams they carried."
"Many believe this academy exists to teach magic." Ambrose continued. "I have never believed that. Magic is simply a tool. What matters is the heart of the one who wields it."
With a small gesture of his hand, several faculty members stepped forward, carrying polished wooden boxes. Inside rested dozens of delicate crystal vials, each suspended from a silver chain. The Moon's light danced through the glass like tiny stars.
"Within these vials..." Mr. Adélain started. "You will place a single wish. Not to your classmates. Not to your teachers. But to yourselves."
The vial caught the moonlight, scattering rainbows across the white stone.
"As you go through the trial and through the forest, the vial will capture your wish. Just remember: a desire asks the world to change for your sake. A wish asks you to change for your sake. No one will read it, not even you, till you graduate," Mr. Adélain smiles warmly.
Faculty members began walking among the students, placing a crystal vial into each waiting hand. When one reached Y/n, she carefully accepted it. It was lighter than she expected. She held it up, watching the tiny prism of moonlight dance within the crystal. Ambrose waited until every student held a vial before speaking once more.
"The Whispering Woods await. Walk with open eyes and open hearts. And above all..." His voice softened. "Remember that even the greatest fairy tales begin with a single step," Ambrose said proudly.
Soon the staff was gathering the first years at the entrance to the Whispering Woods. Mr. Adélain was helping students form teams of 3 to 4, and letting them onto the path at timed intervals. As more students gathered closer, it became more real to Y/n... That she really is the only girl here, and she wasn't entirely sure how to feel about that. On one hand, she felt kind of special being in a place where, under normal circumstances, she would not be allowed. Though, on the other hand, it's all boys. She couldn't help but feel out of place and a bit uncomfortable.
"Next group, Theo Voss, Claude Bellamy, and Y/n. Please step forward," Professor Junbar called.
Y/n noticed a tall student stand out in the crowd, dressed in the crisp white and navy uniform of Royal Sword Academy. He was pushing past the crowd. His name tag read Theo Voss. He was lean, with the sort of build that suggests he spends considerably more time in libraries and laboratories than on a training field. His hair is dark, nearly black, with a cool blue sheen where the light catches it. It's thick and slightly messy, falling around his forehead and ears in loose, uneven layers. A few strands habitually fall into his pale blue-gray eyes, and he doesn't seem particularly bothered by them. He didn't look excited or unhappy to be here. He doesn't look cold, exactly... Maybe a cause of resting B&%@ face.
Y/n looked around for this student to join this group when she saw him. A boy carrying entirely too many things. A leather satchel hung against his hip, stuffed so full of rolled-up papers and little brass tools that she was honestly surprised the thing hadn't split open. A sketchbook was tucked beneath one arm; three pencils were caught between the fingers of one hand.
The second thing she noticed was his hair. It was a warm, reddish-brown, thick and slightly unruly, curling around his ears and falling messily over his forehead.
He seemed to notice Y/n's staring and gave a bright smile and a wave. Y/n waved back and saw him make a beeline right for her. By the time he got to this put-together group, he was a tad out of breath.
"HI! Claude Bellamy, nice to meet you, Y/n," Claude greeted as he held out a hand.
"Same here," Y/n smiled and shook his hand.
He wasn't especially tall, and there was something soft about his build rather than imposing. His RSA uniform was slightly oversized, which was a bit silly.
"Oh, and you must be Theo Voss. Glad to be on your team," Claude held out a hand.
Theo turned and looked down at the hand, and suddenly turned to give a firm handshake.
"Greetings, Theo Voss," Theo said simply.
Quickly, he turned back to studying the vial. Y/n and Claude side-eyed each other, not sure how to react to Theo's disinterest. Professor Junbar handed the group a simple map of the trail. There were 3 stops before the center of the forest, and with a gentle nudge, the three students were off into the forest.Â
The trees stood impossibly tall, their branches tangled together overhead. What little sunlight managed to slip through them faded into thin strips of silver across the forest floor. A wooden sign stood beside the trail.
THE DARKENED PATH
Trial of Courage
Y/n stared at it...."That's reassuring."
Claude laughed nervesly at the sound of a courage trial. When Theo spoke up.
"From what I understand. After asking seniors, nothing in this trial of wish journey will hurt us. So there is no need to be fearful," Theo said simply.
"That's good, cause I cannot handle scary movies or places," Claude sighed in relief. "How about you, Y/n? Fancy scary movies or settings?"
"Sometimes, but I have to be in the mood for it," Y/n shrugged.
"I don't like scary sounds. Like thunder or those explosions in the sky," Pearla spoke up.
As the 3 chatted, they stepped beneath the trees. The change was immediate. The forest seemed to swallow them. Branches twisted overhead like crooked fingers, blocking out the sun entirely. Roots curled across the path, forcing them to step carefully between them.
Thenâ Snap. Everyone froze. They slowly turned. Nothing.
"...Okay." Pearla sighed.
Everyone continued. Snap. This time, the sound came from somewhere behind them. Y/n looked over her shoulder. Yet still nothing; her heart began beating faster. When she heard it, a whisper.
"ÍHÌŽÌ”ÌĄÌÍÌŠÌźÍÌÌŒÌÌÌÍÍ©Í«Í©ÍÌÍÍÍÍĄÍĄeÌžÌÌłÌÍÌÍÌ̀̈́Í_ÌŽÌ”ÌÍÌźÌÍÌÍÍÍÍÍ ÄŒÌ¶ÌžÌ¶ÌĄÌĄÍÌÍÌȘÌÌČḬ̰́̌ÌÍÌźÌ€ÍÍÍÍÍŁÌÍÍŹÌͧÌÍ€ÌÌÌÍÌÍ©ÍŁÌÍÌÍ Í
Í
pÌÍ©ÌŸÌ.ÍÌČÍ©ÍÍ«ÌÌÍą..ÌŽÌ"ÌĄÌ»ÌÌÍÍ̌̊ͫÌÌÌÍ„ÍÍ
Everyone froze again and stopped. Y/n was getting nervous; Theo kept his cool, but Claude and Pearla were vibrating in fear.
"...Hello?" Claude called out, but was met with Silence.
"Please..."Â It sounded like a child.
Something moved between the trees, A pale shape. Pearla started to bark and growl, hoping to scare off whatever it was. Then there was another, and another! Eyes staring, glowing in the dark, distorted faces in the trees. They swayed and clawed at the students. Pearla barked louder in fear as Theo trembled and bumped into Y/ns, while she was overwhelmed as more and more eyes appeared, like a boar, on her. The trees and figures seemed to close in on them. As Claude stared into the shadows, he noticed a shimmer. Darkness and magic were emanating from it. Â Claude shakily raised his pen slowly, and a blinding light pushed back the darkness.
Y/n, Theo, and Pearla slowly opened their eyes to see... It was simply a forest; it was all in their heads. Everyone was able to let out a sigh of relief.
"What? Where did all the monsters go?" Pearla asked in pure confusion.
"It was all in our heads. I noticed a few charms around this area before we entered. It made this section of the forest seem darker and scarier than it actually is," Claude explained. "It's a reference to one of the Radiant Seven's stories. The story says that when the evil queen was persecuting the innocent princess Snow white. She had to brave the dark forest to escape her. Neat little reference."
"How did you know that? Are charms that distinct?" Y/n asked.
"Well, a charm such as this one has to be pretty powerful. So not something easy to hide and cover up. So perhaps Claude could tell," Theo said thoughtfully as he slowly steeled himself. "Great work, Claude."
"Of course, let's continue. Theo nodded and kept it moving.Â
Y/n, Claude, and Pearla blinked in surprise at Theo's tunnel vision. The three chuckled and quickly jogged to keep pace with Theo. As they followed, Claude's vial shimmered as a scrolled-up note appeared inside.
They continued to follow the flower road through the forest as Theo studied the map. Warning his team that they should be reaching the next trail,
TRIAL II â THE SHATTERED CROWN: Trial of Will.
The group walked further into the forest, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Till Theo saw an arch straight ahead. The moment Y/n stepped through the archway, the forest vanished.
She stumbled forward. âWhoaâ!â
Theo caught himself beside her, immediately straightening his coat. Claude, meanwhile, nearly walked straight into a marble pillar.
Y/n blinked. The three of them stood in the middle of an enormous palace.
White marble floors stretched beneath their feet. Golden pillars reached toward a ceiling so high it disappeared into darkness. Sunlight poured through enormous stained-glass windows, painting the floor in brilliant colors.
Claude's eyes widened. â...Wow.â
Theo looked around. âDon't touch anything.â
Claude's hand froze halfway toward a golden statue. âI wasn't going to.â
âYou were,â Theo said simply as he continued forward.
âI was looking,â Claude shouted back.
Y/n sighed. " Where are we now?"
Pearla followed Y/n closely as the sounds of shoes echoed through the marbled halls. A deep chime echoed through the palace. All three looked toward the enormous doors ahead.
âWelcome, travelers.â A voice filled the hall.
âHello!â Claude smiled.
Theo immediately looked at him.
âWhy did you answer?â Theo sighed.
âIt's rude not to.â Claude hushed.
âWe don't know what that is,â Theo said.Â
âThat's exactly why we should talk to it,â Claude argued
Y/n looked between them. âI'm siding with Theo on this one,â Pearla said, nodding in agreement.
Claude frowned. The voice laughed softly.
A long hallway appeared beyond the doors.
Three paths split from it. A red door. A blue door. A white door. Above each was a golden inscription.
âThere's probably a correct answer," Theo thought aloud.
Claude walked toward the doors. âOr all three.â
âWhy?â Y/n followed him.
âBecause trials are supposed to test us.â Claude pointed toward the word FREEDOM. Maybe we're supposed to choose what matters most to us.â
âToo obvious.â Theo shook his head.
"But there is no other way forward. I call dibs on freedom," Y/n looked at the three doors.
"Okay, then I guess I'll go through loyalty." Claude raised his hand.
"It's a good thing I would have chosen knowledge anyway," Theo sighed.Â
The three students pushed their respective doors and went inside. Y/n and Pearla walked down what felt like an endless hallway of marble and gold. When a throne room came into view. At the center stood a throne. And floating above it was a crown.
As Y/n and Pearla stepped into the room, the crown slowly descended. A voice filled the room.
âYou have been given an opportunity.â The voice said as Y/n looked at the crown. âTo become something greater than yourself.â
âNo thanks.â Y/n shook her head.
âYou could become a princess,â the crown beckonedÂ
âHell No.â Y/n denied
âWhat Hero needs a crown?â Y/n scoffed.
âA leader of what?â Y/n asked.
Y/n crossed her arms. Thinking for a bit, she also shook her head. The crown lowered until it hovered directly in front of her.
âYou do not wish for greatness?â The crown asked.
âI didn't say that,â Y/n said simply.
âThen take the crown,â it insisted.
She stared at it. It was beautiful. There was something almost comforting about it. If she took it, maybe everything would make sense. Maybe she'd know why she was here.Â
âNo thanks,â Y/n denied again.
âWhy?â The voice became colder.
âBecause you haven't told me what it costs.â Y/n folded her arms.
Silence. Y/n looked around the room.
âYou keep offering me things.â
âA kingdom.â She pointed toward the throne. Then the crown. âPower.â
Then herself. âA purpose.â Her expression hardened. âBut you haven't once asked me what I want.â
âYou lack courage.â The crown began to shake.
âThat's not what this is about.â Y/n frowned.
âYou refuse because you are weak.â
âKnow you're just insulting her!â Pearla barked at the crown
Y/n stepped closer. "Â I'm not going to let some creepy magic palace decide who I'm supposed to be.â
Y/n grabbed the crown and started to bend it when it CRACKED. The crown shattered as the throne collapsed. The walls exploded into light, outshining the light coming from the vial that Y/n kept in her pocket, as the palace vanished. She and Pearla landed on the grassy clearing.
For several seconds, she simply stared at the ground. Then she looked behind herself. Nothing. Just the forest.
"That was a mean crown," Pearla huffed. "You are plenty brave, Y/n."
Suddenly, one by one, Theo and Claude appeared into existence. Each one a little shocked and disoriented.Â
"Did you also get a really annoying crown that belittled you?" Y/n asked.
"Not a crown, but a book, telling me how unimpressive I am without it. So I ignored it and kept walking," Theo sighed, not even noticing his vial was also shimmering.
"I had to deal with a bunch of annoying paintings," Claude huffed.
"What was up with this trial?" Y/n laughed.
"It's.. certainly one way to test someone's resolve," Claude awkwardly laughed. "Let us keep moving and get far away from this place."
Claude speed-walked ahead, even pushing past Theo. Even surprising the stoic boy, Y/n could feel it. Something in that trial really bothered Claude, but she had only met him. So she didn't really know how to approach him.
"Need a hand?" Theo asked, holding out a hand to Y/n.
"Oh, thank you." Y/n grabbed his hand and pulled herself up off the ground. "Let's catch up to Claude."
The rest of the walk was a quiet one, as Y/n walked alongside Theo. Claude was keeping ahead of the group, quiet.Â
The trees finally began to thin after what felt like hours of winding paths, false trails, and increasingly strange noises. The group pushed through the last curtain of branches and stopped. A wide clearing stretched before them.
Moonlight poured through an opening in the canopy, illuminating hundreds of flowers scattered across the grass. Each bloom glowed softly, its petals shimmering with colors that seemed almost too bright to be real. At the center stood an ancient stone well, half-covered in moss and surrounded by the largest flowers.
"Wow," Y/n awed as Pearla dashed through the flower patch. "So we just grab one?"
"Whichever one calls to you," Theo said as he walked through the flowers.
Y/n was about to follow after Theo, but noticed Claude staring out into the distance. He still seemed distraught from the last trial, so Y/n slowly and awkwardly approached him.
"Hey Claude, I hope you're feeling okay. Suppose I'm going off purely on the pattern of trial two. We were all insulted in some shape or form. So, to say, whatever those paintings said... They were wrong, and they can suck an egg," Y/n said quickly, nerves as all hell.
But thankfully, she was met with a soft smile. "Thank you, Y/n."
"Okay, bye," Y/n speed-walked off.
Y/n quickly speed-walked over to Pearla to calm her nerves. Pearla, on the other hand, was happily sniffing one particular flower. Y/n smiled as she plucked the flower and attached it to the puppy's collar.
"Thank you, thank you!!" Pearla spun in excitement.
"You're welcome, Pearla," Y/n said, smiling. The forest was completely silent, not the unsettling silence from before. This was peaceful.
Y/n knelt beside another flower; its petals were pale blue, almost silver at the edges. She held her crystal vial against her chest as she tried to find the bloom that "called" to her. When she noticed a slightly yellowed hue bloom by itself at the edge og the patch of flowers. Y/n reached toward the flower. The moment her fingers brushed the petalsâ the ground started to rumble. The light around the flowers had begun to flicker.
"That's not normal." Claude stood.
The glow dimmed. One flower after another began to close. The wind stopped as the leaves overhead became utterly still. Even the birds had gone silent.
"...Where did all the noise go?" Y/n slowly stood.
"I don't know." Theo looked toward the forest.
Y/n's crystal vial slipped slightly in her hand. ThenâDrip. A single drop of black ink fell onto the grass. The earth beneath it blackened as the inky puddle slowly grew, just reaching Y/n's shoes. And from the darkness beneath it...something began to rise. Slowly, a monster made of ink, with an inkwell head. Its long arms ended with pickaxe-like hands.
"whĂȘrĂȘ ï§ m„ §â ðñĂȘ?!" The monster growled wettly.Â
"What is that?" Y/n gasped in fear.
But Theo and Claude were also at a loss; not even they knew. The creature let out a horrible roar as it swung its heavy arms. Sending Y/n and Pearla flying and slamming into the closest trees. Pearla let out a pained whimper on impact.
Y/N! ÂĄPEarla!" Theo barely had time to raise his wand.
A black tendril shot forward. It wrapped around his chest and yanked him off his feet. Claude fired a spell, but another tendril caught him before he could finish the incantation. The Phantom dragged them both toward itself; Theo struggled desperately, his hands clawing at the black mass around his throat.Â
"Can'tâ" Claude's voice came out strangled.
His face was already turning pale. Y/n slowly came to as she forced herself to sit up to see the two boys slowly being asphyxiated. Her heart slammed against her ribs.
'Think.'Â She looked around.
The other students were nowhere nearby. The faculty were too far away, and she had no magic.
"They're going to die if I don't do something," Y/n mumbled in fear. She quickly turned to Pearla, who slowly got to her feet. "Pearla, run and tell the teachers what's happening!"
"But-" "You're the fastest; hurry," Y/n cut her off.
Pearla whimpered, not wanting to leave Y/n behind, but she did what was asked. Y/n quickly picked up the glowing vial and hid it in her fist.
"HEY! I GOT YOUR STONE!" Y/n shouted at the monster.
The Phantom's head turned, its grip loosened as Theo and Claude dropped heavily onto the grass. Y/n backed away as the Phantom stared at her, or at the shine in her hand.
"m„ §â ðñĂȘ!!" The monster roared.
"I didn't actually think that through." Y/n trembled.
The creature released a horrible, distorted shriek as Y/n screamed and ran.
Pearla spun around and raced down the trail. Her little paws tore through the underbrush as she followed the path they'd come from. Branches whipped past her face. She nearly slipped on the damp stones, caught herself, and kept going.
She had to warn them that she had to get help. Ahead, she heard voices.
"Pearla?"Â A group of first-years stepped into the clearing.
The little creature skidded to a stop in front of them, panting frantically.
"Pearla, weren't you with the group ahead of us?" the student asked.
Pearla spun around and barked. Go back! There's a monster!!"
She ran a few steps back toward the forest before turning around and barking at them. Then she sprinted back toward the trail.
"Wait!" The students followed.
Pearla didn't slow down. She tore through the Darkened Path, past the twisted trees and shadowed trails they'd crossed earlier. Every few seconds, she looked back to make sure they were still following. Then came the sound, a distant, earth-shaking BOOM.
Pearla stopped dead as her ears flattened, and the students stared toward the distant forest.
Pearla's eyes widened. She immediately turned and ran faster as the students followed.
By the time Pearla reached the faculty checkpoint, she was exhausted. Mr. Adélain noticed her first.
"Pearla?" Mr. Adélain wondered.
The little creature rushed toward him, barking and pawing frantically at his robes.
"Mr. Adélain! Mr. Adélain! HELP!" Pearla barked.
"It's alright. What happened? Where are Y/n and the others?" Mr. Adélain asked,
"A monster attacked! It was huge, with spiky hands, and made of black goop!" Pearla panicked.
Mr. Adélain gasped as he quickly recognized what that was. Mr. Adélain turned to Ambrose, who was listening in, and he too knew how much danger those students were in. He quickly turned to the other teachers and started delegating tasks. He finally turned to the crowds of students.
"Students, I had just been informed that the conditions of the forest have changed, and it is not safe to continue the Trail of Wishes. Dorm Leaders and faculty, please escort all students back to the ceremonial hall. Mr. Adélain, Professor Junbar, and I will take care of the situation," Ambrose ordered.
Worried murmurs spread through the crowd as teachers and Dorm heads gathered the first-years back into the safety of the school walls.Â
"I hope it's nothing too horrible," Neige said as he sat on the steps of the wishing well.
"I wonder what's happening in the forest?" Alistair wondered aloud.
"I'm sure whatever it is, the headmaster and professors will handle it," Nalo said simply.
But Alistair wasn't content with just waiting around, so he turned his attention to the wishing well.
"Hey, well of wishes, I wish to know what is happening in the forest. What is causing all this commotion?" Alistair whispered as he slowly dripped a potion into the swirling pools below.Â
"Alistair! What are you doing?!" Minajael gasped.
"I just wanna know what's going on," Alistair said simply as the water started to ripple and clear. It slowly started to show images.
She didn't know where she was going, only that she had to put distance between herself and the monster. Behind her came the sound of something enormous tearing through the forest. Branches snapped. Trees groaned. The ground shook beneath her feet as Y/n risked a glance over her shoulder. The Phantom was closing in fast.
She stumbled, caught herself, and kept running as a black tendril slammed into the ground beside her. Y/n shrieked and threw herself forward. The attack missed her face by inches. She didn't even bother looking back this time; she just ran until the forest opened into a wide field of tall grass. The stalks could reach above her head. Without hesitation, she dashed into the tall grass, and suddenly the thunderous stomps of the monster vanished. The Phantom had disappeared.
Y/n froze as something moved several yards away. She slowly turned. Nothing. Her breathing became shallow as she tried to move as silently as possible.
Closer this time. Y/n's eyes widened.
Nothing was there. Her hands began shaking; slowly, she sank lower to the ground.
Every stalk looked the same. Every movement could be the wind, or it could be the monster. Y/n covered her mouth, trying to keep herself from breathing too loudly. Her eyes filled with tears; she could tell this thing was taunting her.
Y/n quickly turned, only to be met with the monster's face just an inch away from hers. Y/n panicked and kicked the glass face as hard as she could. The monster recoiled in pain as a large crack formed on its surface. She ran blindly and dared not look back.
She burst out of the grass onto a rocky slope. There was nowhere to hide as Y/n looked around wildly. Then she saw it. A massive boulder resting above the clearing. It was partially wedged between the roots of an ancient tree and some rocks. Y/n stared at it when suddenly the Phantom emerged from the grass behind her. It began advancing, forcing her back toward the slope. Y/n looked at the boulder, then back at the Phantom. With nothing left to lose, Y/n quickly started climbing up the steep, rocky slope. The monster not far behind.
The monster swung and just missed Y/n's legs, rattling the slope. A few rocks came loose; the boulder trembled. Y/n grabbed the nearest rock and hammered away at the rocks, keeping the boulder in place. The monster climbed closer and closer while Y/n hammered desperately at the rocks. With one last strike, the rocks tumbled away, causing the boulder to loose it's support.
The boulder came roaring down the slope as Y/n managed to duck under it, leaving the Phantom to be met with the brunt force of the boulder. The monster roared as it was crushed under the weight with a powerful THUD.
Only black ink seeped from beneath the enormous stone.Y/n stared; her whole body was shaken. She dropped onto the ground and for several seconds, she simply sat there, breathing. Looking at her trembling hands and toward the crushed Phantom. As her body slowly started to relax, her eyes started to well up with tears. Tears of relief.
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