twst x genshin Colab when? (She/her) (20) just cruising fandoms and making my existence everyone's problem :D if ya somehow made your way to my blog and wanna see what I really love, or wanted to save, go to my hearts. recently started making fics of my own, so they're in my reblog area. but past that, don't question anything.
I'm a pretty new author, but I honestly love writing self aware au. So that's all my blog is at the moment haha! I don't have any plans to change that in the future, but I did realize I needed a masterlist for all you folks who might want one!
-Masterlist-
For the time being, thanks again for being on my blog. All the interactions are really motivating! I'll continue to work on these stories for as long as my motivation lasts!
Requests are closed! - Asks are open! (Read rules pls)
Imagine the self-aware AU except instead of the reader finding out through getting forcefully isekaied by the cast, they just get to talk to them through the home screen before that.
Like- they have their home screen open and are just talking to themself as if talking to the character they have set there. Suddenly, said character starts responding on his own directly to the player. After throwing their phone at the wall from the panic, they eventually calm down and actually listen to him. (bonus points if he reveals that he's been able to hear everything they've said to him for a long time and it took a lot of restraint to not respond). This somehow evolves into the reader and the character actively talking to eachother through the screen.
Something something the reader becomes even more attached to him because now they can actually talk to him for real and not have to just imagine interacting with him. Maybe he was already their comfort character but now he's their comfort person.
Then they (inevidably) get isekai-ed to TWST. After mentally adjusting to the whole actually dying for a hot sec, they then realize where they are. They realize who they can finally meet in person.
Something something they then finally get to meet their favorite character face to face. After some talking they get a bit emotional and ask if they can hug him or something because they've wanted to do that with him since forever. I imagine them being like really hesitant and nervous to ask because they don't want to do anything that'll make him uncomfortable.
They eventually hug. Happy tears ensue :]
(God I am so unhealthy for this stupid game and these stupid characters it's insane)
(This with Riddle, Azul, and whoever else you wanna add if anyone at all.)
(Feel free to ignore lol)
Hope you're doing well and have a good rest of your day :]
The Conversations Shared
~request~
[hey guys, author here! Firstly, I must warn y'all that I fear I lingered too much on the death part of the isekai??? Long story short, take this as a warning against writing while listening to the sad playlist unless you're going for angst haha. But other than that, it was very fun to write! And I hope y'all can enjoy it :D I for one am pretty proud of it. At least... I think so? I wrote most of it at night, so I think it was alright? Lolol. In any case, remember to drink some water and get some rest, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day/night!]
Your day began like any other. You got up, went about your day, and just lived like normal person would. That is to say, it began exactly like the kind of day you would forget by tomorrow. That's certainly not how it turned out however.
You were just relaxing in your room, almost ready to head to bed for the day. But first you opened twisted wonderland, planning to use up your LP and then head to bed. ...well, and maybe see your homescreen character too!
Riddle Rosehearts, a particular favorite of yours, and the character standing in front of you on your homescreen. You've just finished using up the LP, but you don't want to head to bed quite yet.
Instead you lie back, relaxing onto the bed. Your voice quiet as you start to talk. It's mostly for yourself, but it's fun to pretend you're talking to him. You tap his head and hear a premade voiceline before speaking.
"Good evening Riddle, good to see you. ...my day went pretty well, maybe not the best, but definitely not the worst. ...I wonder how your day went..."
Riddle: "my day has been well also, although I had to deal with a certain leech earlier... but it's much better now that I'm talking to you- HUH?!"
When he starts speaking, you take the briefest moment to realize what he's doing, before absolutely throwing the device away from you and towards the wall, moving away from it slowly. WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT!?!
IS YOUR GAME POSSESSED??? HACKED MAYBE???? Geez- what even was that!? One second he was saying a pre-recorded voiceline, his sprite stiff and like it always is. The next he's replying to you like it's normal (IN YOUR OWN LANGUAGE NO LESS-) and moving like an actual person! Smoothly and a little awkward, like you would expect from someone nervous but excited.
You peer over the side of your bed, looking at the device for anything that could explain it. The screen is facing down, and the back looks like normal, except now you can hear a slightly muffled voice that's still coming from it-
Riddle: "hello? Are you there still??? I apologize for frightening you! ...did you really leave...?"
Taking a breath, you move closer, poking the back of it. Then you flip it over, and see a very worried Riddle, who lets out a sigh of relief upon seeing you. You hesitantly pick it up, sitting back down on your bed as you ask him a question.
"How... How are you doing this?"
Riddle: "oh! That's right, I never did explain, did I? That definitely gave you quite a fright! Again, I must apologize for that..."
"That didn't answer my question."
Riddle: "yes... Well, it's rather hard to explain, but I can try. Where to start... I suppose the beginning is the best place to. Do you remember back when you first 'downloaded' twisted wonderland?"
"Yes, sort of?"
Riddle: "well, I remember it clearly. Back when 'Yuu' stepped out of that coffin during orientation. ...and the first time we met you. You were the one behind Yuu's eyes, and your voice was theirs. Although back then it was just a whisper, and we couldn't make out your real face. It was odd, like you were only ever partially there. That was... Until I overblotted..."
"What... Happened?"
Riddle: "that day was the first time I truly saw you, I'm still unsure why. But since then... I've seen you interact with the others, and myself. Quite a few of them must've noticed you're there as well, but... Hehe, I'm quite the lucky one! I get to see you more than any of the others here on your 'homescreen'. It's been an absolute privilege..."
"So you've just been watching me for the past... How long has that been now???"
Riddle: "well when you put it like that it sounds bad... But I swear I had no bad intentions! Besides, I didn't know at first that I could trust you. You must admit this would've been a weird situation to live through."
"Fair enough, I guess? But then... Why speak up now? Why today of all days?"
Riddle: "why? Is something wrong with today?"
"No, it's just a normal day, y'know? I guess I'm just confused what made you decide today was the day to reveal you're self aware. Why not some big occasion?"
Riddle: "...well I WAS planning on a big occasion, but... I'll admit it was difficult holding my tongue as you talked to me, pretending to be 'just a character', when I wanted nothing more than to speak with you. So when you asked about my day, I suppose it just slipped out. My apologies..."
"I just- this is a lot to take in. So you've heard Everything I've said to you?"
Riddle: "as long as you said it to my face, or while I was nearby to whoever you were talking to, then yes!"
"Ah."
Riddle: "haha, don't worry, your secrets are safe with me~ I don't know if I can say the same for the others though..."
"I... Y'know what? I'm just gonna move on. ...to be honest, I don't know what to really talk about with you, this is just so surreal."
Riddle: "well, you were talking about your day earlier. Why don't you tell me more about it? I'm rather curious what you get up to while you're not connected to my world!"
"Are you sure? It's not that interesting..."
Riddle: "I'm certain! That is, if you don't mind sharing...?"
"I don't mind, it's just- oh, well alright then. But then... I wanna hear about your day too!"
Riddle: "haha, of course!"
"Okay, it went like this..."
The conversation draws on, to the point you forget the strange circumstances and just chat the night away with Riddle. ...eventually you both realize the time as the sun's rays peak through your window.
Riddle: "oh my, look at the time! Since when did that much time pass?! Goodness gracious, this is far past time I should've been asleep, and you too for that matter! ...well, I don't regret talking to YOU for this long, but... Perhaps we should chat again later?"
"Oh gosh yeah, I have things I need to do today! Maybe I can take a nap or something? ...but you're right, I don't regret spending the time talking to you haha. So, do you promise we'll talk again later?"
Riddle: "I promise! I'll see you the next time you log in. ...well, as long as I don't have classes or club activities at the same time. But I would love to talk to you more!"
"Same, it's been really nice talking with you like this Riddle. I'll see you later, goodbye!"
Riddle: "yes, I'll see you soon then! Farewell!"
With that, you turn off the device, then lie back. You stare at the ceiling for a good while, unable to catch any sleep for any of what little time is left of the night. Your head swirling with the encounter you had with Riddle. You're still confused by it, but you can't say you're not at least a little excited for what can come of this. After all, it's not everyday you get to talk to one of your favorite characters!
You suppose today turned out to be interesting after all!
...
After that day, your conversations became more frequent. During your free time you would log into twst, just to chat with Riddle a bit more. To say this situation has made you even more attached to him than before would be the understatement of the century. Maybe this is just what happens when your comfort character suddenly becomes a real person to you...
While this was odd at first, and still sort of is, you've grown used to it. And you can't imagine life any other way now. He's become a part of your daily life in a way that you wouldn't change for the world. ...well you suppose there's one thing you would change.
It's been wonderful talking to him so often, but... You wish you could meet him in person, and just hold him close. Maybe that's an impossible dream, but still you wish it could be possible. And... You think Riddle would want that as well. At least, you're pretty sure...
...
Riddle watches as your screen disappears yet again, a small sigh escapes from him unnoticed. His hand reaching out to where the screen was just a moment ago. He knows you have to leave and go live your life out there, and that you'll be back soon, but it doesn't make the goodbyes any easier for him.
He's not ashamed to admit it, his affections for you have grown to something he can't understand anymore. It used to be merely a crush he had on someone he only knew as an outside observer. Now you're so deeply intertwined with his life, he can't imagine life without you.
...that's not to say he's perfectly content. He knows it's selfish to wish you would be in his world with him. Still, that doesn't stop his dreams of you both holding each other close. It's all he can do to pretend those feelings aren't so strong they're painful, tearing at his chest as you leave again. It wouldn't be fair to you...
...
The sun was low in the sky as you decided to walk home, the shadows hanging about corners in odd ways. The sort of twilight that has both a beauty and an unease to it. ...but you didn't catch much of it. Your evening ended up ending prematurely...
You promised Riddle you would talk to him once you got home. The funny thing is, maybe if not for him, you would've made it back home that night. Distracted thinking about the conversation you would have later, you missed the... Well you don't quite know what came up behind you as you were crossing the crosswalk. You might've heard a horse loudly squealing after being driven into a frenzy, or maybe that was just tires coming to a screeching halt a little too late.
Either way, it didn't matter. The end result was the same, with your head against the ground, and your vision fading to black. ...you didn't know what to think as you opened your eyes and your vision stayed dark. You tried to reach out and feel for anything that may be there, and surprisingly, there was something. Right in front of you in fact. A... Wall?
You try to push at the wall, and it barely budges. But it does move a little, emboldening you to hit it harder, before shoving it with all of your might. Finally the wall budges, and you fall with it onto the floor. ...the floor of a very familiar room. Looking back confirms your immediate suspicions.
This is the mirror chamber, and you're in twisted wonderland... And you just... Died... You just died! Something came at you, and that was the end, but now it's not?! None the isekai's said just how disorienting the actual process of death was, instead focusing on adjusting to the new world itself. You can't just... Move on from that, not in a moment.
You sit there for what could've been minutes, could've been hours, and you wouldn't have noticed the difference. Your breath shakey as you just stay there alone for goodness knows how long. ...you haven't completely calmed down even after you get yourself to stand up, but you finally manage to stabilize your breathing once you do.
Looking around the mirror chamber, you realize a second thing. Yes you're in twst, but you're also in the same world as Riddle. As you think that, your body starts to move without thinking, rushing out of the mirror chamber and barely navigating the maze of a school building before you find your way out.
You keep moving forward, subconsciously following the students walking in groups towards the mirror chamber that you know will lead you to him. And eventually you reach the building, with only a few odd looks from the students, not that you care right now.
You just want to meet him, that's what you've wanted for so long. Even with everything that's happened so quickly, you're certain things can get better if you can just meet him. That's what you think as you walk through the mirror into Heartslabyul, entering the building with no resistance.
Inside you see several students that turn to look at you, among them stands Trey and Cater who were just chatting with each other before turning and looking at you with shock. Trey is stuck in place for a moment and Cater walks over, looking at you like he can't believe you're really there.
Cater: "uhh, hi? How the heck are you here???"
"...hi. I don't know. Can you please bring me to Riddle?"
Cater: "sure???"
"Thanks."
Cater shoots a look over to Trey, one you can't quite discern. Before he walks with you through the dorm that you definitely wouldn't have been able to navigate on your own, eventually stopping at a door and turning to you. The walk was quiet, but he clearly has his questions. ...you aren't in the right state of mind to answer a bunch of questions though.
Cater: "are you feeling okay? You seem kinda out of it..."
"...I don't know... But, thanks. I'm good from here."
Cater looks at you for a moment before nodding, deciding against prying any further. Besides, he knows Riddle was always closer to you than he was, especially since you started your talks. So it would be best for you to see him.
As Cater walks away, you turn to the door. You didn't hesitate before, but now that you're at the door, you're frozen for a moment. Gripped with a sudden thought as to whether or not he would even want to meet you now. ...your indecision doesn't last long however, as you knock on the door. To no reply?
Gently opening the door, you see Riddle pacing back and forth, muttering to himself, his voice and demeanor radiating anxiety the likes of which you haven't seen on him before. You can barely make out his words.
Riddle: "...why aren't they back yet, they haven't been tardy to any of our talks before, are they okay? What if something happened? I wish I was there... Then my mind would finally be at ease..."
"...Riddle?"
Riddle freezes in his tracks, slowly turning to look at you. You can swear he forgot to breath for a moment as he saw you standing there. He steps closer, then reaches out to hold your face in his hand, as though testing if you're really there.
Riddle: "you're... Here. How?"
"I'll... Tell you later. It's a lot. I just- it's so good to see you!"
Riddle: "it's really you... I didn't think the day would come. ...I was worried when you didn't show up, and- and... I'm so happy I finally get to see you!"
You can see tears form in his eyes, and unbeknownst to you, tears have begun rolling down your own face as well. Stepping closer, you feel a little hesitant to ask, nervous as to whether or not you should ask something like this. But eventually you work up the nerve and say-
"...may I, hug you?"
Riddle looks you at you for a moment, before nodding. Immediately moving to hold you close, as you follow suit. Albiet surpised as how quickly he took up your offer.
Riddle: "...I've wanted to do this for so long... Thank you..."
The moment persists for a long time, and all of it perfect. ...yes, it will likely take awhile to really get used to this, but for now... This is enough. And in this moment, you're certain life will be alright so long as you can stay by Riddle. ...and Riddle feels the same.
Your head hit your pillow as you yawned, today was pretty good all things considered. By that you mean nothing really bad happened, and you didn't have to deal with much other than what you were planning to do today. It's just the sort of day that'll blend in with the rest of the week. And that's absolutely fine with you.
You just wanna lie back and relax, playing your game Twisted Wonderland as you procrastinate heading to bed a little bit. At least until up in the use up the LP. ...and then chat with your homescreen character a bit. LOOK, WHO WOULD BLAME YOU?! YOUR HOMESCREEN CHARACTER IS AMAZING!
Azul Ashengrotto, AKA the very essence of every used car salesman ever. And one of your favorite characters! You pat his head on the sprite, your voice quiet as you speak words that are mostly for yourself, even if you're technically saying them to Azul. It's just fun to pretend sometimes, y'know?
"Good evening Azul, how's it been going? I've been doing pretty good. At least, nothing big has happened, and that's good."
Azul: "ah, I'm glad your day has been well! My own has been nothing if not fulfilling, after all I finally managed to get an IOU from- WAIT-!"
Your device went sailing through the air, directly at the wall farthest from you landing with a dull thud before falling to the ground. It Might have been an overreaction, but to be completely fair, THE VIDEO GAME CHARACTER TALKED! THAT'S NOT MEANT TO HAPPEN!
Is your game possessed??? Did someone hack into it and add... This??? This has voice acting! And Azul moved far more fluidly than before. Like he was actually standing there, reacting and responding to you. Everything about him was faux confidence and barely concealed nervousness. Well, this definitely isn't hacked at least... But then what IS it!?
Grabbing your pillow you stand up, poking the back of the device. And... Nothing happened, it just looks normal, nothing happened to your pillow, it's still just there like it would be if you'd simply thrown it without this insanity happening beforehand.
Well, not quite. You can make out Azul's (now muffled) voice still coming from it. He sounds more nervous now, but now in a bargaining sort of way.
Azul: "I swear I mean you no harm! Just come back and I'll prove it! I... I don't know how exactly I will, but I will! And- oh goodness they've likely left already, ran to fetch someone because of this stupid whim of yours... Who knows what they'll do now! Why did I speak up now!? I had a plan, and I ruine-"
During his rambling, you work up the courage to pick up the device. Azul pauses mid-word as he stares at you for a moment. Then a charismatic smile comes to his face, and he's right back into business mode.
Azul: "ah, you have my gratitude. Now I know this must be very confusing, it was for me haha-"
"You said you could prove you meant me no harm, how?"
Azul: "well that's simple enough, allow me to put your fears to rest! How about this, you may ask me any three questions you so desire, and I swear to answer them truthfully to the best of my ability. Hm? But of course mutual trust is appreciated, so let's say in exchange I get to ask you only one question in return~ Doesn't that sound more than fair?"
"How do I know you will keep your word? I know you enough to know you might not actually say the truth."
Azul: "ah you pain me! ...but I suppose the usual spiel won't work on you, would it? How about this then. Since you can't trust my words to be the truth, then you don't have to answer honestly for my question. Does that sound fair to you?"
"...alright. first question then, how are you doing this? Talking and responding to me like you're really there."
Azul: "well that's because I am really here~ in a way at least. I'm in my world, and you're in yours, but with that screen connecting us, there should be no problem with our communication!"
"And why did you choose to talk to me at all?"
Azul: "hm... That's a rather loaded question, so I suppose it would be best to start from the beginning. Otherwise it would make no sense at all. It all began that first day you commented to our world, back during orientation."
"...back when I downloaded twst..."
Azul: "precisely! Back then, you were quite the enigma you know~ hidden behind "Yuu's" eyes. Why, even I barely noticed your presence at first! Although looking back, it should have been obvious... Ah well, hindsight is 20/20 I suppose."
He sighs, shaking his head in a show of regret, but he's clearly playing it up for your benefit. Looking up at you to gauge your reaction before he continues.
Azul: "ahem- well, that all changed the day of my overblot. I'm not sure what exactly changed, but one of my clearest memories from that frightening day, was finally seeing you from just behind the prefect. And hearing your voice while I was stuck in that state. After that day... I started seeing you much more often. Being on your 'homescreen' and everything, I was one of the first to see you everytime you connected to our world!"
"So... You've just been self aware this whole time and never mentioned it...? Why today then?"
Azul: "that's... A very good question actually. To be honest, I have no clue. I had a plan to wait for some big event, and give you a few hints here and there so this wouldn't come as such a shock to you. But everytime you talk to me here on the homescreen... It's been difficult keeping my composure when I just wanted to respond to you right away."
He looks away, almost embarrassed by his confession, before turning back to you as he goes back into 'business' mode.
Azul: "you can't blame me for not speaking to you at first though! After all, would you be able to retain your composure if you suddenly found out there's been someone watching you from another world, thinking your world was just a game and you a character? All things considered, I think I handled this remarkably well."
"What changed?"
Azul: "ah, I'm afraid that was three questions already. I can answer more of yours later, but first, I believe I'm owed a question, am I not?"
"Oh right... Fair enough, what's your question?"
Azul: "well, as you can see I'm stuck in my world. Believe me I've searched for ways to enter yours but there's hardly any mention of 'another world' much less a way to get there. All that to say I have no means of seeing anything of your life outside what I can glean from what you'll say to me on occasion, and context clues. So... Why don't you tell me a bit more about yourself?"
"That's it?"
Azul: "that's it! After all, isn't it natural for me to want to learn more about someone as Interesting as you?"
"...okay the way you're putting that is a little concerning."
Azul: "I meant it with nothing but respect of course! Don't you trust me?"
"Not in the slightest"
Azul: "bad question. Buuuut, remember if you really don't wish to share information about your life outside of the time you spend here, you're free to be dishonest about it! ...although I ask you keep in mind the fact that I used nothing but honest while answering your questions..."
"...ah, sure. Besides, I've gotta admit it's pretty cool to actually talk to you, wouldn't wanna mess it up now haha."
Azul: "it's lovely to talk to you as well, I assure you!"
"Alright alright, now where to start..."
The conversation continues deep into the night, until you forget the fact you're talking to a 'character' and just talk to him like a person. It's odd, but you begin to really enjoy the conversation. As does Azul. ...so much so, that neither of your notice the time.
Until you find spot light peeking into your room through your window, and you look up to discover the dawn breaking. Reminding you that you have things you needed to do today, and now you're gonna be doing them on basically no sleep! ...you don't regret talking to Azul for so long, but this is definitely gonna be a long day.
"Oh gosh, Azul...?"
Azul: "yes, what is it?"
You turn the device to your window, and Azul reels back in shock. Quickly turning to his own clock to check the time.
Azul: "wait a moment- when did that much time pass!? Goodness gracious I have so many things to do today and... Well, not that I'm upset I spoke to you so long. But I don't think I even have time for a nap now... Hm, how about we cut this conversation off here?"
"Will we talk again later?"
Azul: "of course, just 'log in' and I'll be here waiting. ...well likely? I may be busy with club activities or class, or my duties running the lounge. But I'll try and make time whenever you have time. How does that sound?"
"That sounds great! Talk to you later then Azul! Goodbye!"
Azul: "I can't wait~ farewell!"
You smile at him before hitting the off button, then you lie back with a sigh. That was possibly the strangest thing that's ever happened to you, but it felt so normal and nice as you were talking to him. Like it was natural. ...you can't wait to talk to him again later...
Maybe today wasn't a very normal day, but you don't think you want to go back to normal anymore. And you can't wait to see where this goes!
...
Since that day, you and Azul have started talking to each other on an pretty regular schedule. At least once a day excluding any emergencies. And it's been... Wonderful really. You've loved chatting with him and getting to know him as more than just a character.
Maybe this is just how it feels when a comfort character becomes a real person, but it's been perfect. Honestly you wouldn't trade this for the world, getting to talk to Azul like this. ...well there's one thing you would trade it for.
As nice as it's been talking to him, sometimes you wish you could meet him face to face. Be there in person and just hold him tight. Convince yourself fully that he's there, and that all of this has been real. ...not that you really doubt it, but that doesn't stop you wishing you were there with him.
...
And Azul holds that same sentiment. Even if he hasn't admitted it to you... Or himself, yet. It's only in those quiet moments that he finds his mind drifting off into a wonderful daydream of you by his side, his hand holding yours tightly so you can't disappear.
Then he would pull you closer, and hold you tight. Then he would say everything he's been unable to so far, and- he shakes his head, a blush over his cheeks as he tries to will those thoughts down. Thoughts of a sweet life with you, in a world where you're together at last.
Even he couldn't make that possible, especially not if you didn't want it. So it's better not to linger on such thought and just cherish this time. ...because he knows it could all be over if you ever decided you were bored, and never showed up again. It's better to just focus on the present and maintaining this, rather than trying to be too ambitious all and once and lose what he has now. ...yes, that's for the best.
...
You were chatting idly with Azul as you walked down the street, you had promised to talk with him until you got home because you had something to do later. ...maybe if you hadn't talked with Azul that day, things could've been different.
As dusk slowly faded from the sky, and stars starting shining faintly. You got to the crosswalk. You can swear you looked around, but maybe you were distracted with some joke Azul told, or maybe you just got unlucky.
You there was a screeching squealing sound from behind you, it was difficult to discern whether it was a horse driven past its limit and wild,
You don't remember what you were talking about as a sharp force hit your back and knocked you to the ground roughly. Barely able to open your eyes, you see the screen cracked and flickering as Azul tries to hit it, break it, somehow reach you and save you from the inevitable. As a hopeless despair settles into his face as he realizes he can't do a thing to help you.
Azul's screams fade into a wooshing of blood in your ears, before everything else fades with it. All your senses going numb, as you're faced with a quiet senseless place.
...well, that's what you thought at first, before you realized you were standing on hard ground. Reaching out, you feel a plush-ish wall in front of you. Pushing it a little, it barely budges an inch. But it moves a little, and that's enough.
Hitting the wall, it moves a bit more. Eventually you shove it with all your force, and it falls down with you on top of it. As you look around, you recognize the room as the familiar location of the Mirror Chamber. And you slowly feel you heart beat faster, a sinking feeling of dread clutching your chest as you understand what's happened.
You died. Plain and simple. Something came at you a bit too fast, or your head hit the ground too hard, and you just died. It feels painfully simple, like it's too straightforward of a explaination, like it couldn't just be that! But it was, and now you're... Here.
Isekai's don't usually focus on dying, the characters get over it quickly as though it was just their way of making the trip to wherever they end up. But you need a moment. You need some time to breath, and to think, and even to cry. Because you know you've lost something, an entire world, your home. All those emotions feel like they're crushing you. And in this moment... You let them.
You don't know how long it took to stand up, to force yourself into thinking again rather than just the numb pain, but you do it eventually. And you look around again. Maybe before you recognized the Mirror Chamber, but you suddenly know what it means. You're in the same world as him...
You move quickly, rushing through the different hallways so fast that your thoughts can't keep up with you. It's difficult to navigate this school, but eventually you reach the main doors. Pushing them open onto the school grounds. You waste no time admiring this place, your thoughts fully focused on finding Azul.
It could've been difficult finding the hall of mirrors, but you got lucky as student were walking there after clubs. You were able to just follow them to the building. ...sure you got some odd looks, but thankfully no one outright stopped you.
Stepping through the Octavinelle mirror, you're forced to pause for a moment as you descend through the water into the dorm. Giving you a moment to breath, and finally let some of the tension go as you look at the ultimately very beautiful surroundings.
Until you finally land in the Octavinelle dorm itself, right with the rush of students coming to eat at the mostro lounge. ...you stuck out quite a bit, mostly because of your lack of uniform. Since you have nondies where to go, you just stand there, as students start to gather around you and whisper amongst themselves.
Before two students who you actually recognize walk up, and the crowd disperses at their presence. Jade and Floyd Leech. Who both look at you like you've got two heads. Then a terrifying smile appears on their faces.
Jade: "I'm certain of it, Floyd. Heh, I think I see the perfect opportunity to pay back that nasty little IOU Azul pinned me with~"
Floyd: "aw, can't we hang out with 'em a little bit before ya bring them to Azul?
Jade: "I'm afraid not, I'm sure you heard the... State Azul was in?"
Floyd: "hehe, yup! Ehhh, alright then, but I call dibs on hanging out with them first after Azul!"
Jade: "hm... We'll see."
He steps forward and offers your his hand, his smile still stuck in place.
Jade: "please come with me, I'll take you to Azul's room."
"Oh- thank you?"
Jade: "you're very welcome~"
You both walk along the cool toned rooms and hallways, and you start to hear an odd crashing coming from somewhere in front of you. You turn to Jade for an explanation, but all you see is that same smile of his. Though it does seem a little off everytime something else crashes.
He stops outside the door where the sounds are coming from, gesturing to it calmly.
Jade: "...good luck."
Turning to the door, you take a moment to compose yourself before stepping in, only to gasp as you see the state of the room. Things are thrown this way and that, a large cauldron sits in the middle as Azul runs about frantically, knocking over more items as he grabs ingredients. Trying to make something, and he keeps talking to himself.
Azul: "I have to get to their world, I have to save them...! Maybe this potion, or this one! Or I just need to mix these together- then I'll be there, and they'll be okay, and I won't have failed them-"
"...Azul?"
Azul: "damnit! Maybe the heat was off?! Why why why couldn't I have noticed it sooner! Just warned them a few seconds earlier! ...maybe this ingredient as well?"
"Azul!"
Azul: "huh!?"
He turns to you, his eyes wild as tears stream down his face unnoticed. Then he freezes, his breath catching in his throat as he stares at you. He reaches out, his hand cupping your face.
Azul: "but I saw you... You... Are you really here?"
"Yeah... It's nice to see you Azul..."
Azul: "it- I'm so glad you're alright- I... I'm sorry I wasn't there, I should've been there I-"
"Azul? That... That doesn't matter right now, I just wanna be with you right now, please?"
Azul doesn't say anything more, and just nods. Then after a moment he manages to calm himself enough to remember the state he's in. So he grabs his handkerchief, trying to fix his appearance for your first meeting in person. Though one of his hands is still holding yours, as though convincing himself you're still there and okay.
Azul: "I... I always imagined we would meet under nicer circumstances. My apologies for the state you saw me in..."
"It's alright. ...you should've seen me just a bit ago haha."
Azul: "hahh... Well, in any case. It's nice to finally see you in person?"
"Yeah, it's good to see you Azul."
There's a beat of silence before you turn to him. You wonder if now is a good time to ask, but you really do want to ask him this. ...even if it's a little embarrassing to ask. Still, when you look at him right now, you want nothing more than to hold him close. So you finally muster up the courage and-
"May I... Give you a hug?"
Azul: "what!? Ahem- I mean, that's alright, I suppose."
He turns away and you almost miss his blush, were it not for the color even reaching his ears. So you wrap your arms around him, and he eventually does the same to you. And you can feel his hands gripping your clothes tightly, not wanting to let you go. You don't want to let him go either.
Yes, so much has happened. But for right now, in this moment, everything is alright. And maybe that's all that matters for now. ...yes, you're certain your life here will be alright as long as you have Azul. And Azul feels the exact same.
[hey guys, author here! I don't have much else to say about this fic other than what I said in the first part, but I hope y'all can enjoy the story! And hey, this is a learning thingy for me, since I didn't realize Tumblr had a block limit??? Welp, hopefully that won't be an issue in the future lolol. Btw, the request is in the first part, so you'll have to check it out for the context haha. Sorry! Just a little too long to add here lolol. In any case, remember to drink some water and get some rest, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!]
Safe to say this wasn't how you expected your day to go. You were just playing twisted wonderland, when the screen suddenly shattered and you passed out. Next thing you knew, you were standing in a building so familiar yet completely and utterly impossible!
Is this really the Scarabia dorm lounge!? It can't be... But, it's the only thing it could be. Are you in twst!?!? HOW??? ...such questions would go unanswered, as you heard footsteps walking towards the lounge.
Around a corner walks Kalim al-Asim himself, your homescreen character and one of your favorites! He's with another student that you don't recognize, nor do you care. Because yeah this might be a completely disorienting situation, getting thrown into a new world without warning. But Kalim is so sweet, he would probably help you in a second!
Plus it would be a lie to say you never wanted to be friends with him. And who else could say they had the chance to meet one of their favorite characters IRL? Possibly no one! And who are you to pass up a chance like this? It's simply- wait where did you go?
...really!? Get out from behind that pillar! This is your chance to meet Kalim! What are you possibly worried about? This is Kalim we're talking about here, he wouldn't hate you! Well... Probably? ...hm, he could find it suspicious that a random person that isn't a NRC student is suddenly in the lounge...
Oh, he might even think you're an assassin! Or someone sent to kidnap him! And there's a good chance Jamil is somewhere around, so even if Kalim doesn't assume you're someone with bad intentions, Jamil would know you're not a student of Scarabia right away! You can't stand the thought of Kalim thinking you're someone here to hurt him!
That was close. Besides... Why should someone like you get to hang out with Kalim? He's so wonderful, and you're basically no one. It just doesn't work. Better to avoid it altogether, no sense complicating this situation further...
OH RIGHT- the whole 'situation', aka being thrown into a whole new world! Even if you can't get help from Kalim, you'll still need some help to figure out how to blend in here! Now that Kalim has walked out of the room, you calm your breath and try to get a better hold on the situation. You glance out from the pillar and see that there's no one near the doors.
Stepping out from behind the pillar you-
ScaraB: "huh? Oh, hey."
"!?!"
Sitting against the pillar and holding a book is that Scarabia student, you never even thought about looking below you when you were checking the room for Kalim! You jump back in surpise, as he looks at you with a confused expression. Oh goodness he must think you're so weird and- wait is that who you think it is???
It's Scarabia student B! A favorite NPC within the fandom... And just perfect for your issue! Talking to Kalim, or really any playable character is out of the question. But any random NPC could be difficult knowing the nature of NRC students. So he's the perfect mix of both knowing him enough, but not too much that you'd care if he disliked you!
Stepping forward, you put on your best friendly smile as you desperately try to come up with a reasonable explanation for you being here.
"Ahhhh... Hello? Good you see you!"
ScaraB: "I've literally never seen you before."
"That's cause... I'm from a different school! The headmage just approved my transfer, and this is actually my first day here!"
ScaraB: "a new transfer student? That's weird, I thought our housewarden was the only one."
"I guess the headmage is just a little more lenient on it now?"
ScaraB looks at you with disbelief, before shaking his head and turning back to the book in his lap. A disinterested expression on his face as he shrugs.
ScaraB: "...okay honestly I don't care, there's a big test coming up, and I need to study. Just don't make a mess or anything."
"Oh- uh... Yeah. Okay then?"
ScaraB: "good."
"...want help studying for your test?"
Well that got his attention, he looks up at you again before finally standing up. Looking you square in the eyes as he tries to figure out what you're up to.
ScaraB: "what for?"
"Y'know, I'm new around here, don't really know my way around the school. If I help you, you'll help me?"
ScaraB: "...sounds like too much of a hassle."
He's about to sit down again when-
"I'll help you study for the rest of the tests for the year!"
ScaraB: "huh???"
You have no idea why you said that, you don't even know the curriculum! Of course you can try to fake it till you make it, but that wouldn't work over such a large scale! Oh this'll take a lot of cram learning to catch up with everyone here... Still...
ScaraB: "well, I mean if you'll really follow through on that, then fine. Just don't try to snake your way out of this deal though."
"Oh, yeah! Okay then, thanks!"
ScaraB: "hah, well then, what do you know about the merfolk history during the reign of the great king of the seas?"
"A bit?"
ScaraB: "here, just take notes from this, anything that sounds like it'll be on the test. Give me the notes later, got it?"
"Sure!"
ScaraB: "great, then that's my evening free. ...well, free to give you a tour or whatever... Geez, I have no idea why I agreed to this."
"Other than me helping you with your tests for the rest of the year?"
ScaraB: "mhm."
You sigh, but still you appreciate the help. You'll need to know your way around if you're going to blend in. And this is probably the best way to do it. Yes it'll require you to learn a whole new curriculum, but you were probably going to need to do that anyway, so it's really two birds with one stone.
And it turned out to be a very good idea! Yes there was a pretty steep learning curve, catching up on years of a curriculum you weren't meant to already know. But with ScaraB there to help explain some of the more difficult things, it went surprisingly smoothly! Plus you two have formed a sort of friendship over this time, at least you think so.
You and him used to just hang out in Scarabia after school to study, but now you'll hang out and play games or just chat about your day. You really appreciate having someone to talk to on days where everything just feels a little too much for you, even if he doesn't understand your whole situation, he still tries to help in his own way.
...and of course that way is almost always just sitting you both down and listening to what's wrong, he'll usually get some of your favorite snack as well to try and help. He won't offer advice unless specifically asked for, but he will sometimes offer to help get rid of whatever problem you have. ...you aren't sure what he does exactly, but you do know that whenever a student bothers you, they never do it again???
As such, your friendship was actually really lovely! And made your life here in twisted wonderland perfect! ...okay, almost perfect. There was one reoccurring issue that you just couldn't deal with no matter what.
You absolutely couldn't get away from Kalim! He was everywhere! Just in your classroom with ScaraB? He's walking in and saying that Crowley let him transfer to that class! At lunch with so many open seats? He's going to sit right across from you and ScaraB, trying to make conversation!
Of course Kalim is usually outgoing, but even ScaraB can tell something is off. Especially when you always get up and walk away ASAP when Kalim tries to start a conversation with you. He's asked you about it, but how could to explain this sort of thing? ...it's impossible.
This was one such situation.
You were just hanging out with ScaraB in the Scarabia kitchen, he was making you both something for dinner, trying to test out a recipe he'd just learned from the culinary crucible. When Kalim walked in, all smiles as he walked over to you both, waving.
Kalim: "hey, it's good to see you haha!"
ScaraB: "uh, yeah, good to see you housewarden."
You nod, realizing it'll be difficult to leave the room with Kalim near the door. At least without making a scene of it.
Kalim: "ohh, what are you making?"
ScaraB: "just some soup, learned the recipe this afternoon, so I wanted to practice it."
Kalim: "that sounds great! Oh and that reminds me, we should have soup for the party tonight! Ah wait, do you like soup too?"
He turns to you, clearly expecting a reply, so you just nod again. Your voice quiet.
"Uh, yeah... It's alright."
Kalim: "then you should definitely come to the party tonight! Wait, what kind of soup do you like?"
"...actually I just forgot, I have to go do a thing, right now, and... Later!"
You run out of the room, leaving ScaraB confused, and now without a taste tester. Probably for the best seeing as the soup was coming along questionable at best, but still. It left Kalim with a rather downcast expression, something ScaraB picked up on quickly. And he was slowly putting some pieces together in his head.
...
Kalim didn't know what to do, he thought he did everything right, but he must've made a mistake at some point. Why else would you avoid him after you used to say he was one of your faves?
He remembers those days clearly. Back when it was all just a game to you, both his world, and him. Though you seemed to care about him as more than just a game character. So what happened??? He would love to be your friend just like you wanted! But now that you're in his world somehow, he can't even talk to you!
It almost feels more helpless than it was with the screen in the way... But he's gotta stay positive! He's sure you'll come to this party, and then you can have a good talk and he'll be able to fix whatever he did! ...otherwise, well, he'll just keep trying again and again. He can't give up! Not when it comes to you!
Haha, eventually he's sure you'll both be able to look back on this time and laugh! Of course he wishes that time would come sooner, but he's certain it'll happen eventually! He's just gotta keep believing, and be persistent!
Yeah... Yeah he's certain it will. At least, he hopes so.
...
ScaraB watches it all with a thoughtful look, before shaking his head and sighing. This is simply pitiful to watch. You two clearly don't hate each other, even if you try to avoid Kalim. He's unsure exactly why you avoid him, but he has his theories. Still, he wishes this would stop already.
He's seen that look in your eyes when you see Kalim, and how you react when he's hanging out with others. You clearly wish you were in their place, hanging out with him like that. Why, it's as though you want to be friends with him, yet you keep holding yourself back for whatever reason.
Maybe you're intimidated by the Asim family's wealth? Or maybe you think Kalim is like one of those prideful heirs that wouldn't want to associate with you??? Well, that couldn't be it, you've definitely seen him hanging out with people in a similar station as you. So... What's even the problem?
In any case, it's been getting quite frustrating to watch this back and forth with zero progress. Yet he doesn't know what to- ah! That just might work...
ScaraB: "excuse me, housewarden?"
Kalim: "ah, what is it?"
ScaraB: "were you planning to host the party in the lounge as usual?"
Kalim: "mhm, that was the plan!"
ScaraB: "...instead, why don't you hold it in the main school? Just this once. Maybe ask a teacher if you could borrow an empty classroom to use. ...say, that big one in the east wing?"
Kalim: "huh... I guess I could? I dunno why I would, but it would definitely be a fun change of pace! So sure! I'll let Jamil know right now then!"
ScaraB: "sounds good, thanks housewarden."
Kalim: "no problem! See you later then!"
ScaraB: "yeah, see you later."
As Kalim rushes off, the plan is all but fully formed in ScaraB's mind. Well, technically it's plan b, but he'll likely still have to resort to it. First he'll try and get you to talk about Kalim, but if all else fails. ...well he's pretty certain this will work. Probably.
...
Out of everything you've done in this world so far, there's one thing you could technically be proud of. And that's somehow managing to avoid every party hosted by Kalim, a feat not even Idia managed to accomplish. Your main way of doing so is just avoiding Scarabia entirely when you hear even a vague rumor of a party, and it hasn't failed you yet.
As ScaraB catches up to you as you walk through the Scarabia dorm mirror onto campus, you can't help but wonder what this next party will be like. Not that you'll be there to see it, but you have to admit you're curious as to what Kalim's parties are like in person. You very nearly went to one once, before deciding eventually against it.
ScaraB: "goodness, did you have to go so quickly???"
"I- yes. Yes I did."
ScaraB: "no, you did not."
"Look, I'm sorry I didn't taste test your soup for you, but I just had a... Thing to take care of."
ScaraB: "oh yes? And what, pray tell, 'thing' was it?"
"...a very important thing?"
ScaraB: "...I swear... Was it, mayyyybe, avoiding our housewarden?"
"What!? Why would it be that???"
ScaraB: "oh I don't know, THE FACT YOU KEEP RUNNING AWAY WHENEVER HE SHOWS UP???"
"Well maybe I'm nervous."
ScaraB: "WHY??? Have you SEEN our housewarden??? He wouldn't hurt a fly! And if he did on accident, he would probably apologize to the fly! Out of everyone on campus, our housewarden is the person you're too nervous to talk to?!"
"OF COURSE NOT! I just- I can't!"
ScaraB: "did something happen?"
"No! Well, not really??? Look, it's just complicated."
ScaraB: "...it's fine if you don't want to tell me, but just know I'm there to listen if you need it."
"...I- I don't think Kalim should have to deal with someone like me around to bother him..."
ScaraB: "WHAT."
"It's just that he's so wonderful! He deserves to have people around him that are just as amazing as he is! And that definitely doesn't include me! And... I don't wanna pretend I'm someone better than I am, then I'd just be lying to him and myself..."
ScaraB takes a deep breath, staring at you with an expression of obvious disbelief. Blinking a few times as he tries to figure out exactly what to say about THAT. Before he sighs, and sits down on a bench along main street, patting the seat next to him, which you take.
ScaraB: "...you're just as amazing as he is, in your own ways. And you... You can't just say stuff like that. There wouldn't be a need to pretend you're 'better than you are' when you're already more than enough, just being you... And I- I hate the fact you don't see that."
"I..."
ScaraB: "look, I may be reading the situation wrong, and if I am, you have full permission to taunt me about this later. But, I think Kalim would love to have someone like you as a friend. The same way I do. From what I've seen at least, you both clearly want to hang out with each other, but probably because of... This. You haven't let yourself. And that simply isn't right."
"Then what even is right!? There isn't a 'right' answer here! And I doubt there ever could be."
ScaraB: "well, there may not be a right answer, but there certainly is a wrong one. Even I can see that. And I... I don't want to see you continue on like this."
"...whatever... I'm heading to the library, you can come, or not. Either way I need to study for our next history of magic class."
ScaraB: "...alright."
You both have an awkward walk to the library, then your study session feels tense, like everything is unresolved and still hanging in the air. Until ScaraB eventually stands up, and clears his throat in a way obviously trying to get your attention.
ScaraB: "ahem- I think we should continue studying in a quieter place."
"What? We're in a library, it is quiet???"
ScaraB: "sometimes a change in scenery can help you focus!"
"...where in the world is this coming from?"
ScaraB: "look, there's this one classroom that's almost always empty, and I think it would be nicer to study there, so can we please go there?"
"Um, sure. Why not?"
You almost immediately regret those words, once you reach the classroom with ScaraB that he was talking about. Even just opening the door you begin to understand exactly why he wanted you here. ...this is Kalim's party! Why is it here and not at the lounge!?!
Kalim: "ahh, you came! I was worried you wouldn't be here, I'm so happy you showed up!!"
Kalim rushes towards you both, a big smile on his face again and ScaraB stands close enough to the door that you couldn't just run without pushing him away.
"Yeah, I guess, I did...?"
ScaraB: "yes they did, because they wanted to talk to you."
"Um. Sure????"
Kalim: "you had something to wanted to talk about? Absolutely! I'm all ears! Oh, but I wanted to ask you something afterwards!"
ScaraB helps push you guys away from the group of people (and the door) so you can talk in private. And you appreciate it, because you need a moment or so to figure out exactly what to say to him. ...well, probably a good idea to stall-
"No no, please go first! I'll explain after you finish."
Kalim: "ah, alright then! Did I... Do something wrong? If I did, please tell me! I wanna try and fix it, but I don't know why you're avoiding me so much, and... Aha, sorry... It's fine! You don't need to tell me if you don't want to!"
"You do something wrong!? Absolutely not! There's nothing to fix!"
Kalim: "but then... Why? I mean, you used to always be saying you'd wanna be my friend if we ever met in person, then as soon as we met in person, you just started running away... I just- don't understand. Haha, I really wish I did."
"Always used to say...? What are you even talking about- WAIT."
Kalim: "y'know, back when it was a game to you! Ah man, I remember how much you smiled when you got one of my cards! And I was always so happy to see you when you logged on! I also thought we would've been good friends in person, but then when you actually showed up here, you just avoided me, and... Well, it doesn't really matter, it's nice to just talk to you now!"
"...you remember all that?"
Kalim: "how could I forget? It was always the best part of my day to see you log in!"
"Oh geez, so you knew all that, but I still... I didn't realize that you knew-! I just, um... I'm sorry! I never meant to hurt you! But I guess that doesn't really matter since the result was the same. I... Don't know how to make up for that."
Kalim: "there's no need to 'make up' for anything haha, I'm just glad I'm getting the chance to talk things out with you now! Do you think we could maybe start over?"
"I think... I think I'd like that. Thanks Kalim."
Kalim: "alright then! Woooo!!! Oh, wanna go check out the food Jamil prepared?"
"That sounds great."
You nod, walking over to the feast. Kalim takes a seat and waits for you to sit next to him. Smiling brightly when you do. As the conversation gets to a naturally flowing state, you think that maybe you owe ScaraB an apology for what he did earlier. Maybe. ...for now, you just hope you'll be seeing more of both Kalim and ScaraB in the future.
...
And that you do. Having now officially joined Scarabia there's plenty of chances to hang out with both ScaraB and Kalim. From the parties to the smaller moments you guys share, you're grateful you finally get to be a part of them.
After all of that, you feel far more confident in trying to meet some of your other faves as well! But for now, you're content being here, with your two friends. And you hope things can stay this way for awhile!
Your head is spinning. You swear you were just playing twst at home a moment ago, sitting against your favorite seat. When suddenly you're in a room full of books that you don't recognize, your back against a shelf full of books, and you can't find the device you were using to play the game. Is this a weird dream??? You can swear you didn't fall asleep!
No, wait, you DO recognize this library! Just not IRL! It takes a moment, but you remember it well enough to figure it out. It has to be the library at NRC! The flying books slightly gave it away. ...no, this can't be the library at NRC, that'd mean you're in twisted wonderland, and that sort of stuff doesn't happen!
But it all fits, this is clearly the NRC library, and that's clearly Cater Dia- CATER DIAMOND!? Wait, this is it! This is your chance! After all, Cater was one of your favorite characters. Someone you always thought could be a wonderful friend were you to meet in person.
That used to be just a wild dream, the sort of thing that simply doesn't come true. But now here's your chance! Cater is just walking the aisles slowly, idly scrolling on his phone. All you would need to do is stand still, then strike up a friendly conversation as he walks past! And Cater being Cater, he'll definitely play along with a conversation!
It's a simple enough plan, with little to no risk for failure! Sure maybe nothing will come from it, but you'll get to meet one of your favorite characters in person and- wait where are you going!? Come back! No no no, that's completely against the plan!
This plan is somehow failing. I can't believe this. And all because you're doing the worst option by sneaking out of the library like a common thief??? But, don't you want to meet him? Didn't you use to say he would've been a amazing friend IRL? Why would you pass up a chance like this?
Well... More like why wouldn't you? After all, you know yourself. Sure you would love to meet him, but you doubt the feeling would be mutual. At best he would just ignore you, and at worst he'd hate you. And you would never even know because he hides his emotions so well. Besides, who are you to try and talk to someone like him?
Not only that, but you don't even want to imagine how much it would hurt if he didn't want to be friends like you do! That's terrifying just to think about. It's better to be safe than sorry in this case. Why even risk it? ...yeah, much better...
...now that you've decided that you simply can't talk to any of the main cast, you still have another pressing issue to deal with. Namely, figuring out what the heck to do in this situation! After all, you're still in another world without any connections. All you've got is yourself and the clothes on your back.
Wait- what in the world are these clothes!? They certainly aren't the clothes you were wearing earlier! Upon closer inspection, you realize they're the Scarabia school uniform! Your clothes must've changed when you were brought into this world. Hey, at least this'll probably help you blend in here?
Oh! With this uniform, you should be able to enter Scarabia dorm! ...one tiny problem with that, you have absolutely no clue where the hall of mirrors is. And now that you're thinking about it, even if you find your way to Scarabia, how are you meant to adjust to daily school life in another world without any help?
Well it appears there's only one option here, try to get help from preferably a Scarabia student. And if all else fails, you'll just stay at Ramshackle or something. ...although you'd rather avoid that option if possible.
And it looks like it may be possible! That's definitely a Scarabia student walking towards the library right now and, WOAH WAIT- IS THAT SCARABIA STUDENT B??? That's THE background character right there! ...wait, this could be perfect...
You don't want to talk to the playable characters, because you're afraid they could dislike you. But knowing NRC, it's definitely a bad idea to go around asking for help from random students. So this is the perfect middle ground! You walk over to him quickly, and he looks at you with a confused expression.
ScaraB: "can I help you?"
"Yes, possibly! I'm-"
You pause for a moment, trying to come up with a believable cover story without revealing everything about your world.
"-I'm a new transfer student! Just came here today, and things are still new to me. I was wondering if you could help me find the hall of mirrors?"
ScaraB: "didn't the ghosts show you around?"
"Our tour was cut short because of a... Fight. They had to intervene, and then we didn't have time to continue the tour."
ScaraB: "oh. ...well I'll admit that sounds rough, but why should I have to go out of my way to help you just because the ghosts didn't do their job?"
"Um... What if I help you out? I can help you study for your classes, and could write notes for you?'
ScaraB: "huh, well that's more like it, sure! I guess I can help you this once haha! But you better not try and trick me. You WILL take notes for me, right?"
"Right! Then I'll follow you!"
ScaraB nods as he turns away from the library, walking back along the path he just came from. You follow closely behind him, walking down pathways you've never seen before, not even through in-game backgrounds. And you get a feeling your luck has finally shifted for the better, especially after that situation with Cater. This is a welcome change of pace.
And as months passed, luck really did seem to be on your side! ScaraB and you quickly became friends, his sweet disposition making for a wonderful companion. You ended up joining his class, and even when you don't understand the work (which was unsurprisingly often) he's there to help you out!
Of course he's not the best at it himself, but together you manage pretty well. And it's made your time here in twisted wonderland that much easier, you wish it could stay this way forever!
...okay maybe not EXACTLY like this. There's been this one thing that makes your plan to avoid the playables difficult.
Cater Diamond. The very person himself that you were too nervous to meet that day, has been haunting your life here. He keeps conveniently showing up everywhere you go! Okay, not everywhere, but enough to be odd! Nearly every time you go to Sam's store, Cater is there too. Maybe buying some food that's started trending, or a skincare product that everyone online is using.
Mostro lounge? Same story. Cater wanted to buy a menu item that he's sure is gonna be trending soon, or maybe the atmosphere is perfect to accent his outfit today and he absolutely needed some pics for his magicam.
And so many other 'random' encounters, to the point you're starting to wonder whether or not they're actually random. Especially because every time, he insists on striking up a conversation with you. You have no clue why, it's not like you're usually nearby when he walks over to explain why he's there this time. But it makes it very difficult to stay away from him.
Usually you'll just find some way to excuse yourself and walk away, heading over to ScaraB. ...that doesn't seem like it'll work this time though. You're at the checkout for some snacks ScaraB and you were buying, when ScaraB went off to go and look at the sales. And it's not like you can just run away without paying! Even if Cater is right behind you in line...
Cater: "did you see that new trend on magicam? Where you try to find someone out in the wild that you're matching outfits with! Maaann, it sounds fun, but it's hard to do that sorta trend at a school with uniform like this, 'cause literally everyone is wearing the same outfit! And that isn't in the spirit of the trend, y'know?"
You nod, not knowing what to say. You Could strike up a friendly conversation with him, but you know it probably wouldn't end well if you tried. ...hopefully Sam finishes ringing up your snacks soon...
Cater: "ah well, guess I can try heading out to the main town over the weekend to try and hop on this trend before it dies."
"Mhm."
Cater: "oh, here I've been chatting on and on about magicam, and I haven't even shared my account! Here, I can put it into your magicam for you-"
"...I don't have magicam."
Technically you don't even have a device that you could download magicam onto. Even if you brought your electronics with you into twisted wonderland, you doubt they'd work with this world's internet. And obviously you haven't had the chance to buy a phone yet. Though that's definitely pretty high on your priorities.
Cater: "what!? Geez, I didn't even realize lol. And oh, then I'm really sorry for rambling so long about something you wouldn't know!"
"It's fine..."
You nod again as ScaraB shows up, finally giving you the chance you needed to run out of the building, and away from Cater. Again, it's not that you hate him, you just... Don't want to risk getting too attached to him like this, since it feels like it would only be a matter of time until he realizes he could do for much better friends than you. It wouldn't end well for either of you, especially you.
...you just don't know what to do anymore...
...
Cater stares after you as you all but run away. And yet again he's confused beyond belief as to why you always do this. You keep running away from him, acting like he's some sort of monster! Geez, did he do something to you???
Genuinely, what did he do...? He knows you wanted to be friends with him, and he would love to be friends with you! He remembers it all so clearly from back during his days as just a character. He may have been fictional to most people, but to you he was something special. And he was always grateful for that...
SO WHY ARE YOU IGNORING HIM??? he feels like he's going insane at this point. Everytime he tries to hang out with you, you run away with that mostly scared partly tense expression of yours. Is he really that scary?! C'mon, at least give him a clue on what to do! Otherwise this all just feels like an impossible puzzle.
Even just saying you don't want to hang out with him is fine, he understands. But he wants to talk to you properly for once first! Y'know, closure or something? At least he thinks that's what it is? Well, whatever. It's not like that will ever happen anyways. You just can't seem to talk to him.
...he might as well still be stuck behind that stupid glass barrier... At least then he could've tricked himself into thinking you actually wanted to talk to him, instead of the reality he's faced with now.
But... At least now there's Some chance to talk to you (kind of). So it's probably better? Yet it's still so frustrating. Maybe one of these days he'll manage to have a good talk with you, but apparently that won't be today. Not as you leave again...
He knows this might all be worth it once if you ever become his friend here like you wanted to back then, but geez he wishes that would happen sooner. He's willing to wait as long as it takes, but that doesn't stop it being frustratingly slow for him.
...
ScaraB watches this play out for what has to be the hundredth time, slowly putting together some puzzle pieces in his mind. Despite how you act when directly faced with this Cater guy, you still seem to like him. At least based on how you react when he brings him up.
So why do you run from the guy in person? He definitely seems nice enough, and like he'd love to be friends with you! You even mentioned one time how he seemed like he'd be a good friend as well, so what's up? ...oh wait, are you nervous??? He can help!
That it, next time Cater tries to talk to you, he'll be there to encourage you to have a conversation with him! He's sure you'll hit it off. After all, you're one of the best folks he knows, and Cater would be lucky to have you as a friend!
...actually, first he'll try and have a talk with you alone. Because even though he totally can be by your side during the conversation, it would be great if you were able to build up the courage to talk to him on your own! And he can be just the guy to help with that!
Well for right now he needs to finish paying for the snack. But he pats Cater on the shoulder as he leaves, shooting him and encouraging look as he walks away proudly, his plan ready to be set in motion!
Cater stares back at him in confusion as he walks away. ...what the heck was that??? Why?????
...
ScaraB found you that evening in Scarabia, and walks over to you with a big smile. Handing you your favorite snack as he motions for you to sit down.
ScaraB: "hey hey!"
"Oh, hey! Thanks!"
ScaraB: "no problem, now c'mon, I've gotta talk to you about something!"
"Hm? What is it?"
You sit down next to him in the lounge, and you're not given even a moment to guess what it is before-
ScaraB: "you and Cater could totally be good friends!"
"WHAT?!"
ScaraB: "y'know, that guy from heartslabyul who keeps trying to talk to you?"
"I know who he is, but that just wouldn't work!"
ScaraB: "huh? Why not? You guys obviously wanna be friends with each other, but you keep holding yourself back for some reason. So I'm gonna help you!"
"Wha- no, that's ridiculous, he wouldn't wanna be friends with me, we're way too different... Plus I'm basically nobody to him. Where would you even get that idea?!"
ScaraB: "I mean, he keeps trying to talk to you every chance he gets!"
"He's just being friendly."
ScaraB: "haha, I don't think 'just being friendly' includes that disappointed look whenever you walk away, or how genuinely excited he gets for your responses!"
"...that's not true..."
ScaraB: "it totally is!! But... Why wouldn't you want it to be true...? I mean, you're acting like it's impossible when it's clearly happening, why?"
"I just- I don't... Nevermind! Just drop it. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but it just isn't happening."
ScaraB: "...but that's just... Hmph, no promises!"
With that, he stands up quickly, a determined expression on his face as he pumps his fist in the air. Then he turns back to point at you with a smile on his face.
ScaraB: "I'll prove to you that this can work, and that you're the best friend anyone could have!"
He marches off with a resolute glint in his eye, and you get the feeling this is far from over. You have no idea what he's planning... But hey, at least you have your favorite snack! Silver lining?
...you would discover his plan a week later, a plan so haphazard it could barely be called a plan.
Everyone knew there was going to be a joint training class held by Vargas, and you were already planning to find some remote corner of the field to do your training. Hoping to avoid any flight practice so your lack of magic won't be discovered yet.
You watch as Vargas puts people into teams of two for flight practice, who will both take turns flying with the other behind them on the broom. And you watch as ScaraB runs towards Cater as HE ASKS TO TEAM UP WITH HIM? You see Vargas lead the first group of teams to the field, and you have no idea what ScaraB could be planning.
ScaraB takes his turn first, Cater sitting behind him on the broom. And it starts normal, and until he turns in your direction...? And- WAIT NO- BAD IDEA, BAD IDEA!!!!
He's never been that good at flight class, so despite how his plan was making a cool landing in front of you then starting a conversation between you a Cater. He instead fails his landing, and they both and very roughly on the ground right next to you, honestly you're lucky to have escaped without injury. ...the same couldn't be said for the other two.
ScaraB looks pretty scraped up, but otherwise he doesn't look that hurt. Cater however seems to have sprained his ankle in the fall, his attempts to stand proving futile.
ScaraB: "AH I'M SO SORRY-"
Cater obviously looks like he's in pain, but he forces a smile and a thumbs up, his voice shakey.
Cater: "I'm fineee..."
Vargas, running over quickly: "what happened here!?"
ScaraB: "I was trying to land, but lost control of the broom and..."
Vargas: "looks like Diamond took the brunt of the fall, meanwhile you got off with only a few scrapes. Alright. You, go bring Diamond to the nurse!"
He points at you, and even though you are about to question it, you realize now is not the time. Instead you go and help Cater to his feet, slinging his arm over your shoulder as you start walking to the main school building. You can just hear Vargas as you walk away-
Vargas: "since it's clear you have bad control with flight, we've just gotta drill the basics into you until you've mastered it! Remember, a strong mage should also have a strong body, so give me twenty laps!"
ScaraB: "ahhh... Nooo...!"
You both hear ScaraB's cries of anguish as you keep going towards the school. ...the walk otherwise being painfully quiet. Cater having none of his usual cheerfulness. At least, until you're in the main building, and nearing the nurses office.
Cater: "man, what a drag, am I right? Haha... Sorry for dragging you into this. Especially when you..."
"It's not a big deal, I'm fine. ...wait, especially when I what?"
Cater: "well, y'know, you probably don't like me lol. Believe me, I can take a hint! ...kinda wish you'd explain why though..."
"Wait WHAT???"
Cater: "huh? I mean, you've been making it obvious you don't wanna talk to me! I just- It's such mixed messages though, because you used to say stuff about me being friend material!"
"Hold on hold on, go back a second, when did I ever say I didn't like you!? I thought you wouldn't like me, so I didn't wanna risk talking to you! And... Hold on, used to call you friend material? Do you mean...?!"
Cater: "wait, so I've been reading the vibe wrong this whole time?! Why would you ever even THINK that!? How could I not think you were cool!!? OW! Oh geez..."
During his speech he accidentally stepped on his foot wrong, flinching. You go to hold him up better, but that doesn't stop your confusion.
"Are you okay???"
Cater, his voice strained: "never better..."
"I- sorry, stupid question. ...but speaking of questions... Seriously, what did you mean by that earlier?"
Cater: "huh? Oh, I meant back when you were still on the other side of the screen. I think you used to call it a game haha... Still, I appreciated the attention you gave me, even if you didn't know I was real. Even saying we would be friends IRL! You wouldn't believe how excited I was to meet you in person! Then... Well, you know the rest lol..."
"...sorry."
Cater: "hey it's no biggie! Haha... Just uh, never do that again, Kay?"
"I- I promise. But, is it really alright with you? Just an apology?"
Cater: "tbf, just this morning I thought you hated my guts, I'm just relieved you don't. Buuut that doesn't mean I'm letting you off the hook so easily lol, in exchange for all of this, promise you'll come to the next pop music club performance! And preferably the one after that and the one after that and ect."
"Absolutely! ...and maybe we can hang out a little bit?"
Cater: "just a little bit? Haha! You're not getting rid of me anymore~ we're totally besties now!"
"Pfft- haha! Alright then, I can't wait!"
Cater smiles, as you both reach the nurses office. You decide to stay there during his treatment, partially to make up for the time you've lost, but mostly to avoid the rest of Vargas's class. Cater thankfully promises to vouch for you later with Vargas.
You can't wait to spend more time with him form now on! ...and you suppose you owe ScaraB a thank you haha
...
The concert was unsurprisingly awesome! And you were cheering the loudest for Cater after the performance! You're so happy for him, and so glad you can finally call yourself his friend! Fate must be smiling on you now!
And even though ScaraB questions your sudden interest in the pop music club, he's happy to be cheering right beside you at the concerts! And he's so proud of you for finally letting yourself be friends with that Cater guy, it's nice seeing you so happy! He just hopes things can stay this way forever!
Hey there! I’ve been reading your works for quite some time and I’m so happy that you’ve opened your requests! This is my first time making a request so forgive me if there are any mistakes!
Basically, my idea for the request is that the player gets transported into Twisted Wonderland like usual. The player sees their favorite character that they put on their homescreen (in this case, the characters I would like to request separately are Ace, Ruggie, Kalim, and Cater!). However, they are too scared to talk to them because they are worried about what he would think of them or even care to be their friend, so they avoid him as a result! Instead of befriending any of the main cast, they are taken under wing by the background mob student Scarabia Student B (I’m not really sure if them being self-aware would be relevant to this story, but just in case if it is, I believe they would not be self-aware).
Scarabia Student B isn’t mean to the player though, in fact, it’s the far opposite. He is very supportive of the player’s interest and what they have to say. They genuinely have a good time hanging out, whether it be during lunch or outside of school. Despite this, the player has something that’s been nagging their mind lately.
So I’ll do a bit of explaining in case if you don’t know, but the player is experiencing a platonic crush. A platonic crush is basically a crush but instead of wanting to date them, it’s wanting to be friends with them. I’ve experienced this myself a couple of times lol, sometimes I just notice someone and wish I could befriend them (I promise I’m not lonely though, I do have friends haha). Pretty much the player wants to befriend their favorite character but they can’t because their social anxiety doesn’t allow for it.
Unbeknownst to the player and their friend, however, the character is not only self-aware of the player back when they were at the other side of the screen, but they’ve also been trying to befriend the player! Unfortunately, it either falls flat due to some other circumstances or the player is too oblivious of their actions. It’s also confusing for him because the player is hanging out with the background characters, not them! Scarabia Student B eventually notices what’s going on between the character and the player. After trying to point out the many signs to the player and encouraging them (I just want a scene in each story where he’s like, ‘Don’t you realize what he’s doing?! Talk to him!’ and the player’s just like, ‘I can’t!’ It would be so funny.), he takes it upon himself to craft a scenario where the player would be forced to talk to the character (like the player getting forced to attend Kalim’s party and is left alone by their friend so they can be approached by the character, but you can decide what to do for the other characters!). After that all pans out, the character and the player are now friends and they all live happily ever after! (With Student B and the player still being friends of course).
This is getting pretty long so I’ll stop here now lol (it took so long writing this…). In case if you missed it because it’s in the midst of the walls of text, the characters I requested are Ace, Ruggie, Kalim, and Cater. I’m sorry if it’s pretty detailed, it’s just that I have a specific vision for this fanfic! Also, I know the concept is pretty similar to other ones you’ve done like Merchandise Care and Actions of Fear (in that the player avoids the characters), but I think there’s enough new stuff in here to keep it interesting. I would write it for myself if I could but a lot of things in my life right now have kept me pretty busy. Plus, I really love your writing! Thank you in advance if you ever get to writing this request, and I hope you have a great day. Also, make sure to eat, drink, and take care of yourself!
Words Not Forgotten.
~Request~
[hey guys, Author here! Lolol, I know it's been awhile, but I hope y'all have been doing well during my hiatus! It just took a little longer than expected to get back into writing, and wasn't helped at all by an unexpected acnh phase haha. But this story was very fun to write, even if it took a bit! And I hope people will like it :D in any case, as always, remember to drink some water and get some rest if needed, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day! (Ps, this fic ended up being too long for one post, so I'll link the second part here!)]
To be pulled into the world of your favorite game, is something you never could've expected. After all, it sounds like the stuff of fiction, and yet here you are. Standing on main street at NRC, while wearing the school uniform. You instantly recognize the place from the statues of the seven disney villains around you. Yes, this is dream come true for anyone who loves this game and this world! And looking around, you realize this is absolutely a dream come true!
Walking down the path towards you, but not noticing you yet, is your homescreen character! Ace Trappola himself! The menace of a character you thought would've been a awesome friend IRL! And now you can be his friend!! He's walking even closer now, and he's made his way through main street-! Without even noticing you once...? Wait, how did that-
Hey wait- why are you hiding behind the statues? C'mon this is your favorite character! You should wanna talk to him, right? But the problem is, as soon as he got closer, you realized a crucial detail that absolutely terrified you. Now that he's real, you have a chance to completely mess things up with him! What if he dislikes you so much, that you can just forget friendship entirely, and basically become enemies?!
Talking to your faves comes with too many risks, risks you would rather not take. So you won't! Instead... Well, you should probably just enjoy existing in twst. You're not sure quite how you'll blend in with the students, but you're wearing a school uniform, and it's... Oh hey, it's a Scarabia uniform! Guess that's where you'll be staying from now on? Well, it's not like you have anything else to go off of, so why not!
...turns out it's more difficult navigating the school then you'd thought, you have no clue where the hall of mirrors is! Being the sort of game that it was, you never really needed to learn the layout of the school. And even if you did, it's so much more confusing in person! ...hence your 'brilliant' idea.
You'll just follow the first Scarabia student you see, and hope they're heading back to the dorm! This can backfire horribly, but it's also your best shot at not sleeping on the ground tonight. And y'know what? You don't have any better ideas right now, so this'll have to do!
So you find your (victim) student, and start to walk after him. Yes it's a little creepy, but hopefully he just thinks you're also heading towards the hall of mirrors. Or at least, wherever he's headed, and hopefully the hall of mirrors. Ah- wait, this is actually the hall of mirrors! Huh, you didn't actually expect that to work... Even if it took a few more weird turns than you thought it would.
Well then, all you need to do is go through the one that's obviously Scarabia and try to find a empty room to take occupancy of. Piece of cake- wait who's grabbing your arm-???
ScaraB: "hey, why were you following me?"
!?!?!?!?!?
"Huh? Ah I- I wasn't!"
Ah yeah, like he'll believe that! Goodness, at least make it sound believable!
"I mean- I was just heading back to my dorm, we were going the same direction! Complete coincidence."
ScaraB: "yeah right, you were obviously following me. You could've just walked straight here if that was all, but instead you kept following all those unnecessary turns I made to try and throw you off! Seriously, what gives?"
"Uh..."
Okay, you need to say SOMETHING, this definitely looks bad, but maybe he'll accept... This?
"Oh, sorry about that... My classes were just really tiring today, y'know? So I think my brain went into autopilot when I noticed we were probably both heading to the hall of mirrors, and I barely even noticed I was following you haha."
ScaraB: "...ah, that makes sense. I think that's actually happened to me before. But still, try and be more careful next time, got it? Haha, try not to go into relax mode until you at least make it to the dorm."
"Yeah, will do! Well, it was good meeting you-"
ScaraB: "wait a sec, I don't think I've seen you around before, are you new?"
"Huh? Oh, um- yeah, I'm a transfer student! Just entered this week."
ScaraB: "a transfer student? ...well, I guess out housewarden is also a transfer student, so that makes sense."
"Mhm, oh wait, actually... Do you think you could show me around Scarabia a little bit? I still haven't seen most of the dorm, so it would be nice to get someone as... Knowledgeable as yourself to help me with it!"
ScaraB: "...what??? And why should I help you???"
"Because... Because I'll help you study! Yes, how does that sound?"
ScaraB: "I- well I suppose that's not the Worst deal I've ever made. ...dang Octavinelle... But still, how should I know you'll actually keep up your end of the deal?"
"I swear it, beside I'm the newbie here, what good would it do me to antagonise people for no reason? Especially so early into my time here when I don't have anyone to back me up?"
ScaraB: "well, I guess that's fair. Alright then, guess I can be the responsible senior~ c'mon, let's get going. Hopefully if we go fast, we can be done with this before dinner!"
"Alright, let's go!"
...perhaps you would've been a little more cautious about this, had you not recognized him as THE ScaraB. Easily one of your favorite mob characters, and widely agreed as one of the best by the fandom. ...yet even so, you wouldn't be as worried if he'd rejected your offer, thus being the best candidate to actually talk to! You know just enough about him, while not quite caring if he would've decided to walk away and think you're weird.
Hm, yeah now that you think about it, you'll be fine just hanging out with mob students from now on. Sure an isekai is normally meant to be focused on the characters you liked before, but that's wayyy too much pressure. This... This is much more your speed. Less risk to it.
And it worked out in this case, because even after the tour, you both kept talking. And hanging out sometimes, even if it originally was just for studying, you doubt you can count a visit to the arcade on the island to be 'studying'. In fact, by now you can definitely call him a friend!
Life continues on for a few more months, just in a calm and peaceful existence. Turns out when you aren't interacting with the 'main cast' you don't get caught up in much trouble at all! The worst thing that's happened was barely passing your first few tests because you didn't know the curriculum. Other than that, it's been perfect, just hanging out with ScaraB, and chilling.
...okay that's not completely true. There's exactly one thing that's been bothering you. Well, one person to be even more exact. Ace Trappola. The man, the myth, the menace. And the guy who keeps running into you randomly and reminding you exactly why you had him as one of your faves back in your world!
You're just hanging out in the cafeteria with ScaraB? Ace is over at his table and making a scene, all the while making wisecracks about people he definitely shouldn't be messing with, but will mess with anyway for the 'funsies'.
You're gathering materials for the group project you have with ScaraB? Ace is also collecting materials for the same project, and keeps trying to act all 'woe is me' to get his group partner (Deuce) to pity him. This does not work. This actually fails spectacularly. And it's very funny watching it fail spectacularly.
And so so sooo much more, to the point you almost question if it's all just coincidence that you keep running into him nearly everyday. ...but surely it is, after all, he wouldn't even care that you exist. Just another part of the background. Still...
As you sit here at a desk in the library while studying with ScaraB, you keep looking over at the chaos Ace is causing in the history section with Grim and the prefect. You just wish... Well, you don't know exactly what you wish, but you think you want to hang out with him too. Be one of the folks he jokes around with, while pretending he doesn't also like being your friend back.
But you... Can't. Even if you keep looking at him, you can't work up the courage to actually go and talk to him. So instead you'll just keep hanging out with the mob characters. There's nothing wrong with that of course! You cherish your friendship with ScaraB. You just wish... You could also be friends with Ace Trappola, a little bit like the prefect, Grim, or Deuce.
Ah well, at least you get to see him from a distance, rather than just as a game character. That definitely is better than before, even if it's just by a little bit. Especially if you keep getting so lucky as to get these random little encounters with him!
...thing is, you don't seem to understand exactly why all these 'random encounters' keep happening nearly everyday now. If only you knew exactly how much effort has gone into this...
...
Ace was so tired.
He played out how it would happen over a hundred times back then. As he watched you through that screen, when you thought he was simply a game character. Ace knew you'd love hanging out with him, at least if how you acted before was any indicator.
BUT APPARENTLY IT WASNT!!!! Okay look, he can deal with you not immediately running over and hanging out, it makes sense it'd take some time for you both to get to know each other again. He understands. But what he doesn't understand is you completely ignoring him, like he's nothing!! Actually, scratch that, it's like he's worse than nothing now. It's like you have a vendetta against him!
And the reason he thinks that? All of this time, ever since you showed up randomly a few months back, you've not only avoided him like the plague. But you've ignored all of his blatant attempts to start up a conversation! Seriously, is something wrong? Did he do something??? At least give him a hint! Geez...
He almost wants to give up, especially on days like this where it feels like there's no progress, and never will be. It's disheartening to say the very least. ...thing is, he knows it'll all be worth it once you're really friends, and get to joke around together. Like he'd always hoped!
But can't you please just talk to him sooner!? He's sure even just one conversation would work! At least... Probably? Well, it would give him a chance to figure out where he went wrong, so it'd be a start. Rather than the nothing that's happened yet.
...
As you look away from Ace, he heaves a sigh that even ScaraB can hear all the way over at the table you both are sharing. You don't seem to notice it, lost in thought again. But ScaraB has seen this happen enough times to put together the puzzle pieces, and honestly it's getting frustrating to watch you two continue on like this.
It's clear you both want to talk to each other, but you keep shying away for whatever reason, and he doesn't understand why. Tell you the truth, he wouldn't usually care, it's your thing to deal with and it's not his place to interfere. Thing is, you keep acting all mopey and sad because of it, and... Well he doesn't like seeing you like that.
He doesn't know exactly how he'll do it, but he's gonna try and help. At least once. Then at least he could say he tried...
...
Things settled into a new normal for you, but still it's hard to get used to Ace's shenanigans happening around you so often. This morning you saw him attempt and then spectacularly fail simultaneously casting a water spell and doing a backflip after Grim dared him to, thankfully not injuring himself. ...well, other than his pride. Still you wonder why in the world he'd have done something so dangerous!
Meanwhile ScaraB has finally had enough. He watches as you just brush off what Ace did as nothing connected to you, even after he kept looking back at you to make sure you were watching before he did it. Then kept looking over at you, clearly embarrassed after he failed. And it's infuriating! You both walk on for a little while longer before he just can't take it anymore.
ScaraB: "he was trying to get your attention!"
"Wha- wait, what? What are you even talking about right now???"
ScaraB: "back there, with that Ace guy, he keeps trying to get your attention! And you also keep acting like you wanna say something to him, but then you just don't??? You clearly both wanna be friends with each other, and neither of you are admitting it!"
"WAIT WHAT?! That can't be right! I mean, Ace wouldn't- he... He just wouldn't! And I couldn't- oh I don't know!"
ScaraB: "c'mon, just try talking to him once! This is so frustrating to watch, it's like one of those cheesy soap operas where they keep dragging out the conflict for way too many seasons and it loses all meaning!"
"First of all, I can't! I mean, I can't just go up and talk to him! That would be so awkward! And second of all, that soap opera thing sounds personal-"
ScaraB: "MY TASTE IN MEDIA HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS CONVERSATION! Ahem- sorry. But seriously, just give it one try! I bet you it'll work out?"
"Heck no! It just... It wouldn't work, so why bother?"
ScaraB: "that just sounds like you convincing yourself it's impossible, because you don't wanna risk failing if you actually try. That's like quiting a job before you start, so you won't get fired. ...even I can see that you both wanna hang out. Just give it one chance. And if it doesn't work out then it doesn't work out, and at least you could say you tried, y'know?"
"But... I don't think it's that's simple..."
ScaraB: "...I can't force you, but maybe think on it?"
"...sure."
It couldn't be true, Ace doesn't even know you exist. And even if he does, he doesn't have a reason to want to talk to you. ...it's better to just stay in the sidelines and not interact with him, then at least you wouldn't have to deal with one of your favorite characters telling you to your face that you're basically nobody to them.
Yeah, it's better like this.
...
Yet it appears ScaraB wasn't going to just accept that, this has gone on long enough. So that day, when Crewel told everyone to pick a partner for the potion, he walked straight over to Deuce and asked him to be his partner for the assignment. And for some strange reason, Deuce said yes. (The whispered words about ScaraB's plan had only a little to do with it)
Suddenly left without your usual partner, you look around to see the groups already forming. ...with the exception of another person who's suddenly left in a similar situation to you without his usual partner, Ace Trappola. You look around the room yet again, and to your horror you realize that due to your indecision he's the only person left out of a group other than you.
You knew it was coming, but Crewel simply ordering you both to just be lab partners for the day is still a situation you'd rather have avoided. But you know you can't just back out of this, and as you both awkwardly stand next to each other near the cauldron you two will be working at, he decides to strike up a conversation as you two work.
Ace: "heya, guess you're my lab partner for the day, huh?"
"...yeah, guess so."
Ace: "cool cool. ...how's your day been?"
"Hm? Oh, it's been alright. Yours?"
Ace: "eh, same as usual, maybe a little tired. Y'know it's a lot of work being the responsible one in your friend group~"
"Pfft-"
Ace: "hey it's true! What, you don't believe me?"
"Hah... I guess I find it a little hard to believe."
Ace: "oh yeah, and why's that~?"
"I-"
You stop yourself, realizing you were about to say something that would've given away your status as a outsider to this world, someone who once saw this as a game and who knows he's lying 110%. So you freeze with an ingredient still in hand, and he picks up on that quickly. To your surprise, he gets a frustrated expression on his face as he speaks again.
Ace: "oh c'mon! Stop avoiding it!"
"What?"
Ace: "do I really have to spell it out for you? It's obvious the fact you're the player!"
"HUH!?!!!"
In hindsight, Ace perhaps could've thought that one out a little more. Given the fact that in your shock, the ingredient in your hand slipped right into the cauldron. Which as often happens with such mishaps, resulted in an explosion of pink foam, covering the room in the neon pink color.
To no one's surprise, you were both put on clean-up duty. Which Did give you a proper opportunity to talk. Even if you aren't sure whether you actually want to or not. At least you can figure out if he actually knows you as the player, or if he somehow meant something else. And what better way to find out then to just ask him the question straight forward. ...right?
"...what did you mean by that? 'Player'?"
Ace: "what do you think I mean? Actually wait, did I do something to you???"
"I- seriously, what are you talking about right now!?"
Ace: "for the last few months since you've shown up, you've been avoiding me no matter what! Why?!"
"Since I've shown up? You mean since I've... transferred here?"
Ace: "y'know normally people don't go between worlds when they transfer. So don't even try to pretend like you don't know exactly what I'm talking about! Now can you tell me what I did wrong?! I can't make it better if I don't know where I messed up in the first place!"
"Messed up? Did wrong??? But, you haven't done anything!"
Ace: "then why do all this!?"
"BECAUSE YOU'RE ACE TRAPPOLA! You're the clever, quick witted, and audacious menace himself! Who am I to compare to that? Seriously, it just wouldn't work... And I've been so scared that you just wouldn't wanna hang out with someone like me-"
Ace: "what in the world are you saying!? YOU not comparing to ME?! Says the person from another world, whose somehow managed to blend into NRC on their own. AND who literally played our world as a game in yours, that's just insane! But you still think you're no one special? Of course I'd wanna hang out with you!"
"..."
Ace: "Honestly, you're you! And even without all that other stuff, that's more enough! Yeah yeah, I know this isn't my usual style. So don't expect me to spell it out for you next time. Just... Don't go thinking your lesser than me, or anyone really. Got it?"
"...yeah, alright..."
Ace: "good, now that that's sorted out. Can we start over?"
"Hah, sure. ...I guess that's okay."
Ace: "then how about hanging out later? The basketball club is having a game tomorrow, and I can already guarantee you my team's gonna win!"
"Oh yeah?"
Ace: "definitely. What, don't you trust my skill?"
"I'm not sure if I should answer that."
Ace: "oh really? Then why don't you promise to show up, and I'll prove it?"
"Alright then, might as well haha."
Ace: "perfect, see you later then!"
"Hey!"
Ace: "what?"
"You've still gotta help me clean up the lab room!"
Ace: "...right... That... You sure you don't have this handled on your own?"
"Ace!"
Ace: "alright alright, I was just kidding! Geez haha, let's just hope this stuff isn't too hard to wash off."
Spoiler
it was.
...
As for that game? He ended up barely scraping by with the win, but it was still a victory none the less! You were cheering next to Deuce, Grim, and Yuu. ...who you're starting to get to know as well. It'll be a long road, that you're sure of. And you're certain the future will be a lot more chaotic in the future!
And as for ScaraB? He's in the seat next to you, cheering right alongside you. He's a little confused over your sudden interest in NRC's basketball club, but he'll support you. That's what friends do after all! ...and neither of you would have it any other way.
You're sure you just fell asleep in your room, twisted wonderland still open on your device as you dozed off. Yet you awaken to entirely new surroundings. Or... Not new, but rather surroundings you never could've expected to see in person.
The cafeteria at NRC?! You recognize the familiar room after a moment, and you definitely remember that dang chandelier on the ceiling! Though the room's empty at the moment. Still, This has to be a dream! After all, if this is real then that would mean your favorite characters are real too... Well, you can't seem to pinch yourself awake, but surely it can't-
Ahhh it's Ruggie! You would recognize him anywhere! As he walks into the room, it's your chance to finally meet one of your faves!! I mean, it's not everyday that you get to actually be in twisted wonderland, much less NRC itself! You wouldn't even need to walk over to him, he's definitely going to notice you as he walks towards the kitchen! All you have to do is stay still and not...
Not hide underneath that table you're currently hiding under. ...REALLY??? This is a once in a lifetime chance to meet THE Ruggie Bucchi, and you aren't even going to take it?! Goodness. Well, if that's your decision, then so be it. Just try not to regret it.
Yes, it IS your decision to make, and even as he walks past you and into the kitchen, not noticing you once, you don't regret it. After all, there's simply too many risks that could come with it. Because he's one of your faves, you're certain it would hurt that much more if or... When he found you annoying.
As much as you'd love to be friends with him, you just can't see a world where he'd want to be friends with you. ...and that's alright, you've always been his fan from afar, so what's the big deal if you keep it that way? Yeah. It would just make make no sense to do something that'd certainly leave you hurt.
So what to do instead? You still aren't sure whether this is a dream or actually an isekai. But either way, you don't want to stay under this table forever. Still, what can you even do? Would you even have a place to stay here?
As you look around for anything to help, you notice that your clothes have changed. They must've changed when you first arrived, and you didn't notice. It's... A NRC school uniform? Oh, and it's for Scarabia dorm! Well, that's a start! Maybe if you head there, you'll be able to blend into the other students and possibly stay there for awhile. At least until you figure out what to do next in this world.
...one slight issue you overlooked was how to even get there. You've only seen small portions of this school via the in-game backgrounds, which believe it or not was ABSOLUTELY NOT the whole school. You find yourself getting lost just trying to leave the main building! Seriously, how do the students do this everyday???
That settles it, your best bet would be to ask a Scarabia student how to get there. Sure you'll look a little awkward since you Should know how to get there by now, but you can probably come up with a believable story. Maybe. You hope. Well, it's not like you have any other options.
Looking around, you zero in on the first Scarabia student you see. Walking over to him, you pause when you realize just who he is. That's not just any background mob student, that's Scarabia student B! Aka one of the best NPCs in the entire game! (and yes I will die on this hill)
As you stand there, staring at him. He glanced over at you with a confused and slightly annoyed expression. Turning to you, you realize that it definitely would look weird to just stand there without talking, obviously he'd find it strange. And he says as much.
ScaraB: "okay, do you have a good reason to stare at me like that? Seriously, do I have something on my face?"
"Oh, no! Uhhh..."
Wait... How do you even explain this!? Obviously you can't just explain everything or else he'll think you're crazy, but you still need help to find your way to Scarabia! Geez... Oh! That might work-
"Actually, I was just thinking that you looked pretty smart, and would definitely know your way around the school, yeah?"
ScaraB: "...what do you want?"
"I'm a transfer student! Just got here this morning, and I still don't know where everything is. I was trying to make my way to the hall of mirrors, but I got lost. Could you please just point me in the right direction, maybe?"
ScaraB: "a transfer student? I didn't realize we were getting another one of those. I thought our housewarden was the exception... Then again, I suppose it's possible. Can't say I understand the headmage's reasoning, but he probably knows best."
"So uh, do you think you could help me get to the dorm?"
ScaraB: "...sure, I was heading that way anyway. But you owe me one. I've got a history test coming up soon, how about you help out with that and we call it even?"
"Oh, yeah sure! Sounds good! Thanks haha."
ScaraB: "no worries. C'mon, it's pretty easy to find once you're out of the school building."
"Alright, lead the way!"
You dont understand why you're so readily able to talk to him like this, but maybe it's the fact that you know that even if he were to dislike you, you wouldn't mind it as much than if it were someone like Ruggie. But it still helps to have known him a little from the game. And as you follow him to Scarabia, a plan starts to form in your mind.
You don't need to talk to any of the playable characters, and especially not your favorites. Far too big of a risk that they would either grow to hate you, or just hate you from the start. And why risk something like that? No. It'll be far better to just hang out with students who were just mon students before. At least, it'll be easier to interact with them. ...hopefully you'll have far less regrets like this.
And surprisingly, that plan seemed to work out flawlessly! ...well, for the last few months you've only really gotten to know ScaraB more, and not other students. But it's a start! Still, you've appreciated his help getting used to this school. Even if it started with him just wanting some quick help with that one assignment.
One assignment became two, and then you started just studying together, and then hanging out outside of studying or school related projects. By now, you definitely consider him a close friend. And definitely your closest friend in this world! Honestly you couldn't wish for anything better!
...okay there is ONE thing.
Ruggie Bucchi. The very hyena you've been trying to avoid, who always seems to show up near where you are, and doing something or another that makes it impossible to ignore him. Last time it was both of you checking out books at the same time, after bumping into each other a few times in the library. He tried to make small talk about something you can't quite remember, because you got far too nervous and just walked away without properly responding. ...you didn't notice how disappointed he looked as you left.
And this time? You were just in the botanical garden with ScaraB to collect some ingredients for a potion Crewel assigned as homework. Only to spot Ruggie shaking Leona back and forth by the shoulders, an annoyed expression on his face. He doesn't seem to have notice you two, far too busy trying his best to wake Leona up.
Ruggie: "Leonaaaa!! C'mon, I can't keep being your alarm clock! You gotta get up and go to spelldrive club practice!"
Leona: "...hmph. I never asked you to be my alarm clock."
Ruggie: "the club needs you to be there, and you need to wake up!"
Leona: "mphm."
Leona shrugs before rolling over and going back to sleep, making Ruggie let out a sigh with frustration so thick you could cut it with a knife. He leans down and shakes Leona again, knowing this will be his problem too if Leona doesn't show up again.
Ruggie: "Leona!! Why can't you just wake up eas-!"
He freezes, finally noticing you and ScaraB. You couldn't take your eyes eyes off of him, and neither could ScaraB. Though you get the feeling ScaraB just thought it was funny, and you could picture him eating popcorn as he watched them. You on the other hand didn't understand why you were watching the scene so closely. Maybe it was because it felt like a scene right out of the game, or maybe it was because you kept imagining how wonderful it would be to have a friend like Ruggie.
Leona: "...what is it now...?"
He opens one eye once Ruggie stopped so abruptly, before looking a little shocked, and then amused. Closing his eyes again as he lays back.
Leona: "heh, bet you weren't expecting to see the pla-"
Ruggie: "gahh, quiet! Weren't you asleep or something?!"
Leona: "thanks for the reminder, guess I'll get back to that~"
Ruggie: "wait no- dang it Leona!"
You finally step away from the scene with ScaraB next to you, as Ruggie continues trying (in vain) to wake Leona up. You don't quite understand what that last part was about, but you could see that he noticed you, and you would rather not deal with that. It's just better this way. ...yeah.
...
Ruggie: "this sucks!"
With a exhausted sigh he sits next to Leona, as he decides that maybe spelldrive practice can wait till tomorrow. After all, he doesn't think he'd even be able to focus anymore after seeing you just watching him like that. Then walking away, AGAIN!!!
It's not just the fact that Anyone was there, it's the fact it was YOU. Aka the player, aka the person he's been trying to talk to for months ever since he first realized you were in his world and not just stuck behind that stupid screen!
Seriously, didn't you say he was 'best friend material' before?! Why are you avoiding even a single conversation with him! Did he do something??? It's not like he can fix whatever mistake he must've made if he doesn't even have the slightest clue what they are!
Every one of his attempts to talk to you has been met with either as short a conversation as you can manage, or you straight up walking away! This is just impossible... Yeah he's gonna keep trying, but it still sucks. And he just needs a break for right now.
Leona rolls over so he's lying on his back again, and doesn't even open his eyes as he speaks.
Leona: "...there's another culinary crucible coming up."
Ruggie: "what? The heck does that have to do with me?"
Leona: "eh, just figured I'd mention it."
Ruggie: "...huh."
Well, he Does need something to get his mind off of you and this whole situation. And what better way than food? ...it won't really fix anything, but it's better than just moping about it forever.
...
ScaraB has had enough of this. It was funny at first, but it's just gotten so frustrating to see you and that Ruggie guy go on like this! You clearly think he's cool, and he's seen that sad look on your face whenever you spot Ruggie running around on some odd errand or another. But for some reason, even though he CLEARLY wants to talk to you too, you just avoid him!
He can't say he knows the whole story, heck he doesn't know any of it since you refuse to even talk about the guy. But he does know how annoying this has gotten to watch, and how if he doesn't do anything, this will just continue on forever!
Thing is, he doesn't have the slightest idea what to do. He can try bringing it up again, maybe??? Even if he knows that wouldn't work. Still, is there even anything he Can do?
That's what he was thinking as he walked back to Scarabia that evening, and he'd just reached the hall of mirrors when he was stopped by... The Savanaclaw housewarden!? What???
Leona: "hey. I heard you were friends with the 'transfer student', right?"
ScaraB: "huh? I mean kinda, but what's that to you?"
Leona: "they haven't done a culinary crucible class here before, have they?"
ScaraB: "no??? Wait a sec, why do you even care?"
Leona: "gotta look out for my underclassmen, right? Plus I heard there's going to be a pretty reliable student who's also joining this next class. So it'd be the perfect time to join. Do you know Ruggie Bucchi?"
ScaraB: "ah!"
Leona: "well, I'll leave it at that. ...hopefully this'll finally stop his moping..."
Well, that's PERFECT! He has absolutely no clue the the Savanaclaw housewarden would personally come up and tell him that, but goodness is ScaraB glad he did! He can still try the talking it out method, but this could prove to be a great second option!
Of course that all relies on whether you'll actually agree to join the culinary crucible, but it's far better chances than he had before!
...
When ScaraB asked if you would join the culinary crucible, you thought it would be a good opportunity. After all, it's an event directly from the game! It would definitely be a fun course to take, whether you succeed in making something good or not, it's still an experience you'd love to have! And, and...
...oh but now it'll be impossible to focus during it! Ruggie is walking the same way as you and ScaraB, down the same hallway and everything. And he has that smile on his face- it's not fair! You turn back to ScaraB quickly, who immediately noticed your reaction to Ruggie, and just sighed. Before seemingly deciding something.
ScaraB gestures for you both to head off somewhere else, and you know you have some time before the crucible, it's okay to take a detour. ...then at least you won't have to see Ruggie... Once you get away from any other students, he turns to you with a partially confused partially frustrated look on his face.
ScaraB: "okay, what in the world is going on with you and Ruggie?! You've made it so obvious you think he's cool, and he clearly thinks the same of you, so whyyy??????"
"What the?! Geez, it's nothing I swear!"
ScaraB: "IT'S CLEARLY NOT!"
"it is! And... Wait, did you say he thinks the same? That can't be true! It's rude to make stuff up like that!"
ScaraB: "I swear it's true! and I hate the fact I have to be the one to say this, but you guys would clearly be good friends! And it's so annoying to see you avoid him like the plague, while still so clearly thinking about him!"
"But I can't!"
ScaraB: "why not!? I mean, it looks like you're the only one stopping yourself here!"
"It's just... Well, I guess I just can't make myself go over there and actually talk to him. I mean, what if he ends up hating me!?"
ScaraB: "do you have ANY evidence he would hate you???"
"It's just... Compared to him, how could I ever hope to actually hang out with him?"
ScaraB: "huh. So that's it, you're just giving up without actually trying because... You're scared that if you try, you'll fail?"
"It's not as simple as all that!"
ScaraB: "it really does seem to be exactly that simple though. C'mon, just try and talk to him once, go up and ask him how his day is going! Literally just say anything! You're great, and I'm sure he'll see that! And if he doesn't, that's on him."
"I... I can't."
ScaraB: "...fine. Let's just go to the culinary crucible then."
"Yeah. That's for the best."
You continue walking to the cafeteria in silence, there's simply nothing left to say. It's not like anything could change, so why bother? As you get to the cafeteria and open the doors, you're certain of it. It's just... Too much of a risk-
!?
Crowley: "ahh there's our second participant! Since you arrived rather late, I'm afraid we no longer have time for your introduction, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it in no time~"
Ruggie: "wait- THEY'RE THE SECOND PARTICIPANT!?"
"RUGGIE!?"
You turn back to the doors, deciding maybe the culinary crucible isn't for you. Only to see ScaraB shutting them and giving you a thumbs up. SERIOUSLY!? Geez, he's not getting any more help with studying after this!!!
Crowley: "ah wonderful! It appears you're both acquainted already! Well then, let the culinary crucible... Begin!"
You're both brought to the kitchen, but neither of you can really focus on the chef's instructions. Instead, you both keep glancing at each other, as an awkward silence fills the space. Ruggie looks like he wants to talk to you, but keeps hesitating.
The ghosts instruct you to make a egg tart, while Ruggie is left making a quiche. ...but with how hard it is to focus, you mess up the recipe a couple times. Either burning it, or not adding the ingredients in right. Either way, it only adds to your bad mood. Especially since Ruggie managed to finish his without issue.
As you look down at the goopy mess that is attempt three, you decide to just step back from the course. At least you'll wait to try it again until you're certain Ruggie isn't one of the contestants, and- wait, why is Ruggie talking to the ghosts? Why is he coming over here!?
Ruggie: "need some help there?"
"Huh? O-oh, no I'm fine..."
You both look down at the mess of what is supposedly an egg tart, and a moment passes before-
Ruggie: "shyehehe! 'Fine' isn't the way I'd describe that! Hey, it's edible at least, I'll give ya that!"
"It's not that bad!"
Ruggie: "sure it isn't! Now c'mon, I can help walk you through the steps again, okay?"
"But..."
Ruggie: "no buts, you've gotta get this done one way or another, and maybe you just need some help."
"...why would you even-"
Ruggie: "well one because this might be my only chance to talk to you without you avoiding me again."
"You've noticed...?"
Ruggie: "how wouldn't I!? Anyway, reason two is that I can't stand seeing you use up the ingredients like this haha. Now c'mon, are you in or what?"
"Wait- why would you even Want to talk to me!? I mean, you don't even know me!"
Ruggie: "the heck are you talking about!? Of course I know you! I would've had to have been blind in order to not see you through that screen before!"
"Screen...? Oh no."
Ruggie: "yup! Geez, honestly I can't believe you haven't realized that by now haha! Still, with how you used to talk back then, I'd have thought you'd wanna hang out with me, not just avoid me! Seriously, what's up with that?"
"Oh, well, you're you, y'know? You're THE Ruggie Bucchi! You're so cool I just- I've been so worried that you might... I didn't want to you hate me!"
Ruggie: "...THAT'S IT!?"
"...yes?"
Ruggie: "oh my gosh. I can't believe it. That was it? THAT was it!?! Shyehehehe! That's hilarious! Seriously in what world would I ever hate you???"
"Wait- so you don't?"
Ruggie: "well duh! Of course I don't! I mean, what reason would I even have? Oh geez, I thought it was something that I did- haha, that's a relief!"
"Of course it wasn't something that you did! I just... Goodness, this is embarrassing..."
Ruggie: "hah, not as embarrassing as that tart~"
"Don't remind me about the tart!"
Ruggie: "now will you accept my help with it?"
"Ah, sure. But can we maybe just forget this whole thing happened...?"
Ruggie: "absolutely not, you owe me lunch tomorrow to make up for all those emotional damages~ ooh and maybe the day after too!"
"Hah, sure sure. Whatever you say Ruggie."
With Ruggie helping you, you manage to make a much better tart on your fourth attempt. Though you'll admit that you don't really care about it that much, since all you can care about right now is that you're finally talking to Ruggie! And that you'll hang out for lunch later!
...you suppose you have ScaraB to thank for this as well haha. You'll buy him lunch tomorrow too!
...
After that day, you, Ruggie, and ScaraB have been eating lunch together everyday. And it's been wonderful! You don't pay everytime of course, but occasionally you'll treat them both depending on your mood. And Ruggie always especially appreciates it!
Your life in twisted wonderland has become much more lively with Ruggie as your friend as well. And you can't wait to keep hanging out with both Ruggie and ScaraB for as long as you can!
Little notice about the lack of activity for the last month
I ended up joining a musical near the end of last month, and the practice for it almost always takes up my free time at the end of the day. And what other time I have, I'm tired from that practicing. So I haven't had the time to write anything, at least not without messing up my sleep schedule haha. So there likely won't be any new fics until the musical is over. Which will be near the start of May. After that, it might take a bit to get back into the swing of things, but you can definitely expect a few fics at least lolol. Thanks for your patience :D and I hope y'all have been staying healthy!
And finally, as I always try to say, remember to drink some water and get some rest! And I hope to post the next fic soon!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE
IM GOING FERAL- HE'S PERFECT- I LOVE HIM!
THANK YOU SO MUCH?????????? OH MY GOODNESS???????? LOOK HE STILL DOESN'T BEST GRIM FOR MY TOP FAVORITE, BUT IT'S DANGEROUSLY CLOSE-
OH GOSH THIS REALLY DOES CHEER ME UP??? Like it turns out I was getting sick, and that's what made me so tired, and this is seriously so positive and precious it's making me feel so happy??!!!? Gahhh too cuteeeeeeeee!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!
I'm going FERAL- I wanna pat his head and give him forehead kisses and most importantly I WANT HIM TO BE ON THE ENGLISH SERVER ASAP!? I understand the Minajael hype, but Rielle is the true star of it all for me!!! Gahh I wanna meet him nowwwwwwwwww!!!
Oh my goodness gracious, THIS IS TOO CUTE, IM GETTING CUTENESS AGGRESSION AND WANNA SQUEEZE HIM LIKE FLOYD WOULD, YOUR ART- ITS PERFECT- IM GONNA SCREAM---- AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Thank you so much for sharing this, and I'm gonna go take a nap and feel so much happier just knowing this exists. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
(your art never fails to impress!! This style really suits him!!! Then again it probably suits everyone, it's a very flattering and very pretty style!!)
Feed your dashboard by answering my question, blogger.
Alrighty then, might as well do one of these while going through my asks-
Yes and no, I will explain.
I used to always go by this one that I picked out in middle school, and it's still the name I go by in several of them. (It's cringe, not sharing it lolol) But by now I've changed my naming strategy to either be a random word that I think would fit the game (like hourglass for legends Arceus, or blossom for pokemon mystery dungeon. I was a Bulbasaur!)
Or sometimes I'll just use my name, especially if it's a game where characters will call you by the name given. Like fields of mistria, or twisted wonderland.
So I used to have a single username I'd use, but by now it's so convoluted and confusing that I tend to pick something random. (Jester is a favorite of mine haha)
Since the author is interested in my ideas about yandere au, here's another one:
I'll probably continue the topic about how some characters can be greatly distorted if they are yandere:
We yes WE don't talk enough about the potential of yn!Yuu (especially if they're working with Grim, because they can manipulate the player very well without arousing suspicion (from the player lol)) In fact, Yuu can be both one of the player's closest companions and one of the worst people the player has ever encountered (if we're talking about how Yuu can understand their obsession and try to get rid of it just to bring the player into this world and live with them)
Imagine that Yuu had a huge hatred for the player and they would like to share this hatred with someone just so that no one would support them (for various reasons), but in the end Grim was able to reconcile them because he does not want to see his henchmen quarreling with each other or (worse) fighting and now imagine this scene: Yuu and the player are sitting on the same couch and listening to lectures from Grim, and he even threatens that if they don't stop it, then maybe he can attract someone who can quickly "reconcile" them (loud cough Lilia even more violent cough)
(I don't have a lot of thoughts, but I might come up with something else later)
I think that yn!Riddle is too strict (but if we're talking about the time before he overblotted, that's a different story) it's like yn!Vil, where I don't think he would have been too controlling but also wouldn't have allowed too much freedom
I mean he would let a lot of things slide but he would make comments if the player did too many rule violations in a short time he would still turn a blind eye (for the most part) but if we're talking about others, I think he would be much stricter but he wouldn't use his special magic unless the student had violated a lot of rules, but if the player intervened, the student would get away with paperwork lol
I don't know how platonic!yn! Ortho feels about it, but I like the idea that he would be the one trying to play matchmaker to connect yn!Idia with a player
Like, imagine that before the player got into the game, there was an Ortho on the "home background" (or where we end up after entering the game), and he was collecting information about the player and betraying them to his brother (who might have shared false information with others to make himself look better) and once the player was in the game, they used it to make the player trust them more than others.
(I just wanted to mention this because I think it's worth discussing)
And if we're talking about the fact that the player doesn't know their language? (the idea is just too good, and I've been thinking about it for a long time) everyone can use this, and imagine how many opportunities there will be? They can easily gain the player's trust and use this opportunity to build a foundation where the player can become "the one" (if you know what I mean), or they can deceive the player and start dating from the beginning under the pretext of "learning the language," and the player might not know about it (this scenario could work well for Azul and some other characters)
I want to write a little bit about a trope that is not often used (at least I don't see it often in fanfictions) but I find it interesting.
This part of my post will talk about cannibalism (which I naturally condemn and do not support in real life) and if the author or someone is not comfortable with this topic, I kindly ask you to skip it, thank you for understanding
You know, I've seen fanfictions where Trey is portrayed as someone who kills a student and then "disposes" of the body by adding it to food and then feeding it to either the object of his obsession or other students so what am I talking about? I personally think that Trey could have done it, but I think this trope is more suitable for the Octavinelle guys
JUST LISTEN, I think it's very risky for Trey to do this because students (like Ace) might walk in at the wrong time, and he could get caught red-handed. That's why I believe Octavinelle might have done it, as there's a lower chance of being noticed (and if someone did notice, they might have been intimidated or eliminated)
And here I have a little scenario on this path:
Look, I personally see that the playable NRC students have some kind of unspoken agreement where, if it comes to murder, they must approach it very carefully and cautiously
I personally believe that Savanaclaw or Rook can be given a case to collect data (sometimes Ignihyde if "uncomfortable" information starts to appear on the internet), and if a student knows too much or spreads rumors, they are "removed" and Octavinelle takes care of this part
I'll try to explain it briefly: they are given a dossier on a student => Azul assigns the task of developing a murder plan to Jade => Jade develops the plan and explains it to Floyd => Floyd beats the student to the point where it is impossible to identify him by his face => they quickly conceal the evidence, and the body is either thrown into the sea or placed in a backroom in a restaurant => if the body is placed in a backroom, it is prepared for the next shift (personally, I think that depending on the student's race, the meat may have a different smell and taste) (if the meat smells too strong, then some kind of potion or seasoning may be used to mask the smell) and they try to bring it as close as possible to meat of animal origin (this may also apply to the color of the meat, since I believe what if the student was from the sea, then the meat has a brighter meat color) => meat is used to cook dishes for dear guests :)
that's all my ideas for now, but I might share something else later
If something is unclear, I can explain it in the comments (≡^∇^≡)
Oh my goodness, this has been in my inbox for awhile but it's just so good-
Yet again, your opinions on the yandere au are absolutely wonderful! Let me go and respond to this by each section...
Okay about yandere Yuu, OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE IT. You don't get it, they live rent free in my head. Yuu is just so underutilized in stories, and they have such potential! Everything about them works no matter what sort of story you're trying to write
They can be overbearingly soft and sweet and doting because they understand how stressful this can be, and would probably be protective.
Or they can be utterly obsessive because this is the player who controls everything, and had complete control over them. And now they can finally meet them in person, they can't get enough.
They can be manipulative and isolating, because you're the only one they have, so you have to stay with them so the others won't bully them, you will, won't you? They'd be completely alone again without you.
They could be an actual doll, that was brought to life only for you, but gained sentience through your care for the world and characters, and started existing only for you not just because that was their purpose, but because they wanted to.
Or even angsty! Because this person has controlled them for however long now, and they want their autonomy back! But hatred and love are two sides of the same coin, and they start obsessing over everything the player does 'because they need to discover their weakness' and would it really be too unrealistic to say that once they discover just how many weaknesses the player has, they would wanna protect them? 'so that only they get to mess with them'?
Everything you do with them- absolutely perfect. Yuu may be a blank slate, but they're so fun to write! Absolutely versatile, and I love every version of them. I tend to switch between those different sorts of versions when I write them, because each of them are so cool there's no way I could pick my favorite out of them.
And YES, using Grim for help would be so smart! (Especially for me, he's my favorite and they could literally get me to agree with basically anything if they just get Grim to ask me. Plus I'd probably willingly stay in ramshackle forever if it meant hanging out with Grim and Yuu forever haha)
Oh my gosh YES absolutely yandere Riddle is often treated like that! I feel like when people write yandere Riddle, they often go for either completely overbearing and extreme with his darling, or the rules are completely thrown out the window because Riddle just loves them so much.
And no hate to people who write him like that, both are completely valid interpretations. After all, yandere is just a character's affection being pushed to its extremes. So it makes sense for other personality points to be pushed to extremes as well, right?
But personally I just don't see it quite like that. I think he would still wanna teach them the rules, but be much softer about it. Like he doesn't care if they make a mistake as long as they're trying to learn, y'know? It's definitely just me with my bias towards soft yandere's, but I think he'd be a very sweet yandere (as long as you pander to him)
Truthfully, he has a good potential to be strict and mean, but much like the queen of hearts and her partner, I don't think that would be directed to you. Unless you directly opposed him. He's just not that sort of person (in my interpretation.)
Though I'll admit, I'm still a sucker for those fics where he disregards the rules for the reader because they become his new rules, and everything they say is law. It's not the most realistic, but it's a fun one for me to read. And out of the two, either super strict or super sweet, I'd rather go for the sweet one haha.
I love platonic yandere Ortho, who sees you as a big sibling already and will stop at nothing to make that a reality! After all, Idia already loves you, and it would make everyone happy! (Well, depending on the circumstances, maybe not you, but he'll try and make it fun for you as well)
I think people can write off Ortho as just sweet and 'too good for this world'. And while I can jokingly agree with them, he still is a NRC student, and it Really shows. I mean, he's so nonchalant about just destroying the entire school to rescue his brother. Or y'know, the entirety of his dorm uniform vignette???
He's absolutely selfish, and I love that about him, so I think he'd make a very good platonic yandere, especially when it comes to gathering information. You just know he's hacking your phone if he thinks it'd help him or Idia get close to you in any way.
I dunno, I just love the potential he has, that feels wasted when he's just written as either 'little baby too good for this world' or 'little baby too good for this world - with lasers'. Naturally I don't mean to send hate to folks who think of him like that, and heck I even thought of him like that at first. But it's just not my cup of tea, y'know?
Ohhh YES, more of the language barrier twst thing. You just know the NRC students will be taking advantage of this situation so much. You're just so helpless without an ability to communicate in this world, they can so easily make you dependent on them, it's just- perfect.
From simple things like making you confess your love to them without knowing what the words mean, or bigger things like not letting you learn the language properly so you'll stay stuck with him forever, otherwise you'll be completely lost, right?
And a word of advice to you about Azul? NEVER SIGN THE CONTRACTS. Look, it would be stupid to sign them even if you were able to read the writing on it. But now??? He can legitimately just lie about what's on the paper, and once the deal comes back to bite you (and keep you both together for eternity) he can just say it was a matter of bad translation and he's sooo sorryyyy this happened. ...hm? Oh, no he won't be dissolving the contract. Really now, do you take him for a fool?
Okay, soooo cannibalism? While I myself am fine discussing the topic, especially since I've gotten pretty deep into the yandere scene and I've definitely seen those Trey fics. (And naturally I DO NOT SUPPORT IT IRL) I'll just add a cut here so people uncomfortable with the subject don't have to read about it if they don't wish to.
Alright then, to start, I agree with you about the Trey thing. Unless it's one of those situations where all of Heartslabyul is in on it, Trey just feels too careful to do something so obvious as all that. And personally I don't particularly like it as a way of 'disposing of the bodies' because it feels like he just wouldn't have the resources to get rid of anything else, right?
I think I'd find it more unsettling if instead a few rose bushes have started growing much better, from a new source of fertilizer (wink wink he's burying the bodies in the heartslabyul gardens wink wink). But that's unrelated to the current discussion.
...though I don't mind the idea of him knowing how to dissolve a body considering the fact he's in the science club, and would have access to those chemicals. Frankly, I think that would be the best way for him to deal with it, rather than the 'food' route.
But OCTAVINELLE on the other hand??? YES! Oh my goodness, ESPECIALLY JADE! I mean, he's already shown to find it amusing to try and get Azul to eat takoyaki in cannon, and in a yandere sorta au, he would probably find the same amusement from humans in a similar situation! And you just know they have ways of keeping it a secret.
Plus they can't have the students get too close to discovering the truth about the player, right? So it's two birds with one stone! I just- oh goodness gracious I can't believe I haven't thought of that before. Octavinelle can be so mentally unstable in yandere au, you absolutely cannot put that past them.
And the idea that all the playable characters are in on it??? Goodness gracious, it'd WORK.
While I don't have any plans to write for that sort of au, or cannibalism as a whole (just not my cup of tea), this idea is pretty dang good! The fish mafia are truly living up to their name, and everything else will suffer for it. (Except for the customers, getting all these new dishes)
In any case, yandere au will always be so interesting to me! And I love how every different author chooses to interpret it! And your ideas are splendid as well. Truthfully it's clear you have a good grasp on the characters, and that's wonderful when it comes to these sorts of things :D
If I may add a couple headcannons and ideas for other yandere twst things-
I think Ruggie would use his skills as a thief to take some of your things, not to sell, but to keep. (Just an idea I've had for awhile. People always write Rook or Idia as the one having a shrine, but they're seriously missing how well Ruggie could work with this!)
It would be super cool if you still were able to access the functions of the game while in twisted wonderland, and used it to mess with the yanderes. Like Jamil tries to corner you in a hallway to talk/hypnotize you? Guess who's getting set to the harveston background and will now need to make his way back to NRC?
Sebek pestering you and won't leave you alone no matter what? Guess who's going to the guestroom for hours? And no, he CAN'T leave. Not until the time is up.
Ace annoying you about "c'mon, don't you wanna go out with me? Jkjk! ...unless?" And then getting sent to fifty consecutive lessons. No mercy. You can even pick PE lessons if he's being extra annoying!
Meanwhile the 'good ones' get their cards upgraded, and new outfits, and stickers. And suddenly you've created a hierarchy based on who has the most stickers/outfits, and they're getting into frequent fights over this. What chaos have you unleashed on this school?
I just love the idea of a player that despite being magicless, isn't completely at the whims of these powerful mages. Otherwise it can often end up with the reader just being subject to these emotionally stunted students with too much magic for their own good, and having no say in this unless the character lets them. Right? It evens the playing field in the funniest of ways!
Ortho: "hey player, guess what?"
"hm?"
Ortho: "I upgraded your dorm's security, now you can use lasers to keep people out!"
"oooh!! Thanks a bunch Ortho! Do you want a sticker?"
Ortho: "yes please!"
There's so much potential with that, I love it.
In any case, thanks for the ask! Love the yandere au, and apologies for responding so late haha
Knock knock:D l’m here to deliver the gifts l promise(well a redo because last time to did pretty bad this time l try harder??? But yeah here yah go💖) just a doodles so uhh l not gonna color it tho:D
ALSGFKSHSKAHSKAHSKHSKSGDISHSJSHISHDISHEJSJSJHDKS
(yes I know I forgot to respond to this for awhile, but geez Louise this is amazing-)
GRIM MY BOY!!!! AND SILVER TOO!! While grim is my current favorite, Silver was the hand I took at the start, and I still really care for him!! And- !?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!! Your art style is perfect for them!!?!?!!
You have such a soft yet elegant way of making art, y'know? Kinda reminds me of lace agates, if you know what those are (if you don't, go look them up, they're also beautiful) or just lace! I just-
Your art makes me feral, I don't know what I did to get so lucky as to have someone as wonderful and talented as you as my friend, but goodness gracious- thank you so much! Honestly this absolutely makes my day :D
Oh my goodness I wanna pet grim so badly, he looks adorable while he's sleeping- and so is Silver!? Gahh I'm gonna scream they're too cutee-!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this!!!! And I'm going to go and have a wonderful day now just having seen this- like genuinely, this is wonderful, goodness gracious
Hi, I wanted to write this letter because I want to express my sincere gratitude to you for starting to write on twst (❁´◡`❁)
I am sincerely grateful to you for this, as it has made my workdays much easier to endure. Thank you also for writing wonderful responses to your subscribers' inquiries, which are always interesting to read (even if I don't particularly like the idea)
You may be wondering, "What is the purpose of this message?" I will respond, tomorrow (April 6) as it is my birthday, and I wanted to express my thoughts to you
It may sound silly, but I want you to know
Thank you for your blog, and I hope you will continue to write it (but don't forget to take breaks) (≧∇≦)/
(Yes, it may not be as much as I would like to say, but I decided to write it anyway)
Happy Birthday @melodicofsirens!
~not a request, but a gift~
[hey guys, author here! And hello especially to you @melodicofsirens!!! You've been there for me basically since the beginning of my journey as an author, so please consider this a thank you gift :D and here's hoping you have a wonderful birthday! I'll admit this story was a rather quick one, but hopefully you can still enjoy it haha. And in any case- remember to drink some water and get some rest, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!]
Things have been very disorienting this past month. You never thought getting isekai'd would be so impossible to adjust to. There's been so many new things to learn even with your previous knowledge of twisted wonderland as a game, that you've barely had time to think about your upcoming birthday.
Well that is, until the day finally arrives, and you realize that you haven't told a soul that your birthday's today. And despite all the chaos recently, you still wish someone would wish you a happy birthday. Even just in passing. And to be fair, it shouldn't be impossible, after all it was clear they knew a lot of things from how much they saw of you through the screen as 'the player' or simply 'L'.
Yet as the day drags on, without even a single mention of it being your birthday, you realize they must not know. ...it's a bit disappointing, but it'd be unfair to blame them, especially since you haven't mentioned anything about it being your birthday. ...still, maybe you should head back to the dorm earlier today. It's not like there's any reason to hang around campus.
And by 'the dorm' you don't mean Ramshackle. While the headmage offered to host you there much like he did with Yuu, you instead took up Ortho's offer to stay in Ignihyde. Mainly because you didn't want to end up Crowley's unpaid helper, but also because it was the dorm you had always felt a kinship with back in your world. The introverted nature of it all being a bit too relatable.
So you head back to Ignihyde, still feeling a little upset over how your day went, before the security system starts ringing. ...that's very weird, because Idia set you as a student in the database ever since you arrived in this world. Why's it flagging you now? Did something happen? Maybe the system got reset...?
Well you're not left wondering for long as Idia rushes over to you in a couple minutes, out of breath and looking a little panicked. He tries to regain his composure quickly, but it seems to fail once he looks you in the eyes. Instead just grabbing his tablet to talk for him.
Idia('s tablet): "hey L, why in the world are you back so soon???"
"Huh? Oh. There's nothing to do today, so I just decided to come straight back."
Idia: "whyyyyyyyyy!??? I mean- you usually take at least another ten minutes!"
"You know my schedule?"
Idia: "besides the point!"
"Well uh... Sorry for coming back early? Wait, does this have something to do with the security system flagging me as an intruder?"
Idia: "it's not that, it's just- okay okay okay, y'know what, this is fine! And y'know what, in fact, uh, yes it does...? Yes! Why don't you... Help me fix it? Yeah, let's just take a detour away from the lounge and go directly to the quest marker for this repair."
Idia is acting so suspicious and nervous, it doesn't take a genius to figure out he's covering for something. ...and that something is probably in the lounge. Maybe it's not a good idea to pry, but you're very curious now what's in the lounge. So before you walk off with him, you decide to ask about it just a little. Just to gauge his reaction.
"So, Idia. Why shouldn't we take the way through the lounge?"
Idia: "h-huh? Oh... Y'know... Reasons."
"Like?"
Idia: "oh c'mon, there's nothing in the lounge, so there's no reason to go there! Plain and simple, right?"
Thankfully Ortho comes to save Idia from this half-baked excuse, flying over to you both with a big grin on his face. And laughing a little at Idia's plight.
Ortho: "hey brother, hey L!"
Idia: "oh-my-gosh-Ortho-you're-a-lifesaver..."
He speaks very quickly, before heaving a sigh of relief. You can visibly see the worry leave him as he takes a deep breath. You feel slightly bad for teasing him like that, but you're still Very curious what they were doing. ...And thankfully you won't be in the dark about it much longer!
Ortho: "hehe, c'mon L! All the preparations are complete!"
"Preparations? For what?"
Ortho: "you'll see! Thanks for stalling them brother!"
Idia: "yeah, it was NP. ...but uh, next time I'll finish the preparations, and YOU stall them."
Ortho: "fineee, now come on L, I bet you'll be amazed!"
"Alright alright, I'm coming!"
Despite the day starting out a little rough, you can't help but feel excited as you follow Ortho through the hallways of Ignihyde all the way to the lounge. Idia is following behind you, but a little slower because he was already tired out from rushing to you earlier.
Once you get to the entrance of the lounge, you freeze. Long enough for Idia to catch up. Meanwhile you try to take in everything. Banners and holograms and streamers and decorations, most of which saying a big and unmissable "HAPPY BIRTHDAY L" on them. ...they remembered. Turning to face them, the surprise and joy evident on your face, them both smile back.
"Is this...?"
Ortho: "Happy birthday L!!"
Idia: "...yeah, happy birthday... Whehehe, did you think we forgot?"
"What? Uh... Okay, maybe a little bit, but seriously, thank you guys!"
Ortho: "I've always wanted to throw a surprise party! Here c'mon, wanna look at the gifts we got you?"
Idia: "ah wait, Ortho shouldn't we save those for last?"
Ortho: "aww, but I really wanna see her open mine now... I worked really hard on it!"
Idia: "I mean, same. But like- save the best for last? First I wanted to show her the game I coded for her!"
Ortho: "hey, that's no fair! You just wanna give her your gift first!"
Idia: "tbf, that isn't my actual gift to them. It's just like, a side project that I managed to finish in time, and decided 'why not' y'know?"
Ortho: "hmph. Fine, but only if we get to open presents right afterwards, and I get to give her mine first!"
Idia: "deal! Now c'mon L, I've got it all set up on this monitor over here..."
You barely hold back a laugh at the brothers antics, before walking over with Idia to a monitor set up on a table, probably specifically for this moment. And loaded on it is... TWISTED WONDERLAND??? Looking over to Idia for answers, he looks proud as he sits down next to you to help explain.
Idia: "so uh, figured that if you liked this world so much as a visual novel, it'd only really be fair to let you keep playing, right? ...It's only a copy! Especially since your 'game' doesn't even open anymore now that you're actually in it. But like- you mentioned wanting to see some things again that you missed after joining this world quite a ways into this 'story' so uh... This is that!"
"So this will be exactly like twisted wonderland was back home?"
Idia: "yeah- or, well there's one teensy tiny little difference, but you'll probably not even notice. It's still in beta mode anyways..."
"Hm?"
Idia: "w-well uh, remember how you would've liked twst to be an otome sometimes...? I-I uh... Gah I can't do this!"
He grabs his tablet, quickly typing the words that he's a little too embarrassed to say out loud.
Idia('s tablet): "basically I added an otome route to the game. Technically optional, but you'll miss out on some stuff if you skip it. And I only have one character ready so far- me. It's just that I know the most about me, so it's easiest to make realistic!"
(He's never going to make any other routes, at most he'll add new happy endings to his route. ...and he was sort of lying about the optional part. Because you'll lock yourself out of the best ending for the game if you don't. And hey, he made it super easy for you! In fact, there no bad endings at all! ((Except for that one that happens when you don't chose his route, but that doesn't count in his mind)) He's even rigged the gacha for you, and you're sure to get cards earlier than usual. ...as long as they're Ignihyde cards of course~)
Idia, finally able to put the tablet down again: "...what do you think?"
"It's... Well it seems really interesting! I'll have to try it out later! Y'know, try and get every ending? But for now, let's go and enjoy the rest of the party! I can tell you both put a lot of work into it!"
Idia: "a-ah yeah, we did... Of course, we didn't want you coming in early and ruining the surprise, so I set up the security system to flag you and send a alarm. ...uh, sorry about that btw."
"? No, it's fine! I appreciate all the work you both put in to make this so wonderful!"
Idia: "ahhh, you're too sparkly- Ortho help me out here, or I'm gonna fade away in the light-!"
Ortho: "stop being so dramatic brother, obviously she would like it! We spent hours on it all!"
"It really shows, everything looks amazing..."
Ortho: "hehe, thanks! In any case, now that you're done showing her the game, I get to give her my gift! Over here L!"
As you walk over, you see a pretty big pile of gifts. You're unsure if they're all from Ortho and Idia, but it's far more than you ever expected to get. Ortho grabs a big box from the pile, wrapped with such lazer precision that it feels rude to tear it and ruin it. ...but it IS a gift after all, it's made to be torn open. So you don't leave Ortho waiting for too long before you open the gift up quickly.
Inside of the box is two robots, one the shape of a cat, and the other the shape of a dog. And they both whir to life and jump out of the box once you open it. Behaving playfully as they act like their animal counterparts. And frankly, they're absolutely adorable! Ortho must've spent quite a bit of time designing them.
Ortho: "hehe, I didn't know whether you liked dogs or cats more, so I just made both! Do you like them?"
"Yes?! Goodness, these guys are precious!"
Ortho's "yay, I'm glad you like them! It took awhile to figure out the right coding so they would behave like actual animals, but I eventually managed it! And their bodies are made using the same mechanisms mine is, so they should last for a long time!"
"Woah, you put in a lot of work for these little guys, thanks so much Ortho! Aw..."
Ortho: "well, even if they're made to last, they'll need proper upkeep, right? So you'll have to hang around with us as long as they're here, so I can take care of them. Right...?"
"Haha, I guess so. Not like I was planning to leave anyways. I mean, Ignihyde seriously suits me, y'know?"
Ortho: "well that's good! I wanna be friends with you forever :D"
You smile at that, before turning back to the robot animals and patting their heads. ...you'll need to give them names soon, you wonder what you should call them...?
Idia's standing off to the side, holding a small gift box but seemingly not wanting to interrupt the happy moment you're having with Ortho. ...Ortho picks up on this too, so he quickly gets the robot animals to the side, shooing you towards Idia.
Ortho: "I'll take care of them for now, I think brother wants to give you his gift now!"
"Seems that way, doesn't it? Haha, well then, thanks again Ortho, later!"
You wave goodbye to Ortho before walking over to Idia, who looks a little shy now that you're close to him. Just holding out his gift to you, his words mumbly, but you manage to make them out.
Idia: "here you go, it's not much, I would've given you more but like... This was the only gift I could think of that wouldn't be super cringe..."
"Hm? Oh, well now I'm really curious what it is! But, you don't have to worry about something 'being cringe', I'd be happy no matter what it is, especially if it's you giving it!"
Idia: "gahh... You're like one of those shoujo protags, absolutely effortless-!"
You smile at that, before going to open up the gift he got you. Inside of the box is what appears to be a very high quality phone, though it does appear to have some modifications already.
Idia: "uh, I added some upgrades, y'know just some basic stuff. Increasing the processing power, better storage, (access to camera and mic), custom icons in a few different styles, a headphone jack because for some stupid reason the original model just didn't have one, and... I have some accessories that you could use as well, if you want... Um, sorry for rambling..."
"Wow, that all sounds so cool! And definitely useful! Geez this'll be a big help. My old phone doesn't pick up Wi-Fi in this world, so I've been needing something that'll work haha. Thanks so much Idia!"
Idia: "a-ah it's- it's nothing... R-really..."
"It's no nothing! This'll be really helpful! Seriously, I appreciate this so much!"
Idia stares at you with wide eyes, before pulling the strings of his hoodie tight to hide his face from you. But you still can see the soft pink glow now coming from his hair. That expression he had makes you smile, it looked absolutely adorable. Not that you'd actually say that to him, or you doubt he would ever do it again.
Still, both of your gifts are wonderful, and they've truly made your birthday one to remember. You would've probably been content if the day ended there, this celebration being more than you ever could've hoped for. ...but they're not planning to let it end yet. As you sit down, they each take a seat on either side of you.
"Today... Today was wonderful guys. Thanks so much..."
Ortho: "it's not over yet!"
Idia: "yeah, but the next thing will need to wait until it gets dark..."
Ortho: "so why don't we do some other party things first? I wanna try out a few party games! Or maybe you can have the cake we made? Oohhh, or you can open the rest of your gifts!"
"Hm? Oh geez, it's hard to decide. Those all sound like fun!"
Ortho: "right? Sooo, how about we don't choose? Let's try them all!"
He pulls you up out of your seat, Idia following close behind. And you realize today is far from over. As the party stretches on for hours, until late into the evening. ...you don't want today to end...
And it seems it's not quite over yet, as once it's properly dark, they both lead you out to the main campus. To a picnic set up in the sports field. ...it's odd that you needed to wait until it was dark to have a picnic, but maybe Idia didn't want to go out on campus during the day...?
Idia: "Ortho, is everything ready?"
Ortho: "yup! Prepare to be Amazed L!"
"Wait, what are you-!"
As you speak, a light shoots up into the sky, before exploding into a shower of light. ...fireworks!? Soon enough, the sky becomes filled with those colorful explosions, it appears they both set up a whole show for you. Turning to Idia, he just smiles softly at you. ...you look stunning in this light, and he decides something.
As annoying as all those scenes are, when one character confesses to the other during fireworks and the other person doesn't hear. That sounds perfect to him right now. ...maybe eventually he'll be able to say this stuff to you when he doesn't think it'll get drowned out by the fireworks, but for now...
Idia: "...I love you, I love you so much... Thank you for letting me be part of your life, I wish these days would never end... Please, never leave."
...unfortunately for Idia, those scenes only really work in anime. As you hear him clearly, if a little mumbled. ...and as another firework explodes in the sky, you feel your heartbeat quicken, before you decide to respond in the only way you ever could.
"I love you too Idia... And... Maybe these days don't have to end... After all, why would I ever want to leave when I get to be here with you and Ortho?"
Idia's expression turns shocked and flustered as he realizes that you heard him, suddenly seeing that the fireworks don't actually drown out as much sound as he thought they would. His face turning redder than the fireworks in the sky, burying his face in his hands.
Neither of you speak another word, the silence being mainly comfortable if not for the awkwardness from both of you refusing to be the one to say anything else about these feelings you share. ...thankfully for both of you, Ortho is still here, and excited as ever now that you've both finally confessed to each other!
He tackles you both into a hug, absolutely beaming as he does. Before using a party popper over both of you, clearly celebrating this.
Ortho: "yay!! I'm so glad you finally managed to confess to her, brother!! And does this mean I can call you my sister now?"
"A-ah, I... Yeah I guess...? Goodness, this is a lot..."
Idia takes a few shakey breaths in, trying to steady himself as his thoughts are racing. ...he did it, he somehow managed to land himself on your route, and all he had to do now is stay away from any bad ends and he'll win. This- this is impossible. ...but hey, guess lady luck finally had a change of heart!
This is beyond his wildest dreams, and yours. And for the first time since you were isekai'd into this world, you really truly feel like you belong here. And like it's possible to stay here forever without problem. ...and looking at them both, you decide that you're Going to stay. After all, how could anyone leave them behind?
Meanwhile Idia and Ortho and mentally celebrating the success of their plan today, that plan being 'operation: give L the best birthday every so she never wants to go home' ...and they cannot wait to spend tomorrow and the next day and the next with you, for as long as they possibly can!
Happy birthday L, they're so happy you enjoyed today. And they hope they can continue sharing these moments with you, no matter what.
Hello~ I hope you are having a great day, I have a bit of a request if that’s alright. I really like the self-aware fics, especially when the player gets isekaied to Twist and the plushie of them becomes their son. We’ve only ever seen Leona or Malleus meet them, but what about Azul, Kalim, Deuce or Jack. If you want for the request, you pick one you like more, I just like to see the boys interacting with kids ^^
The Most Cherished.
~request~
[hey guys, author here! Apologies for the wait haha, it's just been a bit of a busy week. But this one was very fun to write! And truth be told, this and the previous version are some of my favorites, just because the prompt idea is so fun :D lolol, I'll stop my rambling now, but as always, remember to drink some water and get some rest, And always remember that you're lovely!]
When it comes to Twisted Wonderland, it would be fair to say you were a fan. And not a casual one at that, you even ended up buying a all too expensive plushie of one of your favorites because you really wanted a physical thing of him. ...this plushie is now your child. You don't make the rules. ...okay technically you DO make the rules here, but the rules say the plushie is your child so there.
And it's very fun to just hold this plushie while Azul Ashengrotto is on your homescreen, as you go about doing the things you need to do during the day. But the best time is when you have a free afternoon or evening to dedicate purely to playing twst. And thankfully today happens to be that sort of day!
You sit back on the couch with a sigh, settling in for a hopefully long play session. Naturally your (plushie) child is on your lap, occasionally getting head pats or hugs when you see Azul on the screen. It's fun to imagine how he'd react to it! Would he be embarrassed? Flattered? Even flustered? You aren't sure what he'd do, and it would probably depend on his mood when he sees it.
In any case, you were busy using up all the different things, from exam points to lesson points and everything in the guest room. Plus any event that's going on. So you spend quite a bit of time doing that, before finally navigating back to the homescreen and pausing there to just look at Azul and hear his voice. And say goodbye for the day.
"Ah, I'll have to see you tomorrow Azul, I still have some things to do today... Oh, haha, say bye-bye lil cutie~"
You make the plushie wave him goodbye as well before going to turn off the app. But not before Azul smiles just as the screen cracks harshly, and... A HAND REACHES OUT AND PULLS YOU IN!? this is surely the stuff of nightmares, but you can't stop being pulled through the screen. Your attempts to grab something to pull yourself back only result you to grabbing your (plushie?) child, though unfortunately dropping it before you stabilize yourself in... Where ARE you???
Looking around, you can hardly believe your eyes as you take in the foreign yet oh so familiar decor of the mostro lounge, and standing next to a table that's decked out in the fanciest tablecloth and dishware you've ever seen, a candelabra, flower petals scattered around, and set for two, stands the man currently holding your hand. Azul Ashengrotto. ...AZUL ASHENGROTTO!?!?
"What in the world!?"
Azul: "ah, my dear player, it's my pleasure to finally meet you in person. I've taken the liberty of preparing our meal in celebration of this occasion, don't worry, I'm certain they'll be to your liking~"
"Wait wait wait, I'm in twisted wonderland!? You actually just pulled me into twisted wonderland! How did you even do that!?"
Azul: "it wasn't too difficult really, at least not for someone like me~ but to answer your question properly, it was a old spell I discovered during my research trying to learn about your world. I would've cast it the day I found it, but I had to ensure everything would be perfect for your first day here, don't you agree?"
"I... You're being serious right now, I'm in Actually Here. Wait, does this mean I can see all those places that were only backgrounds in person!?"
Azul: "all things in time, for now, please take a seat. I have so many things to discuss with you, things I've wanted to say to you for awhile and- and... !?!????"
Something or... SomeONE pulls on his vest, and you both look down and notice a toddler with a striking similarity to Azul. Having gotten his attention, the child reaches up to try and get Azul to pick them up, but Azul is too busy mentally screaming to realize that. And you? You realize something.
This child... And your plushie that you called 'your child'. It couldn't be, but it's the only explanation! Still, how I'm the world did a plushie turn into a child!? You turn to Azul, who's finally managed to stop staring at the child to turn and look at you with a utterly lost look that mirrors your own.
Azul: "this child..."
"...was that plushie."
Azul: "...HOW???"
"Wait, so you don't know either!?"
Azul: "why in the world would I know this!? That is a actual child! I did not factor a baby into my plans!"
"Well they aren't quite a baby, they look more like a toddler."
Azul: "SEMANTICS!"
"...fair enough. But still! You're the one who cast the spell that brought me here, and probably simultaneously made my child- that plushie I called my child, into a actual child! And you don't know!?"
Azul: "I can assure you this was NOT in the spell description! I read that thing over a hundred times, and not once did it think to warn me about something like this! Why if I had known if have prepared something specifica-"
As Azul continues on, the child keeps trying to get Azul to pick them up, tugging at his vest, and getting increasingly upset. Azul seems much too preoccupied to do so, and is still in shock from everything, so you decide to pick them up instead. Both because you don't want the child to start crying now, and because you do truly care for them, you're just very VERY confused right now. And understandably so!
For a moment the child seems content in your arms, before they start to frown again and reach out to Azul, their hands grabbing at the air between you two as they try to reach him. Looking more and more upset as he doesn't notice them.
Azul: "and furthermore! Spells like this need much better descriptions! It's to think they'd forget to leave out the crucial detail of 'may bring inanimate plushies to life'!! And-"
The child finally has enough, and starts to cry. And then to wail out as Azul looks up at them, finally really noticing them beyond the initial shock of them being there in general. He looks a little unsure, but hesitantly steps forward, and you offer for him to take the child from your arms.
Azul: "are... You sure?"
"I think they want to be with you right now."
Azul nods as he takes the child, trying his best to rock them back and forth, or distract them with anything, and it doesn't seem to work very well. As the child continues to cry.
Azul: "come on now, if you stop crying, I'll give you some candy, don't you want that?"
This only serves to make the child cry louder, making Azul wince as he tries again to bribe them.
Azul: "toys! You have have however many plushies you want, or building blocks! Just shush, it's okay, please calm down...?"
The child just clings close to Azul, their face against his carefully pressed vest and making a mess of it. Azul would protest, but he merely sighs as he goes to sit down at the table he prepared so carefully for their evening. He pats their back reassuringly as he speaks calmly.
Azul: "it's alright, I won't be going anywhere. You can take your time to calm down, there's no rush. But once you do, you can borrow my handkerchief, okay? ...and I'll have one made right away for you specifically, does that sound good to you?"
They finally seem to calm down a little as they pull back from Azul, looking up at him with eyes still wet from crying. And for a moment Azul sees his younger self in all those fragile moments of his, and a vow forms in him without thought. Something that should've been natural from the beginning.
Azul: "I'll be here to protect you no matter what, I have all the power I need to do so, so you have no need to worry... Here, give me a moment."
He takes his handkerchief from his pocket, and wipes their face with it. He'll need to wash both it and the vest later, but for now he couldn't care less about it. This seems to completely calm the child as they rest back against him again, eyes slowly closing as the look peaceful there.
You look back up from them to him, only to find him already looking at you. He merely smirks when you do, his voice wry yet tinged with something more genuine than you believe you've heard from him in awhile.
Azul: "well player, it seems my original plans won't work anymore, but I can adapt them easily enough."
"...you're wonderful Azul..."
Azul: "w-what?! Ahem, sorry I just- goodness, it appears you beat me to it, didn't you?"
"Best you... To it? Wait, Azul do you mean what I think you mean? All of this..."
Azul: "I... I want to confess to you, as perfect as can be, just as you deserve. That was the plan, and... I hope it still can be. Would you please stay by my side? I swear upon my very life, that you won't regret this should you agree."
Your mind blanks for a moment as you fully take in what he just said. Not only did you get to meet your favorite character in person today, but he's carefully holding the one you consider to be your child, and then confessed to you! However your mind clears quickly, and you understand that there really was only ever one choice to begin with.
"I would love to, thank you Azul. Though, there's no need for perfect. Please, just be you Azul."
Azul: "-! Ah, no, thank you player! Again, you won't regret this! And-...well, I suppose that's a reasonable condition. Very well, then do we have a deal?"
"Yes, yes we do."
As you shake his hand, you realize you have very little idea what you've just signed up for. But truthfully? You don't particularly mind, not so long as you have Azul and your child right along with you!
Ahh the best sort of days are the ones with little to do but relax and play your game. Twisted Wonderland! One of the best games you've played in awhile, and a current love of yours! And especially your homescreen character Kalim al-Asim! You even have a plushie of him, though it's not just a plushie, it's your child haha!
It's fun to hold the plush- your child while playing, and that's exactly what you're doing today! There isn't much left to do, so you decided to take a break and play twst for awhile. ...though really you just wanna see your homescreen character~ as you log in, you feel your mood instantly go up just seeing his bright smile. He never fails to get you smiling right along with him!
"Ahh, hey Kalim! Good to see you! Oh, say hi dear~"
You make the plushie wave hello to him, and he waves back with that cheerful smile of his :D it's so natural that you navigate to the lesson tab before-...wait WHAT!? DID HE JUST WAVE TO YOU!? You navigate back to the homescreen as fast as humanly possible, and there he is acting like nothing just happened!
"Hey WAIT- you just waved! Oh my gosh, am I going insane...? "
Kalim hasn't said a word, and poking his sprite to try and get a voiceline does nothing. ...well that's a bit of a lie, even though there's no voiceline, he does seem to laugh. Before he looks up at you with a burning resolve in his eyes, taking out his magical pen in a way too smooth animation that absolutely can't just be a new update, and pointing it directly at you!?
"Woah woah woah, wait a second here! What are you doing-!?"
As you speak, he casts something at... You? No, that wasn't his target, his target was the screen between you two. And he hits it dead-on shattering it in a dramatic fashion. You can no longer see through it, but you don't see the inside of your device either. It's like there's just a hole going... Well going somewhere ELSE!
You don't know how to describe it, and you don't have the time to figure it out before a hand with sparkling gold jewelry decorating it reaches out from the screen and takes your arm, you automatically try to pull away, because DUH, but it's no use as you're dragged through the screen towards wherever that hole leads to.
You try to grab onto whatever's nearby, but only manage to grab your plushie as you're pulled through. Though you must've dropped it somewhere along the way, because by the time you're on solid ground again, it's gone. But you don't have the time to worry about that, when you're instantly awestruck by the sight around you.
The room you've landed in is one that screams both comfort and luxury. And one you recognize all too well, though from a completely different perspective. Kalim's room that you had previously only seen through the 2d background, and your current location!? And next to you, is Kalim himself. Though he quickly rushed forward to give you a hug before you can really get your bearings.
Kalim: "it's so amazing to see you player! Ahhhh you're so wonderful in person!!!!"
"Kalim!? Wait, what the heck do you mean player!? And oh my goodness, did you pull me into twisted wonderland???"
Kalim: "mhm! During the last school break, I asked Dad to help me find something to bring you here, and he found this spell :D wasn't it cool?"
"I mean, yes??? But also, again, what's with the player thing?"
Kalim: "ohh, that's just what Idia called you when I found out about you, and y'know, it stuck haha!"
"Ah. That actually makes a lot of sense... In any case, why did you bring me here? I mean, it's nice to meet you in person, but was that really it?"
Kalim: "yup! It's good to see you as well!"
"...You broke a hole between two worlds, to see me? That's actually pretty sweet... Haha, well I suppose I don't really mind! Honestly I'd probably have done the same thing if I was able... Thanks Kalim!"
Kalim: "it's nothing! Ohhh and right, I would have brought you here yesterday, but I really wanted to make sure your first day here would be a perfect one. Soooo, the feast should be almost done, and the parade is going to begin soon! And- wait huuhhhh!?"
You follow his surprised look to your side before- !?!??
Something just jumped on you from the bed!? Wait no, not something, but someone! They look like a toddler version of Kalim??? You barely managed to catch them as they give a laugh so similar to Kalim's laugh. This cannot be real... You look to Kalim, but he looks as confused as you feel. So no answers there. And you doubt you'll get anything from this toddler... Still-
"Why is the world is a child here??? Oh my goodness, who is this???"
Kalim: "huh, I thought you would know?"
"Why would I know?!"
Kalim: "hm, y'know they kinda remind me of someone..."
"They look almost exactly like you do! And... Wait, can they be-?"
Kalim: "oh? Do you know who they are?"
"My child!"
Kalim: "HUHHHH???!!?"
"No no no! I mean, that plushie I called my child! Remember?"
Kalim: "RIGHT! That makes sense!"
"No it doesn't??? It explains WHO they are, but not why they're a real child now!"
Kalim: "huh... Well does it really matter? I mean, they're so cute!"
"I... I think it matters? But, I guess it doesn't really change the fact that they're here now and... Oh yeah, you can go down, there you go."
The toddler has been squirming to get down this whole time, and when you finally let them down they begin running around the room. Only tripping twice, and landing on pillows each time. Before running back to Kalim and pulling on his sleeve, then clearly motioning for him to close his eyes. Which Kalim does.
You watch as the child runs off and hides within a pile of pillows, and Kalim opens his eyes with a smile as he goes off to search for them.
Kalim: "okay, ready or not, here I come! Aha, where did you go?"
The game of hide and seek lasts for a little bit, even after he found them ashes draws it out a little with dramatic and playful "are you hereeee??? No! Are you hereee? Nope! Where did you go?" Followed by the child giggling from in their pile of pillows. He clearly is the kind of person who loves playing with kids, and knows how to keep them entertained.
Eventually he finds them, picking them up and tossing them in the air playfully before setting them back down. Before he goes and takes your hand, looking at you with the most precious and pleading expression you think you've ever seen.
Kalim: "c'mon, please join in for the next round!"
...okay, you lied, his face is only the second most precious one. The child's face mimicing his is absolutely too much for your poor heart, and really, you cannot say no to this. Not that you would've wanted to anyway~
"Haha, alright! I can be it, you both go and hide!"
Kalim: "okay! Ahaha, I'll pick a good spot :D"
Kalim and the child look up at you with bright expressions as you close your eyes and begin to count. Playing round after round as all of your worries seem to completely melt away during the simple game. Honestly even despite the circumstances that are still unbelievable to you, this is the most peaceful and fun moment you've had in awhile!
...naturally the game cannot last forever though, even if all of you might have wished it. As eventually the toddler gets too tired to continue, curling up into Kalim's bed to hide, and then not waking up when found. Both you and Kalim decided it'd be better for them to rest, and you both take a seat on the edge of the bed as well, taking a breather. When a thought comes to your mind.
"Hey Kalim?"
Kalim: "hm?"
"...well, I mean, what's gonna happen now? You probably had something set up for me, since you brought me here in purpose, but what about them?"
Kalim: "oh... Well they can just stay here with us! And then we can keep playing all sorts of games like this for as long as we want!"
"Haha, that Does sound fun. Still..."
You look back at the child, and you know Kalim's answer wasn't one that was fully thought out. It would be fun but not practical. Kalim looks back as well, and he seems to realize it as well, as he slows down a bit, his expression turning softer and more thoughtful as he looks at their peaceful face.
Kalim: "well... I suppose I'll do everything in my power so they can stay peaceful like this, y'know?"
"Hm?"
Kalim: "well, so that they can grow up without being scared about the people around them, and always surrounded by people who love them! Actually love them and care about them, right? So they can keep sleeping without any worries or nightmares..."
"Ah... Yeah, I think that's a wonderful plan Kalim..."
You nod, understanding where he's coming from. Considering the child's connection to Kalim, it'll be difficult, but you think it'll be possible. Both you and Kalim will make sure that's possible for them. ...you turn back from the toddler, only to find Kalim looking directly at you, and he takes up your hands into his with a serious expression.
Kalim: "can I please stay with you and them forever? I know being connected to me will be difficult, but I swear I can protect you! Please...?"
You feel yourself getting a little flustered, as he basically confesses to you. Does he even realize he's confessing like this???
"Was that... A confession?"
Kalim: "well, yes! Haha, of course it was! Ah, if you're okay with it if course! And I don't wanna make you uncomfortable or anything, but... It would make me the happiest person in the entire world if you'd say yes..."
Now you're both flustered, but you realize that there was never even a choice here to begin with. After all, you doubt you could ever say no to his face~
"Of course I'd say yes, Kalim. How couldn't I? Though I have to say I doubt you're the happiest person in the world~"
Kalim: "of course I am! Oh thank you thank you thank you!!"
"How could you be the happiest, when I'm sure I am? Haha, thank you Kalim..."
Kalim rushes to hug you and hold you close, and you hug him back, in a moment that you wish could last forever, and that you'll surely have many more of in the future. ...truly, this is the most wonderful way to start your life here.
...
Jamil, walking into the room because Kalim was meant to bring the player out a hour ago for the banquet and he's worried something happened to him: "Kalim, what in the world is taking so long-!? Is that a child!?
Kalim: "mhm!"
Jamil: "WHAT!?"
"Believe me, I was as confused as you are."
Jamil: "ah, player, it's good to see you... Did you, bring the child with you???"
Today was a slow sort of day, the kind where there wasn't much to be done, and no real deadline to do the things that did need to be done. And the perfect sort of day to sit back and relax with a favorite game of yours, Twisted Wonderland!
But it's not just your game you're sitting down with, you also take your child to play along with them (well, technically it's just a plushie of Deuce Spade that you call your child, but that doesn't really matter right now) you have it set on your lap as you load the game, happy to see the title screen finally appear. Tapping past it quickly to see your homescreen character, Deuce.
"Aw, good afternoon Deuce! Hope it's going well for you~ haha, they're wishing you a good afternoon too!"
You make the plushie wave at him, laughing to yourself as you imagine what he'd think of it. Before just shrugging it off and going to the lessons tab. Your LP is full, and you prefer not to leave it full for too long. Besides, it's not like Deuce could reply to you anyways, so there's unfortunately not much point to stay on the homescreen long.
Well, other than just to see his face and hear his voice. ...which admittedly you do like doing sometimes. And today just so happens to be one of those days. After you use up the LP of course. You go back to the homescreen just to tap his sprite a few times and hear a few voicelines you've heard countless times already but could never get tired of.
At least, that was the plan. When you got back to the homescreen, he was just gone??? Ah, you've seen visual glitches similar to this a few times, you probably just need to either reload the screen, or just start up the game again- wait, HUH!??
As you're about to log off, Deuce just walks onto the screen like that's a normal thing to do, before appearing shocked that you're there. Like he expected you to take longer before coming back. But that doesn't stop him from looking around for wherever he put his magical pen, and picking it up in something far too smooth to be a actual animation.
Then he points it in your direction, saying words you cannot quite hear as magic pools around the magestone on his pen, and fires off right towards you. ...no, it was actually towards the glass screen between you two. You realize that as the glass starts to fracture slowly, and then shatters into a hundred pieces. Leaving in it's place something that looks entirely out of place in this world.
A hole in the very fabric of reality, that's the only way to describe it. And a hand is currently reaching out of that hole where the screen used to be, quickly finding yours before it starts pulling you back towards wherever it's from. It's something straight out of a horror movie, but there's nothing you can do to stop it as you're pulled it. All you can do it grab onto the closest thing as you're dragged through, which just so happens to be the plushie you were holding.
Unfortunately you must've dropped it in the chaos of being literally pulled into a new world, and as you look around, you completely forget about it. Just getting distracted by the sight with you recognize easily, yet still feels so foreign to see in person. That place being the heartslabyul kitchen. And next to the counter where a still steaming quiche is sitting, is the very same character who you just saw on your homescreen.
Deuce Spade, who hasn't stopped staring at you since you arrived. You aren't quite sure what his expression means, but he looks completely awestruck seeing you, so hopefully it's a good thing?
Deuce: "it's you... You're really here!"
"Wait a second, am I in twisted wonderland!?"
Deuce: "yes! It took a long time, but I finally managed to reach out to your side of the screen! I'm so happy! Ah but, this must be really confusing for you, here have a seat and I'll explain everything."
he pulls out a seat for you, which you gratefully take. Before he sets out two plates for you both, and cuts the quiche into four slices. Setting one on your plate, and one on his.
Deuce: "here, it took awhile to finally make a quiche that was presentable, but I'm proud of this one! I just took it out of the oven actually, I realized it was done while you were doing the lessons, and I kinda thought I had more time to go and take it out...? But then once I set it down, you were already back and... Uh, sorry if I spooked you haha."
"It's alright, I mean, obviously it was weird, but it's good to meet you in person! Though really, I'd love an explanation on how this even happened."
Deuce: "yes! I figured I could answer your questions over a meal, y'know? And... Oh geez I forgot the napkins!"
He rushes off to grab the napkins from a drawer, coming back with a apologetic smile on his face as he looks sets them down next to your plate and... Where he had set his plate down, but it isn't anymore?
Deuce: "...uh, do you know where my slice went?"
"No? Sorry, I wasn't keeping track of it."
Deuce: "that's really weird, I could've sworn I cut myself a piece... Wait, I absolutely cut myself a piece, because there's only half of the quiche left and I only served you a fourth of it! Oh no, maybe Che'nya took it! He sometimes takes Trey's food during the unbirthdays... Or did it fall on the ground-!?"
He looks underneath the counter, only to be so surprised by what he saw that he hit his head on the edge of it while coming back up. You look down as well, and feel nearly as shocked as he looks when you notice them. It's a toddler, that looks like a baby version of Deuce??? What in the world!?
Deuce: "oww... Wait, is that a actual child!?"
"Why are they here???"
Deuce: "I really hoped you knew why they were here!"
"Why would I know? I just got here!"
Deuce: "I dunno! Maybe they came with you from your world on accident???"
"There wasn't any children nearby when I was pull through and- wait."
The pieces click together in your head as you turn back towards the child, realizing exactly who they are. It feels utterly impossible, but there's no other logical explaination.
"Oh my goodness. They're my child."
Deuce: "they're WHAT!?"
"That plushie I called my child! That's them! I remember grabbing it before I got pulled here, and something must've turned it into a actual child!"
Deuce: "OH, you meant that plushie. Ah. Waitwaitwaitwait- THE PLUSHIE!? The plushie became a toddler!?"
"I dunno! Probably!? Can you think of any other reason there would be a little toddler here that looks like a copy of you as a kid???"
Deuce: "...actually no, I can't. But still, you do understand just how insane that sounds, right? I mean, an inanimate object is now a kid?!"
"Believe me I know very well how insane I sound! But to be FAIR- if someone told me this morning I'd be pulled into the world of a video game before evening, is have thought they were insane as well. So really this isn't the most insane thing that's happened today. It's definitely the second most insane thing, but not the first."
Deuce: "I would've told you ahead of time, I just couldn't really talk to you with the screen in the way! And uh... Sorry again for being so abrupt about it all, it probably scared you. Are you okay?"
"No it's fine, I'm fine, I just- let's focus on the kid first."
Deuce: "yeah, that'd probably be best."
Both of you look down at the toddler, who's contentedly finishing their slice of quiche and oblivious to the world are them. Really, it's a very good quiche! And now that they've finished it, they stand up, and try to reach for the rest of it. Deuce who's still in shock from this all, pulls it out of the child's reach. And they stare up at him in betrayal.
They keep reaching for it, looking a mixture of sad and angry as Deuce keeps it away from them, still very confused himself as he tries to wrap his head around the situation at hand.
Deuce: "hey, c'mon I made this for the player, I can't just give you the rest of it! That'd be unfair!"
The child just pouts at that, before changing strategies and grabbing onto his jacket, and giving him their best puppy eyes as they beg for another slice. And Deuce realizes with horror that he cannot resist such an adorable face like that. Before sighing, as he resigns himself and just serves both the child and himself the last two pieces. And they try to sit back on the floor to finish it, but Deuce just picks them up and sets them in a seat.
Deuce: "it's good manners to eat at a table or counter, and definitely not on the floor! Riddle would probably be upset if I let you do that..."
"Ah, Deuce?"
Deuce: "oh, right! Player! Sorry I was distracted by them, what do you wanna talk about?"
"You said earlier that you would explain how I was here, but then we got distracted with them, and you never did get around to it."
Deuce: "right, that! Okay basically, a lot of the other students wanted to bring you here too, but no one wanted to risk breaking the screen in case it cut off the connection between your world and ours, right?"
"Huh, makes sense I guess?"
Deuce: "mhm. So they all kept searching for s way to bring you here without breaking the screen, but kept coming up empty handed. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and just break the screen and pull you through! Haha... I'm lucky it actually worked..."
"Oh... That definitely sounds like you haha, well it's nice to meet you in person!"
Deuce: "you as well, even if I'm still very confused by the guest you brought with."
"Right, and speaking of them- what do you think we should do now?"
Deuce: "hm? About what?"
"Well, they're an actual child, what do you think we can do to take care of them?"
Deuce: "ah that! Well I'm not quite sure but... I've definitely got some ideas! And-"
He's cut off by the child pulling on his jacket again, they appear to have eaten a little messily and now they're getting his jacket greasy. But that's the least of you and Deuce's worries as they keep trying to reach for the empty tin. You feel a little bad you already finished your slice, otherwise you would offer them it.
Deuce: "ah, sorry buddy, there's no more left."
The toddler looks up at him, their expression heartbroken and betrayed as they hear Deuce's words. And you can both tell they're about to start crying if one of you doesn't do something soon. Which is why Deuce ended up saying-
Deuce: "hey, c'mon, don't cry! Here, I promise to make you more later if you don't cry! Only if you behave though, pinky promise!"
He holds out his pinky to the child, to pauses for a moment to consider his offer, before nodding and taking his pinky. Then going to try and sit calmly on the seat next to you, acting on their best behavior, even while their face is messy from their fast eaying.
You stifle back a laugh at how cute they look, before grabbing a napkin and wiping off their face and hands. Truly, this child is adorable, much like the man they take after. And speaking of him...
As Deuce watches you two acting so sweet together, he feels his heart begin to beat faster, a flush appearing on his cheeks as he find himself falling for you all over again. And finding himself truly caring about the child as well, even despite not knowing them for very long.
So even as the child makes a bit of a mess of your outfit as they try to 'help' you clean themselves up, Deuce still goes and takes your hand. His words coming out before he can think twice about them.
Deuce: "please, let me be part of your life, together with you and besides you. I swear I'll do this right! If you'll only let me... And-! Ah, s-sorry! I don't know what I'm saying-"
He appears very flustered when he realizes that he just confessed, he was planning to wait a little longer at least before he did! And he anxiously tries to back peddle, not wanting to pressure you into anything you aren't ready for.
Deuce: "you can totally say no! I mean, I'll be fine no matter what! And... Well, I guess that's not exactly true, honestly I think I'd be much happier with you. But at the end of the day I'd feel ten times worse if you only said yes because you felt pressured! And you don't have to say yes or no right now either, take your time, I know it's an important decision and..."
"Yes, of course you can be part of my life, and beside me. I'd love nothing more."
Deuce freezes, and you do as well. The words came out without a thought, but in the silence between the two of you, you have plenty of time to think and realize that this is the exact choice you would've made no matter what. There's no world in which you would ever say no to such a sweet request from him...
Deuce: "r-really!? I- thank you very much!"
"I should be the one thanking you, really, thank you Deuce."
Deuce: "no I- oh my goodness I have a partner now, I have to tell my Mom and... OH GOODNESS I'LL HAVE TO TELL HER I HAVE A KID. HOW...?"
"Pfft- don't worry, I can help explain things to her! We can work together on this sorta stuff now, right?"
Deuce: "huh? Oh, right! Yes, thanks again then! Besides, I'm sure she would love to talk to you!"
"Can't wait then!"
As you all sit there, the atmosphere is a calm and lighthearted one. And it feels as though for this moment, at least in this room, everything is right in the world. And you feel ready to take life on, together with Deuce, and... Your child. And looking over at Deuce, you can already tell that he feels the same.
Today was one of those days. The kind where you just needed a break, and you knew one of the best ways to relax. Sitting down with Twisted Wonderland and forgetting about your stress for a bit. Honestly it works wonders!
But that's not all! After all, how could you ever relax without your child right there along with you to watch you play? (It's a plushie of Jack Howl that you like to keep on your lap as you play, especially when Jack's on the screen.) Yes you have everything set up for a proper gaming session.
As you tap past the title screen, you instantly feel your mood improving as you see your homescreen character. Naturally it's set to be Jack, and you smile back at his determined one as he says something about constantly improving. You really respect that about him.
"Good morning Jack! How's your day been? Mine has been... Alright. But it's better now that I've seen you! Ohhh, say you good morning too, okay?"
You have the plushie wave at him, laughing to yourself at the cute sight. It's silly, but it does help your mood improve even more, and that's all that really matters right now. Plus you can already imagine what Jack would do should you do something like that in person! He would act all indignant like he hates it, while secretly thinking it's cute.
It's fun to think of that sort of stuff, but you still need to do the lessons, so you decide to listen to one more voiceline before going off to use up the LP. And it's...
Jack: "don't go yet."
...WHAT? okay, you're certain you've heard all the voicelines for this outfit, and that absolutely is not one of them! What in the world!? Wait, what is he doing now???
As you're mentally freaking out, Jack picks up his magical pen and closes his eyes, pointing it towards the screen as he focuses hard on a spell you can't quite hear. The magic condenses around the pen before firing off towards the screen, shattering instantly, and leaving something that looks so Wrong in its place.
It's a hole, but not to the mechanical parts of your device, or even through your device to whatever is behind it. No it's as though it leads to somewhere else, somewhere you were never meant to see. ...well, in person at least. But you don't have time to think or even freak out fully before a hand reaches through from the other side and takes yours, pulling you in too quickly for you to resist.
You did try to grab something to anchor you, but all you managed to grab was that plushie of yours. Not like it mattered though, as you dropped it during the dizzying trip through that hole in reality, all the way through to... Well, wherever the heck you are now.
It takes a moment to get your bearings. It seems you landed in a field of some sort. But that's when you see it. Far off in the distance, the distinct outline of a school that previously only existed inside of twisted wonderland. Realizing that, you quickly see that you're in the sports field. ...with a picnic set up? And Jack standing next to the blanket!?
"Wait a second, JACK!? Are you the one that brought me here!?"
Jack: "uh... Yeah. And sorry about not giving you a warning beforehand. That spell only works for a short while, and I didn't want to waste that time and risk not being able to bring you here."
"I... Wait this is actually twisted wonderland, isn't it?"
Jack: "yeah, it is. ...and look, if you really don't want to be here or anything, I can probably send you back. But... I prepared a picnic if you'd wanna stay?"
"Oh, well... I can't say I haven't wanted to really be in twisted wonderland before. And, I guess you Did prepare a picnic. But while we eat, I'd love to get an explanation on how exactly you brought me here?"
Jack: "you'll stay? Really?! Yes! Wait I mean- uh, that sounds good. I can definitely explain that."
He nods, and you can see his tail going back and forth quickly as he can't keep the smile off his face. But it stops abruptly as his ears perk up, immediately going alert.
Jack: "wait, do you smell that?"
"What?"
He looks around, and you follow suit before you both spot them at the exact same time. Halfway out of the picnic basket, a pair of legs and a tail that matches Jacks. Though much smaller. Jack looks very shocked but immediately pulls them out, setting the toddler down on the blanket.
They look at him with a surprised expression, the kind that didn't think they would get caught. With some crumbs around their mouth from whatever they ate while halfway in the basket eating the food Jack so carefully prepared for you.
"Is that a child?"
Jack: "I think so?"
"...I thought NRC didn't usually allow visitors."
Jack: "they don't. And... Okay, is it just me, or do they seriously look familiar? Kinda remind me of my siblings."
At that, the child looks away from him, frowning. Clearly not liking the comparison. But it's definitely a correct one. The child looks a lot like Jack! So much so in fact, they could even just be a child version of Jack and you wouldn't question it. And... WAIT-
"OH MY GOODNESS I THINK I KNOW!"
Jack: "you do?!"
"They're my child!"
Jack: "hold on, WHAT? Since when did you have a kid with beastmen traits!? Honestly I thought they didn't exist in your world..."
"No! I mean that plushie I called my child! And no, beastmen don't."
Jack: "wait that thing??? You're kidding, that plushie became this kid!?"
"Can you think of any others reasons they would be here right now? I only managed to grab the plushie as I was pulled into this world, but I accidentally dropped it. And looking around, it's nowhere to be seen. But there IS a child that looks suspiciously like you! Makes sense, right?"
Jack: "I- honestly yeah. But this is still insane. I mean, look at the kid. That's- that's a real kid! Wait, they are real, right?"
Jack reaches out and pats their head, making them pout a little and step away from him, moving towards you and never taking their eyes off him. Jack just sighs seeing this.
Jack: "ah... Yeah I suppose I see the resemblance. I guess that's what must've happened. It's just hard to believe, y'know?"
"No no, I completely understand, and to be honest I was hoping you would've known why exactly the plushie turned into a toddler from being pulled here. ...but it's clear you have no idea either."
Jack: "none at all. Still, there's no sense worrying about what happened now, we should focus on the present right now."
"I suppose that's a good idea. Huh, I wonder how to take care of them... Uh Jack?"
Jack: "what is it?"
"I hate to ask, but could you help me take care of them? At least until I'm settled in here in this world."
Jack: "absolutely. ...though I've gotta admit I'm not very enthusiastic about taking care of a kid. Especially one I don't really know? I'll definitely do it! I'll just have to get to know them better."
He tried to step forward towards you and the kid, but the child backs away and growls, their ears pinning down on their head as they do so. And hiding behind your legs. Surprising Jack, before oddly enough he smiles, being reminded of his own siblings. He's going to make his best effort so this kid trusts him, it's the least he could do after both pulling you into this world, but also accidentally making them a real kid.
So he stops and kneels down, getting onto the kid's level. His voice is calm but firm as he talks, trying his best to be reassuring without talking down to them.
Jack: "look, I know this has gotta be confusing for you, but I promise I'm here to help."
The child seems unconvinced as they don't move, but their ears do perk up, enough to assure Jack that it may be working. So he takes a breath and tries again.
Jack: "hey you're hungry, right? Do you want something to eat?"
They nod, moving out from behind your legs but still on guard. Jack smiles as he sits down on the blanket, and the kid takes a seat a little away from him. Jack then pats the place next to him, gesturing for you to sit down as well. Which you end up doing, you're curious what he made, plus this moment feels very cute to you.
Jack sets out the food, from sandwiches to fruits, though they're mostly pears, and finally a few cupcakes. Though one of them is already half eaten. Jack puts that one in front of the kid, which they frown at, so he sighs and sets his in front of the kid, switching the two. Which they end up smiling at, making both you and Jack smile as well. ...though Jack only looked at the child for a moment, before his gaze drifts over to you.
He had planned to confess to you during this picnic, and even given the strange circumstances, that doesn't stop the flutter in his heart every time he sees you smile so beautifully. But still, he can't pressure you into anything, you've already gone through so much today. ...it'd probably be best to hold off for awhile...
"Hey Jack?"
Jack: "yeah, what is it?"
"...if I may, I'd really like to stay with you, for a good while. No pressure obviously, but I would love if we could... Be together? Gosh, I dunno how to even say this."
Jack pauses, as he realizes that you're confessing to him. And it feels as though time stops for him. Before he nods, his expression turning very serious as he looks you in the eyes.
Jack: "yes. I would... I would love nothing more. ...I was kinda worried, you didn't feel the same."
"How couldn't I? ...thanks for accepting haha."
Jack: "...no, thank you. I swear I'll do my best to take care of you and... Our child, as best I can!"
"Then I promise the same."
As the moment dissolves into silence. ...well except for the toddler continuing to eat the cupcake happily. And you both feel a warmth rising in your chests as you look into each other's eyes. This'll be confusing and difficult to get through, but you're certain you'll be able to do it together.
okay i don't really now if the ask are opening because you post saying they're, but the fixed post say no so I decided to do a ask but if is really close you can just ignore. So hear me out chibi go with us in school (we don't now they're here) we open the bag to take a pencil and thada chibi characters! If be not problem can be with everyone? If not just de houseworders plis? (Ignore my bad english)
Smallest School Days
~request~
[hey guys, author here! And I need to explain this again, but I only do four characters per request. Truthfully the only reason I ended up doing all the housewardens this time, is because I had a fun idea with them haha. Naturally I still appreciate your request! It was very fun to write! Just keep that in mind should you request something again. (Also I might've gone off prompt now that I'm reading it again-! Sorry!) In any case, I hope you can still enjoy the story! And remember to drink some water and get some rest!]
It all happened a few months ago when the game you played, Twisted wonderland, decided it had enough of just being fictional. Well that's at least one way to put what happened. But really, you still don't understand exactly what occurred that night. THEY however, do.
They'd long watched you through the screen, slowly wishing to know you further beyond the bounds of the glass. And one evening they decided to take that destiny into their own hands, and clawed their way out of the screen. Entering your world, and finally getting to meet you.
The only 'small' issue? Well you had logged off after doing lessons, so they were still in their chibi forms as they climbed out. They thought it would go away! Why are they still tiny!? It has been... Difficult getting used to having a bunch of chibi versions of your favorite characters running around your home. But at least you still get some peace and quiet while at school.
That's your rule. They aren't allowed to go with you to school, since you don't want to risk them being around so many other people while you're supposed to be focusing on class and couldn't keep track of them. There's just too much risk, for absolutely no reason.
This rule has caused a fair amount of frustration within the group, but so far no one has broken it.
...so far.
The house wardens have all gathered for a meeting today, to discuss exactly this...
Azul: "I believe everyone is here, yes?"
Vil: "I don't believe Malleus is here yet."
Kalim: "oh no! Did we forget to invite him again!?"
Riddle: "no, this time I took it upon myself to deliver the invitation in person."
Leona: "so what? Let's just start the meeting without the lizard."
Malleus, teleporting into the literal cabinet they're all using as a private meeting room: "apologies for the wait everyone, the player was just 'venting' to me about their homework."
Idia, attending in person for once because he's still working on a charger for his tablet that's compatible with this world's outlets: "...geez, it sounds so unreal to have Malleus say stuff like 'venting' lol, I never should've told him what that meant..."
Riddle: "regardless, with everyone present, I believe we can begin now."
Azul: "yes, the topic of today's meeting is actually related to what Malleus was speaking about."
Leona: "yeah yeah, we all know what the meeting's about."
Kalim: "ahhh, we do?"
Azul: "we're here to discuss the rule over us not being allowed to go with the player to school."
Kalim: "oh right! Aha, what about it? I mean, if we aren't allowed to go, then we aren't allowed to go, right?"
Vil: "hmph, it's not as simple as all that. I believe we've all been curious how they're faring at school, and yet we're stuck here."
Idia: "srsly, haven't you heard the saying 'rules are made to be broken'? Who knows what the player's up to at school, or if they're dealing with something terrible there and just don't wanna tell us! That's a trope for a reason, y'know?"
Riddle: "...while I agree with you on some of those points, I must say I do not like that saying. Rules were made to be followed, not broken. The same should go for the players rule, even if we don't like it."
Vil: "I'm afraid I cannot agree with that. As much as I wish to respect the player's wishes, there's simply too many things that could go wrong while they're at school, and we would be none the wiser, or even close enough to be able to help."
Malleus: "hm, I'll admit I've also gotten anxious about them while they are at school. Surely they wouldn't mind if I simply stayed hidden and went with them once...?"
Leona: "as if YOU'RE gonna be the one going. You're the most conspicuous outta all of us. One of the rest of us should go instead. Like, oh I don't know, me?"
Malleus: "you? Less conspicuous than me?! Hmph, I see you're both blind and foolish. Obviously I'll be the one going."
Azul: "hold on, wait, we haven't even agreed that one of us is going in the first place! And can you Please not argue during the meeting? If you must, at least leave the cabinet first. We don't want to risk their dishes breaking."
Kalim: "yeah! How about instead of one of us going with them to school, why don't they just stay home with all of us? I mean, that would fix all the problems, and there wouldn't be any more reason to fight over this!"
Riddle: "absolutely not! Their schooling is important, and they cannot simply drop out, despite how much we may want them to stay home."
Kalim: "ahh, that's fair... But then, why don't we just go with them to school? I'm sure they would love to hang out with us!"
Idia: "well there's a hundred ways that could go wrong too! We could be found out by some npc, or crushed by any random student, or the player could find us and feel betrayed that we broke their rule! Either way would be a instant game over, bad end, no restart possible!"
Azul: "hm, while you raise some good points, most of those feel more like irrational fears than actual issues. For one, we all are talented mages, and staying hidden should be more than easy for us. For two, really? Crushed? That's ridiculous even for you, Idia. And lastly, based on previous behavior, it's highly unlikely they'll hold a grudge for long were we to sneak along to their school."
Leona: "for once, I agree with you. Heh, honestly I think it's obvious what our next course of action should be. Isn't that right~?"
Kalim: "yeah! I can go with them to school, and see first-hand how well it's going! I can't wait to see what they usually do!! Ahaha, I bet they'll love the company!"
Malleus: "hm, actually I believe it should be me that goes. After all, I am clearly the most qualified for such a task, considering my magic would make hiding simple."
Vil: "you? Out of all of us, it should be me, naturally. Loath as I am to agree with Leona of all people, he was actually correct earlier when he said you were conspicuous. You'll be found out in a minute or less. Meanwhile I could stay hidden using a technique I learned on the set of a murder mystery film. The director insisted I learn it for authenticities sake."
Idia: "woah woah woah, you? YOU?! Sparkly celebrity who literally draws people's attention to you like a magnet??? Obviously I would do better with this, since I'm used to staying hidden anyway! It's like accidentally having the perfect character stats for a boss fight you weren't really preparing for!"
Riddle: "you? I beg to differ. With that hair of yours, you wouldn't be able to stay hidden for more than two minutes. And while I might not have any training in hiding... If they were to find me, I would at least be able to help them with their work. Surely they would be glad for the help."
Azul: "Riddle you seem to be forgetting something~"
Riddle: "...I hate to ask, but what pray tell, am I forgetting?"
Azul: "we aren't in twisted wonderland any more, meaning there's a entirely new curriculum here. One I believe you're unaccustomed too. And one that I've just so happened to have been looking into recently~ naturally I would be the best option in this scenario!"
Leona: "can you all shut up? Seriously you're giving me a headache. I would be the one going with them, 'cause they wouldn't even blink twice if they saw me napping in their bag. They'd just assume it was a accident, and oh so graciously forgive me for the mistake. The player wouldn't even realize I had meant to break the rule, right?"
Kalim: "ah, but it wouldn't be fair to them if you lied like that!"
Leona: "who said anything about lying? All I'm gonna do is nudge them in the 'right' direction~"
Malleus: "I could also get them to believe it was a accident on my part! It wouldn't be all that difficult I'm certain. Hmph."
Leona: "oh yeah? You Really think that sorta lie would work? They'd see through you in a instant!
Malleus: "oho, really now!?-"
Idia: "...this is going to take awhile..."
...
This morning was like many others, you had breakfast, said a goodbye to the chibis, and headed off to school for another day of peaceful learning. Truly, an idyllic existence that most could only dream of! Yes, today started off so well, it's honestly impressive how fast this calm day took a nosedive into a chaotic mess! ...although perhaps you should've seen this coming, considering the suspicious lack of house wardens throughout the morning.
It all started when you were in your first class for the day, completely oblivious to what was about to happen, you reached for your bag. All you needed was a pencil. So why, pray tell, when you grabbed the pencil, was a chibi Kalim holding onto the end of it for dear life with that smile of his, and waving!? What in the world!?!
Your eyes go wide as you shove the pencil back into your bag as quickly as you can, hoping no one else saw that. And as discreetly as possible, you look into the bag, your words a upset whisper that would've been a yell had you not been in public.
"What the heck are you doing here-?! Wait, what!?"
Looking into your bag, you start to realize Kalim wasn't the only one who tagged along this morning. In the pencil bag along with him is Idia, who is cowering in a corner of the bag. Leona is sleeping in a pocket next to a notebook. Azul is looking through your notes with a smile on his face, Riddle is also looking through your notes, though he is adding notes of his own onto it to try and help you. Vil is sitting calmly in another pocket of your bag, acting like he's supposed to be here. And Malleus is holding out another pencil for you, since you seemed to want one.
"What are all of you doing here!?!"
Though they don't respond, you get the feeling most of them are rather smug about this. ...of course they are. Geez, you had one rule, ONE RULE! And here they are, acting as though your bag is their home and-
Student: "you alright? Is... Something wrong with your bag?"
"N-no! I mean, slightly??? Well, technically it's not someTHING, but y'know."
Student: "...I don't actually know, and I don't think I want too??? Why did you say it like that???"
"Ha, haha, ha... Ha. Let's talk about this another time, shall we?"
The student nods, looking at you with what is either a look of utter confusion and fear, or they think you're insane. Either way- you don't have time to worry about that right now. As you currently have seven little MENACES in your bag, and a full day of school to get through without letting anyone else see them. ...this is going to be fun...
...
Your next class is math, and you shouldn't have hoped they wouldn't bother you during it. As just after the teacher handed out a surprise test, three of them climbed out of the bag and onto your desk. Thankfully everyone else was too preoccupied with their own papers to notice, but you still had a mini heart attack when Riddle, Azul, and Idia started examining your paper.
Riddle grabbed your pencil from the desk, and is trying to help you with your work. Not just giving you the answers, but trying to nudge you in the right direction. He looks proud of himself, and like he understands all of this very clearly and expects you to as well now that he's helping you.
Azul is using a pen he brought with from your home, and is trying to one-up Riddle's work by directly answering a few questions, while guiding you towards the right answers as well. He's clearly smug about it, looking back and forth between you and the paper after filling out another one of your questions. Isn't he doing good? Don't worry, you can pay him back later~
Idia meanwhile is more hesitant, but is somehow the most helpful by filling out the most difficult questions with ease using a pencil from the bag he was in. Turns out all that talk in-game about him being a genius, was absolutely true. As he fills out most of the questions himself, he starts to look triumphant, looking up at you as though you'll praise him and agree he's done well.
You meanwhile are much more focused on keeping the chibis out of sight, keeping a eye out for the other students and the teacher. You're rather stressed, but you do try to complete a few questions, if just so you won't raise suspicion turning it in later. It's at times like this that you wish you could talk to them, but unfortunately their voices are so high pitched it sounds more like a squeaky toy than a voice.
That's not to say they can't talk to each other though-
Riddle: "what in the world are you both doing!?"
Azul: "why I'm helping them of course, and doing a much better job than you are. If I do say so myself at least."
Riddle: "you're just giving them the answers! How are they meant to learn if you don't let them do it themselves!?"
Idia: "that's not completely true, after all some people learn best seeing others do things first. Besides lol, it's not like they can focus on their work with us here."
Azul: "yes, that's a very fair point Riddle, you can't expect them to learn with all of us here and distracting them. So why don't you go back into the bag, and I'll just stay out alone to help them~"
Riddle: "in what world would I ever say yes to that!? If anyone should stay out, it's me, I'm the only one that's actually helping them learn! You're both just giving them the answers!"
Idia: "excuse me??? Nuh uh, heck no! Out of all of us, I should be the one to stay out. I mean, I easily know this stuff the most, so I'd be the best tutor. Plus unlike Some People, I've already mastered the art of staying hidden from people. Years of experience even. The answer should be obvious."
Riddle: "and it's obvious, that it should be me! You didn't even refute my argument, you're still just going to give them the answers so they'll compliment you more! Really now, I cannot believe you're even trying to argue this."
Azul: "wait just a moment Riddle, I do believe I'M the best choice out of everyone here. After all, I've had Quite a bit of practice helping others out of the kindness of my heart, and especially with tutoring! I'm certain I have you beat in that regard haha. So why don't we stop with meaningless argument and simply-"
Idia: "the kindness of your heart??? What??? Since when did you have THAT??? I can already see you using this as leverage against them later, it's not even lol worthy, it's just cringe. I do agree that we should stop the argument tho, and just let me-"
Riddle: "no, me! I've made it clear that I'm the best option here so-!"
...as their argument begins to spiral out of control, you put a swift end to it all by grabbing them off your desk, and shoving them back into the bag, closing it tightly. You may not know what they were talking about, but you don't care to find out. Especially not while you're still busy with the test! Like geez, they've already distracted you enough!
You lean in and say quietly yet sternly to the bag-
"You three will NOT leave the bag again until I get home, got it?"
You may not be able to hear them, but you assume they've said yes. After all, you doubt they're foolish enough to fight you when it's already obvious who the winner would be. Still though... Today is already turning out Wonderful... Just great. And your day is not even close to over.
...You cAn'T wAiT for lunch to finally start...
...
Well, considering the circumstances of the day, you decided to sit at a more secluded table for lunch. As far away from other people as you could. Sitting down with your lunch, you're not surprised when four of the chibis climb out of your bag and onto the table. You're just grateful no one has any reason to look over here right now.
Leona, Kalim, Vil, and Malleus are all standing there, looking at your lunch with various expressions. From disgust to curiosity. ...the others would've also liked to come out, but they don't want to risk getting any further onto your bad side after you specifically told them not to come out again.
Despite how annoyed you are that they broke the rule you set, they're still absolutely adorable like this. So being the benevolent person that you are, you decide to take pity on them and share your lunch. Splitting off small portions for each of them. ...although, you really shouldn't have expected them all to eat it without complaint.
Leona looks at it for a moment, then at you, a look of disgust and annoyance on his face before he scoffs and turns his nose up at it. Acting like he's above food like this. Vil stares at the food with a frown, clearly judging it harshly in his mind. He likely won't be eating it either, and you have no doubt he'll be insisting on making lunch for you from now on, even in this small state. ...you shouldn't have expected either of them to eat it.
On the other hand, Malleus looks at it with a strange curiosity, and that smile he usually gets while calling something 'interesting'. Before taking a bite, and nodding sagely while committing the taste to memory. ...he's had much worse, and it's nice to share the experience with you. Kalim meanwhile is just happy to eat with you, and has sat himself right next to you as he digs in. He's smiling and talking while he eats. It's a shame you can't understand what he's saying...
But of course, the others can-
Kalim: "ahh, it's so fun to share a meal with them! Right? Ahaha I'm surprised this is what they usually eat, I wish I was regular sized again so I could give them a banquet!"
Vil: "...you're actually eating it? While that's a... Let's just say 'novel' perspective on things. I must say, I'm shocked this is what their cafeteria serves. It's not the worst options, but certainly not something deserving of them. ...or my palate for that matter."
Leona: "quit beating around the bush, this food should never have been served to them, period. At least the cafeteria back at NRC had some semi-decent options."
Malleus: "I must agree with Kalim on this matter. After all, it's not often I get to have such a detailed look into how their day goes. And besides that, this food is at least edible. And leagues above some of the food I've had during my life. Though I do agree they still deserve something better than this."
Vil: "...what sort of experiences have you had with food, that this can paltry meal can look 'leagues above' it?"
Malleus: "...I would rather not describe some of the 'food' I've been given by a Certain Someone. Those memories are better left dead and forgotten."
Kalim: "it's okay Malleus! We've probably all had a bad experience or two with food at some point! And you're right! There's no need to think about it too hard haha, it's better to just focus on the present!"
Leona: "ugh, this is getting annoying... Hmph, can we all just agree that they should eat better food than this, and drop the subject? Seriously, I don't wanna hear another word right now. It's already way too noisy with all these others students, it's giving me a headache. This is why I usually avoided the cafeteria..."
Vil: "really now, don't act like you can boss us around. Hahhh, I do agree it's loud in here though. Goodness, it's as though none of them know proper etiquette. Honestly I almost preferred the bag."
Leona: "oh really now? Well then, no one's stopping you from going back in~ after all, I'm sure they'll be happy to have one less person to keep track of."
Vil: "be quiet, if you're so worried about that, why not just go back into the bag yourself? Hah, and weren't you YOU the one just saying you were getting a headache from the noise?"
Kalim: "hey, there's no need for any of us to go back into the bag yet! After all, I'm sure there's still a bunch more time during lunch! And I'm just happy to share it with them!"
Malleus: "hm, as much as I would also love this lunch to continue for awhile longer yet, if I'm reading that clock correctly then..."
As they all look towards the clock, they hear the bell announcing that lunch is over. As do you, as you quickly take them all and put them back into your bag so they won't get noticed as students start leaving their tables. You lean down to the bag, whispering once more before you head to your next class for the day-
"Just know we're going to have a Talk about this all when we get home. And none of you come out again until then!"
As the shut the bag, walking towards the next class, you can't help but sigh. Today has been a long day, but at least it's almost over. ...you never want this to happen again, it's too stressful worrying they could be found out at any time, along with the chaos that comes from them just existing like this.
You'll just have to make sure something like this never has a repeat.
...
As you set your bag onto the table at home, waiting for the chibis to leave it so you can have a talk with them, you frown. Today was tiring, so you'll need them to promise they won't do it again.
"Alright, I'm sure you all know what I'm about to say, but seriously I'm disappointed. I made the rule about you guys not going along to school for a reason, and you broke it. All of you. Do you know how worried I was today? That you guys would be seen by someone? Really, I'm frustrated with all of you..."
You shake your head, frowning as you look at them all. They all look varying degrees of embarrassed and possibly apologetic. And as you look at them, you can help but pause for a moment, before sighing again, already realizing you can't stay upset with them for very long. A hint of a tired smile returning to your face as you look at their semi-apologetic faces.
"Just- promise you won't do this again. I don't want people discovering you guys, and I don't want to deal with the stress of worrying about that. Alright?"
Though you can't hear their words, you feel hopeful that they're all agreeing to this. After all, surely they understand where you're coming from, and how dangerous it could be for them to be out in public, right?
...right?
Riddle: "...I'm so sorry, I cannot in good conscience agree with that... After all, it would be in bad form to leave you like that."
Leona: "as if, I ain't gonna go leaving you like that. Haha, that'd just make me an idiot, leaving you with these guys."
Azul: "my apologies, but an agreement like that would require a proper contract, and I'm afraid I would never sign such a thing~"
Kalim: "aww, but I wanted to see more of your school! Aha, I promise I'll be absolutely no trouble at all! I just wanna hang out a bit more!"
Vil: "absolutely not. After seeing what your school is like, it's clear I should stay with you to ensure your etiquette doesn't suffer in that environment."
Idia: "...uh, no. Sry, but like, that sounds like a one way trip to a bad end. It'd be better to stick around you. Don't worry, I'm good at staying hidden..."
Malleus: "never. I wish to remain by your side always, which includes your time at school. Haha... I cannot wait to learn even more about you~"
...yes, surely they all understand your concerns, and will respect them. ...this- this can only go well. You hope.
Can I request for yandere and self aware Vil, Malleus, Jamil, and someone you prefer, that we are celebrating valentines with the app open, "giving" them flowers and chocolate and asking if they would be our valentine? They were actually able to reach out, their hand comes out and pulls us into their world. They give a proper response to our question.
Please Be Mine!
~request~
[hey guys, author here! Just gotta say, this one is a little shorter than usual. Since I just didn't have too much to add onto the prompt itself haha. Plus, as much as I would've loved adding a fourth character, I just did not have the motivation to I'm afraid. Still- I finished everything else, and I hope you can enjoy it! And as always, remember to drink some water and get some rest!]
It was Valentine's day, and you didn't have any big plans. ...well, not IRL at least~ you did have some big plans, but not the kind of plans you would go around bragging about. No they were the kind of plans you make because real men could never compare to the splendor of a certain Vil Schoenheit.
You set your device on the table, the screen loading twisted wonderland as you set things up. You've been planning this for awhile, so you have to make sure it's perfect! Vil would never settle for anything less after all haha.
Yes, you've even thought for a long while about what flowers and chocolates you should use to invite this lovely character on a Valentine's date! Eventually you settled on a bouquet of calla lilies and orchids, their meanings matching Vil well. And naturally, dark chocolate.
As you set these up carefully on the table, the game finally loads on your device. And you quickly tap to the homescreen where he's standing there, waiting for you with that beautiful smile of his. You can't help but smile back, looking at how stunning he is today with a sigh.
"Goodness, you seem even more lovely than usual today~"
You feel your heart stir in your chest, yes he may just be a video game character, but your feelings are certainly real. And of course, what's better for such feelings than a confession? Valentines day seemed the most fitting haha.
"Right, ahem- happy Valentine's day Vil! I wanted to tell you something... I've admired you for a while, your dedication and conviction to bettering yourself at every opportunity, and the way you try to help others become the best versions of themselves as well. I don't just respect it, I love it. And I love you!"
You pull the flowers and chocolates over from the other side of the table, holding it out towards him. You feel a little silly as you sit there, but you also feel all warm and fuzzy inside as you see his smile remain. And maybe you're crazy, but you swear he's blushing right now!
"Vil! will you please be my date for Valentine's day?"
You sit there for a few more moments, smiling at your screen as he stands there. But just as you're about to put the bouquet and chocolates down, you hear something. Faint, almost quiet enough to dismiss, but you're certain you heard it.
Vil: "...I do..."
"What? Did you just...?"
Before you can say another word, you see a sight that probably Should be terrifying. As Vil steps past the background you have set for him, and places his hand against the glass. A silent invitation for you to do the same.
And again, maybe you've really gone crazy. But... Well what sort of fan would you be if you didn't!? As you set your set on the glass, it sinks through it, and your hand is really holding his. Before you can properly realize what's happening, you feel yourself being pulled in. Your world fading away as you get pulled directly into Vil's arms.
Vil: "at last... It's lovely to see you in person, player."
"Vil...?"
Vil: "yes, and, I believe those were for me?"
You look at your hand, still holding the bouquet and chocolates, and you nod. Your head feels like it's in a daze from the sudden turn of events, and the fact you're still pulled against his chest, with no sign of him letting go anytime soon. You reach out to hand them to him, and he accepts them with a smile.
Vil: "thank you... They're lovely, you truly know me well... Ah, what am I to do with you?"
"I-I... Uh... My goodness."
You certainly have so many words you would want to say to Vil now that you're meeting him in person, but he's being so unfair right now. As this normally reserved man first looked at the bouquet with a look of appreciation, and then at you with something much more intense. A sheer, unfettered love.
Setting the bouquet and chocolates down, then he cups your face in his hand. Before leaning down and kissing your cheek. Leaving your head spinning and your heart beating almost as fast as his is.
"W-what was that for...?"
Vil: "it is my answer~"
"Wait, to what question?"
Vil: "I believe you were the one who asked me on a date?"
"!"
Vil: "hah, that expression is absolutely beautiful on you, darling. Hm, but I suppose I might've ruined whatever date plans you had by bringing you here... So what would you say to me making that up to you?"
"Huh? Oh goodness, it's alright- this is already so much to handle, I don't even know where to start..."
Vil: "hm, how about a spa date then, to clear your head. Don't go getting shy on me now, you're the one who asked for this date after all~"
"A spa date?"
Vil: "yes, now come along. I'll make sure you remember this Valentine's day as the best you've ever had."
Taking your hand, he begins walking you down a dorm you once believed you could only see in either background or your dreams. ...then again, you're still not certain this ISN'T a dream. It's all too wonderful to be real!
And yet, everything is too detailed, too perfect, too real, not to be. And as you look at Vil, you start to realize that this is already the best Valentine's day you've ever had. After all, you're with him.
...meanwhile Vil cannot wait to manufacture the perfect opportunity to tell you something that you beat him to earlier. After you both have a romantic date, perfectly catered to your every wish, he'll have everything set up so he can finally return that-
When Valetines day finally arrived, you had your entire day planned! Perhaps it was rather silly how seriously you were taking this, but you have to make sure everything is just perfect for him! ...and who's 'him'? Why Malleus Draconia of course! The sweet and lovable prince of Briar Valley! ...within the fictional game Twisted Wonderland...
But that hasn't stopped your heart from beating faster whenever you see him on screen, or the smile that inevitably appears when he says something kind, or funny, or really just speaks in general. He never fails to brighten your day, and what better chance to show how much you appreciate that, then on Valentine's day?
Everything is set up meticulously, from the bouquet of heliotrope and forget-me-nots, and the cookies and cream chocolate you thought he would enjoy. ...maybe they're both odd choices, but you have your reasons! The flowers meanings are ones that took awhile to decide on, but we're the only ones that felt right in the end. And the chocolate... Well honestly you just think he would like it.
In any case- as you sit there at your table, the game finally done loading next to you as you tap past the title screen eagerly, you can help but smile when you see Malleus standing there as your homescreen character. And it's as though he's happy as well, considering the bright smile on his sprite.
"Happy Valentine's day Malleus! My goodness, you look beautiful today..."
As you tap his sprite, as though poking his cheek, his sweet words make your heart skip a beat. He's too perfect! And- ah right, you cannot forget what you were planning!
"Right! If I may be so bold- would you be my date for Valentine's day? You always make my heart race when I see you there, and your words never fail to make me smile! I've fallen for you, and I would never have it any other way... I love you Malleus!"
You take the bouquet and the chocolate in your hand, offering it towards him. And maybe your lighting is weird, but you swear he looks like he's blushing. Well, not that you mind, he looks even more beautiful like this! How you wish he would accept your confession... Or even be able to accept it.
But you unfortunately know that's not possible, so after a moment you simply sigh and go to set the bouquet and chocolates down. ...before you freeze, realizing this cannot be a trick of the light as you stare at your screen. And faintly hear words that shouldn't be playing.
Malleus: "...I accept."
As he speaks, he seemingly steps past his usual place on your homescreen. Walking towards the screen with that lovely smile of his. Maybe you should be terrified, but you can't be, not if it's Malleus. And as he places his hand against the screen, as though a silent invitation for you to take it. ...well who are you to refuse?
Your hand seems to go through the glass like it's not even there, and you feel him squeeze it tightly as he pulls you through. Holding you against his chest for a moment, as you could disappear in a instant if he let go.
Malleus: "it's you... Finally, it's you..."
"...Malleus?"
Malleus: "yes, I'm here, it's so good to finally meet you in person, player..."
You don't say anything more, mostly because you don't want this moment to end while you're being held so close to him. But eventually he reaches down, a smile on his face as he takes the bouquet and chocolates from your hand.
Malleus: "I accept your confession, how could I ever refuse you? You who's made my life into a beautiful dream since the first day we met... You're truly the most wonderful person I've had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for giving me this honor..."
Using his other hand, he holds your face ever so gently, looking at you like you're the most lovely being in the entire universe. He can't seem to look away from you, and you can't look away from him.
Malleus: "I believe you were speaking of a date earlier? If I may be so presumptuous, allow me to take you to one of my favorite ruins. I'll have everything prepared for us. If that's alright with you, of course."
"I-It is, how couldn't it be? Anything with you is perfect."
Malleus: "yes, I find myself sharing that sentiment. Well then, shall we be off?"
"Yes, let's go!"
Your mind may still be reeling from the whole 'being pulled into another world with little warning' thing. But you already know this was the right decision. ...after all, it shall be with Malleus!
And Malleus? He cannot wait to finally have you as his beloved. And he can barely hold himself back from saying those three words to you, wanting to wait until that perfect moment he's planned after this date. But still, as he looks at you, those words ring out loudly in his head-
Today was a day you've been planning for awhile. It's finally Valentine's day, and you cannot wait to confess to the one you love! ...he just so happens to be a character from the game you play, but so what? The heart wants what it wants, and your heart wants Jamil Viper. Besides, to you he's better than most IRL folks.
So you've prepared everything to make today brilliant! A bouquet of iris and clematis flowers, and a homemade box of chocolates. You couldn't leave anything up to chance today, and as they say 'if you want something done right, you should do it yourself'.
You smile at your set up, everything thought through carefully, just as Jamil would've wanted it. You can already imagine how proud he would be! Especially since this was all for him~ speaking of, as you glance over to your device, you notice it's already loaded the title screen.
So you tap past it, sitting down as the homescreen comes into view. And along with it, is your lovely homescreen character Jamil, with that sly smile of his. You cannot help but smile back as you feel your heartbeat quicken. Sometimes it feels as though that smile of his is really directed to you, not just your character, the way he looks into your eyes as though he sees you... It's-
"Beautiful, you're just wonderful today as always Jamil..."
You feel yourself getting distracted by that look of his, and this time you don't snap yourself out of it. Instead you decide to just confess like this, while you get lost in his beautiful and sly expression.
"Ah, it's Valentine's day today, and I've been wondering- no, Hoping you would be my date for the day. Everything about you is just perfect, I always find myself losing track of time while I listen to you. And... You're truly the most lovely person in my eyes Jamil, I love you so much!"
You reach over to grab the bouquet and flowers, holding them out towards where he's standing on the homescreen. And for a moment, you close your eyes to imagine him really accepting it, and you cannot help but wish that sort of thing could become reality. ...though you never expected it actually would!
When you opened your eyes, Jamil is much closer to your screen, his hand outstretched as though inviting you to take it. It's enough to finally break you out of the distracted state you were in, as you stare at him in disbelief. This cannot be real! It just can't!
Jamil: "...how couldn't I accept...?"
That wasn't just a voiceline! And while you Know you should be terrified, as you stare at him still standing there, hand still reaching out towards you, you decide it really doesn't matter whether or not this is a good idea. So you just close your eyes again, and reach forward.
Where you expected to meet the glass of your screen, instead you were met with the warmth of his hand taking yours, and pulling you carefully yet deliberately into his arms. And as you opened your eyes, you were no longer at that table in your world. You were in twst, and being held close by the very charac- man you just confessed to! And he looks... Oddly bashful compared to how he seemed earlier.
Jamil: "you're here... And, did you really mean everything you said through the screen? You weren't just saying that because I was 'fake', right?"
"Huh...? No! Of course not, I meant every last word! Still, is this even real? How in the world did this happen...?"
Jamil: "ah, you really did mean it? Perfect, then I assume you won't mind me doing this?"
As he speaks, he reaches to you and holds your cheek in his hand. Leaning towards you, his voice is little more than a whisper as he speaks-
Jamil: "you would always imagine what could be should we be together, but you'll never have to just imagine again..."
With that, he turns towards you and softly kisses your cheek. And for the first time, your eyes are open, and this is truly real. ...he seems a little embarrassed, but he has a proud smile on his face as he reaches out to take the bouquet and chocolates from you. Both your hearts now racing.
Jamil: "I believe you have your answer~"
"To...? Ah right! So, this means you'll accept?"
Jamil: "as I said earlier, how couldn't I? As if I would ever refuse you... Hahaha! But I imagine any 'date' plans you must've had were ruined by this, so how about I make it up to you by picking our date location instead?"
"Oh, I suppose that would be alright, but where do you have in mind?"
Jamil: "there's a place in Scarabia, away from everyone. I can make out favorite foods, and we can just enjoy each other's company. After all, I'm sure you have a lot of questions considering... Well, everything that's happened."
"...that would be perfect. Yeah, let's do that then! Really, you never fail to impress."
Jamil: "ah- thank y-you..."
Try as he might, he cannot fully hide his smile or blush from you. So instead he opts to just take your hand and lead you to the spot right away rather than continue the conversation now. Otherwise his emotions may just completely get the better of him...
Your head is still spinning from everything that's happened, but you cannot help but smile as you walk with him. You may not have expected this, but... Goodness, you're glad it happened! You cannot wait to see more of him and his wonderful smiles!
And Jamil? He wants nothing more than to have a moment to calm his wildly beating heart so he won't make a fool of himself. But he also can't bring himself to ever leave you again... And he's certain you share his sentiment, isn't that right, Player? After all, he certainly shares yours. That painfully mushy and warm sentiment of-
HIII BABES URM. I saw requests were open for your post? But here it says requests closed? Urm! Ignore this if it’s not open btw and go get yourself a snack <333
But… ok this is like. self aware brainrot. But does Cater have a collection of photos of “paranormal” behaviour that occurs in Night Raven College, like sudden furniture appearing in ramshackle dorm, or the interior of his room changing along with his clothes as proof that you exist, or as a way to get closer to you?
Curiosity Or Satisfaction?
~request~
[hey guys, author here! This one was pretty quick to write once I got into the groove! Hopefully it reads as good as it felt while writing it haha. Anyway- always lovely to write something with Cater! He's one of the more relatable characters in the twst cast, so it's interesting to work with him. Though I haven't actually written him much, so hopefully the characterization isn't too off haha. Plus, ahhh it's cool to see you ceru! Hope this is to your liking! Big fan of your writing! And as always, remember to drink some water and get some rest!]
Cater's Room is something he mainly keeps private, only a small portion of it ever visible in magicam posts. It's somewhere he trusts to be safe, and somewhere he trusts he can keep things safe. Things like a new journal he's been making, that's quickly been filling up with pictures and observations on what he can only describe as the paranormal. And not the usual paranormal at NRC, of the ghosts, no no no, this is shaping up to be something far bigger than that.
...while by now, there are many entries, too many to recount here. Allow me to share with you a few earlier ones, ones that helped him start to piece together the puzzle on campus...
...
The guestroom incident.
Soooo, the Ramshackle prefect, they opened their guestroom recently! Never really visited Ramshackle before, but it seemed like it could be a cool photo opportunity. Just- I think I witnessed another one of those weird moments that's been happening on campus since they showed up!
I went into the guestroom in the morning at their invitation, and it was all cool, nothing too showy or anything, but it makes sense. And they still had Some stuff for cool pics! But I'm losing the point here. In any case, while I was there, I swear the furniture just changed completely! Even the wallpaper and floors! Honestly I don't know how I didn't realize it at first, it's like my brain just told me to ignore it or something.
I only noticed it when I went to check the photos I'd taken, and saw the different backgrounds. It's like, how can someone do that without anyone noticing??? Lol, does the prefect actually have magic or something??? Cay-cay totally would've heard of that!
...even weirder, once I noticed that, I tried to leave, but I couldn't seem to walk out the door while I had that invitation on me. And I couldn't seem to get rid of it either. It legit felt like something out of a horror movie lol. It was only after a few hours that it just kinda disappeared. I don't know what exactly happened, all know is at some point it was gone, and I was able to leave again.
Note to self - don't accept their invitation again.
Edit - I can't seem to refuse their invitations either??? They have to have magic at this point, no other explanation!
(On the page next to this entry are two photos, both of them selfies Cater took in the Ramshackle guestroom, and both of them have wildly different furniture. Labeled 'morning' and 'evening' respectively, and surrounded in question marks he drew to drive in his point.)
...
The wardrobe incident.
Kay, so I always try to make the best fit for the day, 'cammable and stylish. I've got a image to maintain, y'know? But geez, whatever magic is on campus has a weird sense of style, or a bad sense of humor. I mean, why that outfit out of all of them??? It's so extra for just a regular day!
Recently I've been ending up in more classes than usual (which feels paranormal in and of itself, but whatever) and every time, I'm certain I walk in wearing a casual yet trendy fit, right? I mean, I literally triple checked it today because this keeps happening. But when I sit down, at some point, it always changes to something else! Just today it was the ceremonial robes, like, why? Waayyyy too fancy for a regular class!
I don't know when they changed, and I didn't even sense it at all! Seriously this is getting so weird! The other students in class were also wearing the most random outfits as well. ...and come to think of it, since when did I have class with them? I'm certain they weren't all in my class before these incidents started...
Not only that, but my wardrobe has suddenly been practically bursting with all these new outfits that I definitely didn't buy! Like, I'm not complaining about the new clothes, but where the heck are they coming from?! Is someone breaking into my room and reverse stealing??? Is that a thing people do???
In any case, this is definitely connected to the paranormal incidents around campus, though I'm not sure how the perfect could do this so skillfully, I doubt they'll answer my questions. ...they haven't talked to me much since Riddle's stopped the tyrant stuff. Haha, well hopefully they'll tell me if I said something rude, and that's why they're so silent. But whatever.
Note to self, try and get a video of it next time.
Edit - got a video, did not help, my clothes just changed without anyone noticing and I still don't know how.
(On the page next to this is a picture of his wardrobe, full of clothes he still doesn't know the origin of. They're all clothes he gets the sense he's worn before, but cannot remember when. Like the memory of a forgotten dream.)
...
The Ramshackle incident.
Ever since the prefect took up residence in that old building, Ramshackle or something, it's been completely blocked off to visitors! Like, I usually would wanna visit in general, but like- apparently it just completely 'shuts down' after Yuu goes in it???
At least from what Acey told me, they will leave for awhile, and go do classes or battle exams, but then they'll head right back to Ramshackle for hours on end, and he can't get in or get ahold of them at all during that time! And that he was inside once when the prefect went in, and he just 'woke up outside the dorm' without warning. I mean, he could've just gotten locked out, and the prefect wants their privacy. But still-
I'm starting to think most of these weird events on campus are connected to the prefect in some way. ...there's just something about them! It's hard to write down, but they have this expression like they aren't seeing things the way we are, and they know something we don't! Writing it down, I definitely sound paranoid.
But I still have a hunch, and honestly this stressed out stuff is so not my style! I don't think I can actually calm down until I get to the bottom of this, sooooo guess I'll finally try out my plan tomorrow.
I just know the answers will be in Ramshackle. Haha, this feels exactly like one of those old timey detective films! ...or possibly a horror movie lolol. In any case, I'll add my findings here later☆
Edit - ...curiosity really did kill the cat, huh?
(On the next page is a picture of ramshackle with every window darkened. Not the curtains drawn or shutters over them, no it's more like the inside is just.... Gone. He doesn't like looking at this picture for too long.)
...
That next morning, the prefect has yet to leave the building, and he woke up way earlier than usual just for this! The sun isn't even up yet. But that's perfect, it means he has some time to find the answers he needs. ...first, he should get the most obvious answers out of the way
Cater walks up to the door, and tries to turn it a couple times. But despite the handle turning and it definitely feeling like it's not locked, he cannot push open the door for the life of him. And besides, this wood is so old, he doesn't wanna break it on the off chance the prefect really doesn't have anything to do with this.
Yet after a complete circle around the building, testing every window an opening, they all seem similarly sealed shut. And the inside seems completely darkened as well... Okay, he didn't want to resort to this, but he promises he'll pay for the repairs! He's just got to-
His magic crashes violently against the window. ...without a single crack appearing. It just, dissipated against the glass that very much should've broken. What the hell?! How is that even possible!? It- it shouldn't be!
Taking a deep breath, he stares at the old building with a twinge of fear deep in his gut. And yet the much more overpowering curiosity drives him to look over the building one last time. He just... He needs to know the truth! There has to be something going on! What is it that stops him from noticing it!?
Making one more lap around the building, he notices something he hadn't before. A single window isn't darkened out, and even looks a little cracked open. ...and it's on the top floor, hence why he didn't notice it while checking the ground floor windows.
After a moment of hesitation, and some self reflection over whether he really is that desperate. He decides with a sigh that, yes, yes he is. He looks around for a moment, trying to find something with which he could climb up there, but finds nothing. And it made him realize the sun was beginning to rise, meaning he didn't have much time before they woke up. And he may not get a chance like this again!
It would take too long to go to the sports field and grab a broom, so in a strike of what is possibly brilliance, he takes out his magic pen, his voice saying the ever familiar words of his unique magic.
"Split Card!"
With those words, several Cater clones appear on the grass outside Ramshackle, and quickly he gets them to form a human... Uh, clone ladder up to the room. Maybe there were other ways to do this, but he doesn't have time to peruse his options. Besides, all thoughts of that faded away as he reached the window.
Looking through it, there were a few things that caught his attention. One, this must be Yuu's room, there's that mirror and fireplace Deucey had described after his sleepover. Two, there's Yuu, laying motionless on the bed. And to his horror, they don't seem to be breathing. Like this, they almost appear doll-like. ...ahhh he didn't sign up for this!
And lastly, he notices something that looks like a lack of space in front of the door. Not a hole, just... Empty. A dark rectangle, that for some reason reminds him of something. This- this has to be a horror movie, he feels frozen in place! But when he finally wills himself to move, it's not back down and away from Ramshackle. It's to open the window and rush to check on Yuu. He may have been creeped out by them, but he doesn't want them dead!
Reaching out to them, he immediately recoils. Their skin is cold like porcelain, and it's immediately clear there isn't anything he could do. His eyes go wide as he stands there, feeling his breath grow short as he tries to make himself believe it's all just a nightmare. A terrible dream, that'll all be over when he wakes up. Yeah, that has to be it, it has to-
Light. Blinding, searing light. Every bone in his body screams at him to see what it is, and like a moth to a flame, he listens.
That rectangle, it's lit up. But now that he's looking directly at it, it's no longer blinding. Just dizzying, and enough to make him feel both nauseous yet in awe. Looking into it, he stares, and he hears. And he sees the vague outline of something... Or, someone. And hears a voice, saying something about him being their 'login bonus character'. And he can't move. He just stares.
Then... He tries subconsciously tries to reach out and touch the... Screen. Only for his hand to be grabbed by Yuu's. Yuu!? It's enough to shock him out of his daze, and he clamps a hand over his mouth to hold back his scream.
He pulls his hand out of theirs as fast as he can, and not sparing another glance at the screen for fear of that feeling it gave, he runs to the window. Not bothering to climb back down, and just jumping. Barely having the presence of mind to catch his fall with wind magic. His heart beating against his chest and he clutches at it, as though trying to physically force it to calm down.
Yet he can't help it, looking back one last time. And there in the window, he sees Yuu staring at him with an expression entirely different from the usual. As though they're really seeing him for the first time. ...that's the last thing he sees of Ramshackle before he turns and runs away as fast as his legs can carry him. Not slowing down until he reaches his own room. And collapsing on the floor.
He feels exhausted, mentally and physically. And barely manages to drag himself into his bed before falling asleep. ...he'll get a earful from Riddle later, but- he doesn't care. He just needs to rest. He'll update his journal later. Probably.
...
The screen.
Maybe some things were better left unknown, I can't unsee them now. Always behind the prefect. I haven't seen them, not really, they're so blurry. But I can see the screen where they are. And I swear they're getting clearer the more I focus on them. The more I try to hear their voice.
They're the cause of everything that's happened on campus, but... My questions aren't gone. If anything, now I can't help but wonder what they're doing. Why they're here. And who they are. I can't believe I thought it would be so easy to answer all my questions earlier... And who knows if it's a good idea to mess with this?
Maybe curiosity killed the cat. But satisfaction brought it back.
(On the next page, is a photo of the prefect, staring at Cater with that new expression of theirs. And beyond them, is the screen. And that blurry outline of a person. And if he focuses enough, he can just barely make out their eyes, staring right into him. And finally, he can look back at them.)
HELLO @bi-panicatthedisco I SAW THIS WHEN U DROPPED IT!!! SORRY ITS TAKEN ME SO LONG TO REPLY, BUT OH MY GOD??? YOU TOOK MY DELUSIONAL INSAE PLOT AND RAN WITH IR!!!
I love how it’s framed like in a diary format with Cater’s mind struggling to understand what’s going on, and the abnormalities??? The way you described them so vividly??? Really feels like a game, like the Tokyo station one or smth, where it feels like I’m actually walking through them.
THE FINAL ONE??? THE SCREEN??? WHERE IT KINDA HURTS HIM BUT HE STILL WANTS TO SEEE STARING IN THE SUN TYPE SHIT??? PANDORA OPENNED THE BOX FOREBODING VIBES I NEED THIS FIC IN MY VEINSSSSS THANK YOU SO MUCH WKSNSNSNEMSMSKSKKSKSKSKS
Woohoo! Glad you liked it! It was very fun to write haha
I always worry extra about my more tense or 'unsettling' stories, because they're so easily messed up, or easy to lose the plot while attempting to be dramatic lolol. So I'm very glad it didn't feel like that :D
I originally was only going to do the diary part, and then I added in the pictures when I reread your request, and then I realized I didn't want it to end THERE and added the in person part haha.
I have not played that game, but it definitely sounds like you like it! So I appreciate being compared to it!
And yup! He's seeing something he never should have, and can't let it leave before he understands something he wasn't meant to know. This can only lead to good things ʘ‿ʘ
Anyway- thanks again for the request! Your work is lovely as well, and I'm happy you liked it!
HIII BABES URM. I saw requests were open for your post? But here it says requests closed? Urm! Ignore this if it’s not open btw and go get yourself a snack <333
But… ok this is like. self aware brainrot. But does Cater have a collection of photos of “paranormal” behaviour that occurs in Night Raven College, like sudden furniture appearing in ramshackle dorm, or the interior of his room changing along with his clothes as proof that you exist, or as a way to get closer to you?
Curiosity Or Satisfaction?
~request~
[hey guys, author here! This one was pretty quick to write once I got into the groove! Hopefully it reads as good as it felt while writing it haha. Anyway- always lovely to write something with Cater! He's one of the more relatable characters in the twst cast, so it's interesting to work with him. Though I haven't actually written him much, so hopefully the characterization isn't too off haha. Plus, ahhh it's cool to see you ceru! Hope this is to your liking! Big fan of your writing! And as always, remember to drink some water and get some rest!]
Cater's Room is something he mainly keeps private, only a small portion of it ever visible in magicam posts. It's somewhere he trusts to be safe, and somewhere he trusts he can keep things safe. Things like a new journal he's been making, that's quickly been filling up with pictures and observations on what he can only describe as the paranormal. And not the usual paranormal at NRC, of the ghosts, no no no, this is shaping up to be something far bigger than that.
...while by now, there are many entries, too many to recount here. Allow me to share with you a few earlier ones, ones that helped him start to piece together the puzzle on campus...
...
The guestroom incident.
Soooo, the Ramshackle prefect, they opened their guestroom recently! Never really visited Ramshackle before, but it seemed like it could be a cool photo opportunity. Just- I think I witnessed another one of those weird moments that's been happening on campus since they showed up!
I went into the guestroom in the morning at their invitation, and it was all cool, nothing too showy or anything, but it makes sense. And they still had Some stuff for cool pics! But I'm losing the point here. In any case, while I was there, I swear the furniture just changed completely! Even the wallpaper and floors! Honestly I don't know how I didn't realize it at first, it's like my brain just told me to ignore it or something.
I only noticed it when I went to check the photos I'd taken, and saw the different backgrounds. It's like, how can someone do that without anyone noticing??? Lol, does the prefect actually have magic or something??? Cay-cay totally would've heard of that!
...even weirder, once I noticed that, I tried to leave, but I couldn't seem to walk out the door while I had that invitation on me. And I couldn't seem to get rid of it either. It legit felt like something out of a horror movie lol. It was only after a few hours that it just kinda disappeared. I don't know what exactly happened, all know is at some point it was gone, and I was able to leave again.
Note to self - don't accept their invitation again.
Edit - I can't seem to refuse their invitations either??? They have to have magic at this point, no other explanation!
(On the page next to this entry are two photos, both of them selfies Cater took in the Ramshackle guestroom, and both of them have wildly different furniture. Labeled 'morning' and 'evening' respectively, and surrounded in question marks he drew to drive in his point.)
...
The wardrobe incident.
Kay, so I always try to make the best fit for the day, 'cammable and stylish. I've got a image to maintain, y'know? But geez, whatever magic is on campus has a weird sense of style, or a bad sense of humor. I mean, why that outfit out of all of them??? It's so extra for just a regular day!
Recently I've been ending up in more classes than usual (which feels paranormal in and of itself, but whatever) and every time, I'm certain I walk in wearing a casual yet trendy fit, right? I mean, I literally triple checked it today because this keeps happening. But when I sit down, at some point, it always changes to something else! Just today it was the ceremonial robes, like, why? Waayyyy too fancy for a regular class!
I don't know when they changed, and I didn't even sense it at all! Seriously this is getting so weird! The other students in class were also wearing the most random outfits as well. ...and come to think of it, since when did I have class with them? I'm certain they weren't all in my class before these incidents started...
Not only that, but my wardrobe has suddenly been practically bursting with all these new outfits that I definitely didn't buy! Like, I'm not complaining about the new clothes, but where the heck are they coming from?! Is someone breaking into my room and reverse stealing??? Is that a thing people do???
In any case, this is definitely connected to the paranormal incidents around campus, though I'm not sure how the perfect could do this so skillfully, I doubt they'll answer my questions. ...they haven't talked to me much since Riddle's stopped the tyrant stuff. Haha, well hopefully they'll tell me if I said something rude, and that's why they're so silent. But whatever.
Note to self, try and get a video of it next time.
Edit - got a video, did not help, my clothes just changed without anyone noticing and I still don't know how.
(On the page next to this is a picture of his wardrobe, full of clothes he still doesn't know the origin of. They're all clothes he gets the sense he's worn before, but cannot remember when. Like the memory of a forgotten dream.)
...
The Ramshackle incident.
Ever since the prefect took up residence in that old building, Ramshackle or something, it's been completely blocked off to visitors! Like, I usually would wanna visit in general, but like- apparently it just completely 'shuts down' after Yuu goes in it???
At least from what Acey told me, they will leave for awhile, and go do classes or battle exams, but then they'll head right back to Ramshackle for hours on end, and he can't get in or get ahold of them at all during that time! And that he was inside once when the prefect went in, and he just 'woke up outside the dorm' without warning. I mean, he could've just gotten locked out, and the prefect wants their privacy. But still-
I'm starting to think most of these weird events on campus are connected to the prefect in some way. ...there's just something about them! It's hard to write down, but they have this expression like they aren't seeing things the way we are, and they know something we don't! Writing it down, I definitely sound paranoid.
But I still have a hunch, and honestly this stressed out stuff is so not my style! I don't think I can actually calm down until I get to the bottom of this, sooooo guess I'll finally try out my plan tomorrow.
I just know the answers will be in Ramshackle. Haha, this feels exactly like one of those old timey detective films! ...or possibly a horror movie lolol. In any case, I'll add my findings here later☆
Edit - ...curiosity really did kill the cat, huh?
(On the next page is a picture of ramshackle with every window darkened. Not the curtains drawn or shutters over them, no it's more like the inside is just.... Gone. He doesn't like looking at this picture for too long.)
...
That next morning, the prefect has yet to leave the building, and he woke up way earlier than usual just for this! The sun isn't even up yet. But that's perfect, it means he has some time to find the answers he needs. ...first, he should get the most obvious answers out of the way
Cater walks up to the door, and tries to turn it a couple times. But despite the handle turning and it definitely feeling like it's not locked, he cannot push open the door for the life of him. And besides, this wood is so old, he doesn't wanna break it on the off chance the prefect really doesn't have anything to do with this.
Yet after a complete circle around the building, testing every window an opening, they all seem similarly sealed shut. And the inside seems completely darkened as well... Okay, he didn't want to resort to this, but he promises he'll pay for the repairs! He's just got to-
His magic crashes violently against the window. ...without a single crack appearing. It just, dissipated against the glass that very much should've broken. What the hell?! How is that even possible!? It- it shouldn't be!
Taking a deep breath, he stares at the old building with a twinge of fear deep in his gut. And yet the much more overpowering curiosity drives him to look over the building one last time. He just... He needs to know the truth! There has to be something going on! What is it that stops him from noticing it!?
Making one more lap around the building, he notices something he hadn't before. A single window isn't darkened out, and even looks a little cracked open. ...and it's on the top floor, hence why he didn't notice it while checking the ground floor windows.
After a moment of hesitation, and some self reflection over whether he really is that desperate. He decides with a sigh that, yes, yes he is. He looks around for a moment, trying to find something with which he could climb up there, but finds nothing. And it made him realize the sun was beginning to rise, meaning he didn't have much time before they woke up. And he may not get a chance like this again!
It would take too long to go to the sports field and grab a broom, so in a strike of what is possibly brilliance, he takes out his magic pen, his voice saying the ever familiar words of his unique magic.
"Split Card!"
With those words, several Cater clones appear on the grass outside Ramshackle, and quickly he gets them to form a human... Uh, clone ladder up to the room. Maybe there were other ways to do this, but he doesn't have time to peruse his options. Besides, all thoughts of that faded away as he reached the window.
Looking through it, there were a few things that caught his attention. One, this must be Yuu's room, there's that mirror and fireplace Deucey had described after his sleepover. Two, there's Yuu, laying motionless on the bed. And to his horror, they don't seem to be breathing. Like this, they almost appear doll-like. ...ahhh he didn't sign up for this!
And lastly, he notices something that looks like a lack of space in front of the door. Not a hole, just... Empty. A dark rectangle, that for some reason reminds him of something. This- this has to be a horror movie, he feels frozen in place! But when he finally wills himself to move, it's not back down and away from Ramshackle. It's to open the window and rush to check on Yuu. He may have been creeped out by them, but he doesn't want them dead!
Reaching out to them, he immediately recoils. Their skin is cold like porcelain, and it's immediately clear there isn't anything he could do. His eyes go wide as he stands there, feeling his breath grow short as he tries to make himself believe it's all just a nightmare. A terrible dream, that'll all be over when he wakes up. Yeah, that has to be it, it has to-
Light. Blinding, searing light. Every bone in his body screams at him to see what it is, and like a moth to a flame, he listens.
That rectangle, it's lit up. But now that he's looking directly at it, it's no longer blinding. Just dizzying, and enough to make him feel both nauseous yet in awe. Looking into it, he stares, and he hears. And he sees the vague outline of something... Or, someone. And hears a voice, saying something about him being their 'login bonus character'. And he can't move. He just stares.
Then... He tries subconsciously tries to reach out and touch the... Screen. Only for his hand to be grabbed by Yuu's. Yuu!? It's enough to shock him out of his daze, and he clamps a hand over his mouth to hold back his scream.
He pulls his hand out of theirs as fast as he can, and not sparing another glance at the screen for fear of that feeling it gave, he runs to the window. Not bothering to climb back down, and just jumping. Barely having the presence of mind to catch his fall with wind magic. His heart beating against his chest and he clutches at it, as though trying to physically force it to calm down.
Yet he can't help it, looking back one last time. And there in the window, he sees Yuu staring at him with an expression entirely different from the usual. As though they're really seeing him for the first time. ...that's the last thing he sees of Ramshackle before he turns and runs away as fast as his legs can carry him. Not slowing down until he reaches his own room. And collapsing on the floor.
He feels exhausted, mentally and physically. And barely manages to drag himself into his bed before falling asleep. ...he'll get a earful from Riddle later, but- he doesn't care. He just needs to rest. He'll update his journal later. Probably.
...
The screen.
Maybe some things were better left unknown, I can't unsee them now. Always behind the prefect. I haven't seen them, not really, they're so blurry. But I can see the screen where they are. And I swear they're getting clearer the more I focus on them. The more I try to hear their voice.
They're the cause of everything that's happened on campus, but... My questions aren't gone. If anything, now I can't help but wonder what they're doing. Why they're here. And who they are. I can't believe I thought it would be so easy to answer all my questions earlier... And who knows if it's a good idea to mess with this?
Maybe curiosity killed the cat. But satisfaction brought it back.
(On the next page, is a photo of the prefect, staring at Cater with that new expression of theirs. And beyond them, is the screen. And that blurry outline of a person. And if he focuses enough, he can just barely make out their eyes, staring right into him. And finally, he can look back at them.)
Hi, I've come with an interesting request, and I'd like to see your ideas on it (on the yandere topic)
A reader who wants to return but is hindered by an internal dilemma (explained below) with the characters: Yuu, Kalim, Vil, Idia(Also, I have a small request before that: I would like a "start over" plot like in the fanfiction "Actions Of Fear" lol, but you can ignore this part if you don't want to write about it.)
And here's the explanation: The reader has difficulties to return to them world, to be more precise, the reader wants to stay in twst, but on the other hand, them needs to return because their family needs the reader because they (the family) have money problems and the reader studied for a profession that could solve this problem, but the reader hates studying because their parents for their child, but the profession itself is difficult for the reader, not to mention that their classmates put pressure on the reader because they are not as smart as the others
(I'll add that the parents stopped "worrying" about the reader, and all they said was "well... you have to understand our situation, we can't miss out on this opportunity just because you want to drop out of school, especially since we're paying for it and we want this money and our efforts to pay off.") ((the parents themselves are not just "indifferent" but simply unable to pay attention to them due to internal family problems, and they simply believe that they are doing what is best for their child rather than the opposite)).
On the other hand, the reader wants to stay because they have made real friends and family who genuinely care about them, and the reader has been able to grow and experience things they never thought they would before joining twst.
And the reader tells their problem to the character and want to get help or support in this because of the fear of making a choice that could be a mistake for the reader.
How do you think (yandere) characters will behave and how they will try to persuade the reader to stay with them?
An unexpected meme:
How I feel when I write an idea for fanfiction in my draft app:
The Grass Is Greener.
~request~
[hey guys, author here! Okayyyy, I really hope I did this request justice, because it's such a cool one! ...although I'm a little worried I let the family being alright thing, fall to the wayside in a couple of the stories haha. Still, it was awesome writing for Yuu of all characters! Anyway though, my first request out of the new bunch is done! And as always, remember to drink some water and get some rest!]
Your life has taken a turn. For better or for worse, you're still deciding. But nevertheless being isekai'd into one of your favorite games has certainly been exciting! And it's allowed you to gain a new appreciation for all of these people you once believed to be merely characters. ...and one who was barely even that.
Yuu, the prefect of Ramshackle dorm, and the faceless main character of the game. Much like what's happened to you, they were brought to twisted wonderland from earth, and had to adjust to this strange world. ...though perhaps you had the one up on them, considering you knew what this world was via the game twisted wonderland.
...the story started over after you were isekai'd, back to the start with the mirror chamber, and the burnt statue of the Queen of hearts, and the mines monster. ...but you didn't take the place of Yuu, they've been there alongside you this entire time. Stepping out of their coffin after you fell out of it, and helping you up. And as the story passed like you remembered it, they helped you along through it with that wonderful smile on their face. Overall acting like the perfect main character, and the most lovely person. Were they... Always like this?
As time passed, and they stuck by you through think and thin and horrifying overblots, you slowly realized you liked this world. You liked Yuu. ...well, of course you liked it, but... You wanted to stay. That might sound strange, but since the beginning, you've felt like you couldn't. ...back home, they needed you.
...
For most of your life, you've been the 'hope' for your family. The one who'll succeed and fix the money problems your family has been struggling with. And you weren't against filling the role, so you dedicated your time to studying for a good profession. It may not be one you like, but it's one that would earn quite a bit should you be successful.
...but you just aren't. This profession doesn't suit you in the slightest, and that shows. It shows in everything. Studying and practical application of this just never clicked for you, you never once felt a spark of inspiration for it. And of course... Your peers at school, they would mock you behind your back for that shortcoming. It simply felt like this wasn't what your life was supposed to be, but... You need to do this, that's what your parents always said at least.
When you used to bring up problems to them, issues with your learning, they would shrug it off. Before pressuring you further to continue. They don't want you to miss out of this opportunity they've given you, and they don't want the money they spent on your schooling wasted. Besides, this is what's 'best for you' after all.
Things may not have worked out exactly how you hoped, but you still pushed on for this profession. Hoping to help your parents once your income is stable. Still though... It got stressful at times, those evenings spent studying just to catch up with your peers that seemed to understand it easily, the days your family would tell you to 'just be grateful for the opportunity'. And so much more. ..sometimes all you had to keep you going was your game, twisted wonderland.
Evenings spent relaxing and playing events, celebrating when you got a card you'd wanted for awhile, and getting attached to these characters within this wonderful world. Sometimes you would wish to be there with them, but you would always brush away those dreams when you remembered your responsibilities here. Besides, no sense lingering on what could never be...
...
That's what you had thought before one of those days, logging in greeted you with a swirling mist like withing the dark mirror, pulling you in like magic. Back during Night Raven college's orientation. It all felt like a dream, without your problems from the real world. And... You let yourself dream for a little while.
Months passed as you stayed in Ramshackle with Yuu and Grim, you didn't bother to change the story, you just wanted to experience these things you never got the chance to before. And Yuu? You've loved getting to know them. How they can struggle to assert themselves during arguments, unless it's about their friends, and especially when it's about you. Or how attentively they'll listen to your problems, clearly caring about every word.
You do worry about them however. With your appearance in this world, you fear you may have taken a few of their friends. You notice how nearly everyone would go to you before them, and they've definitely noticed this as well. But it's only seemed to make them hang out with you more. You don't mind that part of course, but you do feel bad for what you've accidentally took from them.
...they're so sweet to you as well, always trying to make you feel comfortable and at home. You appreciate it, even if it can feel a bit much at times. You understand they're probably clinging so much because they think you're someone like them, thrown into a strange world with nothing. And you don't want to ruin that for them.
But... As time passes, you get more and more conscious of how you need to return home soon. Your family needs you, you can't just leave them forever. Like with all dreams, you'll eventually need to wake up. ...and maybe it would be easier to leave sooner rather than later, before you get any more attached to this world-
Yuu: "hey there! What are you so deep in thought about~ you've just been staring out that window for awhile, everything okay?"
"Hm? Ah yeah, I guess I'm alright. Just thinking about stuff."
Yuu: "haha, how descriptive. Now c'mon, sit down, and don't dodge the question! I'm worried, y'know?"
You give them a small smile as you sit down next to them on the couch in Ramshackle. And while it's nice to be able to sit there comfortably, that only reminds you how long you've been here already. You're not sure how to explain this to Yuu, but maybe you should just tell them everything.
"...I was just thinking about how I need to go home soon."
Yuu: "oh, well... Why?"
"Huh? Oh I just- well don't you want to go home?"
Yuu: "...not without you..."
"Hm? What was that?"
Yuu: "nothing! Just, do you really want to leave everything in this world behind? Believe me, I understand better than anyone how confusing this all is. But... I'm glad it gave me the chance to meet you. And everyone else as well."
"I- I don't know. I definitely Should go back, I've got things I need to do at home, I can't just abandon everyone there! But at the same time... You're right, being in this world has given me the chance for so many new experiences I'd never could've dreamed of! And it let me get to know you. And... And I wish I could just stay, but..."
Yuu: "there's nothing holding you back, y'know? No one would blame you if you wanted to stay! Besides, Ramshackle would be pretty lonely Again with only me and Grim, haha..."
"That doesn't change my responsibility back home. ...what would they do without me? I can't just leave that all behind because it's easier. But I also don't want to leave this world behind either! If only my family was in a good position without me, then I wouldn't have to worry about that..."
Yuu: "...so what?..."
"Hm?"
Yuu: "I said, so what!? Back then, they didn't appreciate your effort enough! They didn't see how much you were struggling! I had to watch as time and again that pressure wore you down, the studying being too much, and all the while all that mattered was them! Why can't you just see it's better like this!?"
"What... What are you saying Yuu? Where is this even coming from!?"
Yuu: "haha... Hahahaha! C'mon, don't act like you don't remember! Back then, we were just a game to you. I was barely even a character, your choices were my only life, building my personality as you saw fit. Without you, there never would've been a me! But I guess... Without a real model, you never could've seen me. Not really. But now, now you can! Why would you want to go back to that? Back to that world away from me, and with THEM!? They could never care about you more than I could."
"...character? Wait, you knew this whole time!? Why didn't you say anything!?"
Yuu: "and freak you out? No way! Besides, I didn't wanna remind you of all that stress I watched you endure. But now, you're free! Things are better now, and there's nothing we can't face together, y'know?"
"Still though... Can I really leave it all behind? My entire life was there."
Yuu: "you were underappreciated there! I saw it, and I know first hand how much it hurts to have your issues overlooked. But I swear to you, I'll never let that happen here. You deserve better than that world. You deserve to be happy, and here with me. Right?"
"But-"
Yuu: "and if you're back there... We would never see each other again. I would be back to that faceless protagonist I was before, and you would be back to just an outside observer. ...like I said before, I was barely even a character in your game. And I'll just go back to that once you leave... I'll be alone again."
"I... You don't deserve that. I still don't know what's right, but..."
Yuu: "please, just stay a little longer. I swear you'll never again have to worry like you did back there. Just... Trust me this once, please?"
"...alright. for now, I guess I can stay for a while longer... If just for your sake."
Yuu: "thank you so much, I don't know what I could do without you-! Really... Thank you..."
As they speak, they wrap their arms around your shoulder, a smile on their face as small tears of relief roll down their cheeks and onto your shoulder. You're unsure what to do, so you end up awkwardly patting their back as you try your best to smile reassuringly. And maybe, they're correct.
You still don't like the idea of running away from it all, but you Do want to stay here. This world has been so much nicer to you than your old one, and you don't want to leave it behind. ...maybe your family can do alright on their own, just for a little bit. At least until the story is over. ...yeah, at least.
Maybe this can be okay until then, even as a small feeling of unease at Yuu's intensity twists in your mind, you convince yourself it will be alright. Just... Until then.
...
But Yuu could never accept something like that. ...they'll just need to make sure your life is too connected to theirs for you to ever consider going home again. For you to ever try to Abandon them again.
It felt like life turned onto its head for you, when a few months ago you were thrown out of your world, and into the world of one of your favorite games. Twisted wonderland. Thrown back to the start of the story, you remember stepping out of the coffin/gate in utter confusion as an ever familiar scene played out in front of your very eyes. Orientation day, and the opening scene of the game you loved.
Being isekai'd was something you never could've expected, but it... Was nice. Despite the chaos that came with following the main story, which you did as best you could, it felt freeing. Like all the problems you had back home couldn't reach you here. ...the responsibilities still haunt your thoughts however, all the things you can't run away from forever.
Yet you've still been able to enjoy yourself here, and that's in no small part because of someone who was one of your favorites through the screen, and who's been nothing but wonderful during your time here. Kalim al-Asim, someone who quite literally shouldn't be at NRC, far too trusting and kind for this school. He... Wasn't meant to hang out with the MC this much, you're certain of that.
Remembering the story, you weren't meant to really meet him until you were going around and questioning people about the spelldrive incidents. But instead he bumped into you at the cafeteria one day, only a little after the heartslabyul story wrapped up, and insisted on joining you for lunch. He then chatted with you all throughout it, and even insisted on paying for the meal when you were done! You don't remember any scene like that happening during the story, but you're thankful nonetheless.
...what you couldn't expect was that not being a one-off situation. Since then Kalim has done nothing but shower you in attention, affection, and gifts. You would've thought Jamil would be against this, but he's oddly okay with you being there. Maybe he just doesn't think you can be a threat? You... Appreciate that...? Probably? Well in any case, it's been fun!
With Kalim you've been able to do all sorts of things you never could've in your world, and almost forgot your worries in this daze of extravagance and almost the smothering bond he's made between the two of you. He's become such a constant in your life here, that most of the time you can barely imagine going back home.
...except on days like today, when you remember all too vividly the life you Need to return to eventually. The people who depend on you, and the things you can't just abandon. ...even- even if your time here has been the most you've really enjoyed life in years. You can't just take the easy way out, right?
...
Back home, you were the one expected to make life better for your family. They put you through schooling for a good profession, and set you up for a good life that would help them as well. They just... Couldn't understand the stress that put on you. That's all.
The years of schooling, your difficulties picking up the skills needed, your peers mocking you for those difficulties. It wasn't all bad, but you would be lying if you said you wanted things to continue this way forever. And your parents, while not cruel, didn't understand your frustrations. And didn't have the time to spare worrying about it. Besides... They HAVE set you up for a good life. In their own words, you should be grateful life will be easier for you than it was for them.
So you no longer brought your frustrations there, instead you would turn to one of your favorite games, Twisted Wonderland. And the feel-good character Kalim al-Asim. Evenings spent playing, sometimes chatting out loud with him as though he could hear. Both quiet and loud moments that felt shared and understood, sometimes you would wish they truly were shared.
Then one day, your screen glitched out as Kalim stood smiling on your homescreen. And as your mind started getting fuzzy, you felt yourself getting pulled into that world you loved. The horror that you should've felt instead replaced with a feeling of freedom. The kind that only comes from avoiding everything, and indulging in fiction.
But with Kalim... It's easy to forget...
...
Today was another day you woke up in Scarabia dorm, Kalim often insisting on sleepovers after he once tried sleeping over at Ramshackle and decided you didn't deserve to sleep there all the time. You woke up earlier than usual, likely before Kalim was awake, and before you really needed to prepare for class. So you decided to take a walk around Scarabia. Your thoughts wandering back to the life you need to return to eventually. You don't often remember it, but when you do...
You pause your walk, you were mindless wandering around the dorm, and have somehow ended up outside the storage room that's basically a treasurey. And you breath in and out, your head spinning as you remember things you'd almost forgotten. ...it can't be more than a year now, before you'll need to return home in the story. And leaving everything here behind, and then-
Kalim: "heeeyyyy!!! Haha, I've been looking for you everywhere! You're up early today! ...hm? Something on your mind?"
"Ah, Kalim! It's... It's good to see you. Sorry, I was just thinking about stuff."
Kalim: "hm? What sorta stuff?"
"Just, thinking about when I'll have to go home."
Kalim: "oh... Well why not just stay? I promise I'll throw a party for you everyday if you want it! It'll be way better here than there!"
"I- what? No that's not an option... I have to go home, my family needs me there."
An emotion you haven't seen on Kalim flashes in his eyes, before he smiles again and clasps your hand, pulling you into the storeroom. He stops in the middle of it, surrounded by the piles of gold and treasures, and gestures to it all with a bright yet oddly tense expression.
Kalim: "all of it can be yours! A lack of money was the source of your problems back there, and that'll never happen here! So why go home?"
"...Kalim what in the world are you saying? How do you even know that!?"
Kalim: "ahaha, don't you remember? You used to vent to me about all your problems, of course I remembered them! And I've fixed them! Things should be perfect now, right?"
"Kalim... How do you know that?"
Kalim: "it was all a game to you back then, but that was alright, since I was able to see you basically every day! But I also had to see you upset or sad because of that world and all those issues... So I've fixed it! You'll never have to worry about a thing here :D isn't that great?"
"You remember that!? ...that explains so much... But, that doesn't change the fact my family still needs me. Even if I would want to stay here, I ca-"
Kalim: "but I need you too! I know family is important, but... Please don't leave! Don't you remember who it was that you went to when you were stressed? Or to celebrate something? I want to keep sharing those moments with you! Please? And not just through a screen anymore."
"Kalim, I..."
Kalim: "I promise I'll make things perfect for you! What do you need so you'll stay? You can have it!"
He takes a golden necklace from the pile of treasure, and clasps it around your neck, as tears start to roll down his face. He looks desperate, but he's still trying to smile for you.
Kalim: "anything! Just say the word, I'll even be your servant if that's what you want! I can be your very own genie!"
He goes and grabs two golden bracelets, placing them around your wrists quickly. They're a little heavier than would be comfortable, and you're starting to feel overwhelmed by everything.
"WAIT!"
Kalim: "h-huh? Oh... Right haha... Sorry! I know this must be a lot. I just wanted to show you I really meant it, and- I got carried away a little..."
"It's just..."
You aren't sure what the right answer is, whether to stay with him, who obviously cares about you so much, and live happily the rest of your life... While abandoning those at home. Or returning home, and continuing the life you were meant to live before getting isekai'd. ...then, as you look at Kalim's face, you decide something. It may or may not be the 'right choice' (if there even is one), but it's the only one you can make in the moment.
"...I suppose, I can't just leave you here. You've been so kind to me for months, and it's true, life has been like a dream since I came here. ...it feels selfish, but... I guess I can stay, at least for awhile longer."
Kalim: "...YOU WILL!? Yay!!!! C'mon then! This definitely calls for a celebration!!! I'll have all your favorites prepared!"
"Ah- wait Kalim, the bracelets and necklace?"
Kalim: "keep them! Consider it a proper welcome gift haha!"
"Ah, okay..."
As he rushes you along the hallways again, you think you've made if not the right choice, at least a good one. Otherwise he wouldn't be so happy, and you...? Well, as long as Kalim is happy with this, surely you will be too. In time. ...just as soon as you can forget what you've just left behind...
...
And Kalim will make sure that happens sooner rather than later, so you'll never have a reason to frown again! He much prefers when you're happy, especially when he's the one to put a smile on your face! So just forget everything else, he'll make sure your life from now on will be perfect!
Throughout your life, there were things you could expect. Things like how you had to excel in your studies so you could get a good paying job after school, or things like finding comfort from the stress of life in video games. Specifically Twisted Wonderland. Which you'd grown to love over the time you played.
However life loves throwing things you could never expect at you, and that includes being isekai'd into said game! And it's been... Lovely. Genuinely, you never thought something like this could've been so wonderful! And it's all because of a single charac- person. Vil Schoenheit. You're still unsure why he is so... Insistent about everything, but you're grateful.
But to start from the beginning (which often the best place to start) when you were isekai'd, you were brought back to the beginning of the story. All the way back to orientation, as it was you stepping out of that coffin instead of Yuu. And it was you experiencing all those familiar events.
Grim demanding the robes, the chase to the library, being brought back by Crowley with all eyes on you, and... His eyes on you. Looking around, you had noticed Vil's eyes trained on you in a entirely unique way to the others, something in his eyes screamed he knew something more than the others, but you didn't have the time to learn more than that as you were dragged through the rest of the prologue.
During the following months, the story has strayed a little from its original course, but you aren't too worried. After all, it's a very pleasant alteration! You somehow got mixed up with Pomefiore much earlier in the story than intended, between book 1 and 2. Vil had randomly scouted you as a extra in a film, and said you had potential to be more than that should you want it. And ever since, you've basically been part of the film research club! (not on paper, since Grim didn't want to join it, but you still go to every meeting. An unofficial member so to say.)
Being a part of the club, has introduced you to Vil and Rook (he's also not part of the club, but he's around so often, he's basically another unofficial member) much earlier than you expected, and you've gotten along surprisingly well! Rook will wax poetic about the painted flowers on the set, you'll be smiling to yourself over his enthusiasm, and Vil... Will be smiling as well, his eyes fixed on you. ...you only caught him doing it once, but you swear you've been feeling eyes on you more often. ...eh, maybe it's paranoia. Or Rook. That's also a viable option considering... Rook.
Vil also has been complimenting and helping you grow during your time here, he even gave you a skincare routine since 'he won't have a unpolished gem on his set'. Though he might as well have not given you it, since he basically always says something isn't up to his standards, and he'll just do it himself this time. Leading to evenings spent in Pomefiore as he applies the skincare calmly, the sort of peaceful moments that make you wonder whether you could stay here forever.
...but you know you can't, not with your family relying on you back home. It's not a matter of If you'll go back, but When. ...yet, can you accept that after getting to experience something so glorious?
...
For most of your life, you've known what you had to do. You were to get into a good school, and then get a good job, and using that money you would be able to help your family out of their troubles. You've never seen anything wrong with this responsibility, after all, you Do want to help your family.
There's just been a few issues. The trade you wanted was difficult, and the lessons for it always made your head spin. Your peers would mock you for it, and the stress of it all would pile up quickly. ...and your family... They had their own issues. They did care, they just, couldn't understand. You don't blame them for that. Not after all their help.
So instead of your family, your would turn to your games. You would sit there some days, watching Vil stand on your homescreen, and you would vent your frustrations, and say all the things you could never say anywhere else, and just... Relax.
You'd had a difficult morning that day, so as usual you went to log into TWST. But this time, instead of your beautiful homescreen character, you were greeted by the image of the dark mirror, and a hand reaching out for you inside of it. And as soon as you touched it-
...
Life has been good in Twisted Wonderland, better than anything you experienced in your world. It feels selfish to say, but most days you wish you could just stay here without worrying about your family, or the life you accidentally left behind. You wish you could just focus on this new life here... With Vil.
And...
Rook: "we've arrived! And with that, I shall take my leave~ farewell!"
"Ah- goodbye! Thanks for walking with me to Pomefiore!"
Rook: "think nothing of it, the Roi du poison specifically requested your presence again, and am I nothing if not his loyal hunter!"
"Haha, well, thanks again. I'll see you later Rook."
Rook: "adieu! Till next we meet!"
You step into the dorm, already knowing where you're headed. You navigate the rooms and hallways easily, and make it to Vil's room. You reach to knock on his door, before hesitating for a second. Your mind is still occupied by thoughts of home, and Vil has always seemed irritated whenever you brought it up in the past...
Well, you don't hesitate for that long. You knock, and quickly you hear a voice from within.
Vil: "is that you prefect? Come in."
You step inside his room, he's already prepared the usual skincare, as well as a drink you couldn't have mentioned liking more than once. ...you're surprised he remembered something like that haha. He hands you the drink with that smile of his, which is too lovely a smile not to smile back.
Vil: "please, sit down. And here, I believe you like this, correct?"
"Yeah, thanks Vil. I appreciate it!"
Vil: "hm, it's nothing much, I just remembered you mentioning it. Now, shall we begin?"
"Ah, right. Of course!"
As you set the cup down, Vil starts applying your skincare. Then after a moment, once you're fully settled into it, he looks at you with a odd expression on his face. His voice calm yet colder than usual.
Vil: "you've been acting strange recently, has there been something on your mind?"
"What...? O-oh, it's nothing! I just... Was thinking about when I'd go home, y'know?"
Vil pauses in his application, a barely perceivable frown appearing on his face before he continues. His voice slightly strained as he speaks.
Vil: "you say it as though returning home is a certainty. But... Does it truly have to be?"
"Huh? Well, of course it does, right?"
Vil: "I believe you should deliberate over that choice a little longer. After all, you seem to be under the perspective it's already decided."
"Well, I've got things I need to do back home. ...and while I Really love the things I've gotten to experience here, I can't just abandon them..."
Vil: "you wouldn't be abandoning them, especially not if they never deserved you in the first place..."
"What was that?"
Vil: "hmph, I'm saying you deserve to be in a place where you can flourish, and that world could never match this one as far as that goes."
"Hahhh... You wouldn't be saying that if you really knew what it was like. It's not that bad!"
Vil: "...and who's to say I don't?"
"Huh? What do you mean by that...?"
Vil: "I- well, now's as good a time as any I suppose. Prefect- or rather, Player. ...don't get that look on your face, it's true. Back when it was just us, watching each other through that screen, and separated by it. I remember it all. And I remember how horridly that world treated you."
"Wait wait wait- so, you were self aware that whole time?! Not only that, but you only chose just now to reveal that to me!?!"
Vil: "not the whole time, it was only after some time that I was truly able to see you. And there was simply no good moment to bring it up. ...but in any case, don't avoid the issue here. That world only caused you stress! I saw first-hand how much it wore on you day in and day out. And I was never able to help you, despite how desperately I wished to!"
"I... But can I really leave it behind?"
Vil: "instead, ask yourself this. Can you leave Twisted Wonderland behind? ...can you leave me behind? And, would you?"
You pause at that, Vil's eyes have gone cold as he stares into yours so intensely, you doubt you could look away even if you wanted to. You don't know the answer to that. ...or, you don't want to accept the answer you would choose if given the opportunity.
After all, this world has treated you kinder than your old world ever did. ...All that world ever did was want more and more from you, asking more than you could give. And Vil... Vil has made your life so much better, he's done so much for you without asking for a thing in return. And... And the choice is obvious. If there ever even was a choice in the first place.
"...no, I- I would never. You're right, this world is much better... I'm sorry."
Vil: "it's alright, don't apologize. Just, do not bring this up again. That world is in the past, and you... You truly belong here. I'm glad you made the right decision in the end... Thank you."
He cups your face gently, his smile returning as he looks your your eyes with such kindness, such... Affection. You know, he's right. This was the right decision, in fact... How could you have ever thought there was more than one decision? This was the Only decision you could've made. ...yes. this is how it should be.
...
When you leave his room, he clutches his chest, his breath turning uneven as the stress of it all catches up to him. How could you EVER want to go home, after all he's done to make things so clearly better here?! ...it's clear he'll need to keep a closer eye on you from now. This was much too close for comfort...
You never expected the course of your life to shift so dramatically, but you doubt anyone could've expected something like this. After all, isekai was always meant to be a thing of fantasy. And yet here you are, living it! And in one of your favorite games no less! Twisted Wonderland! It's been interesting to say the least... But truthfully you've been conflicted about how to feel over all this. What with everything back home...
You had stepped out of the coffin during the orientation ceremony, and saw the familiar direbeast casting fire and demanding you give him the ceremonial robes. You immediately recognized it as the beginning scene in twisted wonderland. ...the BEGINNING SCENE IN TWISTED WONDERLAND?!!
Amidst your panic over the sudden isekai, you ended up defaulting to going through the motions of the opening scene. Aka running to the library, and getting dragged back by Crowley. Only for all the students to be staring at you with a terrifying mixture of curiosity and annoyance. ...except for one. ...well, two. But one that really stood out to you.
...did Idia come to the orientation in the main game? For some reason, you remember it just being his tablet. But you see him clearly standing there, his hair flickering under his hood, which is pulled up as far as it can be. But underneath all of that, you spot his striking yellow eyes staring at you with something that you cannot quite place. It's not annoyance, curiosity, anger, or even a tired sort of 'why wouldn't this happen today...?'
And next to him, is Ortho with a smile on his face, giving you a small wave, and a encouraging thumbs up when you notice them. You hesitantly wave back, before you're pushed through the rest of orientation. And... Pushing seems to be becoming a trend since coming here. As once you leave the building, Ortho shows up and says he'll take over from the headmage, pushing you away from that whole mess with a smile.
Where does he push you to? Idia! Waiting (hiding) behind a tree, and he jumped when he noticed you. You're certain this wasn't part of the main story, but... It's not like much came of this. After all, your conversation ended very quickly, when your greetings fizzled out into awkward silence. And not even Ortho could nudge Idia into a conversation.
In the end, Ortho just gave a small apology for bothering you before going back with Idia to ignihyde. ...and leaving you without a guide to Ramshackle!? You're certain that part was an accident, but still!
Oh well, that night you had managed to find your own way there (only getting a little lost) (very lost, some ghosts took pity on you and ended up helping you in the end) and you don't hold it against him. Why would you? Especially when they were both some of your favorites! And since then, things have diverted from the main story by quite a bit!
Well, not so much diverted, as added onto. As while you've still been completing the main story as you're supposed to, Ortho joined the group much sooner than usual. And he's been very obviously trying to make you and Idia friends, always inviting you to the boardgame club during their meetups.
At first it absolutely threw Idia off his game, but after some time he managed to get used to you being there. And your presence seemed to strangely motivate him. Ortho has mentioned a few times that since you started going to the club meetings, he's been winning more games than ever!
You wouldn't have thought it was really because of you, if not for one day when he'd just beaten Azul. And instead of his usual gloating, he first turned to you proudly, as though making sure you saw his achievement. ...of course as soon as he realized what he did, he immediately turned away and looked embarrassed. But still you saw him smile brightly when you complimented his game.
Really by now you've both gotten comfortable in each other's presence, enough that you can just drop by Ignihyde casually for some gaming, or to borrow a manga, or to watch an anime he's recommended. Yet despite this becoming normal, you can't help but let your thoughts wander back to what used to be normal.
Your life back home, that you have to get back to at some point, and that you nearly let yourself forget during your time here.
...
As you grew up, you slowly learned more about the troubles your family was facing, and the expectations on you to help fix it. This meant your parents set you up for success as best they could, paying for your schooling so you could get a high paying job. And eventually you would make life easier for your family.
You knew this, you just... Had difficulty actually doing it. It was an uphill battle to learn things your peers seemed to pick up easily, and for that, they would make fun of you. And you don't bring these issues to your family anymore. ...they truly do care about you, they simply have too much to worry about already to worry about that as well. Besides, you should be grateful your life will be better than theirs ever was.
...so you didn't bring issues to them, and instead took your frustrations, and emotions, to twisted wonderland. And your homescreen character, Idia Shroud. You would cry, and complain, and forget about things for awhile as you talked to his as if he could hear you and respond. It became a stress reliever to log in after a bad day, and just see him standing there.
Until one day when you didn't see him there. Instead as you logged in, you saw the game auto navigate to the mirror tab, and something spent a key on a banner you'd never seen before, it looked completely blank. Then you saw the SSR sparkles, and the coffin with the special design. And... That was the last thing you saw before you stepped into the NRC orientation.
...
As you sat on the edge of Idia's bed, you watched Idia get annoyed at the ending of the anime you two were watching. He had recommended it, but it was a newer one, so he must not have actually seen it first. It ended with the protagonist waving goodbye to all their friends, before walking back through a portal to their world, presumably never to return.
Idia: "geez, I've never understood why isekai protagonists always wanna return to their old world, I mean, they get to live out their wildest dreams in what's basically a fantasy land! It's just so frustrating when a show treats 'going back home' as the ultimate best thing. Like, no it isn't???"
"I dunno... I mean, it felt pretty realistic, y'know? Maybe they have things they needed to do back home?"
Idia: " pfft- as if! They didn't have things they 'needed' to do. They had things they felt they had to do, but it literally wasn't their problem anymore. Why go back and make it their problem again?! Ugh, from now on, I'm going to read the reviews before I watch a show with you. This is ridiculous."
"I guess the ending Was pretty bittersweet, huh? I just, I feel bad for the characters left behind..."
Idia: "that too! They have people who genuinely care about them there, who've they've gone through the entire journey with, and they just- don't care??? Not only that, but the characters who love the protagonist just let them leave??? Hmph, talk about lacklustre writing. I'm absolutely leaving a bad review on this show, it had so much potential, and then ruined it all with the ending."
"...while I get you didn't like it, it makes sense for the protagonist to want to go home. And they did set it all up really well."
Idia: "and that's the worst of it! The characters already knew the protagonist was going to leave eventually, and still got close to them. It's just not fair!"
You watch him sit there in frustration for awhile longer, you know all the points he and you made in this argument, could apply to you as well. But that doesn't make the choice anything easier to decide. So why don't you...?
"Sorry, I don't mean to change the subject, but... Do you think, I should go home? Would you feel the same way even if you knew it was me, and if I really did have something I should get get back to?"
Idia pauses, staring at you for a moment. You may not understand how much that question is making his thoughts swirl out of control, but as he speaks, you can see his stance is clear.
Idia: "...why'd you wanna go home to That again? It's like willingly deciding 'hey, I know things were way way more stressful back home, but it's still HoMe. Even if that schooling made me so stressed, and the only place I could turn was a game! I still have a ReSpOnSiBiLiTy to the folks who didn't even understand how much it all hurt!' like- no??? Why go back there? You're literally living the dream! Like GGs, you've done it, all you need to do is Not Go Back, and you just win! Why would you-"
"...how do you know that? All of that, you shouldn't know it..."
Idia: "I- uh... Crap. I..."
"Wait- all of that... You were self aware, right? Through the game! Then it would make sense. But, why not tell me right away?"
Idia: "you think it's as simple as going up and saying 'hi there, remember me? Yeah, I was your homescreen character and I know things about your life you might not have wanted to share yet! That isn't absolutely horrifying at all!' ...see?"
"...it still would've been nice to know at some point."
Idia: "I was planning on it, there just never was a good chance! But now it doesn't even matter, because you're still planning to go back to that world, where I'm just a 2d anime sprite. Guess it makes sense, you took a look at me irl and decided there was no chance, no way, you would stay here."
"What? Wait, what are you saying now? That's no what happened at all-!"
Idia: "oh great, you already ripped my heart out, but at least you're still trying to spare my feelings! Look, I'm not good with sappy stuff at all, but I will say this. Being with you IRL was one of the first times I've enjoyed someone's company, and... The first time I've cared about someone the way I care about you. It felt, like maybe the fates were finally smiling on me. ...I can't believe I let myself believe that someone as wonderful as you, would stay with someone like me..."
"Idia, I..."
Idia: "if you were just planning to leave this whole time, why'd have to go and give me hope that you wouldn't!? Why did you even get close to me, if you were just going to tear it all away in the worst bad ending ever?!"
You stare at him for a moment, unsure what to say to his words. ...until you notice the tears. Idia normally protects himself from pain with a level of separation from nearly everything. ...so for him to cry like this, and say these things... He truly had let down his guard around you. And you... You cannot break that trust. You don't want to see him cry like this. Not over you.
Maybe you're abandoning it all, or taking the easy way out. But as you move towards him and cup his face in your hand, brushing away the tears. You decide you must've made the right choice. As he looks up at you with a small hope that must've been hard for him to have after all this.
"I won't leave. I'm sorry, I- you're right, what kind of isekai protagonist would willingly leave someone as wonderful as you behind?"
Idia: "y-you will? You're way too nice to be real right now, am I dreaming...?"
"No. I... I promise I won't leave you, okay?"
Idia can't seem to say anything to that, instead he leans into your shoulder and breaths a sigh of relief. A moment passing before-
Idia: "thank you..."
Yes, this must be a good ending. ... you're glad you made the right choice.
...
As Idia tries to calm his breathing, still leaning into you, he can't help but think about how he doesn't deserve you, not with how he wasn't planning to let you leave until you'd promised to stay. And even now, he'll need to keep a closer eye on you. ...but really, you should've expected this. After all, it's so unrealistic for the protagonists companion to just let them go back. ...he'll have to come up with something so this can never happen again...
