WARNINGS FOR CHAPTER: MENTIONS OF FEMALE BODY PARTS, SOME SUGGESTIVE LANGUAGE
I think that's it.
Sorry for the wait. Hope it was worth it ^^
I don't own Twisted Wonderland. It belongs to it's original creators.
Chapter 8: Truth for trust, the secrets of Hollytinne
A few minutes after Tanza got back from the party, she went to the shower and now, 45 minutes later from that time, she exits her bathroom, dressed in her traditional night clothes, an off white long sleeved, mock-neck night gown that reached down between her knees and ankles. As she walked out, the gentle glow of the sunset filled her room, making her smile in nostalgia, as she would often remember her room at home filling with light like this, the final lights of the day. Her hair was also up in a towel wrap as she made her way to her vanity near her desk. Taking out her facial products that Vil gifted her not too long after she arrived at the dorm, she started working on her nightly skin care routine. As she worked on putting on her toner, her phone vibrated. Taking a break from her routine, she picked up her phone and saw a message from Jack. The message was short and simple, just Jack's style.
'Club practice is canceled tomorrow. Vargas had something come up. Thought I'd let you know' it read.
Tanza gave a sigh, "Well, that's inconvenient isn't it?" she said, mostly to herself.
'Well, that gives you an excuse to sleep in now, doesn't it?' Judith asked from Tanza's shadow.
'Sure, but I would still need to wake up to get everything ready to talk to Riddle tomorrow. I had it all set in case we could talk after the party, but circumstances seemed to change things up' Tanza said to Judith in her head.
'Sure, but now you have more time to think about how to explain things, as I sensed your uncertainty at the party' Judith explained. 'Perhaps a chance to sharpen your blade might help' she suggested.
Tanza paused her application of face lotion to look at her friend's transparent reflection in the mirror, 'It's already this late, and there's no point in exercising after a shower', Tanza said to her.
'No no, I mean in your sleep. I mean, you could fight against me when you're sleeping' Judith said. 'Besides, when was the last time you and I had a good 'inner chamber' fight?' Judith suggested, 'Besides, what better way to see if you're still as good as you were before your coma then by a practice fight with me? Plus, it'll be good experience to explain to Riddle when you talk to him tomorrow…' she added.
Tanza thought about it, 'I suppose a bit of practice won't hurt. Just have to make sure I set the alarm. After all, I remember the last time I did this and didn't set it' she said as she finished her routine. She then took the towel wrapped around her head to dry her hair, gently taking it off so that it didn't make a mess, and started to brush and comb her hair for the night. 'Hmm….it's getting rather long…' she said.
'I actually like your hair long like this. Not all the way down your back but long enough to where you can mess with it. Plus, the way you style your hair with your traditional lehenga dresses makes the picture complete. You can't accomplish that with short hair, now can you?' Judith said.
Tanza gave a shrug as she continued to comb out her hair, the effects of the goat milk shampoo and conditioner clearly working wonders on her hair.
'Speaking of 'completing the picture', have you remembered more about your past life?' Tanza asked her.
Judith gave a sigh and shook her head, 'Nothing more than what we discovered already...' she told her. She was about to talk more when she heard footsteps approaching Tanza's door, to which the nun quickly disappeared into Tanza's shadow and kept quiet.
A moment after Judith disappeared, a knock was heard on Tanza's door, making her jump slightly.
"Come in" Tanza said to the person on the other side.
The door opened to reveal Vil, still dressed in his dorm uniform with a small smile upon his face but it quickly turned to slight shock.
"Oh, forgive me, I didn't realize you were preparing for bed so early" he said apologetically.
Tanza gave a smile, "No no, it's fine. You're free to enter. I'm not heading to bed just yet, but I didn't see any point in changing into a different set of day clothes if I wasn't going anywhere else for the night" she explained.
Vil's face relaxed as she gave a smile, "I see. That is a good point" he said. He then entered the room and closed the door before turning to look at her. "I was actually hoping to talk to you about something, more specifically about your hometown, if you would allow" he asked calmly. He then looked to her hairbrush, "Might I brush your hair while I ask you? I'd like to see how it's improved since the last time I felt it" he asked.
Tanza froze for a moment, but she then handed the brush to Vil, "Of course. And feel free to ask me what you'd like to know" she said as she straightened herself in the chair for Vil.
Vil then went over to the vanity, picked up the brush that was nearby and started to gently brush out her hair. It took him a moment, but he was satisfied to see that it was smooth and soft, indicating that it was improving over time. "Your hair is quite nice, much better when compared to the first time I touched it. It just screamed 'I'm dry from stress' and really needed some good nutrients. Glad to see how much effort you're putting in to keeping your hair healthy" he said with a smile.
Tanza gave a proud smile, glad to know her hair was up to her dorm leader's standards. However, she tensed when she saw his face grow stern, eyebrows furrowed and gaze locked on her.
"However, though you have focused on your hair, your improvement in trusting others and opening up is still lacking" he said in a stern tone, but it had a kind undertone too it. He then continued, "Rook has done a bit of research on your hometown and from what I heard, though it seems like a quaint town now, it has a very dark history. A history that makes me wonder just how much you are holding back as a means of not wanting to cause trouble. I told you before, you have nothing to be afraid of when being here at this school, but it seems that is something that needs to be worked on to get you to understand, as it is still clear that you are hiding more than you let on…" Vil said as he switched from her brush to her comb, moving it gently through her hair.
Tanza's eyes widened a fraction, but then they softened and she gave a sigh, "I'm sorry. It's a bad habit of mine to always be on guard. Hell, it's my hometown's overall attitude of the outside world. After everything that we've been through, it's hard for anyone of us to accept outsiders so easily. As for myself, it's hard for me to relax around people unless I can be shown, not told, that I can trust them. For the longest time, I only trusted the words of those around me, only for those words to be broken when I try to pursue keeping the trust. So now, I only trust those who can show me that they are trustworthy" Tanza explained.
Vil's stern face softened a little, "I figured that you were the type of person to prefer actions over words when it comes to that, but sometimes words can be the best tools of trust. I can understand where you're coming from though, as a person who prefers to see effort than to be told effort, I can relate" he said. As the two talked, he was gently weaving a half French braid into Tanza's hair, giving her something of an elegant appearance with this new look. Tanza took a moment to look at his result, happy with this new idea of a hairstyle.
"Looks like I got a new look to try for next week" Tanza said with a smile.
Vil smiled at her reply, a look of pride beaming on his face as she thought of using it as a new look for her daily life. "I'm glad you see it that way. I'm actually interested to see how it looks with your uniform. I'll check you on Monday to make sure that you did it right" he said. After a moment, he then gave a sigh and his face then returned to a sense of sternness, "However, going back to the topic of trust and what you're holding back, it seems I have to be a bit more straightforward in getting you to open up. Unfortunately, it would be pointless to do this tonight since you have already started your nightly routine. Therefore, I would ask you to meet me in the castle courtyard tomorrow morning for a round of combat training" Vil said sternly.
"Huh? Combat training?" Tanza asked, a look of confusion on her face.
"Indeed. From what Rook has read, it seems your village has various forms of talent, including many former top fighters of different lands. Therefore, you yourself have received such training, have you not?" Vil asked, wanting to confirm facts.
"Yes, but-" Tanza was about to explain but Vil cut her off.
"No buts about it. If you wish to do whatever you wish here, you must be both strong and beautiful. You have obviously improved in terms of your beauty, now I want to test your strength. If you can beat me in a fight tomorrow, I'll grant you one wish, whatever you desire as long as it is within my power. However, if you lose to me, then you must tell me everything about your village, nothing held back, no secrets. Understand?" he said.
Tanza flinched but she then gave a sigh, "Yes, Vil-san…" she said. "However, if I could ask two questions before you go" she asked.
"Hm? What is it?" Vil asked.
Tanza hesitated a moment before giving another sigh, "First, the moment you are told the word 'blot', what is the first thing that comes to your mind?" she asked.
Vil raised an eyebrow, "Disgusting, horrible and needs to be destroyed" he said.
Tanza's mouth turned downward ever so slightly when she heard that. "Then, when you look at yourself without makeup, what do you see?" she asked.
Vil wasn't sure where she was going with this, but he answered her nonetheless, "Someone who isn't perfect, who isn't the best in the world" he said. "Why do you ask these questions" he asked, unsure of what she was getting at.
Tanza gave a sigh, "I'll explain more tomorrow. But for now, just know that what you told me say a lot about you. But what that meaning is, I'll let you to try and figure it out" she said simply.
Vil questioned her words, but he let it go, "Very well, meet me in the courtyard tomorrow at 7:30 and don't be late" he said.
"Yes sir" Tanza replied.
Vil then left the room, leaving Tanza and a still transparent Judith. Tanza gave a sigh and went into thought for a moment, but Judith, who detected a certain presence on the other side of the bedroom door, decided to have a bit of fun. Though she couldn't appear as her whole self without Tanza's permission, she decided to appear as something a bit different. Taking a bit of her own blot, she transformed into a mouse and made her way to Tanza's door, sneaking under it to find a certain vice housewarden beside her door. She then quietly made her way around Rook to his shadow and dropped herself within it, just as she did with Riddle before. Once she was within the shadow, she then uttered a small spell.
"Grab up the knife, cut ingredients properly. I'll guide you for this recipe" she started, she then gave a smile, "Blot Magic: Guide the Cook" she said.
Rook, who was crouching outside the door to Tanza's room, immediately tensed as he felt something strange atop his head. He also felt his hair being pulled a little as his body, unwillingly, moved to knock on the door.
"Hm? Come in" Tanza called from the other side.
Just then, Rook, who tried to fight the strange magic that was controlling him, opened the door, a strange face upon his features as Tanza looked at him coming in.
"Huh? Rook?" she asked in strange shock. Seeing his face, Tanza turned to try and see if Judith was there, but then she knew immediately what was going on. She then moved herself to the door and closed it. She then raised her hand and in an instant the red nail polish that she wore for the Unbirthday Party earlier immediately turned to black and a henna-like tattoo appeared on the back of Tanza's hand. She then used her finger to touch the door, she closed her eyes and then spoke in a soft voice.
"Only one chance, time is short. Break before the last petal falls" she then opened her eyes, "Blot magic: Rose Timer" she said. In that moment, the entirety of Tanza's dorm door was covered in a solid dark shadow. "Timer set, hour and a half, special trait, soundproof maximum" she said to herself. In that moment a Rose appeared on the shadow, along with what appeared to be a timer, showing that the time has started. Tanza snapped her fingers and her nails and hand returned to what they once were before she turned to Rook and gave him a scolding look, but the direction wasn't for him.
"Alright Judith, let him go" she said.
"Huh?" Rook asked. In a quick moment, Rook's body was then freed from the spell that Judith had used on him. Immediately he quickly looked all around him to see what had happened, his breath unsteady and fear and uncertainty clearly evident in his eyes. "W-What just happened?" he said, completely confused.
"I'll explain, but I think I'm owed an explanation first. Why were you outside my door?" Tanza asked, her brow furrowed in frustration at Rook.
"Oh la la, I've never seen that look on your face before Tanza, truly wonderful to see it. But, yes I do owe you an explanation" he said. He then went on to explain that after reading up on all he could about her hometown and discovering the truth of the Baldlands, he wanted to see if he could gather more information about Tanza after her talk with Vil, considering that he had heard her before saying things out loud to study her notes for tests. He also explained that he kept seeing her talking with someone that he wasn't able to see, so he was somewhat curious about who she was talking to exactly. So he thought that if he stayed outside her door, then he would be able to get an idea of her 'secret rendezvous'.
"…so that is why I have been keeping a close eye on you" Rook explained.
"I see. Well considering what Vil said to me and with you being his right hand man, I suppose I can understand why you would do so. However, rather than have me explain who exactly I'm talking to, perhaps it's better if you meet her yourself" Tanza said. She then raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
In that moment, a presence was felt behind rook and he turned slowly to see an inky twin of Tanza in a nun outfit, but with a large warm grin on her face. "Hello there" she said happily with a wave of her hand.
Rook jumped at the sight but then his face turned to confusion, "Wait…Tanza…but…" he then turned to the real Tanza before turning back to Judith.
"Nice to meet you face to face, Rook-san. I'm Judith, Tanza's overblot shadow" Judith said, introducing herself. She then gave him a smirk, "Tout à fait le voyeur que vous êtes, chasseur d'amour. Un peu méchant maintenant, n'est-ce pas? (Quite the peeping tom you are, love hunter. Bit naughty now, aren't you?)" she said in a teasing tone.
Rook's eyes widened at her words but then he put up his hands and gave a smile, "Non non, you got the wrong idea-"
"Oh I know, I was just playing with you, something that Tanza clearly doesn't know how to do" Judith said while giving a gut punching grin at Tanza. "Just as how she doesn't know any blot magic that'll make her boobs bigger" she added, her grin changing to a knowing smirk.
Immediately Tanza irked at that comment, "Judith, we've been over this. I can't help that I'm smaller compared to the other girls of the village and two, as I have told you many times before, there is no magic that can change that" she said, irritability clear in her tones. Her chest was on the smaller side than most girls her age, but then again as the only girl in an all boys school, her chest sticks out pretty well.
"Sure but you could always eat more chicken, as you were told before" Judith teased.
Tanza's irkness turned into a full blown angry mark as she looked at Judith, "That's a myth and you know it. That does nothing for the body" she said aggressively.
Rook simply backed out of the way of the two ladies and watched their arguing and teasing, a smile appearing across his face. At first he thought that the blot that her people conjured was quite harmful, as how blot usually is after magic is used, but after seeing both Tanza and Judith, her own blot form, interact and viewing their relationship first hand, it was clear that this was something that could change how people see blot, maybe even save them. This was revolutionary and something he wanted to see more about, thus adding Tanza to his people of interest, close to the top. Just what else was she hiding? He clearly wanted to know more and just how he could get Tanza to open up more about this.
"Look just because you were a man in your past life does not mean that you have the freedom to be perverted like that, I don't approve of it" Tanza shouted to Judith angrily.
Judith then fought back, "Well hey, if I continue to go on like this maybe I'll remember more than you realize and that's something I can't afford to ignore" she said just as angrily.
Both girls were now forehead to forehead and the sparks were clearly evident as emotions ran high. Rook picked up on this and cleared his throat, "Forgive me for interrupting, but while I do find this relationship of yours passionate and beautiful, I don't believe I was given a proper explanation for this situation I see before me" he said calmly.
Tanza calmed down after hearing Rook and gave a sigh, "Yeah, you're right. You are owed an explanation for all of this after what you've just been through. But first," Tanza then looked to her door and summoned her dark magic within her fingernails again before pointing to her currently soundproof door. "Increase time, 2 hours" she said. The timer on the door then increased by two more hours. "Just as a precaution in case this goes on longer than expected" she said. She then motioned to her bed, "Please take a seat" Tanza said as she went over to her vanity chair and sat down. Rook went to the bed and sat upon it, waiting patiently.
For the next hour or so, Tanza went on to explain all she could that would make sense of her home. In a typical situation she wouldn't be open to talking about this, but because of the fact that she trusted Rook to not spill secrets, she felt more comfortable telling him than telling Vil. She also told Rook of the two times she overblotted and how she was affected by it all as well as how Judith saved Tanza from a second overblotting by absorbing the blot that came from the pain she endured. She also talked about some of her town's history, from the war that caused many magicians to overblot and die to the great demon on the mountain. She also talked about blot warlocks and how they helped her get through her first overblot and how their process to overcome blot was a psychological process instead of something physical. Judith would sometimes intervene and tell her side of the story and how Tanza helped her discover more about herself and her own past by calling out a phrase that was evident to her past life, how becoming the bully wouldn't fix anything or change anything.
"…and little by little, parts of my past have been coming forward" Judith explained.
"I see. This is an amazing study and something that I want to look more into, but why are you keeping this to yourself?" Rook asked.
Tanza and Judith then looked at each other and gave a sigh, "Because of how our current society views blot as something to be exterminated. But if you see blot that way, you don't realize that you're throwing away a part of yourself that is important to you as a person" Tanza explained. "But sadly, with people like Vil-san viewing blot as, in his own words, 'Disgusting, horrible and needs to be destroyed', it's hard to show our true potential and secrets. And it's not just society who views this, but also those at S.T.Y.X., who have placed targets on our backs. Therefore, as a means of not wanting to get captured by them anymore, we've been told specifically to keep our practices out of sight by order of our village leader, Richter Plantaga" she explained.
"I see. So for the sake of protecting your people and your culture, you choose to keep quiet and hide your secrets away. Truly a beautiful and noble cause, like a knight showing her unwavering loyalty to her queen. Tres bien, Tanza-kun" Rook said with a smile, passion and admiration clearly evident in his tones.
Tanza gave a smile, "I'm glad that you understand. However, I'm not sure about others though. From what I have been told, S.T.Y.X. tends to be seen everywhere. And with Magicam being so popular lately, it's hard to keep hidden unless I say that I'm not comfortable with anything of the sort. Vil-san is more respectable for that sort of thing, but for ones such as Cater-san, that's another story" Tanza explained, a look of worry on her features.
"Yeah, but now that you've told Ace and Deuce, and they in turn told Riddle, maybe this could be our chance to change the minds of others" Judith said.
Tanza turned to her shadow, giving her a glare, "Judith…" she said threateningly.
Judith gave a sheepish smile, "Oops, let that slip" she said with a sweatdrop on her cheek.
"Hm? Roi de Roses? Did something happen?" Rook asked.
Tanza gave a soft gasp but then gave a sigh, "Well no point in hiding it, but I ask that you do not repeat this to Vil-san unless I say it is alright, understand?" she asked, earning a nod and a simple reply from Rook. She then continued, "Riddle-san asked me if there was a way to prevent overblotting again. I have information on what to do, but I'm hesitating about explaining, let alone acting on them considering that compared to the elders and current warlocks of my village, I'm just a minor. And if something were to go wrong, I'd never forgive myself for it" she said.
Judith then chimed in, "Yeah but, as I keep saying, you really need to stop short selling yourself. You're a great fighter and you already have 10 years of psychological blot control under your belt. If anyone is able to pull off this procedure, it's you. You just gotta get more confidence in your abilities. I know the past few months have gotten you shaken up, but being out here really shouldn't hinder your confidence" she said. She then looked at Rook, and an idea struck her. "I know, have Vil and Rook take part in the ceremony. Vil's magic can be used to stop the ritual if things go truly out of hand, and Rook's hunter instincts are so keen that he could easily spot danger before it even happens" she suggested.
"Huh?! Judith, are you crazy?!" Tanza asked her, baffled by her suggestion.
"Think about it, if anyone is going to be just as capable as a blot warlock in preventing a disaster, it's a third year student at NRC. And out of all the third year students here that we know of, Vil and Rook just might be the help we need, if they're alright with it" Judith said while turning to look at Rook.
Rook smiled and nodded, "Oui, I'd be willing to help out with this as long as it helps expand my knowledge of your village and their customs" he said.
Tanza didn't look like she approved of this, as she didn't want to get too many outsiders involved for the sake of being caught by S.T.Y.X., but if Rook was willing to comply, then he'd be risking a lot. But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense, as the more people with magic skills involved, the better the chance of controlling unexpected situations. After a few moments of thought, Tanza sighed, "Alright, I'll let you take part. But this might not be up your alley so feel free to back out if you find this appalling at any time" Tanza said.
"Ha ha ha, I appreciate the concern Tanza, but I'm willing to go for a challenge. After all, I want to know more about your culture, and what better way than to experience it first hand. I'm open to whatever you choose to do" Rook said.
"Very well. Now the question is how to convince Vil to join? I have a fight with him tomorrow, but…" Tanza explained.
"Hehe, leave that to me. I'll explain to Vil what you explained to me. However, he might feel a bit hurt about you telling me instead of him. Is there a reason for that?" Rook asked.
Tanza's eyes widened a bit as she thought about it. "I…I'm not sure….I suppose because of his influence and power, I felt uneasy. I shouldn't let that stop me from telling him, but perhaps his thoughts on blot and more also makes me stop before I explain things" she said. "Either way, he is my dorm leader, and the last thing I wish to cause is trouble. But my strategy of holding back has caused more trouble than I thought" she said. She closed her eyes in thought and then gave a sigh, "Alright, tell him all I told you and please tell him that I'm sorry for not telling anything. If he asks for a reason, then explain to him about S.T.Y.X. and that my people are always hot targets for them, hence our secrecy" she explained.
Rook smiled happily, "I'll be glad to tell him. And I think once I explain about S.T.Y.X., I believe he'll understand more. Don't worry Tanza, you focus on what you need to do and I'll have myself and Vil do whatever you need done" he said.
Tanza smiled, but then realized something that Vil might be helpful with, "Before you go, Rook. At some point, when you tell him this, I'd like to see if I could borrow one of his mirrors. I know he has a few, and I'm certain he has a few others stashed somewhere, so I'd like to borrow one of them for the upcoming project, if he doesn't mind" she asked.
"Hmmm, that might be tricky to ask of him, but I'm sure he'd be willing to cooperate. Leave things to me" Rook said as he got up to leave.
Tanza then turned to the door, which had only a few more minutes and a few petals left on the flower and snapped her fingers, disabling the magic all together and leaving her door accessible.
"Have a good night, Tanza" Rook said with a smile.
Tanza returned his smile, "You as well, Rook-san" she said as she waved him goodnight. Once he was gone from the room, Tanza went to her bed and gave a sigh while running her hand through her hair, which still had Vil's braid. She then sat up and gently undid the braid, using her touch to remember how the braid went for school tomorrow. Once the braid was undone, Tanza grabbed her brush and brushed her hair one last time before turning in for bed.
"Well, we got quite the day tomorrow. Best to get some rest" Tanza said as she moved herself under the covers.
"Eh, you can go and sleep, I'm gonna go out for a bit" Judith said, "All that talk about fighting back the blot has me itching for some night time action" she said with a smirk.
Tanza immediately turned her gaze to Judith, "Don't over-do things. You know what happened the last time you went out and caused trouble" she said in a stern tone.
"I know, I know, but I'm not going to go and fight tonight. I wanna check the history books in the school library to see if I can find anything more about my past" Judith said. "And what better time than at the time when everyone is asleep? Plus, if something comes up, my powers are stronger at night. Don't worry so much, ok? It'll just make wrinkles along your face" she teased.
Tanza gave a frown and then a sigh, "Alright, but again, no overdoing it" she said. She then settled herself down under the covers of her bed.
"Yeah, yeah" Judith said.
Tanza then turned off her lamp and tried to settle down for the evening.
Judith waited for her host to fall asleep before making her move. Once she heard Tanza's soft breath indicating sleep, she then turned into her shadow form and started to creep out of the dorm. Making her way past many doors, some of which still had their lights on, including Vil's, but she quickly went past that to get to the courtyard. Once that was there, she pulled herself out of the shadows and walked just like a normal person to the entrance to the hall of mirrors. Once through, she enters into the hall, but immediately retreats to the shadows after spotting a figure walking inside, a certain housewarden of Diasomnia.
"Hm? Is someone there?" Malleus called out, trying to see if he could see what he sensed earlier, but he couldn't see anyone.
Judith froze at the thought of being discovered, but she knew she couldn't hide forever, especially with a person like Malleus being sensitive to magic, and this would also include blot magic. If she exposes herself to him now, she knows that Tanza would punish her severely, so she keeps to the shadow behind her dorm mirror until Malleus is gone. After a tense 10 minutes, Malleus then leaves the area and returns to his dorm mirror. Judith poked her head out to see if he was gone, and once he was, she let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Great spirits that was close" she whispered to herself. "I completely forgot about Malleus's night walks. And if he were to find me, then Tanza's plan would go straight up in smoke. I'll have to be more careful in the future" she said to herself as she made a quick journey to the school's library to see what she could find about her past self, if any.
However, what wasn't known was that Malleus didn't actually go through his dorm mirror and kept to the shadows just as Judith did. He watched her go and raised an eyebrow. "Hm? Just what could Tanza be planning?..." he said to himself as he looked to the side, curiosity and worry filling his mind.
Author's Notes
Sorry for the long wait guys! Hopefully this was worth the wait as I had to struggle through this chapter to get it just right. Anyway, we got to learn more about Tanza's relationship with Judith and what Tanza has to deal with on a regular basis. We also learned a little bit about Judith and her own past. What could be in store for that? Now that Rook knows more about what's going on, perhaps everyone would be more open to learning more about blot and how to combat it. How will things go down? Stay tuned!
Now for some fun facts from this chapter
- Tanza's night clothes are a traditional victorian era night gown. I figured that this would be more suitable to her personality, being more on the traditional side and somewhat old fashioned.
- Judith, being Tanza's overblot and shadow, has access to her host's magical abilities, one of these is blot magic. There will be more on that in future chapters so stay tuned and keep a watch out for more information.
-'Guide the cook' is a reference to how Remy from Ratatouille often takes a human's hair and puppets them to do different things, hence what Rook had to go through in this chapter when he was caught by Judith.
-'Rose timer' is a reference to the enchanted rose from Beauty and the Beast. Since the rose counts as a timer for the spell to be broken, I thought it was suitable as time magic.
- Side fact: Chicken does not make a woman's boobs bigger. It'll make you healthier but it won't do anything for your boobs. Sorry.
-First secret about Judith's past: She was a man in her past life.
Aaaand I think that's it. Let me know if I missed anything. Thank you all for waiting and thanks for taking time to read the story. See you all next time ^^
