Chapter 2: Viridi

Later, Licortwist woke up from his nap. The room was cast in darkness, except for the reading lamp on the desk that created a small island of warm light, while the rest of the room was laid in inky black. He peered at his clock with blurred vision and saw that it was 8:00 PM.

Suddenly, there was the sound of the giggle of a young child, and Licortwist roused out of his half-awake state instantly. There, just on the edge where the darkness began, sat a small girl. She appeared to be no older then 8 years old and was dressed in a purple, red, and pink shin-length dress that was decorated with numerous vines. Licortwist beheld the scene in silence, but not for very long. Realizing that she was being watched, the girl raised her head, revealing a round cherub face that had pale skin, long blonde hair that was rearranged into a ponytail using vines, and light brown eyes.

"Slept well, Licortwist? Or is it either Hothead or Licorice boy?" the girl asked.

The girl turned her head to one side and gave him a calculated look, as if she was looking at a puzzle to be solved. Licortwist remained as he were. He was rarely called by just his last name, but the girl's wording spoke of an age and intellect that was far beyond then what met the eye.

"It's Licortwist." Licortwist replied curtly.

The girl nodded and gave a bow.

"Very well then, Licortwist. You may call me Viridi." the girl introduced.

The name rang vaguely familiar. Maybe he had heard of this particular girl before? However, he could not remember from where. Licortwist leaned back against his pillow.

"May I then as well ask you what brings you here?" Licortwist asked, starting to feel like the entire day had consisted of a never ending tirade of unwanted guests.

"Don't be coy, Licortwist. Did Vanellope not pay you a visit earlier?" Viridi asked.

Licortwist scowled.

"Was it you that sent her?" Licortwist asked angrily.

Viridi smiled.

"Always on the defense, I see. No, I did not send her. I simply know these kinds of things." Viridi replied.

Licortwist spread his arms.

"Well then, thank you for stopping by, but your services are not needed." Licortwist mocked.

Viridi's smile widened into a grin, showing off small pearly milk teeth.

"I am here for your own benefit, Licortwist." Viridi said.

"Excuse me?" Licortwist asked.

Viridi stood up and picked up a wooden staff. Licortwist had not seen it, since it had been blocked out of his view from behind the blonde haired girl, and he cursed his own lack of observance. The staff was longer then Viridi's short stature and clearly meant for an adult, but she wielded the object with ease and made it look natural, as if the staff had always been meant for the girl and not something to grow into. She started walking towards him, but the closer she got, the more Licortwist tensed up. When Viridi reached him, Licortwist was gripping the bedsheets in a white knuckled grip. Viridi grasped his arm gently, and Licortwist's gaze instantly fell to her hand. He tried to shake it off, but the girl would not let go.

"Unhand me." Licortwist ordered angrily.

The infuriating smile was still on the Viridi's face.

"Follow me, Licortwist." Viridi ordered.

"Give me a reason." Licortwist said angrily.

"I know you are prone to suspicion, but you have nothing to lose by me borrowing some of your time." Viridi explained calmly.

"Even if I were to believe you, what's in it for me?" Licortwist asked.

The smile was replaced by the calculating look again.

"The future." Viridi replied.

Licortwist thought about it and then reluctantly got up.

"Fine then." Licortwist sneered.

The faster he got this underway, the faster he could get back from wherever she wanted to take him. Viridi hummed approvingly and led him to the edge of the lightened area. Licortwist finally managed to shake off the hand, but he hesitated when they reached the edge. He couldn't see anything through the darkness and he couldn't help the sinking feeling that the world did not exist past it.

"The unknown can be scary, I know. But you have nothing to fear." Viridi said softly from behind him.

"I'm not scared... just cautious." Licortwist explained.

Licortwist summoned the licorice pieces and had them carry him into the darkness. Viridi chuckled and then followed.