Author's note: Well What can I say I got into the fandom. So it's my first attempt in writing a fanfiction in the fandom. I know it'll start out slow but it gets better. And yeah it will eventually get to the bits sollowing the videogame but must establish mood before we move to the good parts, so be patient.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to their respective creator save for two of my ocs.

Ch1: Meet Tazita

You ever have one of those days, where you want to begin your life, needing to make mistakes to learn, next thing you know you're staring down -

Whoops! Getting ahead of myself…

I better start from the beginning. And it starts in a magical place called the Inkwell Isles.

Many families come in many forms, the usual two parents, extended relatives, lots of siblings and so on. Or some times it involves single parents, foster parents or legal guardians.

Usually, folks have great expectations for their child, while some give their child room to grow.

Some parents took an extreme to protect them like as if they were a fragile glass ornament.

Just like in one such case, as the story about a girl named Tazita.

Which was one of the reasons, the girl led a very sheltered life, courtesy of her Aunt Ruer, where they lived in cottage deep far in the thick forest.

Her only freedom was around the grounds of their home. Despite being raised by her aunt, she was sweet and intelligent but also a dreamer with an inquisitive mind.

Now some people would call her a cute child. Azure blue eyes adorned her silvery face, and the blush pink ribbon graced her handle, with a matching ballerina skirt and point shoes.

On occasions, the aunt would frequently go outside the cottage to gather herbs and vegetables or in some cases the marketplace. She also watched as her aunt walked down the main path into the forest.

Don't worry unlike the modern days, where you usually have an accident at home or the incident ala Home Alone, the aunt made sure to she was looked after by a reliable sitter until she grew old enough to stay home by herself.

Her aunt is what you consider she is pleasant person but can be rigid when she doesn't trust someone. Sure, the life of a spinster had its ups and downs, it was a lonely life before she took her niece in. She claimed, she didn't need anyone else and a 'good' man was hard to find.

Her garden was one of the nicest in the land, other than the usual vegetables, there was a variety of flowers. She even taught her niece everything she knows in agriculture.

But the life she was leading wasn't as simple n peaceful as it seemed…

She had a big dark secret which caused her pain…unfortunately she's too punctilious with her niece.

When Tazita was at the age where she knew how to talk and like most children who were curious, she had asked why she was not allowed to step outside.

At being asked the question the aunt paused briefly while knitting and thought about choosing her words wisely, she didn't want to lie to dissuade her nor scare her niece by revealing the ugly truth.

So, she replied the best she could not lying but not entirely the truth either. "You're not old or wise enough, and it's filled with many dangers,"

Her niece was the only family she had. And as much as it pains her, she couldn't bear to lose her.

Like the wind the years passed by and Tazita grew into a delightful girl.

The issue was as a child, she liked that her aunt was always there but like many youths, she was already approaching- well coming of age. And in this age, some prefer privacy and independence from adults.

Tazita often felt lonely, wanting to venture into town, walk the streets and make new friends.

Despite having learned to read, one thing she learned from the books is there's a big wide-open world to explore.

Although there was incident when Aunt Ruer brought books for her to read. She sifted through the book pile and discovers a horror book.

"A scary book? How did this get mixed in here?"

She snatches the book out of her hands and put's it away, much to her disappointment.

Perhaps to modern day kids, having their own education at home, it's a dream but to others, it is preferable that to go to an actual school.

Mostly more social opportunities and learning about different cultures. But Aunt Ruer, told her she still wasn't ready however she'll give it some thought.

There was one time she once tried to casually walk out the front porch of the cottage wanting to explore the meadow only to have her aunt to scream out to stay where she was.

Tazita tried to explain she was already growing and has a head on her shoulders but Ruer insisted she doesn't go anywhere without supervision.

"I've read every book in the cottage and I'm particularly tired of being locked up in my room"

"Open a window." Replied Aunt Ruer, nonchalantly

Tazita frowned, "How can I be a lady if I'm not ever allowed to meet anyone?"

"Be patient, I'll scour myself to find an eligible bachelor when you are of age,"

Tazita only groaned. It would've been preferable if she met the 'one' herself without help. Like most girls and women do but even her aunt has to interfere with it.

"What are you afraid of? You make the world sound like a cruel and wicked place,"

Aunt Ruer merely answered. "The world is a fearsome place but only most of it…"

"I only wish something exciting would happen to make my life begin,"

"You know what they say be careful what you wish for, you might get it." Cautioned Aunt Ruer, "Why is it so important that you go outside the cottage grounds without supervision?"

"I just know something wonderful is going to happen,"

Aunt Ruer briefly shifts her eyes nervously before answering, "Dear those things don't happen; real life is much different than that. And people aren't always what they seem."

She then sighed "Oh things were so much different when your parents were around, but then, -"

"Then what? You always stop when you get to the part regarding them" Tazita inquired.

She had always been curious about her parents; Aunt Ruer spoke highly of them. Only she never specified why or how they passed on.

"It's just horrible…" lamented Aunt Ruer.

It seems every time the subject of her sister-in-law and brother comes up it upsets her.

"What's so horrible?"

She looked a t her sadly, then hugging her. "I'll tell you when you're older"

Now what Aunt Ruer said is mostly true but the world wasn't completely cruel and wicked.

There were nice people out in the isles. For in another part of the forest near the path to town, lived another small family.

There were two young cup brothers, Cuphead and Mugman, who lived with their grandfather Elder Kettle. Unlike Tazita, the rambunctious boys had their freedom but their guardian knew when to stand firm and give advice when they get into trouble.

Now if only Tazita had the independence to actually get into half the trouble the boys tend get into. But not when your guardian won't give you space to grow or go make friends with other children her age. I won't bore you with the crazy antics that have involved those little rascals, for those are different tales for another time.

Yet I can assure you fate was already playing a hand for those two meet the girl, sooner than one thinks.

Nevertheless, a shadow loomed over the isles which strikes fear in everyone all around.

For there have been sightings, words of caution mostly that the devil has been lurking around the isles stealing souls of anyone unfortunate to come across or tricked into giving their souls, leaving them empty husks.

Even the brothers had barely escaped him when he had been using a carnival, to steal the souls of many people. And to this day he still is on the prowl whether you're a new target or a runaway prey.

Tazita wasn't aware of this threat, for she had her mind on something else: getting tired of being treated like a baby. If she had to resort to one thing to actually venture out to see beyond their home, just for a little while. With much thought, deciding she'll sneak out that's what she'll do and the very first chance too.

So, the next time Aunt stepped out of the cottage. She rushed to her room and carefully climbed out the window and onto a nearby branch.

With caution, she climbed down until reaching the ground.