I'm cold; so cold. Why was I cold? Where was I? I slowly opened my eyes to see a glass ceiling with vines and leaves. I noticed how stiff and immobile my limbs were. I looked at my wrists to see vines tied in front of my chest. I tugged my legs only to feel more vines wrapped over my ankles. Also, I was lying on a bed full of flowers and some of them were over my wrists. I struggled against the vines, but they wouldn't break. I was getting colder by the minute. How did I get here? All I remembered was getting sucked in by Gregory's book.

Gregory.

Why didn't I see the signs? The story revolves around the protagonist marrying the town's hero for protection. The villagers threw hints and gestures for me to be with him. Also, that bastard almost KISSED ME! And I almost let him! Damn it! When I get out of here, he'll be the first one whose butt I'm kicking.

"Good evening." Great. I had the pleasure of seeing the author/mastermind gracing his presence. "Did you have a pleasant sleep?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Did you think I would fall for you after you kidnap me?"

"I wouldn't think of it as kidnapping more along the line of protecting."

I rolled my eyes. "Spare me of your fake shining knight in armor spiel. What are you going to do with me?"

"I never intended to hurt you." I huffed. "I need to get you out of harm's way. Happiness is drawing near."

"You not hearing me say I'm not interested in you!"

His face was drawing closer to mine. "Why couldn't you accept my offer? With you by my side, you will be a god. Everything will be at your disposal. You can be the pearl to this giant oyster. Your life will be perfect. Everyone will be at your beck and call. You can have a happy ending! Join me, Beauty. Stay with me." This guy was coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs.

"You know you're not the first guy who kidnaps and "kindly asks" for my hand", I said, "Let me say this as kindly as I can: you are one fucked up Fruit Loop. I will never join you."

Gregory sat up straight glaring at his once warm eyes. "You are making a mistake, Beauty. You do not want to disapprove of me,", he threatened.

"It's Leo, dipshit. It's not hard to forget. I said your name many times and it wasn't hard."

The man sat on my bed(?) as he took out his book. "Did you know you were not supposed to be Beauty?" What? "Confused? Ah, yes. The role was to be given to Merrill; unfortunately, or rather, fortunately, the book chose you instead."

I blinked, grasping the information I was given. Merrill was supposed to be Beauty? The book chose the roles of? "I don't get it. I thought you were the author. You created this world and everyone's purpose."

"Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, there lived a strong huntsman. He was adored by everyone for his strength and handsomeness." Oh, give me a break. It's obvious he's talking about himself. "Women throw themselves at his feet. Men wish to befriend him. His home was paradise. There was one person throughout the entire village who never glanced his way: Beauty.

"However, that was never her name. Her beauty had no parallel so the village calls her Beauty since no one could compare. The hunter falls for her, but Beauty never looked his way. The man cherished and admired her from afar gifting her with flowers, gifts, and games. The woman made no advances to his efforts. Her objections made him accept the challenge. The hunter brought in bigger and grander valuables, yet it didn't change Beauty's decision. Rejection after rejection and he didn't let it bother him. That was until one awful day.

"Her father disappeared after a trip out of town. Determine to find him, Beauty set out to look; her father returned yet his daughter wasn't with him. The old man was yammering on about a beast, a hideous creature living in an abandoned castle that kidnapped his daughter. The villagers laughed at his tale. The hunter did not see it as a joke. So, the man was on a mission to set out to save Beauty. He wouldn't let anything stand in his way. He was so foolish.

"As soon as the town's beloved man reached the castle, his search began. He found her with the monster. When the man saw Beauty, he couldn't believe his eyes. She was happy; happy and dancing with the creature. The man with fire in his eyes charged at the monster with a sword in hand. They fought and battled. In the end, the Beast reigned supreme by throwing the hunter through the glass window.

"The huntsman assumed he would die. A castle on a large scale with jagged rocks on the bottom. His body hit the waters. His life flashed before his eyes. One thought crossed his mind: what have I ever done to deserve such a fate?"

I scoffed. "Is this the part where I feel sorry for you? No. My mistake. Sorry for "the rejected hunter"." The temperature was getting lower. Every breath I took was visible. The cold wasn't doing good for me or my species. As Donnie would put it, we reptiles are cold-blooded. Something about us being sluggish or something. Not technically hibernating more of a long nap.

Even with Gregory telling his story, the cold didn't affect him. I shouldn't be surprised. He's the author of this fairy tale. He's God. At least in his mind. "The man resurfaced wondering why he survived. A miracle he believed. He stumbled upon an underground cave underneath the castle. Inside, he saw something he did not expect."

My eyes widened, realizing where his story was leading. "You found the book."

"Yes. Deep in the dark cave, a strange mechanism held a quill and squibbed over a book. I was baffled and curious as I grew closer. I read a few lines and realized it was writing my life story. It was writing about Beauty. She was the lead in her life, and I was nothing more than a side character."

"Let me take a wild guess", I said, "You took the book to rewrite the story portraying you as the main character. However, Beauty somehow caught wind of your little trickery and wanted to get out. You couldn't handle the rejection again, so you got rid of her. You had to restart everything from scratch again. New people. New settings. New plot. You don't care if they were real or not. You have the world in the palm of your hands. What I don't get is why you needed someone from the outside world to play as Beauty rather than create one."

Gregory chuckled. "How astute of you, Leo. Yes, yes, I do know your name. You are quite perceptive. It pains me to call off our engagement too soon. As you are aware, the pacing was quick. You see, I too am short of time." He lifted his arm. Instead of flesh and skin, it vanished and showed withered paper and dripping ink. "No matter how many repeats he takes, it will accelerate the curse."

"Curse?"

"It is known as the Author's Curse. What the hunter does not realize of the payment for becoming a god. The hunter unconditionally signed his life away. The book absorbs the hunter's life energy. His body, mind, and soul belong to the book. He and the book are one."

"Despite talking in the third person, why don't you cut to the chase and get straight to the point", I told Gregory.

He chuckled. "I am bound to the book. To break the curse, I must complete the story, yet I was not informed how to finish it. I thought if I were to become the protagonist, I would get my happiness. As you stated, Beauty became aware and uncomfortable with my pursuit. Even told me she would never love me. With a heavy heart, I disposed of her. I managed to exit my world and went to the outside world looking for a new candidate. Women after women they all disappoint. So many resets. So many... disposals."

"You twisted piece of shit. You killed them-"

"Not killed, former Beauty. Kept. I wiped them off their role, yet I never had the heart to kill them. What would be the point of disposing of beautiful creatures if I cannot look upon their faces." He cleared the mist surrounding us. When it finally cleared, I saw ten ice sculptures. They weren't clear; they were clouded, and I was able to see their features. They were ice sculptures of women! Women frozen alive surrounded by floras, roses to be exact. Then it dawned on me.

"You froze them..." I said, "The moment you realized they weren't cut out to be Beauty, you froze them."

"Bravo. It pains me to freeze these beautiful, delicate creatures, but they weren't perfect", Gregory explained, "They are lovely to collect. I had high hopes for you. I was skeptical at first since you were not who I intended to be. The book chose you instead. I trusted its judgment, yet many disappointments keep coming; many deaths. I am surprised you did not experience trauma. You are stronger than you look."

I let out a dark chuckle. "It's a little late for flattery. I can't believe I almost kissed you."

"Let's not play games here. Deep down you want me as much as you think."

"Wow. You are without a doubt the loneliest bad guy I've ever met."

"A little late for flattery, are we?" Smug bastard.

I glared at the villain. "What now? Judging how your garden feels like I'm in a giant freezer, you're planning to freeze me to death like your victims."

"Not like them per se. I do see potential in you which brings me to a conclusion. I do have... fond memories of you and I wish to continue them." Oh please! "I thought of a better solution. Why keep one when I can have two Beauties?"

"Two?"

"Oh yes. Merrill was my choice. The book chose you. Why not have both? I need to finish this tale to have my happy ending. The condition to end the story has no jurisdiction. I can have it however I want so long as I can finish the story. I invited the villagers to the abandoned castle. I will tell them I vanquished the monster possessing Merrill and I will marry him in front of witnesses. While my impromptu wedding is underway, you will fall into a deep sleep until you are needed. You and your friend will have a new home and a new life, I will have my happy ending, everything falls into place; everyone wins."

"Except me and Merrill. We're not staying here, and there's no way Merrill is going to go through with the sudden marriage ceremony no matter how much he loves to cosplay."

"Not unless he has no say." Gregory flipped through his book until he stopped at one page. He showed me a page of an ink drawing of Merrill's headshot. "I have control over everything in my world. You have a resistance to my hold; unfortunately, I could not say the same to your friend. Without the aggression, Merrill can be as docile as a mouse."

"You're marrying Merrill, but you make me your side dish? I stretched how lonely you are."

"All I wanted is my happy ending. You should feel grateful. You are not going to die; you are taking a long rest." The bad guy stood up and loomed over me. "It is almost time for the big announcement. These roses will keep you company until I return. Perhaps after my honeymoon. It is too bad. I was hoping I would be walking you down the aisle. Such a shame. Farewell for now, Leo." He shut the glass cover. Seeing it now, I'm lying in a glass coffin.

Hearing his footsteps and doors closing, I kicked against the glass with little effort. I barely made a dent in the glass cover. I tried to reach for the cover, but my hand couldn't reach it. I brought my bound wrist to my mouth and bite on the vines. The moment my wrists touched my snout I jerked away from the coldness. I bit on the vines again. The plants were just as cold as my body. I knew my body was growing cold. I'm close to my hibernated state. I ripped off the vines. I pounded against the glass. Frost was forming over the cover. I began to pound and punch with all the strength I had.

Nothing was working. I punched repeatedly. Over and over again. I was starting to see blood marks on the cover. I was too cold to feel my knuckles throbbing. I brought my hands over my vision. The skin was peeling off. I shivered, but it was mostly from the cold. I breathed into my cold hands. Even my breath was getting cold. I felt numb.

I gotta... I gotta... gotta keep going... I placed my palms over the frozen coffin. I pushed and pushed. Dammit! Why wasn't this working? Why was I so weak?

Why am I worthless?

My brothers would've gotten out with their skills. Mikey has powerful legs, so he'll be able to kick out this glass easily after getting his limbs untangled. Donnie would've inspected the glass and found a weak spot or had a hidden gadget hidden inside of him. Raph, despite his claustrophobia, would easily punch his way out of the coffin even with the vines holding him down.

I'm not the muscle, the brains, hell, I'm losing hope. I'm just the face man. I could only talk my way out. Now that I thought about it, I'm losing that very skill I cherished. I barely talk my way out of Xander's marriage. I almost became a spider yokai's husband. I couldn't follow through with a simple performance in front of a crowd. I couldn't do it.

If only I had my mystic powers. Things would go smoother. Like how I KO'ed the Gumbus. That punch was out of nowhere. Maybe Light had some part in it. Maybe it was Misa. I can't keep track anymore. I don't have any powers. I'm nothing special.

I'm sorry, Merrill. I wanted to tell you... I wanted to tell you how much I love you. We've known each other for two months and you mean so much to me. That's why I couldn't follow through with the plan even though it wasn't supposed to be real. I was heartbroken hearing you give my hand in marriage out to a stranger like I don't mean anything to you. But... I hate myself for not hating you... here I am going for a long sleep while you're off getting married. Oh, how the tables have turned.

You won't know where I am. You'll be controlled against your will again and I won't be there to stop you.

I'm all alone...

'You spend too much time with your friend of darkness; his moodiness is rubbing off on you.' A floating ball of light phased through the glass.

I smiled. "Light! You're here!"

'I never left. I finally managed to get to you. That man had the absolute nerve to use my and my puppy's powers! The nerve! The humiliation! That filth! I feel violated...'

"Light, as much as I want to catch up on our reunion I need to get out of here." I shivered. "Merrill is marrying Gregory; I'm turning into the Sleeping Turtle; and I don't know where Mrs. Cuddles and Worm Guy are. Please. I need your help."

'I do not have much to offer. I managed to escape from the man's hold. Sadly, Dark was not able to follow me.'

"I'm sorry. I know they mean so much to you." I could feel my teeth chattering away. "Light... I promise I will help you... together we'll take down Gregory and rescue Merrill and Dark, but I can't do this without you... please..."

Light was silent. I wanted them to hurry up to answer. I was getting sleepier. 'I would prefer you to that arrogant bastard. Let us defeat Gregory once and for all.' They phased into my body. Warmth covered my body. I studied my knuckles. They were healed with no evidence of any blood. 'My energy should enhance your ninpo; however, the usage wears thin. Our time is limited.' Ninpo? I don't know what that means. I asked Dee when I would go back home. "If" I get back.

I breathed in and out. I imagined the determination when I was pinned by the Gumbus. I'm not alone! I'm getting out of here! Light and I will stop at the upcoming wedding! I'm not letting Gregory get his way! His story sounded sympathetic, but I didn't feel sorry whatsoever. He trapped us here! He wanted his happy ending! First, he wanted me to marry him. Then, he tried to get rid of Merrill! Now, he's planning to keep us like his toys!

I don't know what got my past selves went through to end their lives but I'm putting an end to this loop. Whatever Light was mentioning, they say they boost me up like in a video game. I should be a little stronger; strong enough to break through. A punch should do, right? I punched the cold cover. It was just a small tap not much to it. I took a deep breath and punched again with more aggression. I winced; then, I noticed a crack forming.

I felt more determined than ever to escape. I punched the same spot. The crack grew. I punched again. The crack spread. I punched with more force. I punched again and again! The cracks spread throughout the glass lid. So close. I clenched my fist tightly as I pulled my hand back. I hit the cover and I watched it shatter around me. The sound of it reminded me of fallen heavy raindrops.

I sat up shivering. It's much colder than I thought. I rubbed my arms for warmth; it didn't help. I went to the vines around my ankles and started pulling them off. I heard something! I looked all over the garden. Nothing was out of place. I need to get out of here! I finally managed to set my legs free. I got out of the coffin with wobbly legs. I had to steady myself before walking forward. I walked through the lines of the statues. Each sculpture was different than the last, but they had one thing in common; tears ran down from their frozen eyes.

Keep going, Leon. Defeat Gregory to end this fairytale nightmare once and for all!

I stumbled to the doors. My body heavily leaning against the surface. My hands fumbled against the handles only to find it locked. The double doors were not just locked they were covered with vines. Just my luck. I lightly bang my head against it. Alright. This shouldn't be a problem. With Light's boost, I could break through the doors without a sweat. Despite feeling the coldness creeping through my scales. I stepped back to cut the doors down, but then, I heard cracking like old joints popping.

I looked behind me seeing the ice sculptures moving their limbs like puppets coming to life. They stepped out of their stands. They looked my way with cleared eyes which sent chills down my spine. I was up against twelve frozen Beauties.

As Merrill would put it: fan-FUCKING-tastic!

I jumped out of the way as one Ice Queen pounced. I barely dodged an icy claw slash. Two bodies pounced on my shell. "Get. OFF!" the familiar heat radiated off my backside. I looked back to see my wings spread out except a long feather was sticking out. I pulled it out only for it to be a sword! I grinned as I watched the twelve Beauties step back. "You want me?" I maneuvered my sword across my wrist, "Come and get me!"

The first three charged at me. I dodged the two and pierced my sword through the third's stomach. I widened my eyes realizing what I just did. The frozen woman looked up at me and smiled; it wasn't a malicious or cheeky smile; it was a relief smile. "Thank you", she mouthed before disappearing in a ball of light. I watched her float up. Did she...? Was she a ghost?

'She and her fallen comrades were Gregory's victims. Their bodies decomposed yet their souls remained trapped in this realm', Light said, 'My powers show the lost souls the path to the afterlife. However, it's their choice whether to follow or not.'

All the more reason to beat Gregory and get out of the story.

'Please. I can hear their cries. The sound of anguish echoed in my hearing. It pains me too dearly.'

Do I... kill them?

'My weapons purify them. Think of it as an exorcism.'

Not reassuring.

An Ice Beauty leaped at me, but I cut her in half. She became a little spirit ball and followed her friend. I wouldn't say I liked this at all even if no gore was involved. I took a deep breath as I tightened my hold on my sword. I took down two already. I'm up against ten ice statues left. I pulled out another feather sword as I watched the Ice Beauties stretch their nails; they got long and sharp. I wish I could un-see what I'm about to do.

I charged ahead. The rest came at me. I felt myself getting faster with each slice and stab I committed. Each body turned to tiny sprites until I was up against the last Ice Beauty. She stared at me with those soulless, frozen eyes. Tears continued streaming out of her eyes. She walked over a wall and yanked out a long scythe made out of thick vines and an icy blade. She wasn't going down without a fight.

I twirled my swords around standing firm. She twirled her weapon over her head. We looked at each other studying our bodies for any twitches. I blinked for a second to see her in my face in a flash. I flew up before she cut me. I threw a sword at her which she blocked. I swooped down to attack. Our blades clashed. We clashed repeatedly. I kicked her scythe and added a kick to her face. A piece of ice chipped off her cheek. She grabbed my collar and yanked me down. My shell hit the floor. The other sword fell out of my grip. I picked myself up, but I was pressed down by the staff end.

The Last Beauty twirled her scythe ready to cut my head off. She was close, too. She was almost successful. If it weren't for my wings plunging into her stomach. She looked at my wings in shock. I was just as shocked as her. I didn't think they could do that!

"I'm sorry", I whispered. Instead of being angry, the woman smiled at me just like the others and disappeared as well. I watched the little spirit balls cover the ceiling. All they could do was stay where they were. They won't be able to move on.

I gathered myself up and headed for the doors. I cut open the vine-covered doors. I walked out without looking back blocking out the ghostly gratitude. I'm not used to these voices. Did Misa or Light ever experience this?

'I have. For all my life', Light said, 'I will say it does not get easier. I am here to lend you an ear.'

My main goal is to get out of here. I'm not living in a fantasy world just to be some bad guy's fuck toy! Merrill saved me from my "happy day". It's time I returned the favor.