This chapter has not been fully reviewed. I was in a rush because there's a play that I had to do for school. Please enjoy this release as much as you can. And if any of you see any misspellings or grammatical errors, then notify me post-haste so that I can rectify the mistake.
I might decide to release Omakes or spoilers if the need calls for it.
Also, one person had it all wrong about the relationships of Adam. I might give him some intimate moments with a bunch of girls, but there's only one pairing that will make it to the end. Not counting the other side pairings.
Adam woke with a groan, his body aching as he tossed and turned on the bare bed frame beneath him. The absence of a mattress had turned sleep into a trial of endurance, and he felt every bruise from the night before. He could barely recall how he'd gotten here — his body had operated on instinct, dragging him through the door and unceremoniously collapsing onto the unforgiving bed with a heavy thud. Now, all he was left with was a foggy memory and a throbbing back.
His eyes swept across the room, and it hit him how barren it truly was. A wardrobe in the corner, a large but equally unwelcoming bed frame, and a small bathroom off to the side. The basics of student living. A far cry from the luxurious home he'd once known in the Heavens. Gone were the silk sheets, the opulent furnishings, the comforts he'd once taken for granted. Now, it was all stripped away, and he had to start from nothing.
"Father frickin' dang it!" Adam muttered loudly, his frustration bubbling to the surface, still unable to properly curse. The minimalist lifestyle wasn't new to him, but after centuries of comfort, adjusting to this new reality was… jarring. The thought made him sigh deeply, running a hand through his hair as he sat up. He'd have to make do with the straw-stuffed bedding for now. Better than sleeping on the cold floor, at least.
"I know, I know. Stop screaming in my ears," Adam grumbled, swinging his legs off the bed. He was alone for the most part, thankful for the peace. But as his eyes flickered to the windowsill, he remembered he wasn't entirely alone. There was something else in the room with him.
"Do you have to be so loud this early?" he muttered, groaning again as he peeled himself off the bed and dragged himself to the bathroom. After a quick but much-needed hot shower, steam filled the small space as he exited, a towel loosely wrapped around his waist. The warmth did wonders to ease his stiff muscles, and he found himself feeling just a little more like himself.
"Look, just lay off for a second," he mumbled as he rifled through the wardrobe for clothes. Despite the chaos of yesterday, his outfit was still in relatively good shape, so he threw it back on while also putting on the crown of flowers Lilly made him yesterday. Dressed and slightly more awake, he finally turned his attention to the source of the morning's racket.
He approached the window, where a small potted plant sat on the ledge. The tiny sprout inside seemed almost too full of life for its size, shaking as though it was trying to get his attention.
"Listen," Adam said, leaning closer to the sapling, "I didn't forget. I'll bring you something nice when I get back later, alright? Just don't throw a tantrum while I'm gone."
The little plant stilled, its leaves rustling softly in response. Adam smiled, grabbing a spray bottle and spritzing the sprout with water. "There. Photosynthesize your little heart out. Grow up big and strong for me, yeah?"
Another small rustle from the plant, and Adam gently petted its tiny leaves before heading for the door. "Catch you later," he called over his shoulder as he left, the sapling now content, tilting toward the sunlight.
Cracking his back, Adam stepped into the hallway, where rows of dorm rooms stretched endlessly in either direction. He wondered if he knew anyone here. He hadn't interacted with many students beyond his close friends, and the thought of socializing with people who were — despite appearances — far younger than him felt strange. Still, there was no avoiding it. His youthful appearance might mask his true age, but he was well aware of the generations that separated him from the others.
If he remembered correctly, there was still time before school started, which meant he had time to gather his bearings. But where to begin?
"Maybe I should go meet with this Mister Knight, or whatever." Adam mused aloud, making his way down the hallway. He was starting to recognize the layout of the building, though the winding halls still made it easy to get lost. As he walked, he pulled out the document the Headmaster had given him — an overview of the subjects available to sophomores. His brow furrowed when he noticed how many classes were crossed out or left blank.
"Hmm... wonder what that's about?" he muttered to himself, pocketing the paper for now. First things first: breakfast. Adam's stomach growled, reminding him of his need to eat something.
"Father, what I wouldn't give for some barbeque ribs right about now…" His mouth practically watered at the thought of his favorite meal.
"Why do you want some of Barbie's ribs?" A voice chimed in from beside him.
"No, no, no. Bar-be-cue ribs, not Barbie's ribs," Adam corrected without missing a beat.
"Oh! Whoopsie doodles! Must've misheard you. I don't even know who Barbie is — my mistake!" the voice apologized cheerfully.
"No probs," Adam replied, his mind focused on food as he kept walking. It took him a full moment before it clicked. He froze mid-step. "...Wait."
His head whipped from side to side, eyes wide as he searched for the source of the voice. "Yoo-hoo, up here, good sir!" came the reply, and Adam's gaze shot upward.
Perched atop his head like a strange bird was a girl. She looked unlike anyone he had seen so far — oddly small and dressed in a wildly quirky fashion. It took Adam a few seconds for his brain to catch up with the sight.
"What... what are you doing on my head?" Adam asked, incredulous.
The girl gave a cheeky grin. "I dunno, what are you doing on the floor?" she quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Adam sighed heavily, his patience already wearing thin. He reached up, grabbed her under the arms, and lifted her down onto the ground. The girl was short — by far the shortest girl he'd encountered yet. She has voluminous, curly hair in vibrant shades of turquoise and purple. She wears a small, whimsical top hat adorned with a bow and feathers, enhancing her playful and quirky style. Her dress features a fitted bodice with puffed sleeves and a flared, multi-layered skirt. The skirt is decorated with colorful patterns in shades of yellow, purple, and blue, tied with a large blue ribbon at the waist. Her legs are covered in white stockings with blue polka dots, and she completes the look with yellow platform shoes. Her overall appearance is fun, lively, and fashionably eccentric.
"Please," Adam began, rubbing his temple, "explain what you were trying to do before I lose it."
"Obviously doing the hanky-panky with our heads, duh!" she chirped. "Although, it did start with a jump, skip, and a hop, then I thought, 'Why not try a somersault into the walls?' But I ended up hanging from the ceiling before I lost my grip, and luckily, there you were! Now we can do reverse backflips together!"
Adam stared blankly at her. "...I feel like I shouldn't ask, but what are reverse backflips?"
"Like a normal backflip, but in reverse. Obviously," she said, as if it were the most sensible thing in the world.
"So... front flips?" Adam asked, his brain struggling to keep up.
"No! Not front flips — reverse backflips!" she insisted, slightly annoyed. "Same-same, but different."
Adam blinked, his eye twitching uncontrollably. "But… they're the same thing."
"Of course they are! Same-same, but different," she repeated, adding a little flourish with her hands. "Which part don't you get?"
"...Everything."
"Oh, come on!" she groaned dramatically. "I hexplained it as best as I could! What's the hatter with you?"
At that point, Adam sighed and made the wise decision to stop trying to understand her. "Where are you going?" she asked, bouncing after him as he began to walk away, trying to ignore her.
"Hey! Helloooo? Are you ignoring me?" she persisted, skipping alongside him.
"Playing the quiet game, are we? Well, two can play that game, mister!" When Adam refused to engage, she took a deep breath and puffed out her cheeks, holding her breath as long as she could.
Adam sighed, glancing over when her face started turning purple. "Okay, okay, stop!" he exclaimed, waving his hands in defeat. She exhaled dramatically, breathing in deeply once more.
"You're one annoying little gremlin, you know that?" Adam muttered.
"Hey, that wasn't very demure of you!" she shot back, pouting.
"Do you even know what that word means?"
"Nope! But I've been reading a lot of our readers' search history lately, so that might explain why I'm insane in the membrane," she said, eyes doing loops in her head.
"Right... moving on," Adam said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Why are you bothering me? I don't even know who you are."
She bounced back onto his shoulders, her feet dangling off his back as she replied, "Don't worry, you don't need to know. But since the readers do, I guess I can tell you!" She jumped down, landing with a flourish.
"I'm Madeline Hatter! Daughter of the Mad Hatter, of course!" She whipped out flashcards from the miniature teacup hat perched atop her head, each one detailing her name and lineage. She even struck a few poses for good measure.
Madeline? Why does her name sound so familiar?
"Alright, stop!" Adam barked, holding up his hand. Madeline froze mid-pose, her lips puckered out dramatically. "None of what you just said makes any sense. All this talk about 'readers' and 'search histories' — it's gibberish!"
Adam's patience was fraying fast. "Look, I'm sure you have plenty of other people to annoy. So why don't you just go do that, and leave me the—" He paused, catching himself, "—leave me alone."
Madeline grinned, completely unfazed by his frustration. "Aw, you sound like someone who needs a hug!" She opened her arms wide, taking a step toward him.
"No — stay back! I mean it!" Adam tried to retreat, but it was too late. Madeline wrapped her tiny arms around his waist, squeezing him with surprising strength. Her small frame clung to him, and though the sight might have been endearing, Adam wasn't about to give in.
With his shoulders slumped in resignation, "This day is going to be a long one…" he sighed exasperatedly.A few agonizing seconds dragged on, stretching Adam's patience to its limit. His muscles tensed, the weight of Madeline's embrace pushing him to the edge of breaking.
"Okay, stop," he muttered through gritted teeth. "Seriously, stop hugging me already!" His voice was louder this time, tinged with frustration, but the only response was Madeline tightening her grip, her arms locking around him like a stubborn, unyielding chain.
"Get off me! I have places to be today!" Adam snapped, his voice rising in desperation. He didn't want to hurt her, so he tried, with an exasperated sigh, to gently pry her arms off, but it was like trying to coax a kitten to move — soft, passive, and entirely futile. Her delicate fingers clung to him with a quiet persistence, as if the mere thought of letting go was unbearable.
Madeline, oblivious or indifferent to his protests, only seemed to burrow deeper into him, her head resting against his chest, her body sinking into the hard lines of his abdomen. To her, his presence was like a warm cocoon, comforting and protective, a space where the rest of the chaotic world didn't exist. Being near him was like resting under the gentle kiss of the moon on a quiet, crystal-clear lake — serene, soothing, and undeniably magical. So calming, so gentle, so... wonderlandiful.
Adam's struggle to free himself was as pointless as it was half-hearted. She wasn't budging, and after a few more moments of useless effort, he let out a heavy sigh of defeat. "Forget it. I'm too hangry to deal with this crap."
Resigned, Adam started walking again, Madeline still clinging to him like a backpack that refused to be set down. He no longer cared how ridiculous they might look. If anyone saw them, so be it. It was still early, and the chances of running into many students were slim. At least, that's what he told himself as he trudged toward the Castleteria, Madeline's weight slowing his steps.
The journey felt longer than usual, every step weighed down by the "unwanted baggage" latched onto him. By the time they reached the Castleteria, Adam's patience was wearing thin, his stomach growling in protest. He scanned the room, relieved to see only a few students scattered around, enjoying quiet breakfasts or caught up in low murmurs of conversation.
"Thank Father," Adam muttered under his breath, grateful for the small mercy as he grabbed a tray and joined the line. He could feel Madeline shifting behind him, and before long, her arms slid down, wrapping around his waist as she clung to him from behind, much like a baby koala. The shift in position was a small relief but still drew curious stares from the few early risers. Eyes lingered on them, brows raised in silent questions.
"I'm starting to get used to all the staring," Adam thought aloud, though the realization was far from comforting. He moved through the line, ignoring the gazes burning holes in his back, and found an empty table where he dropped his tray with a heavy thud. It was piled high with food, and without wasting another second, he dug in, his hunger too pressing to wait.
"How about you?" he asked, glancing at the girl still glued to him. "Shouldn't you eat something, too?"
Madeline sighed contentedly, her cheek pressed against his back. "Hugging you is much more filling than any meal. It's like hugging a warm marshmallow." Her voice was soft, almost dreamy, and it made Adam roll his eyes. This world and its people were always so over-the-top, so whimsical, and Madeline was no exception. "But," she added, her tone playful, "I wouldn't mind if you fed me a few spoonfuls." She batted her eyelashes at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief and a dash of hope.
Adam snorted, not even bothering to look at her. "Nice try, but you're a grown woman. You can feed yourself."
She let out a huff of exaggerated disappointment, her lips curling into a pout as she turned her head away dramatically. But the silence didn't last long. A sly grin tugged at the corner of her lips as an idea sparked in her mind. Without warning, she gave Adam a tiny, teasing pinch on his side.
He didn't react.
Undeterred, Madeline tried again, her fingers pinching him once more, but still, nothing. Adam simply continued eating, unbothered, even as she pinched him a third time.
"That's not gonna work on me," he finally said, his voice flat, as if he'd dealt with far worse attempts to get under his skin.
Madeline grumbled, clearly frustrated by his unshakable calm. "Well, what does work on you?"
"Like I'd ever tell you that," Adam retorted, nearly finished with his meal. His thoughts were already drifting elsewhere when he felt Madeline shift again. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see her gloved hand reach for his tray, grabbing one of his cookies. A moment later, the sound of soft nibbling reached his ears.
"Unbelievable," Adam muttered with a sigh, though the exasperation in his voice was already fading. Despite everything, having her cling to him wasn't all that bad. It reminded him of the times when he was the First Father, back when his children would latch onto him with the same fierce determination, demanding his attention in every playful way they could. The memories flooded back, bringing a strange sense of nostalgia that both warmed and pained him.
In some odd way, Madeline's chaos was a welcome distraction from the tension and drama that had weighed heavily on him the day before. She was unpredictable, yes, but there was something refreshingly simple about her affection.
Before he could dwell on it too much, Madeline shifted again, this time climbing up his back and settling on his shoulders, her legs dangling in front of his face. "Wow, I feel like a giant!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with childlike wonder as she took in the view from above.
Her legs swung back and forth, brushing against him, and though it bugged him, Adam chose to remain indifferent, swallowing his annoyance. He stood up, having finished his meal, and began heading toward the passageway, Madeline still perched on his shoulders.
"Onward and upward, my noble steed!" she declared with grandiose flair, urging him forward with her heels gently nudging his chest.
Adam groaned internally but said nothing. There was someone he needed to meet, and unfortunately, he didn't even know where to begin looking. Reluctantly, he spoke. "Hey," he began, his voice carrying the weight of his reluctance, "do you know where I can find Mister Knight?"
Madeline's face appeared upside down in front of his own, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Oh! Professor Knight? His office is in the barracks, but you can usually find him by the training fields. He's probably working on some new program for knights-in-training."
"Huh. Neat." Adam thought aloud, the information more helpful than he'd expected.
"Then do you know where the training fields are?" he asked, grateful for her usefulness despite her constant eccentricities.
"Of course I do, silly-willy!" she giggled, pressing her heels into his chest again. "Onward to greener pastures!"
"Alright, alright. Just stop doing that, it's very annoying." Adam grumbled, quickening his pace as she continued her playful antics.
"Then that means it's working!" she chirped, digging her heels in harder, prompting Adam to break into a near run.
He didn't care how absurd they looked, rushing through the hallways with Madeline perched on his shoulders, her legs swinging happily as they zipped past confused students. They had somewhere to be, and Adam's sprint was faster than any normal human's, expertly navigating the winding corridors until the exit was finally in sight.
"Wahoo!" Madeline shouted gleefully, her arms raised in excitement. "At this rate, we could travel to the end of Ever After and back! Oh, can we? Can we?"
"No," Adam replied, his voice flat and unyielding.
"Aw, phooey," she pouted, her arms crossing in disappointment, though her joy was hardly diminished.
As they burst through the exit, Madeline pointed toward the wide, grassy fields in the distance where a few training structures stood. Their destination was in sight, and as Adam picked up speed, Madeline's laughter filled the air, the sound carrying on the breeze like the echo of a distant memory.
"We're here!" Madeline chirped, her delicate hands pitter-pattering on Adam's head like raindrops. Her voice was filled with excitement, completely oblivious to the growing tension in Adam's shoulders. He had been tolerating her presence for far longer than he anticipated.
Adam, weighed down by his unexpected passenger, arrived at the training fields, a vast expanse dotted with equipment and facilities. The grounds stretched out before him, a battlefield waiting to be filled. Practice dummies stood in clusters, their tattered forms a testament to countless strikes. Off in the distance, the stables housed horses, and possibly even the dragons he'd overheard from Raven of the day before. His eyes lingered on the armory nearby, where a hulking figure, clad head-to-toe in iron, stood inspecting weapons laid out for the aspiring knights.
He didn't need an introduction. Adam could already guess who this imposing figure was.
"Um, hey there," Adam called out, his voice laced with nervousness, while the armored figure slowly turned toward him. "You wouldn't happen to be Professor Knight, would you?"
The figure straightened to his full height, nearly matching Adam's. His armor glinted beneath the sun, every movement deliberate and intimidating. "Indeed I am," he replied, his deep voice muffled beneath his helm. His gaze shifted, landing on the girl perched atop Adam's head with a quizzical tilt. "And you two are?"
Adam swallowed hard, feeling a nervous flutter in his chest. This was it — his first real interaction with the man meant to guide him through the year. "Good morning, sir. My name's Adam, the First Man," he said, trying to keep his tone formal. "The Headmaster told me you'd be my advisor this year."
The towering figure stood silent for a moment before nodding. "Ah, yes. I've heard of you from one of the Grimm brothers. Your enrollment was quite the topic of discussion. Congratulations on making it this far." There was a slight glimmer of amusement in his voice, though his face was hidden beneath the helmet.
"Thank you, sir. It's truly an honor." Adam forced a smile, trying to play it cool, but there was an unease building inside him. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as he thought. Maybe—
A wooden sword clattered to the ground at his feet.
"Pick up your weapon," Professor Knight demanded, his tone suddenly sharp, slicing through Adam's thoughts.
"What—? Wait, sir, what's this about?" Adam stammered, taking a step back, confusion etched on his face.
"You came here to discuss your schedule, correct?" Professor Knight's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "Before we get to that, I must assess your capabilities. One cannot understand their weaknesses without first knowing their strengths. Now, pick it up."
Adam hesitated, glancing down at the wooden sword. His heart raced, uncertainty gnawing at him. This wasn't what he had expected. He glanced up at the iron blade in Professor Knight's hand — an actual weapon, not a mere practice tool.
Madeline, still perched on his head, giggled. "Ooooh, a fight! How fun! But I suppose it's time for me to hop off." With an exaggerated flourish, she sprang off his shoulders, landing lightly beside him. "Don't worry, Adam, I'll be cheering for you from the sidelines!" She winked before she did a handstand and walked off, leaving Adam wondering how she even knew his name in the first place. Never really bothered on telling her.
His thoughts scrambled for answers, but there was no time to dwell. He looked down at the wooden sword once more before reluctantly bending to pick it up.
"Now then," Professor Knight growled, his voice like thunder, deep and unyielding, as his armored fingers curled tighter around the hilt of his blade. "Time to test your mettle." The words were a gauntlet thrown at Adam's feet, a challenge that carried the weight of centuries of knighthood — a trial of strength, skill, and valor.
Adam barely had a moment to process the words before the professor moved, the air around him seeming to ripple as his iron sword cut through it with terrifying speed. The sun caught the blade's edge, making it flash like lightning before it crashed down toward Adam. Instinct roared to life inside him, and his wooden sword came up just in time, deflecting the strike with a resounding crack. The impact sent a shockwave up his arms, rattling his bones. His feet slid back in the dirt, but he held his ground, his heart already pounding in his chest.
"Impressive," Professor Knight said, his voice still calm, though there was a hint of approval. He circled Adam like a predator eyeing its prey, every movement deliberate, his armor glinting in the sun. "But that was merely a warm-up. The real test begins now."
Adam barely had time to catch his breath before the next assault came. Professor Knight advanced with a brutal efficiency, thrusting his iron sword toward Adam's side with a speed that belied the weight of his armor. Adam twisted his body, parrying the strike with a grunt, his wooden sword vibrating with the force of the clash. His heart thundered in his chest as he moved purely on instinct, barely keeping up with the onslaught. Another blow came, a deadly arc aimed at his head. He ducked, the rush of air from the blade grazing his hair, and nearly lost his balance as he stumbled back.
"Shouldn't I be using a real sword?!" Adam shouted, his voice laced with frustration. The weight of the fight bore down on him — he could feel the unfairness gnawing at his focus. This wooden sword was a child's toy against the professor's lethal iron blade.
"Impractical, the best way to learn is by challenging the impossible." Professor Knight retorted, a grim smile hinted in his tone, as he pressed his advantage, relentlessly. His strikes came faster now, each one designed to overwhelm, to break Adam's defenses. His blade sang through the air with each swing, every strike a promise of power, every blow carrying centuries of battle-hardened wisdom.
Adam's mind raced, his body reacting on autopilot, his sword raised to block, to deflect, to survive. But with each parry, each desperate block, he felt the growing weight of the professor's might. The blows became more intense, more precise, and his wooden sword began to wear under the strain. Splinters chipped away with every hit, the weapon growing weaker in his grip.
Professor Knight was unyielding, his every move calculated and brutal. His iron blade came close, far too close. The edge of the sword skimmed past Adam's cheek, the cold, metallic kiss inches from his eye. His heart leapt into his throat, panic threatening to overwhelm him.
"Enough!" Adam's roar tore through the air, raw and primal, an echo of the warrior instincts buried deep within him. Something inside him snapped — the careful restraint, the doubt, all of it burned away in a surge of fiery determination. He could no longer just defend. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the hilt of his wooden sword, and with a fierce cry, he charged forward.
Now it was Adam on the attack. His movements were quicker, sharper, driven by a newfound intensity. His strikes lashed out with a ferocity that caught even the professor off-guard. Wood clashed against iron, the sound of their battle echoing across the field like thunder. With every swing, Adam's blade chipped, splinters flying, but he didn't care. Each strike was harder than the last, fueled by a growing fire inside him. He was no longer just reacting — he was fighting back.
The professor met each of Adam's blows head-on, but Adam could see it — the subtle shift in his stance, the brief hesitation in his attacks. For the first time, Professor Knight seemed to be testing his defenses, responding to the fury that had overtaken his student. The clashing of their swords was a fierce rhythm, a conversation between warrior and teacher, each movement speaking louder than words.
But Adam's wooden sword was nearing its limit. With each strike, more splinters flew, the weapon on the verge of breaking apart. Yet he pressed on, undeterred, driven by something more than just survival. He fought with purpose, each swing of his blade charged with the weight of his past, his struggles, his determination to prove himself.
Then, in a split-second, Adam saw his opening.
Professor Knight raised his sword for a powerful overhead strike, the iron blade gleaming as it descended toward him with the force of a hammer. But Adam, his senses heightened, saw it coming. With a burst of speed, he sidestepped the blow and swung his wooden sword with all the strength he could muster. The blade struck the professor's hand with a resounding crack, and for the first time in the fight, the iron sword slipped from Professor Knight's grip.
Time seemed to slow as the weapon spun through the air. Without thinking, Adam reached out, snatching the iron sword mid-fall. The weight of the blade felt solid, reassuring in his hand. And in the blink of an eye, he turned, leveling the tip of the sword directly at Professor Knight's chest.
For a heartbeat, silence reigned. The battlefield was still, the only sound the faint rustling of the wind across the open field. Adam's breath came in ragged gasps, sweat trickling down his temple. He couldn't see Professor Knight's expression beneath the helmet, but he could feel the weight of the professor's gaze — the silent acknowledgment of what had just happened.
Professor Knight slowly straightened, his chest rising and falling as he breathed deeply. And then, with a voice low and filled with something akin to pride, he spoke.
"Splendid work, young lad," Professor Knight said, his voice carrying a rare note of admiration. "I've trained and fought alongside some of the greatest knights in history — Lancelot, Gawain, those of the round table, and many others. But you… You possess a natural talent, one I haven't seen in many years. Tell me, Adam, where did you learn such techniques?"
Adam paused, still catching his breath. "Most of what I know is self-taught," he admitted, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Self-taught?" Professor Knight's voice was tinged with disbelief. "Truly?"
Adam nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I had some help refining my skills, but for the most part… I learned to fight on my own." He wasn't about to delve into the harsh conditions of the primordial Earth, or the countless battles that had shaped him into who he was.
The professor regarded him in silence for a moment, before giving a nod of approval. "You've proven your worth, young man. Now, regarding your classes…" Professor Knight paused, retrieving a document from his belt. "I've already reviewed your character sheet. Quite an unusual amount of information there."
Adam's heart skipped a beat. "Uh… yeah," he replied, feeling a pang of nervousness.
"Nevertheless, you've earned my recommendation," the professor continued, handing Adam a list. "Here are the subjects I suggest for you this year."
Adam scanned the list, his brow furrowing at the odd selection. "Heroics 101, Hero Training… Wooing 101?" He glanced up, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course," Professor Knight said without missing a beat. "All knights must learn how to charm the damsels in distress. It's tradition."
Adam suppressed a groan, continuing down the list. "Swamp Swimming, Debate, Tall Tale Studies, Riddling, Storytelling 101…" His eyes lit up. "Muse-ic Class? Oh, heck yeah!"
He quickly caught himself, clearing his throat. "I mean… It's alright, I guess. Thank you for the recommendations, sir."
Professor Knight gave a nod. "Anytime, young knight. Should you have further questions, I'll be here, training the future knights of this academy."
"Thanks," Adam said, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "I'll see you in class."
"And I look forward to it, young man. Good luck."
With that, Adam turned back to the list of subjects in hand, and made his way back toward the school. Professor Knight stood behind him, watching for a moment before turning back to resharpen his sword, a glint of approval in his eyes.
Adam lied on his bed, looking up at the list of subjects, a furrow forming between his brows. "Music Class? That's a no-brainer." He muttered to himself, leaning back slightly in his chair. "But Swamp Swimming?" His voice rose with a note of disbelief. "Isn't there a normal pond or a pool somewhere? Why does it have to be in a murky swamp, probably crawling with disease?"
He shook his head, feeling the absurdity of it gnawing at him. The idea of plunging into murky waters, filled with who-knows-what, made his stomach twist. He could already feel the weight of a bad decision forming, one that might haunt him in the middle of a swampy nightmare.
It was the weekend, and thankfully, he had time to deliberate. The ticking clock of looming school days hadn't yet caught up to him, giving him space to figure out the right mix of classes. But as he stared at the list, his thoughts jumbled. Some choices were easy, but others required careful thought, weighing excitement against practicality.
"Debate? Nah." Adam crumpled up the thought with a shrug. "Politics? Not my thing." He tossed the idea aside and rubbed his temples, trying to clear his mind. With a sigh, he glanced over at his only companion in the room. "What do you think, Mona?"
The small sapling on his windowsill rustled its leaves in response. Adam grinned, feeling a small wave of comfort wash over him. "Oh, don't start. I brought you something nice, didn't I?" He gestured toward the small pouch of fertilizer nestled beside the pot, a hard-earned prize from the school's groundskeepers. "Do you know how hard it was to get this from those dwarves? I'm pretty sure the guy I bartered with was named Feisty. It suited him."
The sapling, which Adam had named Mona, shook its leaves more dramatically this time, its delicate green form quivering as if to express its displeasure.
"Oh, I'm being unreasonable?" Adam raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Like you have room to talk. I'm still figuring all this out, okay? The least you could do — besides looking pretty — is listen to me vent every now and then."
Mona stood still for a moment, before giving a gentle rustle, a sign of understanding. Adam smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing.
"Thank you, kind plant," he said, his voice softer now. "Now, where was I?" He scratched his head, and Mona shook its leaves again, this time with exaggerated exasperation. "Oh, right. Politics. Yeah, not my strong suit."
Adam turned his attention back to the paper in front of him, his eyes scanning the list once more. "I should probably take more classes, though. You know, broaden my understanding of things. Father knows I could use all the help I can get."
Mona's stem tilted slightly, mimicking a nod of agreement.
"There are still so many choices," Adam muttered. "I think I can handle a few more. Classes start in a day or two, so I have time to talk to Mister Knight before finalizing anything."
He let out a sigh, shaking his head as he thought of the strange world he'd stepped into. "You know, I never minded wordplay much, but what's up with these names? Look at this — Grimmnastics?" He paused, raising the paper as if showing it to Mona. "Is that just gymnastics with a creepy twist because it's named after the Headmaster?"
Adam shook his head, bewildered. "And don't get me started on Geografairy or Hexonomics." He tossed the paper aside, recalling how easily his friend Lilly played with words, twisting and turning them without a second thought. It irked him how everyone else seemed to accept this odd way of speaking so naturally. It made him feel like more of an outsider, like he didn't quite belong here.
Mona remained silent this time, its leaves still as Adam slumped in his chair, rubbing his face. "You know what? Forget it. Probably best not to think too much about it. It's not like it's the weirdest thing I've seen since I got here."
He flopped onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The straw mattress was rough beneath him, scratchy against his skin, but oddly comforting in its simplicity. The room was hastily thrown together, bare and lacking in warmth, and that irritated him. He'd have to do something about that soon — bring in some furniture, maybe a few personal touches. Anything to make it feel more like his space.
As he lay there, Adam raised his hand, letting the light catch the glint of the ring on his finger. The shine flickered across the room, dancing on the walls. The ring was a gift from the Headmaster, and although it had already proven useful, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that it held more secrets than he knew. There was something about it, something that seemed to whisper just beyond his understanding.
"Maybe I should ask him about it," Adam murmured, squinting at the golden band. But he quickly dismissed the idea. There were other things to think about, like his growing boredom. The sparring match with Mister Knight had been thrilling, the rush of adrenaline still fresh in his memory. Now, though, he felt restless, yearning for something else to occupy his mind.
A sudden knock on the door startled him out of his thoughts. He blinked, sitting up slowly. "Huh? Who could that be?" He hadn't exactly made a lot of friends since arriving, and having company felt… strange.
Adam got up and crossed the room, his hand hovering over the doorknob for a moment before he grabbed it. It rattled slightly as he twisted it open. On the other side stood Madeline, her wide smile cheeky and uncontainable.
Adam's heart raced as he stared at her, before — without thinking — he slammed the door shut again. He stood there, breathing heavily, staring at the door as if it had betrayed him. *No way.*
He cautiously opened the door again, and sure enough, there she was, still grinning that same playful grin.
"How did you find me?" Adam blurted out, his voice incredulous.
Madeline giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, that? Simple. I followed you back here!" She said it with such casualness that it made Adam's skin crawl.
"You… you stalked me?!" Adam's voice rose in disbelief.
Madeline's eyes widened in mock innocence. "Stalked? No, no. I just followed you back to your room without you noticing. There's a difference."
"That's literally the *same* thing!" Adam shouted, feeling both shocked and creeped out by how nonchalant she was being.
"Oh, don't be such a worry-flurry," Madeline teased, waving her hand dismissively. "I just wanted to ask if you'd like to have lunch with me and my friends later."
Adam could feel a vein throbbing in his temple, struggling to keep his temper in check. He sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead. "Fine. Sure. Why not? I doubt it could get any weirder than it already has."
"Tea-rrific!" Madeline chimed with a laugh, skipping down the hallway. "See you in the Castleteria later, Mister!" she called over her shoulder, disappearing around the corner, leaving Adam standing there in utter bewilderment.
"I need some fresh air," he muttered, grabbing his coat. "Take care, Mona. I'll be back soon."
He stepped outside, the cool air immediately calming his frayed nerves. The garden wasn't far, and the moment Adam entered the lush greenery, he felt a weight lift off his chest. The flowers wrapped around his head seemed to perk up, the crown vibrant and alive, just as it had been yesterday.
He wandered aimlessly through the garden, breathing in the fresh air. There was a quiet peace here, one that helped him forget about the strangeness of his new life, even if only for a moment. School was such a foreign concept to him. He never had to attend classes before — his knowledge had been given to him, a part of his very being. And now, he was expected to learn, to interact, to fit into this strange world.
Could he do it? Could he keep up?
Adam wasn't worried about his ability to learn. No, what concerned him was the drama, the tension that seemed to follow students like a shadow. He wasn't sure if he was ready for that.
Lost in his thoughts, Adam suddenly realized he had wandered to the edge of the dense forest that bordered the school grounds. The line between wilderness and civilization was stark, yet students moved in and out of the woods as if it were no big deal.
"Why not?" he murmured, deciding to explore. The moment he stepped into the forest, he felt a connection. The trees seemed to recognize him, their leaves whispering greetings in the soft wind. Every blade of grass, every branch and bloom, felt alive. Adam smiled, feeling the warmth of the forest's welcome.
He walked deeper, letting the forest's song soothe him, its rhythm matching his heartbeat. The green around him buzzed with life, eager to impress, eager to please. Adam let out a quiet chuckle. He couldn't deny the comfort he felt here — this was where he belonged.
But suddenly, the harmony of the forest shifted.
Something was off, a disturbance rippling through the leaves. The green whispered to him about others entering the woods, their presence cautious and secretive. Adam's curiosity stirred.
Why were they here? And why did the forest feel the need to tell him about them?
He moved quietly, his steps careful and soft. He didn't want to alert anyone to his presence. He crept closer, until he could make out their silhouettes in the distance.
"I don't know about this, Hunter," a girl's voice said, filled with worry. "What if people find out about this? About us?"
Adam squinted, peering through the trees. A boy and a girl stood together, their conversation hushed.
"Relax, nobody's gonna find out, Ashlynn. I promise," Hunter whispered, his voice soft but firm as she pulled the girl close.
Adam frowned, watching from a distance. What were they hiding? Why did they seem so afraid of being discovered?
"I hope you're right," Ashlynn murmured, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. "I just don't know what to do if anyone discovers what's going on between the two of us. It makes me feel conflicted, sometimes doubting if what we're doing is for the better or worse."
Hunter gently wiped away her tears, his expression tender. "I don't know what else to do either, Ashlynn. I wish I had all the answers, but I don't. These past few days with you have been the happiest I've ever after been, but I know that our friends will never accept our connection. No one will." he cupped her cheeks, wiping away the tears that had fallen.
"It'll be tough, that much I know. But I want to face this with you, Ashlynn, together." He declared firmly, his resolve unwavering.
"Me too, Hunter. It's just that it's hard to decide whether I should follow my destiny…or my heart." The two of them held hands, unaware of Adam's silent observation.
"Don't think too much about it. Let's just enjoy the time we have now while we have the chance." The girl nodded as they disappeared further into the forest
Adam leaned against a tree, his mind racing. "Why are they so desperate to hide their relationship?" he muttered to himself. "Is it forbidden or something?"
He shook his head, deciding it wasn't his business. "I should probably keep this to myself."
A distant sound interrupted his thoughts — the familiar tune of three trumpeter mice, signaling the start of lunch.
"Oops. Better get moving." Adam stood up, brushing off his clothes. As he made his way back to the school, he couldn't shake the feeling that the day was only going to get stranger.
"Where do I know her name from?" He muttered as Madeline's grin flashed through his mind. It was right there, on the tip of his tongue, yet elusive.
"Well, guess I'll find out soon enough." Soon enough came as swiftly as it did as Adam casually strolled through the gateway into the Castleteria where it was already bustling with throngs of students.
Adam moved to grab a tray, feeling the all-too-familiar sensation of eyes lingering on him. Those pestering gazes from the crowd, they clung to him like shadows. He'd learned to tolerate it, or at least, that's what he told himself. But deep down, it still left him unsettled. It always did.
The lunch lady, without a word, served him a meal, and though it was heavier than usual, Adam didn't notice. His mind was elsewhere, scanning the cafeteria for any sign of Madeline and her group of misfits — whoever could stand her eccentricities for more than five minutes. He spotted her eventually, in all her chaotic, unpredictable glory. Her wild arm flailing and sharp whistle cut through the cafeteria noise, unmistakable.
With a resigned shrug, Adam trudged toward Madeline's table, set in the farthest corner of the Castleteria. His towering frame easily caught the attention of onlookers, their glances ranging from curiosity to attraction. Adam felt their gazes, each one crawling over him like an insect. But he pressed on, inwardly wishing to disappear from their judgmental eyes.
"Huzzah! Our party is complete! Now, like a school of fish united, we shall shine across the emerald sea!" Madeline announced, her voice high-pitched and bizarre. The rest of the table exchanged confused glances, clearly having no idea what she was talking about.
"I have no friggin' clue what you just said," Adam muttered flatly as he set his tray down with a heavy thud.
"Adam!" A familiar voice cut through the weirdness, and his attention snapped to Raven, who was beaming at him. Her face lit up at his presence, an expression of warmth and eagerness that Adam couldn't help but notice.
Raven stood, her excitement getting the better of her, before quickly realizing where she was. She awkwardly sat back down, trying to mask her enthusiasm. "Uh, I mean… nice to see you again," she added, blushing.
"Hey, Raven. Nice to see you too." He tried to hide his smile as he dropped into his seat.
"Just a heads-up, it's stone soup today," Raven informed him, swirling her spoon through the odd concoction. The clinking sound of rocks against the metal echoed through the table.
Adam raised an eyebrow, staring at the mix in front of him. Stones? Seriously? He glanced around the table. Raven delicately picked out the stones, placing them on a napkin, while another girl, her hands painted and splattered, groaned as she used her fingers to fish them out. She caught Adam's gaze, her wooden skin betraying her lineage.
And then there was Madeline, crunching loudly as she bit straight into a rock with a grin that bordered on insane. Adam's eyes widened as he watched her casually chew on the stone like it was candy.
"Maddie, you're not supposed to eat the rocks!" Raven exclaimed, looking horrified.
"Why not? They're wonderlandifully delightful!" Madeline replied with a carefree smile.
Without thinking too much, Adam raised his spoon and stared down at the stones swimming in the murky broth. With a resigned shrug, he threw the spoonful into his mouth. The rocks ground between his teeth, hard and gritty, but somehow… tolerable?
"Adam! Don't follow her example!" Raven protested, worry etched into her face.
"It's not that bad, honestly," Adam said with a smirk, swallowing the mouthful. "I've had worse." He scooped another bite and chewed, his expression caught between contemplation and mild regret.
"See, Raven? Someone else gets my taste!" Madeline exclaimed in victory, latching onto Adam's arm and hugging it tightly in her usual over-the-top fashion.
"Let go of me," Adam grumbled, trying to pull his arm free.
"How do you two even do that? They're rocks, for Godmother's sake!" Raven demanded, her concern deepening.
The girl with the wooden skin, who had been silently observing, blushed deeply. "I… I agree with Raven. Eating rocks is just… super weird," she said, her cheeks turning a deep shade of mahogany. "Sorry, I can't lie! But I do like you, Madeline. A lot," she added hurriedly, as if relieved to balance the honesty with kindness.
"Can't lie, huh? That would make you Pinocchio's daughter, I assume?" Adam interjected, his eyes narrowing as he made the connection. Cedar blinked, clearly surprised that he had figured it out so quickly.
The girl blinked in surprise, her wooden face flushing even deeper. "Uh, yeah. I'm Cedar. And you must be Adam, right?"
Adam nodded and leaned back, his eyes flicking between the bowl and Cedar. "I've heard a lot about you from Raven and Maddie."
"Good things, I hope?" he asked, though his tone was more guarded than curious.
"Definitely good things! They say you're helpful, fun, and… well, that beneath your tough exterior, you're actually pretty gentle." Cedar's words struck a nerve, and Adam tensed.
"What? Who told you that?" he barked, his voice rising before he caught himself.
"Duh! We did!" Madeline interjected, oblivious to his embarrassment. "You can't make an omelet without opening a can of beans!"
Adam blinked in confusion, trying to make sense of the whirlwind around him. "What… What does that even mean? Madeline, explain yourself!" His hands instinctively reached for her shoulders, gripping them gently despite the frustration bubbling beneath his words.
She merely grinned up at him, utterly unbothered by his outburst. "Ah, ah, ah! Call me Maddie, Mister, like all my BFFAs do!" Her voice was as light and playful as ever, completely dismissive of the tension rising in Adam.
"Maddie, Madeline, whatever!" His patience was wearing thin, the irritation seeping through his tone. "Why are you going around telling people I'm soft?" he demanded. But before he could press her further, a fairy godmother-in-training suddenly appeared in a burst of glittery light, poofing into existence beside Cedar. She handed the startled girl a sheet of paper before vanishing as quickly as she had come.
"Wait, what was that?" Adam asked, his voice laced with bewilderment as he looked around for some kind of explanation.
"Oh, that was just a fairy godmother-in-training," Raven replied nonchalantly, as if such interruptions were perfectly normal. "They're probably handing out our schedules for the school year." Cedar, however, looked anything but calm.
"Oh no! I got Woodshop this year!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with fear. The mere thought of working around saws and blades made her wooden body shake uncontrollably.
As another fairy poofed in front of Raven, the smile on its face quickly turned to terror upon realizing who she was. The fairy shrieked and disappeared in a panicked puff of smoke, leaving Raven staring after it with a sigh of resignation.
"Is it just me, or is it getting worse lately?" Raven asked, her tone heavy with dejection.
Adam furrowed his brow, still trying to make sense of it all. "What's getting worse?"
"The screaming. The running away in fear," Raven admitted, her voice quieter now, tinged with sadness. "It feels like it's happening more and more ever since I came back."
"It's definitely getting worse," Cedar said hesitantly, unable to lie, a truth forced by her family's curse. "Maybe because it's Legacy Year? People are becoming more wary of you — of everyone."
"I mean, I was a little scared of you at first too," Cedar confessed softly, her wooden hands wringing together. "But it didn't take me long to realize how totally amazing you truly are. I just wish others could see that too."
Raven smiled weakly, appreciating Cedar's honesty, but the weight of her situation remained.
Adam, eager to shift the conversation, interjected, "Yeah, I never really understood the whole Legacy Day thing. You're all supposed to follow your destinies, do what your parents did, but… what happens after that?" His question hung in the air, catching everyone's attention.
"What do you mean, Addy?" Maddie asked innocently, her wide eyes glittering with curiosity.
"First off, don't call me that," Adam corrected quickly, his voice firm. "And second, I mean… after you fulfill your role, can't you just live your life? Like, isn't it over after that? Do people still hold a grudge for something you were destined to do?"
The silence that followed was heavy, the weight of unspoken truths pressing down on them all. No one seemed to know how to answer.
"Right?" Adam asked again, his tone laced with a hint of desperation.
Maddie merely shrugged, pouring herself a cup of tea as if nothing was out of the ordinary. "I don't get it," she said simply.
Adam ran a hand over his face in frustration. "Okay, let me break it down. People love heroes, right?" He waited for them to nod in agreement. "But you can't have a hero without a villain, right?" Another round of nods. "So society makes someone a villain so someone else can be a hero. You're still following?"
The nods grew more hesitant, confusion beginning to creep in.
"Then the hero defeats the villain, gets all the praise, but does that mean the villain deserves to be hated forever? Even though they were made to be the bad guy in the first place?" His voice was rising now, the passion in his words clear. "Where's the justice in that? What happens after the villain does their job? Do they get a medal for playing their part, or even a thank you?"
His rhetorical questions hung in the air, but it was clear from the blank stares he was losing them.
"Adam… where are you going with this?" Raven asked, her brows furrowed in concern.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm just saying… shouldn't you get to live your life after fulfilling your role? Why are you still tethered to it after it's done? I have my own duties too, but I'm more than what destiny intended for me." His eyes darted from face to face, but all he received were confused gazes in return.
"If only it were that simple," Raven muttered under her breath, a sorrowful edge to her voice.
"It's not that easy, Adam," Cedar chimed in reluctantly. "There's this whole ritual that binds us to our destinies. We have to pledge ourselves to keep the stories alive, just like our parents did. It's not something you can walk away from."
"But don't you at least have some choice afterward?" Adam pressed, growing more frustrated with every evasive answer. "Does your story really define who you are forever?"
"More than you think, my statuesque friend," Maddie quipped with a grin, but Adam was in no mood for her word games.
"Why do you keep giving me weird names?" he asked, his voice tinged with exasperation.
"Why do you keep asking so many questions?" Maddie shot back playfully, sipping her tea.
"Because it's not fair!" Adam's voice sharpened with frustration. "Some people are stuck with doomed destinies, while others get to live happily ever after. How is that okay? How can you accept that?"
Maddie tilted her head, her grin unfading. "That's easy for you to say, Mister Popular," she teased, gesturing behind him. Adam turned to see a small crowd of students staring at him, their curious whispers echoing down the hall before they quickly averted their gazes.
"That doesn't count," Adam mumbled, flustered.
Maddie giggled. "Pretty sure it does. You might even be more popular than Apple and Daring at this rate."
"Apple… she's Snow White's daughter, right? But who's Daring?" Adam asked, recalling bits of their previous conversation but unsure of this new name.
"Daring's one of King Charming's descendants," Cedar explained. "There are three of them, but Daring's next in line to be Prince Charming."
"Ah, a prince," Adam mused, his mind momentarily distracted by the thought.
Raven suddenly spoke up, "Wait, I didn't get my schedule yet!" She glanced around as the last of the fairy godmothers-in-training poofed away.
"Well, that's a bummer," Cedar said with a sympathetic frown. "You'll probably have to get it from your advisor."
"Who's your advisor, anyway?" Maddie asked with curiosity.
Raven sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. "Baba Yaga."
A collective wince rippled through the group.
"Oof. I wouldn't want to be in your glass slippers," Cedar said with a shiver. The mention of the dark sorceress was enough to send a chill through anyone.
Raven's sigh was one of defeat. "It's fine. Just the price you pay for being a dark sorceress, I guess." She stood, preparing to leave, but Adam stepped forward, stopping her before she could go.
"Hey, you gonna be okay? We can come with you, if you want," he offered, his voice soft with concern.
Raven shook her head, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Thanks, but I'll be fine. I can handle it." She gave him a reassuring look before they parted ways, leaving Adam sitting there, his mind still swirling with thoughts of destiny, choice, and the unfairness of it all.
Once Raven was out of sight, Adam felt the air shift. It was the perfect moment to satisfy a curiosity that had been nagging at him since he first met Cedar. He glanced her way, his eyes narrowing in thought before he blurted, "So, Cedar... Can you make your nose grow?"
The sudden question left Cedar stunned. Her mouth hung open, and she blinked at him, utterly perplexed. "What? Wait, huh?" She stammered, trying to process what he'd just asked.
Adam raised his hands apologetically, though the curiosity in his eyes remained. "I just... I've always wanted to see the whole nose-growing thing in action. I mean, if it doesn't bother you, of course," he added quickly. "But, you know, the curse of absolute truth has always fascinated me."
Cedar's wooden face softened as she gave a small, almost bashful smile. "It's not what you think," she began, her tone gentle. "Yes, I inherited my father's curse, but it works a little differently for me."
"Mh-hm, Cedar doesn't do the whole nose-growing thing like her old man!" Maddie chimed in from behind a cup of tea she had somehow acquired, sipping daintily as though they weren't discussing curses.
Cedar nodded, her hands clasping together. "That's right. Instead, I'm cursed to tell the absolute truth, no matter what. If I try to lie, it feels like my throat seizes up, like something's physically stopping me from speaking." Her words were matter-of-fact, but there was a weight behind them — an unspoken frustration with her inability to tell even the smallest of falsehoods.
"Hmm... interesting," Adam murmured, stroking his chin as if pondering some great philosophical question. Then, with a slight shake of his head, he added, "Sorry if I sounded a bit intrusive back there. I'm just... curious. I've only been here for a day or two, and I have so many questions about how things work."
Cedar and Maddie exchanged a glance, both of them nodding in understanding.
"It's okay, we get it," Cedar said kindly, while Maddie smiled and chimed in, "Yeah! You're in a whole new world, after all! I bet you have loads of questions. But how about telling us a bit about yourself? What's your story like?"
Adam scratched the back of his head, chuckling softly. "I guess that's fine... but there's really not much to tell about me." That was a lie, and it almost made him wince at how quickly it had rolled off his tongue. "I'm from a place that's really, really far from here."
"Don't you mean — far, far away?" Maddie interjected, her wide eyes sparkling with innocence as she batted her lashes at him.
Adam shot her a deadpan look. "Moving on..." he said, clearly unimpressed by her attempt at humor, though the corners of his mouth twitched ever so slightly.
He took a deep breath, considering his next words carefully. "I... grew up quickly. Life back home was dangerous — every day was a challenge, and I had to adapt, to survive. My father taught me everything I know, and I took on a lot of responsibility. I — uh, I guess you could say I have other family members too, but it's... complicated." He left out the part about fathering countless children. That was too much information, and he didn't want to come across as completely insane.
He paused, his gaze drifting as memories flickered behind his eyes. "I've lived a long, difficult life. Faced more challenges than I can count, pushed through obstacles I never thought I could overcome. But here I am now, at Ever After High... going to school for what feels like the first time in forever." He let out a chuckle, though the truth of his words lingered heavily.
"And that's about it," Adam finished, his voice quieter now. He glanced over at Cedar and Maddie, wondering how much of his vague explanation they'd grasped.
Cedar's eyes widened, her awe evident. "Wow... your story sounds so much more... hexciting than I imagined."
Maddie nodded enthusiastically. "That's my BFFA for you!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Adam blinked, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Wait, what?! Since when were we BFFAs?"
"Since just now!" Maddie declared triumphantly, throwing her arms around one of his, clinging to him with surprising strength. She stared up into his eyes with a slightly manic grin. "And there's no escaping it!"
Adam stared down at her, bewildered. "Uh... should I be worried?" He glanced over at Cedar, who giggled softly at the scene.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry too much," Cedar said with a smile, though her tone held a hint of amusement. "It's just Maddie being... Maddie. Although, I'd probably lock my door at night if I were you."
Adam narrowed his eyes, giving Cedar a suspicious look. "Noted," he muttered, prying Maddie off his arm with great care, all while trying to keep his cool. He wasn't about to underestimate the daughter of the Mad Hatter.
Before things could escalate further, the bell rang, its chime signaling the end of lunch. Cedar sighed softly. "Well, that's the bell. It was really nice getting to know you, Adam, but I should probably go over my class schedule before I forget everything."
Adam offered her a smile. "Same here, Cedar. We should hang out again soon when we're all free."
"Sounds good! Catch you later!" Cedar waved, her face lighting up as she left the Castleteria, leaving Adam and Maddie behind.
And suddenly, he was alone with Maddie. A small wave of unease crept up his spine, though he wasn't sure why.
"It's been a blast, Adam," Maddie said, a grin tugging at her lips. "But I've gotta meet with some friends. I'd invite you, but I think you've had your fill of Wonderland weirdness for one day."
Adam rolled his eyes. "Gee, what gave that away?" he deadpanned, though the ghost of a smile betrayed his amusement.
Maddie giggled, her laughter like tinkling bells. "You're such a tease! Maybe I'll introduce you to my other wonderlandiful friends next time, but that's a story for next chapter." She spun on her heels, preparing to leave. "See you later, Addy!" she called over her shoulder.
Adam groaned. "I said don't call me that!" But his protest was met only with her playful giggles as she somersaulted away, her whimsical exit leaving a bemused grin on his face.
Normally, someone pushing his buttons like that would infuriate him, but with Maddie... it was different. Her antics were endearing in a way he couldn't quite explain, and he found himself chuckling despite everything. She was chaos wrapped in charm, and as much as she got on his nerves, he couldn't help but like her.
He let out a soft sigh, shaking his head as he stood from the table. "Guess I should head out too. Maybe I'll check out that Music room while I'm at it." With that, he shoved his hands in his pockets and made his way out of the Castleteria, the strange yet uniquely wonderful day still lingering in his mind.
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That's all for now, would be a shame if I kept you all wishing for more.