CHAPTER 01 : THE CRIMSON TYRANT PART 06
NORMAL POV
WOODS BEHIND CAMPUS
After their morning classes the Akari Sisters, Grim, Ace and Deuce met up behind the forest behind the botanical garden. Grim, getting overly eager, is jumping happily as the little monsters sees trees full of chestnuts.
"Waaah!" He cried out happily, "There's so many chestnuts all over the place! It's a forest of all you can eat mont blac… Guugh!"
"It's sooo amazing!" Tsukiko breathed out in awe, "we've never seen these kinds of trees back home."
Grim ran climbed towards one of the trees as he gleefully said while reaching out towards the chestnuts, "Let's get picking… OWWW OW OW!" In his shock of being pricked the little creature slipped off the branch, it was fortunate for Grim that Himari caught him quickly.
"Yeeesh! You okay little furball?" Himari cried out. Grim looked at his aching paw and said in a sorrowful tone, "Fggna! The thorns pricked my paw!"
"You little dolt, of course you would get pricked, can't you see those thorns!" Himari scolded.
"We can't pick them up with our bare hands." Deuce said.
"Yes, it would also be good for us to find tools and a basket or something to put them in." Tsukiko added.
"The botanical garden probably has whatever we need inside." Ace suggested.
"Great let's go take a look then" Himari said still carrying Grim.
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TSUKIKO'S P.O.V.
BOTANICAL GARDEN – TEMPERATE ZONE
"Oooh my… How beautiful…" I breathed out.
This place… I never thought I would ever find a place like this…. So many flowers and plants of various kinds, shapes, and colors. It was hard for me to contain my excitement. I have often only seen these kinds of gardens in pictures and documentaries. To actually come in one… I… I want to dance.
"Wow… it's bigger in here than I thought." Ace said.
"There should be a caretaker of this place," Deuce said, "We should split up and find them."
"I'll go right." Ace said.
"And I'll head left." Deuce said.
"Ok, then I'll head over there," Neesan said pointing towards the direction where the bridge is, "Hoshiko you go there near the east part, while Tsukiko and Grim can go straight to the back. Once we find all that we need let's meet right back here ok."
"Ok," We nodded, and then parted ways.
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While trying to find the tools, I couldn't help but do a little sight-seeing at the same time.
"Oh, Grim…" I said happily, "look at all of these flowers and plants, aren't they beautiful."
"Yeah they sure are." Grim said happily. He then stopped at a plant filled with fruits I have never seen before. "Hey check this out, Tsukiko. There's a bunch of fruits! They smell so good!"
I gasped and quickly scooped him up before he could pluck one off, "No Grim…" I gently scolded, "No swiping!".
I took a step back but then…
"…OOF!"
I quickly jumped in surprise as I realized that I stepped on something, "Eep!" I squeeked out.
"Hey. You've got some nerve stepping on someone's tail without saying anything."
I turned around to see someone standing up from the grassy spot that he was lying on. He was tall with thick long messy brown hair with two braids on either side, I can see also his light-brown lion ears and a thin tail. He has green eyes, with a thin scar going his left eyebrow to his cheek.
Wait… he seems rather familiar… where have I seen him before….
"Are you the caretaker here?" Grim asked, "You seem like an impolite guy…."
"G-Grim, hush!" I stammered looking rather nervous.
The guy looked even more annoyed as he said, "I was right in the middle of a nice nap, then you go and walk all over my tail. This sucks."
"Oh my gosh! I'm so so sorry!" I cried out constantly bowing in apology.
The boy then narrowed his eyes and looked at me as he continued, "You…. Aren't you one of those herbivores that the mirror said can't use magic?"
I looked at him in surprised before I gasped out and realized he was that brown-haired student at the entrance ceremony. "U-um… y-yes that's me… I'mm… Tsukiko Akari, and this is Grim… Nice to meet you…." I said giving a friendly but nervous laugh.
The student raised one eyebrown up as he stared at me, "Hmmm…" he hummed before walking closer to me, (eep… way too close) and started taking two great whiffs near my neck. My face grew even red now as I thought panickly, "Eeep! H-he's smelling me?!"
The man then stepped back as he said, "…Huh?! Strange… back then I couldn't smell a speck of magic from anyone of you… but now… your scent is rather different… interesting…."
I gulped and sweat a bit… I don't really know what scent he is talking about. But something about the way his eyes were looking at me is making me even more nervous. It didn't help looking at those lion features. I began to feel like a prey being eyed by a predator.
"Um… well I'm really sorry again about stepping on your tail, but I think we need to…." I said slowly trying to walk away. All of a sudden he corners me. My back pressed against one of the tropical tree trunks. Both Grim and I looked up nervously as the student towers over us frowning and saying, "I don't feel like taking on an opponent that can't resist. Especially silly girls like you."
I gulped more as I hugged Grim tighter who was shaking and saying, "Man…. Being scrutinized by this guy is making my fur stand on end."
The student leaned closer to me as he continued, "I, Leona, can't allow you to just walk away after stepping on my tail. I was having such a lovely nap and now I'm pissed. I'm just gonna have to take a tooth."
"Eh?!" I gasped in disbelief, I could feel my heart pounding faster and faster.
"Hurry, let's get outta here!" Grim cried out, but I couldn't as fear took hold of me. My legs quivering in fear. I closed my eyes as I could feel him leaning even closer to me.
"Leona!" a voice called out.
"Huh?" Leona said.
My eye's shot up in surprise, even the one called Leona stopped as well. We both turned to see another student approaching us. This student had spiky short dark blond hair and his vest color was the same as Leona's which is yellow. I also could see he has large Hyena ears. "Ah, there you are. It's time for your remedial lessons, y'know" He said. He then stopped and looked at us with a slight surprised expression, before it changed to a sly smirk and asked, "Shishishi, was I interrupting something?"
Leona growled and straighten up while I quickly moved a few steps away from him, all the while still carrying Grim.
"Ugh…." Leona, growled in a lower tone while massaging his scalp, "The annoying one's here."
The newcomer smirked more as he said, "It's cause you keep failing, Leona. If you keep getting held back we're gonna be classmates."
Leona frowned more as what that student said hit him, "Knock it off already. I don't need lectures from you."
"I don't enjoy nagging you," The student said looking now annoyed, "You'd have no prob if you just tried. Whatever, let's go!"
"Tsk!" Leona frowned before turning to glare at me and Grim, I eeped again and gave a slight jump. His green eyes locked onto mine as he said in a warning tone, "Watch out next time you come into my terf… Herbivores." And with that, he turned and left with the other student.
Once we are finally alone, my legs finally gave in and I fell on my knees.
"Whoa! Tsukiko!" Grim cried out looking up at me in concern.
"I-I'm sorry Grim… I hope you're ok…" I said in a weaker tone. I was trying to breath properly and steady my rather rapid speeding heart. That was so nerve wracking.
"FGGNAAH! I-I'm ok… I was sweating bullets! What's with that intimidating caretaker?!"
I sighed and slowly stood up while carrying Grim again as I said to him, "I don't think he's the caretaker. Come on let's go back to the others."
Grim nodded as we both silently head back to our meeting spot.
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NORMAL P.O.V.
"We found a basket of tongs over there!" Ace said showing, Himari and Hoshiko what he found.
"Well, Hoshiko and I found some gloves and a couple of long pruning shears." Himari said cheerfully.
"Well, that's great. Hmm…. I don't see Tsukiko nor Grim. They're not yet … oh wait here they come." Deuce said. The group turned to see Tsukiko and Grim coming towards them.
"Hey, Tsuki-nee… did you and Grim-chan find anything?" Hoshiko asked as the pair got closer.
"O-Oh… um none, s-sorry," Tsukiko said trying hard to keep a cheerful smile.
Himari frowned then approached them. She silently looked at her sister's face and then at Grim before asking, "Did something happened to you two?"
Tsukiko looked at her sister, half wanting to say it was nothing, however she knew it was harder to keep things from her older sister. Especially knowing that her BIG SISTER SENSE is on full alert.
"Well…." Tsukiko started, Grim then cried out, "Oh that's right! The chestnuts! Our tart will get smaller if we don't get a bunch."
"Grim…." Himari said in a warning tone, folding her arms and looking down at the furry monster.
Grim looked up at Himari as he said, "Let's go get our chestnuts and while there, I'll gladly tell you all about our encounter with the caretaker."
Himari looked at Grim before sighing out and said, "fine… let's go. Then tell us what happened ok."
Tsukiko just nodded. Deep down though, she knew very well what will happen next.
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NORMAL POV
WOODS BEHIND CAMPUS
"WHERE IS HE? I'LL KICK HIS ASS!"
"N-Neesan please calm down!"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN CALM DOWN?!" Himari cried out angrily, "NO ONE… AND I MEAN NO ONE THREATENS MY SISTER AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!"
"Hima-nee it's ok… Tsuki-nee's fine." Hoshiko added.
After Grim told the party everything that happened to him and Tsukiko a while ago, Both Ace and Deuce are now holding a furious Himari down, while her other sisters and Grim are trying to calm her down.
"Hoshiko's right, take it easy Hima!" Ace said. He looked at Grim and added, "you know from how you described that guy, there's no way he was the caretaker."
Grim then said, "If I think back, now that I calmed down… the guy was wearing a yellow vest, so he must be from the Banana Dorm."
Hoshiko giggled as she said, "Silly Grim-chan… its SAVANACLAW!"
Deuce sighed out, "Is it just me… or are there a lot of delinquents at Night Raven College?"
"Well, if I ever see him, HE should be the one to watch out." Himari growled before turning to place all her anger out by pruning and cutting the tall chestnuts off the branches.
"Our chestnut pile is pretty big." Ace said cheerfully, looking down at their baskets. "Let's get them back to Trey!"
"Nyahahaha! This tart is gonna be awesome!" Grim cried out gleefully.
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KITCHEN
"Welcome back," Trey greeted them cheerfully. "You picked up quite a bit."
The 5 freshmen and Grim arrived at the school kitched carrying a few large baskets filled with chestnuts.
"Here you go sempai, we collected as much chestnut as you requested." Tsukiko said, placing her basket over the counter.
"With this we can make a huge tart!" Grim exclaimed excitedly.
The green-haired 3rd year nodded as he put on a pair of gloves and said, "Peeling all of this is going to be a challenge but…. Let's get to it."
"All of this?" Deuce groaned as he saw the massive pile they collected, "There's no end in sight…"
"Cheer up, Deuce!" Himari said putting on her gloves, "With all of us working together, we'll be able to finish this in no time!"
"Also Deuce, the best tart must be made with great preparations." Tsukiko said while smiling at the Blue-haired boy.
"Both Himari and Tsukiko are correct. Making sweets is all about preparations." Trey said.
"Yeah yeah we get it! I'm so ready to get this over with!" Ace said impatiently.
Himari just glared at the red-head and shook her head slightly before turning her attention to her task.
It took an hour and with a little help of magic and team effort, all the chestnuts are peeled out.
"Puah! We're finally done with the peeling!" Ace muttered. Both him and Deuce looked rather tired out.
"Ugh… my arms hurt…" Deuce whimpered.
"Well at least we got it done!" Himari sighed out, she had to admit, peeling all those chestnut was rather tiring, but she felt a sense of small pride at what they accomplished.
Trey smiled as he looked at all the peeled chestnuts, "Ha ha. Good Job. Your hard work will make it tastier."
Grim was slouched on the floor looking just as exhausted as the others, "Mmm, I'm full from just the smell."
"So Trey Senpai, what do we need to do next?" Tsukiko asked eagerly? Back in their world, the 2nd sister had already experienced working part-time in a high class bakery. So working in the kitchen was actually Tsukiko's forte'
Trey smiled at Tsukiko's enthusiasm, he then started preparing ingredients while saying, "Well next we mix butter and sugar into the chestnut past… and then add oyster sauce as the secret ingredient."
"…. Eh? " Tsukiko stuttered.
"OYSTER SAUCE?!" Deuce, Ace, Himari and Hoshiko cried out in disbelief.
"Yep. The savoriness of oysters adds depth and richness to the cream." Trey said looking at the schocked group. He then grabbed a bottle that had a labled sticker of a walrus dressed in a suit, top hat, and holding a cane with and some oysters dressed in baby clothes surrounding him happily, "Here's some young oyster sauce with the walrus' seal of excellence. Famous patisseries all use this in their tarts."
"Seriously…." Deuce said in surprise, "that's a pretty salty sauce."
"Well, I didn't know that can be added on sweets?" Himari grimaced as she imagined a spoonful of oyster sauce mixed with a strawberry cake."
"Well…." Tsukiko said looking rather unsure as she said, "vinegar is added to some pastry recipes…"
"Even chocolate gets put in curry all the time…" Ace added, "It might be good."
Trey looks at them for a minute before his face crumples up and starts to laugh, "PPFFTT….. Ahahahahha…. It's a joke. Oyster sauce does not belong in sweets."
Himari, Tsukiko, Grim, and Deuce sighed out in relief while Hoshiko just laughed at the joke. Ace on the other hand did not look amused.
"Screw you! You said it with a straight face!" Ace said.
Trey smiled and added "Haha… if you took a second to think about it, you'd figure it out. Don't just accept things without a healthy amount of scepticism. Better study up."
"This guy looks nice but is pretty good at lying." Grim muttered out.
"Well… you got us there, Sempai." Himari laughed off… she and her sisters really liked Trey… he was like the big brother they never had.
Trey smiled as he looked back at his batter saying, "All right… next we need is the whipped cream…. Huh?!"
"Is something wrong, Trey-nii?" Hoshiko asked.
Trey sighed and shook his head as he said, "You all gathered so many chestnuts that I got ahead of myself and made too much marron paste. Ahh… we don't have enough whipped cream to mix into it."
"I could go out and buy some." Deuce volunteered, "Is it sold at the… school store?"
Trey smiled and said, "You can find anything at that place. So it should be there. Could I ask you to pick up a few other things? 2 cartons of milk, a dozen eggs, aluminum cups and 5 cans of fruit…"
Deuce nodded, he then said, "I don't think I can carry all that alone…." He looked at Tsukiko shyly and asked, "Umm… Tsukiko… would you mind coming with me?"
Tsukiko smiled saying, "No I don't mind at all, besides… It will be good for me to see what they sell there, just in case we need anything later."
"I'm going too!" Grim cried out, jumping straight to Tsukiko's arms. "I'm tired of mixing flour endlessly."
"I wanna come too!" Hoshiko chirped excitedly running to the pair.
"Great!" Himari sighed out in an annoyed tone… "So you guys are making me and Ace do the mixing then?!"
Tsukiko smiled at her older sister before giving a small wave and saying, "we will be back soon, Neesan."
Off the four went towards to school store.
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MR. S' MYSTERY SHOP
"Pardon us…" Deuce said as the 4 entered inside.
The school shop was not something Tsukiko and Hoshiko expected. The interior had all sorts of knick knacks, trinkets and other interesting items and treasures.
"Wow! This place is amazing! I wonder what these are?" Hoshiko squeeled excitedly, while inspecting colorful and glowing bottles.
"There's a crystal skull…. Grimoires…. What kind of taxidermy is this?" Deuce muttered looking around also in great awe.
"Woah!"Grim said looking at a weird shaped rock with a tribal face etched to it. "Do they really sell whip creams here?"
"Hey! My lost little demons, how goes it?"
All four turn to the direction of the voice, behind one of the counters was a lithe young man with magenta eyes, black-and-purple dreads flipped over the right side of his head, and an undercut. He has white skeletal markings painted beneath his eyes, on his neck, on his chest, and on his forearms. There are also white rib markings on the bright purple vest he wears beneath his maroon blazer; this skeletal motif is complete with a small skull affixed to his hat.
"Oh… Good afternoon sir…" Tsukiko greeted along with a polite bow to the man. The man smiled at Tsukiko's manners, continued to say, "Welcome to Mr. S's Mystery Shop. What can I do for you today? A charm for uncharted lands? Mummy of an ancient king? Or how about some cursed tarot cards?"
"Oh… um actually, we like the things written here please." Tsukiko said, handing the shopkeeper the list Trey written down.
"And some cans of tuna!" Grim added eagerly.
"No! We don't need any tuna!" Deuce said to the feline monster.
"What what? Whipped cream, eggs…" The shopkeeper said looking at the list, "Oh! A nice sweet line-up." He looked at Tsukiko and gave a charming wink and smile as he said, "Ok! Coming right up."
"Ooooh… He really has them." Deuce said looking a bit surprised.
"Oooh… Tsuki-nee… Can I get this please?" Hoshiko asked excitedly holding up what looks like a small plush toy of a green ragdoll with stitched mouth mismatched buttoned eyes and one around it's heart. A red collar and a pink bow.
"Maybe next time, ok… let's focus first on buying what we need for now." Tsukiko said gently. Hoshiko puffed her cheeks before sighing out and placed it back on the shelf saying, "Fiiine…"
"Sorry 'bout the wait. It's a bit heavy, you got it?" Mr S. asked bringing with him 3 large grocery bags. He looked at Tsukiko and added, "If you order now… you can get a 1/100 size floating platter to carry your purchases for 30% off."
"What's that? It sounds cool!" Grim said excitedly.
Tsukiko smiled and shook her head politely as she said, "No, but thank you for the offer. Actually I would like to ask if you may have…. Well supplies for feminine needs?"
Mr. S. smiled and gave another friendly wink as he said, "Say no more, sweetheart. The next time you come to order, I'll have what you and your lovely sisters all that you need."
Tsukiko smiled and bowed again saying, "That would be wonderful, thank you."
Deuce, Tsukiko, and Hoshiko each grabbed a bag and headed out, dragging along with them Grim who was complaining about wanting to get more stuff.
"Ok, Ok! Make sure to come by again, my little demons! Bye!" Mr. S waved to them.
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MAIN STREET
"That store was crazy…" Deuce commented.
"I kinda thought it was rather cool…" Hoshiko chirped happily.
"Hmph! Stingy Deuce... Stingy Tsukiko…" Grim grumbled.
"Who are you calling stingy?" Deuce frowned, while Tsukiko just smiled.
Hoshiko giggled and said, "You're lucky Hima-nee isn't here otherwise…. MEGACHOP!"
"FGNAAAH! DON'T REMIND ME!" Grim cried out in fear.
Both girls giggled and Deuce smiled at the little monster's reaction. The blue-haired student stopped and looked at both girls as he said, "Hmmm… Tsukiko… Hoshiko… those bags look pretty heavy."
"We're ok, Deuce." Tsukiko said reassuringly. Deuce then took the 2 bags from the girls as he said, "Here, let me carry them."
"Oh no, Deuce you don't have to…" Tsukiko cried out.
Deuce smiled and said, "It's ok… I'm used to carrying heavy stuff."
With that the girls gave up and walked along with Deuce. Grim climbs on Hoshiko's shoulders.
"Do you usually buy a lot when you go shopping?" Tsukiko asked.
Deuce sighed out saying, "Yeah… my mom always buys more that we need during time sales, and I get stuck carrying the heavy stuff."
"Oh…." Tsukiko said.
Deuce continued, "Since, I'm the only boy it was my job to take care of anything requiring strength…. Ah, my bad. I've been talking about myself."
"Not it's fine…" Tsukiko said while smiling, "I think helping around the house is wonderful… and it really shows how much you care for your mother."
Deuce face turned to sadness and looked down as he said, "… That's not true at all. I always made my mom…OOF!"
"Oh dear Deuce are you all right?" Tsukiko cried out kneeling down to the fallen student.
"AHH! THE EGGS!" Grim cried out.
Before they could turn a corner the group (mostly Deuce)bumped with another student causing him to fall and land on his rear end. Unfortunately, one of the egg cartons fell out of the bag and several of the eggs broke on the ground.
"Shit! Half of the eggs are destroyed!" Deuce cried out in an upset tone. "There's eggs all over the ground and bag!"
"Oh no!" Hoshiko said.
"Hey you! Watch where you're… wait… You're the fools that wrecked the egg in my carbonara earlier."
The group looked to see that the person they bumped into was none other than the same bullies they encountered at the canteen earlier.
"Oh dear." Tsukiko whispered looking even more worried.
"The delinquent's companion approached the group and smirked at them saying, "It's you guys again. You can't catch a break!"
Deuce quickly stood up and placed himself in front of the girls as he glared at his seniors saying, "You were the ones who jumped out from behind the corner. At lunch, it wasn't like you couldn't eat the egg anymore but you still came to pick a fight…Just now, you destroyed half of our eggs."
At that time Grim hopped off Hoshiko's shoulder and landed on Deuce also giving the bullies a challenging glare and said, "Yeah, that's right!"
The First Delinquent frowned more as he said, "And? You saying it's our fault?"
Tsukiko watched along with her younger sister the interaction between Deuce and Grim against the 2 delinquents. She hoped that no fighting will occur, but judging from what's happening, it seems it is exactly what those seniors really wanted.
Deuce continued to glare at the two senior while speaking in a rather calm but firm tone, "Yes. Please pay for the eggs. And please apologize to the chickens, too"
"Huh… Did he just say 'apologize to the chickens too'?" Hoshiko said looking now a bit surprised.
The redhaired bully approached Deuce while still saying in a mocking tone, "Hmmm? You're getting all worked up over eggs."
"Huh?" Deuce asked
"They didn't hit the ground, right? Don't sweat the small stuff." The 1st bully laughed out.
"We saved you the trouble of breaking them."
With that both the seniors laughed at them.
Tsukiko, frowned and was about to step forward and say something when she stops as she saw Deuce mumbled something that sounded like "… to laugh about…"
"Huh?" The bully asked.
"THIS AIN'T SOMETHING TO LAUGH ABOUT! YOU DON'T GET TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR US!" Deuce growled out punching his hand and fist together and giving the most bad-ass look.
Both Girls, Grim and the bullies jumped in utter disbelief at the Blue-haired freshman's outburst.
"D-Deuce..?" Tsukiko stammered nervously.
"Wow… Deucey-kun snapped!" Hoshiko thought.
Deuce stomped forward and grabbed the collar of the Senior while giving him a menancing glare as he continued, "These eggs… instead of becoming a chick… they were gonna make us delicious tart! You get it? HUH!"
"W-What's this guy's problem all of a sudden!?" The second delinquent said looking a bit scared.
"H-How should I know!" The 1st delinquent sputtered while struggling to free himself from Deuce grip.
Deuce eyes narrowed as he growled at his seniors, "If you don't wanna pay for the eggs you broke…. I'll just punch you six times instead."
"WHHAAAA?!" The senior bully cried out.
"GRIT YOUR TEETH, ASSHOLES!" Deuce cried out as he raised his fist ready to strike.
"Eep!" Tsukiko squeeked out. Hoshiko and Grim just watched in utter shock at their friend sudden change in attitude. Now he is beating the crap out of the seniors.
Not being able to bear it anymore, Tsukiko rushed forward and grabbed Deuce's arm crying out, "Deuce! Please stop it! No more!"
Deuce panted heavily, but finally stopped. He continued to glare angrily at the two seniors who were already getting on their feet looking beaten up and scared.
"T-This guy is straight up mad! That wasn't just six hits! Liar!" The 1st delinquent cried out in a terrified voice.
"Let's get the hell outta here! I'm sorry to all chickens!" The other delinquent cried out. With that both bullied turned tail and ran off.
"APOLOGIZE 100 TIMES NEXT TIME YOU EAT EGGS! DUMBASSES!" Deuce roared out in anger.
"DEUCE! PLEASE CALM DOWN! IT'S OVER, YOU WON!" Tsukiko cried out, hugging Deuce arm even tighter as if afraid that if she lets go, he might go after the two.
"Huff… Huff… huff…" Deuce breathing began to slow down, and his face became calmer. His eyes widened as he realized what he has done. When he looked down and seeing Tsukiko holding his arms and looking at him with worried eyes, a brief image of a woman with the same hair and eye colors as him looking at him with tears in her eyes flashed in his mind.
"Ugh!" Deuce cried out as he broke free from Tsukiko's hold and took a few steps away from the girl.
"Deuce… are you ok?" Tsukiko asked gently.
"Man… what's gotten into you?!" Grim cried out.
Deuce looked down on the ground his fists tightening, his eyes closed and face looking greatly ashamed as he muttered out, "…. I-I screwed up…. I vowed that I'd definitely, definitely be an honour student this time….!"
"Deuce…" Tsukiko whispered looking even more concerned now.
"In middle school, all I did was screw around…" Deuce said woefully, "I constantly skipped school and spent all my time getting into fights. I disrespected all my teachers, hung around sketchy upperclassmen and bleached my hair to death. Even ran around all over the place riding a magical wheel."
"So… he was a delinquent himself…" Hoshiko thought.
"I was a terrible person that went as far as to use magic to lord over those who couldn't." Deuce said gritting his teeth in frustration as he remembered his horrible deeds in the past.
"Just now you went full bad boy on those guys!" Grim cried out.
Hoshiko nodded as she said, "Wow… so why the sudden change then?"
Deuce looked at them sadly as he said, "My mom…. One night…. I saw her hiding away in tears as she called my grandma. 'Was the way I raised him wrong? Would it have been better if he had both parents?' She was wrong. Mom never did anything wrong. It was all me!"
Tsukiko looked on at Deuce her eyes full of pity and compassion.
"So when the carriage from Night Raven College came to get me… My mom was so happy and I don't want to make her cry again." Deuce continued, now his eyes slowly starting to water up with tears, "This time, I'm going to be an honour student that my mom can be proud of. Then.. I do this… SHIT!" He closed his eyes and slammed his fists together in pure frustration.
He quickly opened his eyes as he felt warm soft hands gently holding his. He looks to see Tsukiko looking at him and smiling tenderly as she said, "Deuce… it's ok…."
"Tsu-Tsukiko…?" He whispered in surprise.
"You know…" Hoshiko chirped in, "Does being an honour student mean you have to grin and bare everything?"
Deuce looked at Grim and Hoshiko even more surprised.
Grim grinned and raised it's paws as it cried out, "Those delinquents deserved another 10 punches is you ask me! You fought them off before I could, though."
Hoshiko giggled and said, "If Hima-nee was with us, those jerks would probably get more than just punches… so they got off lucky with just you if you ask me!"
Deuce was speechless at first before he smiled at his friend as he whispered, "You guys…." He looked back again at Tsukiko who was still holding his hands and now smiling even brightly as she said, "Honour students get mad, too… So please don't be so hard on yourself, all right."
Deuce smiled even more before both realized they were holding hands, both let go while blushing and laughing nervously. Deuce looked at his companions cheerfully as he said, "Thank you…. Heh heh…. May those baby chicks rest in peace."
"….." Both sisters looked at each other before looking back at Deuce and nervously said,
"W-Well… Deuce…. I'm sorry to say this but… those unfertilized eggs wont become baby chicks…" Tsukiko said.
"…"
"WHAT?! YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME?!" Deuce cried out in utter shock, his voice echoing throughout the vast sky.
:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3:3
So ends another chapter… I may have begun adding shipping scenes with LeonaxTsukiko and DeucexTsukiko… heehehe. I actually took some time to break down the chapters and I realized this arc with reach around 12 chapters. I also need to start working on the animations and new costumes for the girls…. Ahhh… busy busy busy…. Many thanks again to all the love for this story. I am contemplating if I should separate the event art stories from the main 5 chapter stories. I am also eager to try doing the girls the event stories like the ghost marriage, the fairy gala etc…. but will make the final decision once I finished this arc. I am busy already with the illustrations for the comics, so I hope to upload the comics soon by the last weeks of August.
Anyway…till the next chapter. Continue to stay safe!
If you want to check out my DA art here is the link:
lady-storykeeper/gallery/77202339/twisted-wonderland-sun-moon-and-star
you can also check out my YT channel for Fanvideos and Original Art videos:
channel/UCclHDYZeojqxdJ5ZqpkauKw
TWISTED WONDERLAND CHARACTERS AND PLOTS BELONG TO DISNEY, ANIPLEX, and YANA TABOSO
Himari, Tsukiko, and Hoshiko Akari belong to me