CHAPTER 02 : THE REBEL IN THE SAVANNAH PART 04
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TSUKIKO POV
BOTANICAL GARDEN : TEMPERATE ZONE
"Huh? What's that sound?"
I looked around at where the sound of dripping liquid was coming from, but strangely I see nothing there. I looked around quietly before shrugging it off. I then opened the door of the greenhouse and let myself in.
I gazed in awe as I walked inside. It was my 2nd time here but I am still enchanted by this garden's beauty. From where I came from I always wanted to have a garden like this. Unfortunately living in the city, it was hard to find a place as grand as this. Everywhere I look each plant looks as grand and beautiful as the next plant I see.
I couldn't help but give a hearty laugh as I twirled and danced a bit before I calmed myself down. I then took off my school jacket and placed it neatly on a table nearby. I then gave myself a heartly fist pump and exclaimed "All right! Time to get to work."
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NORMAL POV
HALLWAYS
"Uugh… Man I'm so beat! Who knew doing meetings like this can be so tiring." Himari groaned as she stretched her arms high in the air.
The meeting of the Dorm leaders has just finished. Crowley has left already and the rest of the students are heading to their separate destinations.
"I take it this is your first time to be Dorm leader, Himari?" Riddle asked.
"Eh hehehe, yeah." Himari agreed looking slightly embarrassed, "In my world, I don't particularly do well in the academics department… this kind of thing is actually more of Tsukiko's forte'."
Riddle sighed and gave a small laugh. He looked at Himari and said, "Regardless, you impressed me in how you have held yourself there during the meeting in such a dignified manner."
Himari face grew even red as she stammered out, "H-hey… cut it out I feel embarrassed as it is!"
Riddle chuckled once more. Ever since the overblot incident, he began to feel more calm at happy, especially when he is around the Golden-haired sister. In fact he seems to enjoy any moment he spent talking to her. The Heartslabyul dorm leader, couldn't help but ponder over the new found feeling he is experiencing… his thoughts were soon interrupted as his pocket watch began to set off a small alarm.
"Ah, it's already near 4pm. LAWS OF THE QUEEN OF HEARTS # 412 : 'ONE MUST HAVE TEA AND COOKIES AFTER AN OFFICIAL MEETING OF DELEGATES'." Riddle said as he looked at his watch.
Himari blinked before giving a cheery grin and asked, "By any chance, will those cookies be made by Trey?"
"Of course," Riddle replied, "Trey makes excellent desserts and I can't think of no other who can make it as good as he does… H-Hey!?"
Suddenly Riddle gasps in shock as Himari slings her arm on his shoulders as she says in a sing song manner, "Well I do recall Trey often makes too many cookies, so it would be a shame if there were leftovers, so how about it your highness? Maybe I should tag along as well and help you out fulfill your royal duties!"
It was Riddles turn to grow red on the face as he tries to squirm out from the warm embrace of the Akari girl. His stomach began to do summersaults as he gazed deeply into the lovely orange eyes who did not seem to realize how close she was to him.
Riddle quickly composed himself and gently pushed Himari away from him as he mumbled out, "O-of course you are more than welcome to join with me for afternoon tea."
Himari grinned and walked alongside with Riddle whose face is still flushed as he listened to Himari's talk about enjoying Trey's snacks.
Unbeknowing to the pair, three people were silently watching from up above.
"This is rather surprising," Vil said looking rather displeased, "To see the once law abiding, Riddle Rosehearts, become all too friendly with that unruly girl."
"Fufufu," Azul chuckled as he adjusted his glasses, "it would seem these sisters are more than what they appear to be. To think she was able to tame the high strung Heartslabyul Leader, I would love to learn how she did that."
Leona just stared silently at the Golden-haired sister before turning and heading back to his Dorm. His last thoughts were, "Tch… whatever…"
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NORMAL POV
RAMSHACKLE DORM : LOUNGE
"Sigh…. I just don't wanna do anything…."
"Aw cheer up, Grim chan."
"Nothing brings me joy if I can't play magift."
"Mou…."
Hoshiko gave a cute pout before sighing out. She already tried many ways to cheer up Grim but the small feline just slumped down in a depressed state. Suddenly Himari arrived along with Tsukiko.
"We're back!" The elder Akari sister greeted.
"Oh, welcome back sis." Hoshiko greeted cheerfully. "So how was the meeting between the Dorm leaders? What were the other dorm heads like?"
"Well aside from Riddle and that Kalim kid, all the rest of them were stuck up jerks." Himari replied. She then looked down at Grim, as she asked Hoshiko, "Is this furball still bummed out about not being able to participate?"
Hoshiko gave a sad sigh and said, "Yup… he must really want to participate in it soo much, he didn't seem happy to hear that Tsuki-nee was making Tuna pasta later."
Tsukiko and Himari looked at each other and then glanced down at Grim, but before they could say something, the residential Ghost suddenly appeared.
"What's up Grim-y boy?" Asked one of the Ghosts hovering closer to Grim, "What's got your fur in a bunch?"
"He's bummed out because they wont let him play in the Magical shift tournament." Hoshiko chirped looking at the three ghosts.
"Well…. If you wanna play that bad. We'll play against you." Another Ghost said.
"Eh… you three play magift?" Himari asked looking slightly surprised.
"Of course… we were players that drove the crowd wild 90 years ago!" The ghost cackled
"We need a team of seven, right?" Grim asked. He looked at the Akari sisters and added, "Himari might join, but Hoshiko and Tsukiko don't seem to be the athletic type."
"Sorry about it Grim." Tsukiko said apologetically.
"Doesn't matter since it's not official! Lets go." The ghosts then floated out through the walls.
Himari grinned and picked up Grim as she said, "Well you heard them Grim, let's go!"
Grim blinked before giving a wide grin as he cried out, "Oh yeah! Let's go kick some Ghost's butt!"
All three girls and Grim laughed as they head outside.
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NORMAL POV
RAMSHACKLE DORM
"GO HIMANEE! GRIM CHAAN!" Hoshiko cheered excitedly.
"Oh wow…. Are you certain that this is your first time to play Magift? You must be a genius?!" The ghosts gasped out in shock.
After a short explanation and demonstration on how the game is played, Himari and Grim scored more than the 3 ghosts.
"Nyahahaha!" Grim chuckled as he danced cheerily, "Behold this is the awesome might of the Great Grim … and his loyal henchman!"
"HEY QUIT CALLING ME YOUR HENCHMAN YOU LITTLE FURBALL!" Himari growled angrily, but seeing Grim looking all happy and excited, she couldn't help but give out a small smile.
"Hima-nee is really a natural isn't she, sis?" Hoshiko chirped excitedly looking at Tsukiko.
"Yes she is, "Tsukiko agreed, "It's really a pity that they can't participate in the match."
"Hello everyone, are you playing magical shift?"
All the Ramshackle residents turned to see the Headmaster, Dire Crowley observing them in great fascination.
"Ah… it's the Headmaster." Hoshiko chirped waving at the masked man, who waved back.
"Gah… it's the guy that always brings down the room." Grim groaned.
The headmaster then said in a cheerful manner, "I see you both are getting along well with the dorm ghosts. Splendid, splendid."
Grim huffed out as he said, "We are not getting along! What do you want?"
Crowley remained unfazed by Grim's snappy reply as he said, "I have a request to make with all of you. It's not a simple chit-chat so lets go inside."
Himari blinked and looked at the others who also were just as clueless before following the headmaster inside their dorm.
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NORMAL POV
RAMSHACKLE DORM : LOUNGE
"So what's up, headmaster?" Himari asked as she and her sisters sat on the sofa lounge along with Grim who sat on Tsukiko's lap.
"Yeah…" Grim chimed in. "What's this request about? We aren't your handymen anymore y'know."
"Grim hush." Tsukiko gently whispered.
Crowley looked down at the feline monster and said in a condescending tone, "Is that so? I don't remember saying anything about your rooms and board being free of charge?" He dramatically posed as he added, "Labor is a beautiful thing, right, Grim… and my dear ladies…"
"Right" All three Akari sisters agreed. Himari looked away and muttered, "As if we actually have the option to turn him down."
"N-Neesan!" Tsukiko hushed nervously at her elder sister.
Seeing the situation beginning to feel awkward Crowley then coughed as he continued, "Then I will get straight to the point. Recently, there have been an increasing number of students injured in suspicious accidents. I would like the four of you to investigate them."
"Accidents?" Tsukiko asked looking concerned.
"Yes," Crowley sighed out, "Tripping down the stairs, burned by boiling water… The causes vary but in the past several days the number of patients in the infirmary has dramatically increased. Including the person who fell down the stairs this afternoon, that makes 10 people injured."
"That does sound fishy, " Himari said looking just as serious as Crowley.
"I'm glad none of the injuries have been severe but…" Crowley said.
"Aren't they all just clumsy?" Grim asked.
"Grim…." Himari sighed out rubbing the bridge of her nose in irritation.
Crowley continued, "The whole school is giddy for the approaching magical shift tournament, that's true. Even still, there's too many people getting hurt if you look at past years. On top of that, those injured in these accidents were all in the running to be starting members for their dorm's team."
"Huh?" Grim asked.
"Hmm… from the looks of things, these so-called accidents were deliberate." Himari frowned as she crossed her arms, "Someone is definitely targeting these students to prevent them from playing."
"That's horrible!" Tsukiko gasped out.
"A very nice deduction, Ms. Himari." Crowley remarked looking very impressed, "However, I have no evidence to prove it was foul play. All the victims were injured in places with plenty of other people around then. Nevertheless all bystanders had this to say….'They looked like they weren't paying attention'."
"Tch… Sounds like they all just screwed up, there problem solved!" Grim remarked.
"If you ask me… they were probably controlled by someone's magic." Hoshiko chirped.
"My dear Grim, that's quite irresponsible of you. At least the girls are putting more effort in finding the solution than you are." Crowley scolded.
Grim huffed again as he growled out, "It has nothing to do with me. I still can't join magift. Doesn't matter to me what happens to the tournament. Ptooey!"
MEGACHOP
"OUCH! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"
Himari glared at Grim as she said, "You're entitled to be moody and grouchy, but … WE ARE TRYING TO CLEAN UP THE PLACE SO NO SPITTING!"
Hoshiko giggled while Tsukiko just sighed out.
Crowley gave also a sigh as he said in a dramatical tone, "Is that so… I'd thought to give you a tremendous reward for your help but…."
Grim pounced out of Tsukiko's lap and stood in front of the Headmaster as he angrily said, "Hmph! That's not gonna work this time! You'd need at least 100 cans of tuna to buy my help!"
"Then how does this sound?" Crowley said cooly, "You could join the tournament as a player…. Ms. Himari as well."
"HUH!?" Grim cried in disbelief.
"What do you mean?" Himari asked.
"If you can shed light on this series of events, then I shall prepare a way for your dorm to participate as competitors." Crowley offered. "How's that sound? Aren't I just the most gracious ever?"
"Y-You can actually do that?" Himari asked, deep down her heart was going a little giddy beat. The idea that she and Grim could have a chance to play has her feeling excited.
Crowley nodded cheerfully as he continued, "Your gallant figures will be broadcast world wide! And you'll be able to bask in the applause of the coliseum filled to the brim. They'll scream things like 'WOOOH WOO…. HERE COMES THE STAND OUT ROOKIE, GRIM, AND HIMARI AKARI'!"
The small feline's face began to crumble into a great excitement as he cried out, "O-Oh… Oh my…. I can see it happening."
Suddenly Crowley sighed out and sadly said, "But you said that you wouldn't help solve this matter. Unfortunate, but please forget I said anything."
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" Grim cried out, "WE'LL DO IT! WE'LL DEFINITELY DO IT!"
"And he got hooked in…" Himari sighed out, as she slightly shook her head.
"Oh… you will now?" The masked headmaster asked looking down at Grim curiously.
Grim nodded enthusiastically as he said, "Being in the tournament changes everything! Right!"
Himari crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow as she asked, "Umm… hate to be a buzzkill…. But aren't you suppose to have 7 players on the team?"
Grim looked at Himari before gasping out, "YEAH, SHE'S RIGHT! We need 7 teammates, right? How are we gonna find some?"
"Fret not." Crowley replied. "As the headmaster I will perform a magical miracle to supplement the other five people you need."
"HOORAY! YOU GOT A DEAL!" Grim cried out in delight, "Let's go find the culprit!"
"I'm counting on you four!" Crowley said in a sing-song tone.
"Right!" The Akari sisters sighed out
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So hello everyone. Hope you enjoyed the brand new chapter. Apologies that it took a while and it was shorter this time. Work has been hectic especially now I am back in working in the office. Still being cautious and wearing masks. But I want to reassure you all that I am still continuing, it's just at a slower pace.
Also I decided to launch Tsukiko's birthday video before April ends…. So anyone with any questions to add for the birthday episode don't forget to post it to the comments below.
See you all on the next chapter.
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