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chloe-spade · 1 day

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Sour Apple Act One: Someday

The door slammed, its echoes going throughout the castle. Lorelei growled as she whipped the decorated box onto the wall, destroying it, not caring about the blood that dripped onto the ground. She was the Mirror gleam behind her, as she stared.

"Not Epel's heart, I would assume," The Mirror hummed, "Such a shame that your loyal huntsman wasn't so loyal anymore."

"That bastard," She hissed, "To make a fool out of me!"

Lorelei grabbed a candle stick and banged it against the wall, still furious. "He shall rue the day that man decided to make me into a fool. That means suddenly decide to have a heart for that farm boy."

"Oh, you poor soul," The Mirror hummed softly, "I do have answers of where he resides but I do hope you know how to get them."

"Where is he!?" Lorelei demanded, "Mirror, Mirror, hanging like a fly, where does Epel reside?"

The Mirror's image warped to see a small cottage deep in the woods, and the next image showed Epel sleeping peacefully, with animals surrounding him. It made her sick, as that was once her in that position, and now she's here, bitter and angry.

"What do I have to do to keep this status," She sighed, her eyes looking at the Mirror's face, which was now back with a smile, "How do I get rid of Epel, once for all."

"Best to do that yourself, my queen, though you have beauty, you are also very intelligent. I do believe that you have the answers."

Lorelei managed to take a breath and stormed out of the room and onto the highest point where an old alchemist lab was reused by the queen. She only had the night to prepare. She knew it would take all whole night if it meant to get rid of Epel.

🍎

"I worry for Epel now," Vil admitted, looking out the window, deep in the woods. "I hope he's safe out there."

"Oh, mon roi du poison," Rook sighed and looked over. "I believe in Epel's strong wit. I also gave him a proper weapon, hidden within his basket. Now, my poor père."

"Is he still upset?" Vil questioned.

"He keeps thinking that the queen will murder him for his disobeidence," Rook explained. "I do not want to believe him, but my eyes do not lie to the horrors we have seen together."

Vil nodded and still looked out of the window, simply praying for his brother's safety.

"I will make sure he will leave to a place my mother would never find him, but for the time being, we need to find Epel. I want to know if he's safe."

"Tomorrow Morning, my Roi. You deserve the rest." Rook insisted, helping Vil to bed.

Vil nodded and let Rook take him to bed, looking out the window one last time.

🍎

Unaware to many, the cottage deep in the woods belonged to dwarfs. They often lived in solitude, but of course, people know that these dwarfs and let them have their peace.

Every evening was the same, mining after a few moments in tow. They sell jewels for a great profit. They know what they are doing, making sure the jewels are just as authentic for the people.

So, of course, they are at the mines, humming along the echoes of the caves.

🍎

We dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig

In a mine, the whole day through

To dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig

Is what we like to do

🍎

The Dwarves are a pair of seven, each different personality-wise.

Doc was the eldest, but a fun-loving one and the considered group leader. He was known for double-checking for the jewels that could attract anyone, and he made the best inventions to boot, helping them with harder pieces of rocks that a pickaxe couldn't break.

🍎

It ain't no trick to get rich quick

If you dig, dig, dig with a shovel or a pick

🍎

Happy was the happiest dwarf alive, which, in no surprise, is how he got his name. He has a passion for music which makes people smile and is a great salesman, selling jewels ever so easily. He also does some decorations with the jewels for extra profit, and he's well cherished because of it.

Grumpy was the opposite, a ticking time bomb ready to blow if things go wrong. But just because he is named Grumpy does not mean he wasn't rude. He has a soft spot for the others, especially the youngest, Dopey. He is also brutally honest, which many townsfolk have respected as he could say the jewel doesn't fit the person and grabs a better option. Nice guy in his own right.

🍎

In a mine (In a mine)

🍎

Bashful lives off his name, being so incredibly shy. He isn't used to affection so anything nice could make him blush in an instant. But that doesn't stop him from being a good miner, and the one who often protects the mines when everyone else goes to town. He knows how to be brave, just when he's by himself.

Sneezy was a poor soul, he had many allergies that everyone had to make sure that his nose would be hidden so he wouldn't sneeze to high degrees. But other than that, he's very sweet and hardworking and has a great sense of care. He never lets his allergies get him in a bad mood and happily sells jewels despite him.

🍎

Where a million diamonds (Shine)

We dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig

From early morn 'til night

We dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig

Up everything in sight

🍎

Sleepy is the sleepiest person alive. Many are concerned about his actual sleep schedule, all because it's fully booked. Every moment in his life is surrounded by sleep, so he is used to it. His sleepwalking is one of his perks, as he can mine without much of an issue, and helps. So people do leave him alone when he does sleep.

Dopey was practically the baby, the youngest. He is very clumsy but incredibly well-meaning, he never harmed others and is very friendly. But he can be very naive and does harm unintentionally, which brings him down, but he knows that the dwarfs would never be too upset at him and he is internally grateful for them.

🍎

We dig up diamonds by the score

A thousand rubies, sometimes more

Though we don't know what we dig 'em for

We dig, dig, dig-a-dig, dig

🍎

The clock rang as the time hit 8:00, the time to end and go home for the day. Doc turned and grinned, "Another day at the mines."

🍎

Heigh-ho

🍎

The Dwarfs got ready to end the day. Putting the jewels away in carts, bagging the coals for fires, and locking down at the mine for the night. It was the routine and they all knew it as the whistles into the sunset.

🍎

Heigh-ho

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, heigh ho

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho

It's home from work, we go

Heigh-ho

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho

It's home from work, we go

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho

Heigh-ho, hum

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho

🍎

The Whistling stopped as Doc stumbled back in shock, causing everyone to stop along with him.

"Who left the door open?" He questioned, looking at the opened door. "I thought we agreed to lock the door every time we went out. Bashful?"

"D-don't look at me," Bashful gulped, "It wasn't my t-turn. It was G-grumpy's."

"Mine? Oh please, it was Dopey's!"

Everyone looked at Dopey before he whistled in defeat, admitting to his negligence. He knew about the rule but ran after being left behind, forgetting about the door altogether.

"Alright, let's see if anything happened," Doc strategized, "just in case someone decided to steal everything we own."

"I hope not," Sneezy gulped.

The Dwarfs gulped and walked into the house and were surprised to see that nothing was stolen, and the house was clean as diamonds, practically shining. And something was being cooked in their pot, which made them hungry. But who could do this, they pondered.

"Ah, that smelled amazingly," Sneezy sniffled, before pulling away completely, ready to sneeze.

Thank the dwarfs managed to stop him before he made a mess.

"T-thank you," he sighed.

"Should we check upstairs?" Happy recommended.

"Yeah, I wanna go to bed," Sleepy yawned.

"You always want to go to bed," Grumbled Grumpy. "But yeah, we should check upstairs. To see if that thief is still at this house."

The Dwarfs looked at each other one last time and began their travels upstairs, only using a small candle as a light source. As they began to walk forward, snores began to be heard, causing them to step back in fear, even for a moment.

"…Sleeping?" Sneezy gulped.

"Is Sleepy….?" Doc looked back.

"No, it wasn't me," yawned Sleepy. "I wish it were me though."

As they went closer, they saw the light from their bedroom. As they approached, they saw a delicate figure sleeping on the bed, their snores between soft and loud at the same time.

They were mesmerized for a moment.

"A lady?" Happy questioned. "But how did she get here?"

"And why?" Grumpy added, "Did she clean our house?"

"W-well, I bet she did," Bashful nodded. "She does look pretty though."

The figure moved slightly and yawned, causing the dwarfs to back away, hiding when the stranger arose.

"Hmm, how long have I been asleep?" The stranger yawned and looked around, "Must've been a few hours, at least..I hope the soup I made isn't burned."

The stranger looked around and saw an upside flower pot and quickly got up and looked down at the dwarfs they stared for a few moments before the stranger jumped to grab a candlestick ready to attack.

"Woah!Woah!" Grumpy gasped, getting up. "Hey! No need to get defensive, considering you went to our house!"

"…you live here?" The stranger looked at them. "I thought the place was abandoned, considering how disgusting it looked."

"So you did clean it." Doc exclaimed, "Well, I thank you, ma'am. Maybe my cleaning machine went haywire again and didn't clean it. I apperiate you."

"…Ma'am?"

"You are a young lady, are you not?"

The stranger's face went to disgust and rolled their eyes, now muttering to themselves before saying, "I'm a boy. And my..my name's Epel."

"Epel? As in Prince Epel!?" Gasped Sneezy.

"Yes! …And I am…sorry for entering without your permision. I didn't know you guys lived here."

"No worries," Doc smiled, "You did us a favor and we are glad that you seem to be in good condition."

Epel looked down and got up, stretching. "And sorry for attacking you, I got defensive. After what happened today, I've just became cautious,"

"Oh, how about this," Doc comforted, "we eat and we can get to know each other. You are a guest, after all, and we should give you the best hospitaility."

Epel smiles a little, before looking at the dwarfs, "Well, you guys should get ready, and I'll get things started. I would prefer you guys not having coal on you before eating."

Epel walked downstairs, leaving the dwarfs alone. He was happy that he was safe and the dwarfs were nice enough to let him, and that he didn't have to explain himself and his situation….yet.

But he wanted to go further, to escape much more. But he concluded that he managed to find a safe place and without that, he would've been already dead in the woods somewhere.

He started to hum softly, trying to keep his mind clear.

Once he got the bowls, he noticed engraved names on them.

"Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, Sleepy, and Dopey..?" Epel read, confused. "Those are dwarfs' names?"

"Indeed it is!" Doc grinned, "I'm Doc. You can say I run the place."

"Yeah, I suppose so." Epel shrugged, filling the bowls with soup. "You don't mind setting up the table then?"

"Oh, it'll be our pleasure!" Doc beamed, grabbing some of the bowls with his hands and the extra hands exited out of his hat, grabbing some of the others. "Oh, don't mind these, I am an inventor, so these things are natural to me."

"Wow! I never seen that before," Epel's eyes lit up happily. "I mean… I have seen things here and there but never saw them up close."

"Oh, I understand," Doc laughed, setting the table. "Being a prince, you probably haven't seen much sights."

"I have!" Defended Epel, "I just…I didn't see all of things I want to see and now I live in some sort of…fear now."

"Oh, you poor thing. I hope you know that I am here to talk if you need it. You are a guest now, Epel, and I hope we can make it the best."

Epel managed a smile and set the table with forks, spoons, and cups full of water.

The other dwarfs came in, talking and whistling amongst themselves, now happy to have a proper meal after a long day in the mines.

"Thank you very much, Epel," Happy thanked with gratitude. "It looks fantastic."

"I hope I'm not allergic to anything here," Sneezy hoped.

Dopey whistled happily in agreement.

"Thanks," Epel blushed a little, "I just happened to cook with my mother when I was younger and this was a simple recipe I remembered."

"Please, sit down with us," Happy invited.

Epel just sat down and looked at the table, then down at his soup, now nervous.

It's been so long since he had his mother's soup. Especially after his "dethronement", he wasn't able to be…what he used to be. He was just a shell of what he once was. A boy who wanted a loving home to a boy with no home at all, in just a single night. That's why he was happy when Jack offered escape, and he knew he had to be patient until he had to leave.

He should be grateful that he survived at all, and he is. A nice meal in a nice home was something he wanted after so long.

"Oh! How about we dance!" Happy grinned, rushing out of his seat, and grabbing his guitar.

"Really?" Epel questioned.

"Oh, this?" Grumpy groaned, rolling his eyes. "I guess we could. It's a tradition we have, to celebrate with a guest."

"It's a favorite," Sleepy yawned.

"Well, if one shall celebrate, then who am I stop you. Can I?" Epel smiled.

"Of course!"

After dinner, the dwarfs managed to move everything to give the living room an open space and all grabbed some instruments to start. Epel was seated in the audience.

The music began and Happy entered the floor, happy…as his namesake.

🍎

I'd like to dance and tap my feet

But they won't keep in rhythm

You see, I washed them both today

And I can't do nothing with 'em

Ho-hum, the tune is dumb

The words don't mean a thing

Isn't this a silly song

For anyone to sing?

🍎

Epel laughed at the tune as he enjoyed the song.

Bashful was next, being pushed by Happy towards Epel.

"I…" He gulped and hid behind his hat, causing some to laugh. "I…hehe."

Epel laughed a little.

Grumpy, who was managing the organ, bashed the keys, causing some steam loud enough to make Bashful start to sing.

🍎

I chased a polecat up a tree

Way out on upon a limb

And when he got the best of me

I got the worst of him

Ho-hum, the tune is dumb

The words don't mean a thing

Isn't this a silly song

For anyone to sing?

🍎

Epel laughed and started to dance along with him, but was surprised when Dopey appeared, now as tall as him. He and Sneezy, who was underneath, bowed, offering to dance.

"You want to dance?" Epel smiled, "Well, you asked so politely, of couse."

Epel grabbed Dopey's hand and started to do a folk dance he also learned as a young boy, with Sneezy trying to catch up. Epel was slow enough to teach him how and he was unsure how long they danced but it ended once Sneezy, who couldn't hold it in anymore and made a blow out sneezed.

But it made everyone else laugh happily, relaxing on the ground.

"Wow, that was a celebration," Epel laughed, "I never had so much fun like that before, dancing. I used to hate it."

After his mother died, he hated it.

"Well we always celebrate hard." Grumpy groaned.

"We do." Doc agreed.

Epel sighed and looked outside, watching the night sky.

"Do you have a song?" Happy asked Epel.

"Me? Um…do you want me to? I…Maybe I should." Epel considered. "But I should start with a story."

"Really?" Bashful looked up, "We do love stories. Dopey loves them the most."

Dopey nodded rapidly, agreeing with Bashful's claim.

"Once, there was a prince, "Epel started looking back at the night.

"Was the princess you?" Doc asked.

"And she fell in love," Epel continued, now thinking about Jack. "With a handsome prince.."

"Was it hard to do?" Bashful also asked, looking down.

"Well, it was very easy," Epel chuckled and sat down, "Anyone could see that the Prince was charming. The only one for me."

"Was he strong and handsome?" Doc questioned again.

"Was he big and tall?" Sneezy added to the questions.

"There's nobody like him anywhere at all," Epel sighed happily.

"Did he say he loved ya?" wondered Bashful.

"Did he steal a kiss?" Hinted Happy.

🍎

He was so romantic, I could not resist

Someday, my prince will come

Someday, we'll meet again

And away to his castle, we'll go

To be happy forever, I know

🍎

As he sings, his mind wanders off. He was daydreaming about Jack, hoping that one day he would come back and meet up with Epel again. Maybe to even wed, which still worried him but now less.

🍎

We'll find our love anew

Someday, when spring is here

And the birds will sing

And wedding bells will ring

Someday, when my dreams come true

🍎

That night ended with a beautiful tune that filled the woods and wolf ears twitched, hearing it.

"Epel…"

#twisted wonderland #twst #epel felmier #jack howl #rook hunt #vil schoenheit #the seven dwarfs #original characters #original works #sour apple #snow white au #epeljack

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chloe-spade · 2 days

Text

A Rose Sword Act One: The Darkness

Amore and Silver stared at each other and for a moment, the world stopped for them.

"You have my eyes," Amore gasped, "I mean, it's rare. I never seen anyone with that eye color before..I mean, don't you see it?"

"Y-yes," Silver nodded, "I see it. I mean, now I do."

Amore grinned and got up with a smile. "Well, I should thank you for saving me from those pixies! I didn't know about them…like that."

"Well, that's how they are." Silver said, "They love tricking people or pranking humans until they manage to steal something out of them. They're categorized as Trickster Fae."

"Oh? I always heard of Fae," Amore recalled, "but I never seen them before…well, that's because I never left the outskirts of my own cottage. I mean, I have, but not without a guardian to take care of me. Maybe that's why I never saw faes or mythical creatures before."

"Well, I do see that," Silver agreed, "I'm only allowed to go out without a guardian too. I actually did sneak away from my older brother."

"Really?"

"I heard you," Silver confessed, "and your little issue."

"Oh, right." Amore gulped with a small laugh, "I understand. But I do thank you for saving me, uh…I didn't ask for your name, didn't I?'

"It's Silver."

"Oh, like your hair color? Aw, that's adorable,"

"And I'm going to guess this doesn't mean your name is Golden." Silver joked.

"Nope, Amore," he laughed happily, "Though, I do think Golden matched, if I was named after my hair like you. Though, I never see silver hair before. Not in a bad way," Amore gulped in nervousness, "I just think it looks great."

Silver blushes a little and gets up. "Well, I do think I look pretty cool with it. But, we should be going."

Amore nodded in agreement and went to grab his basket but gasped as he realized that it was empty, no more berries to be found.

"Oh no!" Amore whined, "Those Pixies stole all my berries. I wanted to give them to my family for desert."

"Yeah, they do that. How about we find some new ones before I take you home."

"Yes, please."

Amore and Silver spent the next few minutes, finding some replaceable berries for Amore, who was worried about it. But Silver kept a cool head, helping Amore with it.

"So, how come you never left?" Silver asked.

"Hmm? Oh, it was about something about being in the woods being healthy for a young kid lile me," Amore asked, "But it also means I talk to animals, and not people. As if people come into the woods as well. Other than my family, I never had many to talk too."

Silver nodded in agreement.

"Same with me as well, but I am more aware that I think it's because I am human, unlike my family. They were always concerned when I got hurt or if they saw blood on me. It does make me feel small in comparison like I wasn't strong enough to take care of myself. But i train with my father daily, so I am getting stronger."

"But being a human has those disadvenatage."

"It does."

After a bit, they filled the basket full of berries, much to Amore's relief.

"Thank you so much…now I need to go before my uncle Finch atcually sends a search party for me."

Both boys had a small laugh before Amore rushed off as he waved back at Silver, with a grin before disappearing into the darkness, leaving Silver alone.

🌹

Amore panted when he arrived at his cottage. Amoré rushed back and with his luck, it was before the others came back. But sneaking back without being noticed was harder than he planned.

"Amore, where have you been?!" Finch asked, now examining Amore.

"Sorry if I was late, Uncle Finch!" He panted, "I had a good day."

Finch gasped, looking at Amoré's soaked clothes. "What happened to your clothes?! Why are you wet!?"

"I accidentally fell in on my way back! And you won't believe me if I told you that today something extraordinary happened!!"

Finch sighed, "Get some dry clothes on! I don't want you to catch a cold."

Amoré nods happily and walks back into his room.

"Silver…" He whispered, "I hope I can see you again. Maybe someday, when we have time."

⚔️

Silver managed to convince Malleus that he walked off to just see more of the land, so he wasn't so freaked out when Malleus found him.

"I do hope you never do that again," Malleus sighed and started to walk down the path, "But I do understand your curiousity."

"Sorry, Malleus," Silver grinned. "I do have a question."

"Ask,"

"Has there been anyone with the same eyes as I have?" Silver asked.

"Oh, maybe in another land," Malleus asked, "your eyes are extremely rare and that makes you much more special than everyone else. Things like that makes you unique."

"As a human?"

"As a person, Silver. No matter if you were born as a fae or a human, I believe that everyone is special, even some don't see it."

Silver looked up at Malleus and had a sincere happy look.

When entered the cottage path, Malleus stopped and looked down at Silver.

"I can rest here," Silver yawned softly, "I just need a small nap."

"Anything that you wish," Malleus laughed, "I'll see you tomorrow, little one," Malleus said his goodbyes and walked off, leaving Silver to rest again on a tree to doze off.

Silver's slumber didn't last as he heard a crack of a nearby branch. Though sleepy, he looks around for the person who woke him up.

He saw another boy his age, one with animal ears and a tail behind him, and in his arms was some food, mostly sugared bread, surprised to see another kid around the forest.

"Hello," Silver whispered, going over to the boy, "are you ok?"

The boy looked up at him alarmed at Silver's sudden appearance.

"…y-yeah," he answered and looked at him, "what are you doing in the middle of the woods?"

"I live here. And you?"

"This is my not-so-secret spot to eat before I eat dinner." The boy huffed, "It's weird to see someone out here, other than me. Did you sneak out here too?"

"My family lives in a cottage nearby, "Silver explained, "and what's your name?"

The boy looks away, "Ruggie…and yours?"

"Silver. Whatcha got there?"

"Just some food…" Ruggie sits down, "and it's for me to eat."

Silver nods and sits next to him, "Sugared bread?"

"It's good food…want one?" Ruggie took one and handed it to Silver, "…I took a lot so…might be nice to eat with someone else for a change."

Silver smiled and took one, "Thank you," and took a bite.

They ate in comfortable silence for a bit, but they began to talk to each other before the sunset.

"Oh…I lost track of time," Ruggie laughed, "You know, your fun to be around, Silv."

"Silv?"

"Your nickname." Ruggie answered, "You never had a nickname before?"

"U-uh," Silver blushes a little, "…you should come by tomorrow. And bring some food with you?"

Ruggie smiles, "I'll look forward to it! But you might to be patient with me, I do get here late,"

"I don't mind," Silver spoke up, looking back at Ruggie. "I do want to see you again."

Ruggie flashed another smile and walked away.

Silver gets up and walks back to his cottage, thinking about what a day he had before he opened the door and greeted everyone inside.

He just greeted them and walked up into his room, watching the stars appear in the night sky. He wondered how Amore was, being so far from him. Maybe one day, they'll meet again.

🌹

Amore managed a small breath as he walked around a dark path. He was surrounded by darkness, but what scared him was a massive roar and green fire that surrounded him as he tried to run away from the shadow of a dragon that went closer and closer to him.

An evil chuckle was in the background.

It was always like this.

Why did he keep having these nightmares?

He had them after a horrible illness, and they haven't stopped since, and get worse depending on the day. Amoré knew his nightmares had a sinister meaning to them, but he wished he could find out.

A rundown, he was always running from something, something that could only be described as a dragon, fierce and loud, breathing fire towards him as he ran, but he tripped, and the figure of a woman stood before him. She would cackle at Amoré's defenseless body as she slowly spoke, "It is almost time, my child, the time for you to…" And that's when he awakens, shaking and crying. Nothing could stop those horrendous nightmares, not even his caretakers could get rid of them. He walks up to his window and rests his head on the edge, getting annoyed with his nightmares.

Chirp! *

Amore gasped awake again as he saw a bluebird by his window.

He groaned as he got up and opened the window, feeling the fresh air. He very much needed it after such a bad nightmare, which again, is repeated.

The Bird chirped and handed a small paper from his feet onto Amore's hand. He sighed but managed a small smile, taking it.

"Time to write about these dreams again, Silver, I apologize for having nothing else to talk to."

After their meeting, he never saw Silver since but wrote to him very often and he writes back. The main reason for the sudden writing was the fact they lived on opposite sides of the forest and who knows how far they were, how many hours or days? It's one of the many mysteries Amoré wants to solve, but he does know that the enchanted forest is in the center. Amoré smiles and unrolls the letter.

Dear Amoré,

How are things over there? As for over here, things seem as normal as they could be, but Ruggie and I have been hanging out a lot more and getting close.

You probably wouldn't want to hear me ramble about a crush. How about something a little more concerning?

As of late, I've been recently having nightmares, where a dragon of sorts chases me, and at the end, I see a woman, and she says something, but the only words I could remember were "My child, the time for you to die it's near!" and I wish what she meant by it all. Do you have something similar? Please do tell.

With great memories,

Silver

Amoré gasped at the mention of Silver's nightmare, a similar one to his with a different ending. He grabbed a piece of paper and began to write, with only a dim candlelight lighting up the bedroom.

⚔️

Silver woke up with a chirp and watched as his bluebird carefully peeked at his head. "Hmm… morning." He yawned and lifted himself, "Did Amoré write another letter?" He takes the note from the blue bird's neck and begins to read.

Dear Silver, I did have the same dream!

It wasn't a coincidence either but I don't wanna jump to conclusions, especially when my family doesn't know much of you yet.

For me, it was similar, but the woman said to me, "It is almost time, my child, the time for you to…", and that's it!

Could we be having the same dream all this time? And we didn't realize? It's just like our meeting all over again, so much mystery all around me today. But I would love to hear about you and Ruggie soon!

With great love,

Amoré

Silver gets up and begins to get ready for the day. As for when the nightmare starts with him? It started after he was ill, so badly that it almost resulted in death and those nightmares seemed to reflect that.

Was it saying that he was supposed to die of the illness or something else? He always felt an uneasy feeling after he woke up, so he wished he knew why. But today wasn't the day.

He got ready for the day and walked downstairs, meeting with his family, luckily with Wisp making breakfast.

"Good morning," Lilia greeted with a smile until he saw Silver's tired eyes, "Oh, another bad dream?"

"I can't help them, father," Silver yawned, "but they are becoming more normal these past weeks. I hate that I am used to it, but I'm living with it."

"Not once a good dream after your illness?" Pondered Holly, "Do you need something, my dear?"

"No, it'll pass on it's own, I'm sure of it." Silver spoke up.

"Ugh, Lilia," Elva huffed, "I knew that wasn't a good thing for teach Silver, now he's ignoring something as bad as nightmares."

"Hey, Silver decided to listen to me," Lilia pouted, "I only gave him that advice once and once only. It shall not my fault if he follows what I say like it's fact."

"Enough," Wisp laughed, setting down breakfast, "Flapjacks with eggs and bacon with lovely orange juice to start the day."

"Thank you, Aunt Wisp," Silver thanked and started to eat.

🌹

Amore snored at the dining table, as he couldn't sleep after waking up that morning. It was a habit that everyone had figured out by now, and it worried Dew as he shook Amore awake.

"Darling, please don't tell me you had another nightmare and couldn't sleep?" Dew sighed, looking down.

"I'm sorry, father but I couldn't."

"I can see,"

"Oh, I don't know what to do," Amore whimpered, "I tried everything to avoid these nightmares but they always continued and now I can't even sleep because of them. But I want to be happy when I wake up in the morning, but it's hard when you have someone saying that you'll die."

"WHAT!?" gasped Dew.

"Oh, my boy," Lake soothed, holding Amore into a hug, "Dreams have the affect on people. Dreams can do that, regardless if they are good or bad, but it's up to you to change the narritive of a dream to whatever you want it to be. Now, rest up and we will make something delightful for breakfast, just for you."

"Like a berry tart?" Amore yawned. "Flapjacks too?"

"Of course, my dear," Dew smiled, "but please rest for a bit. Sleep and have a beautiful dream."

Amore nodded as Lake settled him onto the couch where he fell asleep.

"That damn witch will continue to upset me, day after day, after day," Dew growled as he begins to cook, "These children do not deserved this from her and look at her, hurting innocent youth just for fun."

"Not purely for fun, Dew," Lake reminded, "it's for revenge. Fae knows that being uninvited is clearly an insult to us. Her being upset is not all that surprising, but cursing mere children is."

"I know, but I come to cherish Amore as my own, so I do have a…obligation to take care of him like you would as a parent. It will break my heart when I have to let him go in the future."

"Oh, Dew, you are such a kind soul and we are lucky for your leadership."

Dew sighed and looked back at the flapjack mix as he slowly began to stir.

⚔️

"More nightmares, Lilia?" Malleus asked, watching Silver training.

"Much more horrid than before, I fear," Lilia answered, "he seems to ignore them but I cannot. The Mistress seemed to be adamant about torturing these boys until their birthday in a few years. I know how she is, she'll be ready when the time stricks, but she must be so bored."

"More unhinged," Malleus answered, "She curses those around her who speak against her. Death, she says, is the ultimate punishment for those who go against her. She always dreams about the day she'll capture and kill you for your betrayal, even mentioning that you loved my mother and her husband?"

Lilia stiffened before sighing, "In a sense, I did. Though rude and unforgivable, she had good qualities that made her lovable. Like her love for you."

"Really?"

"Oh, she adored you since you were still an egg, she didn't care when or how you hatched. She would rather wait patiently than rush you out like The Mistress had planned. Levan, your father, was the same and adored you from the beginning, but something happened and he disappeared. I wish I knew more," Lilia sighed.

"You were the first person to tell me actual things about my mother," Malleus admitted, "Grandmother only spoke of her death and how she was killed by the humans…Silver's real parents, that is."

"Oh, I am so sorry," Lilia managed to speak sadly and looked up at Malleus, "I do want you to know that your parents loved you so much and that love is why you are here today."

"How about you, Lilia? What was your fondest memory?"

"If you wanted me to be honest," Lilia smiles, "it was you hatching in my arms and I just…started bailing, tears just couldn't stop. And everything just stopped for a moment in time."

Malleus felt his eyes tear up at Lilia's sincere answer, watching Lilia reminisce about the memory.

They talked for a while and they didn't even notice Silver sneaking off into the forest.

Once he is there, he sees Ruggie with food like their first meeting. But it was more varied, with donuts, bread, steamed veggies, and meat, all those that Silver knows he stole. It's not something he is not a fan of, but knowing Ruggie's backstory and life, he didn't complain about it.

"Hey, I got some more yummy food," Ruggie grinned as Silver sat down.

"That's great," Silver yawns softly.

"Again?" Ruggie groaned, "Ugh, Silver, these nightmares must be tiring for you for now."

"I am indeed used to it," Silver admitted, "I won't let it bother me and my day, as my father advised." The squirrels rested on Silver's head as he spoke and Silver carefully placed it on his lap. "But I do miss peaceful dreams," Silver looks over at Ruggie, "But I'll be ok, I promise you."

"Eh, I don't know," Ruggie mumbled, "Having nightmares continuously makes me think of childhood. My Gram always told me it means that you can't let go of something. And something is coming soon, like a foreseen prophecy, or premonition."

"Yeah, a woman telling me that I have to die soon was actually chilling and Amoré also has these nightmares."

"Oh yeah," Ruggie messes with the leaves, "That could be something too."

"Enough about me," Silver looks at Ruggie, "how about you? Anything new you would like to tell me?"

Ruggie groaned, "Ok, this is not exactly good news, but still news. So, My Gram caught me again, so she decided to enroll me in knighthood. Against my will."

"Oh? Really?"

"Yes! And it wasn't a massive thing either, but now I'll be supervised and taught some swordsmanship. So… maybe you could teach me?"

Silver looks over in surprise, "M-me?"

"Yeah," Ruggie grinned, "You told me that your father taught you the way of the sword, and maybe I could ask you so I can at least be prepared. Cause, I saw you train today, and you did so amazingly…and it's making me jealous."

Silver blushes and smiles. "Well, you asked nicely, so yes, I'll teach you. But I'm not sure much about the techniques."

"It'll work."

"Let's start with stance.." Silver started.

After what seemed to be hours, Ruggie was on the floor, panting for his life. "I forgot that you were an expert," Ruggie panted, "but that was so exhilarating, and man, you are a good teacher."

Silver helps Ruggie up, "Thank you, but my father actually deserves the praise. All I did was retaught what I learned."

"But the stance and the advice? I'm sure they were your own. And you were so swift and fast." Ruggie stammered. Silver looks down. "Trust me, if you weren't forbidden to leave the forest, I would've took you to the knights so you could show them."

"Ruggie, they're professionals compared to me." Silver looks down, "And look at me, someone not even worth looking at."

Ruggie cleared his throat, "I think I would beg to differ. If you asked me," He looks at Silver, "You're pretty awesome, Silv."

Silver blushes and smiles, "Thank you."

"Now, all of this training is making me starving." Ruggie sat down and held out a donut to Ruggie, "Let's eat already."

Silver took the donut and sat next to Ruggie.

🥀

In the highest tower of the Castle of Blair Valley, The Mistress sneered among the people below.

After all, who wouldn't be when your curse turned over your head, and the princes gone missing for almost sixteen years now? When The Mistress found out she wasn't invited to a christening, one of the Royal family no less, she was furious. After she sacrificed to get Queen Serena to where she was, she was betrayed, to say the least. And before she knew it, she decided to punish the infants that Serena had given birth to mess with the queen. It was nothing more than a petty revenge scheme, and she knows it. But thinking about it gave a slight delight to her face.

But as soon as she found out that the infants had gone missing or taken, she sent goons everywhere to find them, as they were now hidden under her nose. It was clearly a way to save them, a weak attempt, she thought. A weak but efficient way, she could admit as she couldn't find the twins or their caretakers.

"It's been so long," She wallowed, "Was it wrong to curse those who wronged me?" She asked her raven, Scarlett, in such a pitiful tone. "I wish I knew where they have been hiding," she looked down, "then my plan could be a success. A way for little Serena to remember who she betrayed that unfaithful night." She walks back inside, sits on her throne, and looks back at Scarlett, "Is Malleus safe?"

Scarlett nods, ruffling her feathers. "Good, if those humans dare touch my grandson, it'll be over for them as we speak, you do know that, my pet? But alas, simple nightmares will do."

Malleus walked in, looking at his grandmother.

"Oh, my precious grandson," The Mistress cooed, "how was your day?"

"Fairly normal, Grandmother, however the creatures seem stress from the number of humans that come by the forest."

"I figured as such," She sighed, "Have the Tree Golems say anything about them?"

"They are led by a woman."

"Ah, no need to tell me no longer. Tell them to squish her if she ever comes back." Malleus nods, "Do you know her, Grandmother?"

"Just an old friend who tried to hurt me in the past. And has been banned from the forest." Malleus nods and walks away as goons rush in, laughing.

"Oh, hush it!" The Mistress ordered, "Now, tell me, have you found them?"

"No, your evilness, but we are still checking every single house and cottage! And even small cradles!"

The Mistress stopped and laughed, "Did you hear that, my pet? They searched every cradle, they said. They think there's still a baby to look for." Her laughter turned into a growl before she waved her staff, causing lightning, "You fools!!! Now listen to me carefully, find those boys! One with golden hair and one with silver hair! You better not forget it!!"

Malleus stiffened at her orders. He knew who she was looking for and sometimes, he wished for it to be different, but it was an empty promise.

"Grandmother, although I have returned, I request some fresh air?"

"Oh, of course, my dear grandson," The Mistress spoke with a grin, "but please be back before supper."

Malleus nodded and quickly walked outside his kingdom. He knew what he needed to do, but he felt Baal watch him across the gardens, his young grandson accompanying him as per usual.

"Ah, Master Malleus," Baal spoke, bowing to him. "I do not often see you this freaked out."

"Oh, you do not need to worry," Malleus looked and smiled at Sebek, "It is a plesure to see you, Sebek."

"And a pleasure back, your highness," Sebek spoke and bowed.

"What happened?" Baal spoke up, "You look frightened, nearly half to death."

"I am," Malleus spoke then gulped, "I am merely upset. I have a person I want to protect but I have no clue how."

"You know how the queen is," Baal looked up at him, "I understand that you may be uncomfortable with her actions but you have to understand that what she does is for you and all of fae kind."

Malleus looked back and sighed. "I wish you'd understand my plite, Baal."

"Pardon?"

Sebek tilted his head in confusion, but seeing Malleus's sad eyes, he felt sad too.

"Please excuse me."

Malleus rushed away, deeper into the forest until he found himself back at Lilia's cottage again. He wanted it all to go away, his guilt, his involvement, his grandmother's spell. He was young when that happened, and he remembered the spell he created to help the young twins, and now after seeing his grandmother, he had enough. He wanted to help more, to even protect them before their inevitable sleep.

He knocked on the door, watching the stars form above him.

"Yes? Oh, Malleus?" Wisp gasps sofetly, "Oh, please do come in. You look so upset."

"I am, Lady Wisp. I cannot help the guilt I feel," Malleus sighed, "I want to be better than her. She is now someone I cannot recognize, a fae full of hatred. I want to tell everyone to stop searching for them, but they are not my guards, they are my grandmothers."

"Oh, Malleus," Wisp comforted, "you have done well already. You have helped us much more than you know. You saved them from death, and that is something we can appreciate. You did all of this for twins that you barely know from day one, you are protecting them, like a guardian angel."

Malleus finally let those tears fall and felt the warm arms of Wisp around him, clearly not upset at him.

"Thank you, Lady Wisp," he mumbled, "you have the loving heart of a mother."

"Hey, every person deserves that love. You, especially."

"May I see Silver before I leave?"

"Of course, but he is sleeping at the moment. I hope he doesn't have any nightmares tonight."

Malleus nodded and walked up the stairs into his room, watching Silver sleep with a face of discomfort. He knew the nightmare was torturing him again and like what he had done in the past, he decided to do what; was right.

He rested his hand upon Silver's head and whispered, "May the power of the great fae protect you and your twin brother from the horrible nightmares my grandmother has cast upon you. May you be content with your life, don't forget who you love, Silver."

Silver lets out a sigh before smiling in his sleep once more.

Malleus walks away and closes the door, "That should end the endless nightmares now."

And with a proper goodbye, he walks deep into the enchanted forest, figuring out his next plan when the unfortunate day arrives.

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chloe-spade · 2 days

Text

TwstOber Day 26: Alone

"You poor thing... were alone this entire time waiting for someone to truly love you?"

#reblog #twst silver #twst #disney twst #silver vanrouge #silver twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland silver #silver twst #twst diasomnia #twstober #inktober #baby silver

147 notes · View notes

chloe-spade · 3 days

Text

Tangled Up Act One: Finally Free

Silver gasped at the body that just collapsed onto the floor of the tower. He took a breath before looking back at his animal friends and just backed away.

"D-did I…" Silver stammered, "Did I kill him? I hope not.."

Epel scurried into the body and began to tap the face repeatedly until he was stopped by Deuce.

"Yeah, he's dead," Epel confirmed.

"Wait a moment, Epel," Deuce spoke up, looking around the body. "He's breathing! He's alive, just unconscious."

"Wow, Silver knocked out that guy good," Ace chuckled.

"Ace," Silver gulped, "Well….I think so. Otherwise I wouldn't knock him out like that. I hope he's not a criminal, or a thug, or a cannibal." Silver carefully examined the stranger, seeing if he had anything on him, like a weapon, but only a handbag. "What if he's..?"

"Dangerous?"

"Yeah," Ace nodded, "Maybe he has sharp teeth?"

"Should we check for anything else?" Deuce asked, "Like, you know, like your father said?"

"I thought you didn't believe what my father says?" Silver whispered.

"Doesn't mean we should check!" Ace called over, "Like, what if he's a demon!? With sharp teeth!? Or horns!?"

Silver gulped before using the frying pan to carefully tap him. First, he went to the unusual ears that were on top of his head, unfortunately, he couldn't remember what sort of ears they were. Then he went closer, removing some hair from his face, and using the and to reveal sharp teeth, but surprisingly, Silver didn't jump or back up, he was already transfixed by the stranger. It was strange, but Silver felt a…a comforting essence…before the stranger awoke and another wake knocked him unconscious once again.

"We need to do something about this." Silver concluded, lifting the body.

"Well, if the sun's location is telling me, your father is going to be here soon," Deuce informed, "We need to hide that body,"

"Or throw him out of the window?" Epel recommanded.

"No."

Silver nodded and grabbed the body. Many trials and errors began to commence. Firstly, Silver tried to simply put him inside and close the door, but the body collapsed on Silver as soon as he closed the door. He thought the door was strong enough for it, but he was wrong.

"How about… swinging him in? No one gets hurt?" Ace recommended.

Silver groaned and tied the stranger around his hair, climbing onto the boards. He then cleverly used his hair to swing the body inside. Which did work, but the unfortunate payoff was that his hair was now stuck with the body, so that was a fail.

"..this stinks," Silver muttered spitefully, opening the door and letting the body fall, "Let's see if I can find that broom.."

Silver huffed and grabbed the broom from the supply closet, and with a deep breath, grabbed the body and pushed him into the closet, using the broom to officially push him in closing the door and grabbing a nearby chair to keep it shut. He sinks to the floor, panting to himself.

"I got a person..in my closet.." he slowly whispered, getting up, "I got a person in my closet..I got a person in my closet!" Silver grinned in victory, taking the frying pan with pride. "And father says I can't take protect myself. I know how to use a weapon." Silver chuckles to himself, before accidentally hitting himself on the head. ".. Nevermind.."

"Hey! We got the body and that'll change your Father's mind," Ace reassured.

"now let's snoop through his stuff!" Epel suggested happily.

Silver rolled his eyes as he watched Epel scurry inside the bag, now messing around inside it. He walked over and took Epel out, his mouth holding a crumpled paper of the man.

"Moonfang," Silver read aloud, "Bounty for 10,000 dollars if caught. If seen, please contact the royal guard of Sol…so he is a crimanal. But," Silver looked back at Moonfang with a confused look, "he has different ears than this photo."

"Well, still a crimanal."

Silver then pulled out an unfamiliar object to him, but all he could think of was how beautiful it was.

"I don't know but it looks very beautiful," Deuce spoke. Silver takes it and puts it around his arm, thinking about it as an oversized necklace.

"…it's definitely not that." Ace declined.

Silver grabbed it and began to use it as a magnifying glass, but resulted in accidentally hurt his eye due to the light.

"No…" Silver looked at the mirror behind him and looked at the object once again before setting it on top of his head, and it fit perfectly. "Wow, it feels.. perfect," Silver remarked, "Like it was perfectly made for my head. And the colors, they just look so beautiful with my eyes."

"It fits you," Epel complimented, "like it was made for you."

"I don't know. This could fit on anyone's head," Silver sighed, taking off the crown, now noticing the engraved letters. " 'Constant as the Stars above, always know that you are loved', to my beautiful son, Silver."

Silver stared for a moment, "Silver? That's strange…I would've remembered such a thing if it was addressed to me. But my father has raised me all my life. And besides, he threw away all make makeshift crowns after I turned 13, he wouldn't let me keep a real one.."

"…or have the thought to make you one," Epel muttered.

"Epel," Deuce lectured softly.

"Silver!" called out Divus from the ground, "Silver, let down your hair!!"

Silver gasped softly and immediately hid the crown inside a bot and opened the window.

"Oh, sorry for the wait, Father!" Silver called out and started to let down his hair, letting Crewel get on.

"I got a surprise for you, my dear!" He called up with a grin.

"Oh, I have one, myself."

"Oooh, I hope my surprise is bigger!"

Silver rolled his eyes and helped Crewel onto the tower. Crewel gave Silver a big hug in an instant, and Silver watched as Crewel began to present a couple of cupcakes, a few drinks, and a delicious-smelling hazelnut soup.

"Father.."

"Oh, my sweet boy," Crewel grinned, "I am so sorry for our argument, and I wanted to do something. And that I am grateful that you are my son. Surprise!"

"I would like an apology," Silver muttered under his breath but he took a sigh and hugged Crewel. "Thank you, everything looks great. But now, it's time for my surprise!"

Silver went over to the closet, getting ready to grab the chair.

"So, speaking of our argument, you thought I couldn't defend myself, but you are wrong."

"How am I wrong," scoffed Crewel, "I know you can't defend yourself, darling. But I am simply happy being your father and we should eat. We don't want your hazelnut soup to get cold, now do we?"

"Aren't you at least a bit interested?" Silver quipped, "I finally have proof of my worth and you don't want to see it? This is what I've been waiting for and now this is proof I'm ready to be outside with you now, to see the world."

"Silver, we are done talking." Crewel protested.

"Trust me," Silver assured, "Once you see-"

"Enought about the lights, Silver! You are not leaving this tower! EVER!" Crewel exploded.

Silver gasps and grips the chair briefly before removing his hand away and taking a breath. It wasn't the first time Crewel had an outburst, but most were about small things, this was more than a small thing, but he couldn't bring himself to do it after that outburst.

Crewel's face softens before slumping onto the chair, resting his face into his hand.

"Great," he moaned sadly, "now I'm the bad guy."

"N-no," Silver spoke up, "I'm sorry…I should've listened to you. and I should've dropped it. I got overzealous again, I'm so sorry."

"Silver," Crewel sighed, "I was young once, and I wanted to do things that proved that I was a strong man. But I have seen so many horrors in the world, and the world isn't ready for someone who's…has a massive heart like you. I was once that boy, and I could never do that to my own son to the horror."

Silver gulped, and he quietly grabbed a stool and handed the brush to him.

"Oh, I can never stay mad at you." Crewel softly said and began to brush Silver's hair, "You always know how to make me feel better." Silver looks back and smiles, humming his song.

"You know," Silver finally spoke, "I decided what I want for my birthday."

"And what that be, my dear," Crewel whispered, still brushing his hair.

"New paint," Silver suggested, "Especially the ones from that market you talked about all the time. And some new canvases? I ran out of space in the tower."

"Oh, that would be perfect for you," Crewel grinned and kissed his hair. "I would love to see what your creative mind would do next. But, you do know that it takes a week if not longer, depending on the weather. Are you willing to wait a week for me, my dear?"

"Oh, I know," Silver smiles, "I have waited before and I can do it again. I'm strong enough."

"…alright."

After the session, Crewel got up and sighed.

"Then I shall take my leave. The earlier I go, the easier I get to the market."

"Smart as always, Father," Silver complimented, "Let me pack some food for you, all right?" Silver took a basket and filled it with enough food for an entire week or even, considering he filled it up to the brim.

"I'll be back in an week," Crewel repeated, "Shame that I have to miss your birthday. I know it must be painful for me to miss such an importance day."

"It wouldn't be the first," Silver murmured before handing Crewel his basket, "I'll be fine, Father. I can…take care of myself here."

Silver sighs and lets his hair onto the hook, letting it down. "You know I love you so much, my dear," Crewel spoke, walking towards the mirror and grabbing his hair.

"I love you more," Silver spoke, watching Crewel slide his hair down onto the ground.

"I love you most…"

Silver breathlessly watched as Crewel walked away, disappearing into the passageway. But he waited for a few moments before he rushed inside and grabbed the frying pan, looking back at the closet.

"Oh, thank godness," Silver chuckles, "I couldn't wait for him to leave."

"That was a trick!?" gasped Ace.

"Oh, that was nice," Epel chuckled, "You learned a lot from me."

"Wait, so you don't need new paint?" Deuce asked, from his hiding spot.

"Of course not. I have enough to fill up that closet alone." Silver laughs, "It's just a way to get him out so we can do something about this man." Silver opened the closet, letting the stranger fall again.

"That is a good question," Deuce pondered, "What should we do?"

Silver looked around and grabbed the chair that held the closet closed. He started to look at his hair and his eyes lit up for a moment before setting the stranger down on the chair.

"This might take a while."

☀️

Ruggie felt a massive migraine as he opened his eyes. The only thing he could see in his blurry shoes and rope..? Was it rope? As he began to feel consciousness, the rope did not feel like rope, but more like…

"Hair..?" Ruggie whispered, "Is this hair..?"

"Struggling..," stammered a small voice, "Struggling is pointless."

Ruggie's ears twitched as he heard shuffling behind a curtain onto the fireplace. Though still dizzy, he could see a figure, a boy, hiding behind it, and after much looking, he could also see that the hair belonged to the hiding boy.

"Should I be concerned about the hair or the fact you basically kidnapped me and tied me up?" Ruggie questioned, "Because this is certainly something to wake up to." The boy didn't respond, leaving Ruggie to feel awkward.

"Look. I just came up here for hiding and now that I did…" Ruggie trailed off. He watched as the boy jumped down from the fireplace and walked closer to him, giving Ruggie a full glimpse of him, which was why Ruggie trailed off. His violet eyes showed no emotion, being uncharismatically menacing.

"I am not afraid of you." The stranger spoke, holding the frying pan tight in his hand, "I will ask you two questions and you will answer them immeidantly. Who are you and how did you find me?"

"Uh, excuse me?"

"I won't ask again," the stranger hissed, lifting the frying pan, "who are you and how did you find me?" Ruggie gulped and looked up at him.

"I do not know who you are, and I didn't know you would be here," Ruggie asked, "today has been a strange day for me and look, if you let me go, I won't tell anyone about this place. I just need my….satchel?! Hey! Did you take it?! Where is it??"

"I hid it," the stranger answered, puffing his chest in pride.

Ruggie looked around and saw the nearby pot by the stairs, and just deadpanned. After years of thievery, hiding anything in a pot was just trick number one. "It's in that pot isn't it?" That resulted in him being knocked out again.

☀️

"He's good," Ace admitted, "Look, we need to find someplace better." Silver looks over at the tower, finding a new place to hide. He took a look at the broken first step at the stairs and carefully walked to it, lifting it.

"Here is good," Silver whispered, "It's an old hiding spot for all the things I ever painted about the outside. It'll fit here." Silver looks back and puts the suspicious bag inside it, making sure it's hidden from view.

"There! Perfect!" Silver huffed with pride, standing back up. "But how to we wake him up?"

Deuce quipped, "You knocked him out good, Silver."

"I hope I did not kill him…again," Silver gulped and walked by the stranger, lifting his face. "He doesn't look so threatening when you look at him like this. He even seems friendly, if he didn't just intrude on the tower. I mean, what does he want? Does he..know about me? How does he?"

"Then wake him up and find out," Ace suggested.

Epel grinned climbed onto the stranger's shoulder and stuck his tongue in his ear, watching the stranger squirm in panic as he tried to wipe his ear.

"Ugh! Why did he have to lick my ear!"

"Now, it is hidden to wear you cannot find it," Silver spoke up, feeling very brave.

"Clever," the stranger groaned. "I wished this was a dream, but..oh, it's not."

"Now, let's ahve ourselves a civil conversation."

"Civil," the stranger mocked, "you knocked me out, wrapped me into your hair, and knocked me out again because I called you out on your awful hiding skills. You are the…second to last person I would call civil."

"I will knock you out again," Silver threatened.

"Ugh, fine." The stranger groaned, "Look, silver-haired, I am not….woah, woah, put that down," the man tried to move back as Silver raised his pan to protect himself.

"..You know my name..how?" Silver questioned, now more horrified.

"Your name…is Silver? As in the color of your own hair?"

"Yes. What of it?"

"Look, I do not know anything about you or any of this but I can be civil and share my name," he looks back with a smile, "Well, my name is Fang. MoonFang." Silver didn't move a muscle, gripping the frying pan even harder.

"I know who you are," Silver spat, "and I know you are a criminal, as well, but I have no fear."

"Recklessly brave you are," MoonFang chuckled, "and It's been a hard day for me, so I need to leave. So, how about we start with Why am I tied up? Was it because I was trespassing? Most likely that, right? Well, in my defense, this place looked abandoned, and people said that it was and now I know that it's not. And might I say, your tower is incredibly well hidden?"

"I..I have don't have a answer unforunatenly," Silver hesitated for a moment.

"Hmm, then what about the animals? Your pets or something?"

"Who you calling pets?" Epel growled. "Can I knock him out myself?"

"Hah, I like to see you try," MoonFang challenged.

Silver grabbed Epel and glared at MoonFang. "I hope you understand that this isn't your place to mock him. He will do anything to harm you, and if this continues, I won't stop him."

"Wait…you can understand him?" MoonFang gasped, "But you're a human. Humans never understand animals, now beastman are a different story."

"Beastman?"

"….Half man, half any random animal in existence?" MoonFang tried to explain. "Oh wow, you don't know about beastman?"

"I only….Hey! We are getting off topic here!"

Silver raised the pan and lifted MoonFang's head. "What do you want with my hair?"

"Pardon?"

"What do you want with my hair?" Silver repeated, "To cut it?To sell it?"

"Out of the many things I want to do with your hair is to get out of it!" Fang stated.

"Oh, he doesn't want your hair?" Deuce spoke, "Your father's wrong then."

"What?"

"Nevermind that. Hmm, how about we do a trade?" Silver offered, "One where you can't refuse, Fang."

Silver climbs up to the furnace and shows Fang his most recent painting, one that illustrates the stars that have been shown on his birthday every year. With a bated breath, he looks back at MoonFang.

"So, Fang, my offer is more of a trade," Silver explained, "You will take me to where the stars are located on my birthday and once we return, safely, I will give you back your precious satchel and we will pretend that we have never met."

"Stars? Well, first off, those aren't stars, those are lanterns, they appear on the missing prince's birthday,"

"Lost prince?" Silver questioned.

"….have you never left this tower?" MoonFang mumbled to himself. "Uh, yeah, the stars…aren;t stars. They are lanterns, pretty obvious reason you see them every year."

"I knew it," Silver grinned, "Well, then it's settled. You and I will travel to the Kingdom of Sol and see those lanterns up close!"

"Hey! I didn't agree to anything at all! And me and that kingdom are not on good terms, even if I were to be a saint, to bad I am not. Even if it meant not see Azul and that stupid horse again…"

"Heard that," Silver spoke up.

"Well, you can't convince me. The only way is to throw me out of that window and you can't do THAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

Fang found himself now looking down at the ground, screaming. He looked up to see Silver smiling with his hands holding his hair, not even shaking. It was almost a hundred pounds, at best.

"How are you this strong!?" Fang screamed, looking back down at the ground.

"Practice, but if you don't accept my offer, I'm afraid my grip with loosen up and you will onto the ground. Mind you, this is a massive tower, and who knows what'll happen to you when you hit the ground," Silver confidently spoke, "Now, what is your decision?"

"Fine," exasperated Fang as he looked back up, "I'll take you to the lanterns! Just get me back up!"

Silver grinned in victory. "Good choice."

☀️

MoonFang grumbled into himself as he went down to the tower, using the arrows again.

"Oh, please, take your time. We are not on borrowed time or anything."

Silver rolled his eyes, pouted, and gripped his hair as he looked down, his heart pounding. He packed for his journey, food, and extra clothes but he still hesitated as he looked out, his way to freedom just a jump away.

☀️

Look at the world, so close and I'm halfway to it

Look at it all, so big, do I even dare?

Look at me, there at last, I just have to do it

☀️

"Should I?" Silver asked himself, looking in the tower but shaking his head. "No, I'm tired of hiding.."

☀️

Here I go

☀️

Silver looked down at Ace and Epel in his pocket, already tied around Silver's hair for safety.

Silver released his hair into the air and with one jump, Silver was sliding his hair, laughing to himself but he quickly grabbed onto his hair as he looked down at the ground beneath him.

"What's wrong?" Deuce questioned.

"I…I'm…I don't know how to feel," Silver admitted, "This is so new to me.."

"I understand, let me help you."

Deuce reaches his feet wraps around his finger and leads him forward, Silver's feet feeling the grass beneath him for the first time, his breath hitched as he begins to walk around the grass, getting used to the new feeling.

He carefully sank, feeling the grass with his own hands.

☀️

Just smell the grass, the dirt, just like I dreamed they'd be

Just feel that summer breeze, the way it's calling me

For the first time ever, I'm completely free

☀️

Silver laughs as he accidentally walks into the small stream of water and watches how the dandelions fly around him, leading him to the tunnel to his official escape.

His feet only began to move, to start running.

☀️

I could go running and racing and dancing and chasing

And leaping and bounding, hair flying, heart pounding

And splashing and reeling and finally feeling

☀️

Silver walked out and saw the most beautiful sight of a forest, woodland creatures, and a clear sky above as the sun reflected onto him and his hair, finally feeling a new sense of freedom.

☀️

That's when my life begins

☀️

"I did it," Silver gasps to himself, "I did it…I finally did it!" He cheered, "I did it!"

#twisted wonderland #twst #tangled up #tangled au #twst silver #twisted wonderland silver #ruggie bucchi #epel felmier #ace trappola #deuce spade #rugsil #silrug #silver x ruggie #ruggie x silver

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chloe-spade · 3 days

Text

Tangled Up Act One: When Will My Life Begin

Seventeen years have passed since that faithful day and the young boy has become a young man with an open window, looking around. He was playing hide and seek with a lovely chameleon he adopted years prior, and now was looking for him.

The Tower's height never scared him anymore as he used his hair to look around for his friends again. It was a morning activity that was fun and helped Silver relax for the day, as predicted. But that wasn't going to deter him from winning the game.

"It seems like Epel isn't hiding out here," Silver hummed as he entered the tower once again.

He stopped for a moment before using a strand of his hair to pull the camouflaged chameleon from his hiding spot and he giggled. "Gotcha!"

"That's so unfair!" Epel pouted, "You always know to find me."

"What did you expect?" Deuce, a bluebird, questioned. "Silver became an expert after a while."

"He's good," Ace, a red hedgehog, added, "You keep underestimated him, and just because you are a chameleon doesn't mean you can't hide from him."

"But I was actually practicing," Epel groaned again.

Silver laughed again and took Epel into his hands, sitting on the window. "Sorry about that. I just like playing this game in the mornings, helps me wake up as well." He paused for a moment, "Well, is it a two out of three?"

Epel made a sour face in response.

"Ok,ok," Silver relented, "What do you guys want to do?"

"Oh, how about we go outside? Like outside, and I mean, outside this tower." Ace recommended, "I heard the grass is much softer when spring slowly turns into summer and I could smell all the flowers."

"And fly around the blue sky." Deuce chirped.

"And maybe I can actually win at hide and seek," Epel added, "This tower is becoming predictable for hiding spots. I need more space and atmosphere."

"No," Silver objected, "Come on, I like it in here and so do you guys."

"Not really."

"I wouldn't so."

"I hate that place."

Silver rolled his eyes, and lifted Ace and Epel, "For you guys, it's not, but it's nice and homey for me, like Father intended. Now, are you going to help me clean?" Silver smiled and grabbed his broom looked at the clock and watched how the clock struck 7:00.

☀️

7 AM, the usual morning lineup

Start on the chores and sweep 'til the floor's all clean

Polish and wax, do laundry, and mop and shine up

Sweep again and by then it's like 7:15

☀️

Silver sighed as he looked up at the clock, it was exactly 7:15. He was almost exhausted from how fast he worked, but he was done.

"Already?" Ace questioned, "That was fast."

"Time flies when you do chores, I suppose," Silver chuckles, "Let's have some fun."

☀️

And so I'll read a book, or maybe two or three

I'll add a few new paintings to my gallery

I'll play guitar and knit and cook and basically

Just wondering, when will my life begin?

☀️

"Ace, stop," Silver huffs, "They're warm, and you need to wait," he puts down the tray, "I don't want you to have a tummy ache before lunch."

"You also ate all the cookies before everyone else," Deuce added, "which sucks."

"You glutton," Epel scoffed.

"It was good," Ace pouted, "and that means eating cookies as well."

"No fighting," Silver lectured, before he looked above the fireplace and stood back, "Hey, don't you think that looks, uh, bland?"

The Animal Trip looked over at the area and examined it.

"Pretty bland," Ace agreed, "It needs something, like your touch. Like, a…"

"Like, a portrait! Or a beautiful painting." Deuce cheered.

"I even have some ideas!" Epel beamed.

Silver smiles and gets up onto the furnace, Deuce delivers his paints and paintbrush, and he starts to examine and looks around, and starts to paint for a while until lunch begins.

☀️

Then after lunch, it's puzzles and darts and baking

Papier-mâché, a bit of ballet and chess

☀️

"Checkmate," mumbled a dazed Silver, on the floor, wrapped around his hair. But it was worth it to finally beat Deuce in chess, even though he'll bruise later.

"Are you ok!?" Epel gasped in worry.

"I told him that dancing while playing what a bad idea," Deuce sighed. "But he was stubborn."

"..at least he wasn't sleeping," Ace piped up.

☀️

Pottery and ventriloquy, candle-making

Then I'll stretch, maybe sketch

Take a climb, sew a dress

☀️

"I hate this," Ace muttered, "It's tight." He struggled as the dress slowly began to tighten his quills, causing some of the fabric to break apart.

"…well, you are ripping it apart," Deuce muttered, resting on Silver's shoulder.

Silver smiles and looks back at the book, "This is what the book says. And it looks nice, and I made sure it'll be good for you."

Epel laughs, "It's nice and funny. And I think it fits you so well."

Ace pouted, looking down, "Stop it…this was embarrassing. Why couldn't Epel wear this?"

"He knows that if he were to touch me, I'm about to bite him," Epel answered with pride.

Silver watched and yawned, having a feeling of a more boring day. He walks upstairs, grabs the books rests on his bed, and yawns once more, looking down at the books with boredom, already prepared to reread everything.

☀️

And I'll reread the books if I have time to spare

I'll paint the walls some more, I'm sure there's a room somewhere

And then I'll brush and brush and brush and brush my hair

Stuck in the same place I've always been

☀️

"Thank you," Silver took the brush from Deuce and sighed, "You guys are right. Outside would be much more fun than all of this. It's got so tiring, being here all day. And with everything here all at once, I need something new, and I want that."

☀️

And I'll keep wonderin' and wonderin'

And wonderin' and wonderin'

When will my life begin?

☀️

Silver climbs down walks over to the window and looks up at the sky, watching the sky filled with different stars above, whenever his birthday comes. He wants to feel it. Feel the fire within the lanterns and feel the breeze that'll allow them to be carried to the heavens.

☀️

Tomorrow night, lights will appear

Just like they do on my birthday each year

☀️

Silver slowly began to paint himself with his new painting, watching the strange stars from beyond the trees and wishing to be there with his friends and his father, enjoying his birthday. The one wish he always wanted to ask every year and he concluded that it was that year he won't hesitate.

☀️

What is it like out there where they glow?

Now that I'm older, Father might just let me go

☀️

Silver sighed as he rested on the window again, but with a more somber face than his previous happiness from earlier. To think he would laugh his friends off about how boring the tower was but now he sees it, feels it, and hates it. He just sighed sadly again, looking up.

Deuce, Epel, and Ace go over to Silver and begin to comfort him, by nuzzling him.

"Hey, it'll be alright," Ace spoke, "maybe this year, he'll stop treating you like a prisoner and let you go."

"Maybe," Silver agreed, "but I know my father. No matter what I said, it would be told on deaf ears. Like last year, and the many years before that."

"Silver, know that you'll get your wish, and we'll be right here beside you, watching those lanterns fly up into the sky." Silver giggles softly and pets Deuce's feathers.

"Hey, I'll be fine," Silver yawned and walked away to his bedroom, "I'll ask him soon…I promise."

He entered his room, looking at the paintings he made when his hair was long enough too. He lay down on his bed, looking up at them before he felt his eyes gotten heavy. He hums and slowly falls asleep, using his hair as a soft blanket, as he tends to do.

"He's been up here for years," Deuce mourned, "I hope he can finally walk on the grass and have fun." He nuzzles Silver's head, "It'll be better than just being cooped up in here."

"Yeah," Ace groaned, "He's so…I don't want to say this but he's pretty clueless about the world. I mean, he didn't know what I was when we met, and he called me a small mini dog, with spikes."

Epel chuckled, "He was only 7, Ace, but it did cement his living situation. Now, come on, we should rest before Crewel comes back." They walk over and carefully rest themselves within Silver's hair and slowly drift to sleep, enjoying the soft hair.

☀

The Kingdom of Sol was not so far, especially to an outsider. With King Lilia in charge, the kingdom is a thriving location with every celebration becoming a long-awaited tradition that everyone knows of.

Another known thing was the thieves.

Three wanted thieves were now on top of the kingdom, ready to go one of the most horrendous crimes of all time.

"Look at the view," Fang hummed, "I could never get old of it."

"Indeed, but we have a job to do," Jade reminded, pulling Fang towards an open window that Floyd had opened, "and don't forget, you owe Azul after that horrendous stunt of yours. It was either this or your tongue."

Fang groaned, "I get it, I get it."

Fanf was a thief, a thief who accidentally stole from Azul Ashengrotto, a man who works for himself, and now has to repay his new debt, the only thing he could steal is the kingdom crown, and it was either his own life or a luxury he could steal.

Many do not know much about Fang, the other being known as the Beastman. He wasn't feared, per se. Just wanted since childhood to steal anything he could eat, wear, and steal. He was caught occasionally, but he had some small allies that always got him out.

"Don't worry," Floyd giggled, "if this is valuable to repay your debt, then you steal it. It's quite simple."

Fang huffs and wraps himself with a rope, "You doubt me?"

Jade and Floyd roll their eyes and begin to move Ruggie down into the crown room. Fang carefully looks around to make sure the guards are around the crown, making sure that nobody comes in or out. The crown sits ideally onto a special case, with the name "Silver" engraved on the podium it remained on, and looks like it hasn't been touched in years, well, until Fang's hand grabbed and stuffed it into his satchel.

He didn't know why Azul wanted such a remarkable yet clearly sentimental item. Fang was appalled when he was told about the job and almost got his tongue ripped out. He was a thief, but he was not low enough to steal something that meant so much. But he had to do it, regardless of his feelings.

He almost jumped as a guard sneezed.

"Ah, spring fever, right?" Fang teased.

"Y-yeah, not the best at the mom-," The guard answered before quickly turning around, locking eyes with Fang.

It was only a moment before his spear almost gutted Fang, and the thing that saved him was a quick pull from the twins.

Fang laughed as he landed on the castle roof, with glares from Jade but a giddy smile from Floyd.

"Was that really necessary?" Jade sighed as they began to climb down.

"Who cares! It was fun, almost seeing Fangy getting gutted," Floyd added with a laugh.

"Guys!" Fang laughed, "Sneaked into the castle, through the guards, and stole the most valuable item all in one morning, and if that doesn't tell you that this was going to be a great day, then you'll be extremely wrong! This just become a very great day!"

☀️

"Today's the day," Silver announced, "Today's the day I'm going to ask him."

"Finally," Ace groaned, "you've been cooped here for years, and now's the day you asked. But I have a bad feeling about this."

"How so?" Questioned Silver, putting away his art supplies, "I think now that I'm older, he's bound to be more understanding. I'm almost 18 years old, and I'm strong and responsible enough to help out."

"We know," Deuce chuckled, "We watched how you trained for this day."

"All the bruises and splinters are all worth it, "Silver smiles and carefully set the paintbrushes down, "I'm excited, and I'm so prepared for this, but I have to be very convincing/"

"Have you practiced in the mirror?" Epel asked.

"Of course I have, not that it works as my impression of Father is not the greatest." Silver admitted. "But I know what to say and what to do and if things do go south, I know how to distract him."

"Silver!" A man called from below, "My little flower!"

Silver gasped and helped the animals behind the curtains. "Ok, just stay here. I got this…just pray for me."

"Our little paws are crossed." Epel whispered as Silver walked away.

"Silver, I'm not getting younger down here," Silver's Father, Crewel announced, fixing his hair. Silver peaks out and quickly set his hair on the small hook and released his hair, watching it fly down onto the ground, easily for Crewel to grab it and use it as a rope, Silver pulled it with all his strength, raising Crewel to the top of the tower's window. Silver helps Crewel inside takes his cape, and proceeds to hang it on the nearby hanger.

"Oh, Silver," Crewel cooed, cupping Silver's cheeks, "how could you do that without fainting? It must've been so tiring for such a delicate flower such as yourself."

Silver chuckled, "I know but I'm used to it, and besides, it makes me stronger every day." Crewel smiles and pats Silver's head.

"That's why I'm so proud of you," He laughed, "such a cute young boy."

"Not that young," Silver protested.

"Tomoto, Tomato," Crewel laughed, smelling the air. "Oh! What delicacy you baked today?"

"Oh, the usual, chocolate chip cookies."

Silver answered, set down his stool, and gave Crewel his brush. He sits down and gives Crewel his hair to brush. Silver begins to hum, but unknowingly to him, he is humming so fast that the magic of his hair comes and goes within a few seconds. That caused a small panic in Crewel as he brushed quickly and gasped as the magic surrounded him.

"Silver," Crewel lectured, "What has gotten into you? That was…oddly fast. What's the deal?" Silver flushes a little, and looks over at the hidden painting, watching Ace, Epel, and Deuce egged him on.

"Well, I was just excited about something."

"Hmm, what about?"

"Well, my birthday, Father," Silver spoke up, "Um…we both know that my birthday is tomorrow, and I have one massive request that would make me very happy."

"Other than the paints, sewing supplies, hair supplies, gardening supplies, and the newest brush after you broke your old one?" Crewel teased and laughed. "Aw, don't worry, if its for my sweet little flower, anything."

Silver took a breath and said, "I want to see the floating lights…"

"Floating lights?"

"….ah, well, I could be more specific." Silver stammered, "I want to see the floating lights that I see every night on my birthday. And I mean, by seeing them, not just from the tower, but outside. Out there, and I know you think I'm not ready for it, but I know I'm ready."

Crewel's eyes darkened for a moment, but kept a kind smile, "You mean those bright stars?"

Silver sighs, "They're not stars, Father."

He climbed up and showed Crewel a star diagram he created years prior, causing a small gasp from Crewel. "I recorded every moment of star movements depending on the year, but these stars only appeared on my birthday as dusk appeared, it's a repeating pattern and I know that." Silver climbs down and shows his newest painting, which surprised Crewel again, "All I'm asking is for this one day to see these in person and that it'll make my life complete."

Crewel was silent for a moment, before sighing. "I understand you, I truly do," he stood up and asked Silver to get down to stroke his hair, "You are already capable but…you want to go outside? Why, Silver."

Crewel chuckled before walking towards the window and closing the doors.

"Look at you, as fragile as a flower. Just a little sapling, just a sprout. You know why we stay up in this tower?"

"Yes, I do, but," Silver began but was interrupted.

☀️

That's right, to keep you safe and sound, dear

I always knew this day was coming

Knew that soon you'd want to leave the nest

Soon, but not yet

☀️

"But—," Silver protested but was interrupted by his father again, finger on his lips.

☀️

Shh! Trust me, pup

Father knows best

☀️

A hip to the tower and the smallest window close, leaving the tower dark but Silver was prepared as he prepared a candle to look around for Crewel but didn't expect a scare from him as he looked. He was now annoyed but kept his composure.

☀️

Father knows best, listen to your father

It's a scary world out there

Father knows best, one way or another

Something will go wrong, I swear

☀️

Silver wasn't exactly convinced, especially when Crewel had to grab his hair to cast an illusion of a thief, trying to steal his hair, that was until he tripped onto the floor and all spooky shadows of things he should fear. It even ended with a crude shadow of a man, ready to grab if it wasn't for Silver's quick reflexes.

☀️

Ruffians, thugs, poison ivy, quicksand

Cannibals and snakes

The plague

☀️

"Wait no!" Silver gasped.

"Yes!" Crewel cackled, shining the green light onto Silver's face.

"Father, please-," Silver begged, only to be pushed onto the floor by a mop, and face to face with a horrible painting of a shared tooth man.

☀️

Also large bugs

People with pointy teeth, and

Stop, no more, you'll just upset me

☀️

Silver sighs and looks around for his father again. He sees Crewel and walks toward him, but once he does, it is just a mannequin. Silver frowns and looks back at the stairs, lights leading up and Crewel walking down with a smirk.

☀️

Father's right here, Father will protect you

Darling, here's what I suggest

Skip the drama, stay with Papa

Father knows best

☀️

"Father, I think you overreacting," Silver groaned, "I am fully aware of those horrible things. I am not stupid, nor naive."

☀️

Go ahead, get trampled by a rhino

Go ahead, get mugged, and left for dead ("Father, enough..")

Me, I'm just your father, what do I know?

I only bathed and changed and nursed you

Go ahead and leave me, I deserve it

Let me die alone here, go on be my guest ("You are pushing it, Father,")

When it's too late, you'll see, just wait

Father knows best

☀️

Silver gasped as he looked up again, and Crewel was gone, only the scent of the candle wax by the stairs. Silver sighs grabs a match and starts to light the candles again, completely unaware that Crewel was putting them out simply with his fingers.

☀️

Father knows best, take it from your popsy

On your own, you won't survive

☀️

A mirror appeared in front of Silver, and Crewel appeared on its side, looking Silver up and down as if he was judging him up and down, which in hindsight, is not a great move.

☀️

Your sloppy, underdressed, immature, clumsy

Please, they'll eat you up alive

☀️

Crewel grabbed Silver and started to wrap his hair all around him, causing Silver to become entrapped, muffling towards his Father to let him out, with Crewel laughing.

☀️

Gullible, naïve, positively grubby

Ditzy and a bit, well, hmm, vague

Plus, I believe, gettin' kinda chubby

☀️

That was until he flung Silver like he was a spinning top toy, which annoyed Silver as Crewel grabbed his chin, so they met eye to eye. "You are not…," Silver whispers, trying to hide his nausea, "…funny.."

☀️

I'm just saying 'cause I love you

Father understands, Father's here to help you

All I have is one request

☀️

Silver finally loses his balance and lands in Crewel's arms, feeling Crewel comforting him.

"Silver?" Crewel spoke softly towards him.

"What is it?" Silver groaned, looking up.

"Don't ever ask to leave this tower again," Crewel demanded, his grip becoming tight around Silver's shoulder.

"Yes, Father…" Silver finally yielded.

"I love you very much, my child," Crewel cooed.

"I love you more."

"I love you most."Crewel grinned and kissed Silver's hair, his hand now caressing it.

☀️

Don't forget it, you'll regret it

Father knows best

☀️

Silver didn't know what to say after that conversation after all that had happened, so instead, he went to his room to get his mind off it.

"Maybe Father is right," he spoke to himself, looking at the mirror, questioning if he was even ready to go out of the old tower, a place that he lived in for so many years. "Maybe I'm asking for too much from him…" He sighs, lying down on his bed.

☀️

I've got my Father's love

I shouldn't ask for more

I've got so many things

I should be thankful for

Yes, I have everything

Except I guess, a door

Perhaps it's better that I stay in

But tell me, when will my life begin?

☀️

"Silver," Crewel called out, "I'm ready to leave again," He announced, getting ready. Silver takes a small breath and walks downstairs, trying his best to look unaffected by Crewel's cruel words, and grabs his hair to let down.

Crewel frowns and hugs Silver, "Oh, don't be like that, my flower, I know what I was was horrible but I need you to know that I'm worried about you."

"I-I know," Silver stammered softly, and started to let his hair down.

Crewel sighs and looks at Silver again. "I never meant to hurt you, my flower, but this world is not ready for someone as extraordinary as you or your hair." He grabbed onto the hair, "I'll be back, ok? I love you, my dear."

"I love you too," Silver mumbled softly.

"No more mumbling," Crewel managed to say before sliding down. As he departed down, he called out, "I'll be back with lunch!"

Silver watched him walk away before letting his hair down and mumbling, "I'll be here."

Silver noticed Deuce on his shoulder and sighed, "I'm sorry. I thought I could convince him, and I just froze up. Like I always do."

"I wouldn't blame ya," Epel talked, climbing onto the window. "Your father seems very mean."

"No, he isn't. He's just…overprotective." Silver defended, "…I hope he's wrong. Maybe I still have a chance."

☀️

Despite running what felt like an eternity, the royal guards are still right on their trail. "Jade, can we do something about these annoying guards," Floyd said, annoyed that he was running away from them instead of doing the chasing. "I just want to squeeze them now."

"As much I want to say yes, we are unfortunately outnumbered," Jade responded, sounding extremely out of breath.

They hear the stomping of the guards' horses getting close, and they all quickly run to the left and hide in the thick brush of the forest. They finally were able to breathe for a moment, just as long they didn't give their location away.

"Okay, once the coast is clear we'll take the long way back," Ruggie whispers to the twins.

"What? I don't want to do that," Floyd answered, "this mission was incredibly boring from the start."

"It's either we have a long walk or get captured."

Their short conversation ended when they heard a horse's whale coming right for them. And as the thieves got out of their hiding spot, a large horse destroyed the bush. Looking more furious than the captain himself "I found them!" The apparent captain shouted, alerting the rest of his team.

Once again, Ruggie and the twins begin to run away. While he and Floyd throw many insults at the guards. They ran farther and farther into the woods, able to lose most of the guards but some were very close by. They were able to stop once again, this time behind oak trees, with some old and withered, wanted posters, of them.

"I didn't expect to see these far out here," Jade remakes.

"I guess it shows how popular we have gotten over the last few months," Floyd responded, somewhat admiring the well-drawn wanted papers.

"Azul better keeps his end of the bargain of his deal, because I'm not going to die over some stupid crown," Ruggie mumbled to himself. "Well that's what you get when you try to steal something from him," Jade said with a smug look on his face.

Before stealing the royal crown, Ruggie was already in hot water when he decided to steal a valuable item from Azul. For him not to get squeezed to death by Floyd, Azul offered him a deal.

"If you want to live for another day, you would have to steal the lost prince's crown, after all, a lot of people are willing to buy it at a high price," Azul told him those few days ago, which at that point Ruggie is starting to wish he didn't take the offer. Ruggie hopes that Azul might be generous enough to lend him some of that money after he's risking his life for this act of service. As they pay attention to their surroundings, Ruggie notices his wanted poster…and gets irritated seeing it.

"Oh come on you got to be kidding me," he spoke, ripping off the poster from the tree.

"What is it, Fang," Floyd asked.

"…they got my ears wrong again." Ruggie showed the twins the poster, showing them a drawn picture of himself, only that his ears looked more like cat ears than his hyena ones. "Are they that hard to even draw them?" Ruggie asked, offended by this discovery.

"I'm rather surprised that finally made you upset, you did have to deal with my brother for the past 24 hours and he didn't make you this annoyed," Jade spoke.

"Compared to your guy's wanted poster it looks fantastic, and then there's mine, they always mess up the ears."

That's when the conversation stopped once more, as they heard the familiar voices of the guards, they all stood low and quickly moved. That's when the three reach a large piece of earth, blocking off their path.

"Well crap," Floyd spoke. "It's best that we think of a plan now before the guards catch up," Jade informed. Ruggie noticed this little cliff was much taller than the twins and himself, but not too tall to lift someone over.

"Okay, I have an idea," Ruggie said. "Are we going to lift someone up?" Floyd asked.

"Glad you caught on," Ruggie stated, "since you two are tall enough, you can help me get over the ledge and I could lift you two up with me." The twins looked at each other, suspicious about Ruggie's idea, but since they had no choice they had to do it.

"Alright, just give us the satchel first," Jade spoke.

"Really?"

"Just because we've known you for a few days doesn't mean we trust you, so you can either hand it over or we make you lift the both of us." Jade threatened with a calm smile.

Ruggie sighed and handed over the satchel, and they quickly made a human tower, Floyd being the support while Jade lifted Ruggie over. Once done, Ruggie looks down, seeing his teammates.

"Alright, pull me up," Jade spoke "I would, but I got my hands full."

"What-" Ruggie showed the satchel, the strap cut and him holding a small dagger along with it.

"Since I have a sneaky feeling that Azul is going to cheat his way out of the bargain, I wanted to do it first," Ruggie stated getting up quickly.

"Why you little-"

"Tell Azul I said thanks for your guy's volunteer work."

With that, Ruggie began to run off, hearing the twins cursing him out, slowly fading away when he got deeper into the woods.

But unfortunately for him, he was still being followed by one of the guards. "And here I thought I was going to get a break," he thought to himself when he heard the cries of the royal guard's horse. Ruggie had to be quick to get this guard off his trail, so he decided to go under steep hills, and duck under some branches while avoiding the many arrows that were trying to hit him.

That's when he saw a perfect opportunity, not only there was another hill to go down but some tree branches were low enough for him to grab on. As he runs towards it, he gets his momentum ready and focuses. Right before going down the hill, he jumps onto the branch, with his speed as well he swings around the branch and surprises the unexpected guard. Kicking behind the head was enough for him to fall off his horse, who ran down the hill in the meantime. But stopped when it noticed his owner fell off. Ruggie lands and is shocked and dizzy.

"I didn't expect that to work but man, that was incredible." Before he could do anything else, he realized that not only did he recognize the horse from earlier, but it stopped in his tracks, turned, and glared at him.

"What are waiting for?" Ruggie asked, then grabbed the reigns, "Let's go!"

The horse continued to glare but his eyes slowly drifted to the bag knowing that the stolen crown was hidden in it. He went to snatch it but was pulled away from Ruggie.

"No. This is mine." Ruggie laughs, "It's not nice to steal from- Hey!!"

The horse took another snap at Ruggie's bag, which began a struggle between the two, pulling the satchel back and forth and it seemed like the horse was winning, the unfortunate enemies anciently let their guard down as the satchel was flung to a nearby tree branch over a cliff. Both stare at each other as if to keep an eye on the other.

Ruggie looks over at the horse before jumping off and sprinting towards the satchel, the horse following suit. This was now a war between the hyena and the horse as they pushed, pulled, punched, tripped, and kicked to prevent the other from going near the satchel. The horse had the upper hand, pushing Ruggie off the branch, but backfired as Ruggie grabbed onto the log with strength.

Ruggie gripped the tree log for dear life. The growl from the horse informed Ruggie that he shouldn't be there for long, so like a little bug, he scurried, also trying to avoid the horse stomping his hooves to purposely break his hands while he climbed.

"This is such a weird day!" Ruggie called out to the horse, "I just wanted to get rich and now I'm trying to escape a horse. Today is not my day."

Ruggie took the satchel in his hands, having a mere moment of victory, only moving to take the satchel away from the horse. A small creek was heard, as the branch slowly tumbled down due to the two fighting and the extra weight they brought. Both stood still, hoping if they stood still, the branch would not break.

But it was false hope as the branch snapped and fell. The enemies looked at each other before screaming as they tumbled down the cliff. A rock broke the branch, separating the two. The horse immediately got back up after he tumbled, looking for Ruggie, and sniffing the area for him.

Unaware of the horse, Ruggie hid behind a boulder, big enough to hide his small form.

Ruggie panted, only hearing faint sounds of the horse walking past, before accidentally falling through the vines behind him. Confused, he walked through, which led to a small cavern, and at the end was a huge tower, it wasn't even that old and abandoned, but nicely decorated, especially with the vines growing around it.

"Why is there a tower all the way out here?" Ruggie questioned, walking over to it, and looking up at the length.

"I mean, if it's hidden, I should be safe from the knights and those pesky twins." Ruggie grabbed two arrows from the knights and started to climb it, surprised at how huge this tower was, and questioned why it was built in the first place. By the time he got to the window, he sighed to himself and entered the tower. Ruggie looks around for a little bit, surprised at how decorative it was, considering it was an old tower hidden from society.

"..well," he laughs, "this is a perfect place for me to hide in. And," he opens the satchel, "we are alone at last." The last thing that happened was a huge clang and a body was now on the floor unconscious.

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