2weebswrite

[2weebswrite]

Random Frost Thoughts

A lot of what's written starts out as an RP-style block of text between me and Crimson. So when I'm going back and fleshing things out, I always find it so funny to read our little side notes that we write in comments and within the actions. They don't often make it into the fleshed-out version, but they always make me laugh and smile when I read them. A perfect example of this comes from the piece I am currently working on (which you can expect to come out at some point today): Cater's Confession and First Date.

Cater: *Heart racing and chuckling nervously in reply* Yeah… you are too, it seems. *FUCK HEART STOP DOING SOMERSAULTS PLS TYVM -CAY CAY*

and

Cater: *Smiling before looking at Rielle, and then it hits him that ohfuckhe’salonewithhimandhehastoactuallysayshit–* So uh, hi… *he chuckles nervously with a faint blush* This uh… certainly isn’t how I planned all of this to go, but it’s okay!

or a comment I said to Crimson while we were writing.

"blah blah good blah blah FOOD" Translate! -Frost

It's just so much fun going back and trying to get into and figure out what the hell we were thinking when we originally started writing something. Especially when it comes to some of our crack ideas. Like, how the fuck did our brains come up with this?!

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 11 Spade And Cater Talk Crushes Part 2

“I still can’t believe you did that. You really had to follow us out there, didn’t you? If you’re gonna sneak around, at least get good at it.” Spade takes the teapot and pours more ‘tea’ into her teacup. Today, the tea was some random-ass energy drink Cater found on sale at Sam’s Mystery Shack. Surprisingly, it wasn’t bad.

“Duh! It’s like the smart people say– pics or it didn’t happen.” He takes a sip from his own teacup. “Anyways, I send one pic to the wrong group chat, and suddenly I’m terrible at sneaking? You didn’t even know I was there until then!”

“You gotta wait until afterward! Come on!” She lightly smacks him. “You’re better than this! I’ve taught you better than this!”

Cater raises a hand in surrender. “Okay, but Trey demanded instant updates, and he’s helping me make cupcakes for Rielle, so I really can’t cross him again right now.”

“Oh?” She raises a brow. “There’s that special name again! So~” she pours more ‘tea’ into his cup. She sets down the pot and raises her cup. “What’s the tea?” She takes a sip from her cup as if she were actually drinking tea.

He smiles nervously. “He’s an online bestie– met up with him a few times. He goes to RSA, y’know. I think he said something about Azul, come to think of it.”

Space rolls her eyes and grabs her phone. “You’re acting like you haven’t been telling me about this man for MONTHS now! Come on, give me the real details!” She starts texting something to Mika.

“Well, he’s got this pretty red hair and bright, curious eyes! So adorbs, TBH. Oh, wait,” he grabs his phone, “I can show you a pic!”

“This guy?” Spade turns her phone to show Cater her screen.

Cater waves his hand. “That was before I showed him how to take proper selfies, but yes! Here’s a better one.” He shows her his phone.

“OOOOO! That is a nice picture!” She shoots another quick message to Mika. “Yeah, apparently he went to school with Azul and the twins. She says she’s only met him a couple times.”

“Too cute! I didn’t realize they were from the same part of the sea– granted, I never paid much attention to the maps or whatever they have there.” He shakes his head. “Anyways, he’s got some lame-o bestie that hates me or something. SMH.”

“Hmm… let me call up Mika?”

“Go for it, but don’t let anything get back to Rielle! I don’t wanna seem like an effing stalker or something, LOL.”

She sends Mika another message. “So~ What’s the deal? You’ve been fawning over this guy for months now! I know you two met up in person last year. I was the one that told you to go for it.”

“He’s SUPES cute and nice, but sooooooo clueless! I swear– he’s, like, worse than you with Deucey!”

“Hey! I was not that bad.” She rolls her eyes. “But I guess that means you like him?!” She glances at her phone.

He tilts his head back and forth. “I don’t not like him~”

“Knew it!” Her phone rings. “And that would be Mika.” She answers the call and moves to sit beside Cater instead of in front of him. “You’re on speaker!”

“Sup whores, what can I do for you?”

“Not trying to sound like a total loser, but do you know anything about that girlie that hangs around Rielle Sidon? She’s got a mad grudge against me, and I dunno whyyyy!” Cater whines.

“In other words,” Spade translates. “We want the details on the people around Rielle. What can you give us?”

There’s rustling and movement on Mika’s end of the call. “Rielle Sidon… well, for starters–”

“Who are you talking to?”

“Spade and Cater. Wanna say hi?”

“Send them my regards.”

“‘Sup Mal-Mal!” Cater greets, feeling emboldened by Spade and Mika’s presence.

Spade gets a video call request, and when she accepts it, Mika comes into view. Malleus is behind her on the bed, resting his chin on her shoulder with a pout on his face.

“I would like to request that you do not call me that.” 

Mika gives the dragon fae a look and mouths at him to ‘be nice.’

Cater clears his throat awkwardly. “Sure bro…”

Malleus turns to look at Mika. ‘Bro?’ She shakes her head. ‘I’ll explain it later.’

“Getting back on topic,” Spade says. “Details on Rielle and that friend of his?”

Mika clears her throat, and Malleus wraps his arms around her. “Right, so as you already know, Rielle went to school with Azul and the twins. I’ve only met him a couple times, Azul doesn’t really like him, and I didn’t hang out much in the surface water without the twins.” She tilts her head. “Pretty sure he’s scared of me.” She shrugs, and Malleus bites lightly at her cheek. “Quit it… Got a name for the friend? Maybe a picture?”

Spade looks at Cater.

“Uh… Gimme a sec.” He pulls out his phone and starts tapping on Magicam before furrowing his brows.

“You’re lucky I’m not asking favors for this.” Mika comments.

Spade smiles. “I get best friend privileges.”

“Gilly?” Cater suggests. “I think that’s her name. He mentioned it in one of our convos. Small? Kinda pudgy?-- Not that that’s bad, but like…”

Mika hums, and a moment later, Cater gets a text with an image. “That bitch?”

“Yes! Her! What’s her deal?” Spade looks over at the image on Cater’s phone.

“UGH!” Mika flops back, forcing Malleus to fall back on the bed behind them. “She’s a fucking cunt!” She readjusts on the bed with Malleus so she’s lying on him with her head on his chest. “She’s a racist twat, that’s what she is! Hates all of us deep-mers, calls us ‘trenchies’ and shit. She hates my guts and I’ve barely even seen her!”

Cater and Spade can hear the angry rumbles coming from Malleus’ chest. “I could–

“No.”

“Oh shiiiiiiiiiit…” Cater drawls. “So… does Rielle… y’know… say any of that stuff too?”

Mika shakes her head. “No, not that I’m aware of. I think he’s mostly just scared of me, which is a natural reaction. I’m technically a dark one, and one of the bigger, more dangerous ones at that.”

Cater’s shoulders sag in relief. “Well, that’s good at least. That he’s not a fugly racist, anyways.”

“Yeah, I have no issues with him. I don’t really know anyone who does, aside from Azul. And Azul’s Azul, so… Take that as you will.” She rolls over to lie flat on the bed, holding the phone up above her. “All the interactions I’ve had with him have gone well; he seems to get along well with other people. I’d watch out for Gilly, though. Prejudice little fucker is a jealous type, and 100% has her eyes on Rielle. So you better snatch him up quick.” She winks. “I know that’s what you’re after~”

Cater blinks and then nods, a nervous smile on his face. “Thanks, Mika! TTYL, babes!”

Malleus growls, and Mika smacks him. “Behave, he’s obviously gay.”

“There will be no hate crimes during tea time!” Spade says, finishing the liquid in her cup.

“Somehow, I already feel hate-crimed, if that’s possible, just from the mean mugging I’m receiving right now. Totes not fun.”

Spade pats his shoulder. “You’ll live.” She looks at Mika. “Thanks a ton whore, I love you!”

“Love you too!” She makes a finger heart at the camera. “Let me know if you need anything else. You know I got your back. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to smack some sense into my dragon prince here.”

“Cya!”

“Alright, you little shit–” the call ends.

Cater looks at Spade. “That… went supes well, right? Like, I’m not a total lost cause here? And not going to get hunted by Malleus?” He mutters the last part.

Spade wraps an arm around him. “Yeah, I think you’ve got a good shot with Rielle based on what Mika said, you just gotta go for it before Gilly does.” She gives him a squeeze. “As for Malleus, you’re fine. He’s just a little possessive and socially inept. Probably just upset ‘cause we interrupted cuddle time.”

“Adorbs, but scary. Also, kinda almost felt my heart in my ass when I thought ‘Elle was a racist or something. Phe-ew!”

“That’s Malleus for you, you just gotta learn to work with him. It also helps to have best friend privileges when learning.” She pats him on the head. “Now drink your ‘tea’ and get that phone out.”

“As if I ever put it away! Ahh, but this is gonna be such a pain…” He whines. “I don’t even know if he likes me! He looks at everyone with that adorable little face!”

Spade laughs. “Alright, pull up the messages between the two of you. I wanna read them. See if I can get a vibe check on his emotions.”

“Hm, KK.” Cater hands over his phone. 

“Perfect…” She quickly types out a message and sends it on his phone.

“FUCKING– WHAT DID YOU JUST SEND?” He grapples for his phone back, but Spade easily lets him have it back.

“Invited him for lunch at the Monstro Lounge tomorrow.” She picks up her own phone and starts texting Mika.

Cater lets out a nervous laugh. “Are we sure that Azul won’t try to kill me after for bringing him here?”

Spade shakes her head. “Not at all! Mika is going to handle everything. And you~ are going to confess.”

He blinks. “So, like, do we remember the part of the convo where I said Rielle is the most oblivious cutie-pie fucker on Sage Isle?”

“Yes. And?”

“I could straight up kiss him, and he wouldn’t take the hint. That’s my problem.”

“Well then, I guess you’ll have to do that, tell him your feelings, and leave the rest to us.” She grins.

“Suddenly, I want to retract the invite… I’m not sure if for his safety, or mine though…” He leans away from Spade.

“Oh, but he’s already accepted!” She motions towards his phone. “Are you really going to go back and disappoint him?”

“Fuck you and your entire bloodline.” He snatches his phone to read the reply Rielle sent. “When did you get so manipulative? Totes un-cool.”

“I’ve been learning from the best.”

“Mika?”

“Naturally.”

Cater sighs, but can’t hide the small, genuine smile stretching over his lips. “Fine, you win.”

Spade laughs. “I always do.”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 10 #SpadeSpade Confession

After checking the lounge and the front gardens, Spade heads to Deuce’s room. She knocks on the door and stands back a bit.

The door starts to open, “What the hell do you–” When the student sees who's at the door, he freezes with wide eyes. “Sp-Spade! Hello! Um, what can I do for you?” There’s panic in his voice.

She gives him a flat-faced look. “James, you’re lucky I’m not Riddle. He’d collar you for that kind of disrespect.”

James bows his head. “Apologies!”

Spade shakes her head. “Don’t worry about it, but for future reference, unless you know who’s at the door, but nice about it. You don’t want to piss off an upperclassman, or seven’s forbid, Riddle.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Don’t call me ‘ma’am’. Anyways, I’m looking for Deuce. Is he here?”

James nods. “Yes, Spade.” He turns to look inside. “Deuce! Spade is looking for you!”

“Is she? Hold on a sec!” After a moment, the door opens wider, and Deuce appears. James all but runs away from the door, hiding behind it. “Hey, Spade. What’s up?”

“You busy at all?”

He shakes his head. “No, I was just looking over some tests. Hannah helped me study and prepare for them, and I managed to get a decent score!”

“That’s great! I’m proud of you!” She smiles. 

Deuce beams back at her. “Thanks! I was worried I wouldn’t do well. Hannah is a miracle worker!”

Spade nods. “All of us are extremely proud of her and how far she’s come. You’d have never thought she came from another world. Anyways, you down to go out and talk?”

Deuce’s eyes go wide for a moment before he nods eagerly. “Oh, yeah. I’m chill to hang out. Let me grab my phone, and we’ll go.” He quickly runs back into the room.

Spade props the door open with her foot before it can close. 

“Hey, Spade!” Ace calls.

She opens the door further, coming in a bit more until she spots Ace, lying on his bed. “Hey, Ace. I’m surprised you’re not out causing mayhem.” She says with a raised brow.

Ace laughs. “Can’t be out causing chaos all of the time. Gotta keep people on their toes.”

“You’re only inside to hide from Riddle,” Deuce says, coming back to the door.

“Shut up!”

Spade raises a brow. “Oh? What’d you do this time?”

“Nothing!”

“He failed the quiz.”

“DUDE!” Ace slams his phone down on his bed.

Spade just laughs. 

“She would’ve found out eventually, if not from Riddle, then from Hannah.”

“Yeah, and she’s a fucking snitch!” He throws a pillow at Deuce. “Go have fun with your girlfriend!”

Deuce goes pink. “She’s not my girlfriend!”

Spade’s laughing only slightly fades, and she gives Ace a wave. “We will, don’t worry, Ace!”

Ace laughs.

“Don’t encourage him!”

Spade ends up taking Deuce back into the rose maze, specifically leading him back to the fountain where they first sat after her wreck. “Recognize this place?” She asks.

Deuce nods. “Of course, it’s the place where I felt like we first really connected,” he blushes and rubs the back of his neck. “I- I don’t think that came out right…” He lets out a nervous laugh.

Spade shakes her head. “No, that works.” She goes over and sits down on the edge of the fountain. She pats the spot beside her. “Join me?”

His face is still flushed, and he looks a little nervous. “Yeah…” He walks over and sits down beside her. Spade immediately lays her head on his shoulder, and he tenses.

“This okay?”

“Yeah… Yeah, this is fine…”

Spade smiles. “Calm down.”

“I am,” he lies.

Her smile turns into a smirk. “Not for long.” She lifts her head to place a kiss on his cheek before putting it back on his shoulder.

Deuce freezes. “I… What?”

Spade sits up. “What? Can’t take a hint?” She playfully pushes him, but instead of just automatically rebalancing himself, he falls into the fountain. “Oh shit!”

Despite now being in the fountain, he doesn’t react. His eyebrows furrow. “Are you… Are you trying to get at something?”

She lets out a helpless sigh and nods. “Yes. Here, let me help you out.” She holds out a hand, but he doesn’t take it, continuing to just sit in the water.

“You kissed my cheek.”

She takes her hand back, since he doesn’t seem to want to take it at the moment. She nods. “Yes.”

He looks up at her. “And that meant something to you?”

She nods again. “Yes.” She can see the gears turning in his head, but nothing is clicking. She sighs. “Damnit, Deuce.” She reaches down, grabs him by the collar, and pulls him up to kiss her.

“MMPF,” He’s in a kind of half-standing, half-kneeling position. His eyes are wide for a moment, but is too shocked to kiss back.

Spade pulls away, still holding him by the collar. “... You good?”

Deuce buffers for a moment before mumbling, “Again?” but he slips, falling back into the fountain, bringing Spade with him. “Fuck!”

“Shit!” She lands in the fountain on top of him, but starts laughing after a moment.

After the initial panic fades, Deuce starts laughing too.

There’s a bright, genuine smile on Spade’s face before she leans down and kisses him again.

This time, he reciprocates; it’s a little sloppy, and it’s obvious this is his first kiss, but Spade tries to guide him a bit before pulling back.

“Has your brain finally caught up yet?” She whispers.

He nods, his face red. “Yeah… This… This isn’t some sort of joke, right?”

She shakes her head. “It’s not, promise.” She presses her forehead against his. After a moment, there's a ding from her phone and she turns to grab it.

“HASHTAG - ABORT MISSION, HASHTAG - WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE, HASHTAG - SPADE-SPADE FOR LYFE!” 

“DAMN IT, CATER!” Spade quickly tries to get up out of the fountain, but slips and falls back into Deuce’s arms.

Cater takes another picture. “HASHTAG - WORTH IT!”  He runs away.

Seeing him run off, she just sighs, resting her head on Deuce’s shoulder. “Those are going to end up online pretty quickly…”

“I can only imagine…” Deuce sits up and Spades slips down so shes basically straddling him. “I’m guessing he told you about my crush on you?”

She nods. “Yeah, but only after I tol him about mine on you.”

“That makes sense…” He hesitantly puts his hands on her waist. “So… what does this make us?”

Spade smirks. “That depends,” she brings her face closer to his. “What do you want us to be?”

He turns his head to look away from her.“I… I would like to be your boyfriend… If you’ll have me?”

She turns him by the chin to look at her. “I would be honored.”

A huge smile breaks out on his face. “I promise to be a boyfriend you can be proud of!

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 9 Spade and Cater Talk Crushes

It was almost a month after the wreck when Spade and Cater sat down for another one of their ‘tea parties.’ They were sitting on his bed, the teapot and teacups empty of the lemonade they had been drinking.

“YOU LIKE DEUCE?!”

Spade is quick to cover his mouth. “SHUT UP!” 

Cater takes her hand off his mouth. “If I have to shut up about it, can I at least go on Magicam about this?” He picks up his phone. “The followers need to know.”

“NO!”

“Fine, fine.” He sets his phone down. “BUT you should totally tell him.”

Spade gives him a look. “Seriously?”

“Oh PUH-LEASE!” Cater leans back. “That man has been coming to me about his crush on you since forever. You HAVE to tell him and confess!”

“And why should I?” She crosses her arms. “If he’s been in love with me for so long, why hasn’t he taken his shot, huh?”

“‘Cause he’s a respectful mama’s boy, that’s why!”

“Okay, true. But still! He should confess to me! I’m single now, have been for a while now.” She states.

“And risk ruining his friendship with his idol? Uh, NO??”

Spade is quiet for a moment before she lies back and closes her eyes, hands behind her head. “... Fair.”

“Honey, please do this.” He begs. “Not for me, not for you,” he places a hand on her shoulder, “but for the followers.”

She opens her eyes. “You’re not gonna post this online. I’ll have Zero take it down in an instant.”

“NOT ZERO! T-T”

Spade sits up. “If he comes to you so often, maybe you should convince him to confess to me!” She says, feeling petty. 

Cater shakes his head. “No! He’ll be all like–” he clears his throat and feigns Victorian distress. “‘I simply cannot! I am just a lowly fish, and she is a third year! She is far too good for me!’” He drops the accent. “Or sum shit like that. LOL.”

Spade bursts out laughing to the point of falling over on the bed.

“SEE?! I’m right, like always! Hashtag - Blushy smiley emoji, hashtag -Cay Cay is right, hashtag - Cay Cay is bae.”

Spade clutches her stomach. “Oh my seven…”

Cater throws up a peace sign. “Gotta update the followers~ #SpadeSpade!”

“What the fuck,” she says between laughs. “Why are you like this?!”

Cater pushes her, and she rolls off the bed. “Now GOOOOOOOOOOO MY DARLING! CONFESS TO THE LOWLY FISH!”

She lands on the floor with a loud thump. “Okay, fine. FINE!” The laughter dissolves into giggles. “I’ll go!” She gets up and straightens her clothes. She takes a deep breath before heading to the door.

As she leaves the room, Cater grabs his phone and ‘sneakily’ tries to follow her, but she stops and turns to look at him. “You’re not coming. You are NOT going to film this shit! He’ll think it’s a joke!”

Cater visibly deflates. “#Sad-puppy-face. RIP.”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST Book 5 - ? Vil's Overblot Aftermath

Vil lies unconscious on the broken stage, Rook sitting on one side while Ash sits on the other. Each holding a hand.

“Please, wake up, mon amour…”

“Vil…”

Mira stands close, her head hanging dejectedly, tears in her eyes. “I… I am so sorry…” Her voice cracks. “This is all my fault.”

Ash’s grip on Vil’s hand tightens, holding back everything she wants to say in the moment, everything she wants to yell and scream at the young Schoenheit. More than anything, she wants to shout at her about how if only she had told Vil about her relationship with Neige sooner, maybe things could have been mended and dealt with before it got to this point, that maybe this overblot could have been avoided.

Samara comes up beside Mira, an arm around her shoulder, supporting her. “It’s not entirely your fault.” She looks over at Ash, who blatantly ignores her gaze. “I think this is something that has been building up for a long time now.”

“Ya couldn’t have known…” Epel says.

Mira shakes her head, tears falling to the ground. “If I wasn’t such a coward, it might not have ended up like this.” She whimpers. “Vi-Chan…”

“It might not have happened today, but it would have happened eventually.” Samara pulls her in for a proper hug. “He’ll be okay. This isn’t the first overblot to happen on this campus this year.”

“And I doubt it will be last…” Hannah mutters, Hera at her feet. 

Mira’s breath hitches, and she pulls away from Samara to cough. She shakes her head. “I–I shouldn’t be here right now… I– please, tell him I’m sorry when he wakes up.” She looks at Ash, who finally looks away from Vil to meet her gaze with dead eyes. “Tell him I love him. I have to go.”

Right when Mira finishes, Vil stirs and opens his eyes.

Ash’s attention immediately shifts over to the housewarden. “VIL!” She cries, “You’re awake…”

Rook finally allows himself to let out a slight sob as he gently squeezes Vil’s hand. “You naughty thing, you…”

“Vil! I was so worried!” Kalim sobs happily, and so Rook doesn’t feel alone. “What a relief…!”

Jamil gives Kalim a look that says he’s tired of the nonsense. “What are YOU crying, Kalim?”

Deuce lets out a breath of relief, a hand on his chest. “Oh, thank Seven… I was worried I’d hit you in the wrong place…”

Vil shifts, making it clear he wants to sit up. Rook and Ash move to help him sit up, though Rook does most of the work as Ash winces, letting out a whimper at the pain in her hands. Vil looks at everyone individually. “I’m… sorry you had to see that undignified display…”

Mira lets out a sob at his words before she turns and runs away, unable to handle the shame she feels.

“Mira!” Seeing his sister turn and run, Vil reaches out to her and tries to get up, but both Ash and Rook are quick to stop him. 

Ash shakes her head, “No.”

“You need to rest, now,” Rook says.

“There will be time for you to talk later,” Ash adds. “Tomorrow even…”

Samara watches as Mira runs back inside in the direction of the changing rooms. “Yes, everyone will need time to process everything that just happened.” She turns to look at the third years. “If confrontations were to happen now, things would only end poorly for all parties involved.”

“You’re right…” Vil whispers. He takes a breath and then looks at everyone once again. “Only third-rate people throw temper tantrums and take their problems out on others. My conduct was the most unbecoming of all…”

Hannah steps forward, thinking of Azul’s overblot. “You’re not the first person to overblot for seemingly petty reasons.”

“Yer dagum right about that!” Epel shouts at Vil. “I thought ya said people grow outta temper tantrums by the time they’re three!”

Yuume gives a nervous smile before lightly shoving him, quickly signing out ‘Not the time.’

Vil looks at Epel. “You’re absolutely right, Epel. I’m no longer fit to be your leader.”

Rook gives him a soft smile. “It would not do to flatter yourself, Roi du Poison.” He gently places a kiss on his hand. “I’m afraid you’ll find that none of us are lying prone.”

“What?” Vil tries to stand up, and Rook is quick to help him, and then Ash, to their feet.

“Rook’s right, Vil!” Kalim says with a smile. “You haven’t actually hurt anyone. You haven’t stepped over the brink yet.”

Vil looks at Ash’s hands and forearms, and she quickly moves them behind her back with a wince. “I did that to myself,” she says quietly. It was technically the truth. She had been the one to grab Vil; he hadn’t even been trying to hurt her in the moment.

“Listen.” Jail starts. “Neige LeBlanche is out there right now, dancing happily with the seven dwarfs.”

Ace crosses his arms. “After the way you ran us through the wringer, training us to get here, there’s no way we’re letting you pull out just because of a few bruises!”

Ash nods. “I can still dance just fine. My arms will be a little stiff and they’ll need to be bandaged, but it shouldn’t be too much of an issue!”

“It’s a stretch…” Jamil puts a hand on his chin, “But let’s just say we got a little overly worked up in practice and got into a team brawl.”

“All of you…” Vil’s voice is quiet. “You just want to pretend none of this happened?”

Jamil raises a brow. “I never said that. All I’m saying is that we can hold off on explaining this to the faculty until after the competition.”

“Heh… Jamil, you are truly wicked–” Vil loses his footing, and Rook and Ash are quick to stabilize him. 

“Vil!”

The housewarden gives his loves both a look. “I’m alright, just stumbled a bit. Spare me your plaintive cries.”

Ash lets go of him, but continues to watch him carefully. The pain in her hands and forearms was great, but she could ignore it.

“Your injuries are no small matter. Please, you mustn’t strain yourself. Here, lean on my shoulder.” Rook encourages.

Ash stands in front of Vil and gently cups his face. The raw skin on her hands burns at the touch, but she doesn’t remove them. “You can rely on us… In fact, I’m begging you to.”

Ace rolls his eyes at the romantic gesture and turns to look at Deuce. “Oh, by the way, dude–what was up with that blast of magic you hit Vil with at the end there?”

Grim perks up, wiggling out of Yuume’s arms to stand on the ground. “Yeah, that was one powerful shot! When did you learn to pull off a spell like that, Deuce?”

“I saw that! I’ve never seen you cast that before!” Hannah says excitedly.

Yuume nods eagerly. ‘I always just see you summon cauldrons.’

Deuce rubs the back of his neck, cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “I wasn’t the one who made it so strong. Vil was.”

“How so?” Kalim asks, and Samara tilts her head.

“That spell stores up all the damage I take from someone, then hits back with it all at once. So it was only potent because Vil hit me with really potent magic to start with.”

Ace crosses his arms. “What kind of spell is that?!” He shouts. “So it’s just a way to get payback for when you get in fights?”

“Don’t make it sound so violent!” Deuce shouts back. “The first time I pulled it off was when I took Epel to the beach, and a gang attacked us. All I was doing was taking hits at the time, though. It just kinda slipped out.”

Jamil sighs. “You should really know better than to use magic against laypeople. That can get you suspended.”

Yuume shakes her head. ‘Wouldn’t be the first time.’ She signs.

Hannah snorts. ‘But will it be the last?’ She signs back.

“I take offense to that!” Ace yells.

“Then stop almost getting suspended!” Hannah yells back. 

“Erk… S-Sorry…” Deuce bows his head just a bit at the two girls. “Anyway, I kept trying to do it again afterward, and it just wouldn’t work. It only clicked for me when Vil was kicking our ass.”

Ash takes her hands off of Vil’s face and turns to look at the rest of the group. She gives Deuce a deadpan stare. “You realize what that is, right?”

Deuce jumps slightly and looks at Ash sheepishly. “No?”

She lets out a breath. “That’s your unique magic.”

Deuce blinks at her. “Unique? Oh, wait…” His eyes go wide. “You mean that’s my… signature spell?!”

Ash and Yuume both give him a look that basically screams ‘dumbass.’

‘Even I knew that.’

Hannah watches Yuume sign. “Yeah,” she looks back at Deuce. “Even we knew that. You literally said its name!”

“Seriously?! What was it?!”

Hannah gives him an unimpressed look while Yuume just sighs. “Bet the Limit…”

“Marvelous! Merveilleux! You have broken out of your shell in a spectacular fashion, Deuce Spade. Behold–Vil is awestruck and weak-kneed from the sheer splendor of your blow!” Rooksays, his voice lighthearted, but Ash and Vil could still sense his worry.

Vil shakes his head. “No, I’m just beaten up head to toe. Credit where it’s due, though–that last blow of yours struck soundly.” He gives a nod of approval. “Nicely done, Deuce.”

The freshman’s face fills with shock. “...Thank you, sir!”

“So, wait.” Jamil interrupts. “If you hadn’t succeeded at pulling the spell off once, what possessed you to yell ‘everybody, get down!’ with so much confidence? It’s all well and good that the spell worked, but what would you have done if it hadn’t?”

“Psh, don’t sweat it, Jamil.” Kalim waves a hand. “It worked, and in the end, isn’t that what matters?”

Jamil lets out a deep, heavy sigh. “Good grief,” He rubs a hand down his face. “I will never understand the way you impulsive types think.”

Ash nods. “I’m with Jamil on this one. It’s great that it worked, but it’s dangerous to just make those kinds of decisions without the certainty that it will work. We would’ve been screwed if it hadn’t.”

Ace looks at his hands. “D-Deuce mastered a signature spell before me? Are you serious?!”

Hannah bursts out laughing. “Of course he did! He works so much harder than you do!”

“I was never expectin’ Deuce of all people to beat me to the punch at somethin’.” Grim grumbles, and Yuume lightly smacks his head with a massive smile on her face. 

Epel laughs with Hannah before slapping Ace on the back. “Sounds like we’ve got some catching up to do!”

“The question now is, what do we do about the stage?” Jamil points out. “It’s a complete wreck. We’re fortunate that Vil’s poison mist is covering the whole coliseum. It means we’re the only witnesses to the scene.” He tilts his head slightly in thought. “In that sense, it’s actually a good thing for us that Vil’s signature spell lasts so long.”

Ash sighs. “The only blessing in this situation.”

“I’d prefer to fix the venue up, dispel the curse, and get out of here, but…” Jamil shakes his head. “It’s not feasible for us to fix everything up the way it was with what power we have left.” He groans. “Every scenario I run through my head hits the same brick wall. I’m not sure there’s any getting out of this mess.”

Ash’s ears flick toward the entrance of the Coliseum.

“Oh, no… Does that Mean the VDC is…?” Epel starts.

“Well, well. What have we here?”

Everyone except Ash and Rook jumps at Malleus’ entrance. Mika walks beside him with their fingers interlocked. 

“You’re–”

“I thought I’d arrive early, and what do I find but a stage laid to waste?”

“He insisted on coming early,” Mika explains. “And I’m starting to be glad he did.” She looks around, taking in the state of the stage and then Ash’s arms. “What happened?

Yuume visibly brightens at the sight of Malleus, and she jumps up and waves at him.

When his eyes land on her, Malleu’s gaze softens. “Ah, Child of Man, what a pleasure it is to see you. Allow me to give you a voice.” With a small wave of his hand, a bit of magic flies towards Yuume and lands in her hands.

Yuume signs and words suddenly speak from thin air around them. “Tsunotaru!”

Everyone except for Hannah, Grim, and Mika stares at her. “TSUNOTARU?!”

“Oh, hey! So you’re that guy who wanders around the Ramshackle Dorm garden late at night.” Grim walks forward so that he’s in front of Yuume. “I heard about you from Yuume. You really do have horns growin’ outta your head! Myah hah hah–MRAH!”

Deuce grabs Grim and quickly covers his mouth. “Grim, are you nuts?! Y-You can’t just talk to an upperclassman that way!” He whisper-yells.

Ace stares at Yuume. “Dude! You’re really calling THIS guy Tsunotaru? Do you have a death wish?!”

Epel grabs her arm. “Don’t ya know who this is?!”

Yuume shrugs, the air speaking her words as she signs. “He wouldn’t tell me his name when I met him, so I gave him one. He never seemed to mind, even laughed when I started referring to him by it!”

Samara lets out a gentle laugh, realizing that there is no need to worry, especially with Mika standing there. “Did no one ever tell you?” She asks Yuume.

“I showed Hannah a picture, and she told me his name.” The magic-less human shrugs again. “But I like calling him Tsunotaru.”

Mika smiles, hugging Malleus’ arm. “He won’t admit it, but he likes the nickname.”

“Roi des Dragons,” Rook speaks up, “how did you get into the coliseum?”

Malleus pouts, “I was invited by the child of man living in the Ramshackle Dorm.” He pulls out his ticket. “I have my invitation right here.”

Mika looks at Yuume. “You don’t understand how happy he was to be invited to something by someone other than me or one of my close friends.”

Rook shakes his head. “That’s not what I was asking… The entire venue is still enveloped in the cursed poison mist generated by Vil’s signature spell. There’s no way anyone coming into contact with that curse would come out of it unscathed.”

Malleus tilts his head slightly. “Oh yes, I suppose there was some sort of cantrip up when I came in. But no curse, no matter how powerful, will work on me.”

Mika nods. “He was very nice and protected me.” She looks up at him with a smile and stands up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. 

Vil lets out a huff. “I see you’ve taken advantage of Yuume’s ignorance to have a bit of sport, Malleus Draconia.” 

“Draconia…” Yuume signs slowly. “So that’s what the D stands for. Malleus Draconia.”

He nods. “Indeed. I am Malleus Draconia, soon-to-be ruler of Briar Valley.”

Yuume bobs her head. “Fancy… I like it.”

He smiles at Yuume. “I’m glad.”

“Myah… You guys were talkin’ about this crazy powerful guy at the Spelldrive tournament… You mean to tell me that was Tsunotaru all along?!” Grim yells.

“I trust you see what I meant now, when I said not knowing my name was for your own benefit?” Malleu asks.

Yuume shakes her head. “Not really, but it’s whatever.”

Malleus hums and then turns to Vil. “Schoenhiet, you seem to have had a bit of sport, yourself. However did you become such a mess? You’re hardly living up to the Fairest Queen’s spirit.”

Ash lets out a low, quiet growl, but Mika smacks Malleus’ arm. “Be nice.”

Vil looks at Ash and then Mika. “He’s not wrong.”

Mika lets out a breath and gives Vil a flat look. “I don’t care. I’m trying to teach him how to behave and be better at interacting with people. Don’t put up with it just because he’s powerful. You’re enabling him.” She looks up at Malleus, as if daring him to argue with her. 

He shakes his head and presses a kiss against the top of her head. “Only you have the power to speak of me, and to me, in such ways, my treasure.” After a moment, he lifts his head to look at Yuume. “What’s the trouble? Tell me, child of man.”

“Long story short, stuff happened and Vil overblotted.” Yuume signs. 

“That is a very short story. But I believe I understand what has happened now. I must say, though, I’m most impressed. A magical reaction at the level of an overblot… and not a single one of many mages on campus, myself included, took notice of it.”

Everyone looks at him and Mika in shock.

“HUH?!”

“You seriously mean to tell me nobody noticed?!” Hannah yells.

“So there’s not a panic outside?” Kalim asks. 

“Nope. The RSA students are putting on an impromptu concert over by the gym, not far from here. They’ve managed to gather a pretty big crowd. Aside from that, no one noticed.” Mika explains.

“This coliseum plays host to Spelldrive games, defensive magic exams, duels for the seat of Housewarden, and more,” Rook says. “I’ve heard from the faculty that it’s imbued with a special field that makes it harder for damage to spill out. With that in mind…” He trails off.

Epel picks up where he left off. “So then, if we hadn’t gotten back to normal…”

“...help wasn’t even on the way?” Ace finishes.

Malleus hums. “I suppose it’s immaterial, at the end of the day.” He looks at Vil. “You owe me, Schoenheit.”

“What?”

“No, he doesn’t.” Mika lightly pinches Malleus. “You can pawn that favor to me. I’ll pay it back if you absolutely insist.”

Malleus looks at her with a pout, but she just raises a brow at him.

“We can get ice cream later and have some fun tonight~”

“Fine.”

Ash snorts.

“As if you haven’t pulled the same trick, Mademoiselle Chaton~.”

Ash smirks at Rook. “I have, and that’s how I know it works.”

The ground begins to shake. Ash and Rook immediately move to try and support VIl, who attempts to shake them off.

“Myah!” Grim clings to Yuume’s leg. “What’s goin’ on?! All my hairs are standin’ on end!”

Jamil grits his teeth. “Rgh… What incredible pressure!”

Malleus looks at Yuume and smiles. “Heh. Children of man– I shall bestow upon you a gift.”

“What are you doing, Malleus?!” Vil shouts.

Mika shakes her head. “Trust the process, Vil.”

Malleus huffs, his chest rumbling in slight irritation. “This is even more trifling of a task than re-weaving unraveled fabric. Come! Return to your proper place! Revert to your proper shape!”

With a flash of light, suddenly, the coliseum is completely fixed.

Epel rubs at his eyes. “Rgh… W-wait… What just happened?! No way!” He looks around him with wide eyes. The stage was no longer in shambles. “It’s all back to the way it was!”

Hannah gasps when her vision clears. “He really did it in an instant!”

Deuce looks around in amazement.

“Whoa…” Ace stares at Malleus. “I’ve known it since I saw him at the Sprelldrive tournament, but boy, he’s ludicrously beyond our league.”

“Roi des Dragons, c’est magnifique!” Rook claps his hands together. “Your magic never ceases to amaze me!”

Malleus settles his gaze on Rook. “With the stage restored, I can watch you perform now. That’s the extent of my interest in this matter.”

Mika smiles and shakes her head; she knows this performance means the world to him. 

  “You’re the best, Tsunotaru!” Yuume signs, the magic from Tsunotaru’s spell still translating them into audible words.

Malleus laughs and shakes his head. “Even knowing my full name and who I am, still you stick to that pet name?”

“Are you complaining?”

“Not at all,” He turns to Vil. “I’ve set the stage for you, Schoenheit. I trust you will keep me suitably entertained.”

“Hmph… I hardly need your urging to put on the finest possible show. You’d best be prepared for a standing ovation.” Vil says, his voice filled with confidence despite his state.

Malleus nods. “I’d expect nothing less. If you’ll excuse us, then I look forward to the show.” Mika gives a quick smile and bows her head before Malleus waves his hand, and they disappear.

Rook laughs quietly. “I was hardly expecting Roi des Dragons to give us his personal blessing. Lady Luck truly is on our side. Now it is the time for us to show the NRC Tribe’s unity.”

“Yes. I will take full responsibility for explaining this to the headmage and whatever follows.” Vil looks at everyone. “As for now, we have a championship to win.”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 6 The Racer Wakes Up

Zero, Mika, Ace, Deuce, and Riddle all sit in the waiting room of the hospital. Riddle had his eyes closed and arms crossed. Zero sat next to him; she was doom-scrolling on her phone, trying to keep herself distracted. Deuce had his head back and eyes closed, while Ace looked through a magazine. When the door opens, Mika puts her phone away. She had been texting with Trey and Cater, letting them know the situation.

They all look at the doctor when he comes out of Spade’s room and walks over to them. He looks at the group. “Alright, she’s awake and has been cleared for visitors to come in.” He looks at each of them individually before looking at something on his clipboard. “Her emergency contact is listed here as ‘Mika Levin’. Which one of you is that?”

Mika stands up and comes closer. “That would be me.”

He looks at the clipboard again and flips through a couple of the papers. I don’t have a listed relation. May I ask what your connection is to Miss Rhy–”

“Spade,” she interrupts. “She goes by Spade. I’m one of her close friends. She doesn’t have a close relationship with many people in her family, so she tends to list me or her foster brother as an emergency contact.”

The doctor nods, eyeing Riddle. He notices his resemblance to Spade, but doesn’t say anything. “Right,” he makes a note on the clipboard. “We want to keep her overnight, possibly a couple of days, for monitoring. I don’t think she’s in any danger, but there is a minor concern for blot poisoning from the connector. It’s something we always have to look for when blot comes into contact with an open wound.”

Mika nods. “That makes sense. We all go to Night Raven College, so she will need documentation to give to the school for any days you keep her here.”

He nods. “Okay, I will make a note in her file that she will need a note of absence.” He writes on the clipboard before looking at the rest of the group. “I take it the rest of you are her friends?”

There are nods from everyone except Riddle, who stands and speaks. “I’m her sister, but yes, we are all here to see her.”

“Alright. Well, don’t get too rowdy; she will need plenty of rest to heal up properly. That said, I think she could use some friends right now.”

Riddle bows his head. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

The doctor waves a hand. “You don’t have to thank me; this is my job.” 

They walk into her room to see Spade sitting up on the bed, just staring at her hands. Her foot is propped up and in a soft cast, and she’s wrapped in bandages in various places. She glances up when the door opens, but doesn’t speak. She has a dead look in her eyes.

Riddle opens his mouth, but Zero grabs him and shakes her head. 

Deuce moves to stand by the bed. “Are you okay?” He asks.

Ace plops down into one of the chairs. “Kinda a stupid question if you ask me.”

“Why are you even here?” Deuce glares at him.

“Rude. For one, she’s my friend too. And second, because I was told to bring Riddle here.” Ace retorts.

Riddle takes a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. “Now is not the time for arguing, you two.” He grabs one of the chairs and brings it over to the side of the bed, and sits down. “How are you feeling?”

Spade does move. “Fuzzy, tired…” A flicker of emotion crosses her face for a moment before disappearing back under her mask of emotionlessness. “Like I’d rather not exist at the moment.” She glances at Riddle. “Surprised to see you, of all people, here.”

“I’m not exactly thrilled to be here. Not only is it long past curfew, but I’m in the hospital where my sister, who I’m only now finding out races blastcycles semi-professionally, is injured after a massive wreck.”

“In her defense, the wreck most definitely is the fault of that one guy who sabotaged your connector,” Deuce explains. “He ain’t as slick as he thinks.”

Ace raises a brow. “Didn’t you say she looked distracted at the beginning of the race?” Deuce glares at him. “What?” Zero elbows him. “OW!”

“You’re not helping,” she whispers aggressively.

Riddle clears his throat. “Anyways! This is all wildly against the rules! It’s also highly dangerous! Do you know how many people get severely injured and even die in this kind of profession?!”

“If you came to lecture me, you can can it and leave.” She glares at her brother. “I’m fully aware of the statistics of this kind of thing. I don’t even know why you came here.”

“I came because I was told my sister was involved in an accident when I thought she was on campus.”

Spade shuts her eyes and clenches her fists. “That was the original plan.” Her phone, which is in a pile of her stuff that was brought with her in the ambulance, rings.

Mika reaches and grabs it from the counter. “The caller ID is just a bunch of asterisks?”

Spade goes back to staring at her lap. “Send it to voicemail. I don’t wanna know what she wants.”

“She?” Zero questions, but Mika just shrugs and sends the caller to voicemail.

“Yeah.” Her phone rings again, and she just sighs. “Just turn the phone off.”

Mika nods and does as she asked.

“Who is–” Zero then realizes who it must be and stops herself. “Ooohhh… NVM…”

Riddle looks at Zero, about to question her, when his phone rings. He pulls it from his pocket and looks at who’s calling. He sighs and then stands. “I should take this.” He stands up.

“Don’t tell her shit. She has no right to know any of it.” Spade snaps.

Riddle pauses, nods, then steps out of the room to answer the phone, making sure to close the door behind him.

Ace raises a brow.

“Who was that?” Deuce asks.

“Our mother. Seven only knows what she wants. Probably only to scream at me.”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

Spade (TWST) - "You look happier."

Spade puts a finger to her lips when Jack sees her from in front of Deuce. The two of them taking a moment to just stand and drink some water. Jack shakes his head, not knowing what the 3rd year was planning, but also not willing to ruin her fun.

“You good?” Deuce asks, wiping the sweat from his face.

“Yeah, I’m good. Was just thinking that our times are getting better.”

“Are they? I didn’t look.”

“BOO!” Spade shouts as she grabs onto Deuce’s sides. She laughs.

“Jeez! You scared, Spade!” He puts a hand over his heart.

Her laughs turn into giggles. “I know! I saw your last run, you two are doing great.”

“Thanks, babe.”

“Thanks, Spade.”

“Is y’all’s club finishing up for the day?” Spade asks.

“Yeah, everyone is just cooling down before heading back to the dorms,” Jack answers.

“Nice,” Spade sets her chin on Deuce’s shoulder, wrapping her arms around him.

“I’m all sweaty, you don’t have to give me a hug…”

“And I’m covered in grease. Your point?” She gives him a smile before rubbing her cheek against his, smearing grease and oil on her cheek onto his.

Deuce laughs, “I don’t have one.” He turns in her arms, so that he can wrap an arm around her as well. He presses a quick kiss to the top of her head before glancing at Jack and blushing. 

Jack smiles. “I’m glad to see things are going well between the two of you.” He looks between the two of them before settling his gaze on Spade. “You seem… happier, Spade.”

“Do I?”

“Maybe I’m imagining it, but you seem happier with Deuce than I ever saw you with Leona.”

Deuce looks at Spade, then at Jack. “That’s a good thing… right?”

Spade smiles. “Yeah, it is.” She kisses Deuce on the cheek.

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 7 Deuce and Spade Go To The Fountain

“Deuce,” Spade says, getting the first year's attention.

“Spade! You’re back. How are you feeling?” Deuce says, getting up from the couch in the lounge.

“Hey, Spade, glad to see you're back,” Ace says from his own spot on the couch.

“I’m fine. For now. You two aren’t studying or anything, are you?” Spade asks, looking between the first years.

Ace shakes his head. “Nope, actually got back not too long ago from studying with Hannah and Jack. The woman forced us to have a group study session.”

“Sounds like something she would do.” Spade looks at Deuce. “Grab your jacket, and before you ask, Riddle is with Zero, and I got permission from Trey. Don’t worry about curfew.” She turns around and starts heading back out the door.

Deuce watches Spade walk back towards the door and looks at Ace. The red-headed first-year shrugs, then motions for him to follow the women.

“Wow… I didn’t realize there was a fountain back here…” Deuce says.

“Yeah, there are a lot of cool areas hidden in the rose maze like this. You just gotta know how to find them. Personally, I’d much rather be off campus, but my bike’s in the shop.” Spade says, sitting down on the edge of the fountain.

“Are you sure you’re okay? I was watching the race online, you seemed really… distracted.” Deuce asks, sitting down next to her.

Spade pulls her jacket tighter around her. “You want the truth or what I’ve been telling everyone who asked?”

“There’s a difference?”

Spade lets out a short laugh. “Yeah. Can’t let yourself look weak after all…” A few tears slide down her face.

“You-You’re crying!”

“Sorry,” she quickly wipes the tears away, only for more to fall. “Me and Leona are done.”

“What do you mean? Aren’t you two dating?” Deuce looks at Spade, tilting his head slightly.

Spade holds back a sob, “Not anymore.” She moves the hair out of her face and presses the palms of her hands into her eyes. “Fuck… I’m sorry, I just don’t want to be on my own right now, and I don’t want to bother the others. Zero and Mika are worried enough about me as is.”

“What happened? What did he do?”  Deuce turns Spade to face him, and she looks up at him.

“He accused me of cheating on him,” she takes a deep breath, “and then wouldn’t listen to me at all.” She sniffs. “He all but threw me out of his room. We were going to go get dinner together; I was a few minutes late ‘cause I wanted to clean up a bit after doing some basic maintenance on my bike. When I got there-” she takes another shaky breath, and Deuce pulls her into a hug.

“He’s an asshole. Who did he think you were cheating on him with?! You barely hang out with anyone other than the girls!”

Spade buries her face in his chest. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it does! Who the hell are you gonna cheat on him with?”

“You, apparently.” She looks up at him and lets out a half-assed laugh. “It’s so stupid…”

“I can go talk to him and clear things up! I know you love him…”

“Doesn’t matter; he really doesn’t care at all.” She lets go and tries to wipe away all the tears that have slowly stopped falling.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Zero,” She sniffles, “Zero went to get him when I was in the hospital because he wasn’t answering his phone.” She looks over at the roses. “When Zero told him what happened and that I was in the hospital, he just told her that it ‘served me right.’”

“That bastard!” He shouts, standing up. He cracks his knuckles. “I’ma go teach that asshole a lesson!”

Spade quickly stands up and reaches out, grabbing his arm. “Don’t. That’s not a fight you can win, and you know it.” She lets go of him. “Not to mention this boot isn’t exactly easy to walk in.” She looks down at her hands. “And I really don’t want to be alone right now.”

Deuce takes a deep breath. “Fine. You’re right anyway.”  He pulls out his phone and looks at the time. “We should probably head back anyway.”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 5 Zero's Confrontation

It wasn’t often that someone saw an Ignihyde student in Savannaclaw; in actuality, it was a rarity. But then again, Zero always was the odd one out when it came to those in her dorm. She had bolted from her room, even going so far as to use her unique magic to get to Leona’s room in record speed. The magic fades from her body as she bangs on his door.

“LEONA! LEONA ARE YOU IN THERE?!”

“Go away!” He calls from inside.

Zero doesn’t stop knocking. “It’s important, and if you don’t open this door, I will knock it down. Don’t fucking test me right now!”

After a moment, Leona opens the door with a scowl on his face. “What the hell do you want?” He snarls. “I’m not in the mood.”

“I don’t care if you’re ‘in the mood’ or not. Spade’s in the hospital!”

Leona leans up against the door frame. “And?”

Zero blinks. “What do you mean ‘AND’?!” She shouts.

“I mean, why should I care?” He huffs.

It’s then that Ash and Jack walk around the corner, pausing as they see Zero yelling at Leona.

“What’s going on?” Ash asks, her tail swishing back and forth.

Zero shakes her head. “You can’t be serious right now…” She groans. “This isn’t the time for your bullshit, Leona! Spade just got rushed off the track and is on her way to the hospital. It was really bad. I know you don’t care to watch her races, but–”

Leona cuts her off. “Shut up! I don’t give a fuck. She’s in the hospital? Great! It’s what she deserves.”

Ash’s eyes go wide, and she stomps over. “I’m sorry,” she laughs. “You’re telling me, Spade is in the hospital, and you have the balls to say that? What kind of boyfriend are you? I don’t care what sort of petty fight you two are having, if she’s in the hospital, YOU GO.”

“And why would I go and see a cheating bitch? Huh? Answer me that?”

“Cheating… You think she’s cheating on you…?” Zero lets out a hysterical laugh; there are tears in her eyes. “She loves you! I don’t know where you got this idea that she’s cheating on you, but you’re wrong.” She shakes her head. “And if you don’t get over yourself right now, you’re going to regret it.”

Ash shakes in silent anger. Jack comes over and puts a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down, but she shrugs it off. He takes a step back, ears pinning against his head. He’s been around Ash enough to tell when she’s about to start a fight.

“You have your answer,” Leona growls. “Now get out. I couldn’t care less about that slut.”

Zero’s face fills with rage, and she draws her robotic arm back like a spring-loaded piston before launching it forward into Leona’s jaw. “You motherfucker! I’m going to destroy you!”

Jack rushes forward, grabbing Zero by the waist and picking her up. For being made partially of metal, she’s surprisingly light. “Calm down!”

Zero struggles in his arms. “FUCK YOU! LET ME AT HIM! I’M GOING TO BLAST HIM TO BITS!”

“Fuck!” Leona stumbles back, holding his jaw.

Ash walks into the room, feeling just as angry as Zero, she cracks her knuckles. “You better stand up straight, ‘cause I’m about to do a lot moer to you.” She glances back at Zero, who was barely being contained by Jack. “Zero, you go to Spade. You’re closer to her than I am, and she’ll need your support. And if not your support, than to deal with Riddle.” She turns back to Leona, who glares at her. “I’ll handle him.” She spits out the word ‘him’ like it’s some sort of oful or rotten meat.

Zero huffs, still wiggling and struggling in Jack’s arms. “Fine. Just kill him for me, will you?”

Ash scoffs. “Trust me, I plan to.” She glances back at Jack. “Put her down.”

“But–”

“Now, Jack.”

Jack nods, and immediately lets go of Zero.

The second she’s on the ground, she mutters out ‘Zero to Infinity,’ and suddenly, she out the door, faster than any of the track club members and Jack is impressed.

“Jack, go get Ruggie with the first aid.”

Jack jumps, he wasn’t used to hearing such anger from her. “Maybe we should all just calm down–”

“You heard what he said,” she growls. “And I don’t plan to let that slide. Now go get Ruggie and the first aid kit. It’s going to be needed.”

He looks between Leona and Ash, but the former just nods. “Go. Do as she said.” He glares at Ash. “At the end of this, one of us is going to need it.”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 4 Racer Fan's Reaction

Ace and Deuce are hanging out in the Hearslabyul lounge. Deuce is reading through his notes, while Ace is just scrolling on Magicam. 

Deuce’s phone pings with a notification, and he sets down his notes to look at it. “Huh, that’s weird…”

Ace looks up from his own phone. “What is?”

Deuce’s eyebrows furrow, “Hold on, I need to message Zero.”

Ace raises a brow. “Why?”

“‘Spade Racer has made a surprise appearance on the track.’” He reads and then turns his phone around to show Ace. It shows an official post made by the race track’s social media. With it is a link to watch the race. “She wasn’t supposed to race today.”

Ace gives him a weird look. “Why wouldn’t she? Doesn’t she usually race whenever she can?”

Deuce nods. “Normally, she would, but she wasn’t going to participate tonight. Her and Leona had a date.”

Ace smirks; it’s his classic, ‘I’m going to tease the hell outta you’ smirk. “Oh? Keeping tabs on her now, are we?”

Deuce blushes. “It’s not like that! She told me herself.” He looks away. “We were working on the blastcycle bikes for her club earlier, and she was talking about how excited she was for her date tonight with him. Apparently, they haven’t gone out since his overblot.”

Ace rolls his eyes. “Whatever you say~” he teases. 

“I’m serious!” His phone pings again. “Oh, Zero has invited us over. She wants to watch the race and is offering us to join her to watch it on her big screen… Mika is bringing some snacks over from the Monstro Lounge.”

Ace shoves his phone in his pocket, already moving to put his phones on. “You had me at free food.”

“Hey, you two!” Mika waves as they come into Zero’s room. “I’m surprised I beat you here.”

Zero rolls her eyes, helping Mika open up a couple of food containers. “Took you long enough. Was starting to get worried I’d have to send Ortho to find you.”

Deuce rubs the back of his neck. “Sorry, we got lost.”

“You’re the one who took a wrong turn!” Ace accuses.

“Don’t blame me! I’ve never been here before!”

Mika shakes her head. “Quit arguing and sit down. Apparently, Floyd and Jade had been experimenting with different appetizers, so we have food.” She holds out a couple of plates with a variety of appetizers. “Want some?”

“Yes, please!” Ace is quick to take a plate from Mika. 

Zero holds one out to Deuce, and he takes it. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” Mika takes a seat on the bed.

Zero spins in her rolling chair to face the large computer screen, which has the race livestream up, though it’s muted as the announcers rattle on about random stuff. “The race is about to start. Do either of you have any idea why she’s suddenly racing tonight? I thought she had a date…”

Ace shrugs, swallowing a bite of food. “That’s what Deuce was saying.”

“I don’t know.” Deuce moves a what looked like some sort of stuffed pepper to the side of this plate as he sits down on the beanbag. “She was super excited about going out with Leona, so I don’t know what happened there.”

Mika looks at her phone. “I tried texting him, but he isn’t answering his phone.”

“Maybe he’s at the track with her?” Zero suggests. 

Deuce shakes his head. “Spade said they were going to go out to a restaurant. They had reservations and everything.”

“Leona also doesn’t like going down to the track. Too loud.” Mika adds.

Ace nods. “I can understand that.”

Deuce stares at the screen as it pans to show the racers. “Look at her, she’s barely moving.” He points out. 

Ace gives him a pointed look. “What are you expecting? Her to be running around?” His voice is full of sarcasm. “The race is counting down.”

Zero reaches over to unmute the livestream.

“Of course not! But usually she’s all jittery, leg bouncing, eager to go. Or she’s looking at the people in the crowd, giving them waves in stuff. But she hasn’t even looked out at the crowd once.”

“Dude… seriously?”

Zero shakes her head and rolls close to her desk, setting her plate down. “No. He’s right. I didn’t think about it until now, but she’s always doing fan service. Hyping up the crowd, waving, just being a ball of excitement. It’s why she has so many fans. But none of that is there today.”

Deuce looks at Ace. “SEE?!”

Ace rolls his eyes. “You’re still a fucking simp.”

Deuce opens his mouth to say something back, but Mika cuts him off. “Shut it.” She sets her plate on the nightstand and scoots closer to the edge of the bed, leaning in towards the screen. “It’s already started, and something doesn’t feel right.”

The group watches the race closely, and everyone had set their plate to the side. Zero has her keyboard pulled up in front of her. Occasionally, she zooms in to get a closer look at Spade.

Deuce figets in the beanbag. “Is it just me, or does she seem… distract–”

“HOLY SHIT!” Ace stands up.

“That guy just rammed into her side!” Zero shouts. “What the fuck?!”

Mika shakes her head, “Why, though? He had plenty of room to go around her!”

“Wait a minute…” Deuce gets up from his seat and gets closer to the screen. “Zero, is there any way you can zoom in on her connector?” He points out Spade.

“Yeah?” Zero types something on her keyboard and messes with something. Suddenly, the screen zooms in on Spade, following her as she moves on the screen. After a moment, it zooms in specifically on the connector on her wrist. It connected her directly to the bike, allowing for easier and more consistent magic flow into the bike; a physical link for magic to run through.

“Uh… Is it supposed to look like that?” Ace asks quietly.

Deuce just stares at the screen with wide eyes. Zero shakes her head. “No… no, it’s not.” 

Part of the connector had been slashed, a gash running up the side of it and into Spade’s arm. The part directly on the bike itself also had what looked to be a large crack in it. It wasn’t long before what looked like a mix of blood and ink spilled around the connector, and Spade started to slow down.

“Oh my Sevens… this is bad.” Deuce mutters.

“It’s like she hasn’t even noticed…” Mika adds.

Zero shakes her head. “I don’t think she has.” Zero covers her mouth with her hands.

The group is forced to watch as Spade’s arm stiffens and jerks, making the bike swerve and turn, barely avoiding running into other racers. They can see Spade trying to right it out, but it happens again, up closer to her collar, and suddenly the bike is falling and skidding on the concrete. Spade is thrown off, she rolls and then slides before being jerked to a stop by her arm, still connected to the bike. Blot continues to spill from the connector, and with the bike on its side, the crowd can see it too. The engine is still running, and the wheel continues to turn. The announcers are saying something, but the group is too focused on the images to comprehend what they’re saying. 

“Holy shit…” Mika gasps. After a moment, she shakes her head. “Ace. Go get Riddle. NOW. Wake him up if you have to.” She orders. “Deuce, get ready to leave. We’re going to the track. Now.” She turns to Zero. “Zero, you’ll have to get Leona.”

Ace nods, gives a quiet salute out of habit, and then runs out the door.

Neither Zero nor Deuce moves, both of their eyes fixed on the screen. Spade continues to lie on the track, motionless despite the rest of the racers speeding towards her. Most are able to swerve around her, but one isn’t able to and runs over her ankle. They see her scream as she curls up a bit. More racers speed past her, some of them just barely grazing her.

“No…” 

“ZERO!”

The girl jolts, turning to Mika. “What?!”

“Get Leona! Deuce!”

Deuce snaps out of it, eyes finally leaving the screen. He shakes his head and grabs his phone before rushing to put his shoes on.

Zero grabs her own phone before rushing out the door. She had a beastman to get.

Mika holds open the door for Deuce, and her phone rings as they start following Zero out of Ignihyde. “Hello… Yes, this is her… I saw, and I’m already on my way… I have one other person who’s coming with me, but others will probably come not too long after… Yes, you have my permission to administer any necessary care until I get there.”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 3 Wipeout on the Track

So this one is in an entirely different format from the others. When I was writing this, I wanted to focus almost entirely on the thoughts inside Spade's head. Putting you in her shoes. Racing and just speeding on her blastcycle bike is a way of relieving stress. So this is just kinda a creative way of writing, I wanted to try that, which allows you to get into her head.

I had a LOT of fun writing it, as I've never written something like this before. Please enjoy my little creative writing type thing!

The smell of gas is familiar, as is the sound of the crowd. It’s normal, it's a constant, it never changes. The roar of the bikes is a welcome sound. It means time is moving forward, the clock is ticking, and while it should scare you, it doesn’t. The darkness alongside the familiar sounds and passing time is calming. Soon, your problems will wash away, flow away in the wind as you leave them in the dust.

One beep: prepare yourself. Deep breaths. In…. and out… Just breathe. 

That’s all you have to do. Nothing else. Breath in the polluted air, no regard for its effects on your lungs. It’s familiar, safe.

Two beeps: ready your bike.

Open your eyes, see the crowd in the stands making noise. See the racers around you on their bikes as they rev their engines. 

It’s only natural to do the same. Rev your own engine and feel the vibrations from your own bike as it joins the others.

Three beeps: it's time. 

Feet up, and hit the gas. 

Leave behind all but the necessities. Leave your worries, problems, emotions. Leave them all lying on the asphalt.

You’ll be back to run them over.

Speed: Increasing. Everything starts moving forward. But in all the same ways it normally does. This is natural, how it's supposed to be, no deviation. It's all the same.

The sound of his heartbeat as you lie against his chest, in the sunlight. One of his arms supporting your head, acting as a pillow. The other wrapped around your waist, keeping you close.

No, leave it. Run him over in the second lap.

Speed: Max. Slide in and out, weave around other racers. It’s like a dance, sometimes you move on your own, sometimes with a partner. Adjusting as you move in response to each other.

You laugh as he pulls you in for a kiss. “My little shit…” he murmurs against your lips before kissing you. Your mouth moves against his, and when he licks at your bottom lip, you part them for him.

There will be no more of that. Let him go and be crushed by those behind you.

Speed: Max. Pass some racers, move to be in the way of others, but never touch. Except this time, someone almost bashes into you. “Damn it.” There’s a pain in your arm.

You must have made a noise, because he gently shushes you, “I know it hurts, but we need to get this wrapped up properly… I don’t like seeing you in pain.” He finishes wrapping your arm up before pulling you into a hug. “You should be more careful.”

Something's wrong, it’s fine…. Let it flow away… Something’s wrong… It’s going to be alright… NO, Something Is Wrong! The vibrations from the pistons within the bike are off; they’re sluggish… 

Speed: Decreasing. Slow down slightly when you approach the curve, but you're not. What? Why am I losing speed?  I shouldn’t be slowing down, I’m still on the straight.

“You don’t have to stay…” He mumbles, “I hurt you.” You can practically hear the self-doubts running around in his head. “Before you say, that ‘you’re here ‘cause you want to be’,” he sighs. “I just….” He shakes his head, holding you tighter against him, almost as if he was scared to let go. “Never mind, let's just get some sleep. I’m tired.”

Pain shoots through my arm, and the muscles stiffen and lock up. “Fuck!” The feeling in my arm is gone, and the pain is spreading.

I’m losing control… FOCUS!  

More pain shoots up this time, stopping at my collar, and suddenly my arm involuntarily curls up. I’m falling, rolling, sliding. There’s pain everywhere.

Speed: zero. You’re not moving. You’ve lost, you’re nothing, you’re weak! Pathetic! Stupid!

“I love you, no matter who you are. Spade, Rhyme, doesn’t matter to me. I’ll still love you.” He places a kiss on your forehead.

LIES!  ALL LIES! HE DOESN’T CARE! JUST RUN HIM OVER!

But I can’t, I’m lying out on the track, and bikes are racing towards me. I try to cover the back of my neck and curl up into a ball, but it’s like my body isn’t listening. 

Why can’t I move? MOVE DAMN IT!  

There’s a snap in my foot, and suddenly I’m in agony. There’s screaming, no… I’m screaming. There are splatters of black in my vision, but I can see people swerve, just barely missing me. I hear someone yell out.

“She’s not moving, call the medics.”

“Someone unplug her!”

“Turn off the bike!”

“Get her off the track!”

There’s more yelling and screaming, but it becomes fuzzy and muted, hard to hear and understand. The world fades to black.

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST After Book 2 - 2 Leona's Accusation

So this is not long after Leona's overblot. This is also the downfall of Leona's relationship with Spade. Anyways, ENJOY!

Spade knocks as she comes into Leona’s room. She was dressed up a bit, wearing some of her nicer clothes in preparation for her date, and her hair was slightly damp. “Sorry, I’m a bit late. I had to take a shower. I lost track of time and was kind of disgusting.” It wasn’t a lie; she had been covered in sweat, oil, and grease after working outside on the blastcycles for the club.

Leona was sprawled out on the bed, his nice clothes wrinkling as he stretches out. His tail flicks back and forth. He rolls over when Spade comes in, looking unimpressed. “Oh? And what were you doing prior that had you so disgusting?” He tilts his head, lip curling up in disgust. “Sure you didn’t just want to get rid of the scent of another man?” He questions.

Spade takes a step back in shock. “What?” She clenches her first and takes a deep breath, calming herself. “I was out doing bike stuff. Was doing maintenance on some of the club bikes.” She says carefully.

He scoffs. “With Deuce, I’m sure.” He snarls and sits up, moving to the edge of the bed.

Spade feels her anger rising, regardless of what his deal was, Leona had no right to speak to her like this. She had been nothing but understanding and patient with him since his overblot, doing everything she could to be there for him. Tonight was supposed a nice night with them going out to eat at one of their favorite places, a simple date after all the chaos. She unclenches her fist. “Yeah, he was there. So what? He’s been wanting to learn more about the mechanic side of racing and riding blastcycles. I told him I’d enjoy the help so he decided to come and help me out.”

“Oh suuuuuuuure,” he stands up, “helping with the bikes.” He moves forward and gets in her face. “You sure he wasn’t helping with something else?”

“What do you think you’re implying?” Spade asks, voice hard.

“I think you know.”

Spade squints at him. “Go ahead and spill it out for me, ‘cause I sincerely hope you’re not saying what I think you are.”

“I’m saying you’re a cheater.”

The rage boils over.

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST Book 6 - 7 To The Infirmary

Jack carefully opens the door, the infirmary was packed, people going in and out, and he didn’t want to accidentally hit anyone with the door. “Excuse us, coming in.” He holds the door open from Hannah.

“Sorry! Coming through.” Hannah takes a glance down at her cat. “Hera, stick close.”

“STAY!” Professor Crewel hasn’t even turned to look at them. “Sorry, all beds are occupied. Write your names on that paper then wait in your dorm. The nurse will attend to you later,” he turns around to point out the clipboard that was sitting on the nearby counter, but pauses. “Wait, you’re both perfectly fine. What business do you have here?” He crosses his arms, looking over the two freshmen.

Jack stands up straight. “Ruggie and Rook asked me to check up on the guys in here. Ash also asked me to grab some medical supplies to patch up people back at the dorm. What about you, Professor?”

“I heard a pair of pups from my class got injured. Really, how can these whelps be so foolhardy? Hm…” Crewel takes a closer look at Hannah. “On second glance, I see that you have some minor injuries, Hannah. Come here. I can patch up simple scrapes.”

Hannah waves her hands in front of her. “Oh no, it’s fine! I have some bandaids and a basic first aid kit back in my dorm room. I can patch myself back up when I get back. May I ask where Ace and Deuce are laying? Yuume was going to stay with them.”  Jack points them out to her and she lets out a soft ‘oh…’

“They still haven’t woken up yet…” Epel says, coming over.

Jack looks him over. “Should you even be up?” 

“I’m fine. Still a little shaky, but that’s all.”

Crewel holds out a hand, there just to help Epel if he falters. “I analyzed the residual traces of the spell they cast on you. It was designed to stun. Unfortunately, you sustained greater injuries because of where you fought.”

“What do you mean, Professor?” Epel asks.

“I mean, enemies and friendlies alike are bound to get hurt when you fire off magic in an old, derelict building.” Crewel shakes his head. “Freshmen would have a hard time using attack magic while simultaneously trying to shield themselves from falling debris. Surprise battles require the coolest of heads. Otherwise, you’ll wind up like they did.” He motions back towards Ace and Deuce.

Yuume, having sensed someone was looking over at her from her place beside the two unconscious freshmen, stands up and makes her way over.

“That’s why,” Mika comes in through the door behind them. “Freshmen are told to stay back and evacuate in emergencies like this.” She carefully pushes her way through the group. “Now, I’m here to check on Octavinelle students, please excuse me.” She speaks quickly and firmly, all business and no play at the moment.

“You do have a point…” Epel rubs the back of her neck. “I do remember a bunch of debris falling during the fight.”

Yuume nods in agreement as she reaches the group. ‘There was glass flying everywhere, and stuff falling down from the ceiling…’ She looks at the ground dejectedly. ‘My dorm is in shambles…’

Hannah translates to Jack as Epel reaches out to rub her back.

“This is the problem with bad boys who act without thinking.” Crewel starts. He slaps the end of his riding crop against his palm. “I plan to train them all over again when they wake.”

“But they did it to save Grim–” Epel starts, but is cut off.

“Their reasons are irrelevant. It’s a trainer’s job to scold pups when they do something phenomenally stupid. They got off lucky this time. What if those soldiers had cast lethal spells? Things would’ve ended much differently then.”

Epel cringes and then looks down dejectedly. “...You’re right. I’m sorry. Vil must’ve known that, which is why he ordered the freshmen to stay back.” His accent starts to slip out. “…An’ then Ah went an’ made an idjit outta mahself. An’ what do Ah got to show for it? A big ol’ whoopin’, that’s what. They hauled Vil and the others off, an’ all Ah could do was stan an’ watch.”

Hannah looks away, and Hera rubs up against her legs before sitting down at her feet.

‘I just…’ Yuume’s hands pause for a moment. ‘Felt so useless during everything…’

Epel pulls the girl into a hug.

“I know what you mean…” Hannah reaches down and picks up Hera to cradle her against her chest.

The feline lets out a soft meow and rubs her head against Hannah’s chin.

“...No one can do everything right out the gate.”

“Huh?” Epel turns to look at Jack.

“The housewardens and vice housewardens didn’t start out as amazing mages. They went through trials of their own, and that’s what made them stronger. Moping about what you COULDN’T do isn’t gonna help matters.” Jack looks at his friends, one by one. “What can you do NOW? That’s what we should be focusing on. So quit your bellyaching… It’s like nails on a chalkboard.”

“Jack…” Epel whispers.

Yuume pushes away from Epel and starts angrily signing. Whether it's her just venting to the air, or if she’s actually trying to have someone understand her, no one can really tell. ‘But it’s different! I don’t have magic! I’ve never had magic! Without Grim, there isn’t anything I CAN do!’

Hannah comes closer to Yuume, trying to offer a calming presence.

Crewel watched Yuume’s outburst closely. “The faculty will look into what we can do about our abducted students and the headmage.” He turns to specifically address the VDC competitors. “Felmier, Yuume, Gill, I expect all of you to rest and recuperate for now.”

Yuume nods, while both Epel and Hannah let out a quiet ‘yes sir.’

“I can walk now, so I’ll head back to my dorm,” Epel adds on.

Jack takes one last look around the infirmary. “I’m not seeing any Savannaclaw students here, so I’d best get back too. Though, can I get some supplies? If no one else needs them, then Ash certainly does. She looked… rough.”

Crewel nods. “Of course, take what you think you will need. As for Felis,” he leaves Jack with a heavy look. “Don’t tell me she sustained more injuries. She’s already been in here every day since the culture festival for those massive chemical burns on her hands and arms. For her to be fighting like that…” He lets out a breath and shakes his head. “I hate to think about the condition she’s in now. I highly doubt she should be moving about.”

��She did,’ Yuume signs. ‘But she was trying to protect everyone.’

Crewel sighs. “I suppose I will have to have a talk with her about proper defensive spells and risk management alongside Trappola and Spade.”

“I’ll help her get patched up, don’t worry, sir,” Jack says.

“Thank you, Howl. Please, go collect what you need.”

Jack nods and then moves further into the room, being careful to stay out of the nurse’s way.

“Professor Crewel,” Epel starts. “Please take good care of Ace and Deuce.”

“Please don’t insult me.” Crewel scoffs. “These pups are under my supervision. Of course, I’ll take care of them. That goes from Hannah and Yuume as well… and Grim, of course.” He looks at Yuume and Hannah. “All the 1-A students are pups under the tutelage of the great Crewel. On that note,” he takes a deep breath. “How DARE someone else discipline a pup from MY kennel?! I’m boiling with rage!”

“Yeah!” Epel clenches his fists. “Ah’m real teed of mahself!”

Hannah nods. “Same.”

Crewel eyes Epel. “SIT!” He crosses his arms. “Listen, pups. The adults will figure out what to do next. So stay put and don’t get funny ideas.”

Epel deflates a bit, and Hannah looks away.

Yuume lets out a sigh, but doesn’t move her hands to communicate.

Crewel’s gaze softens. “I understand you wish to help, but it’s best if you pups leave this to us adults. We will get this handled. I promise you that.” He sets a hand on Yuume’s shoulders. “Why don’t you stay with one of you’re friends?”

“She can stay with me in Pomefiore. I have an open bunk in my room.” Epel is quick to suggest. Part of him was eager to return the favor to Yuume after she helped him down during his panic attack the other night. The other part of him just wanted to keep her close to him, for reasons he couldn’t quite put his tongue on.

Crewel gives Epel a look, but Hannah shakes her head. His gaze returns to Yuume. “Stay wherever you feel safest.”

Yuume nods. ‘Thank you.’

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST Book 5 - ? Epel's Unwilling & Unknowing Crime

Vil walks out of the NRC dressing room, two apple juices in hand, only to almost run into Epel. “Ah, Epel. Just the person I was looking for. Can I bother you for a favor?”

“Huh?” Epel pauses, tensing up. “I mean, sure…? You don’t want me to be some sort of mannequin again, do you?”

“Not this time.” Vil holds up the two apple juice bottles. “Would you mind bringing these to Mira and Neige? I wanted to bring them some of the juice from your farm myself, but something has come up. Their performance was splendid, and they deserved to be rewarded for such.” His voice is surprisingly calm, speaking as if he genuinely means what he’s saying. He hands one of the bottles to Epel. “This one is for Neige,” he breaks the seal on the second bottle. “This one is for Mira.” When Epel gives him a confused look, he continues. “She sometimes has trouble opening new bottles, so I figured I would go ahead and open it for her so she didn’t have to struggle or ask anyone for help.”

The relief is visible on Epel’s face as his body relaxes. “Yeah, I can do that!” He takes the juice from Vil, mentally noting which one is which. He smiles at Vil. “I’m guessing they told ya about their relationship? Or did ya figure it out like I did?”

Vil’s smile becomes just a hint more forced, though Epel doesn’t notice. “...Yes, you could say it was a little bit of both.” He shakes his head. “They should be in the RSA dressing room.”

Epel nods, “Yeah, sure. I don’t mind bringing these over to them. I was heading that way anyway.” He gives Vil one more smile before heading down the hall. He pales for a sec, thinking back to the forest incident with Ash and Rook, but laughs it off. Mira and Neige were perfectly innocent.

He’s almost at the RSA dressing room when Epel spots Rook and Ash on the ground against the wall. Rook holds Ash as she’s curled up tightly against him. Epel gives them a concerned, almost questioning, look. Rook shakes his head, mouthing at him not to worry about it, but noting the bottles of juice in his hand. Epel shrugs, trusting that Rook has whatever was going on with Ash handled, and continues to the dressing room.

Inside the dressing room, Mira and Neige had moved to the couch. Mira was sitting on Neige’s lap, her forehead pressed against his; both were panting. “You are something else, you know?” Mira says with a smile, her voice a bit breathless. “Thank you, though. I needed a distraction.”

Neige returns her smile, “Of course! It was a win-win, y’know?” He gives her a cute wink.

Mira perks up a bit when there’s a knock on the door. She gives Neige a quick kiss on the cheek before sliding off of him. She runs a hand through her hair, trying to straighten it out a bit before she opens the door. “Hm? Oh, hello, Epel. Is everything alright?”

Epel nods, smiling somewhat shyly. “Yeah! Vil just asked me to bring y’all some of my family’s apple juice for him!” He hands Mira the opened one before peeking more into the dressing room and waving at Neige before holding the other bottle out to him.

Neige gets up off the couch and walks over to take it. 

“How thoughtful! I’m sure it’s going to taste great!” Mira says with a smile. She opens it up and takes a drink before a thought crosses her mind. How did Vil know she was alone with Neige?

Neige takes the offered juice from Epel, and as he looks at the label, his eyes shine. “Thank you so much! I’ve wanted to try this for a while! Especially after seeing how Vi-Chan was praising it online.” He starts to open the bottle just as Rook appears behind Epel with well-concealed panic.

“NEIGE!” He pauses, taking a small breath. Ash was following right behind him, a confused look in her eyes as she rubbed the sleep from them. “My apologies for interrupting you all, but the staff was looking for you. They have questions about the main performance.” There’s no evidence in his voice of the lie he was speaking.

Neige’s eyes widen in surprise. “Huh? O-oh, okay!” He looks at Mira. “I guess I should go and see them then.”

Rook’s eyes zero in on the bottle of juice in Neige’s hand. “Oh dear… my throat is positively parched from running around looking for you. That apple juice you’re holding looks cold and refreshing. Might I trouble you to let me have it?”

Both Epel and Ash give him a confused look just as Vil rounds the corner.

Neige looks stunned for a moment before cooling his gaze with another smile. “O-of course! It’s all yours!” He hands over the bottle of apple juice.

“Thank you, Neige. You should hurry on stage…” his face darkens a bit. “And I suggest not coming back here again.”

Mira feels a cold sense of dread wrap around her throat at the look on Rook’s face, and she freezes.

“Go on, off with you now!” Rook tries to hurry him, and he moves his glance to Mira. “Both of you!”

It's only then that Ash seems to catch that something isn’t right, and she’s quick to help Rook. She gives Mira a stern look. “Mira, GO.”

At Ash’s voice, Mira seems to snap out of it and grabs Neige’s hand. They both quickly exit the room, leaving to find the staff that supposedly was asking for them.

Once they’re both gone, Rook opens the bottle and stares down into the liquid with a bitter smile. “Mmm… that sweet, tart apple aroma. It makes me envision a bright red apple, just waiting for me to take a bite. Epel’s hometown specialty is truly magnifique.” He glances at Vil and Ash, giving them an almost mournful look. “I shall drink it to every last drop.”

Three years of being best friends with Rook flashed before her eyes as Ash met his gaze. This wasn’t a gaze she had seen him make before, but she immediately decides she never wants to see it again. Panic rushes through her; her intuition never failed her when it came to the hunter. “Rook…”

Just as she finishes saying his name, Kalim bolts down the hall towards them from around the corner. “DON’T DO IT, ROOK!” He screams, smacking the glass out of the man’s hands with a panicked expression. The bottle falls to the ground, juice spilling all over the smooth tile.

Grim, Yuume, and Hannah round the corner, having followed Kalim.

The face Rook makes is one of shock, but also relieved. “Roi d’or… what brings you here?” His voice seems detached, as if he’s somewhere else entirely.

Kalim bends over, hands on his knees as he catches his breath. “I made it…”

Vil begins to move closer to the group. “What are you all doing here?” His voice is quiet, and as he speaks, the juice on the ground begins to shift in color; the clear, fragrant liquid becomes a deep, opaque purple. It bubbles, audibly fizzing as if having some sort of chemical reaction.

Grim jumps back, “MYAH!” He points a paw at the floor, and Yuume looks at the spot on the floor with a cautious, borderline fearful look.

Kalim looks at Vil, the expression on his face somehow both empathetic and hard. “You used your signature spell to curse it, didn’t you?”

Yuume’s gaze snaps to Kalim, her eyes wide. 

“HE WHAT?!” Grim screeches, remembering when he was at the opposing end of Vil’s unique magic. 

“I got a real bad feeling when I saw the look on your face after Neige’s rehearsal. It was practically the same look I saw on Jamil’s face when he lost control of himself over holiday break.”

Hannah nods; she had seen it too. It was the same look she had seen over and over again before every overblot.

Vil turns to Rook, a haunted look in his eyes. “Rook, why did you try ot drink that? You had to have known that doing so wouldn’t end well for you.”

Ash bites her lip, also looking at the hunter.

Rook looks between them. “I wanted to believe in you,” he begins, looking at Vil. “You, who strives harder and reaches for greater heights than any other. I didn’t want you to besmirch yourself by doing anything foolish. And if the apple juice was cursed, I wanted to taste it. I wanted to taste the poison derived from an obsession with beauty bordering on madness.” His voice still sounds distant, like he isn’t entirely present.

“ROOK!” Ash yells, her breathing picks up, and tears fill her eyes. “How can you say something like that?!”

Hannah takes a step closer despite knowing what would soon happen. She knew there was no stopping what would happen, so she might as well say what’s on her mind. “What the hell!” She points at Vil. “Do you have any idea how stupid what you almost did was? You said every other team here would look like spuds compared to us!”

Yuume nods along to Hannah’s words.

“Yeah, you said we were going to have the best performance in the world!” Kalim shouts. “So after all of that, why would you stoop to this?”

Vil looks at the ground and lets out a slow, pitiful, almost sad laugh. “That’s what I want to know…” His voice is quiet. “More than the rest of you even. But you see, I’ve come to a realization…” He looks up, madness in his eyes. “That I. CAN NEVER! WIN!” He shouts. A crazed smile forms on his face. “And that’s why I’M going to handle Neige.”

Rook shakes his head, snapping out of whatever trance he had entered, and moves just as the juice beneath him starts to bubble more violently. It spreads, and each bubble that pops releases some sort of gas into the air.

“Myah!” Grim jumps up into Yuume’s arms.

The hall begins to fill with whatever fumes the poisoned juice is releasing. “What is this smoke?! C-Can’t… breathe…!” Kalim chokes out as he coughs.

Rook moves farther away from where he had previously been standing. He pulls part of his jacket up to cover his nose and mouth. “Everyone! Don’t inhale that mist! Vil’s signature spell is Fairest One of All! He can use it to curse any object. The mist is the evaporated form of that cursed liquid. If you breathe it in, you’ll be immobilized!”

Mira runs down the hall from the same direction she left, Samara right on her heels. She skids to a stop, letting out a strangled gasp as she breathes in the toxic fumes. “B-Big… Brother?” She manages to wheeze out as she coughs violently.

With Mira having stopped, Samara is finally able to grab her, trying to pull her away. “You can’t breathe this in!” She shouts, seemingly the only one not affected by the fumes. She looks at everyone in the room. “You need to get out, NOW!”

Vil meets his sister’s eyes for a moment before he shuts his own tightly, fighting something within himself. “Fuck… please… don’t look at me…” He opens his eyes and looks at his lovers. “Don’t look at me with those eyes!!”

“Vil…” Ash cries.

“Why… I want to be the fairest one of all! So why am I so… So… UGLY!”

Rook coughs, pulling the fabric tighter over his face. “You are far from ugly, Vil!

“Yeah! And listen…!” Kalim is interrupted by his own cough. “Neige didn’t drink the juice– neither did Rook. You haven’t hurt anyone yet!” He wheezes. “So please, Vil, snap out of it!”

Mira’s eyes are wide, filled with tears that are starting to overflow from shock, distress, and the fumes. “Vi-Chan, please…” She rasps out, making futile attempts to get closer to her brother despite Samara holding her back with a surprising amount of strength.

“SILENCE!” Vil screams. “What do any of you know?!” He snarls. “What does it matter who forgives me?! I can’t… I can’t forgive myself!” He cries. He looks at Mira just as blot starts to run down his body like black ink.

Hannah reaches out and grabs Epel by the shoulder, jolting him out of whatever dazed state he had been in. She looks at Yuume, who was holding Grim in her arms. “We need to get out of here. Now!”

Mira continues to fight against Samara to get to her brother, openly sobbing. “Vil, please!” She cries, getting weaker with every attempt. “I’m so sorry! Please… just don’t leave me!” She pleads, despite her coughs. 

With Mira losing her strength, Samara manages to start dragging her back down the way they came. She looks at Yuume. “Get moving!”

Yuume nods, tightening her grip on Grim, moving to follow her out.

Hannah pushes Epel to follow after them, and then grabs Kalim, pulling him down the hall. He quickly takes the hint and starts moving. 

As blot continues to consume and take over Vil, Ash reaches out and latches onto his back. The blot starts running down her hands and forearms. “Vil… please!” She coughs, hacking up a lung. “Just calm down!” She croaks, tears run down her face. The blot mixes with the toxins in the air, turning acidic on her skin. She hisses as it burns and starts to eat at her skin. “Please!” She cries. “Just calm down!”

Rook surges forward, the fabric falling away from his face as he grabs Ash, pulling her back with pure strength and willpower. “No!”

With everyone else moving and getting out of there, Hannah pauses, looking back at the trio of lovers. “Guys!” She calls.

Rook pulls Ash away, swallowing his tears and fears, and he roughly drags her. 

Vil sees the liquid burning Ash’s arms and laughs; it's evil, more so than any of the ones he did as an actor playing a villain. “Yes, of course! If I just melt everyone else into a hideous mess. Then I’ll be the fairest one of all, won’t I?!”

“You… You already are!” Ash tries to dig her heels in, but Rook just picks her up and slings her over his shoulder.  She cries out as Rook turns and runs down the hall.

Now seeing that Rook and Ash are moving, Hannah starts running.

Ash sobs as she watches the blot take over Vil.

Mira’s eyes widen, tears pouring down her face as she watches her brother transform while Samara drags her away. “Don’t do this, please!” Her voice cracks. “I’ll do anything to make this right, but don’t leave me!”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST Book 5 - ? Vil Learns About Mira. and Neige

Vil knocks on the door to the RSA backstage changing room, looking for Mira, this being his first stop after she didn’t answer her phone. When there is no response or answer, he sighs and opens the door, meaning only to peek in and check. The sight inside makes him freeze solid. 

Neige had Mira pinned to the wall, kissing her roughly. One hand against the wall next to her head, while the other slides up under her shirt, feeling the smooth skin underneath. He groans slightly when Mira’s hand reaches up and tangles in his hair, tugging slightly. 

Mira whines as her other hand tries to pull him closer, wanting him as close as possible.

Vil watches the two for a few moments, shaking as he recognizes the emotions and intensity between the two. The door closes in front of him with a soft click, but he just stands there, eyes wide. He’s seen that kind of passion and love before. He’s felt that, he’s seen it before. He’s seen it between Rook and Ash, seeing them when they start without him. He’s seen it in the mirror every time Rook pins him when they’re in his room. He sees it in every photo of him and Ash. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t just appear and go away, but the kind of love that’s all encompassing. The kind of love that lasts, that people dream about finding.

His fist clenches as he realizes that what he just saw isn’t something new, or some sort of fling. It’s actual love. It’s something that has most likely been going on for a long time. When he turns to leave, he sees Rook and Ash as they come down the hall towards him.

Ash’s tail sways worriedly, “Vil… are you okay?” She asks softly.

Vil nods, both as a response to Ash and in greeting before walking past his significant others, a haunted look in his eyes.

Panic flashes in Ash’s own eyes and she reaches out to him. “Vil, wait!” She cries as he just shrugs her off and continues walking.

“Wait and let him go, Ash.” Rook says, his voice unnaturally serious. “Some things are necessary.”

“Rook…” she turns to him and shakes her head. There are tears forming in her eyes. “You… you don’t understand–”

“I understand perfectly fine what may be happening, and I’m telling you to wait.” His face softens, “trust me.” He takes both of her hands and cradles them to his chest. “Trust me…”

Ash shakes her head again, the tears starting to fall. “I–I’ve see that look. I’ve seen that look in his eyes,” she takes a shaky breath, “I know that look…” Her voice cracks.

“I know you do, but we need to let it happen.” He whispers.

She buries her face in his chest, clutching onto him tightly, “Are we just supposed to stand by and watch as he overblots?!” She lets out a sob, “I’m so scared for him…”

He hugs her tightly. “There’s no avoiding it, we have to let it happen and stop it then. I think you know this, cherie.”

“Why… Why do we just have to stand by like this!”  She looks up at him, her face red and puffy as tears continue to fall. “Can’t we do something, there has to be something we can do!”

Rook grabs her face with urgency, looking into her eyes. “Not until it’s already happened. Interfering now will only make things worse, and I can’t risk anything happening to you.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t care if I get hurt, what about him!”

His eyes and tone turn harsh, “I care, Ash! Vil will be fine, but neither of us are strong enough to combat this alone. We have to wait.”

Ash is quiet for a moment, all of her strength leaving her. “I… I hate this.”

Rook pulls her back into his chest, his steady heartbeat not giving way to the panic he also feels inside. “I know you do…”

“Are we really just supposed to do nothing…?” She asks quietly.

“We’ll do something, just not yet. This has to play out before we enter the scene”

Ash bites the inside of her cheek before moving to wrap her arms around his neck, holding him tight. She buries her face in his neck, trying to stop crying.

Rook slowly walks, almost a penguin-type waddle, not removing Ash from him, just guiding her around the corner.

Once they’re around the corner, Ash crumbles to the ground, shaking. Her ears pin themselves against her head, and her poofed up tail wraps around her.

Rook sinks down with her, just so her can continue to hold her. “Ma chatonne, it will be okay.”

Ash doesn’t say anything back, but continues to nuzzle into him, getting as close as she possible can, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. Her poofed up tail adjusts to wrap around him as well. 

Rook strokes her hair, easily masking how terrified he feels.

Ash closes her eyes, the tears have stopped falling, but her body continues to lightly shake. “I’m sorry…” she whispers.

“Don’t. Don’t apologize, there’s nothing to be sorry for.”

She takes a deep breath. “Yeah… Can we just stay like this for a bit?”

Rook nods. “Of course, whatever you need.” He presses a kiss to her head, one hand continue to stroke her head while the other rubs her back.

“Thank you…”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST Book 5 - ? RSA Practice Run

As all of the RSA team comes out on stage, a look of shock crosses Vil’s face, and he stiffens.

Ace raises a brow. “Uhhh… what’s this? An elementary school play?” 

“I don’t think those are children, actually,” Jamil leans forward and squints his eyes for a moment. “They’re fae, Dwarfs, to be specific.”

“Oh! Those are the guys that got lost on campus earlier today. Me and Yuume helped them out earlier!” Grim speaks up, and Yuume nods.

“All of them are so unique, I wonder how they’ll do,” Hannah comments.

“Wow! What IS this song?! It just keeps coming back around to the hook in circles!” Kalim dances in his seat, moving along with the beat.

“It’s an arrangement of a Shaftland’s children’s song,” Rook explains.

Ash nods, “It’s a quite well-known one, too. It’s very popular with kids. Not exactly something you perform for a competition if I’m honest.”

“Agreed. All those dance moves are so simple, anyone could do them. They’re not even in sync.” Ace comments. 

“One of them almost fell over…” Hannah mutters.

“Yeah, Neige helped him catch himself, but all of these guys look like they could go toppling at any second,” Grim says from his spot on Yuume’s lap.

Mira comes up and sits behind Vil in the second row of seats. She smiles softly as she taps his shoulder. “Remember how much I annoyed you with this song as a kid?”

Vil doesn’t even turn to look at his sister, extremely tense in his seat next to Ash. “Yes…” He says, not even really paying attention to what his sister is saying.

“You can’t even call this competition. Am I right or what, Vil?”  Ace mocks.

Mira lets out a small laugh, her smile turning a bit more mischievous, like she used to as a kid. “I think you’ll find that, although the quality may be lacking, we have a clear card up our sleeve.” She says, looking at Ace, before turning back to Vil. “I do believe it will be a close competition, Brother.”

“We’ve been outplayed…” Vil mutters quietly.

Mira tilts her head, concern on her face at his tone. “Is everything okay? I was just teasing~ You’ll probably win, y’know!” She says, a sweatdrop forming on her face.

Yuume tilts her head, watching the interaction between the siblings, as Hannah shoots a worried look Vil’s way.

Ash turns to look back at Mira, shaking her head ‘no’, and giving her a look as if to say ‘just shut up’. 

“Whoa… Neige has everybody awestruck!” Deuce shouts, bringing everyone’s attention back to the performance in front of them.

Samara leans over to Hannah and whispers, “They’re kinda cute.”

Hannah nods in agreement. “If they weren’t our competition, I would agree.” She responds quietly.

“Ah ain’t never knew charm could come off like that…” Epel says to himself, and Vil lets out a low noise of frustration.

“Vi-Chan?” Mira reaches out to tap her brother’s shoulder again, wanting to make sure he was alright, but is interrupted by Neige, down on the stage,

“Thanks for listening, everybody! I love you all!

Ash looks at Mira and makes a motion for her to go down and join her team.

Looking not that all unlike a kicked puppy, she nods with a forced smile, getting up and leaving to congratulate her team on a performance well done.

Vil stands, a haunted look in his eye. Rook is quick to move to his other side while Ash presses up against him, grabbing his hand as if to say, ‘I’m here.’

“Vil?”

“Vil…” Ash’s ears pin back against her head, and she squeezes Vil’s hand.

Vil suddenly shakes his head and looks between his two partners. “Huh?”

“What’s the matter? You look pale. Are you feeling out of sorts?” Rook asks.

“No… I’m fine. Nothing’s wrong.” Vil pets Ash’s head, trying to convince her to believe his words. “It was a school play, hardly worthy of my notice. I’ll be in the dressing room.” He places a kiss on Ash’s hand before walking away.

A witch holds an apple above a cauldron by the stem. Slowly, she dunks it into the bubbling green liquid. She swirls it around, stirring the concoction with the sweet red fruit. When she pulls the fruit from the caldron, the green liquid begins to run off the fruit. For a moment, it looks like a skull, with the holes of the eyes being the bright red flesh of the apple. Soon, when all the liquid has fallen away, the apple is left looking as ripe and delicious as it did before being dipped into the deadly concoction. The witch then places it atop a basket filled with other apples. “Ah, now it is time…”

“Um, Yuume? You’re staring off into space. Are you alright?

Yuume blinks, turning to look at Epel. Were those weird dreams now invading her day? No, it was trying to tell her something…

Hannah, who had been previously watching the interaction with Vil, jolts and looks at Yuume. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Grim turns to look up at Yuume from her lap. “You gettin’ hungry?

She shakes her head, signing ‘Not particularly. Sorry, got lost in thought.’

Ace laughs, “projecting much, Grim?”

“You know,” Deuce starts, “I, myself, actually AM hungry. Why don’t we all go get something to eat before showtime? We need to be at our best.”

TWST Masterlist

[2weebswrite]

TWST OC - Mira Schoenheit

So I (Frost) had to part in the making of Mira, aside from being someone for Crimson to bounce ideas off of. This is completely her OC. That being said, I wanted to get some content out about her so that there is something to reference. I'm planning on posting some book 5 content tonight, and Mira is a substantial part of that, being Vil's sister. Crimson will (probably) come and add more to this, flesh it out, and give her own flair. She also knows more about Mira than I do, so this is mostly just the basics. Please enjoy!

Note: This will get reblogged when Crimson has come in and updated it.

General

School: RSA

Year: 2nd

Dorm: Verrenrir

(RSA dorm based on the Glass Maid’s Loyalty. AKA the Cinderella dorm. There will be a post at some point about all the RSA dorms and stuff)

Club: ---

UM: Mirror on the Wall

"Magic Mirror on the wall, show them all the tale I saw"

Basically, she creates a mirror that shows whatever she wants the person in the mirror to see. She creates a narrative for the mirror to show. (This is the only way she can 'lie')

Nicknames/Other Names: Madamoiselle Mirroir (Rook)

Appearance: ---

Romance!

Her pair is with Neige LeBlanche. Funny how Vil's sister falls in love with his enemy. Lore and shit happens with this during book 5. But needless to say, Vil doesn't know about it until shit goes down...

I'll (Frost) let crimson come and add more, cause she knows more about all of this.

Fun/Other Notes:

Obviously Vil's younger sister.

Physically unable to lie. Vil got mad at her when they were little and accidentally cursed her with his UM to be unable to lie. He still feels bad about it to this day, even though Mira has LONG since forgiven him and gets mad when he tries to apologize about it.

Minor celebrity. Obviously not as big as her brother, but she does have a decent following.

Her and Vil have a shared calendar, and are typically very open with each other. (Aside from the situation about Neige.)

She has asthma! (Like me! -Frost)

Surprisingly competitive, although shy.

After she and Samara met, they started texting regularly and have become good friends!