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the-broken-truth · 19 days ago

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Return Home AU: Accidental Liberation [1]

Summary: After returning to Ramshackle following a three-day weekend in his hometown, Silk City, located in the Land of Scalding Sands, Jayden shares with his dorm members how he accidentally freed his family from servitude. In just three days, he not only liberated them but also gained them vast wealth and an estate.

Parts: [One] (HERE) - [Two] - [Three] - [Epilogue]

Notes:

The Return Home AU belongs to @return-to-twisted-wonderland Jayden Viper belongs to Me. This story is a Revamp of ["How I Accidentally Freed My Family From Servitude" By Jayden Viper]

It has been four days since the members of Ramshackle Dorm returned after spending the three-day weekend with their respective families.

Yuu stayed away due to his strained relationship with his biological father, Dire Crowley, and spent time with his adopted family, the members of Diasomnia. Darius returned to the Queendom of Hearts with his father, Divus Crewel, to reconnect with his roots and spend time with his father’s dogs. Meanwhile, Marcus and Grim accompanied Marcus' father, Mozus Trein, to Trein Estate in the Shaftlands, where Marcus met his sisters and decorated the room that used to be his nursery.

Lastly, the youngest member of Ramshackle Dorm, Jayden Viper, has been on the run since returning to Night Raven, pursued by his twin, Jamil Viper.

Just as Darius and Marcus finished their after-school snack, Jayden opened the door to Ramshackle, looking winded. He exhaled a breath that seemed to have been trapped in his lungs until he arrived. After removing his shoes, he placed them in one of the compartments of the shoe rack to the right of the door. He then walked along the clean wooden floor and headed into the lounge, where he plopped himself into his customary chair. Everyone knew that chair was Jayden's, so no one else dared to sit in it.

"You look exhausted, Jay." Marcus announced as he strolled into the lounge with Grim, The Dorm's Mascot & Marcus' Adopted Son, using his head as a perch; the feline's chin rested in Marcus' Black Hair while his sapphire eyes were focused on the cake squares & cookies on the platter that Marcus placed on the table.

"Yeah, no kidding." Jayden deflated in his chair as he closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair. "I just managed to get away from Jami because he had to go to Basketball Practice with Ace & Floyd."

"Your brother is still hunting you?" Darius asked as he walked into the Lounge with a serving platter holding the drinks: Raspberry Tea for Jayden while everyone else got smoothies.

"Please, don't say 'hunting'. It makes him sound like Rook." Jayden said as he opened one eye to peer at Darius with a small smile.

"True." Darius chuckled as he placed the drinks on the table next to the platter of sweets before taking his seat on the couch next to Marcus who was giving Grim one of the cake squares, which he happily devoured.

"I've been curious about that, Jayden," Yuu called out as he looked up from his book and met the signature gray eyes of the Viper Family. "Why has Jamil been chasing you so much? He's been doing it ever since we returned from the 3-Day Weekend."

"It's because of what happened during the 3-Day Weekend," Jayden began as he sat up in his chair. He claimed a cookie from the platter and took a bite, making sure to swallow before speaking again. "You all remember what happened during Winter Break, right? When Jami overblotted?"

"Marcus & I weren't here during that time, so we don't have the entire story." Darius reminded Jayden as he sipped his smoothie.

That's when Yuu turned his gaze to Darius and explained everything that happened during Jamil's Attempted Coup of Scarabia.

"Jamil used his unique magic, Snake Whisper, to manipulate Kalim Al-Asim, the Housewarden, into becoming a tyrant while pretending to be Scarabia's savior. He even dragged Jayden into his scheme when Jayden came to tend to the Fairy Fire. While Jamil and the Scarabia students were cooking in the cafeteria kitchen, they encountered Jayden. Jamil used Snake Whisper to lure Jayden into Scarabia, and Kalim refused to let him leave. However, Jayden was determined to stay because he wanted to help. I went to Octavinelle to enlist the Octo-Trio's assistance, but Jamil ended up messing up, and his cover was blown." Yuu explained.

"Why did he do all of that?" Marcus asked as he petted Grim.

"There were 2 reasons he did this. The first reason he did it was because he wanted to be free of Kalim. The plan was to get Kalim kicked out of Scarabia & Night Raven so that he could take the throne of Housewarden for himself. Jamil desired to be free from Kalim because his family are servants to Kalim's Family." Yuu said.

"What was the second reason?" Darius questioned.

"The second reason was because Jami blamed Kalim for my death. It turned out I disappeared because Kalim told me a story about The Sorcerer's Lamp - a lamp containing a genie that could grant any wish. I went looking for it and ended up trapped in a cave-in." Jayden's hand unconsciously reached up and grasped the half of the Scarab Pendant dangled around his neck from the rope.

"Revenge & Hatred. Such a poisonous concoction." Darius exhaled as he leaned back in his chair with his legs crossed before he turned his gaze to Jayden, "So, what happened during the 3-Day Weekend that made him so... persistent in dragging you to Scarabia?"

Jayden exhaled before speaking, "Because I accidentally freed our family, and got them estate & vast wealth in a matter of 3 days."

"Is that right?" Yuu asked as he placed a bookmark on his page before closing it and placing it on the table beside him. "How did that happen?"

Jayden claimed another cookie for himself before he leaned back into chair and took a deep exhale before speaking once again.

"Okay. I'll tell you how I accidentally freed my family."

"A few days before the 3-Day Weekend started, Jami told me that our parents wanted to see me; they wanted to get to know me since I didn't remember who I was in the family. I went with Jamil & Kalim and found myself standing in my hometown & homeland for the first time in 10 years: Silk City in the Land of Scalding Sands."

Jayden's eyes scanned the area around him - the vendors working at their stands, the delicious smells of food and places around him, the sounds of people speaking to each other as they conducted business or just having conversations with one another. It was like being in another world for him and this place was his homeland.

"This is Silk City?" Jayden asked, his eyes wide in amazement as he took in the clothing of the people around him. "I can see why it has that name. The designs on those silk robes are so intricate." He glanced up at the blazing sun overhead, shielding his eyes with his hand. "The Land of Scalding Sands... It feels like a hot summer day back on Earth."

"Earth?" Jamil asked as he turned to face his twin, who looked at him with a shrug.

"The name of the planet I was on before I came to Wonderland." Jayden said.

"You mean 'returned to Wonderland'. This place is your home, Jayden, yet you speak of this Magicless World as if it's your place of origin." Jamil said with a small glare on his face and his arms folded.

"I wasn't trying to say it that way, Jami; I promise. It's just I don't remember this place since the accident. Sevens, I didn't even remember my own name until the old couple who took me in gave me my current name." Jayden explained as he put his hands in his pockets.

"You know your real name now. I've told you and Kalim told you, so why are you still going by 'Jayden'?" Jamil questioned with a raised brow.

"Because I don't remember being 'Namir'." Jayden answered, but that answer didn't seem to please Jamil.

"Even if you don't remember being 'Namir', that's who you are. You should take up your real name. Our parents gave you that name." Jamil said.

"I understand that, but... I can't take up a name that I don't feel in my heart. You understand that, don't you?" Jayden pleaded, causing his twin to exhale.

"I wish that I could understand, but I've never had my memories - my entire identity - taken from me. I can't empathize, but I will sympathize with you, Jayden." Jamil relented.

"Thank you, Jamil. I really appreciate that." Jayden smiled at Jamil before he looked over his shoulder, "Oh! There's Kalim!"

"Kalim greeted us and welcomed me "back home." However, he informed Jamil that Mr. Asim wanted to speak with him and the Viper family about what to do regarding my situation, as I had been missing for so long that I was declared dead. Jamil handed me 1,000 Madol and encouraged me to explore the place I once knew as home to help me reacquaint myself with it. While he went to speak with Mr. Asim and his family, I decided to walk around until I stumbled upon something rather interesting: a bookstore called 'Bizarre Bargains'."

'Bizarre Bargains? That's an interesting name for a shop. I wonder if it's anything like Mr. S's Mystery Shop.' Jayden thought to himself before he reached into his pocket and looked at the stack of Madol in his hand, back at the shop sign, smiling and nodding to himself as he stuffed the money back into his pocket and pushed the door open, causing the bell to ring overhead which gained the attention of the Shop Owner, who stood behind the counter.

"Hey there, young man. Welcome to Bizarre Bargains. What can I get for you today?" The Shop Owner greeted Jayden with a smile.

"Good Morning. My name is Jayden and I just happened to see your shop; it seemed familiar to another shop I know." Jayden explained.

"Oh? Is this your first time in Silk City? You look like the natives here." The Shop Owner voiced with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, I am from Silk City, but I've been away for the past decade and I had an accident that took my memories of this place." Jayden explained as he tapped his finger against the scar on his head.

"Truly? Sorry to hear that, kid. Well, look around and see what you like." The Shop Owner said as he gestured around the shop. "Let me know if you need any help finding anything."

"Thank you." Jayden said as he headed off into the shop.

The shop was just like Sam's back at Night Raven - many different things that didn't usually belong in a shop, but most things that could be used in day-to-day life. Jayden kept looking around when he happened upon a small book basket with aged books - covers that had eroded away with time and looked ancient, yet were modern in terms of title.

All except for one.

Jayden reached out and grasped the red book. Its cover had faded with age, showing signs of wear, with a few tears along the edges. The paper felt different from what Jayden was used to. However, what captivated him most was the faded crest in the center of the book. For some inexplicable reason, he felt he had seen it before, though he couldn't recall when or where; that memory eluded him. Trusting his instincts, he decided this was the book he walked and headed back to the counter to buy it.

"I'd like to buy this book." Jayden said as he placed the ancient tome on the surface of the counter, causing the shop owner to raise an eyebrow.

"You sure you want that one, kid? Looks like you got it from the old bin in the back." The shop owner said as he looked at the book.

"Yeah. I did. There was a pile of old books that were under 10 Madol. I saw this one and decided that I wanted to buy it." Jayden confirmed.

"Look, Kid. I'm not about to take your money over this piece of junk; I was going to throw those books out later in the week, but if you really want this one, you can just have it. You seem like a good kid." The shop owner smiled at Jayden.

"Really? Thank you." Jayden smiled as he pulled the book off the counter and looked at it before he noticed the satchel on the wall behind the counter. "Can I buy that satchel, then?" Jayden asked.

"Sure, Kid. I'll give it to you for 300 Madol." The shop owner said as he turned to collect the satchel off the wall and turned back to face Jayden.

"You have a deal!" Jayden said as he reached into his pocket to get the money his brother gave him, counted out the right amount, and gave it to the owner who typed him up a receipt before giving it and the satchel to Jayden.

After their business was concluded, Jayden wished the owner a good day before he left the shop. He looked at the book in his hands when his stomach started growling.

"Hm. I did have a light breakfast. I'll get something quick and take a look at this book." Jayden decided as he slid the book into the satchel secured around his shoulder before he followed the smell to the Sandwich Stand.

"After getting the book and satchel, I headed back to the Camel Bazaar, where I found a sandwich stand. I ordered a sandwich and noticed a booth for The Silk City Sweepstakes, which was selling tickets for 10 Madol each. Feeling lucky, I decided to purchase a ticket. They required some information for the entry, so I provided my name, phone number, and the place where I would be staying for the 3-day weekend. Afterward, I took my sandwich and found a quiet spot to sit and read. Just as I opened the book, a strange piece of paper fell out."

"Huh? What's this?" Jayden questioned as he closed his book, placed it on the bench he was sitting on, reached down and collected the folded paper - it had the same strange feeling as the pages in the book. With careful hands, Jayden unfolded the paper and gazed upon it once it was open.

"What is this? It looks like a contract, but I don't understand the language it's written in." Jayden's eyes trialed on the bottom of the page when he noticed something.

'Wait. This marking near this signature - looks like the markings on the back of Jami & My Scarab Pendants.' Jayden questioned as he grabbed his pendant and turned it over to reveal the marking of the Viper Family's Crest. 'It is the same. Why is our family's crest on this paper?'

At that moment, Jayden's Phone beeped with a message from Jamil. He reached into his pocket and withdrew his phone before unlocking it to see Jamil's Message.

Jami: Mr. Asim is ready to speak to you. Come Asim Estate.

Sending a quick text to tell Jamil that he was on his way, Jayden folded the paper once again before placing it in the book once again and slid the book back into the satchel before he rose to his feet and headed towards Asim Estate.

"Upon arriving at Asim Estate, I met my family: My Mother, Father, and my younger sister, Najma; the only sister and the youngest out of the Viper Siblings. We went into the meeting room to speak with Mr. Asim & The Asim Family Lawyer, but I was able to ask him about the strange book and the paper I found; it was only at that moment did I realized I'd set in motion the liberation of my entire family."

Upon arriving at Asim Estate, Jayden was warmly embraced by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Viper. He then glanced at his younger sister, Najma, who joked that Jayden seemed more fun to be around than Jamil, their brother, who merely scolded her for the remark. Before entering the office, Mr. Viper urged Jayden to be polite to Mr. Asim, to listen carefully to what he said, and to ask permission before speaking out of turn. Jayden nodded in understanding as the Viper family made their way inside the office where Mr. Asim was waiting with his Family Lawyer.

"Is this Namir?" Mr. Asim asked from his place in his chair as he looked Jayden up and down as the Middle Viper Child bowed his red respectfully to him.

"I was Namir Viper, but due to my lack of memory, I was taken in by another family and was given in name 'Jayden', Mr. Asim." Jayden said as he rose his head and Mr. Asim nodded his head in understanding.

"A respectful young man. I am pleased to see this." Mr. Asim praised him.

"Thank you, sir." Jayden thanked him.

"Now, onto the matter at hand: I have discussed matters with my lawyer: While you were considered dead for the past decade, you have now returned and your family has confirmed that you are alive. The paperwork is being prepared to reinstate you in the Viper Family, and as a result, you are expected to serve the Asim, just as they do." Mr. Asim explained to Jayden.

"I understand that, Mr. Asim." Jayden said in a calm voice; that piereced Jamil's Heart in a way. His brother was the only free one and now he was going to lose that because of his blood.

"I understand that you have lost your memory, do you have any questions that I can answer?" Mr. Asim asked Jayden.

"Yes, sir." The Viper family watched as Jayden reached into his satchel and pulled out a red book. He opened it to take out a piece of paper, then closed the book and placed it on Mr. Asim's desk. "This symbol," Jayden began, pointing at the faded symbol in the middle of the book, "do you know what it is?"

Mr. Asim looked at the book, "The Symbol does look familiar, but I don't seem to remember where I have seen it."

"I know what it is." The Asim Lawyer spoke up with wide eyes, "That is the First Crest of the Asim Family. The first crest created & documented since the Asim established themselves in the Land of Scalding Sands."

"Our Family's First Crest?" Mr. Asim questioned before he turned his gaze to Jayden, "Where did you get this from?"

"I was at a bookstore and I found it there. It was given to me with the purchase of this satchel." Jayden gestured to the satchel around his waist.

"Do you have proof of purchase?" The Lawyer asked.

"Yes." Jayden reached into the satchel once again and pulled out the receipt that was given to him, "Here you are."

The Lawyer took the receipt from Jayden, looked it over, and nodded before handing it back, "That is genuine. I wonder how it got there. Thank you for returning it to the Asim, but I feel like there is more to this matter."

"Yes, sir." Jayden unfolded the paper and placed it on the desk. "This paper was inside that book when I opened it and I noticed that it had the same marking right here as it was one the back of my pendant, which my brother told me is the Viper Family's Crest." Jayden explained.

Mr. Viper looked at the paper before speaking, "Yes, that is the Viper Family's Crest, but the name it's next to is not one that I am familiar with; yet I can tell it's from the Viper Family. I can make out our surname."

"And this is the name of the Asim Family's Founder." Mr. Asim pointed out as he pointed to the other name on the paper. "However, this language is foreign to me."

"That would be because it's written in the Ancient Language of the Land of Scalding Sands. I don't know exactly what it says, but I can make out a few words. From what I understand, this is an agreement between the Asim Family & Viper Family Founders." The Lawyer announced.

"An Agreement between the Vipers & Asims? What kind of agreement?" Mrs. Viper asked.

"I'm not certain, but I do know an authenticator named Issac Croft who is fluent in the ancient language. I can get in contact with him and see if he can translate this for us and verify its authenticity." The Lawyer suggested which Mr. Asim nodded to.

"Good idea. Please, get in contact with Mr. Croft and have him come as soon as possible." With those words, the lawyer nodded and pulled out his phone to call Issac before he turned his gaze to the Vipers, "Until we learn what this says, you all are excused from your duties. Please, take the paper & book and wait in the Lounge until Mr. Croft arrives."

With nods, Jayden collected the paper & book, returned them to his satchel, and followed his family out of the office to the nearby sitting lounge for the guests.

Jayden sat down on the closest couch as he reached into his satchel for the wrapped cookie he purchased on his way to Asim Estate when his attention was pulled from looking for the treat his stomach was craving when his father called out to him.

"Jayden, what exactly is going on?" Mr. Viper questioned.

"Did you seriously find some ancient paper in a book from a random shopping trip?!" Najma exclaimed.

"Wait." Jamil called out, "Don't start bombarding him with questions. He doesn't even know what is going on himself." Jamil said as he walked over and placed his hand on Jayden's Shoulder, "Let's just wait for the authenticator to arrive and find out what they paper is about.

Hearing Jamil's words, the rest of the Viper Family sat down to calm their nerves while Jamil sat with Jayden, who finally found the treat he was looking for and enjoyed it in silence.

"Eventually, the authenticator - Issac Croft - arrived at Asim Estate, examined the books and the paper, before delivering the news that would change everything."

The Viper Family watched as Mr. Croft looked over the paper on the table with a magnifying monocle before he turned his attention to the book. He looked over everything with a fine toothcomb before he removed his monocle with a smile and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. The Viper Family & Mr. Asim with his Lawyer walked over to his workstation.

"Who is the young one who made this discovery?" Issac asked.

"That would be me, sir." Jayden raised his hand.

"Congratulations on this discovery, young man. The document is indeed genuine—the paper is over 500 years old, and the ink has surprisingly survived the test of time. Additionally, the language used is entirely valid; it serves as a perfect example of history in the making." Mr. Croft smiled as he gestured to the book and paper.

"Thank you. So, what can you tell us about this book and contract?" Jayden asked.

"In a brief explanation: This book is actually the journal of the Asim's First Record Keeper & this paper is actually a contract - A Servitude Agreement, to be precise." Mr. Croft started, gaining the attention of everyone in the room.

"A Servitude Agreement?" Mr. Asim questioned.

"A Servitude Agreement is a contract that explains terms and conditions of service with a set expiration date. It has a starting and ending date." Mr. Croft explained.

"So, this is a Servitude Agreement between the Vipers & Asims Founders? What does it say?" Mr. Viper questioned, his voice laced with hope - all the Vipers except Jayden, who was still confused about this, possessed hope in their hearts.

"This is a Servitude Agreement between the founders of the Asim and Viper families, made when they were both establishing themselves in the Land of Scalding Sands. The Asim family had wealth, while the Viper family possessed knowledge. As a result, they struck an agreement: the Viper family would serve the Asim family for 200 years. At the end of this term, the surviving members of the Viper family would be granted their freedom and receive a payout of 2 billion Madols." Issac explained the contents of the contract.

"The agreement was for 200 years?" Jayden questioned when he remembered what was said a while ago, "Did you say that the paper it was written on is 500 years old?"

"I did, in fact, young man. This means that the Viper Family has been serving for 300 years longer than they were originally required to. In conclusion, the Viper Family is owed their freedom, the 2 billion madols in compensation as agreed upon, and additional compensation for the extra 300 years of service." Issac said, causing all the Vipers' Breath to catch, but what Mr. Asim said next nearly made them fall to their knees.

"I see. In light of this, the Viper Family are hereby free from their Servitude to the Asim Family & I will get to work to see how much is owed apart from the 2 Billion in compensation."

"Wait... Does that mean..." Jayden started as he turned to Mr. Asim, who smiled at him and nodded his head.

"Yes. You've just freed your family, Jayden Viper."

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO

#twisted wonderland #twst oc #return home au #jayden viper #jamil viper #najma viper #viper family #mr. asim #kalim al asim #darius crewel #marcus trein #yuu crowley #grim

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