#taoka latronis | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

twistedtummies2 · 1 month ago

Text

The Three Banditos - Chapter 1 (Trade)

WHAT BLASPHEMY IS THIS?! A TWISTED WONDERLAND STORY...THAT ISN'T KINK-FOCUSED?! THE DEVIL YOU SAY!!!

Well...yes. XD This is the first chapter of a very, VERY fun trade piece for @hooter-n-company. While there are references to various kinks throughout both halves - including vore, stuffing, belching, and so on - the focus isn't on them.

This is a story wherein three Twisted Wonderland OCs - my lads James Killian and Elias Inque (based on Captain Hook and the Phantom Blot, respectively) and Hoots' character Taoka Latronis (based on Tamatoa) - have a little competition with each other. Also featured in the story are appearances from various canon characters from TW, and the POV shifts back and forth from third person to second person. I've done stories that shift perspective before, but never quite this much, at least to my recollection. It was an interesting experiment.

It was wonderful fun having these three OCs meet up. Part two will be found here. Hope you all enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

“You remind me of the babe. What babe? Babe with the power. What power? Power of voodoo! Who do? You do! Do what? Remind me of the babe…” It was a typical day at Night Raven College. The heels of many polished uniform shoes clip-clapped across the tiled floors of the great castle that the university called home. In the cafeteria, students of dark magic were milling about almost constantly; taking their time between classes to indulge their appetites and rest a bit when able. One such figure was a young man with well-tanned skin and deep violet eyes. His hair - shorn at the sides but long and glamorously styled on top and behind - was dyed a similar color, with pinkish accents, and two particularly sharp locks that almost resembled some form of antennae, if one were to squint. He was dressed in a standard school uniform - the color of his vest and the ribbon on his arm indicated he belonged to Pomefiore house - but with a few noteworthy flourishes. First, and least obvious, arguably, was the single dark purple glove he wore upon his right hand. The other difference were the various ornaments he wore upon his person: every finger on his left hand (minus the thumb) was decorated with a golden ring, and a collection of golden necklaces dangled from his throat. His pants were upheld, similarly, by a rather fancy-looking gold-buckled belt, with said buckle having a unique spiral pattern etched upon its surface. Another point that might have stood out about the young man was that, when he grinned as he scoured the food bar of the cafeteria (long fingers drumming around his plate eagerly), one could perceive that he had a jaw filled with jagged-looking teeth, including notably elongated canines. However, given the great number of beastmen and mer-people the school admitted, this would actually not be considered especially odd at all. He was more likely to get comments on his hairdo than his dental work. Not that Taoka Latronis MINDED comments about either…as long as they were complimentary. After all, it was always good to be reminded he was absolutely fabulous…not that he NEEDED the reminder after his ritual wink and kiss to himself in the mirror each morning, but still. Taoka was still humming a song as he sauntered around the cafeteria. His stomach was rumbling deeply; it took a lot for the half-crab in disguise to sate his abominable appetite. Right now, his heart (and his gut) were set upon one particular delight for lunch…but as he found it difficult to spot, his eyes narrowed, and the usually cocksure grin he wore began to diminish with disappointment. His smile returned, with a sort of cheery, almost childlike exuberance, when he finally saw what he was looking for. It was the prized dish for many of the carnivores on campus: NRC’s specialty Deluced Minced Meat Cutlet Sandwich. They were made in limited quantities, and wrapped up in wax paper, each day: if you didn’t get them while they were hot, so to speak, you likely wouldn’t be able to get it that day at all. As it turned out, there was still just one left. “Hey-hey!” chuckled Taoka, and quickly moved forward to try and take the sandwich. “Must be my lucky-!” SWIPP! He was cut off when another hand suddenly seemed to dart out of nowhere and snatch up the sandwich. Like his own left hand, it was decorated with several gold rings upon its fingers. Unlike his, it also bore a tattoo, inked upon the back of the palm…in the shape of a hook.

Taoka looked up and scowled, lips and nose curling and crinkling a bit as he looked the other person up and down. They were a little shorter than he was, though not exceptionally small in stature. Like him, they currently wore a school uniform, but the house they were marked as belonging to was Heartslabyul. Their eyes were the color of chocolate, and their long raven hair was partially kept by a purple bandana, wound about the top of their scalp. Unlike, Taoka, their right hand bore no glove, and was decorated in like fashion to the left (minus the tattoo). Perhaps the most notable thing, however, was that their arm they carried a rather extravagant looking cane, with a crooked gold top. The cane-and-tattoo-bearing fellow turned to look at Taoka, still holding the sandwich in one hand. They had a look of what could only be described as “flamboyant smugness,” nose stuck up and seemingly very proud of themselves…as if they were constantly trying to prove they were better than somebody else. Taoka squirmed internally; he knew that look VERY well from experience, and it only made him scowl more crossly. “Ahoy there!” the young man in the bandana boomed, in a voice that was so loud it almost made Taoka jump. He then gestured behind Taoka, pointing with his cane towards a distant table. “If you would be so kind, my dear sir, as to pardon me and allow me passage? I must retire to consume my vittles at my chosen port.” Taoka blinked a couple times, taken aback. “Uh…you mind runnin’ all that by me a li’l slower, babe? And without blowin’ my eardrums out?” he grimaced, wringing out one ear in emphasis. The other student smiled patiently. Perhaps TOO patiently. Patronizingly, in fact. “I’d like to get by and get to my table, please, and you’re blocking my way currently,” he replied, in a slow, overly-polite-sounding tone that matched his expression. “Oh, so I’m holdin’ you up?” Taoka glared, and advanced slightly. “Well, from where I stand, you’re holdin’ ME up, too! You’re definitely holdin’ up my lunch!” “Your lunch?” frowned the Heartslabyul student, and smirked as he held the sandwich up and gave it a slight wiggle with a flick of his wrist. “I don’t see your name stenciled upon the paper here. As far as I’m concerned, this is MY lunch.” Taoka’s eyes narrowed further, till they were amethyst slits…then, a slow, sinister sort of smile came over his face. Steadily, he prowled closer to his rival for the honor of the mighty sandwich… “Mmmmm…funny thing about that, cutie-pie…I’m not necessarily talkin’ about that sandwich.” He grinned, showing off his sharp teeth. Instantly, a change came over the other student, as their eyes widened and their bold, cocksure smile faltered. Cautiously, they stepped back, and Taoka met each step with a threatening forward step of his own. “I-I, ah…ahem! Is…is th-that so?” the other student stammered, trying to sound bold, but stuttering too much to manage. Taoka chuckled low in his chest and nodded, licking his fangs. “Uh-huh,” he said. “See, it takes a lotta meat to keep this fed…” He patted his belly with one hand as he moved closer to his prey. “...And you, babe? You look like seafood.” Latronis made a show of sniffing the air and chortled. “Ho-Ho…kinda smell like it, too. You sure you’re a human and not just some fishsticks someone left out for me to snap up, huh?” he cooed teasingly.

Taoka’s grin widened as these taunting words only made the other party gulp nervously…and a blush came to their face. “Maybe I oughta just…lead you somewhere less public…gobble you up for my supper…send that sandwich down after you…” The Heartslabyul student froze as they suddenly found their back flat against a wall. Taoka immediately thrust out one arm, slamming his palm into the wall behind them and to the side of their head. He chuckled softly as they let out a shrill sound of startled fright; he could hear their heartbeat, smell their fear…and something else. His mouth watered as he saw their cheeks flush an even brighter shade of red, those brown eyes seeming doe-like and so soft. “How’s that sound, fishfood? Huh?” The other student whimpered a bit, and smiled a sort of crooked, anxious smile, lifting their right hand shakily in a placating manner. “N-Now now, I…um…ahem. S-Steady there! Th-there’s no need to take such drastic measures! I-I’m sure we can…uh…c-come to some sort of agreement, yes?” Taoka hummed thoughtfully in the back of his throat, still rubbing his belly with his free hand. He tilted his head, smiling in a sultry sort of fashion. “What’s your name, babe?” he asked, in his lowest, smokiest sort of voice. “Seen you around. Heard about ya. Don’t think I ever caught it, though.” “James,” the other student answered, and, to their credit, they didn’t stammer when speaking their own name. “James Killian.” “Mmmmm…well, Jimmy-boy…” “James!” “Uh-huh, that’s what I said…tell you what, I’ll let you, heh, ‘off the hook’ this time, ‘kay?” James blinked twice. “You…you will?” he peeped, and almost sounded disappointed…but quickly covered it up. “Er, that is, ah…w-well, I…um…thank you, but…m-may I ask what the condition is?” “Awww, there’s no condition, codfish. Ya see…” Taoka grinned anew, a twinkle in his eyes, lifting the hand that had been at his belly…and suddenly revealing a familiar wrapped sandwich now rested between his fingers. “...I already have what I really wanted.” James’ look of fear and strange longing fell away, changing to an absolutely gobsmacked look. His mouth opened and closed a few times, but no sound came out; he really did look like a fish in that moment! Taoka sniggered as Killian lifted the hand that had been holding his sandwich, flexing his fingers, shocked as they clasped around thin, empty air. James froze up again as Taoka playfully patted his cheek and winked. “Better luck next time, cutie-pie,” he crooned. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m gonna go have some ‘vittles’ of my own. Catch ya later.”

So saying, Taoka blew a teasing kiss into James’ face, which brought the blush back…but only briefly. As Taoka turned on his heel and prepared to find a table, he didn’t notice as James’ expression changed from a look of flustered startlement to a snarling sneer…nor when the raven-haired young man undid a secret catch upon his cane, and silently, stealthily withdrew a long, thin blade from his walking stick… “BAD FORM!” Now it was Taoka’s turn to let out a yelp as, suddenly, the point of a rapier-like cane sword thrust itself into his field of vision…and skillfully pierced itself through the wax paper and the sandwich within. The sword then withdrew, bringing the sandwich back with it. Taoka whirled about just in time to see James stuffed the sandwich into a pocket and run off, sheathing his blade as he went. “H-Hey! HEY! GET BACK HERE, YOU LITTLE CODFISH!” roared Taoka, and sprinted after Killian. “Oh, come now, WHY DO PEOPLE DEFAULT TO THAT NAME SO EASILY?!” James shouted to the sky above. Taoka didn’t even think to answer THAT question: he was more concerned with getting his sandwich back! He gritted his teeth as he chased James clear out of the cafeteria and onto the grounds outside. James had not gone far - the cafeteria doors were still plainly in sight - when he rounded a bend and abruptly bumped into somebody else. Both parties jolted and jerked with a pair of matching grunts, each startled by the other’s presence. “Oof! Oh, excuse me, pardon me!” James sputtered. “No, no, it’s fine, it’s fine, my fault!” the other student said, and helpfully reached out to dust off James’ uniform…only to pull back and put his hands up when James let out a slight growl and defensively swiped at them with his hands, like a cat swatting away unwanted affection. “Sorry about that!” “Not at all,” muttered James, and arched an eyebrow as he looked at the other person. The newcomer was taller than him, Killian noted, with a lean, athletic sort of build. The features of their school uniform indicated they came from Diasomnia house, but at first glance, he might have mistaken them for Savanaclaw: they were a beastman - specifically demi-dog, of some sort. Their hair was slightly shaggy, though short-cut, and brown in color, with pointed canine ears that had inky black tips. This coloration matched the doglike tail that swished behind them. Their green eyes were half-hidden by the odd, indigo-tinted shades they wore, and they wore black gloves on each hand. Their belt was fastened with a silver buckle in the shape of an inkwell. “Elias Inque,” the other student greeted with a broad, amiable smile. “Nice to meet you.” “James,” Killian said, shortly, with a curt nod. “A pleasure, I’m sure. Now, if you don’t mind, I REALLY must-” “GOTCHA!” James yelped as he was suddenly tackled to the ground by Taoka Latronis. Elias nimbly skipped back out of the way. James cried out as he found himself pinned beneath Taoka who grinned viciously down at the pirate’s anxious-looking face. “Thanks for being easy to catch,” cackled Taoka, licking his chops. “Mmmmm…that little race worked up an appetite though…” “A-Alright, alright, easy there!” Killian squeaked out. “Let’s n-not forget, you’re the one who stole from me first, after all!”

“You say that like I should feel bad,” snorted Taoka, and glared ferociously. “Now GIMME!” “Shan’t!” James barked, trying to glare even as his cheeks reddened once again. “I stole it back fair and square!” “You either give me back my lunch, or you’re gonna BE my-!” The sound of rustling paper, and food being bitten into, distracted both scoundrels. Each wore matching, stunned expressions, as they turned and looked upwards towards the source of the sounds. Elias leaned back against the wall, cheeks stuffed with one half of the sandwich, the other still gripped in one of his gloved hands. He smirked in a self-satisfied manner, green eyes glittering behind the blue-violet tinting of his sunglasses as he swished his tail from left to right. He swallowed the mouthful with a loud, almost taunting GUUULLLP, and smacked his lips as the thick bulge went down his gullet…before stifling a burp in his cheeks and fist. “BRRRLLLMMMPH…phew…‘scuse me,” he chuckled, and held the remaining half of the sandwich up a little higher. “This what you’re both looking for? Huh. That’s a shame.” Before either Taoka or James could respond to that, Eli promptly stuffed the other half of the sandwich into his gaping jaws, letting out a relishing “Mmmmm…!” of contentment between gnaws as he chewed it up, just to tease the pair. James and Taoka, for their parts, swore they could feel their eyes twitch, still in the same posture as before, as if they’d been petrified. Elias chuffed with laughter as he swallowed the rest of the sandwich and patted his stomach with pride. He belched again, this time without a hint of restraint, and licked his incisors. “UUUUURRRRRRRP! Oof…sits heavy in there sometimes. Ah, well…thanks for bringing me my favorite from the cafeteria! I’ll be on my way, gentlemen. Ta-ta!” Waggling his fingers in farewell before tucking his hands into his pockets, Eli whistled a jaunty tune as he turned to leave. However, he hadn’t taken more than a half dozen steps (if that) before he found Taoka barring his way, crouched slightly in a ready position. Elias paused…then shrugged and turned around again…only to grow irritated when James Killian blocked him in the other direction, holding his cane out like the rapier hidden within its casing. “Oh, come on,” Elias sighed. “It was just a sandwich!” “It was the last one for the day!” Taoka exclaimed. “It should have been MINE!” “Nonsense,” sniffed James. “I got me hands on it first!” “Heh. Yeah, and how long did that last, fish filet?” teased Taoka cockily. “Oh, as if I didn’t manage to plunder it from your crabby mitts, ye barnacle-brain!” snarled James. “It ultimately doesn’t matter, since I managed to steal it from you both,” Elias almost giggled. “Sorry, boys! You just can’t compare to a TRUE master thief!” “Say that again,” growled Taoka, fists clenched. “I dare you.” “Really? Well, as you wish: you just can’t compare to a true master thief!” grinned Elias, seemingly amused. “Bite your tongue, ya scurvy sea dog!” snapped James. “I’ll have you know I was pilfering long before you were even born!” “I think we’re about the same age,” Elias responded blandly. “That’s beside the point!” huffed James.

“I’ve been picking pockets for years,” snorted Taoka, crossing his arms firmly. “If anybody here is the best thief, it’s gotta be me.” “Oh, then how do you explain me managing to snatch that sandwich away from you so deftly, hmmm?” James teased. “I dunno. I snatched it from you first. And I was subtle about it,” Taoka taunted right back. “And I got without either of you noticing!” sang Elias. “Again, seems like I’m the top here!” “Babe, I’m the bottom if you’re the top,” droned Taoka. “...I am…not sure what that means, unless you’re referencing a song,” Elias replied blandly. “I’m not,” was the equally bland response. “Oh, what difference does it all make?!” James scoffed. “It’s pointless arguing with animals!” “YOU TAKE THAT BACK!” both Eli and Taoka snarled violently. “Make me, ye blathering pair of Cinderella-slipper-wearing bilge rats!” James yapped. “Girls, girls, you’re ALL beautiful, please stop.” All three stopped short in their arguing as they heard a familiar voice and turned…and when they saw who had just spoken and gone past, all three wore matching, nefarious grins. “Come to think of it…we could always ask for a second opinion,” Elias suggested, slyly. “That’s the first smart thing you’ve said so far,” Taoka said drearily. “Bite me,” growled Eli. “Don’t tempt me,” the half-decapod replied back, and the three hurried to catch up with the person who had just gone past…

---------------------------------------------------------

…And this is where YOU come into the story.

You had no idea what James, Elias, and Taoka were nattering about as you headed on your way to the cafeteria. For once, Grim was not at your side: the feline-esque critter had taken ill, and was back at Ramshackle trying to recover from a common cold. You had promised to bring him some of the finest fancy tuna you could find from the cafeteria during your lunch break between classes.

So, when you had seen the trio shouting at each other, you had just decided it was best to put your two cents in, hoping to break up the argument quickly, and move on. That would be one less problem for you to worry about…and considering it seemed like half the school would literally eat each other alive if you weren’t there to do SOMETHING about it for the headmage’s sake, you needed as few problems as possible.

It was regrettable that your decision to call attention to yourself had resulted in the exact opposite of your hopeful interest. Not but a few more steps away from the bickering gaggle of college mages, you almost skidded to a halt as they suddenly swung in front of you and barred your way.

“Hey, sweetheart! Got a minute!” Taoka teased with a wink.

You blinked three times…then sighed and put your hands on your hips, hoping you looked as unfazed as you wanted them to believe…not easy when two of NRC’s Most Ravenous (which was saying a lot) and a dashing pirate were in your path.

“Seems like I haven’t got a choice,” you snorted. “What do you three want?”

“We have a question, my dear Prefect, and we’re hoping you can give us an honest answer,” James explained.

“Okay,” you replied, slowly, after a brief pause. “And…what exactly is that question?”

“Which of us is the better thief?” Elias chirruped, hopefully.

You gave him your most withering stare. You hoped your voice matched it.

“...Are you seriously asking me that question right now?”

“HA! You see. That means it’s me!” Elias grinned proudly.

“In what universe?!” hissed Taoka, angrily.

“I’ll be clam chowder before you two beat me at piracy!” boomed James, waving his cane around dramatically.

“No one, and I mean NO ONE, is a better thief than the Phantom Blot!” bellowed Elias.

“Uh…who is the Phantom Blot?” Taoka asked, lamely.

“ME!” Eli almost screamed, ears dipping, a whine of dejection entering his voice. He quickly changed it to a rough tone of anger: “Not that I’d expect a garish buffoon like yourself to recognize magnificence!”

“Jeeze, how many people here talk like that?” mumbled Taoka, and then added aloud: “If you were as good at stealing as you are at talking fancy, maybe this would actually be a contest!”

Halfway through the newest yelling match, you facepalmed…but as Taoka uttered the last few words, you suddenly felt a metaphorical lightbulb go off over your head.

“There!” you suddenly exclaimed. “You’ve got it!”

“Got what?” Taoka asked, as all three looked at you in confusion.

“A contest,” you smiled. “Why don’t the three of you compete? Create some sort of…I dunno, TEST, to see who is really the better thief?” All three looked at each other…and slowly started to smile. “By Jove, I think that might be an excellent solution!” James declared. “I don’t know who ‘Jove’ is, but I think it sounds fun!” laughed Taoka. “Agreed,” Elias nodded, and placed a finger to his chin in thought. “But how on Earth are we to manage such a thing? We’d need a judge who could remain objective: I don’t think of any of us can be completely unbiased working on the idea ourselves.” “You’ve got that right,” Taoka concurred. “Especially since we all know I’m going to win anyway.” Elias just let out a decidedly doglike growl as his tail-fur fluffed up irritably. “Well, good luck with that!” you said with a salute, and hastened to try and move past the three. “If you don’t mind-” “Hang on, mates!” piped up James. “I have a suggestion!” “Aww, Chernabog, give me strength,” you groaned under your breath: you had a feeling you knew what the suggestion was. You were correct. “Why not elect the Prefect here to be our resident judge?” James said, and clapped you upon the back. “I believe they would be an excellent choice for the objective party!” “I second the nomination!” Elias said, lifting one finger with a grin. You looked helplessly at Taoka, who just smirked back and lifted his hands as if to say, “Outta my hands.” You sighed dismally and shook your head before giving the three a sort of wane smile. “Well…no one’s trying to take over the school or murder someone yet, so…I guess I have a little time on my hands,” you conceded. “Marvelous!” James cheered. “I’m excited already!” Elias agreed. “HOWEVER,” you spoked up, and lifted one hand. “There are a few conditions.” “Sounds fair,” shrugged Taoka. “Go ahead then, name ‘em.” “First of all,” you said, counting on your fingers, “I will decide how the contest is run, and what the rules are. And if any of you break those rules, you will be disqualified. ‘Honor among thieves’ is gonna be a thing here. Got it?” “Seems reasonable enough,” James nodded. “Second of all, my word is gonna be the FINAL word. So no rematches or whatever; if you guys wanna beat each other up about it after, do it as far away from me as possible.” “Understood,” Elias conceded. “And what are the rules you have in mind?” “I don’t know,” you admitted with a shrug. “I mean, you JUST sprang this on me. I need time to figure out what this contest is gonna be like.”

“How much time?” Eli urged. You paused thoughtfully, then answered: “Meet me at Ramshackle Dorm this Sunday, around lunchtime. That’ll give me a few days to work out some plans.” “It shall be done,” James said, obeisantly, with a courtly bow. “Heh. Well, now I know I’m gonna win,” sniggered Taoka. “What makes you so sure?” you asked, raising one eyebrow, while James and Eli glared at him. “Well, no offense, hun, but you aren’t exactly a Master Thief yourself,” Taoka smirked, swinging his hands behind his head in a slothful pose of relaxed arrogance. “So any plans YOU have in mind are bound to be a cinch.” You paused, looking Taoka up and down…then smiled slowly. “Y’know what? That’s a good point,” you confessed. Taoka grinned wider than ever, chest puffed out proudly. “Which is why,” you went on with a grin, “I’m gonna call on some professional help.” Taoka cussed, while James and Eli snickered.

---------------------------------------------------------

“Shishishishi! Okay. Okay, this…this is a joke, right? Is there a camera somewhere? I mean…you wouldn’t ACTUALLY be asking me to…to, uh…um…” Ruggie Bucchi trailed off at the look on your face, as he sat beside you on the couch in the Ramshackle Lounge. “...Oh. You, uh…you’re actually serious.” You nodded mutely. Ruggie cocked his head to one side and scratched behind his own ears, his expression lopsided. “Well, uh…I AM pretty nifty when it comes to picking pockets and such, but…are you sure you even wanna DO this? I mean…it’s not really your thing, Herbivore.” “That’s why I need YOUR help,” you replied. “I have to figure out a way for this contest to end the way I’m hoping it will.” “Oh?” Ruggie blinked, and then smiled sneakily, wiggling on his seat as he scooted closer. “That sounds like you’ve got some schemes of your own in mind.” “You could say that,” you smirked. Ruggie snickered in his usual way, hiding his mouth with his hand. “You may not be Leona, but you’re a lot more sly than people give you credit for,” he remarked, grinning and showing off his own sharp teeth. “I guess that makes you brain food, huh?” “You can save the kink-teasing for after I work out a plan,” you huffed, blushing a little…though, to your credit, it WAS only a little. “Fine, fine,” Ruggie drawled rolling his eyes, then cocked his head the other way. “What exactly IS it you want to do?” “Simple. Stop them arguing. Permanently.” “I could eat them! Would that help?” “Tempting, but not why I called on you at all. What I want is to get them to realize there’s no point in this stupidity, and hopefully get along better in the process.” “Awww, trying to make them all buddy-buddy,” teased Ruggie in a sing-song voice. “Well, aren’t you just a softy?” “Softer than most of you,” you scoffed. “But actually, it’s nothing so sentimental: to be blunt, the less they yell at each other, the less likely I’ll have to put up with whatever chaos they cause.” “Heh. Well, I can approve of ulterior motives,” Ruggie chuckled, then narrowed his eyes. "Although…you seem pretty confident I’ll agree to help.” “Will you?”

Ruggie shrugged. He looked a bit uninterested. “I mean…I haven’t said yes yet,” he reminded you. “What’s in it for me, anyway? I’m not taking place in the contest, and even if I was…psh. I don’t feel I need to PROVE anything, I KNOW I’m a great thief.” “Well,” you began thoughtfully. “I can’t PAY you. Not with money, anyway…” “That’s what I figured,” Ruggie nodded, seeming like he was about to get ready to leave. “However,” you went on, quickly, “If you help me, I can offer you the next best thing.” Ruggie’s ears perked up and his eyes widened. His spotted little tail began to thump the cushions of the sofa. He knew what that meant. “Food?” he asked, hopefully, eyes very large and sparkling. “Yup,” you smirked. “Free meals each day you assist me.” “Hot meals?” Ruggie almost woofed. You had to hold back a giggle as you nodded. “Of course. Made by yours truly. And, when it’s all over, I’ll take you out for a special treat myself.” Ruggie grinned wider than ever. You could hear his guts singing your praises already. He thrust out one fingerless-gloved hand, practically panting with excitement. “Deal!” he declared. “Excellent,” you said, and the two of you shook hands. “You know I can’t resist your cooking,” Ruggie winked. “It’s almost as tasty as you are.” “I am NOT going to be the special treat, if that’s what you’re implying.” “Ooooh…that means it’s gonna be a SURPRISE then! I’m even more curious!” “We’ll see what happens,” you smirked, mysteriously, as you withdrew your hand. “Now. Let’s put our heads together. What do you think would be the best way to test how good these guys are at pinching people’s property, huh?” Ruggie let out a thoughtful sound and reclined on the couch, turning his eyes heavenward…then slowly, he smiled in a slippery, almost serpentine way. “I’ve got a couple ideas,” he said, with a slight cackle. “For a start…”

---------------------------------------------------------

“‘Ill-met by moonlight, proud Titania.’” “‘What, jealous Oberon! Fairies, skip hence!’” “Look, for five minutes, could you two NOT talk like that?!” James and Elias “harrumphed” in nearly perfect unison, while Taoka rolled his eyes with an utterly exhausted-sounding sigh. The trio were approaching Ramshackle Dorm, at the appointed date and time the Prefect had set up. They had all chosen to wear their selection of casuals for the occasion: Taoka was gaudily garbed in his favorite gold-and-purple jacket and coral-colored shirt, with the image of a crab stenciled upon it, along with cerulean trousers and glammed-up boots similar in color to his coat. James, meanwhile, was costumed in a bright red coat, a white shirt with frilly, lacey sleeves, maroon-toned pants held in place by a belt with a golden skull-and-crossbones-bearing buckle, and tall black boots. Finally, Elias was dressed in a near skintight black turtleneck top, and similarly form-fitting black pants (fastened by his own unique belt and buckle), with shiny black shoes; combined with his beret cap and purple shades, he looked a little like a stereotypical, pretentious beatnik. It is therefore totally understandable that when Ruggie opened the door and saw the trio…he immediately burst out into a peals of high-pitched giggles. “What’s so funny?” scowled James, fidgeting his fingers around the topper of his cane sword. “Noooothing,” Ruggie sang back, grinning wider than any Cheshire Cat. He then stepped to one side and swept out his arm in an over-the-top way; he spoke in a similarly exaggerated “posh” sort of voice: “Please, fancy gentlemen, DO enter!” All three could tell they were being mocked, and glared at the hyena…but they entered anyway. “So, where’s the Prefect?” asked Taoka, slinging his arms behind his head and half-groaning as he stretched through his sentence. “They’re waiting in the Lounge,” Ruggie answered, and waved for the three to follow him as he strolled in front. “C’mon!” The three strode after the half-hyena as he led them down the hall and into the lounge in question; Ruggie’s ear twitched as he could hear the tapping of Killian’s cane upon the floorboards As they entered the lounge, Ruggie glided over to a loveseat near the entryway. Eli, James, and Taoka all paused as they soon saw you. You were sitting in a rocking chair at the other end of the room…with Grim in your lap…stroking him with a most sinister smile. “Welcome, gentlemen,” you intoned, in your most velvety voice. “I’ve been expecting you. Your timing is impeccable…and by impeccable, I mean ‘completely peccable!’” The three just…blinked at you. Three times each. Slowly. “...Wow,” Elias said at last. “And people say I’M a ham.” Taoka snorted with laughter while Ruggie snickered in the background. James merely smirked, shouldering his cane.

You sighed and pinched your brow. “Everyone’s a critic,” you mumbled. “ACHOO!” All of you jumped slightly as Grim sneezed, sending sparks and smoke flying from his nostrils. The flame-eared, trident-tailed cat looked rather tired and miserable as he slowly rolled his head up to look at you. “Nyaaaa…Minion…can I be excused?” he whined. “I’m still not feeling too good…” “Of course,” you said with a gentle smile, scratching under his chin. “Go rest up. And thanks, Grim; sorry the big entrance didn’t work.” “That’s okay,” sniffled Grim, sounding as stuffed up as he doubtless felt, and nuzzled you slightly. “Hey…bring me some tuna soup when you finish, please?” “Sure,” you nodded, and Grim bounced off your lap and dismally padded off to find his bed. “Goodness, he really MUST be under the weather,” frowned James, worriedly. “I’ll say,” Eli murmured, scratching his head. “He was actually being POLITE.” “I know, right?!” Ruggie broke in. “It’s not natural!” “Grim will be fine by the end of the week,” you said, folding your hands in your lap where he’d been (after dusting a few stray imp-hairs he’d shed away). “You three have more to be concerned with.” “So, you got everything worked out, babe?” Taoka inquired. “I sure do, with Ruggie’s help,” you nodded, and waved a hand towards a sofa near you. “Have a seat, all of you, and I’ll tell you how this is gonna work.” The three self-proclaimed master thieves obediently marched over to the sofa and sat down. For a moment, all three growled as they fidgeted and tried to get comfortable, clearly incensed at being in such close proximity to each other, but finally they settled and looked at you expectantly. You took a breath, and then began to elaborate on the plan… “I am preparing four challenges, each to be completed on a separate day, starting tomorrow. The day after tomorrow will be the second task, the day after that the third, and of course the fourth would follow thereafter.” “Ooooh, ‘thereafter,’” smirked Taoka. “You rehearsed this a little, didn’t you?” “Alternatively, I can call on a favor from Riddle. Then you can all be collared, and no one wins, if you keep making fun of me while I’m talking.” Taoka made a motion of zipping his lip. James and Eli remained respectfully silent.

“That’s better,” you mumbled, and then went on: “Each challenge will test your skills for your chosen…hobby. Every task requires you to find a playing card, which I have hidden somewhere on the campus…” “AHEM!” Ruggie coughed, crossly. “...Which either I or Ruggie have hidden on campus,” you corrected, which satisfied the Savanaclaw student. “One of the four Aces. Ruggie has helpfully put a special marking spell on the cards, so if you try to cheat me with a phony, we will know. Whichever one of you has collected the most cards by the end wins, barring the possibility of a tie, of course. All clear?” “Yeah, so far,” Elias nodded. “Good. Now, there are three basic rules,” you continued, lifting up two fingers in emphasis.“First and foremost, you are not allowed to harm anyone else, or their property, whether they are involved in the contest or not. You also cannot tell anybody who isn’t already aware of the contest anything about it. On that note, while I may enlist the help of other students to make the challenges possible, none of you will be allowed to get help from others who are not involved.” All of you looked pointedly at James. He pouted. “No help from Smitty,” he grumbled. “Got it.” You nodded. “Like I said before,” you finished, lowering your hand, “Break any rules or regulations, and you will be disqualified. That’s all, I think, at least for now.” “Great!” grinned Elias, and leaned forward on the couch slightly, rubbing his hands together. “So, what’s the first challenge? Which card are we getting?” You smirked and looked towards Ruggie, giving him his cue. The hyena was lounging on the loveseat, head propped up on a pillow against one arm rest, his legs crossed and outstretched. Bucchi flashed a devious grin and made a show of flippantly inspecting his fingernails.

“This morning,” he reported, “I managed to sneak into the locker room of the gymnasium and hid the Ace of Clubs in one of the lockers. Tomorrow, you guys have to try and figure out a way to get the card out of the locker, without being caught, then bring it back here to Ramshackle before…uh…” “Dinnertime,” you reminded him. “Around six o’ clock in the evening.” “Right, right,” Ruggie nodded, and then snapped his fingers. “Oh! And I should let you all know: the person whose locker I hid it in? They’ve got no idea it’s in there. At least, I don’t think they do.” “Definitely helpful to be aware of that,” mumbled James, scratching his chin ponderingly. “Hey, no sweat on my back!” grinned Elias, cracking his knuckles and neck in a showoff fashion. “A locker’s no great challenge!” “Well, that depends,” Taoka said, surprisingly seriously, and looked over at Ruggie, raising one eyebrow. “Whose locker is it, babe? Kinda gotta know that, don’t we?” Ruggie glared. “First of all, don’t call me babe.” “Whatever,” shrugged Taoka, uncaringly. “Second of all,” Ruggie went on, and grinned devilishly, “The locker is Azul Ashengrotto’s.” All of the color drained from Taoka’s face. His jaw dropped. A strangled sort of sound left him, as if all the air had been sucked dry from his lungs. His whole demeanor was one of absolute, mortified terror. James and Elias giggled like naughty little boys. “You know, I daresay this game is getting interesting already,” James commented.

“Same here,” chuckled Eli. Taoka said nothing. He looked like he was trying to remember how prayers worked…or perhaps what he wanted to write in his will. You smirked and shook your head in amusement. “You’ve got all the rest of the day to plan this first one out,” you reminded the three. “Good luck, guys.” “Yeah,” Ruggie snickered. “You’re gonna need it…especially crab cakes. Shishishishi!” Latronis could only whimper.

---------------------------------------------------------

The following day, a head of purple-dyed hair poked its way around the corner of the entrance to the locker rooms. Two similarly violet-hued eyes darted this way and that, before the owner of these features tip-toed carefully through the quiet backroom area of the gym. Taoka took a deep breath as he approached the locker designated as Azul’s, drumming his fingertips against each other nervously. “Okay…okay, you got this,” he whispered to himself. “It’s just one locker. One simple, ordinary locker. Just a locker with a playing card in it. That’s it. That’s all you gotta worry about. Just…one locker…that belongs to…your absolute worst living nightmare…one locker that belongs to one of the scariest Housewardens in Night Raven history…one locker that belongs to someone who could c-crack your shell and s-s-suck out your s-soul-ohhhhhh, Poseidon give me strength…”Taoka slapped his own cheeks and shook himself out of his fear, taking another couple of deep breaths before moving closer to the locker. It was secured with a rather large and shiny-looking padlock; no doubt Azul, with his personality, had made sure to buy the very best he could afford. Still, any lock had a key or a combination, and Latronis was sure he could figure it out. He just prayed he could do it before Azul showed up; he knew his employer at the Lounge had PE classes in a short while. But if he could get in and out without even SEEING the Octopus…well. Not only would he win the first trial, but it would do a lot for his stress levels. Taoka stuck his tongue out thoughtfully as he brushed his fingers against his own PE uniform, and then took cautious hold of the lock; he half expected an alarm to go off or something, but no. The lock seemed relatively ordinary. Encouraged, he took hold of the dial, and started to turn it this way and that, listening closely to try and pick up the sound of the tumblers tucked within the mechanism. Unfortunately for the demi-crab in disguise, before he could even make a second of headway in that regard, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching…and his blood ran cold as ice in his arteries as he heard a familiar voice speaking…

“Come in! Come in, and follow me. This business shouldn’t take too long…”

The Octopus!

Taoka cursed under his breath, and scurried like a rat (or…well…a crab) across the gymnasium floor, hiding behind a wall that separated the lockers from the showers. He flattened himself back against it, trembling, trying to keep his teeth from chattering. Contest or no contest, if Azul caught HIM anywhere near his locker, he could end up being made into crab bisque! Literally!

As Taoka hid, he heard Azul enter the locker room, muttering something to himself. As his crabby brain raced to try and figure out some sort of way out of this situation (and into the half-cephalopod's locker to snatch the Ace of Clubs), he suddenly heard another, equally familiar (though much less scary) voice come echoing down the hall…

“I’m so glad we could arrange this so easily.”

“Killian?” Taoka murmured to himself in recognition.

“No trouble at all, James!” Azul’s voice crowed, as they moved increasingly closer to the lockers. “Once you told me what you were working on, I simply couldn’t refuse! You know how hard it is for me to say no to my favorite seafarer…”

“Flatterer. At this rate, you’ll have me blushing!”

“Well…you DO look delicious when you’re embarrassed.”

“Oh, come now, that was a trifle forced, don’t you think?”

“Sorry. I have to get at least ONE tease in whenever I meet you, it’s practically law.”

“Indeed? Did we sign a contract on that point at some time and I didn’t know?” “We could, if you like.” “No thanks, I’ll pass. Now, let’s see about opening that locker and-” “CHEAT!” Azul Ashengrotto and James Killian both jumped, startled, as a familiar voice shouted at them, echoing through the locker room. Taoka, rather impulsively, had leapt out from his hiding place, pointing an accusatory finger at James. “Taoka!” Azul gasped in surprise, looking rather amazed at the boldness of the Pomefiore half-crab. “What are you doing here?” James exclaimed, seemingly even more bewildered. “The same as you,” sneered Taoka. He was about to reprimand James for apparently breaking the rules, when Azul spoke up: “Interesting…I didn’t take you to be much of a reader, Latronis.” Taoka blinked. “...Much of a what?” “Well, James was hoping I could lend him a book I borrowed recently from the library,” Azul explained, gesturing towards his locker. “I told him to meet me early, before athletics class, and I would give it to him then and there. Meaning, of course, here and now.” “Oh.” There was an awkward silence. “So…uh…what is the book about?” Taoka asked, with an innocent smile. “Don’t try to change the subject,” Azul glared, eyes glittering in a stormy way behind his glasses. “Given that it’s obvious that’s not what you are here about, why were you skulking about in the showers? And how long have you been here?” “Indeed,” James smirked, and crossed his arms. “And what did you mean by calling me a cheat, hmmm?” Taoka clenched his gloved fist and gritted his teeth behind closed lips. Not only did he now have a rather suspicious Azul looking at him crossly, but if he called James’ bluff and answered the latter question, he’d be disqualified for breaking the rules. Thankfully, the crab-man in human clothing was nothing if not quick-thinking, and rapidly came up with an out. “Oh, I wasn’t calling you a cheat for anything related to that book, whatever it is,” Taoka purred, mimicking James’ own actions. “You ought to know already what this is about.” James Killian’s smile faltered.

“Why should I explain, blast it?! You’re the one who was hiding.” “And you’re the one I accused of cheating.” “How does that put ANY blame on me?” “Well, I have to have a REASON to accuse you, don’t I? Go ahead, give the reason.” “That’s not how this works!” “Isn’t it?” “I can’t simply say what’s going on!” “Then you admit something IS going on, and you know what.” “Yes! NO! I mean…curse it, I can’t say!” “Why not?” “Because…because…YOU KNOW VERY WELL WHY NOT!” “Do I?” “Of course you do!” “Hmmmm, I’m not so sure…” “Oh, you are a VILE creature, sir.” “What’s the matter, Little Codfish? Feeling cornered?” “Says the one who could easily be made into crab cakes!” “Okay, that’s uncalled for-” “Will one of you KINDLY explain what’s happening?” Azul groaned, clearly growing annoyed with both of them. “We can’t,” both answered at once, then glared at each other before looking back at Azul again. Ashengrotto was completely puzzled…then his expression cooled. It was now HIS turn to smirk and cross his arms. “I see,” he said, in a soft, slow way…and then moved to stand firmly in front of his locker. “Well. Then perhaps I can make a guess.” The two gulped nervously, but said nothing. “I’m going to make a wager - hypothetically, mind you - that both of you want something I have,” Azul said, calmly, and adjusted his glasses. His usual sly, smarmy smile came to his face as he spoke. “Presumably, something inside my locker. Am I right?” Neither said a word. “I’ll take your silence as a yes,” Azul almost giggled, and then plastered his most charming, winning smile upon his face as he swept some stray silver hairs out of his eyes. “Well, this is hardly a great issue! You know I’m more than happy to help my underclassmen! Why don’t you simply tell me what it is, and we’ll see about coming to an arrangement for one or both of you. Simple enough, isn’t it?” “Not quite,” James said slowly, and bowed slightly in respect. “You see, Azul, we ARE after something you have…” “...But we can’t tell you what it is,” Taoka finished.

“Why not?” Azul inquired, raising one eyebrow. “For a start, you probably don’t even know you have it, boss,” Taoka said. “That is a fact,” James conceded. “You wouldn’t be aware you’re holding it.” Azul glared. A coldness came to his blue eyes that made both James and Taoka feel as if the whole room had lost all its warmth. Slowly, he advanced on both of them, stepping closer and closer. Both the pirate and the half-crab gulped anxiously and stepped backwards as he approached. “I am aware,” Azul said, very quietly, “Of every single coin in my collection. I am aware of every single thaumark my Lounge has made me, and then some. I am aware of each and every LETTER printed upon each and every contract I keep stored in my special vault. I am acutely aware of every single collateral and payment those contracts involve, from magical abilities to monetary fees. I am also aware of every single pound I put on and every single calorie I have to count after I overindulge at mealtimes.” James and Taoka were now backed up against the wall, the icy gaze of the head of Octavinelle boring into their very spirits. “So…are you two really telling me…I don’t know I have something that you really, really want?” “M-Maybe?” squeaked Taoka. “Quite possibly,” peeped James. Azul’s eyes flashed, and he leaned in closer still. “Say. That. Again.” James and Taoka almost whimpered. They had the sneaking suspicion that if they did just that, they’d be among the calories Azul would be counting. Given how James’ face turned pink, and Taoka’s turned white as a sheet, one could guess how each felt at such a proposition. While the pirate and the crab tried to figure out a way out of their sticky situation, neither they nor Azul noticed a dark, thin trail of what appeared to be blackish-blue ink, slithering across the floor like a snake in the grass. It wormed its way up across the lockers…and then slid through the gaps in the slats on Azul’s locker front. After a few moments, the dark tendril retracted, wriggling its way back the way it had just come, down the side of the lockers, across the floor, around the bend into the shower room Taoka had been in not long ago…and up the wall there, into a ventilation shaft, where it disappeared completely. It was only once the unseen, inky intruder had left the backrooms of the gymnasium that one of the two competing bandits was able to finally find his voice… “A RECIPE!” Azul’s eyes now fixed firmly on James, the look of unnerving frostiness changing to a confused expression. “A what?” “W-Well, you see…the Culinary Crucible is in a couple of months, and I-I was planning to p-participate!” James stammered, with a wide smile, and glanced towards Taoka. “He was going to do the same, and…we-well, you know how competitive that course is! D-Don’t you?” “I was? I mean, YES! Yes, that’s totally true, babe-AH, I mean, boss! Yes, boss, that’s what this is all about!” Azul did not look convinced, but he no longer looked like he was about to call on Floyd or Jade (or worse), either.

“I don’t quite understand,” he said slowly. “What do I have to do with that?” “Well, we both knew you participated a while back, and we also know you’re always looking for recipes to add to the Mostro Lounge menu,” James went on. Azul nodded steadily, still not quite understanding. “I had mentioned to my crabby associate here that I might try asking you if you had any recipes to share that might be in your locker. My guess is that Taoka was waiting here in the hopes of getting ahead of me, and thought that I had been trying to do the same.” “Yeah,” sighed Taoka, and made a show of looking shamefaced, kicking at an invisible rock with his shoe. “Sorry, boss, for worrying you. We just wanted to get an advantage over each other ahead of time. You can understand that, right?” “I can indeed,” Azul nodded, seemingly swallowing the story. “And as luck would have it, I think I might have a new recipe I discovered in my locker; I was planning to bring it back after class concluded. So, I’ll make you a deal: I’ll give one of you this recipe, but only on the condition that it stays secret between the three of us. And of course, you won’t be getting it for free.” “Name your price, we’ll see which of us can meet it,” promised Taoka. “Indeed!” James grinned, hoping he looked as eager as he sounded as he made a show of crossing his heart. Azul smirked. “Well, let’s see how much the two of you like it first,” he purred, like a cat settling a belly full of rich cream. Then, he turned on his heel and tromped back towards his locker. James and Taoka sighed with immense relief behind him, and shot each other a sour look…but their shared mixed feelings of animosity and relief were short-lived. As Azul opened his locker, each was thinking of a way to sneakily get the card supposedly stored inside… …But Azul letting out a perplexed, “Eh?” beat them to it. “What’s the matter?” James asked. “Something strange. Perhaps you two weren’t being as silly as I thought,” Azul frowned. He turned around, holding out what appeared to be not a playing card, but an index card, towards the two. “Do either of you know about this business?” James stepped forward to take the card and inspect it. His expression hardened as he then handed it to Taoka, who peered at what was written upon it. The half-crab felt something inside of him twitch, and his temple throbbed, as he saw the image of a smeared ink blot, and the following words: Better luck next time, fools! “No,” he said, evenly, with his best poker face. “This is totally news to us, boss.”

Azul looked Taoka up and down briefly, clearly dubious. To say he was concerned was an understatement. He hastily began to sift through the stuff in his locker, obviously checking to see if anything had been taken. His expression changed to one of great relief when he realized everything he knew should be in there WAS in there. “Thank goodness…a prank, no doubt, slipped through the slats,” he muttered, and retrieved the index card before tearing it up, grumbling to himself. “I’ll bet it was Floyd…or maybe Jade. Those two always love giving me a heart attack, one way or another…” As Azul went to throw the shredded pieces away, Taoka and James shared a sorrowful look. “I hate that mutt,” Taoka Latronis growled. James Killian said nothing, but he seemed inclined to agree.

---------------------------------------------------------

The next morning… “Ahhh! Look who decided to show up!” Elias greeted, grinning and wagging his tail as he stirred a glass of chocolate milk with one hand. He was seated in the lounge, waiting happily for James and Taoka. As they entered - each with matching, grouchy looks upon their faces - he held up the Ace of Clubs. “First game goes to me! You two might as well forfeit early; that was too easy!” “For YOU, maybe,” Taoka said with a shudder. “I thought I was gonna be fried and served on a bun!” “One could only be so lucky,” mumbled James, with a slight blush. “What?” “Nothing, never mind.” “Hey, contest’s only just getting started, guys,” Ruggie drawled from his spot on the loveseat as he munched on a strip of bacon. You had prepared breakfast for everybody present, and while Eli and Taoka’s plates were piled high with food, Ruggie had clearly gotten the lion’s share…ironically, perhaps, for a hyena, but that was another matter. “Well,” grunted Taoka, as he sat down and began to munch on some hashbrowns. He spoke through a full mouth. “What’s the next test?” You waited till he swallowed before answering between bites of your own, much smaller-served breakfast of bacon, hashbrowns, and scrambled eggs with cheddar. “Your next prize is the Ace of Diamonds,” you told them. “I took care of hiding it this time, myself. It’s in the Alchemy Lab.” “Hmph. You know, if every test is going to be, ‘get this thing I put here,’ without variation, it could become quite tedious,” James drawled. “Oh, it’s a little trickier than that,” you explained to the trio with a slight smirk. “See, there are two important points: first, I’m not telling you WHERE in the Alchemy Lab it is. You’ll have to figure out where it’s been stashed.” “And what’s the other point?” Elias asked, as he sipped his chocolate milk.

“When you took the Ace of Clubs, you did it before classes began; when there was no teacher supervising things, and no other students to potentially interfere,” you reminded them. You paused, before then saying: “This time, you have to get the card out of the Lab…while you’re all in Alchemy Class together. You will then all report back here this evening. Obviously, you can’t let Professor Crewel or anyone else in class see you take it.” “Are you daft?!” James exclaimed. “We all know what a strict taskmaster he is!” “That’s what makes it challenging!” Ruggie sang out, waving his fork around merrily. “What’s the matter, Little Codfish?” smirked Elias. “Afraid I’ll win again?” “Stow yer anchor in a place where the sun won’t shine, ye ink-brained sea slug,” and pointed his own fork at Eli…still with a bit of egg on it. “This time, I’ll get that Card, just wait and see!”

Elias laughed mockingly in response. Taoka, for his part, remained unusually quiet. He simply smirked to himself, licking his lips between gulps of milk, the fingers of his free hand drumming against the sofa cushions to a beat only he could hear…

To Be Continued in Part 2…

22 notes · View notes

twistedtummies2 · 2 years ago

Text

Glamour - Chapter 3 (Trade)

This is the third part of a four-part trade story with @hooter-n-company (a.k.a. Rchlis). She is making some very special art for me, and in return, she asked me to write a story to introduce a Twisted Wonderland OC she's sort of had stewing in the background for a while: his name is Taoka Latronis, and he is based on Tamatoa from "Moana."

I absolutely LOVE Tamatoa. He's a fun villain, and a surprising crush (albeit a somewhat mild one, for me, personally). Rchlis wanted to create a character for the TW universe based on the big glam crab, and I certainly wasn't going to say no. The advantage of this being a trade, instead of a commission, was I could go and make a much longer and more detailed story, in return for much more detailed and elaborate artwork, without either of us having to pay exorbitant amounts that frankly neither of us could afford. Win-win. XD

This was a LOT of fun to make, and Taoka is one of my favorite OCs I've gotten to write for that I DIDN'T create myself, if not my favorite (at least as far as TW goes, I should clarify). Hopefully a lot of you like him, too. ;) Parts one and two have already been released the past two days; the fourth and final section will go up tomorrow. Be on the lookout!

WARNING: THIS PARTICULAR SECTION DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY KINKS DIRECTLY. HOWEVER, THERE ARE IMPLICATIONS OF VORE AND OTHER KINKS SPRINKLED THROUGHOUT THE FIRST THREE PARTS. DON'T LIKE? TOO YOUNG? DON'T READ. NOTE/DISCLAIMER: Once again, I referenced a song from "Labyrinth" (performed and composed by David Bowie) here. Once again, I hold no rights to the lyrics, figured I should still put this here, though.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

“This can’t be!” “Well, it sure seems like it can.” You and Grim watched anxiously as Divus Crewel and Maverick Mokulau paced across the stage. The audience had been cleared out, with the help of Neige LeBlanche, and local security had been called to investigate. Vil Schoenheit and Keala Cravalho had both split up to help them out. Speaking of which…all four of you looked up as the familiar clip-clopping of heels announced the return of the two students. “Have you searched the dressing rooms?” inquired Professor Crewel. “Every last one!” exclaimed Keala. “And?” “Nothing! It’s just…gone!” “You two were supposed to be on the ball today,” Vil scowled in your direction. “Nya! Don’t look at us!” Grim yowled, fur bristling with aggravation. “No, Grim, he’s right,” you sighed. “We may not have been in charge of security, but we should have been more on top of things, as Stage Managers. All those mishaps, culminating in the trophy being stolen…” “What does ‘culminating’ mean?” Grim meowed, in response. You and Vil groaned in tandem.

“It has to be around here somewhere,” fretted Keala. “I sincerely doubt that, at this point,” frowned Vil. “What is security up to now?” Mokulau demanded to know. “They’ve begun interviewing some of the contestants, to see if anybody noticed anything suspicious,” Vil replied. “I regret to say they haven’t had much luck.” “Someone had to see something!” Grim suddenly screeched. “All anybody saw were stars,” droned Vil. “That flash of light blinded everybody who might have gotten a good look.” “What was that flash, anyway?” murmured Keala, scratching his chin. “It didn’t seem like just a normal lighting trick.” “You’ve got that right, kid,” grumbled Mokulau, tipping his shades down as he turned his head up thoughtfully, hands stuffed into his pockets. “Wasn’t just an illusion, either…” “It seemed to me,” Crewel broke in, “Like some form of magic.” Those words caused something to click inside your brain. You suddenly let out a shout of frustration and slapped your forehead. “Oh, you Dumbo!” you cried out…then, noticing the expressions on everyone’s faces, you quickly explained: “Not you all. Me. I think I know who did this!” “You do?” Grim blinked. “Yes. But I’m going to need more proof,” you said solemnly, and stood up. It was time to take charge. “Vil, Mr. Mokulau, Keala? Can I ask you three to accompany me?” “If you feel it’s necessary,” Vil said slowly, while the two Royal Sword members nodded in agreement. “Good,” you smiled, then looked at Professor Crewel. “I think you and Grim should help security, sir. I may be completely wrong, and I don’t think ALL of us need to go at once.” “That seems reasonable,” Crewel nodded, and pointed at Grim with his familiar rod. “Come, puppy! We have work to do!” With a swirl of his fur coat, Divus Crewel flounced away. Grim growled grouchily. “First I’m a cat, then I’m a puppy,” he grumbled. “I’m getting sick of this…” “Just behave,” you sighed, and shooed the little imp away. With a sniff and a snort, he followed Professor Crewel away. “So, where are we goin’?” Maverick asked, crossing his tattooed arms. “To see Hop the Dwarf,” you replied, and beckoned for the three to follow you. “I think he’s the first stop we should make.” “Whatever you say, Basil of Baker Street,” Keala smirked with a shrug. You just gave him a blank look. “Forget it,” he chuckled, waving it off. Vil and Mokulau rolled their eyes. You just shook your head and led the group away. It was time to start getting a few answers.

---------------------------------------------------

“Who knew what kind of instrument you would be playing?” you asked Hop the Dwarf. Yourself and Keala stood inside the little fellow’s dressing room, while Vil and Mokulau - having seniority as judges - stood outside the room to guard it, just in case the culprit you suspected should show up. Hop scratched his head as he pondered the inquiry. “Well…I had to fill out a form to let management know,” he pointed out. “I’m aware,” you nodded. “But who else might have known?” “Did you tell any of the other contestants, maybe someone in the audience?” asked Keala. “I don’t think so,” said Hop, shaking his round little head. “Only Gran and Dominic, and they wouldn’t do a thing like that!” “No, of course they wouldn’t,” you sighed, feeling rather frustrated by the answer. This hadn’t gotten you anywhere you hoped it would. “I guess your hunch was wrong,” said Keala, weakly. “Seems that way,” you grumbled. “Wait a moment!” Hop suddenly squeaked, snapping his tiny fingers in realization. “There was that one guy…!” “One guy?” you and Keala chorused. “Uh-huh!” nodded Hop. “See, there was this guy…” He indicated you. “...I think he goes to your school…anyway, he said he was trying to find his lost guitar pick, and he was asking around if anybody had seen it. I told him I hadn’t seen it, and he said that was okay. He then asked what I was doing for my act, out of curiosity. I didn’t think there was anything wrong, so I told him my plans for my performance.” “So he would have known which instrument you were using and where you kept it?” “Well, not where I KEPT it, no,” said Hop with a slight giggle. “I didn’t tell him THAT much!” “Still,” Keala murmured, now catching on to what you were anticipating, “If he knew you had the instrument in here, and knew what he was looking for, he could have come in at any time you weren’t around.” “Did you leave the room at any point?” you asked the young dwarf. “Just for a few minutes for a snack break,” shrugged Hop. “That would do it,” you said gravely. “Can you tell me what he looked like?” “He wore a gold coat, and a glove on one hand. He also had purple eyes.”

Keala sucked in a breath sharply. You looked quickly towards him. “What’s wrong?” you asked the young man in the red shirt. Keala hesitated before answering: “I saw the same guy near my dressing room after I went to the bathroom for a spell. I’d left the door open when I left.” “So he could have gotten in while you were away?” Keala nodded, and added another detail: “He had a guitar bag slung over his shoulder. At the time, I assumed it carried his instrument, but…” Cravalho trailed off. You could easily guess the rest. You nodded to him, then at Hop, smiling slightly with a sense of slight triumph. “Thanks, little guy,” you said to the Dwarf. Hop gave a cheery mock-salute. You and Keala each returned the gesture, then exited the room, shutting the door behind you. “Well!” you said, clapping your hands together. “That cinches it.” “You know who’s behind this?” Mokulau checked. “I’m pretty sure, yep,” you nodded, then looked at Vil. “I’m afraid he’s one of your students.” Vil’s eyes widened, but only for a moment. “You don’t mean Taoka, do you?” he asked. “I’m afraid so. Do you know what his Unique Magic is like?” “I have not had a chance to experience it, no,” Vil answered, shaking his head. “I have. Or, at least, I think I have,” you said. “He’s the one who took the Lanternblossoms that Grim and I needed for our assignment with Professor Crewel. When he did, he lifted his hand, muttered some sort of spell…” “And let me guess,” interjected Mokulau, “There was a disorienting, golden flash of light?” “Just like the one that everybody got hit with when the trophy was stolen,” you confirmed.

“If it’s a signature spell, then there can be no doubt,” frowned Vil, clearly cross at the idea of one of his own Pomefiore dorm-mates being potentially responsible. “But we’re lacking the negligible item of evidence.” “He’s got a point,” Keala concurred. “Security checked all the dressing rooms, including his. They would have found it then, wouldn’t they have?” That was a good point, which you had no answer for. Mokulau scratched at his bear-like chest, then lifted a finger as he spoke up authoritatively. “The way it sounds to me,” he said, seriously, “There are three answers to this problem. The first is that our Stage Manager is either wrong or outright lying to us.” “I’m inclined to think they are correct,” Vil said, and gave you a supportive smile. “For all the faults the Prefect of Ramshackle has, I have no reason to doubt everything they’ve said as being as true and factual as they can manage.” You smiled gratefully. “I figured that,” nodded Maverick. “The second answer is that this Tapioca-” “Taoka,” corrected Vil. “-Whatever…the second answer is that he’s somehow managed to hide the trophy in his room, in a way security wouldn’t be able to uncover. I don’t think that’s true, either: if he’d used a cloaking spell, for example, they would’ve checked for it immediately.” “Then what’s the third option?” questioned Keala. “I think I can guess that,” you answered, and raised an eyebrow at the Royal Sword instructor. “It’s that he’s hidden the trophy - and maybe all the other things he’s presumably taken - somewhere offsite. Right?” “In the time before and after his performance, he could have had a chance to hide the instruments and all the rest,” reasoned Mokulau. “And in the confusion after he swiped the trophy, he might have been able to slip off to somewhere, provided it wasn’t very far away.” “There’s plenty of options,” said Vil, solemnly, a hand to his chin as he pondered things. “It would have been risky, but so was stealing everything to begin with. In the words of a famous writer, ‘once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.’” “Okay, so…if he HAS done that,” Keala frowned, scratching his cheek, “Then where is this hiding spot?” Mokulau could only shrug. A smile came to your face. “Well,” you began to say, slyly, “Maybe we don’t know that…but there’s bound to be one person who does.” You then pointed to Maverick’s sunglasses. “Quick question…do you have spares of those?”

-------------------------------------------------------

“You remind me of the babe! What babe? Babe with the power! What power? Power of Voodoo! Who do? You do! Do what? Remind me of the babe…” Taoka Latronis laughed and sang as he lounged lazily in his dressing room, smiling up at the ceiling. He was feeling very pleased with himself. He spun around in his chair, grinning from ear to ear, looking for all the world like the cat who had caught the canary. He was still gayfully humming when a thumping knock came at the door. The smile was struck from his face. “What?” he called out, crossly, a slight sneer curling across his painted lips. His expression quickly changed, and he sat up straight in his chair, as the door opened to reveal a broad-shouldered, heavily-tattooed man with long, dark hair and a stubbly, strong chin, with a shark tooth necklace around his throat and sunglasses shrouding his hazel eyes. “Mr. Mokulau!” exclaimed Taoka, startled at the sight of the rock star judge and magic master. “This…th-this is unexpected…” “Heh. Don’t worry, I get that a lot. Not everybody expects me to be so perfect,” winked Maverick with a chuckle. Taoka gave a sort of tight smile in return. “Is there something you need?” Taoka asked. “Security already checked my room…is there any chance we’ll be allowed to leave soon?” “Actually, yeah, that’s what I was coming to tell you,” replied Mokulau, and jabbed a thumb back towards the open door as he stepped further into the room. “Security’s done checking around for now, they wanna clear all the contestants out. You’ll be free to go in just a few minutes. So, if you’ve got anything to pack up, better get to it.” “Thank you, sir. I’ll make sure to get ready in a moment,” Taoka said, then paused before hesitantly asking, “Do they know who might be responsible?” Mokulau paused before sighing and nodding, removing his sunglasses and tucking them into a pocket. “Honestly, I really shouldn’t be telling you this,” he said, and brushed some of his dark curls away from his face. “But they think it was a student from your school.” Taoka’s purple eyes widened. His smile flickered. “Do they now?” “Yeah,” nodded Mokulau, and paused a moment longer before continuing: “We can’t prove it, but we’re starting to suspect the Stage Management duo had something to do with it all.”

Taoka blinked. Three times. “Them?” he repeated, sounding almost bewildered. “They had access to every room,” replied Mokulau with a scowl. “And it seems kinda suspicious so many things would go missing on their watch. We’re not sure how they took that trophy, or if they had any help, but with all the mishaps during the contest as a whole, we’re pretty sure they had to know more than they’re telling.” Taoka looked askance, purple-hued brow knitted in thought. “You have a point,” he murmured, then a grin spread across his face, and he looked back up at the great musician. “Yes! It has to be them! We should have suspected it from the start.” “Psh. Tell me ‘bout it,” snorted Mokulau. “Your Housewarden is beside himself: the idea of a fellow NRC student being behind it all, somebody he personally asked for help…” “Eh. I imagine the dorm leader will get over it,” shrugged Taoka with a smirk. “Guess we shouldn’t have trusted a person from a world with no magic, huh?” “Looks like it,” Mokulau replied, and chuckled to himself: “At least they didn’t get my real pick out of the deal.” Taoka’s grin vanished instantly. “Huh? What…what do you mean the real pick?” he asked. “Oh, well, obviously I didn’t ACTUALLY put the REAL guitar pick I used in my first concerts on the trophy,” said Maverick with a smile. “It’s precious to me: something like that isn’t something I would just get rid of.” “I see,” Taoka said, and cocked his head. “So, uh…if it’s not prying too much, where DO you keep the real one?” Maverick smirked. He looked around, as if to make sure nobody was watching…then winked and patted one of his pockets. “You…you have it here? With you?” gasped Taoka, seemingly stunned. “Well, duh! It’s my lucky pick!” laughed Mokulau. “Every guitarist worth their salt carries one, kid. If you’re gonna be one, you better find your own soon.” Taoka grimaced and looked away again. “Yeah. If,” he muttered.

“Hey, don’t sweat it,” smiled the large man, with a kinder sort of expression. “I know we were pretty rough on you out there today, but you’ve got passion, kid. That’ll take you far, if you keep it up.” “I somehow doubt that,” whispered Taoka to himself. Maverick looked the young Night Raven student up and down…then stepped closer and reassuringly placed one huge, heavy hand on the young man’s shoulders. Taoka looked up, seemingly surprised. “When I got started, I was totally on my own, kid,” said Mokulau. “It took a lotta work and a lotta faith to get to my level now. I know it sounds cliche, but trust me, those two things can do a lot for ya if you let them. Don’t ever forget: as handsome as I may be, it’s not really about what’s out here…” He lightly pinched Taoka’s golden jacket indicatively…then lowered his hand and tapped a finger to the youth’s chest. “...It’s what in there that’s gonna matter most.” Taoka let out a sarcastic sort of chuckle and brushed the teacher’s hand away. “That’s a nice sentiment, sir, but you of all people should know: a golden heart isn’t gonna matter when you’re totally invisible.” Maverick frowned again, now a bit bemused. He tilted his head. “What makes you say that?” he asked, quietly, then a bit louder: “Have we met before?” Taoka’s expression was unreadable. His ungloved hand quietly clutched the other appendage in an absent-minded way. All he said in reply was a thoroughly emotionless: “Yes. We have.” Mokulau looked as if he wanted to ask something else…but at that moment, a new voice intervened… “Ahem! Mr. Mokulau?” Maverick turned around to see Vil Schoenheit standing in the doorway to the room. “What’s up?” he asked. “Your students - Neige and Mr. Cravalho, that is - want to talk to you.” “Thanks,” grunted Maverick Mokulau, and turned back around to smile at Taoka once more. He pulled out his shades and flipped them back into place over his eyes. “See ya later, kid.” “Maybe so,” Taoka answered in a slippery sort of way. Maverick grinned and clicked a finger-gun gesture towards the young man, then followed Vil out of the room. The moment he was gone, Taoka’s sly expression changed to a truly evil grin. He looked down towards his hands. He opened his gloved palm…revealing a small, bone-white guitar pick in his hand. “Gotcha,” he cackled to himself under his breath, then tucked the pick hastily into his own pocket before hurriedly tidying up his room. Once it was all clean, he slung his guitar over his shoulder. He was still laughing as he left the dressing room.

As far as he could tell...he'd won.

----------------------------------------------------------

Taoka took one of the sideways passages out of the auditorium, thus allowing him to slip by most anyone who might have spotted his departure. He did not head towards Night Raven straightaway. Instead, the spiky-haired young sneakthief blazed a trail towards the edge of the dense forest. His pace was deliberate, his demeanor sharp and direct; he knew exactly where he was going. No sooner had the youth’s golden coat vanished into the undergrowth, than he removed the pick from his pocket. A devious smile - which showed off each of his slightly-too-long teeth - split his face as he crept through the shadows of the trees in a Northwesterly direction. He had only gone some forty yards or so before he spotted a destination: a small, empty cave, half-hidden by brambles. Sniggering at his deceit, he hopped, skipped, and jumped over the brambles and scuttled into the cave, like a spider quickly creeping back into its den…or a crab, burrowing into a hiding spot. Inside the cavern, he paused a little ways away from the entrance: the cave was wide and round, with a ceiling that was about as low as a typical room in a typical house. No animals lived here, which made it an admirable hiding place…for the instruments, the microphones, and all the other bits and pieces of necessary hardware the contestants of the Triple-S concert competition required for their performances. Pilfering the items had been shockingly simple; sneaking them out when nobody would notice was only somewhat more difficult. Taoka chuckled as he approached the prize of his little hoard: a familiar silver trophy, topped with an ivory guitar pick. “Figuring out how to get you all out of here again is gonna be a bit of a problem,” mumbled Taoka…then smirked and shrugged. “Ah, well. Maybe I’ll just sell the stuff that’s worth something, leave the rest behind.” He knelt down beside the trophy with an evil smile. “You, however…you I’m gonna treasure. You and the REAL pick,” he chuckled, lifting up the bone-white guitar strummer in his hands indicatively… …And the moment he did, his smile faded. A look of confusion filled the glammed-up guitar player’s eyes. Something wasn’t right. The pick on the trophy had a familiar hook shape in its center; this was to be expected. The symbol was Mokulau’s logo, and his first pick had been etched with the design early on. That was as good as a signature or fingerprint of authenticity. But the pick Taoka now held…well, it was the same exact color, and the same exact shape and size…but it had no visible markings on it at all. “Wait a minute,” murmured Taoka, and scratched the surface…then sighed as the paint scraped, and a different color - a plain gray - showed underneath. “Oh, I see. He’s taken a cheap pick, and painted it in the same color as the one on the trophy…” Taoka’s look of petulant dissatisfaction abruptly changed to one of apprehension and alarm. “...As a diversion?” “More like bait.”

Taoka leapt to his feet and swung around with a snarl. He glared as he saw you standing at the entrance to the cave. Vil and Mokulau stood just a short distance behind you. As the three of you entered, the young man moved into a guarded position, flinging the cheap pick aside. “You followed me!” he accused. “Guilty as charged,” you chuckled. “It wasn’t too hard. We knew you couldn’t have brought them all the way back to the school, and there was nowhere in the town that seemed likely. We just didn’t know where to look. I figured if we dangled something shiny in front of your face, so to speak, you’d just HAVE to take it.” “You’ve disgraced my dorm, Latronis,” glared Vil. “I hope you realize punishment is well overdue.” “Oh, please, don’t insult me,” snorted Taoka coldly. “Or do we have to forget somebody else cheated much more dangerously at a certain other competition?” Vil glowered and said nothing. Sensing trouble, you subtly stepped to block him and Taoka’s path to each other. Vil noticed, smiled, and lightly placed a hand on your shoulder. He mumbled something under his breath, but only you heard it, and gave him a small smile in return. “Keala!” Mokulau called back over his shoulder. “We’ve found him.” Moments later, Keala joined the group. He looked almost hurt when he saw the trophy behind the glitzy scoundrel. “So you DO have it!” he exclaimed. “Give it back!” Taoka glared. “Why should I?” he hissed. “How about because we’ll pummel you if you don’t?” growled Maverick. “A student attacked by a teacher? I think that would get you in a great deal of trouble,” crooned Taoka. “You’re no student of mine,” said Mokulau coldly.

“Oh, that’s where you are wrong,” smirked Taoka, and straightened his stance, showing off his flashy outfit. “See, you’re the one I have to give credit for who I am today: watching you, I learned the only way a person is gonna stand out is if you make yourself bigger, shinier, and all around better than anybody around you. And it doesn’t matter who you step on to get there, or who gets left behind in the process!” “But that trophy wasn’t yours to take!” Keala protested. “What good does it do you to have it now? You can’t show it off, you can’t claim you won! What does it matter?!” “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” sniffed Taoka. “Well, I’m making it my business!” Keala snapped, taking an aggressive stance of his own. “I worked too hard to make my grandma proud-” “Between us, babe, I’m getting a little tired of hearin’ about your grandma,” interrupted Taoka. “I don’t care who ‘deserves’ this or not, it’s MINE! I’VE claimed it! AND I AM NOT LOSIN’ MY TREASURE NOW!” So saying, Taoka Latronis thrust out one hand. You heard him start to utter a familiar incantation… “NOW!” you shouted, and at almost the exact same time, Taoka finished the spell with three bellowed words… “Time to shine!” ZAM! A blinding flash of golden light shined and glittered through the whole small cave of loot. Taoka grinned and picked up the trophy, then made a dash to run past all of you and out the cavern mouth… …Only for an arm like a steel band - Vil’s - to suddenly swing out and smash into his abdomen. With a wheezing grunt, he staggered back, his gloved hand on his diaphragm, the other still holding the trophy tightly. He coughed twice and looked up…then gulped at what he saw. “Oh, come on!” he almost whined. “That’s STUPIDLY unfair!” All four of you wore matching, mischievous smiles…and sunglasses.

“Extra protected,” Mokulau boasted, adjusting his pair. “Not even your sparkle can beat these babies.” “Give us the trophy, Taoka!” Vil demanded, marching forward and stretching out one arm sharply, as if ordering a dog to drop a bone. “Don’t make this harder for yourself.” Taoka just scoffed. He removed his guitar, propping it up against one of the cave walls, and moved into an action-ready posture. “You’ll have to turn the world upside-down before I let you take this from me,” he responded icily. So saying, the young man reached into his pocket, and pulled out his Magic Pen. With a swish and a flick, he summoned a pillar of water, which blasted Vil backwards and sent him sprawling onto the cave floor. The other three of you hurried to his side. “You okay?” you asked, worriedly. “No,” Vil said, through a face full of dripping makeup. “I’m soaked.” You smirked. “THERE HE GOES!” Keala’s shout alerted all of you. You looked up; through the tint of your sunglasses, you saw Taoka finally use the distraction he’d sought for to flee, as he darted from the cave and out into the woods. “We can’t let him get away!” yelled Mokulau. “Come on!” You didn’t have to be told twice. You helped Vil to his feet, and all four of you charged out of the cave and after Taoka Latronis.

To Be Concluded in Part 4...

20 notes · View notes