《Fragments of Time ( A Disney Twisted Wonderland x OC story) Book I》Scary Monsters (TWST Halloween Special pt. 1)
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All of Night Raven is gearing up for All Hallows' Eve, including the Seer of Night Raven herself. But on the day of the spookiest time of year, all is not what it may seem to be....
Here it is! The actual event! Read the Halloween Prologue to catch up!
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Part 1: Get Your Scream On!
"Ugh, the boring stuff's finally over." Grim stretched his limbs as the bell signaling class ending sounds. "C'mon, Charlie! Let's get back to the dorm and pick up our game from last night!!" He starts scurrying for the door as Charlie stuffs away her notebook in her bag.
Grim whined, "Man, the distance from the classroom to the Dorm is too far..."
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The two made it back to the Ramshackle place and we're about to be in for a bit of a surprise.
"NYAHA! Finally! We're....back....?" Grim stopped as he looked up to see something quite different with the place. Charlie followed his gaze and stated in awe at the decor that surrounded the front yard of her place.
"Whoa...." she breathed.
"M-M-M-M...MONSTERS!!!!!" Grim shrilled and wrenched himself from her arms, hopping to the ground and pulling at Charlie's pant leg. "We gotta run!!! Why aren't you moving?!" he looked up to try and snap her out of it. But Charlie was far too into the decor to notice the little menace trying to pull her away.
"Well, you seem pretty lively. You're back more earlier than I expected." A familiar voice sings. Both Charlie and Grim turn to see Lilia hops rightside up beside them.
"Lilia!" Charlie exclaimed in shock.
"Y-You're from Diasomnia! The guy that likes to troll people by hanging upside down!!" Grim shook and hid behind Charlie's leg for protection.
"The one and only!" Lilia smiled mischievously and bows.
"Vanrouge-san, why are you here?" Charlie asked.
"This is no time for questions!! We need to get out of here from those things!!!" Grim remembered his earlier task and continued to grab onto Charlie's pants. Lilia stares down at the creature and picks him up.
"Calm down. They're just fake. It's all papier mache."
"Huh?...Fake?" Grim pants.
"Yes. All the decor on the tree branches are from the Diasomnia student's hard work. And we've done the gate and lanterns too." Lilia showed off the work he had the students do while the Ramshackle duo were gone.
"We'll get the gate up in one count! Watch your heads!" one calls out.
"Place the Dragon's tail through the yard so it stands out more!" another directs.
"That's right! Don't hold back! Make it all pop!" Lilia commands.
"YESSIR!"
"What's going on?! Our dorm is becoming a monster house!! OI! Don't just decorate our dorm if you want to!!!" Grim demands.
" 'If want to'? Even if the Headmaster himself gave the green light in your absence?" Lilia rebuttals.
"WHA?! The Headmaster?!"
"That bag of bird crap gave consent without my approval!?" Charlie simmered quite angrily. One of these days, she'll just snap at Crowley and give him an earful of what she's been keeping locked up for so long: from being a deadbeat to stalling her time away from home.
"Now, my dear, let's not be hasty. It's Halloween, don't you know?" Lilia looks at the human girl.
At the word "Halloween", Charlie felt herself go stiff.
"Malleus said, 'I want to spend Halloween with those of the Ramshackle dorm' no matter what. So aren't you glad? You won't be able to make these big decorations yourself. Oh wait, no need to thank me. We have to have fun together on Halloween after all!" Lilia laughs.
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"Hihihi. They're sure making it stands out properly〜" Suddenly, beside Lilia, the three Ghosts of the Ramshackle dorm popped up.
"Ooh, you ghosts here to have a look?"
"These decorations are too grand like you don't hold back even for Charlotte and Grim, our friends!" The first laughs.
"Diasomnia's sure different from the others! This year's Halloween'll be really spook-tacular!" The second grins.
"You didn't have to complement us that much!" Lilia blushed lightly.
"Uh, question: what is this 'Hellowiin' exactly? And what's it gotta do with all this ruckus?" Grim asked.
The fat ghost and Lilia looked at him like he was an alien. "Huh?"
Even Charlie was taken back by his claim. "Grim, you don't know what Halloween is?" She and the short ghost asked simultaneously.
"No. Should I?"
And cue Lilia having a mini heart-attack. "I-I'm surprised! It's the first time I met someone in this world that doesn't know what Halloween is!"
"Well, is it popular?" Grim asked.
"But of course! Halloween is one of Twisted Wonderland's important traditions! To put it simply... it's a festival for the dead!!"
"A...festival?"
"Yes. It happens every year on October 31st, it's a day where the ghosts from the other world come back to this world for one night." Lilia took control of explaining to the grey-haired creature. "Not only like these guys who're hesitating to go to the world over yonder...But all kinds of ghosts and other creatures will come for Halloween on the 31st. We, the living, must prepare some hospitality for them, like the decorations and feasts. And it's also important to dress as scary ghosts or in monsters' costumes."
"Huh? Why costumes?" Grim asked.
"That's because not all ghosts are nice to humans, like us." Shorty puts in. One by one, the ghosts put in what they know.
"They would pull some tricks on us during Halloween."
"Like when you sit, your right and left shoelaces get tied together, or the salt and sugar get mixed up on purpose."
"All your T-shirts get turned inside out, or your pen ink gets dried up and such."
"They don't meet humans in that world, so they have the urge to do pranks and tricks."
"Agree, I too would get fired up for visiting the real world after a long time..."
"Meh. Not that scary, to be honest..." Grim shook his head. Lilia laughs at his "enthusiasm".
"Isn't it cute? The ghosts that like to play tricks would go away if you give them treats." But then he frowns. "But, there's some conditions where there are evil spirits that will do bad things..." then, he had almost like a sadistic yet merciful glint in his eyes as he told the next part: "You know if there is a ghost who did some bad things in the past, right? Eye for an eye, teeth for teeth. Ghost for a ghost. The costumes are used to scare those spirits away back so they'll go away...."
Charlie felt like a sudden chill rush down her spine as he said that. She knew that fate had something in store when cryptic shit like that is spoken....
But then, Lilia smiled as if nothing happened. "But that all's just a myth from the past, so now we just cosplay and have fun!"
"That's not helpful in the slightest!!" Grim rattled his teeth.
"Just don't think too deeply into it." Shorty smiled.
"Halloween is just a thing from way back even before when we were alive." Stretchy grinned.
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"It's not like all the living beings can see the ghosts, but we'll go all out on the 31th." Fatso follows. "Don't think hard and just think that 'Halloween is a day where we have fun together'!"
"Mhmm, a fun day...hold on, 'can't see ghosts'? Why? Won't they come here?" Grim piqued.
"There are some that have strong regret and got left behind in this world, but ghosts are beings meant to go to the world over yonder." Lilia answered. "So the drifting ghosts here are some unstable beings. You can't see them unless you're in a place with a level of high magic power like Night Raven College."
"Eeek....I thought the ghosts would drift easily even outside of school...." Grim cowered.
"Hihihi. We're actually a rare being." The ghosts sang.
"And we don't care if we can be seen or not!"
"Yes yes, no matter if you can see ghosts or not, Halloween is fun. That's the point!"
"That's right. I'm excited for times like this no matter at what age." Lilia smiled.
The ghosts and Lilia seemed to be off in their own world as Grim hung back with Charlie.
"They're way too fired up...but, Charlie, do you know what Halloween is?" Grim looks up at his human companion.
"Are you kidding? I love Halloween! It's one of my hometown's favorite holidays!" She gushed. So many thoughts filtered back into her head about her Halloween through the years, growing up: from costume parades to haunted houses and dances. Even trick-or-treating, watching Halloween movies, eating candy till she hit a sugar rush, pumpkin carving, costume shopping, parties with the neighborhood, bobbing for apples, pulling pranks, and playing horror games!
"What? Halloween's a holiday in your world, Charlotte?" The ghosts look over at the girl in shock.
"Such a coincidence!"
"Although the content's are a bit different, there is a Halloween culture for humans, fairies, ghosts, and all species. So there's no surprise that Charlotte's world would have Halloween too." Lilia nods.
"So....Halloween's that much of a special day? ...If so, I'm getting excited as well!" Grim smiled.
"I knew you would! And there's a 'special event' for us at Night Raven, too!"
Charlie and Grim looked at one another in confusion, " 'Special'?"
"Oh, you didn't know? ...Well, there's still a month until Halloween. The teachers will explain sooner or later!" Lilia waved it away. Charlie was about to ask what he meant, until snapping sounds caught her off guard.
She, Lilia and Grim looked over to see the three ghosts lurking around the front yard with cameras in hand.
"Such good composition. The dragon looks intimidating."
"Let's try with a low angle so we can get the Ramshackle dorm in the whole shot!"
"Wait...are they holding....don't tell me....ARE THOSE CELLPHONES?!" Grim cried.
"It took you now to notice?" The ghosts teased.
"We're just too excited! So we bought them for the occasion!"
"But how'd you sign a contract for getting those things?!" Grim was left unsatisfied with his answers.
"We just signed contracts by getting them online!"
"With the headmaster as our guarantor, once we filled out the necessary information, we got qualified to get the phones."
"Grrrrr, It's not fair I have to share one with Charlie! This is not cool!"
"How can you even share it with me if you don't have hands to hold it properly, Mr. Gravy-for-brains?" Charlie gave him an unimpressed glare. Grim flushed in embarrassment at the callout as the ghosts, and Lilia, snickered at the witty comeback.
"Besides, we're adults. Besides, the people we want to contact are no longer residing in this world." Lilia shared a laugh with them.
"But seriously," the old fae picks up. "There's still more than one way to use your phone."
"Of course! We created Magicam accounts so we can enjoy the holiday to the fullest! But the only followers so far are these two and some friends of mine so it's just five in total."
"At least the memories count, correct?"
"Right, right. Grim, Charlotte, hold still for a second." one of the ghosts requests.
"Huh?" Grim didn't have time to pay attention, cause at the last second, a flash went off, nearly blinding him. Charlie was the only one who caught on and grinned just as the snap went off. Being around Cater, she knew when to get used to being photographed, even in a millisecond.
"HeeHee! Now we've a memory with you two!"
"Well, even if you do that, you're not gonna show up in the pictures." Grim smirked at the ghosts' forgetful logic and turned to see the resulting photo, only to feel his fur start sticking up in fear. "HUH?! how are you in the photo?! That's not possible! You guys couldn't appear on film when Charlie uses the Ghost Camera!"
"It's the Halloween season. Duh!"
"So this is why you bought smartphones for this?" Lilia hopped in.
"Uh, I don't get it...." Grim sweat-drops.
"There's a rumor that Halloween is the one night a year where the nether world is linked to the living world." Lilia explains. "Which means their mana is increasing. So it won't be so rare to see ghosts show up in photos constantly. Like i said before, this only happens in places with high magic levels like inside NRC."
The three ghosts huddled together, looking at the photo album of pictures just taken.
"Let's see what happens if we use beauty mode and become all sparkly!"
"Grim's fur and Charlotte's eyes are super bright! This is clearly one of the best photos taken."
"And the background's so photogenic~!"
"Let's upload the one we took with them!" Shorty taps away at a few keys and captioned it with: 'Celebrating with the ones who live under the smae roof as us! #NRCHalloween'. "Just put that in the caption and...done!"
"If you need Yours Truly as a model, pay me in tuna and I'll let you know when I'm available!" Grim smirked.
"Put our formalities aside. Let's just enjoy the time we have until the big day!" the ghosts encourage.
"Besides the Ramshackle Dorm, every place on campus is being swathed in Halloween decor as we speak. So soak in the moment and be prepared for anything." Lilia instructs.
Charlie just nodded, her mind a flurry of ideas for a Halloween costume. A small smile etched onto her face. This was gonna be a challenge, but she'll be ready.
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-The following day-
"One, two, three..." Crewel began to count softly to himself the number of students present. When he double checked the list and the number of heads were equal, he clears his throat. "Alright, all the puppies are present! Let's start homeroom. First, an important announcement: I'm sure all of you are aware that there's one month left before Halloween."
At that, the class was in a frenzy.
"Halloween's almost here! I can hardly wait!!"
"I've always dreamt about the day being spent at Night Raven!"
"Wow, just mentioning the holiday itself has people pumped!" Grim smiled. "Guess Lilia and the ghosts were right! Halloween really is that special!"
"And we're ready to get our scream on!" Charlie smiled, equally giddy inside.
"Hey, Charlie." she turned at the sound of her name and saw Ace and Deuce sit by her. "Saw the Ramshackle dorm this morning. It's really something else."
"Draconia and Vanrouge-senpai seem to be giving their all for the event." Deuce murmured.
"Really feels like it already! Even when it's still ways away!" Charlie giggled.
"Glad to see you're in the spirit already!" Ace chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Halloween's that big of a deal anyhow."
"Speaking of...Charlie, you bought a pumpkin to decorate your room?" Deuce asked. "The Mystery Shop has them on sale now and they're in good shape! You should get one while you can!"
"Don't worry! I was planning on it!" she winked.
"Yea, it wouldn't be complete without one jack-o-lantern!"
"What about you guys? You geared up for the event?" Grim asks.
"Are you kidding?! Who wouldn't get excited over Halloween?!" Ace cheers. "Hell, even the Ignihyde introverts are coming out to have fun for the night! Ain't that right, Deuce~?"
The bluenette looked away in embarrassment. "It's the one day a year where we don't have to restrain ourselves, we can even dress up in Halloween couture. Besides, whether you're an adult or a child, Halloween will always be enjoyed across Twisted Wonderland."
"Amen." Charlie smiled.
Crewel looked around the place and sighed. "Whenever the time arrives, you pups will always be rambunctious no matter what..." And with that, he thwacked the air sharply like a whip. "Stay! Be Quiet!" at once, the class silenced. "Just because this is your first time celebrating a holiday in a prestigious academy like night Raven doesn't mean all of you need to act wild. Haven't I disciplined you before?" The class took their seats silently as a way to not incur Crewel's wrath. Once all was settled, Crewel continued speaking, "Now then. As you're well aware, Halloween is an important tradition for Twisted Wonderland. The week before the said holiday also known as 'Hallo-week', the students of the campus will be a part of the main event: a stamp rally for people outside of campus will be held. Every dorm chooses a place on site as their venue for the rally and must decorate it as well. And the most important of all: everyone outside participate freely. So it means that there will be visitors who'll walk around the school in the Halloween week. Does anyone know why we open such a troublesome event?"
"Ooh! Ooh! Me, I know!!! It's to get money from the entrance fee!" Grim hops up and down with excitement.
"Wrong! We won't take money from the participants! We won't charge for a school tour." Crewel shot down and Grim flattened his ears in defeat. "Now, listen up: the reason why Night Raven College was able to make such a long stand in history is because it's all thanks to the understanding and cooperation of everyone who have raised you and kept watch. 'Hallo-Week' is an important chance for you guys to show your result of discipline to them. Don't let them see your bad sides, be sharp!"
"So it's a stamp rally? No wonder Lilia was decorating the place like it was. It's so festive its amazing!" Grim awed.
"You're that surprised? I thought you heard it from the Halloween committee?" Ace asked.
"Huh? We've a committee?"
"In order for the event to go as flawless as possible, every dorm sends out students to represent themselves. Has the headmaster told you?" Crewel overheard and steps in.
"No." Grim put short.
"What?! Miss Luchessi, don't tell me you weren't aware of this too, right?" Crewel's eyes widened as he looked at Charlotte for confirmation.
"No, sir. Apparently, I'm late for the party." she said as disappointed as possible. But deep inside, she was mad that she never got the notice. Another reason to lash out at that useless headmaster. "The headmaster probably forgot to tell us these things....like usual..." she growled out.
"I can see." Crewel agreed with her with some sympathy.
"How forgetful can that dude even be?!" Ace asked.
"Wait! I'll help them out!" Deuce offers. "I'll catch them up on anything they missed if they have questions. I'm on the committee this year!"
"Will you stop being so damn proud of that title?" Ace soured. "You were only picked because of a drawing."
"Shup up, Ace." Deuce growled at the marmalade-haired first year. "Even if it was through fate's work or not, Rosehearts told me to do my best. This is tradition of Night Raven, after all. I'll make it a success!"
"Thank you, Deuce. At least I can count on you." Charlie smiled thankfully.
"While it's great to see you so motivated, you shouldn't use this as a chance to slack behind on your work." Crewel reminds.
"Y-Yes, sir!" Deuce straightened his posture in his seat.
"And as for the rest of you, don't lose your heads over Halloween, either. Those who don't heed my word, will not be given access to the Hallow's Eve Party on the night of!"
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