#malleus

Shortly after [Name] came to the front of the library, Malleus emerged from the dark wood doors, emerald eyes immediately finding their way to him. [Name] couldn't help but flash back to the dream, causing him to shudder slightly as avert his eyes.

The Fae King’s lips curved up in amusement, being the first to speak. “Good morning. I hope you have been enjoying yourself?”

[Name]’s mind raced with several thoughts of responses, but he ended up with a, “...yeah.” He wanted to ask so many questions, but how would Malleus react when confronted? Was he even supposed to find that book?

“Are we going to leave soon?” [Name] decided to ask instead, remembering his first task. If he recalled, there were 4 more “capitals” he had left.

“Yes, we are.” Malleus replied, placing his hands behind his back. “We can leave as soon as you're ready.”

“I am.” [Name] strode to the door, shoulder brushing past Malleus. He tensed at the touch, mind vividly bringing up the dream once more before he forced it into the dark corners of his memory.

“Rather antsy today, hm?” Malleus mused as he turned to face [Name], his tall form coming up from behind. His hand reached over the other’s shoulder to grasp the knob. “I’d like to meet everyone else today, so let's make haste.”

[Name] didn't reply, his mind racing. What was he trying to pull this time? Did he somehow know about the dream?

There was no time to truly question it, however, as Malleus began to nudge [Name] towards the hallway. He was just overthinking, surely…

༺༻

The sun had marked mid-afternoon by the time they reached the final Capitol. They visited the leaders of Scarabia, Octavinelle, and Heartslaybul, where Malleus had chosen not to speak with the leaders privately as he did last time. [Name] didn't have a chance to sling his usual flurry of questions, so it was rather uneventful.

Scarabia had Kalim and Jamil, a strange duo. Octanivelle had the merpeople he had met before, which he thanked for their assistance once more. Heartslaybul was the most orderly yet chaotic house by far, but seemed relatively even-minded. If he played his cards right, these people may be powerful allies.

He was half-expecting this last capitol–was it Savannahclaw?--to be the same, so his motivation dwindled greatly. Malleus tensed as they reached the entrance out of the tunnel system, facing [Name] as his brows furrowed.

“I must warn you… I don't know how this meeting will go.” Malleus spoke with a tone of uncertainty, something… [Name] wasn't sure he had heard before. “There's some tension happening between the others and Savannahclaw.”

“There is..?” [Name] tilted his head ever so slightly, trying to press a little further. “How come?”

“Just politics, my dear.” Malleus brushed him off, a certain firmness in his voice to signal that was all he’d disclose. “But for my sake, stay close.”

They came across a large building, the sandstone bricks lined with colorful tapestries and hides. No one bothered to greet them, so Malleus led the way further in.

It didn't take long to find the main room, where several beastmen lined the walls with hostile looks. Centered in the back, a lion beastman lazily draped over a wide throne, cracking open an eyelid.

“Hmph, so the lizard finally showed up. Heard from the others I’d be expecting a visit.” He grumbled, stretching as he yawned. He, however, did not sit up to address them. His eyes transferred from Malleus to [Name], a small smirk forming on his lips. “A new one?”

“Kingscholar.” Malleus warned in a low tone, his own eyes narrowing as he subconsciously placed a hand on [Name]’s waist, tugging him to his side. “I’d like for you to meet [Name]. [Name], this is Leona Kingscholar.”

Leona couldn't help but bark a laugh, placing his hands behind his head. “Oh I’m aware of who he is. I’ve heard all about him.”

[Name] raised a brow, eyes traveling back and forth between Malleus and Leona. They clearly weren't on the friendliest terms, which was strange considering all the others had been polite at minimum.

The beastmen lining the walls glared at the two, some outright growling at them. For the first time since he’d arrived, [Name] felt a sharp jolt of unease electrify his body. These guys seemed about ready to pounce at any moment.

“Leona, I’d like to discuss with you in privat–”

“No.” Leona interrupted, finally sitting up. He leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee as he hissed. “We will discuss it here.”

Malleus’s jaw tightened–[Name] had never seen him more irritated than now–the hand on [Name]’s waist growing its grip harsher. “It is inappropriate to discuss that matter with an audience.”

“And let you try to brush it under the rug again?” Leona scowled, ears pinned back as his lion tail swished. “Not a chance. Are you too cowardly to say it out loud of your newest catch?”

Malleus broke eye contact with Leona to glance down at [Name], his expression a mix of annoyance and worry. Then, he spoke through slightly gritted teeth. “Fine. I have received word that your citizens have caused chaos at the borders. Heartslaybul and Octaniville have noted your beastmen causing skirmishes with their patrols.”

“Oh really?” Leona tilted his head, beckoning to the others. “I have received word that the instigators are the others growing too cocky and trying to take more territory. We are simply fighting back.”

[Name] was desperately trying to both keep up and fill in the gaps of what was being spoken. Savannahclaw seemed to be at the root of these supposed skirmishes (whether they are the cause or not), which was causing a lot of trouble on Malleus’s part. There was definitely more to this, but he feared it would require more context.

“[Name],” Malleus’s voice interrupted his thoughts, his hand leaving the other’s waist as he cleared his throat. “Why don't you go meet me outside? I’d hate for you to see Savannahclaw in such a bad light.” He sent a pointed glare to Leona, who only shrugged with a hint of smugness.

[Name] wanted to protest, but Malleus didn't give him the chance before he was engulfed in green light. A wave of nausea hit as wind whistled past his ears with a faint buzz before the green light scattered into thousands of fireflies. [Name] was now at the entrance, his doubled vision slowly steadying as he leaned onto a pillar for support.

Who knew teleportation magic was so intense?!

“Don't throw up on my shoes, wouldja? I just got them shined.” A voice came from in front of him, and when [Name]’s vision cleared, he saw a short woman before him.

She was oddly familiar, but [Name] couldn't place a finger on it. She wore a wide-brimmed hat and a matching maroon cape sparkled with constellations, golden frames resting upon her tanned nose. Her long, dark hair was in a large braid, and shining red eyes gazed at him.

“Who are you..?” [Name] asked as he straightened, shaking off the aftermath of the spell.

The woman grinned, placing her hands on her hips. “Aw, don't recognize me? Figures as much.”

She gave her cape a twirl, and before [Name]’s eyes, the woman transformed into a small, fae child. She let out a giggle as she acted, “I have plenty of good book recommendations!”

[Name]'s eyes grew wide from shock. “You're the one from the library..!”

“That's me.” The child returned to her human, witch-y form, the grin all the same. “Many refer to me as The Fates, but you may call me Vee.”

Wait, this was The Fates? [Name] remembered the brief moments where Malleus had discussed them, specifically the part about how his role here would be revealed.

“I can already tell by the look on your face that you must have many questions…” Vee mused, placing her hands behind her back. She glanced at the entryway, then beckoned her head to a different entry point into the labyrinth. “Come with me.”

[Name] was left flabbergasted as the strange woman walked away, quickly coming to his senses as he followed behind. As they walked down the twisted passages of the labyrinth, [Name] couldn't help but recall his memories of stumbling through them not long ago.

“[Name], you must listen to me carefully.” Vee spoke from in front of him, her tone suddenly much more serious. “I am here to warn you.”

“Warn me?” [Name] echoed as he thought, wait, how did she know my name? Might be a “Fates” thing…

“The balance is shifting here in Twisted Wonderland.” Vee shook her head, stopping in her tracks. [Name] watched as she turned to face him, her previously red eyes now a shimmering gold as she raised a finger at him. “Your return is causing destiny to rewrite itself, and weakening the barrier I upkeep."

[Name] felt the breeze turn turbulent as smoke swirled around Vee, the sky darkening. She continued to speak, her voice spoken soft but clear. “Malleus will commit a great sin. If he does the misdeed, carnage will reign over the land where even I can’t help.”

“Wait, what? Please explain!” [Name] called out over the wind, almost a bit desperate. Sin, carnage, destiny? What did it all mean?!

“You will know what to do,” Vee assured despite her tone being flat. “And no matter what, do not trust him.”

Smoke curled around her feet and rose steadily, wrapping around her legs and torso as her eyes returned to a vivid shade of maroon. Vee smiled ever so subtly, tilting her head as she engulfed in smoke. “Good luck, [Name]. We will meet soon, I hope.”

The wind blasted right into Vee’s side, the smoke letting her vanish in streaks within a blink of an eye.

“Wait, nonono! Come back!” [Name] panicked, his fingers reaching out to the smoke. The cool vapor only drifted through his fingers, the only proof of Vee’s existence to disappear.

His mind reeled, the strange onslaught of information trying to make sense in his brain. What “sin” will Malleus commit.to anger The Fates? Who even was she–and what sort of messed up prophecy-wanna-be did she plop into his lap?!

“...me]? [Name]! There you are… I was worried sick.” Malleus came from behind, placing a hand on his shoulder. “What are you doing out here?”

“Just wandering.” [Name] mumbled, looking up to the sky. A raindrop landed on his nose, the darkened sky now releasing its tears upon the land. [Name] wasn't sure why, but it felt like Twisted Wonderland was mourning a loss.

“Come now. It's been a long day.” Malleus beckoned, a frown forming on his lips. A hint of suspicion flashed behind his gaze, but it was gone before [Name] could spot it.

“Yeah… let's go.” [Name] begrudgingly muttered after finding no signs of Vee, forcing his mind to clear. He would have a lot to think about tonight.

༺༻

The moon was hidden tonight by dark clouds, the only light source being the ever-so fading candlelight flickering on its chamberstick. A singular pair of footsteps echoed in the dark corridor, the soft swish of a long cape dragging behind.

Malleus frequently wandered these halls in the dead of night, especially when he had something on his mind. As of late, it felt like something (or someone) plagued his consciousness at every waking and resting moment, so he had been out quite a bit as of late.

Malleus rose up the winding stairwell, the small slivers of the outside world drifting in from the ironwrought bars on the windows. Despite the various troublesome matters he currently faced, one would be solved tonight.

This spire was forbidden to everyone, even including himself at times. However, this was a special occasion. He had only been up this spire a few times, as many times as he could count on one hand. Every time had been life altering–whether for better or worse–and he had come to do it once more.

Malleus reached the top, grasping a key at his hip. He unlocked the heavy, thick door and pushed it open, revealing a small room. The walls were entirely closed in, the only window being a skylight from the curved roof. An unlit chandelier hung from the center, intricate cobwebs spanning from every spoke. Bookshelves lined the walls, but very few books were held. A podium stood in the center, a book with dark energy pulsating snugly on top with a quill and inkpot.

“Malleus, don't you dare.” A cold voice came from above. Malleus didn't need to spare a glance before he knew it was Vee, hearing her land on the floor behind him.

He let out a scoff, continuing further into the room and towards the podium. “Was cursing him not enough? You are a cruel deity, Vee. I wouldn't have come to this if you didn't interfere.”

“Interfere? It is my duty to do that! You have no right to do this.” Vee hissed, stepping in front of Malleus. The Fae King’s eyes narrowed, but he stepped forward, passing directly through the visage of the Vee.

“Do you realize that your mentor is most likely looking down at you with disappointment, knowing that her disciple is disrupting mortal matters?” Malleus mused, yet his words were harsh. “That was against her teachings, wasn't it? Or was she just too much of a coward to assist in the war?”

Vee’s expression flickered, but she remained firm, once more stepping in front of Malleus before the podium. “Do not speak of her.” Vee’s eyes narrowed. “She died knowing the land was at peace, and that her child was safe. Now you risk all of that again!”

“Silence!” Malleus commanded, swatting away the visage as he made it to the podium. The dark book unfurled its blackened pages before him, landing on an empty page. Malleus lifted the quill, fingering the sharp edge.

“Malleus, please.” Vee’s pleas turned desperate. “If you write in that forbidden passage once more, my strength will weaken further. The blot–”

“Cease your mindless chatter.” Malleus scowled, his glaring eyes piercing directly into Vee’s. “You cannot stop me. Your useless influence on Twisted Wonderland will be solved tonight, and I will reverse the curse you placed upon him.”

“I placed that curse because of the first grave sin you committed!” Vee hissed. “If you just listened to what I told you–”

Malleus ignored her as he dug the quill’s tip into his finger, hovering it over the inkpot as blood dripped down. Vee’s form crumpled behind him, silencing her at once. He couldn't help but chuckle dryly, lips curled into a smug grin. “The only use you and your mentor provided to Twisted Wonderland is this book. You’re lucky that writing here affects me as well, or else I would've drained you of your abilities long ago.”

“You..!” Vee grimaced, her fingers clawing the hard ground as she felt her presence dim. It was too late… she couldn't stop him after all. When she looked up, her eyes shimmered gold as she spat out. “So be it. Your sins will devour you tenfold, and you will further disrupt the fate of the world. I will no longer maintain the barrier and vanish, just as you wish. But don't come crawling back to me for forgiveness!”

“This will be the finale, Vee. No more running in circles.” Malleus dipped the quill into the inkpot, the red swirling into the dark, blotted ink. “I will bring true peace to the land, and do what The Fates couldn't before.”

Malleus didn't pay mind to how the tips of his fingers darkened with blot, instead writing down the new destiny of Twisted Wonderland.

“I will set you free, [Name],” Malleus murmured. “And this time, we can be together for as long as we wish.”

༺༻

[Name]’s dreams had taken a strange turn once more–he found himself reliving his earliest moments of life, a blurry, yet familiar face rocking him.

He knew deep down this was his mother, but it was strange. Why was he dreaming about her? From what he remembered, his mother passed away when he was young, around the age of 5. After that, his father and him were alone until he remarried a few years after that…

Now that he thought of it, why couldn't he remember her face? His childhood was filled with many gaps, most of it lost to the confines of time.

When [Name] finally awoke, it was with unease. Something felt… off.

His head pounded, but after a few heartbeats, faded into small thuds. He rubbed his eyes and stretched, letting out a yawn.

“[Name], come down and eat!” His father's voice came from outside his door, causing his irritation to spike out of nowhere. He couldn't bear the sound of his father's voice anymore after he remarried, since it was practically a betrayal–wait a minute.

[Name] rubbed his eyes once more, lifting the sheets from his body. His fingers went up to his ears, the once pointed edges now rounded once more. If his senses didn't deceive him… he was back home!

Any irritation or dread within him turned to relief as he placed his feet on the hardwood floor, the cool touch sending tingles up his spine. [Name] stumbled out of bed, going out the door and peering into the hallway. The sounds of kitchenware clattered below, along with low conversation.

His father emerged from the dining room, coming to the bottom of the stairs. “There you are. I made you your favorite… as an apology for last night. Let's talk.”

[Name] raised a brow. His father rarely apologized–but who was he to care? He was finally home… or was he maybe home this entire time? Has the last week truly been a dream?

He came down the stairs, walking into the dining room. His stepmother stood at the high chair, cooing at the baby as she spoonfed him. She looked up and smiled, saying a quick “Good morning!” before returning her attention to the giggling babe.

His baby brother reached his chubby hands towards [Name], his gummy smile wide–safe.

It was all a dream, spurred by that book I was reading. [Name] exhales through his nose as he couldn't help but smile back. He never thought that being home would bring him such joy.

As he sat at the table, his plate was presented before him. His father clasped a hand on his shoulder before taking a seat as well. For the first time since [Name] could remember, they felt like… a true family.

“Look, I know that argument from last night may have caused unwanted feelings, but me and your stepmother discussed it and we’ve decided that it’s your choice on who you date.” His father spoke gently, making [Name] pause.

“...huh?”

“We’d love to meet him,” His stepmother spoke from across the table. “When will you bring him over?”

“...who?”

“Your boyfriend, of course.” His stepmother mused. “The one you told us about?”

What the f–

DING DONG!

“I’ll get it.” His father rose, leaving [Name] reeling. He had a boyfriend? Since when?! That feeling of unease was creeping up on him again as he ate.

“Is [Name] awake? I’m here to pick him up.” A deep, charming voice came from the foyer. [Name]’s ears perked up, and he rose from his seat to peek.

At the doorway, his father stood with the door open as he looked up at a tall, lithe man. The newcomer has long, dark hair spooling down his shoulders and back, green eyes shifting from his father right to [Name]. The man smiled, head tilting ever so slightly. “There you are. I’ve been getting acquainted with your father.”

[Name]’s mouth seemed to fill in the blanks before his mind did, where his lips moved without his knowledge. “Oh, Malleus… I didn't think you’d come today.”

Malleus? No, that can't be…

As much as the stranger looked like him, it wasn’t him. No curling horns crowned his forehead, nor did his eyes seem reptilian. His ears weren't pointed as well… causing an uncanny effect.

“You said to come at this time, remember?” Malleus laughed, shaking his head. “Oh my, did you oversleep again? Your memory always gets a little fuzzy when you do that.”

“I suppose I did.” [Name] murmured, pressing his hand to his temple. His memory was sporadic, but was slowly regaining. That's right… he was going to introduce his boyfriend to his parents this weekend. When he first brought up the idea, they were shocked that he was seeing someone–especially another man.

Looks like things were going in the right direction though, so who was he to complain?

“So why don't you introduce us to this young man?” [Name]’s father crossed his arms, raising a brow. The door shut behind him as Malleus entered the home, his gaze never leaving [Name]’s.

“..right. This is Malleus.” [Name] cleared his throat awkwardly, still a little taken off guard.

“A pleasure to meet you.” Malleus hummed, bowing his head slightly. “I’ve always been curious about the ones who raised [Name].” As he spoke, he came to the other’s side, wrapping an arm around his torso and holding him close.

His stepmother came into the room and swooned on sight, excitedly engaging in conversation with Malleus. “How long have you two known each other? Who asked out who??”

[Name]’s brain subconsciously tuned out the noise, watching Malleus closely. A foreign, yet warm feeling bubbled in his chest as he found himself smiling. Good, they liked him… his worries were unprecedented.

“As much as I’d love to continue talking, me and [Name] have a date.” Malleus’s voice filtered through his ears as he squeezed [Name]’a side ever so gently. “We’re off to a café in town.”

“Oh, that sounds lovely.” His stepmother mused as the baby babbled, tugging at her hair. “Have fun, you two!”

“Yeah, enjoy yourself.” His father gave them a nod, returning to the kitchen and leaving them be. His stepmother followed soon after, leaving the two alone in the foyer.

Malleus leaned down and brushed [Name]’s bangs away, pressing a kiss. “Let's go, my love.” He grasped [Name]’s hand, holding it tightly as they walked out the door.

[Name] gave one more glance back, but faced Malleus in the end as he nodded. “Yeah, lead the way.”

The dream was slowly shedding from him, the memories of it filing away into the back of his mind. He’d be sure to tell Malleus all about it over coffee, and laugh it off like they always do.

Malleus had always been there, comforting him. In fact, every memory he recalled, Malleus was there. Malleus was all he needed.

┅┅┅┅┅┅┅┅┅┅┅༻❁༺┅┅┅┅┅┅┅┅┅┅┅

and with that, arc 2 is finished! I can't believe I've made it so far with this series, but this has become my favorite project by far. I hope everyone is enjoying this as much as I am, because I have sooo many plot points and ideas that will be revealed soon!