Chapter Text
Sometimes, your friends will come up to you with an idea and tell you to just trust them. And sometimes you immediately regret trusting them the second you learn said plan. Riddle, as he quickly learned, was constantly in that state with Trey and Chenya. There wasn’t a single plan of theirs that didn’t immediately make Riddle fear for his life. Not necessarily because it’s reckless, though sometimes it is, but because of how easily Riddle’s mother could find out about it.
How was Riddle going to keep his friendship with these boys a secret if this keeps happening?
He still got chills every time he thought about the bee infestation.
Never again.
Today was no different. There was a large smile on Chenya’s face as he skipped over to Riddle’s bedroom window. Already a bad sign. Trey looked equally as buzzy, with a big bag full of toys on his back. Although the bag was much bigger than usual. It wasn’t just toys, was it? And Chenya had one too, now that Riddle got a better look at the beastman.
Interesting.
“Hey, Strawberry Shortcake!” Chenya beamed,” We gotta little somethin somethin planned today!”
“What is it?” Riddle asked.
“Some kids in our class were talking recently about a super secret hideout in White Rose Hill,” Trey explained.
“We got to see it! It’s super duper neat!” Chenya beamed,” It’s got, like, the coolest view and a stream to find crayfish and swim in!”
“I don’t know how to swim,” Riddle commented.
“It’s not that deep,” Chenya replied,” Though with your height you might need floaties or something.”
“It’ll be fun! Wanna join us?” Trey asked.
Riddle thought about it for a second. It did sound like a fun time. But White Rose Hill wasn’t very small. And Riddle didn’t want to come home after his mother. Then she’d take away his independent study time. He could already hear his mother’s loud voice, yelling at him for disobeying.
But he really, really wanted to go.
“Okay,” he replied,” Let me get my shoes on.”
They started the trek up the hill early in the afternoon, having to stop many times for Riddle to catch his breath. Before long, they strayed away from the main path and on the one only marked by horribly hand-drawn signs. They passed through the overgrowth, being careful not to get nicked by low-hanging branches. There was a soft sound of water passing by and it helped calm Riddle’s nerves.
“Here we are!” Chenya beamed as he pushed past a low-hanging tree.
Riddle’s eyes widened. In front of him was a large clearing lined by a stream and oak branches. They produced enough shade that the sun wouldn’t beat down on them for their stay. Soft grass covered the ground, accompanied by daisies. All of it looked slightly beaten down from kids visiting to play.
And the view.
Right across from the boys was an opening in the foliage, allowing for a clear view of their town. It looked so small and so very peaceful. Riddle couldn’t help but smile.
“Neat ain’t it?” Chenya asked,” You can thank Trey for the idea!”
Trey nodded his head with a prideful smile.
Chenya then pulled out a hammock from his bag and, before Riddle knew it, time was lost. Laughter filled the air as the boys ran around the field, kicking around a soccer ball or throwing a frisbee. Sometimes, when they got tired, the boys would swing in their hammocks and see who could go the highest.
Eventually, Trey pulled out a bag of sweets from his parent’s bakery. Riddle’s eyes lit up as he started nibbling on the cookies. Not too much, of course. Sweets were bad for him and the second his mother sees that there’s something slightly off in his diet things would turn sour real quick. It was just enough to enjoy them and to show respect to Trey’s mother. She baked them just for the boys to enjoy, after all.
“Hey, hey!” Chenya said, interrupting their snack time,” Ya guys wanna see something cool?”
Both Trey and Riddle nodded their heads. Chenya’s smile widened before he started flailing his hands around, yelling ‘Abracadabra!’. Soon, three little keychains began floating out of his bag. Two of them flew off to Riddle and Trey, landing in their laps. They were all matching white bunny plushies, clearly hand-stitched and made with love.
“Woah!” Trey beamed,” Chenya you can use magic?”
“Yep! Mama’s been helping me practice for weeks now!” Chenya beamed.
“That’s really cool,” Riddle said,” Just be careful not to overexert yourself. You’ll start building up blot if you do.”
“Oh shush Strawberry Shortcake,” Chenya pouted,” That only happens to people with your level of magic!”
“Are these ours?” Trey asked as he held up the keychain.
“Uh-huh! Mama made them just for us!”
Riddle’s eyes lit up as he looked down at the keychain. He’d never gotten a gift like this before. Nor has he ever gotten a plushie before. Sure this one was small, but that didn’t matter. This was a very special gift, so Riddle would cherish it forever.
The boys finished their snacks and started to play around once more. Riddle nearly fell into the stream multiple times, which earned a laugh from Chenya and a concerned look from Trey. But Riddle didn’t fall in so it was all good. Just as long as he didn’t get dirty or wet.
It was all perfect.
Until Riddle saw the orange tint everything was starting to have. His eyes widened as he looked out at the town. The sun was setting past the horizon. Riddle could feel a lump form in his throat as everything froze.
No.
It’s evening.
Riddle was supposed to go back hours ago.
Oh no.
Riddle’s breathing started speeding out of his control as tears began to prick in his eyes. His mother was going to be so mad!
“Riddle?” Chenya asked before looking at the horizon.
“Don’t worry about us! We can clean up here. Just go. Follow the stream. It leads straight back to town,” Trey said with a reassuring smile.
Riddle nodded his head and started booking it back down the hill. However, before he could even leave the clearing, Riddle ran into something and fell to the ground. He let out a cry in surprise, grabbing the attention of the two boys.
There stood a man no older than 30, staring at the boys with empty eyes. His face was frozen in sorrow and his arms seemed to twitch. The clothes hanging off of his thin frame were torn and covered in mud.
And something darker.
Chenya’s nose twitched the second he noticed the stains.
“Riddle get back!” He yelled.
“One, two, three,” the man mumbled as his eyes scanned the boys,” Yes, you’ll do nicely.”
Suddenly, light surrounded the man as a shadow started to loom over them all. A tattoo became visible on the man’s chest, with the hands of a clock pointing at 6. Soon, the shadow came into view. It was large, with flower-like appendages and the body of a worm. There were hundreds of razor-sharp teeth lining the creature’s mouth.
And it seemed to be looking down at Riddle.
The creature shot itself at the boy. Riddle immediately tried to counter with flame magic but it did not affect the creature. Riddle’s eyes widened as his entire body froze. Trey and Chenya cried out for him as one of the flower-like appendages wrapped itself around Riddle, encasing him in darkness.
Riddle cried, awaiting the pain of death or something to come. But instead, the darkness stayed, alongside a puddle of water that soaked his clothes. The boy layed in the puddle, too confused and scared to move. His tears never went away. They just continued to pour in the silence of the darkness. He should have stayed home. Never should he have ever disobeyed his mother. Look where that got him.
Wait, no. Not now. He needs to get out of this. Riddle slowly stood up and looked around. The world around him wasn’t exactly dark. There was a bit of color. And his reflection was bright. As if light was coming from him.
It was really odd and unnerving.
Riddle started walking around the void that seemed to go on for forever, finding different structures as he did. Pieces of rooms crumbling away from their home. And decorations with patterns that hurt to look at. Sometimes Riddle would take a rest in one of those structures, on chairs that were either too large or too small for any normal person.
And there were toys too. Floating rocking horses and jack-in-a-boxes. Bright in color with torn ribbons and frills. Like they had been ripped straight out of a little girl’s room. Doll heads seemed to watch his every move with wide smiles and piercing eyes.
Chills crawled up Riddle’s spine, so he tried to ignore them.
He tried to keep his mind straight. But, after so long, horrible things started to creep up into the forefront. The darkness seemed to echo those thoughts, mocking every word. Stupid boy. Your mother was always right. You should have never started playing with the neighbors' kids. They were bad influences that dragged others down with them. Look where hanging out with them got you.
His body was starting to grow weary.
She was right.
Tears poured down his cheeks.
She was always right.
Those boys had dragged him down into this hell.
Riddle’s legs collapsed from underneath him. He grabbed the keychain and threw it out into the darkness before curling up into a ball. The puddle soaked into his clothes and clung to his skin once more, causing the boy to grow cold. Riddle sniffed as he continued to cry. But soon all his tears had run dry and exhausted the boy, So Riddle just allowed sleep to take over.
Or it would of, but something stopped him.
“What are you doing here?”
Riddle opened his eyes to see a floating white rabbit doll, decorated in frills and ribbons. Its face was blank and unmoving, but it still was able to hold up his little keychain with its mouth. The rabbit looked over at him. It simply stared before an excited voice echoed around them.
“It’s you! It’s you! After all this time it’s really you!”
Riddle just looked at the rabbit with wide eyes as it flew up to him, hovering over his weakened form. That’s it. He must be going insane. Or that monster must have given him some hallucinogenic drugs when it consumed him. Either way, this couldn’t be real.
“This is amazing! Truly amazing!” the rabbit beamed,” He’ll be so happy! So very happy!”
The rabbit lowered itself down, allowing the ruffles of its outfit to lightly brush against Riddle’s arm. Chills ran up his spine the second he felt the fabric. For a second, the rabbit stopped looking so doll-like. Its eyes held voids within them, absorbing every sight like cameras. The world around Riddle felt different again. Everything lit up and suddenly Riddle was no longer lying in a puddle surrounded by children’s toys.
And his body, despite still lying on the ground, began to fall.
He immediately hit hard stone flooring. Riddle groaned as he slowly pushed himself up. His limbs were shaking and he struggled to stay up. But he still forced himself to focus. Despite the fear that had long settled into every nerve in his body, Riddle found that none of that came from his situation. Just how his mom would absolutely let him have it once he got home. The longer he was gone, the worse it would be.
Probably.
Riddle hadn’t actually ever pushed this boundary before. So he wasn’t sure what would be waiting for him once he made it back.
Either way, he had to get out of there as soon as possible.
Riddle seemed to be in a cave of sorts. Or was it a hole? He didn’t know. The ceiling wasn’t visible and the walls seemed to slowly creep up and out. Chills continued to make their way through his skin from the cold. Or was it even cold? Riddle wasn’t sure. But he swore it felt as though hundreds of eyes were on him.
“Come now! We mustn’t waste time! The hole isn’t safe for children like you!” the rabbit sang, its voice no longer sounding echoed,” Before that!”
The rabbit flew over to Riddle and latched the keychain onto his belt loop.
“Don’t go throwing away precious things, okay?” the rabbit asked scratching chalkboards in Riddle’s mind,” You have no right throwing that away.”
Riddle looked at the rabbit with wide eyes before nodding his head, not wanting to know what would happen if he disobeyed.
The rabbit beamed before flying under Riddle’s arm and dragging him up. Riddle stumbled a bit, but the rabbit didn’t seem to care. It continued to drag the boy through the pit. Through paths littered with cracks and holes and up steep walls. Riddle was forced to climb. He barely could. His arms would shake every time he tried to pull himself up and the sharp edges were really hurting his hands.
The rabbit did nothing but watch the boy struggle. Riddle would fall off over and over again at every wall. Eventually, he made it with bloody hands and knees. Still, the rabbit pushed him forward.
Riddle’s mind started to grow weary as his stomach growled. He was starting to regret not eating the sweets Trey brought with him.
Oh, how Riddle hoped Trey and Chenya weren’t going through this too.
“Come now! It’s not that hard!” the rabbit taunted.
Riddle tried to reply, but as he got over the next wall he didn’t see the rabbit. It was gone, along with its taunting voice. Leaving nothing to prove its existence.
And leaving Riddle completely alone once again.
Alone.
Riddle really was completely alone with no one to help him.
There was light above the pit now, making the rest of the way out visible. Riddle slowly pushed himself up the path. Though he barely remembered doing it. His mind was suffocating in regrets. He should have stayed home. Why didn’t he leave on time? He should have eaten the rest of those cookies. It’s food. Doesn’t matter where it came from.
And his mother.
Oh, she’s probably so worried and scared.
How long has he been gone? How many hours has he been missing?
Spots started to cover his vision as he finally reached the top of the pit. He stumbled around before his legs collapsed from under him. Hunger seemed to be the only thing on his mind as slowly Riddle grew unconscious.
The first thing Riddle noticed as he woke up was that he was, undoubtedly, in a lot of pain. Everything stung and any movement caused the boy to groan. However, he had to force himself to do so because the next thing he noticed was that he was extremely hungry. And, unfortunately, the day before was not a nightmare. He wasn’t at home in a comfortable bed with clean clothes. The hard stone floor welcomed him instead.
And potentially the afternoon sun.
Riddle forced himself up and out of the little hidey-hole he apparently stumbled into. Find food first, then find a way home. That was Riddle’s plan until he finally got a good look at his surroundings.
It wasn’t pretty, to say the least. Buildings were tilted with crumbling walls. They were packed so closely together. Like they were all compressed into each other, causing their sorry state. Riddle slowly turned around to look at the rest of the town. His eyes widened when he did. Directly behind him was a large pit, spanning so far out that Riddle could barely see what was on the other side. And it was deep. So much so Riddle couldn’t even see most of the outer rim, let alone the bottom.
Is that where he was the day before?
Not now Riddle. Food first.
Slowly, the boy made his way through the town. At first, he saw no one. It was like a ghost town. But the further away from the hole Riddle got, the more people started to appear. They were all looking at him weirdly. As if he wasn’t supposed to be there. Which isn’t too far off. But it still made Riddle extremely uncomfortable.
And it didn’t help that there was nowhere to hide.
People were whispering. And their eyes started to feel like cameras. They were judging. Probably talking about the mess he was. He could feel it. The dirt that clung to every inch of his body and the blood that stained his skin. Compared to everyone else, he looked awful.
And he knew what people did to those who looked this way. Like they were homeless and lacked anything at all. People shunned them. Talked horribly about them behind their backs and gave them nothing at all.
He would know. His mother and all her friends did that all the time. Whenever they were out, visiting friends or going shopping. Granted he never usually joined them. His mother claimed it to be a waste of his time. But he would see it the times they did. The sneers and glares. Unwanted comments.
But it was fine because his mother would do it. So it was fine that everybody else was doing it. Riddle just needed to get through it. They were in their right to do this. Riddle was not in the right to complain.
It was his fault he got to this point, after all. He didn’t listen to his mother. He deserves those sneers and insults. Doesn’t matter how much he hated it or how much it hurt. Riddle was the one who broke the rules. And Riddle is paying the price for it.
He found nothing by the time the sun was gone and the moon welcomed him. Everyone had been extremely cautious around him. Watching every move he made. Even when he got to more crowded spaces. Didn’t matter who it was. In fact, it seemed the more well-armed a person was, the more they stared.
Riddle hated it. He hated it so much. But he forced himself to swallow down any complaint.
The boy found a little hiding space to stay for the night and found slumber easily. Even with the rumbling stomach that cramped up every time he thought about it.
This happened for days on end. Riddle was lucky only a few times. Someone would take pity on his withering form and give him food and water. But nothing else. The pain was starting to numb, and yet it was becoming so hard to continue moving forward.
Sometimes, a temptation made its way to the forefront. He has magic. Why not use it to steal someone else’s food or money? But he shoved those thoughts away every time. No. He couldn’t. That was magic abuse and Riddle knew what happened to people who did that.
And frankly, he wasn’t willing to cause his mother such embarrassment.
He was reminded, so very often, that he was alone. With nobody to speak to or rely on. He was simply a child, lost and hoping to survive long enough for someone to find him.
He was close to the outskirts of town now, or so Riddle believed. There were lots of people here as well as a lovely steam. Riddle would have sprinted over to it if he could. He could practically feel the dryness in his throat, begging for sweet release. Riddle didn’t care that the water probably wasn’t clean.
Water is water.
He stayed by the stream for a while. For how long? Riddle didn’t know nor care. He was feeling the best he had been since that monster kidnapped him.
Though, Riddle almost froze when he saw his reflection. Chills ran down his spine. Surely, his mother would be embarrassed. Having a son that looked like this.
Riddle knew that he would be.
One day, Riddle was awoken by something new. Someone was poking his cheek. Riddle opened his grey eyes, meeting one red eye. The other was covered by white hair.
“Ah! He’s awake!” the man beamed.
“Took you long enough!” The doll on his shoulder yelled,” What’s a noble brat like you rotting in filth for anyway?!”
“Now now Emily. That’s no way to treat a child,” the man hummed as he pulled out a lollipop from his pocket.
The sleeves of his trench coat (actually what was that?) were far too long for the man. So much so, that Riddle couldn’t see the hand holding the lollipop up.
“Want one?” the man asked.
Riddle grabbed it before he could even think. And the second he could, he stopped himself from eating it. It was food? Why is he stopping? Because mother wouldn’t want this. Remember? She hates it when you eat sugar stuff. It’s forbidden for a reason. They’re bad for you.
But you haven’t seen food in two days.
But you going against your mother’s wishes got you here in the first place. Imagine what else it would cause.
The man watched Riddle’s expression with a wide smile.
“What’s wrong? Don’t want it? I got other sweets if you don’t,” the man hummed as he pulled out a sugar cube and ate it.
Riddle stared at the man as he forced himself to think. A stranger was trying to give him candy after the doll called him a noble. And he’s being really friendly.
This man is definitely trying to kidnap him.
Although, why would he do it like this? Riddle was clearly too weak to fight back and nobody would exactly care if they saw this man dragging him around.
“I’m not keen on sharing though,” the man said.
“Who are you?” Riddle asked hesitantly.
“Hm? No thank you? How impolite,” the man said with a sigh.
“Kids these days,” the doll, Emily, huffed.
“Uh, sorry,” Riddle mumbled,” Th..thank you.”
Right, remember appearances, Riddle. Being lost and hungry does not give you the right to be impolite.
The man stayed quiet for a brief second before his smile softened.
“You’re an odd one,” the man said,” Name’s Xerxes Break but you may call me Break. What about you?”
“Uh…. it’s Riddle, sir,” Riddle replied,” Riddle Rosehearts.”
“Rosehearts…… Rosehearts,” Break hummed,” Nope! Doesn’t ring a bell!”
Riddle could feel a lump in his throat. What? Surely he must know. His mother is a well-known doctor. Rosehearts is a very well-known name.
Unless that monster teleported him outside of the Queendom of Roses.
It would make sense if someone outside the Queendom didn’t know.
How did he not think of this sooner? There’s no giant hole anywhere near his home.
“You sure this brat’s a noble?” Emily sneered,” Coulda stolen the clothes.”
“Well aren’t you talkative today,” Break hummed,” That’s not even why we’re here!”
“Break! Did you find him?” a new voice shouted, startling Riddle.
It was a girl no older than thirteen. She was decked out in a frilly purple floral gown. Her expression was soft as she caught sight of Riddle. It was a kindness he’d only ever seen in Trey’s mother or Chenya’s mother.
Chenya.
Riddle’s eyes widened as he looked down at where the rabbit left his keychain. He immediately let out a sigh of relief when he saw it there. Albite muddy, he still had it. Riddle didn’t want to know what that rabbit would do if he lost it.
“Yep!” Break beamed,” The rumors weren’t lying.”
Rumors? What rumors?
The girl glided over to the two, making sure not to get any dirt on the hem of her dress.
“Oh my,” she muttered,” This isn’t good. Break, can you pick him up and bring him to the carriage?”
Pick him up? Riddle glared at the girl as he tried to back up. But Break was quick. Before Riddle could even move, the man had picked him up with ease. Riddle struggled and tried attacking the man. Nothing came of it. Riddle’s attacks didn’t even make the guy flinch.
“How boring,” Break hummed,” And here I thought I could have some fun first.”
“You are NOT interviewing a kid when he’s not in any state to do so!” the girl yelled as she pulled out a giant paper fan from seemingly nowhere, in a somewhat threatening manner.
“What’s the harm with a few questions?” Break sighed,” For all you know, this is just some random kid we’re picking off of the streets. Though I doubt that will actually stop you.”
“Of course it won’t!” the girl replied as she started to walk away,” Now let’s go!”
“Yes! Yes! Of course!” Break said in an overdramatic tone,” I can ask questions during the ride anyway.”
“Let me GO!” Riddle yelled, his voice somewhat hoarse.
“No PlEaSe! LeT mE gO!” Emily mocked,” Would you be quiet!”
“You have nothing to worry about!” Break beamed,” Lady Sharon simply wishes to get you something to eat!”
“And a bath you filthy child!” Emily yelled.
Riddle glared at the doll as Break followed the girl, Sharon. Before he knew it, they’d made their way to a gorgeous carriage. Its chairs were covered in cushions and lined in velvet. And there were horses attached to them. Riddle couldn’t help but marvel at it. It was so old-fashioned. Nothing like what was at home.
Why would they use this instead of a car though? Wouldn’t that be more efficient?
Break made sure the door was shut behind him before placing Riddle on the seat across from him. Sharon was right next to Break, giving Riddle plenty of space. When he felt the soft, velvet fabric underneath him, Riddle almost collapsed. It was so comfortable! But he refrained from doing so. These were strangers. He had to sit up straight and not fidget. Keep his eyes on the strangers. They might do something to him.
They may have offered food, but they are kidnapping him.
“Allow me to properly introduce myself,” the girl said,” My name is Sharon Rainsworth. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Riddle.”
Wait how did she know his name? Break hadn’t told her. Did she overhear their conversation?
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” Riddle mumbled.
“So, Riddle,” Break said,” You have any family we can bring you back to?”
“Why do you ask, sir?” Riddle asked.
“If you have any family, we want to make sure they know you're okay,” Sharon replied,” I’m sure they’re extremely worried about you.”
Riddle almost nodded his head, agreeing with them. His mother was most definitely going crazy right now. But he stopped himself as he gave the two a skeptical look.
“Why are you only asking about them now?” Riddle asked,” For all you know, I was simply taking time away from them and just so happened to be taking a nap.”
“But you weren’t,” Break stated.
Riddle tried not to grumble before finally giving an answer.
“I live with my mother,” he said,” We live in Red Painted village. It’s in the northern part of the Queendom of Roses.”
Both Sharon and Break gave Riddle a weird look. Sharon far more confused than Break. And Break far more entertained. Riddle started fidgeting a little, no matter how much he tried not to. Did he say something wrong?
“Queendom of Roses?” Break mumbled.
“And what of your father?” Sharon asked,” Is he in the picture?”
“That’s personal,” Riddle replied, this time a little more assertive. What exactly were these two trying to get out of him? Whatever it was, Riddle needed to be more careful with how he responded,” I thought you said you didn’t want to ‘interview’ me.”
“Yes, of course. My apologies. And I can assure you, these questions are important,” Sharon said,” Now then, whose side did you get the red hair from?”
Huh?
“My mother’s?” Riddle replied, completely confused,” What does that have to do with anything?”
“I see,” Sharon mumbled.
“Hey, Riddle!” Break said in a sing-song voice while waving a hand in front of Riddle,” Out of curiosity, how did you get here?”
So Riddle was far from home. Why else would Break ask that?
Actually, he probably should report that monster that attacked him, Trey, and Chenya. As well as the man who summoned it. Despite how much he didn’t want to tell these two, it would most likely benefit him to tell them.
And his mother will be less likely to blame Trey and Chenya for it if there’s someone else to blame.
They won’t get in trouble cause of him.
Yes, he should tell Sharon and Break.
And so he did. In as much detail as Riddle could remember. From the monster itself to the void and white rabbit doll. Both Sharon and Break froze as Riddle kept going on. He pointed out, of course, that he was probably delirious for most of the time. With everything combined, it would be odd for magic to be the source of everything. Riddle had never heard of magic like it before either. And he knew a lot about magic.
His mother made sure of that.
Both Sharon and Break shared a look before Sharon spoke up.
“That must have been horrible to go through. We’ll do our best to help you get home.”
A smile spread across Riddle’s face as he felt his nerves calm down a bit. But they started to buzz to life once again. He wasn’t the only one attacked. Riddle probably isn’t the only one who was lost.
“So you didn’t make a single contract to get out of the Abyss,” Break hummed.
“Um…. Can you also look for Trey and Chenya too? Please,” Riddle asked,” They were there too and I want to make sure they got out safely. Ah… if you’re willing to.”
Sharon looked at Riddle with warm eyes and a soft smile as she nodded to Riddle’s request.
“Of course. We’ll do what we can.”
Riddle’s smile grew, stretching so very wide.
“Thank you!”
Thank goodness.