WONDER ( Twisted Forbidden Tales ) Book Three

Dark Rabbit

HAKU

The cheese moon cast its yellow moonlight over Mushroom Bay as I made my way along its pathway just outside the Dream Forest. My nerves brought a steeper highlight to my fears, with my mind constantly running over the contents of the call I had with one of my trusted allies back in Heartland Palace.

My May, May would be fine as long as she stayed off the radar with Morse and Chester Crow. But for now, my stomach was in knots after lying to Alissa about where I was headed because the palace wasn’t there. After the letter addressed to the three of us appeared, I couldn’t help feeling uneasy, and rightfully so. Another letter had appeared inside the hidden pocket of my cape cloak, but I only showed the one addressed to us just now.

The letter had given us instructions but now was not the time. I had to prove Manomay’s innocence first, but with a pile of accusations and actions against her, I knew things were looking too good for the most part. At the same time, the letter told the three of us to head to the palace, son. The alarm sounding for the release of the queen's Diamond Crows gave me a good disguise to do what was needed of me from the second letter addressed directly to me. But I had never heard of this place before.

Morse and Chester were more than likely searching for something, for who or what that was. I knew it couldn’t be the Dark Rabbit and the Mad Bandit. With all their shady dealings on the side, they were better off staying as far away from us as possible.

My friend really had gone missing in the midst of all the other issues to be dealt with.

Why hadn’t he stayed at the place that I set up so painstakingly clear for him? My family had been long gone until he arrived here, injured and weak. He became a father figure in my life over time. Guiding and teaching me smarter and better ways to survive in a world such as this one. It was his payment in return for saving his life and, because of his care, I would always be grateful.

From my perspective, he disappeared on the exact day the alarm for the arrival of newcomers in the portal had risen. My instincts felt that wasn’t a coincidence. There was no way he could know who entered the portal that day unless he sensed it, but how? What did he know? Was the person he said he was searching for back then among them?

Though I did have to return to the palace soon, it was right now. The letter had put a detour in my carefully made plans, but in a way, I felt this detour, though unexpected, would in some way be helpful. I won’t see Manomay for now and leave the search as it is for the moment. This would buy us all the time we needed to do what needed to be done. Alissa needed to stay safe and as for that cat, Happy………

He was no ordinary cat for sure, there was a certain glow around him that I noticed that carried the essence of a spell. But his aura did not seem malicious nor did he seem to want to harm anyone, so I left him alone well enough and kept my discovery from Alissa for now. His protection towards her back at the Tweedle Club solidified my original outtake about him, and it left me at ease about her having someone with her, she could trust, as she was always alone.

If there was a way I could help in the future, I would surely do so, but for now, I had to complete this mission first, which was vague in detail except for the instructions I was given. Alissa was good with chemicals but Manomay was even better with spells. Whatever the cat Happy had experienced, one of them would be able to find the answer. I was glad that Issa hadn’t judged me about the queen, giving me the courage to work harder to prove just how good Manomay was. If not for that woman, she wouldn’t have to bear the name of the Blood Queen for so long.

The giant button mushroom displayed above me glowed and ethereal light overhead down the pathway as I headed to the place on the map displayed in the letter. One of the stones on the path suddenly lit up with a picture of an Amanita mushroom on it. I should have known this wouldn’t be simple.

I hadn't changed my gear and still donned my alter persona as the Dark Rabbit. As if having a sudden foresight. Mushroom Bay also had its dark side of the Bay and that was Death Mu Village. Looking at the map, I double-checked my position and, sure enough, I was in the right direction.

Death Mu Village was on the map, but one could never find the village unless the Po Mu’s wanted you to. For me, I felt it was the letter’s doing because it too was lit up like a hot yellow neon potato in my gloved hand. Adding pressure to the lit stone beneath my foot, the ground beneath it yields to pressure, revealing a narrow passage into the heart of darkness. This eerie path, illuminated by the spectral rays of the cheese moon, winds its way through the twisted undergrowth, marked by stones adorned with the symbols of various poison mushrooms.

Fog and mist filtered out among the changes, but my cloak provided protection against any poison it may contain. As it cleared, my eyes I could see someone standing in the pathway that appeared.

Standing at an impressive height, he loomed over the forest path, his broad shoulders and lean, muscular frame exuding an aura of strength and resilience. He was dressed in attire befitting his surroundings - a tunic of woven leaves and bark, intricately embroidered with patterns of twisting vines and delicate flowers. Around his waist was a belt made of supple leather, adorned with pouches and trinkets crafted from acorns and pine cones.

Atop his head sat a cap of deep, velvety black, reminiscent of the rich hues found in the darkest corners of the forest. It was smooth and slightly domed, with delicate gills peeking out from underneath, resembling the underside of a mushroom cap. His eyes, deep and soulful, were the color of polished chestnuts, framed by thick, dark lashes that fluttered softly with every movement.

His skin had a slight sheen to it, akin to the moist surface of a freshly sprouted mushroom. It had a dusky hue, with hints of earthy browns and grays, blending seamlessly with the natural tones of the forest. His mouth, when he spoke, revealed rows of small, sharp teeth, like tiny ivory needles, perfectly suited for tearing through the flesh of fallen leaves and twigs.

“You did it. The letter said you would and hence you really appeared. The Dark Rabbit how Intriguing!” said the man as he stood in the pathway with a grin on his face. I slowly walked forward, slightly fascinated at the sight before me. I had heard many rumors about this village, albeit none of them good. But considering his odd yet friendly greeting, it seemed the letters had reached here too, but for that reason, I had yet to discover what was here for me to find.

“So, it's safe to assume you were waiting for me right,” I said, studying the person even more.

“For one, you could call me Ian, and, second, that letter should answer enough. As for the rest, I only know what I was instructed. Now shall we.” the man named Ian said as he made a gesture with his hand toward further down the pathway. Without further adieu,, I didn’t ask any more questions and followed his lead.

As our journey progresses, the silhouette of Poison Mushroom Village emerges from the gloom, a surreal sight to behold. Structures fashioned from colossal poison mushrooms rise against the night sky, their twisted forms casting eerie shadows upon the ground.

The village is a peculiar blend of nature and civilization, with mushroom inhabitants moving about, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. Ian led me right to the heart of the village. There stands the Giant Inky Cap Mushroom, its towering stature concealing a hidden door, barely discernible to the untrained eye.

“And…..my job here is done,” Ian said with a smile and slight bow toward me. He stood back and started with a rapid set of knocks on the door. With a click. The cleverly concealed door within the mushroom's gnarled exterior granted access. Opening up to a secret hideout.

I turned to thank Ian but found him nowhere in sight. The people moved about as if not noticing a thing, not even the door inside the mushroom in the center of their village. Stepping inside, the atmosphere shifts into one of secrecy and camaraderie.

The walls are lined with shelves carved directly into the mushroom's flesh, holding jars of mysterious concoctions and trinkets collected from the outside world. Soft mushroom light fills the space, casting intricate patterns across the room.

The letter in my hand lit up again as I walked deeper inside.

What was I expected to find here? Why had the letter left a map for me to come here? Would this lead me to my friend? Had he passed through here as well? The surroundings are surprisingly comfortable, with plush cushions scattered around a low table where maps and plans are laid out. Despite the darkness outside, there is a sense of warmth and safety within these fungal walls.

The jungle of bells rang out throughout the village, just as the ticking clock of my stopwatch began to tick. It suddenly hit me what day it was and what tonight meant. How could I have forgotten? At the stroke of midnight came The Magic Haze, with the time to make it back to my destination. I wouldn’t have made it in time to wither through it. I hoped Alissa and Happy were shut in tight for the night as well.

The Magic Haze spread wide from Mushroom Bay to the end of Dream Forest and lasted from midnight until three in the morning. Anyone caught in it would be delirious, close to insanity, or worse. The letter gave me a place for the night. Afterward, I wondered if another letter would show up like this one and there would be another map. It was unbeknownst to me that moment I had entered Po Mu Village that there were eyes on me in the shadows watching and waiting to strike.