Once Upon a Nightmare
Defining gender had never been a concern for Yuuki, call me Yuu, Emcee. While training for the Interscholastic Spell Drive tournament, however, their true gender is revealed causing an uproar of confusion, and mixed emotions amongst their classmates. Meanwhile Principal Dire Crowley and Diasomnia Vice-warden Lilia Vanrouge look to use this sudden reveal to their advantage.
Chapter 1: Operation Overblot
The incident at S.T.Y.X had blown over, and things were finally going back to normal. Vil and Riddle had healed up thanks in no small part to the generosity of Malleus Draconia. With his incredible power he restored what had been lost, and earned praises and ponders from his peers.
Many still feared him, particularly those that didn't know him well. Dire Crowley, the school principal, also feared him but for a different reason entirely. After nearly every Dorm Prefect had gone into Overblot, the thought of the insanely powerful Malleus Draconia also going over the edge left him wary.
In order to prevent that, Crowley was determined to make Malleus happy no matter the circumstances. In order to do that, he called upon the council of the man who knew him best…
"... And that is why I have asked you to come, Mr. Vanrouge. I'd hoped together we could prevent such a catastrophe."
"Hmmm I see. I do understand the growing concern. I doubt anyone would be able to stop Malleus should he reach such a state, and even if we could manage to bring him back from it the devastation would be cataclysmic." Lilia had to agree and mulled over the possibility. "Just what precautions did you have in mind? Malleus is the future of Thorn Valley, and this is a crucial time for his preparation to take the throne, so I'd prefer not to be do anything to garnish his reputation."
"Nothing extreme. He's got good control over his power, but we need to make sure his mental stability is in check. Is there anything that has been bothering him or that unnerves him?"
"Hmmm…" Lilia pondered that for a moment. He had noticed that Malleus had been distracted and dazed since the S.T.Y.X attack, and he was pretty sure he knew what was causing it.
"I think the biggest worry is the fact he feels isolated from his peers. Even those that worship him in Diasomnia keep him at a distance due to admiration." Lilia crossed his arms, frowning. "He doesn't admit it outright but this bothers him a great deal. Which is why I'm glad the Ramshackle Dorm Prefect seems to have bonded with him."
"Ah yes, Yuu Emcee… now there's someone who has no magic ability and yet they've gained many friends in the short time they've been here. Interesting…" Crowley had to smile at the fascinating parallel.
"Malleus' friendship with the human has him contemplating his life and the people around him. It has made him more aware of what he's been missing in his life… true friendship and social interaction."
"I see...If that's the case then I think we should use that friendship to our advantage and nudge him further into the social crowd. The question is, how to do so without making him and the others aware of it."
"Isn't the interscholastic Spell Drive coming up? You'll need to start putting a team together and I know Malleus would like to participate. He and Aiden Daybreak have quite the rivalry going. He's the only non-fairy I've ever seen to challenge Malleus' skill and power."
"Best not to tell Kingscholar that or he'd be deeply insulted." Crowley murmured and cleared his throat. "The Spell Drive tournament is a marvelous opportunity… and I know just how to get Yuu Emcee to participate."
~Sometime Later~
The school bell chimed dismissing classes for the day. Yuu stretched out their arms grunting a little at how stiff they felt. Yuu didn't mind class, but it was a bit disheartening that they couldn't participate in more practical magics. They did their best to help Grim, Ace, and Deuce out with the more technical elements, but Yuu wasn't sure just how much help they could give in that department.
"Finally! I'm so sleepy, I thought I was gonna pass out." Ace complained with a yawn. "How can you stay so alert through Mr Trein's boring lectures?"
"Well it's all new information for me, so I find it kinda fascinating." Yuu admitted with a smile. "Though I wish he'd have more vocal presence. The slow monotone speech doesn't help."
"Right!?" He turned to their other two classmates and had to snicker. "You think they're dead."
"Looks like it. Hey Deuce, Grim…" She poked his cheek making him mutter and sprawl further out. "Class is over you two."
"Hmmm?" Deuce stirred first and then jolted upright. "Shoot! I fell asleep again?!" He slumped face down groaning. "Damn it!"
"What happened to your rubber band trick?" Ace asked.
"I broke it…" Deuce muttered and lifted his head to pout.
"Hungry…" Grim finally stirred and rose his head. "Yuu… feed me."
"I just bought some tuna yesterday from the student shop. I'll pop open a can when we get back."
"Yay!" Grim was immediately on his feet and into Yuu's arms. "Let's hurry then! I'm starving!"
"Alright alright…" Yuu laughed and started for the door.
"Ah! Just who I was looking for!" Crowley appeared suddenly, filling the doorway.
"GAH!" Yuu jumped back startled and Grim yelped in tandem crawling up their shoulder and pointing accusingly.
"You… would you stop with the sudden appearances! It's not good for the heart, yah know!"
"My apologies" Crowley held his hands up defensively then rubbed them together excitedly. "I have some exciting news and just couldn't wait to share it!
"Oh, did you finally figure out a way to send me home?" Yuu asked curiously.
"Ah…" Crowley shrunk back a bit, his masked expression obviously showing some guilt at having forgotten about that. "No… not yet."
"Principal Crowley…" Yuu put their hands on their hips impatiently. "Have you even been working on-"
"I'm making you Spell Drive captain for the upcoming tournament!" Crowley shouted suddenly so the whole class could hear. Everyone stopped what they were doing to gawk.
"EH!?!?"
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
"YOU'RE MAKING A FIRST YEAR WHO CAN'T EVEN USE MAGIC CAPTAIN?!"
"LEONA-SENPAI IS GONNA FREAK!"
Yuu suddenly shrunk and wanted to run away. All eyes were suddenly on them, and they didn't like it.
"Why would you make me captain? I'm a rookie player, I'm not all that athletic, nor can I use magic."
"Precisely!" Crowley exclaimed and motioned flamboyantly with his arms. "You lack all of those qualities, and yet your rag tag team held its own against Savana Claw during the exhibition match earlier this year. Your leadership skills, and tactical knowledge on the field have proven useful, and I know your influence will finally give us the edge we need to win against the Royal Sword Academy!"
"Held our own? Don't you mean lost? I got knocked unconscious in the middle of the game, and all of the Savana Claw members were at half strength because of the Overblot incident. I'm sorry, sir, but you've got the wrong person."
"Shut up!" Grim gripped his paw over Yuu's mouth.
"HURMPH!?" Yuu turned their head and glared.
"Don't give me that look! You can't pass up this opportunity! With you as Captain I'll finally be able to play and gain recognition! Stop being so selfish!"
"MMPH!?" Yuu motioned to themself and rolled their eyes.
"Hey yeah, he's right!" Ace suddenly chirped in. He knocked Grim off Yuu's shoulder by slinging his arm around them. "As Captain you'll be in charge of choosing who gets to be on the team. You should totally do it."
"You're just saying that because YOU want a spot on the team too." Yuu crossed their arms, frowning. "Forget it!"
"Oh come on, it'll be fun. Deuce and I don't don't have to be on the team. We can help you run it. We know all about the game, it's history and can help you come up with plans and strategies. Won't we Deucey?"
"Don't call me Deucey." He warned but couldn't resist the bait. "It would be exciting to be able to participate, but overall it's your decision, Yuu. We'll back you up no matter what you decide." Deuce flanked his friend and smiled encouragingly.
"Well…" Yuu held their chin, then sighed heavily. "I suppose, if it means that much to you both…"
"ALRIGHT!" Ace and Deuce high fived and Grim did a little dance of joy on the floor.
"Excellent. Now then, be sure to show up to the Dorm Prefect meeting in an hour to discuss the overall event. See you there." Crowley walked away humming.
"Why do I get the feeling this is about more than just winning a Spell Drive tournament?" Yuu sighed.
~Hall of Mirrors~
All of the Dorm Prefects gathered together in the Hall of Mirrors to discuss the planning and preparation for the Spell Drive Tournament. Surprisingly, Malleus was present with the other dorm leaders, as Lilia had passed on the message for the meeting. He seemed pleased to be included which put Crowley at ease as he stood front and center to begin his speech, and made the big announcement.
"In order to encourage team work and power balance, I've given the title of Team Captain to Yuu Emcee of Ramshackle Dorm. They will be in charge of deciding which members will represent their dorms for the upcoming tournament."
"Is that so?" Leona glanced over at Yuu. Everyone from his dorm had expected him to be named captain, and wondered why it was a relief not to be given such a task.
"Are you mad?" Yuu asked, fidgeting nervously. "You're a way better player than I am, Leona, but the Principal insisted."
"I'm not mad… more like intrigued and amused." He smirked and glanced over at Crowley. "That guy doesn't make these kinds of decisions lightly. So there's definitely a hidden reason."
"I"m glad you seem to be so agreeable to this change, Kingscholar." Crowley nodded in his head in eager approval. "I chose our young Prefect because they have a certain knack to bring people together in ways one may not expect. It also is fair to them since the Ramshackle Dorm was not able to participate in the previous Spell Drive tournament and will balance the scales so to speak."
"There's more to it… but I'll let that excuse be enough. I won't have the headache of dealing with all the anxious fools looking to join the team, so they're welcome to the position."
"Lazy as always, Leona." Vil frowned and glanced down at Yuu. "While I don't have any real complaints, I do worry that Yuu's lack of knowledge in the game will be a disadvantage to us. I assume you will study diligently about the sport in order to be properly prepared."
"Yes, Ace and Deuce already said they'd help me with that." Yuu admitted with a nervous fidget. "Since I've decided to do it, I'm going to do my best to lead our team to victory!"
"Well said." Riddle praised with a smile. "I too shall assist you in any way I can. In terms of players I suggest recruiting either Trey or Cater as they are the most talented of our players."
"Might I suggest we make a try-out schedule?" Azul suggested. We'll provide a sign-in sheet for those that wish to participate, and Myself and the Leech Twins will make some files from those that sign up."
"For a fee, I take it?" Yuu asked with a sigh.
"We can come up with terms of agreement that both of us will be satisfied with, of course." Azul chuckled.
"Well I appreciate the support nonetheless." Yuu laughed then glanced up as Malleus approaches them. "Tsunotaro?"
"Tsu-pfft." Leona snorted, this being the first time he'd heard the nickname.
"I'm never gonna get used to Yuu calling him that." Vil commented while shaking his head.
"Congratulations on your position. If there's anything I can do to assist you, Child of Man, please let me know." Malleus congratulated. He approached Yuu with a kind of cautious steo that put some tension in the air. Yuu, however, just smiled and spoke with him casually.
"Thank you, Tsunotaro. After hearing how well you performed during the previous tournament I'll hope you'll try out as well."
"Ah, I will indeed." His demeanor calmed, and face softened. He always felt so at ease with them around. "I also look forward to seeing how well you will lead the team."
"I guess we'll find out." Yuu smiled brightly and sent his fairy heart fluttering.
"Mmmm…" his eyes grew distant as he looked into that bright happy face. These feelings that had been growing inside of him, disturbed and puzzled him. Just what sort of influence did this young one have over him?
"Can we wrap this up?" Idia complained through his link-up. "This isn't my cup of tea, and I want to get back to grinding for my next mission."
"Indeed I believe we're done here. Riddle-san, and I will handle setting up a try-out schedule, whilst Yuu and their subordinates work on studying and preparing for player selection. The rest of the dorm prefects will pass on the information to their subordinates."
"Agreed." They spoke in tandem.
"You're all dismissed." Crowley waved them out but stalled as Malleus hadn't moved to leave the room yet. The young dragon's eyes were focused on Yuu who was lingering in the hall with Azul while they argued over fees and favors. "Something troubling you, Mr. Draconia?"
"Kingscholar is right. There's another reason you chose the Ramshackle Prefect as Team Captain." He crossed his arms. "I want you to tell me what it is."
"You're both so highly suspicious of me… I'm a kind person you know. I wanted the Ramshackle Dorm kids to be able to participate in the event somehow. Yuu does not have the physical capacity to play, but they've proven themselves capable of guiding teams to victory in crisis terms."
"Hmmm…" Malleus held his chin. "I suppose you've a point there, but your eagerness for their participation is what concerns me."
"Yuu is a student who may now be with us full term. They come from a strange world, with strange customs, and I'm doing what I can to find out more about it so they can return. What's wrong with wanting them to experience all they can of our world before that time comes?"
"Another world…" Malleus held his chin. "I see, that does put some things into perspective. Still… I don't feel like you're telling us the whole truth. However I will follow Kingscholar's example and let it go." He waved his hand and vanished from sight. Crowley let out a whooshing breath and pulled out a handkerchief to dab his forehead.
"That was close… why is everyone always so suspicious of my actions? Aren't I a kind and thoughtful principal? Where is the trust and the respect I merit?" He crooned into the fabric of his hanky in a melancholy sort.
Later that night Yuu hauled up books on Spell Drive and it's history. Among the piles of pages they found a record of team photographs of tournaments past. She paused on the photograph from the year before and had to smile when she recognized the bulk of the faces.
"Tsunotaro certainly hasn't changed a bit… must be the fae blood. Even Leona had shorter hair a year ago… and Vil looks as glamorous as ever." They traced their fingers over each face with sentiment. "Tsunotaro doesn't have many photographs of himself in the yearbooks. I wonder if he's camera shy. It's a shame, I'd kinda like to take his picture so I'd have that memory of him when I leave.."
With that in mind, Yuu picked up the ghost camera from the bedside table. Grim stirred beside them, snoring and drooling in his usual careless fashion. It made Yuu smile and absentmindedly pet them. Yuu took his picture first unable to resist the cute smile on Grim's face. Then they switched to.the yearbook photographing the photograph.
Yuu held the finished photograph and smiled. The magical camera must have sensed what they wanted and focused on Malleus rather than the rest of the team.
"At least I'll have something to remember you by when I leave…" they stroked a thumb over his face, eyes going serious. "If i leave."
A loud snort from Grim broke Yuu from their thoughts and they sighed and smiled.
"I should get to bed too." Standing up Yuu set the books aside and stripped down to change into pajamas. Their choppy brown hair dangled forward as they removed their pants and adjusted the slim briefs over their curvy hips. They peeled off the sports bra and slipped on a loose white shirt that hung over thin shoulders and emphasized their short stature.
"Hmmm…" Yuu cupped their breasts wity a frown. "Did they get bigger? That's gonna be an akward conversation since everyone thinks I'm a guy. Hmmm…" Yuu puzzled over it a moment then shrugged. "Ah it's probably not a big deal. I'll just ignore it and see what happens."
Yawning Yuu removed their glasses and slipped under the covers. Grim curled up against them and the two drifted off to sleep.
~Dream State~
"Royalty, nobility, gentry, oh and how quaint even the rabble. I was quite distressed at not receiving an invitation."
"You weren't wanted."
"Not want... oh dear what an awkward situation. I had hoped it was merely some oversight, I suppose I best be on my way."
"Then…you're not offended your excellency?"
"Why no your Majesty… and to show you I bear no ill will, I too shall bestow a gift on the child..."
~End of Dream~
"Again?" Yuu murmured as they stirred awake. "This time, I dreamt of the fairy witch…"
If the same pattern with their dream repeated, then someone from Diasomnia was going to Overblot… and that someone would be-
"Tsunotaro…" Yuu pulled their legs to their chest and they lay their head on their updrawn knees. "I hope I'm wrong. Please prove me wrong."
