Poor Misguided Soul

Summary: Malleus breaks things off with Yuu due to her humanity, and she is devastated. After spilling her guts and heart out to Azul and the twins in Monstro Lounge, Azul offers her a deal but he soon comes to regret it as it changes Yuu for good.

Chapter 1: The Deal

"I…" Yuu was at a loss for words as she stood in the night air looking up at Malleus. The Ramshackle dorm in which she had occupied for a year now glowed bright and shiny behind her, but her heart felt as black and empty as the starless night sky. "I don't understand."

"What don't you understand?" The young dragon prince replied, his eyes focused intently on her, and his tall form towering over her petite one. "Was I not clear enough in my explanation?"

"You were plenty clear… but you don't just tell someone you're dumping them, and expect them to understand." Tears filled Yuu's big green eyes. The glasses she wore, tipped down her nose and she pulled them off to wipe at the tears. Her hair was a short pixie-cut with a side sweep of bangs that framed her sweet angelic face. Her skin was a pale peach color, that flushed pink when exerted, but right now it was stark white with shock. She took a step closer to him, and he instinctively stepped back from her and made her teeth grit. "You said you loved me."

"I still do… which is why I must do what is best for both of us." He crossed his arms, his eyes now looking away from her. He couldn't stand to see her like this… but his hands were tied. "You are human, and as wonderful as our time together has been, our life together would be short, and ill fated. I must marry a fae, someone who will live a long life. Someone who will rule beside me and bring happiness and peace to Briar Valley. That is my duty, and responsibility."

"I see…" More tears dripped as the pain in her chest increased. "So that's it then? Do you expect me to be grateful that you chose to break it off now, before things got too serious between us?" She grit her teeth again, the tearful look in her eyes no longer desperate but instead angry, and full of lovesick grief. "Do you expect me to wish you well and hope you find happiness with whatever pretty fairy princess you choose, you jerk?! Drop dead!"

She turned on her heel to leave, and her back went straight when she felt his hand clasp hers. She resisted the temptation to look back at him and just stood still as a statue.

"Yuu… please understand. I don't WANT to do this." He gently pulled her back, turning her face upward and brushing the tears away. "If I could leave everything behind for you-"

"Don't make stupid promises like that, Tsunotaro. You can do exactly that, but you just won't…" Sighing heavily she took his hands off her face and stepped away from him. Her arms stayed outstretched to keep him at length. "...and I won't ask you to."

"Yuu…" Malleus wanted to deny it. He wanted to tell Yuu that she was wrong, and that she was enough… but that would just prolong the problem, and make it harder for him to let her go. He shut his eyes, and let his hand drop. "I'm sorry."

"I know you are… which is why it hurts, Tsunotaro." She admitted shutting her eyes tightly and let out a little sob. "It hurts so much that no matter how much I love you, I won't ever be enough… just because I'm human."

"Its unfair, I know. I struggled with this decision for a long time, but I have to do what's right for my kingdom." He slowly opened his eyes, emotions clouded his brilliant green orbs. "I'm grateful for all you've done for me. I've become a better person and a wiser ruler after having you in my life. I shall never forget you, or what we shared."

"Tch…" Yuu scoffed and turned her back to him. "I almost wish you would. Goodbye, Prince Malleus."

At her words, pain filled Malleus' eyes. With a heavy sigh he vanished from sight, and Yuu collapsed to her knees, sobbing with absolute heartbreak.

~Three Days Later ~

Grim had had enough of this. His minion had been like a zombie around campus for the past three days. She slept, went to class, ate, and locked herself in the dorm for the remainder of the day. Over and over it was the same routine. She refused to see anyone outside of class, refused to participate in any of the events or extracurricular activities, and would only look out the window looking out, almost as if she expected Malleus to come back to her.

"Come on, Yuu! I'm tired of being stuck inside all the time! I need to get out, I need to do something!"

"Then go do it, you don't need me around anymore. You're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself." Yuu sighed heavily and curled up on her windowsill, burying her face in her knees. "Just leave me alone, Grim."

"Ugh! Fine! Have it your way… but just so you know, I'm gonna find Ace and Deuce and we're gonna cause all kinds of trouble. We may even break another chandelier and get expelled." He said with some spite.

"Do what you want…" She grumbled. "I don't belong here anyway."

"Yuu…" Grim's annoyed and angry face fell. The words both shocked and hurt him. His ears lowered. "That's not true! You may come from another world, but Ramshackle Dorm is your home. You love it here."

"I used to… but now this place is too full of painful memories that I would rather just forget." She shut her eyes tightly. "I wish I'd never come here."

"Stop saying that!" Grim shouted in a tantrum. Panic bubbling up, and tears filling his own eyes. "If you hadn't come here, I never would have met you. We never would have become students at Night Raven College together. We never would have met Ace, and Deuce, and all our other friends." He jumped up on the windowsill with her, and raised up on his hindlegs to press his front paws on her knees. "Are you saying that you want to forget about all of us too?"

Yuu slowly raised her head and Grim got the first good look at her face in a long time. There was such pain and emotion in those eyes that it made his chest ache. He lifted a paw and patted the tears dry on her cheek.

"This isn't the Yuu I know. Yuu's fading away, and I don't like it! Tsunotaro is an idiot!" he huffed, eyes angry again. "I'm gonna go give that stupid fairy a piece of my mind for making you cry and act like this!" He jumped down and scampered off.

"Grim, Wait!" Yuu held out a hand to stop him, but he was already gone. Sighing heavily, Yuu wiped the tears from her eyes and scrubbed at her face. "Damn it, I hate it that he's right. This isn't like me."

She stood up and walked to the mirror. She winced a little at the puffy red eyes, and disheveled hair and clothes. Vil would be appalled if he saw her like this. She ran a comb through her short hair, adjusting the bangs so that they swept to one side. She then picked up the hairclips Vil had given to her as a birthday gift and clipped the bangs in place.

"You've gotta get over him somehow, Yuuki." She tried a smile, and though it was small and pathetic it was a start. "Start fresh, and move on."

The front doorbell rang, and Yuu hurried downstairs to answer it. Probably Ace and Deuce returning Grim home after his little tirade.

She was surprised to find Jade and Floyd at her doorstep, both smiling with their rows of sharp teeth that usually left a person unnerved. To her, she'd gotten used to their macabre and teasing POVs and just gave them a soft smile.

"Hi, boys, what can I do for you?"

"Hello, Shrimpy-chan! You're looking a little puffy today." He crouched down to poke her cheek. His cheerful smile quickly changed to one of intense annoyance. "Is someone other than me teasing you? Want me to squeeze them?"

"No, no, that won't be necessary." She held up her hands, laughing a bit despite herself. "I'm just feeling a bit sorry for myself. I'll get over it. Have you guys seen Grim?"

"As a matter of fact we did." Jade answered, holding his chin in hand. "He seemed to be in a might hurry. Are you sure nothing's wrong?"

"I should catch up to him. He's headed for Diasomnia, and is more than likely gonna start trouble."

"Ah, boyfriend trouble." Floyd huffed and shrugged it off. "If you and Sea Bunny are having issues…"

"We broke up…" Yuu stated simply, her soft smile fading back into a somberous one.

"Eh?" Both Floyd and Jade look surprised at this news.

"It's not a big deal… look I better go find Grim." She tried to brush by, but the two grabbed her by both arms. "What the- HEY!"

"My apologies, Miss Yuu, but we were asked to fetch you by Azul. He had a request, and at the sound of your news, I get the feeling you may need the distraction."

"Distract… I never said I… let me go you guys! Come on, this isn't funny!" She wriggled as the two forcibly escorted her out of the dorm and towards the mirror chamber.

~Octavinelle: Monstro Lounge~

Azul looked down at the papers spread out across his ornate desk. His mischievous smile was spread wide and excited as his plans were starting to come together. The first step in said plans was strengthening his friendship with the young female Prefect of Ramshackle dorm, Yuuki Emcee. The second was to strengthen his friendship with Malleus Draconia through their growing romance, and budding relationship.

The two were clearly in love, and if his sources were correct, Malleus was being ushered into finding a bride so that he may take his throne once he completed his grad school work at Night Raven College. Which meant that in less than a year, Malleus would propose to Yuu, she would become his queen, and Azul would be able to weedle himself a spot amongst Malleus Draconia's peers, and possibly even be granted a counsel position. He, Floyd and Jade were, after all, merfolk thus possessing Fae blood. He was sure that, along with their friendship with the King and Queen, would grant them access and approval from Briar Valley's nobles.

Pleased with himself, Azul straightened his tie and stood up from his desk. He looked at his watch and nodded in approval. Floyd and Jade would be back in moments with Yuu, so he began to repeat his pitch over and over in his head. He stepped out into Monstro lounge, smiling at some passing guests and checking on the progress of his workers.

"A nice full crowd, and smiling faces… everything a proprietor like myself loves to see." He chuckled, congratulating himself.

"Azul!" Floyd shouted across the lounge, causing Azul's brow to twitch. He wished Floyd would understand that such actions were not well liked in a calm and friendly environment such as this. He turned, preparing a full lipped smile for Yuu… but his smile immediately dropped when he saw the girl's face.

"You buffoons, I told you to invite our guest, not man handle her." He put his hands on his hips. "Release her at once!"

"Our apologies, Azul." They both let go of Yuu, and she stumbled forward shaking off the long dragging she had to endure.

"Forgive them for their rough behavior, Yuu-san." Azul gently took her hand and placed a kiss upon it. "They're still learning proper manners."

"It's okay, Azul… I'm kind of used to their demeanor. Next time, a simple text or phone call would be enough of an invite."

"Of course… come this way, let's have a drink and I'll explain why I've asked you here." he led her to a large private booth and snapped his fingers at the twins. The two quickly became busy elsewhere.

"That's a neat trick. Do they fetch now too?" She joked, but then recalled how she'd been dragged in and held up a hand. "Nevermind, don't answer that?"

"I really am sorry about that, Yuu-san. It wasn't my intention to have this little meeting forced upon you." Azul's voice dripped heavily with implied sympathy. It just made Yuu's brow twitch with irritation. "We'll get you some refreshments and then you may leave as you like."

"Nah, I'm already here." Yuu sighed and accepted the cold drink Jade brought her. "May as well tell me what you want, Azul."

"Very well," Azul smiled and folded his hands. Jade bent down to his ear.

"Azul, there's something you should know-"

"Not now, Jade. We can talk about it later."

"-but Azul," Jade tried to warn but was waved off.

"I said, later."

"As you wish…" Jade sighed and stepped away. Yuu watched him leave before turning her eyes back to the smiling proprietor.

"Well? Out with it, Octo-man. What do you want?"

"It's not really so much what I want, but what you do." He folded his hands on the table. "I've noticed you've not quite been yourself the last few days. Feeling a bit homesick, perhaps? Or maybe there's someone bothering you?"

"Right now, you're bothering me." Yuu held her head. "I've just had a rough couple of days, nothing for you to worry or pry about."

"I beg to differ." Azul scowled. "Whether you choose to believe me or not, Yuu-san, I consider you a friend. I don't appreciate it when my friends are mistreated. So I'm here to make it right by any means necessary."

"There's nothing you can do, Azul." Yuu played with her straw, her eyes saddening again. "What's done is done. I can't change the past, nor who I am."

"Hmm?" Azul's brows furrowed. "What do you mean change who you are? Why would you want to?"

"I'm a human, Azul. A fragile and magickless human from another world, and an unacceptable partner for the man I love." She pushed the drink away and lowered her head to the table. "Malleus broke up with me, because he knew the people of his kingdom would never be happy or satisfied with me as his queen. So all I need is a few days to sulk and be sad. End of story."

"You… he…" Azul stammered, his carefully laid out plan scattering to the winds. He cleared his throat and rose up from the booth. "Excuse me for a moment."

Yuu waved her hand, keeping her head on the table. Azul made a dash behind the bar counter and gripped both Floyd and Jade by the collars dragging them to his office.

"Oi, oi, lay off Azul!"

"Explain, you buffoons! What is this about Malleus and Yuu breaking up? What on Earth happened?"

"I made some inquiries while you were speaking with Yuu. According to a few Diasomnia students I spoke with, it's as you said that Malleus is being pressured to marry… but his family, particularly his grandmother, is insisting he marry someone of the Fae. Since Malleus is one to take his responsibilities and duties as a future ruler seriously, he did what he thought best and broke things off with Yuu."

"You've got to be kidding me! You mean after everything those two went through, the secret visits, the romantic moonlight walks, and that ridiculously intimate and touching scene when he overblotted was all tossed away because his family are a bunch of royal human hating snobs!?"

"That's not quite how I'd put it… but essentially that is the gist." Jade concurred.

"Ridiculous! Absolutely Preposterous! How dare they ruin my plans with this archaic way of thinking? I will not stand for it, I tell you, I will not! We are getting those two back together, and Yuu WILL be his queen come hell or high water!"

"I admire your passion, Azul, but how do you suggest we go about it? Malleus is determined to ignore his feelings and marry someone of the Fae."

"Then… we'll just have to turn Yuu into someone of the Fae."

"Eh?" Floyd and Jade both blink. "How?"

"After all I've done these past years, you still underestimate me." Azul chuckled, his lips curving as he pushed his glasses further up on his nose. "I'll need to do some preparation of course. The spell is quite complicated and there's a slight chance she could die if I don't get the wording and potions just right, but it's completely doable."

"I see…" Jade chuckled and his smile spread. "Well if anyone can do it, Azul, I am assured that you can."

"Good… now then." Azul composed himself and straightened his Fedora. "The hard part will be getting Yuu-san to accept my terms. If I'm going to go to such lengths, I may as well get something out of it. Am I right?"

"He he he, typical Azul…" Floyd laughed and followed him out into the lounge. "This oughta be good."

Azul returned to the table just as Yuu slurped up the last of her drink. She stirred the ice a bit with her straw and looked dead eye into the glass.

"Everything alright?" She asked, more out of reflex than general interest.

"Yes, everything is settled and I can focus all of my attention on you, my dear friend." Azul smiled big at her. "Now then… about your little, Malleus problem, you're wrong when you say that I can't help you there."

"Hmm?" Yuu lifted her gaze, looking unconvinced of his proclamation.

"The only reason Malleus rejected you is because you're not of the Fae, am I correct in that?"

"As far as I know…" she pushed her drink aside.

"Then the solution to your problem is simple… the only way to get what you want is to become a Fae yourself."

Yuu just stared at Azul for a long moment, her eyes shifting with emotion before her brows knit together in confusion.

"You mean… you can do that?"

"Of course… there are some stipulations, naturally, as it is a very difficult spell with hard to acquire ingredients. You understand?"

"Uh huh…" Yuu puffed out her cheeks. "I get it… and I think I'd be better off sulking."

"That's your choice, of course." Azul took her hands in his. "I would never force you to do something like this, Yuu-san, unless it is what you wanted. I just want you to be happy."

"I'd very much like to believe that, Azul." Yuu sighed and tried to pull her hands away but Azul gripped tighter.

"Believe it…" Azul's eyes narrowed. "I want to help you, Yuu. Anything you want, anything you need, you can depend on me."

"For a price, naturally…" she finally yanked her hands away.

"You have to understand, Yuu-san. The only way I can even perform magic at such a grand scale is if there's collateral. That's how my unique magic works."

Yuu turned her head away. She should just leave, she thought. She'd dealt with this contract business before and there was always a catch. Why should she believe such an obvious ploy? What would he get out of it?

"What are the conditions if I agree?" She slowly turned her gaze back to him. "I don't have anything to offer you, and I won't give up the Ramshackle Dorm because it's not just mine to give anymore."

"You're right… I'm afraid Ramshackle Dorm would not be enough collateral for this spell. I would have to ask you for something of far greater value."

"I don't have anything else of value…"

"Maybe not to me… but to yourself." Azul took her hands. "What is the most precious to you, my dear?"

Yuu thought about it, closing her eyes. She thought of everything she had, everything she owned, and everything she held most dear.

"There's only one thing that is more precious to me than any possession I carry." Her eyes lifted up to his. "My friends… they're what I cherish most."

"Mmm…" Azul nodded and waved his hand, a contract appearing between them. "I know what to do then."

Yuu watched as he filled in the spaces of the contract and then turned it back towards her so she could read it.

"It's a lot of fancy wording that you're free to look over… but essentially the contract states that I will turn you into one of the Fae. If you wish to remain a Fae, then you must join the Octavinelle Dorm and work under me as my executive assistant. It will not include any grunt work or intense labor like the others had to endure, but instead will revolve around your ability to befriend and strengthen bonds as well as gathering information and other clinical responsibilities."

"In other words, you want me to be your secretary?" Yuu summarized with a raised brow.

"Executive assistant sounds better on paper." He smiled. "The best part is that you only need to endure it until Malleus takes you back. Once under his care, the contract will be completed, the collateral which you sacrificed will be returned, and you will remain of the Fae permanently…" his smile quickly faded. "The only backlash is if you fail to win him back."

"Why? What happens if Malleus doesn't accept me?"

"If you break the contract by not winning Malleus back, then as usual your collateral will disappear for good, and you my dear will permanently belong to me."

Yuu swallowed hard, and she started to shake.

"If I sign this… then no matter the outcome I'll never be able to return to the world I came from. I will remain a part of Twisted Wonderland forever."

"That's right… but at this point do you even want to leave, Yuu-san?"

Yuu thought of what Grim had said… and her eyes lowered. Her lips slowly curved.

"No… I really don't."

"Then you've nothing to fear…" he pushed the contract towards her, but she stopped it.

"The payment… what did you put as collateral?"

"You said the thing you prize the most is your friendships… so I chose your memories."

"My… what?" Yuu's eyes widened. "My memories?"

"You got it, Angel Face. Any memories of your friends, your home, and your past life will be gone."

"So when you said I would need to join Octavinelle…"

"I meant that you would join as an entirely new person. The fussy details such as your sudden disappearance, and school paperwork you'll leave to me… and as an extra favor I will allow you to keep your memories of Malleus, as he is clearly more than just a friend to you."

"No… no this is wrong." Yuu pushed the contract further away and held up her hands. "It's one thing to change my looks, and an entirely different thing to change who I am completely. It's not worth it!"

"Are you sure about that, Yuu?"

Yuu looked up at Azul, tears filling those eyes again. Images of Malleus raced through her mind, and then those of her friends. All of them were such precious memories of their time together. Would she still be herself if she gave them up? Would she still have the same feelings, same personality, and same wants and needs if she gave all that up?

"I'm scared, Azul. I don't want to make a mistake and end up regretting it."

"As I said before I will not force you to sign it… but listen to me when I say that this deal is your best and only chance to get everything you want. If you successfully win Malleus back all of your memories will return, and you'll become Yuu again. Unlike last time I will not be working against you, but instead with you. I am contractually obligated to assist you in winning him back so there's nothing fighting against you."

"Really?" Hope lit Yuu's eyes again. "You mean it? You won't sabotage anything just to make me your slave?"

"Read it for yourself," Azul pushed the contract forward again, and slid his finger on the line. Yuu read it aloud, and sure enough it was written there clear as day. "I told you… I'm here to help."

"Mmmph…" Yuu picked up the quill sitting beside the contract. She played with the end of the feather, thinking of Grim, Ace, Deuce, and all her other friends who would worry, and possibly be upset with her. "You'll tell the others I'm okay? That I didn't just abandon them or run away?"

"Yes… you've my solemn promise that I will notify your friends of your well being."

"Can you make sure Crowley doesn't kick Grim out of school?" Yuu's eyes lifted to his pleadingly. "You'll make sure they take good care of him?"

"Yes.. would you like me to add it to the contract?" He held out his hand for the quill, but Yuu gripped it and shook her head.

"No, not this time." She gave him a soft smile. "Just your promise will be enough, Azul."

"Alright then… I promise that Grim will remain a student here." He folded his hands again. "Do we have a deal, Yuu-san?"

Taking a deep breath, Yuu signed her name in big beautiful cursive on the line.

"Yes. It's a deal, Azul."