Once Upon a Nightmare

Author's Note:

Invi Dissidia: Cousin to Malleus Draconia, and Princess of The Mystic Meadows. She is betrothed to Aiden Daybreak in order to maintain peace between humans and the Fae. Neither are happy about the arrangement but, unlike Aiden, Invi is determined to do her duty and live up to her family's expectations.

Beau Libera: aka Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Student at RSA. The school bookworm, incredibly kind and generous, but doesn't have many friends due to his obsession with books and literature. Is considered to be the most handsome man on campus despite his sedative nature.

Chapter 7: Green with Invi

"Success!" Azul shouted as Floyd and Jade popped party favors in celebration. "I've just received word from my inside source that the Board of Directors has approved of turning NRC into a Co-Ed facility!"

"Woot! Oh yeah! Yuu and Grim are here to stay!" Ace and Deuce high five each other.

"Thank goodness. I was so worried." Kalim let out a long sigh of relief.

"Me too." Epel held his chest. "My heart felt so tight at the thought of them leaving."

"In addition to this, Crowley and the other board members have added an additional major to the courses. They're calling it the Summoner's course, and they're already looking for students with similar talents to join Yuu's dorm."

"Really? Oh that's great. Yuu's finally gonna have other students to look after." Kalim grinned. "She's already a great prefect. I can't wait to see how she'll lead her troupe in future events."

"Speaking of which, where is Yuu?" Ace wondered aloud. "Shouldn't she be done changing by now?"

"I'll go see what's taking her. She got a decent head start so she should at least be covered by now." Vil gracefully trotted up the stairs.

"Now that that's settled, it's time to concentrate on the inter high tournament." Deuce cracked his knuckles. "Practice starts tomorrow, and I can't wait to start."

"Same here." Epel agreed. "It was smart for Yuu-san to choose a second string of players from each dorm. This way if someone does get injured we won't lose synchronicity."

"Teamwork is definitely gonna be a key role." Azul agreed. "The first string players showed incredible synchronicity and talent in their audition. Yuu chose well."

"I'm excited. I get to be with Gold fishy and sea Bunny. They're loads of fun to play with!" Floyd laughed.

"Indeed, and I'm honored to be in the second string lineup. I feared that my lack of flying expertise would be a detriment." Jade placed a hand over his heart. "I'm happy to know I'll be of use to her after all."

The sound of Vil's hurried steps catches everyone's attention. All eyes turn up.

"She's not here." Vil panted a little from the exertion, but quickly composed himself. "From the looks of it she hasn't returned to change. Something must have happened."

"What makes you say that, Vil-san? Maybe she and Grim just went elsewhere, or maybe they went to get lunch." Epel deduced.

"That's possible, but don't you think she would have come back to change first?" Deuce shook his head. "No, I'm with Vil. Something doesn't add up."

"Vil…" Rook gave his friend the eye. "You don't think…"

"... The peeper!" They exclaimed together.

"Peeper?!" Everyone else questioned with surprise.

"The other night someone was stalking Yuu outside her window as she was changing. Since it's likely they know her identity now, it's possible she's been kidnapped." Vil explained and hastened outside. "Rook, use your magic. Find her!"

"Oui!" Rook pulled a map of the island from his breast pocket and unfolded it. Using his signature spell he traced Yuu's steps. "I see her… she's in town, and she's not alone. Grim is there as well, and there's… one, two, three, four others with them."

"See? She probably met up with some friends and went into town."

"Yeah, but she never changed. So who else knows Yuu's secret?" Ace wondered aloud.

"Malleus does," Vil suddenly let out a sigh of relief. "That makes a lot of sense actually."

"Does it?" Ace crossed his arms. "Why would Yuu be with Malleus in town."

"My guess would be having a second date." Rook smiled brilliantly.

"Second date?!" Ace, Deuce, and Kalim shouted together.

"When was their first date?" Ace demanded

"Yeah, when did this happen?" Deuce followed up.

"It was quite lovely actually." Rook sighed with envy. "He showed up out of the blue, roses in hand, and invited her to dinner. He even gave her a beautiful dress in Diasomnia colors. She looked a vision!"

"Aww man… if Malleus is moving in, then there's no way anyone else stands a chance." Ace shook his head sighing.

"True enough." Vil flicked hair from his shoulder. "Malleus is not only a prince, but one of the most powerful wizards in the world. He's shown he can be sincere and romantic, and with moves like that I doubt there's anyone else who could possibly sway Yuu's heart."

~Town: Festival Grounds~

"We have a winner!" The game master declared and held out the prize to Yuu. She took the large stuffed dragon with both hands and cuddled it close.

"Game, set, and match your highness." She smiled smugly at him.

"I can't believe you beat me at my own game. Literally!" Aiden laughed. "No one's ever beaten me in the shoot out game before. Where'd you learn to do that?"

"Where I'm from you get pretty good at handling long distance weaponry. The only time I ever had the chance to use this skill was during Beanfest. It's the only time I can really show off." She sighed heavily. "My team would've won too if I'd just been a little faster… but Jack's an athletic demon."

"Who's Jack?" Aiden asked, and paid for two caramel apples, handing her one and biting into the other.

"Thanks, Jack is a freshman like me. He's from Savanaclaw and is a really powerful player." She took a few nibbles out of her caramel apple, smiling big when she heard Grim's excited voice over by the dunking booth. "You're playing in the inter high Spelldrive tournament right?"

"Wouldn't miss it." He grinned. "Malleus and his team nearly beat us last year. It was rough. Luckily our defense was really tight."

"Wish I could have seen it. I didn't even get to see the interdorm tournament because I got knocked unconscious during the exhibition match." She sighed heavily. "Many regrets that day."

"You played in the… OH!" He pointed at her. "That was you? You looked so different."

"Amazing what a haircut and clothes that actually suit your figure can do huh?" She laughed it off, trying not to be embarrassed.

"Wonders, I'd say. No wonder Beige thought you were a boy. When I first met you, in dreams or otherwise, I never would've mistaken you for a boy." Aiden shook his head.

"You're really serious about that aren't you?" She paused her walk, turning to look straight at him. "You really did see me in your dreams."

"Every night… your hair was short like this, but styled differently." He gently brushed his fingers through it, making her blush. "You wore flowers in your hair, and you had on this long misty white gown. I mistook you for a princess and you quickly corrected me."

"I responded to you?"

"Yes… you said that you were not a princess, but that you would fall for royalty. Two princes would vie for your heart and the one you choose would lead you to your true destiny."

"Well that was rather ambitious of me to say." She rubbed the back of her neck. "I'm not a noble or royal of any kind. Why would a prince, let alone two of them, want me?"

"Oh I could think of a few reasons." He took her hand holding the apple, kissing it. "Your first prince is standing right before you after all."

"Oh… Oh…" Flustered, Yuu dropped her caramel apple on the ground. "Aiden, I'm really flattered but…" she tucked her now empty hand away. "...I'm really not someone you should fall for."

"You should have thought of that before invading my dreams." He stepped closer to her, and Yuu clutched the stuffed dragon to her chest as a king of shield.

"Not like I did it in purpose." She grumbled and averted his gaze.

"Yuuki… I know we just met. I know that this is crazy… but something inside me is pulling towards you. There ha as to be a reason why you appeared in my dream. These things don't happen for no reason."

"You've got a point, but…" she bit her lip. "I don't know. You're practically a stranger to me."

"But I know you. Let me prove it." He took the stuffed animal from her. "Hey Aryn! Hold onto this for us will yah?" He tested the plushie at his red haired friend and took Yuu by both hands leading her out in the middle of the courtyard.

"Wait a minute, what are we doing?" Yuu sucked in a breath as he grabbed her waist and pulled her close.

"It's time… for a musical number, starring us!"

"Wait, what?" It was then she noticed the swell of music as the band at the center courtyard began to play. Aiden pulled her into a swaying waltz and suddenly began to sing.

"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream…"

"...and now you're singing." Quite well she had to admit. It would've been charming if not for all the peering eyes watching them.

"...I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam."

"Did you just rhyme gleam with gleam? That's such a cheat."

"Yet I know it's true, that visions are seldom all they seem…"

"Everyone's staring at us… really Aiden that's quite enough singing-WHOA!" Yuu squeaked as Aiden hoisted her up into a spin. Magic glittered around them and Yuu's school uniform was replaced with a cinched waist gown of vibrant red, long black stockings and heeled boots. He set her back down with such elegance and grace that it had her heart skipping. "Okay, gotta admit that was a good one."

"…but if I know you, I know what you'd do. You'd love me at once, the way you did Once Upon a Dream." Aiden never missed a beat. His own uniform was gone and replaced with an elegant steel grey suit with black cummerbund. He guided his lovely peasant maid through the courtyard in a series of spins and skips as the music soared into an echoed chorus.

Amongst the gathered crowd, Trey and Riddle peered out trying to figure out what was causing the commotion.

"What's happening, Trey? I can't see a thing."

"Wanna sit on my shoulders?" He teased, earning a glare. He quickly stifled a chuckle by clearing his throat. "Seems like some kind of performance. There's a young couple dancing."

"RSA does love a good musical number." Riddle looked around, and nonchalantly stood up on a nearby crate in order to get a better view. " Ah, that's better. Hmmm, you're right. That's Aiden Daybreak dancing. I recalled he had a flair for singing and dancing."

Applause rang out as Aiden hefted Yuu up for another spin, making her laugh.

"I recognize the girl too… but I'm not sure from where." Trey adjusted his glasses, squinting. "Is that… Yuu?"

"Yuu? Why would he be dressed as a woman and dancing with Aiden? That makes no sense." Riddle also squinted but then his eyes popped open when he got a good look at the face. "Jumping Jabberwocky it is him!"

"Trey? Riddle?" Grim's voice caught their attention and now they spotted the small cat monster waking on my two legs as his ok there be two paws held treats from the snack booths. Behind him was Aryn Beige and Matt. "What are you two doing here?"

"Chenya invited us, Cater is around here too. Grim why is Yuu dressed like that and dancing with Aiden Daybreak?"

"I'm gonna guess because he asked her to." Aryn chuckled. "The guy is smitten after all."

"Her?" Trey held his head shaking it. "Yuu is a her?"

"Oh that's right, you two don't know." Grim devoured the food in his hand then dusted his paws off. "Well, apparently Yuu's been a girl this entire time and hasn't said anything making everyone think she's a boy when really she's a girl, Toook and Vil found out and gave her a makeover, and Azul got us a meeting with the board people to turn the school Co-Ed so we don't get kicked out and ..."

"I need to sit…" Riddle held a hand out and jumped off the crate in order to sit on it properly. "This is a lot to take in."

"Make that two of us…" Trey agreed sitting on the one beside him.

"Okay… so skipping over the whole Yuu is a girl thing… how does she know Aiden?"

"We met him a couple days ago when I caught him peeking in the window at Yuu."

"HE WHAT?!"

~MEANWHILE~

"This is so going on Magicam!" Cater exclaimed as he snapped shots of Yuu and Aiden dancing. "No one in school is going to believe me otherwise."

"That looks like fun, maybe I should cut in." Chenya beamed, but then sighed as the dance ended and both took a bow. "Awww it's over."

"Good, that means I can get the deets!" Cater squeezed through the dispersing crowd and made his way to Yuu and Aiden.

"While unconventional, I have to admit that it was a lot of fun." Yuu admitted and admired the dress he put her in. "How long before this changes back to my uniform?"

"An hour or so. In the meantime you look lovely." He kissed her hand. "Now do you believe me?"

"I don't doubt your feelings Aiden, but it's gonna take more than a song and dance number to-"

"Yuu-Chan!" Cater suddenly appeared behind her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "You shady lady, how come you didn't tell me this little secret of yours?"

"Cater?!" Yuu jumped in surprise, turning towards him. "What are you-"

"Cater! What a lovely surprise!" Matt skipped over and gently, if it rudely, squeezed himself between Cater and Yuu. "I see you've met the love of my life, and Mr. Steal Your Girl."

"Matt…" Aiden laughed at the description, knowing it wasn't with malicious intent.

"Youre rather popular today aren't you Mr. Prefect… or should I say MISS Prefect?" Riddle approached with a scowl.

"Oh boy…guess that cat's out of the bag." Yuu scratched her cheek as she flushed from all the attention. "I can explain…"

"Don't bother, Grim already gave us the highlights." Trey placed a soothing hand on Riddle's shoulder. "We just wish you would have told us yourself."

"I'm sorry, Riddle. I didn't mean to keep it hidden. I just didn't care if others saw me as a boy or a girl. At until recently…"

"So we heard, and I do hope the board gives you a favorable reply… speaking of secrets though, Aiden, have you shared yours?" Riddle turned his scowl on him now.

"Eh?" Aiden felt the sweat drip on his face. "Secret?"

"Yes… are you going to tell her about Princess Invi?"

Aiden went pale white. He felt all eyes fall on him and he swallowed hard.

"Uh… well you see um…"

"Who's princess Invi?" Yuu blinked in confusion.

"Princess Invi Dissidia of the Mystic Meadows…" Malleus' voice cast a dark aura upon the crowd. People scattered back in fear as Malleus, and his crew appeared in a road of green flames. "She is my cousin, and Aiden's future bride."

"Bride?!" Yuu looked to Aiden who flinched at the call out.

"Not by choice. It is an arranged marriage forced upon both of us by our parents." Aiden assured Yuu. "Neither Invi or I are pleased with the arrangement."

"Yes, but unlike you she knows her responsibility." Lilia reminded him with a scowl. "She wouldn't be pleased to find yourself flirting with another woman when she's dedicated herself to becoming your wife."

"With all due respect, Lilia-sama, Malleus-Sama, but I have a duty to my heart. Yuuki is the one I love. I'm sure Invi will understand, and we can find a more logical way to strengthen our alliance."

"Not likely, as it happens, you are not the only one with intentions to marry Yuu." Malleus took Yuu's hand and pulled her to his side with a gentle tug. With a wave of his band he had the red dress reverting back to her black uniform. He kissed her hand. "Though, this is not the way I intended to tell her about it."

"Tsu- Malleus?" Yuu's eyes widened and her face went bright red.

"Popular indeed…" Riddle muttered.

"Whoa… intense, I've never seen Malleus like this." Cater wiggled with excitement taking more pictures.

"So let me get this straight…" Aryn rubbed the back of his neck. "Both Malleus and Aiden want the same girl, but Aiden's already got a fiancee who is Malleus' cousin, and she doesn't want to marry him but has resigned herself to… yeesh, somebody call a Fairy Godmother, this is getting complicated."

"It would seem your words in my dream spoke truth, Yuu." Aiden sighed heavily but smiled in her direction. "You said that you were not a royal, but you would fall for two princes. I've told you my intentions, and Malleus has told you his. The fate of our kingdoms now lie with your decision."

"My decision?" Yuu pointed at herself.

"Yes… I will concede to my arranged marriage if Malleus is whom your heart longs for… but I ask that you at least give me some thought as I truly do love you and will do whatever I can to assure peace so we can be together."

"That's a lot of talk from a selfish two timing…" Sebek sneered, but Malleus raised an arm.

"No, Prince Daybreak has a point. Our feelings aside, it is up to Yuu." He turned his gaze downward. "Do you have feelings for him?"

"I only just met him… but that's not really the point here." Yuu backed away from both groups. "If I'm being honest, I'm not interested in marrying either of you."

"Huh?!" Both Malleus and Aiden gave her the same dumbfounded look.

Cater and the other Heartslabyul onlookers had to laugh.

"Pfft… oof rejected!" Cater snickered loving the fact he got both expressions on camera. "Oh man, that was priceless."

"Didn't see that coming did you fellas?" Riddle smirked.

"You've my sympathies." Trey managed to speak after composing his own laughter.

Yuu held her chest as the look of surprise turned to looks of hurt and disappointment.

"Look, I'm sorry. I like you both… but I'm not even thinking about marriage right now." She tried her best smile. "Besides we're all still in school. We should be focus on education and having fun. Right? There's plenty of time to think of marriage when we're all a bit older."

"That may be true where you come from, Yuu." Lilia crossed his arms. "It's a different matter entirely for Malleus and Aiden."

"Huh? Why?"

"Aiden and I are the first born sons of royalty. Once Aiden becomes of age, and I finish my final school year, both of us will need to take our place on the throne. When we do, we're expected to take wives immediately in order to produce future heirs." Malleus explained.

"Which is why most royal marriages are arranged through treaties and alliances." Aiden explained further. "The only time we have any freedom or choices is before we take the crown, because after that all of our decisions will affect our standing and kingdoms."

"That's… I mean…" flustered and flummoxed Yuu took another step away from the group. Then suddenly she stopped moving altogether. Her eyes glazed over and she was sent spiraling into another dream…

~Vision~

Two Kings toasted, clinking glasses together as they sang gleefully.

"Skumps! Skumps! A toast to this night! The outlook is rosy! The future is bright! Our children will marry, Our kingdoms unite…"

The cheerful mood lasted for only a few moments, as soon the two were quickly at odds.

"Why doesn't your daughter want to marry my son?"

"Well I-"

"I'm not sure my son wants to marry your daughter!"

"Why you pompous old windbag…"

"Engarde, sir!

"I'm warning you, this means war!"

~End of Vision~

Yuu stumbled out of her vision almost violently. She collapsed and Malleus and Aiden quickly caught her, each taking an arm.

"Yuu!" They exclaimed together then glared at each other.

"I've got her." Malleus insisted.

"I can see that, but I'm still not letting go."

"Oh will you two grow up, and help her!" Grim shouted and shoved them both out of the way. "Are you alright, Yuu?"

"I think so…" she held her head groaning. "Just a really big headache. I think I've had enough excitement for one day."

"We'll take you home, Yuu." Riddle helped her to her feet. "Come Trey, Cater."

"Righto!" Cater over hooking Yuu's arm over his shoulder. "Lean on me, Yuu-Chan. I've got you."

"Thanks…" she looked back at Malleus and Aiden apologetically. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize to them, Yuu, they're the ones stressing you out!" Grim scolded with a flick of his tail. "You're better off not getting involved."

"He has a point, Yuu." Trey agreed. "You've already got your hands full. You should focus on taking care of yourself. Their feelings are their own problem."

"I know, but I just feel bad." Mainly because, as much as she wanted to deny it, she did harbor feelings for both of them.

She'd been attracted to Malleus since the first day she met him, he was tall, dark, mysterious and kind. His natural romantic nature had left her swooning on more than one occasion. He was very private in some aspects, and intimidating, making him difficult to approach. He also liked to tease her, almost as if she were his favorite toy.

Aiden was the exact opposite. He was bright, expressive, and daring. He wasn't so much kind as he was charming. He knew how to get what he wanted and didn't like being told no. That kind of self confidence was actually quite attractive, but she could do without the random singing and public displays of affection… and he was already engaged.

The thing that troubled her most about this whole situation was that it was now tied to her visions, and these visions were always a premonition to an Overblot. Her decision would affect the outcome, and if she chose incorrectly then it could be disastrous.

All in all, it was probably for the best that she remain neutral and indecisive. She was an ordinary human with no magic or special skill except her premonitions. She wouldn't be a good fit for either royal and they would soon come to see that.

Content with her decision, Yuu took a deep breath and let the members of Heartslabyul take her home. Her feelings in this situation just didn't matter. What mattered was helping two men she'd grown fond of make the right decision for their kingdoms. Aiden would marry Invi Dissidia, as per the arrangement, and Malleus would marry whomever he chose to.

She… had nothing more to do with it.

~Royal Sword Academy: Sun Dorm~

"Come on, Mon Ami, cheer up. At least she didn't choose Malleus over you." Jean tried to comfort his friend by patting his back with his webbed hand.

"Why did Malleus and Lilia have to bring up Invi? She doesn't want this anymore than I do. Why is everyone just ignoring our feelings?"

"Are you sure what your feeling for her is love? Infatuation, attraction maybe, but love is much more complicated."

"How would you know, Mr. bachelor?" Aryn flicked him across the desk and sat down next to Aiden. "Look, Aiden, she didn't say yes or no… there's still a chance for you to win her over."

"How? I can't just sneak back onto campus now." Aiden sighed heavily.

"Well as your honorary wing man…" Aryn tugged on the lapels of his jacket with a confident smile. "... I got you some hot Intel. I grilled the cat while you were wooing said strumpet."

"Strumpet?"

"Sorry, I heard it in a movie once and thought it fit. Anyway… Grim tells me that Yuu loves to read."

"Yeah, she does. She's a lot like Beau in that aspect." He responded numbly, speaking of Beau Libera, their bookworm classmate. "What about it?"

"Well… RSA has the largest library in Twisted Wonderland." Aryn leaned into Aiden, watching the little lightbulb begin to flicker on in his brain. "If you can work your charm and get Ambrose to grant her a visitors pass, then you can casually invite her over and commence with the wooing."

"Hey yeah, I did invite her the other night and she seemed interested." Aiden rubbed his chin. "I can send a message to her old school style with the visitor's pass."

"Best of all, since outsiders aren't allowed in without permission…" Aiden grinned. "...Malleus and the others can't interfere this time."

"Aryn you're a genius!" Aiden shook him then pulled him into a big bro hug. "That's perfect. Now all I gotta do is get Invi on board."

"Why not invite her over too? She was coming to watch the tournament anyway, so why not grant her guest visitation for the duration. Who knows, maybe she'll take a liking to Yuu and actually decide to help."

"Better yet, maybe she'll actually fall for someone else and save me the trouble of convincing her to back off." Aiden lounged back confidently in his seat. "Either way, at least it's a plan."

"I think you're forgetting two things." Jean brushed himself off from having been flicked. "The first being you've your own Fairy bodyguards to work around."

"Leave those three to me and Matt." Aryn decided. "We'll round up a few friends and buy you some time."

"Okay, and the second being that she may actually choose Malleus over you."

"Hah! That dragon has never beaten me at anything, let alone in matters of the heart." Aiden pulled out his wand and pointed it out the window in the direction of the NRC. "He is the villain to my hero, the very incarnation of evil… and good always triumphs over evil."