Poor Misguided Soul

Chapter 7: My life, my rules

Thanks to Jade and Floyd's memories floating around her subconscious, Vanessa quickly caught onto rudimentary magic. The little show she'd put on for Professor Trein had been child's play compared to the magic she knew she was capable of, but didn't have access to yet. Since she knew that Trein and the other teachers would disapprove of her practicing magic outside her general skill set, she took it upon herself to scour the library and learn.

Elemental spells were second nature to a magic caster. It didn't take much to train those up, so long as you had the patience and practice for it. Perhaps it was a bit foolish and childish of her, but Vaness wanted to learn about more self-serving types of magic. She wanted to learn things like transfiguration, transportation, illusion, and best of all glamor. She had all this hair and the most she could manage with it at the moment was a simple ponytail or braid. It would be great if she could just wave her wond and have an intricate updo, or stylish cradle of braids.

She rose up on her toes to tip a book on magical self care, and accidentally knocked over a book on the shelf below it. With a sigh she tucked the self care book under her arm and crouched to pick the other up. Her eyebrows rose when she read the title.

"Unique Magic histories… hmmmm?" Curious, she walked over to an empty table and cracked open the cover. She scanned the table of contents to get a brief overview on what it was about, then turned the next few pages to begin reading the introduction.

Unique Magic is one of Twisted Wonderland's puzzling phenomena. Those who are gifted with magic abilities each have the potential to possess such a spell, but it rarely comes in the same shape or form. This is because each person is their own individual. Unique magic is formed by a person's personality, physical and academic prowess, and their wants and needs.

She recalled the select few times she'd unleashed her own unique spell by accident. It seemed to be some kind of give and take where she would absorb energy, magical or otherwise, from someone and use it as a restorative. With all the unique types of magic out there, with a seemingly infinite number of possibilities, what was it about her persona that made the cosmos curse her with a spell that intentionally harmed others for her own personal gain?

Hoping to find some answers, Vanessa read on:

Once the raw spell is uncovered, it can be altered to the person's specifications, providing they have the patience to perfect it. Most magic users are content with a spell's raw form, but there are some exceptional magic users who spend the time conducting the right outlet for its use.

For example: Someone with the ability to conjure small items at will, can develop the spell to conjure larger objects and even people if given the proper time and practice. However these alterations must be levered out. All magic comes at a price, hence the creation of blot. Without the proper tools and power exchange it would result in heavy amounts of blot, and risk overblot. So if the person conjuring wanted to summon larger items or people, they would need a proper outlet and some form of compensation. A good method would be using magical items that they can fuel their magic into as a kind of conduit, and then use specific conditions to counterbalance the large amount of magic that would need to be used.

"Hmmm just like Azul and his contracts…" She deduced and tapped a finger to her lip. "So I need an outlet that allows me to take energy from someone, and add specific conditions so I'm not just draining it recklessly like what happened with Trey and Cater." she thought about it, fiddling with the spine of the book as she wrapped her head around the possibilities. "Instead of just focusing the spell on one person, I could devise a way to use it on a large group of people so that each individual offers a small amount, but I still receive a large quantity of energy. The only question is what could I possibly give to a large group of people in exchange for power without raising any eyebrows?"

Eh, it wasn't all that important. So long as she was careful not to get too emotional she could avoid using her unique spell altogether. She got up to put the book away, and very nearly ran into Malleus as he approached her from behind.

"Oh! Malleus, what a surprise." She laughed a bit breathlessly at the close encounter. "You sure know how to sneak up on a girl."

"My apologies." His eyes scanned around. "Where's your guard dog today?"

"He's got the first shift at Mostro lounge. I relieve him in a few hours so I'm using the quiet time wisely." She explained and stepped around him to slide the book back into its place, then trailed her fingers over the other subject materials to keep herself busy. "What brings you here?"

"My own guards were stifling me. I wanted some peace and quiet, and this seemed to be the most logical place to achieve that." He explained, watching her pull books off the shelf, skim them, then put them back. "What are you looking for?"

"Nothing in particular. I want to practice some not so rudimentary magic, and knew I'd get raised eyebrows from Trein, so I came here to learn. I enjoy reading."

"You always have." He murmured, watching her still, and picturing Yuu doing very much the same thing. He recalled the way her glasses would slip down her nose when she hunched over a book for too long, or the way she'd tuck her hair behind her ear to keep it out of her face. The way her lips would move a little as she read the words silently to herself. "Vanessa…"

"Hmmm? Yes?" Holding an open book, she glanced up from reading to look at him.

"What is it about me that you like?"

"I beg your pardon?" She raised a brow.

"You said you go after the things that you want, and that is why you've been pursuing me. I just want to know what it is about me that you like." He crossed his arms. "Is it that strange of a question?"

"Mmmm no, not really. Just surprising is all." She closed the book in her hands and held it to her chest. "If I'm being totally honest, I'm not entirely sure what it is. When I woke up in the infirmary you were the first person I saw, and you were smiling down at me. Even though I had no memory of you, didn't know your name, I felt as if I knew you, and wanted to be closer to you." She shrugged. "I suppose Yuu did have some influence in that."

"She always will." He added, and noted the pout that statement put on her lips. "I understand that you want to be treated as your own person… but Yuu is a part of you whether you like it or not." He stepped up to her. "Your memories are the key… if you let me restore them then we could-" he reached a hand out and Vanessa slapped it down and away.

"No!" Vanessa's eyes went hard. "I told you, you're not to do anything of the sort. If my memories want to come back, then they'll come back on their own. I don't want any outside influence." She shoved the book back on the shelf. "I realize you miss your plaything, Malleus, but I'm not about to-"

"Plaything?" Malleus' eyes slitted with temper. "Yuu is not my plaything."

"No… just her heart." She turned up her nose and pushed past him to gather the books she'd collected on her table. She jerked when he lay a hand on her shoulder and she turned hurt and angry eyes onto him. "Stop touching me! I'm really angry at you right now!"

"I'm trying to meet you halfway here, Vanessa. I know you've grown fond of your magic abilities and new persona, but this ISN'T who you are. Azul made you like this for his own gain and is using you!"

Vanessa froze, her eyes widening and the books dropping at her feet. She turned her head up at Malleus.

"What did you say?"

"You know about his unique magic. Before you became Vanessa he had you sign a contract. I don't know what the terms and conditions for it are, but he's the one treating you like a plaything, not me." Malleus tried explaining.

How in the hell had he found out? Panic caused her mind to spin and tumble and she turned away from Malleus to hide the expression on her face.

"So what's your point?"

"What do you mean what's my point? I've already made it. This isn't who you are, and in truth it's not who you want to be."

"Oh hell no!" She whirled on him pointing an accusing finger. "You don't get to dictate that! How dare you, you arrogant, selfish-"

"SHH!" The librarian ghost approached them with a scowl. "Take your tiff elsewhere. This is supposed to be a quiet place of reading and learning."

"Our apologies." Malleus bowed his head to the ghost, and he took Vanessa by the arm, the two vanishing outside the library.

"Let go of me!" She ripped away from him, long hair flying out of her face as she whipped her head up to glare at him. "Ugh! You know what, court yourself Malleus, because I'm done!"

She turned and stopped dead in her tracks when she found herself cornered and circled by Ace Deuce, and the others. She scoffed and crossed her arms.

"What's all this then? Hmmm?"

"We just want the truth about what's going on." Ace explained, trying to stay calm. "We know you made a contract with Azul… we just want to know why and what the conditions of it are."

"I don't know what you're all talking about." She turned up her nose.

"Don't play dumb. I overheard you and Azul talking in the hall earlier this afternoon. The object you lost, it was your contract wasn't it?" Jamil interrogated. "You gave it to Floyd so he could hide it and no one would ever find out about it."

Damn that Azul, Vanessa thought, her grip tightening on her arm. That fool made a scene in the hallway and caused them to be seen. Deciding silence was best, Vanessa said nothing and just continued to glare at the ground.

"Please…" Grim stepped up to her, but Vanessa turned her harsh eyes to him and made him tense up. "Please bring Yuu back. I miss her. I miss my friend."

Something twinged inside, and caused the back of her eyes to sting. Vanessa's arms fell at her side.

"Is that how you all feel?" She whispered and glanced up and around at the other faces. "All of you want Yuu back?"

Everyone nodded.

"I see…" Genuine tears filled her eyes and slipped down her cheeks. She batted them away. "Fine, you want to hash this out… we will. I'm gonna need a few minutes to compose myself and let Azul and the others know what's going on. Meet me at the Mostro Lounge in an hour so we can close up shop. I'll explain everything then."

"Fair enough." Deuce nodded and stepped aside to let Vanessa pass. The group gathered close to deliberate.

"Alright, phase one is complete. We got her to admit there's a contract." Ace cracked his knuckles. "Now we just need to corner Azul."

"Something doesn't add up, though." Silver held his chin. "Why did Vanessa hide the contract from Azul, and why wouldn't she let Malleus reverse the effects with his magic?"

"I'm sure it has something to do with the conditions of the contract." Malleus decided. "I spoke to Lilia about it before we departed Diasomnia. If Yuu's memories were used as collateral, then it's possible they're attached to the contract itself. It could be she was trying to protect them from being tampered with."

"I still say we're wasting our time." Idia sighed and shook his head. "Personally I think Vanessa is happy the way she is and doesn't want anyone messing up the deal she made."

"Oh come on, Shroud-Senpai." Ace laughed. "This is Azul we're talking about. His contacts are a sham, you're always on the losing end of the deal. Why would she be happy about that?"

"You're only on the losing end if you're dumber than Azul." Idia pointed out with a smirk. "Which may be true for someone like you… but Yuu is different. She managed to outsmart him once… and I've no doubt she can do it again."

"Well either way, Vanessa said she would explain everything later, so we really don't need to speculate about it." Kalim shrugged it off. "With all of us standing together, everything should be righted by the end of the day. No need to worry."

~Octavinelle: Mostro Lounge~

The place was eerily quiet without the usual bustle of customers. A large sign at the front read "Closed for a Private Party" which Malleus and the others could only deduce was meant for them. Azul, Jade stood in the center of the room waiting. Despite the seriousness of the matter, Azul put a smile on his face to greet them.

"Welcome, my esteemed friends. Vanessa informed me of this little meeting. I can't say I'm surprised by it." He sighed.

"Where is She?" Malleus scowled.

"I'll take you to her, right this way please." Azul motioned them towards his office. His smile faded once his back was turned to the group. He sure hoped Vanessa knew what she was doing. Their plans were about to blow up in their faces, and she seemed calm as a cucumber explaining the entire situation to him.

It was her cool and confident attitude that frightened him the most. He didn't know what she was planning, but knew it meant trouble for someone among them.

As they entered the room, all of them were surprised to see Yuu at the desk looking very much in charge. She wore the Octavinelle uniform, stylized just for her to make it sleek and formfitting. Instead of a fedora she'd pulled her hair back in a tight bun and accessorized with her choker and matching earrings.

"Welcome… there's plenty of room so everyone please have a seat. We'll get down to business." She looked to Jade and Azul as they took their places behind her. Azul felt a bit out of sorts at not being at the center, but tried to remain composed and cool headed.

"Well this is different…" Deuce muttered to Ace. "What's going on?"

"You lot came here for full disclosure, and after discussing it with my colleagues we thought it was time you all knew the truth." Folding her hands, Vanessa leaned forward and smiled confidently. "Yes, Yuu and Azul formed a contract which led to the person you now see before you. Yuu wanted to become someone of the Fae, and Azul offered to do so as a gesture of kindness."

"Bullshit." Ace exclaimed and found his mouth literally zipped up. Ace turned his attention to Malleus who had unleashed the mute spell. "MMMPH!?"

"Forgive his interruption. Please continue." Malleus nodded his head, wanting to hear it all.

"Since Yuu had no tangible valuables to offer up as compensation, she offered up the only thing she had left of value. She gave up her memories." Vanessa explained. "The deal was that Yuu would have her memories returned to her if Malleus and I get married by the end of the year, and in exchange Azul would be given a reward of his choosing."

"What kind of reward?"

"Myself, Jade, and Floyd would be given a place in court. Titles, responsibilities, that sort of thing." Azul shrugged. "Though it seems as though that's not going to happen."

"Darn straight it's not, you slimeball!" Sebek sneered but Malleus held up a hand silencing him.

"So if Vaness and I get married, and I give you lot a place in my court… She'll still keep her current appearance and power and all of Yuu's memories will be returned?" Malleus questioned.

"Precisely." Vanessa lounged back in her chair and admired her nails. "Any other questions?"

"What happens to you if we don't marry?"

"I still keep my current appearance, but I will remain in servitude to the contract holder." She shrugged her shoulders. "So pretty much nothing changes, except Yuu's memories vanish forever."

"WHAT!?" Grim, Ace, and Deuce all stand up in shock.

"So then… you'll never get your memories back?" Epel clutched his chest feeling it tighten.

"Fraid so, Epel." Vanessa sighed. "That's the price that comes from such magic. Yuu knew what she was getting into and giving up… I can only surmise she thought it would be worth it in the end."

"So then… when would you like the wedding to take place?" Malleus crossed his arms.

"EHH!?" The rest of the room erupted with shock, except for Vanessa.

"Hmmm?" Vanessa raised her brow. "I beg your pardon?"

"The contract is missing, no one knows where it is except for Floyd Leech, is that right?" Malleus tossed his eyes up to the twin who only grinned wide.

"Not telling…" He chuckled.

"Then the only option we have is to fulfill its requirements." He stood up and approached the desk. He offered his hand to Vanessa who eyed it curiously. "Marry me, for I will not let your memories of us just fade away."

"Malleus-san…" Azul held his chest. "You're offering your hand despite knowing everything that's transpired. What a lovely gesture, wouldn't you agree Vanessa?"

"Indeed… very lovely." She scowled at the hand and turned the chair around so its back was facing him. "Too bad, I decline."

"Eh?" Malleus' expression turned genuinely shocked and everyone else was completely baffled by what was happening.

"Wiat a minute, isn't this exactly what you wanted?!" Epel jumped to his feet. "Malleus-san is proposing to you. Why won't you accept it?"

"Because he isn't proposing to me, he's proposing to Yuu." She whirled the chair back around and shoved Azul back when he tried to come close and stop her. "This may be what Yuu wanted, but it's not what I want. I'm not just gonna marry you just so you can get her back. That's not how this works." She stabbed a finger on the table. "I want a heartfelt proposal from a man who loves me, not some half assed agreement!"

"You tell him Nessy!" Floyd applauded, and laughed as Azul tried to silence him.

"You idiot! Keep your mouth shut!"

"This is ridiculous! You and Yuu are the same person!" Jamil argued now.

"No, we're not, and the fact that we're even having this argument in the first place proves that." She shouted back at him.

"I don't get what the big deal is. Just agree to marry him so we can be done with it!" Ace threw his hands up in the air, at his wits end. "Who cares about the details?"

"Yeah! I want my kind and sweet Yuu back!" Grim shouted in protest. "Not some fake who pretends to be my friend."

"It's really cute that all of you think you have a say in this, when you really don't." Vanessa waved her hand out and around to signify the entire group. "Last I checked this is my life and my choice."

"It's Yuu's choice, not yours." Ace shot back.

"Yuu's choice was to lose her memories and become a Fae. She CHOSE to be this way of her own free will, and now you want to take away her choice just because you're unhappy with the results?" She kicked her heels up on the desk. "Yeah, no, not gonna happen."

"Do you plan to fight us?" Malleus questioned, holding his hand up in an obvious threat. "Do you honestly think you stand a chance if I decide to forcibly change you back?"

"Go ahead and try. I'll fight you every step of the way." She sat upright then stood to meet the challenge head on. "You can threaten me all you want, Malleus, but I have just as much right to exist as Yuu does. You're the one who chose to cut Yuu loose because she didn't meet your criteria for a queen, and now all of a sudden you have a change of heart? Just how selfish can one man be?"

"This isn't just about my relationship with Yuu…" Malleus tried to shift the conversation, but Vanessa wasn't having it.

"Isn't it? The whole reason I even exist is because Yuu gave up everything just to be with you." She reached across the desk, grabbing him by his tie and tugging him towards her. Surprisingly, he let her. "A pity for you that I'm not as weak willed as she was. I may be attracted to you, and maybe a bit fond of you, but I'm not about to just give up my happiness just so you can relieve your guilty conscience." She shoved him away from her. "If you decide you wanna take me seriously, then by all means call upon me… but you've no right to tell me what to do with my life. You gave up that right the moment you removed Yuu from yours."

The fight in Malleus' eyes died. He lowered his hands and backed away from the desk.

"Lord Malleus is backing down?" Sebek gawked at this. "I can't believe what I'm seeing. You're not actually letting this fake tell you what to do are you, My Lord?"

"We're done here." Malleus murmured and turned to walk out.

"Wait! Lord Malleus!" Sebek stammered, hesitating before following. He paused and whirled on Vanessa. "This isn't over, you harlot!"

"I've no doubt of that, Sebek. Tell your Master to come back and see me anytime. I'm more than happy to continue our little game of cat and mouse when he actually feels like playing." She wiggled her fingers in a parting gesture then leaned back in the desk chair. She eyed the others in the room and raised a brow. "Anyone else like to add on to this argument?"

"I told you guys you were wasting your time." Idia saluted Vanessa and quickly made his escape. "Let's go, Ortho."

"Yes, Brother!"

"You've got no argument from me… it's not my place." Jack exited quickly, and with only the slightest hesitation Epel followed him.

"Same with us, Jamil. If this was Yuu's choice, then we no longer have a right to interfere." He sent a sad smile in Vanessa's direction. "Sorry for the trouble."

"You only did what you thought best, Kalim. I don't blame you for that." Vanessa waved him off.

"Sorry guys, we tried." Jamil patted both Deuce and Ace on the shoulder as he and Kalim followed the others out.

"Yuu chose to lose her memories of us… guess we shouldn't be that concerned about losing her." Ace scowled and turned his back to her. "Let's get out of here, Deuce. Grim, you coming?"

"Well I…" Grim looked between the two and at Vanessa.

"Go Grim… you don't need to feel obligated to stay with me." Vanessa sent him a small smile. "Go where you feel most comfortable."

"So Yuu's really gone, huh?" Grim's eyes went teary. "I didn't even get to say goodbye to her."

"I'm sorry, Grim…" She picked up a book from the desk. It was Yuu's photo album. "If it's any consolation, I think she was foolish for choosing a man over your friendship." She handed the book to him. "Which is why I'm not gonna waste this opportunity she gave me. It would be an insult to the memories you all shared with her."

She lifted her eyes to Ace and Deuce who looked at her with conflicted gazes.

"There's an old saying that love makes you do crazy things… but if I'm being honest, I don't think it was love that made her do it." She leaned back on the desk, bracing herself on her hands. "From what I've learned about her, I think what Yuu really wanted was to feel like she belonged here. She was a girl without magic in a world that thrives on it. She lost the love of her life because she didn't meet the standards of his kingdom. She had no family, or real connections to anyone in this world except for the friends she made here. Once everyone graduated, where was she to go or do?"

"Well… when you put it like that." Ace rubbed the back of his head. "Guess I can't be too mad at her for choosing to start over."

"Same…" Deuce sighed. "It just sucks that she didn't at least talk to us beforehand. Maybe we could have found a different way."

"Maybe… but it's done now. You can't change what's happened, and you can't force me to change back." She pushed off the desk and lay her hands on their shoulders. "Is it too much to ask for you to be Vanessa's friend?"

Ace and Deuce both turned fully to her and then looked at each other. Silent words seemed to pass between them before they answered together.

"We'll think about it."

"That's all I can ask." She smiled and crouched down rubbing Grim between the ears. "Mind looking after him for me? I'm sure he'll be happier with you in Heartslabyul than be bullied by Floyd here."

"Yeah, we can do that much at least." Deuce agreed without hesitation. "Come on, Grim. Let's go to Ramshackle and play some games to cheer up."

"Okay…" Grim replied soberly. He paused and glanced back at her. "Vanessa?"

"Yeah Grim?"

"Do you think… can you help me get better in class so I don't feel so stupid around you?"

Vanessa genuinely laughed and gave him a wink.

"Sure thing, Grim. Anything for a fellow classmate."

His smile perked up and he followed Ace and Deuce out the door. Once alone, Vanessa's smile dropped and she returned to her place behind the desk.

"I can't believe that worked."

"Don't let out a sigh of relief just yet, Azul. There's still the issue with our deal at hand." She tossed a paperweight from hand to hand as she thought. "Now that Malleus knows about the contract, and our relationship is on the rocky side, it's thrown a wrench in our plans."

"Don't remind me." Azul sighed and slumped into a nearby seat. Jade and Floyd remained on their feet. "Any brilliant suggestions, my dear?"

"Actually… if you're open to negotiations I would like your help with something." She set the paperweight down. "It will require some remodeling of the lounge… but I think the turn around will be substantial. If you catch my drift."

"I'm listening." Azul leaned forward. Curious as to what she had in mind.

"How do you feel about live stage performances?"

~Octavinelle: Mostro Lounge~

~Two weeks later ~

The money that was put into the renovation had caused Azul a small stroke, but through some very discreet deals, and outside vending, Vanessa managed to keep them in the black for the duration. The sleek black stage stood at the far back of the lounge, next to the window glass with the underwater ocean view highlighting its aesthetic.

With her unique charm, and some wheedling with Leona, Vanessa got some buff Savanaclaw students to do the bulk of the work, and paid Idia out of pocket with some rare and valuable geek merch to handle all the technical changes.

She was particularly pleased about the special mic she'd commissioned him to make. Now the two weeks of tweaking and perfecting her spell would be put to the test tonight.

"Thank you so much for coming to Mostro Lounge's grand re-opening!" Vanessa smiled at the full crowd, looking glamorous and alluring in a skin tight dress that showed off every curve, and stiletto heels which accented her long legs. "I'd like to start off this little show by singing you a song I wrote. It's my first time so please be gentle with me…" she crooned the request through the mic, earning hoots and cat calls.

She closed the mic in hand, magic resonating from her fingertips but it channeled undetectable through the mic and into the speakers. The room went dark, and a spotlight focused directly on her. Her lips parted in a sly smile and she closed her eyes letting the spell from within escape her lips.

"Hear my voice, and surrender yourself to me, Siren's Kiss."

As she sang, the entire room became entranced. The song itself was soft, and melodic. She sang about heartbreak, loss, and seeking comfort. The emotions resonated within her voice pulling at the heartstrings of her audience. Those that listened, sympathized with her and opened themselves fully to her. Azul washed with great fascination, the magical barrier he'd cast upon himself protecting his own senses. A mist seemed to cloud the room, causing a chill, but no one seemed to notice. All eyes were on her, but no one sensed that anything was wrong. Even those unaffected by her magic just watched with admiration and awe thinking it was all part of the show.

When the song ended, Vanessa took a deep inhale, absorbing the energy she'd pulled from the crowd, and slowly exhaling the final note in a gentle croon. The audience roared with applause and whistles. Delighted by this Vanessa gave a little curtsey, and replaced the mic on the stand. Floyd met her at stage left, taking her hand to help her down the stairs.

"Nessy strikes again." He chuckled and leaned down to nuzzle her ear. "How do you feel?"

"Invigorated…" She looked down at her palms, feeling the magic power in her surge. "I feel like I could take on the world."

"So why don't we?" He plucked a stray bang and twirled it around his finger. "With you taking the lead, it's bound to be a fun time."

"You flatter me, Floyd." She lifted a finger to tap his lips. "One step at a time."

"That was quite the performance, Vanessa-san." Jade greeted her with a bow. "Your unique magic test was a complete success."

"Indeed… has Azul decided to jump on board with my plan then?"

"He's already making the arrangements." Jade informed me. "There's lots of time before the event in question, so you've plenty of time to prepare and perfect your song for it."

"Excellent… if I'm right and the words of my song dictates the effects of my spell, then the possibilities for it are endless." She tapped Floyd under the chin with a sly smile. "Now that I'm no longer bound to Malleus I have to find some way to repay Azul for giving me a new start. If it's power and wealth that he wants, then that's what he'll receive."