Author's (quick) note:
AHH HI…
Thanks for continuing to read on after that first chapter! This chapter is going to start divulging from the main storyline of the game, but don't worry about it too much as certain details remain the same.
For better readability, I have decided to use another format to define the Singlish terms/words that Yulia uses: Singlish-word (meaning*), instead of compiling every Singlish word used into a list at the end of the chapter.
Let's find out what Yulia faces in the ceremony and how the events proceed on from there, shall we?
[Disclaimer: Disney Twisted Wonderland does not belong to me. All rights belong to Aniplex and Walt Disney Japan. I only own my original character(s): Yulia, Yulian, and their parents throughout this story]
Chapter 2: Everything's Jialat (Tiresome*) (7400+ words)
Previously…
"Ah… here we are, back at the Mirror Chamber. It's finally time to have your dormitory sorting revealed." He then gave Yulia a reassuring smile, before furrowing his eyebrows. "I'm looking forward to which dorm you'll be assigned. After all, it's not typical that we're given a student who can come out of a Gate on their own! I'm sure you're bursting with much more curiosity for it, no?"
No… just no… I rather go back to my mundane life and study for my O's!
Without waiting for Yulia to reply, the untouched door swung open with great force as Headmaster Crowley bellowed, "GENTLEMEEEEEN!"
Now…
Hundreds of heads turn to look at them…or rather, her. Yulia quickly whipped up her hood, feeling slightly embarrassed of her own hair. After all, she was still getting used to it, as she never had a nape undercut before until merely a few hours earlier. One could possibly comment that it was a rash, yet reasonable decision carried out… for it was done in the memory of someone. Yet, Yulia could not override the rising anxiety with such meek embarrassment. She silently blamed it on the countless 'whispers' occurring in the thick groups of similarly-robed students, if those 'soft' chit-chats were counted as such. Regardless, a few students addressed the pair of them directly, while ignoring the unfortunate furry still trapped in the black cord under the headmaster's right arm.
"Oh, you're finally back, Headmage! Since the dorm sorting's over, we were trying to discuss what to do next. You were gone for so long that one would think you'd a sudden stomachache or somethin'!" A cheeky, yet enthusiastic voice called out to them first, before anyone could. Perking up her head, Yulia traced the voice to see a white-haired boy with ruby eyes, wearing a purple decorative ceremonial band wrapped around his head, laughing rather too joyfully. Though he seems friendly, he did just lowered the credibility of the Headmas, no… what did he say, Headmage? That does sound oddly more natural…
"That's the herbivore who escaped on his own? Hah, 'find it hard to believe." This time, a tall man acknowledged her with a snort. 'Herbivore'...? His drawn-back ears stood atop of his gleaming, brown hair caught Yulia's attention, causing her to stare at them. Ears of a beast? No, a lion's? Urm… the glint in his eyes does seem to reassemble a predator, a huge one at that! His glare at her sent a chill down her spine, yet Yulia did not look away, rather it was more precise to say she was unfazed by it, until…
"Such nonsense, it is. How's that even possible? Did he use force or, magic?" Next, a golden-haired boy (No, a shuai ge (handsome guy*), Yulia briefly thought), challenged her. Yulia shifted her focus on him, thinking, A mix of both technically… if you do consider Grim's attempt!
Before she could take another look, Yulia felt unnerved by someone's gaze. She quickly whipped her head around to see a silver-haired student wearing glasses who in return, silently gave her a kind smile, yet there was something cold about his eyes as he lowered his head, seemingly deep in thought. It's as if… he's calculating… something, but what?
"I most CERTAINLY did not have 'a sudden stomachache'?! And, OF COURSE, I was away for a good reason, CERTAINLY not because I was forsaking my duties!", the headmage cried. It was clear that he was upset by the lack of trust from these students. He quickly nudged Yulia in her right side with his cane to step forward.
"We were missing this student, so I, as a very gracious and kind person, went off in a hurry to find this lost soul!
A red-headed boy suddenly uprightly declared , "Well then! It's already 3 minutes past the ceremony's end-time. Following the rules, we must settle his dorm assignment as soon as possible." Silence deafened the whole room as the whispers among the students died away. Though he had a short stature among the majority, the stern and unwavering tone had displayed the authority that he held over the majority. Well, it's interesting to see a 'heart' in his hair, though I rather not mess with him… if we do ever talk to each other.
"Of course! Now, now," Headmage Crowley glanced down at Yulia, "You're the last one to be assigned a dorm. Step up to the Dark Mirror, and do hurry. I'll take care of your untamed weasel pet!" At the same time, a 'Grrrrr' sound came from Grim. Grim isn't my–, nevermind…
"Boleh (can*), bo– wait, I meant can, can! Sorry!" Yulia felt a blush of red on her cheeks after the slip-up of Singlish, before striding quickly over to the mirror. Yish…I'd rather go back than to do this, so bo liao (boring or nothing better to do*)!
She had reached the end of the hallway where a mirror was hung. The golden frame around it, the crown with snake-like carvings at its bottom at its top, the mirror was floating. The short, hooded girl peered nonchalantly into the mirror, not expecting much, though she could not ignore the feeling that she had seen this particular mirror before. But… When was it? Wait, this reflection–
Yet, the mirror reflected back an image of… someone she was not expecting to see. Yulia blinked at the older looking, short-haired lady with a nape undercut done more neatly than hers, before realising that she was imagining it. Shaking her head slightly as she peered again, she saw her own reflection in the mirror, amidst her raven hair, the few strands of hazel-brown hair were covering the right of her forehead. Then…
There was a glow from the Dark Mirror, and a green blaze afire in it, burning intensely just as a white face suddenly appeared. Smoke as green as the fire danced around it. A face? No… it looks more like a floating mask? And its mouth is moving! With her right eyebrow raised, Yulia thought, as she gazed at it in wonder. By then, she had already got used to the sheer queer of her experience so far.
—State your name.
Do I just give my first name only, Chinese name or in full? "Uh…I'm Yulia."
"Dear me! The Dark Mirror is asking for your name in full!" Crowley loudly whispered behind her.
"Yulia Cyn– Law… Yìng Yuè." Better not reveal my middle name, else it will confuse everyone here further…
As what she had thought, the whispers enveloped around her once more. They were mainly wondering out loud at how it sounded English, mixed with something foreign and fitting for a delicate-looking boy, however feminine it was. Honestly, do I really look like a guy? Could it be because of this oversized robe that I'm wearing? Some were trying their best to repeat it, especially her Chinese name rather loudly… and wrongly as well, together with the Dark Mirror.
—Yulia Law Ying Yue. Aiyo… did they all just blatantly ignored the tones of my Chinese name?
—The nature of your soul is…
…
…
…
"...Is, what?" "Shush!"
—...unclear to me. Oh yay, wait– what did it just say?
"O Dark Mirror, that's wonder, wait–… WHAT did you just SAY? That's IMPOSSIBLE! How could it happened AGAIN?!" The headmage abruptly bellowed and rushed up to the mirror, making Yulia jumped slightly a little. 'Again'?
—Frozen grey ashes ever still burning away and frozen silver leaves ever floating in a whirlwind… are stuck in a void surrounded by a fading trace of aqua-coloured light…
Woah, that reasoning is a bit too poetic lah!
A moment of silence passed by, before the Dark Mirror hollered grandly.
—Therefore, no dorm would be fitting for such a mixed soul!"
That's basically saying my soul's too messed up for you to decipher, right? No need to be so cheem (making something confusing*) about it…Yulia thought as she slowly glanced at the floor, not wanting to see the expressions of those around her when 'whispers' echoed throughout the hallway again.
"So… he's magic-less?" A voice from a floating tablet came nearer, flickering as it went around her. "That's pretty much like getting a R-grade card with useless stats! GG man…" It continued on, yet Yulia was certain that whoever behind the tablet probably forgot to mute himself as the words became too muffled for anyone nearby to hear. The silver-headed man turned to converse with the golden-haired beauty standing beside him, "Well, since he does not have magic, it seems more likely he managed to get out of the Gate with his luck. What a pity, isn't it?"
Yulia did not bother to hear more as she pondered to herself, Just how did they get that inference? Anyways, I can assume that there's no such thing as a student being magic-less enrolling here– wait, alamak (oh my gosh or oh man*), let's say if I do have it, I'm still gonna be kic–
"Are you implying that the black carriage went to receive someone who is unable to use magic? That's absurd! Even the student who fainted after stepping out of the Gate– Wait, do you really… not have magic?", the headmage whisked around, and stepped towards Yulia with his steps slowing down as he stood before her. Taking a quick breath in, she glanced up, looking directly at Crowley as she started, "I can–Wait...where's that grumpy cat?"
Blue flames appeared out of nowhere, startling everyone present in the large hall. "AHHHHH! HELP! I'm on fire over here!"
"For the last I'm saying this, human! I'm not a cat! And, I'm taking your place! Gimme that!" Everyone glanced at the source, seeing the freed Grim-sama with a frown on his face as he charged towards Yulia. Grim's about to make the same mistake again, huh? With her eyes slightly narrowing and eye brows furrowing, Yulia opened her grey pouch, searching… Now that I think about it, I didn't have the chance to say farewells to my mother in my way… because (A): I ended up in this school in a world where magic exists, and (B): this cat just keeps bothering me at every chance he gets!
"Not so fast, you hyperactive weasel!" With great force, the headmage swung his Lash of Love at Grim, who ducked in time and continued running on his hind legs. "Stay RIGHT there! Someone catch that wrenched animal before it sets the entire school in flames!"
In reply, a yawn came from the boy with lion ears, "Ugh. Can I go now, or...?" After which, banters were sprouted here and there, yet Yulia was steadily focusing on the grey cat 'menacingly' approaching her.
"Gimme that uni–" Give you this? Sure, I was planning to… just after you receive a few light hits first.
"You've forgotten that you called me a scary and crazy human for a reason right, Grim?"
"...! Wait, human, NOOOOO!" Grim shrieked as a familiar copper-blue bat came into his view.
—BONK! —PIAK! ("Azul, rather than luck, perhaps it's more towards force that he used to open the Gate.")
"EEEEeeeeeeeek! Not again! Stay away, human!" "I really had a bad day, so NO!"
The odd duo started running around the hall making the students in their path frantically getting away from them. Thoughts flew around in Yulia's mind repeatedly while she skillfully dodge the flameballs Grim threw at her. She was holding herself back from thinking about her family all this while, yet Grim's unexpected outburst had finally struck a nerve.
"I just wanted a walk to get a moment to gather the memories I had with her for the last time!"
—BONK! "Human! Stop. stop!" —PIAK!
"To remember how she stayed strong when brother went missing! When Dad closed his eyes!"
—BONK! —PIAK! —Thud
"Grrrrr, you're really asking for it, human… I'll show you my strongest spell!"
"Everyone, get down!", shouted the same red-haired boy with grey eyes widened in alarm.
"Myaaahhh!" The same aquamarine-coloured flames shot out of Grim's mouth, consuming away areas of the carpet on the ground as they headed straight for Yulia. Her raven-coloured eyes widened as she heard loud gasps near her back.
There're students behind me! If I dodge this, they may get hurt! Is 'that' the only other way?!
Seeing no other choice, Yulia stayed put, braced herself as a very thin, faint silvery glow around her hands surrounded the bat. Given the distance between me and the rest of the students, hopefully this much is enough… to protect them and not expose myself… Once the flames were a foot's distance away from her, the bat came into contact with them, amplifying the size of the flames, before they were hit back to Grim, the impact making her hood fall off her head. Just in larger size than his own earlier. It was the same trick that Yulia used when she was chasing Grim around the campus. Yet, in her fury, she had hit the flames back too hard that they had reached Grim much faster before he could duck in time.
"MEEEEEEEEEEEOOOW!"
Upon hearing a hair-raising howl from the cat, Yulia softly gasped, 'Grim!', fearing that she had endangered his life. Sure, that troublemaker could have hurt her seriously earlier, but Yulia only intended to force him to stop challenging her unreasonably. When the smoke cleared, she heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing no bleeding wounds anywhere amidst Grim's fur, though he was making a fuss at the red-haired boy who was now holding him by the neck, with his other hand gripping a weird-looking black pen with a red jewel adorned at the top. Yulia was about to make her way there when… a hand grabbed her left shoulder.
"Hey, hey, you wouldn't want to get caught up in Riddle's signature magic, would you?" Turning around, she saw a boy with ginger hair tied in a small bun. "Riddle? Signature magic?" "He's the one holding that cat. Cater here, by the way. As for your second question, in a while, you'll see!" "Urm what do you me–?"
"Enough of this nonsense.", Riddle snapped sternly at Grim while he summoned small shards of ice to put out the fires. Small sparks seemed to gather around him as he raised his black pen. Overwhelmed by the sudden hostility, Grim's ears perked back, realising something was wrong.
"Off With Your Head!"
After a silvery light beam was directed at Grim, a soft gasp of astonishment escaped Yulia's lips as a heart-shaped pillory appeared around Grim's neck, with the left side being red, the other black.
Latching Grim like a leash on a pet.
"HAH!, As if this collar could stop ME!", Grim smirked as he raised his paws in the air, and waved them hard. "Wh-what? Why's my fire not appearing?!" The smirk disappeared in a flash on the cat's face.
Riddle glared at Grim as he explained, "You won't be able to use any magic until I've removed that collar. Now, you're merely a pet cat." Turning to face Yulia, he pointed at her…
"You there! You have broken the 23rd Rule of The Queen of Heart's Rules: "One must never bring a cat to a formal affair. Your familiar's very presence here is a violation of order. It needs to vacate these premises immediately."
"M-meoWHAT?! I ain't nobody's pet or familiar! I'm NOT leaving when I came here to become the GREATEST magician! Argh, this collar is suffocating me! Grrrrr, human, take this off me!"
"Oh, you've nothing to worry about that collar. It will disappear once you're removed from campus. I'm certainly not interested in keeping you as a pet."
"Mr Law! Was it not clear when I stated that you are expected to take responsibility for your familiar? Now discipline your—" Crowley had reached them by then. Pushing off Cater's hand on her shoulder, Yulia calmly strided a step forward, declaring, "Grim ISN'T my familiar! I only met this bodoh (stupid or foolish*) cat for like the first time when he tried to blow the lid of my Gate off!"
"Hey! Human, I don't know what that means, but I'm not dumb!"
"Oh...Is that so?", the headmage cleared his throat before continuing, "Then, it shall be expelled from campus straightaway. My, my, I AM gracious indeed. It's being spared from being served as dinner! Mr Rosehearts, have someone take this away, please."
"Both of you over there! Throw this troublemaker off the campus."
"Yes, Dorm Leader!" As Grim was being taken away by the pair of students called forth by Riddle, he loudly yelled, "Nooooo! Let me gooooo! You foolish humans better remember my name! 'Cuz the great Grim-sama's gonna go down in the history of magic collections! Just you waaaaaait!"
At that moment, those aquamarine eyes were too dull as compared to earlier, was Grim feeling… regret? Could I have… switched places with him? He really did wan– No, in the first place, I doubt I'm accepted as a student here.
"Well, that was quite the unforeseen uproar. Now, I hereby declare that this orientation has come to the end. Housewardens, please escort your students back to the dorms."
"That's my cue, Cay-cay gotta go help out Trey! See you around!" "Wait! Nevermind…"
"Hm? Come to think of it, I don't see Housewarden Draconia of House Diasomnia anywhere." Crowley looked around, noticing that a whole group of students were just standing still, waiting. Woah, does this school not conduct an attendance check first before starting? Or, maybe the fault just lies with the headma–
The boy with lion ears laughed, "And that surprises you? That scaly pain in the neck's a total solitary."
"Again? Gosh, I really feel for the guy. Wait a sec... Did anyone even invite him?" Oh, he finally got the fire from his clothes out, thank goodness… Hold up, even the other dorm leaders were at fault?!
"If you're that worried about him being excluded, perhaps you should have told him yourself.", the golden-haired guy bluntly replied in return, as he shrugged his shoulders casually. "Maybe, but I don't know him too well either…He gives off an unapproachable and uncomfortable aura, you know."
Loud whispers echoed throughout the hall again. This time, the topic of concern was about…
"Draconia... Like, Malleus Draconia? THAT Draconia?"
"So it's true? He really does go to school here?"
"Yikes. I don't ever want to bump into him."
"Ah. Just as I'd expected. I figured I'd come down and see for myself whether Malleus had made an appearance. Yet once again, he was evidently not informed that his presence was required at an official ceremony." A short student with raspberry-coloured hair spoke out in a quite deep voice.
"You have my sincerest apologies. I assure you, this oversight was in no way intended as a snub." answered Azul.
Riddle added, "I mean, you must admit, he's not exactly the easiest person to strike up a conversation with."
"No matter. All who were assigned to House Diasomnia, follow me. I just hope he doesn't sulk about this."
This… isn't this just being too unfair for this Malleus guy? Why's he's being 'sabo-ed' (shortened verion of sabotaged*)? Argh… I'm feeling a bit dizzy… Must be the side effects kickin' in from that stunt I pulled earlier… since it's been a long time I've used–… Yulia stumbled for a moment, feeling weak in the knees as she tried to use her bat as a support to hold on.
"Oi, oi, herbivore. You're feelin' weak just from hiting those flimsy flames with that bat? Where did you even get it anyways?" A hand gripped her left forearm, steadying her. Yulia glanced up, recognising that it was the guy with the lion ears. She mumbled a 'Thanks', ignoring his second question as she reluctantly leaned on him for support.
Noticing a look of shock across his face as he suddenly leaned closer, whispering, "Hmm? You're interesting…This is an all-boys' school, why's a–", Yulia quickly used the copper-blue bat to poke him in the side, making him loosen his grip on her. Just then, another student with beast ears walked up to them, although Yulia couldn't see his face and ears clearly.
"Why, you! Herbi–"
"Leona! Aren't you going to lead us back to Savanaclaw Dorm?" Oh, he's a dorm leader?
"Agh… I'm comin', give me a moment, Ruggie." Leona turned to face Yulia, who was already keeping an arm's distance from him. "Herbivo– Nevermind, I doubt that bird man would still let you stay here. This place is unfit for you, a prey different from all of us."
Before Yulia could clarify what Leona meant, he had already walked off with Ruggie. By then, the headmage had reached her.
"Well, Mr Law. I'm afraid that you will not be attending this school after all. After all, you must have realised that a student with no magical ability cannot be admitted into this academy. But worry not! The Dark Mirror will send you home safely. Now, step nearer to it, and visualise the place you whence you came."
"Home…? Even if I do go back–" There's no one waiting for me there, was what Yulia held back from saying aloud, upon remembering that her mother was no longer around. However, Crowley had already faced the mirror with hands upraised. Once again, the mask reemerged on the mirror's surface.
"O Dark Mirror! Return this soul to where it belongs!"
…
"L-let us, er...try this again. O Dark Mirror! Return this soul—"
—There is no such place.
"...!" That's… actually such a relief…
"What? Excuse me?!" A stunned Crowley stared between the mirror and Yulia.
There is no place in this world where this soul belongs. None. Nowhere.
"H-how can that be? My, but today is a veritable cavalcade of impossible phenomena!" Clinging onto the mirror, the astounded headmage turned to Yulia.
"This has never happened throughout my long tenure. I must confess that I am at something of a loss, err... whatever your name was again?"
"Yulia Cynthia Law Yìng Yuè."
"Yu-lah… No, Yuu-yah? Then, Cynthia Law uh what…" Wait, even my first name can be mispronounced?
"Yìng Yuè."
"Ink U-weh?"
"Yu-lia. Cynthia. Law. Yìng. Yuè." But it was clearly too difficult to repeat for the headmage.
"What a peculiar sounding name. Given how hard it is to pronounce, would it be alright to simply call you Yuu?" Well, I guess that's the best option for now and since it's an unisex name, I can keep my gender a secret for a while more…, was what Yulia thought as she swiftly agreed, "Yes, that's fine by me."
"Well then, Yuu-kun, tell me: From what land do you hail?" I know this place isn't Japan… but uhh… guess I'm still mistaken as a guy.
"I'm from Singapore."
"Sing-gah-por?" Close enough.
"Yes, Singapore, Headmaster."
"I'm afraid I am not familiar with such a place. I am intimately acquainted with the origins of every student who has ever come here, and yet... This mysterious homeland of your eludes me. Let us go to the library and look it up, shall we?"
"Just as I'd suspected. Nothing. Not only is your homeland not listed on any map from any point in history. Now, are you QUITE sure that you come from such a place? That wasn't some sort of lie, or jape? Because if so, the only explanation is that you've come from another planet. Or perhaps you were summoned here from another world?"
"Another…world." I mean I did suspect as much, since my older brother was mysteriou–, magically disappeared from Earth for 8 years… Wait, if he is in Twisted Wonderland, I should find him! But, how? I don't even know if he's ali–
"How did you come here, Yuu-kun?"
"I was out for a walk in the late evening, then all I saw was a black carriage with a horse before everything blurred out."
"Show me everything that you brought here with you. Do you have some form of identification, a driver's license perhaps? You do seem a tad empty-handed, save for that grey pouch you're carrying. And that necklace?"
"Necklace?" Grabbing the necklace chain around her neck, Yulia pulled out an all-too-familiar coffin-shaped locket resting on her palm, eyes widening as she remembered something. OH! So that's why I felt I've seen those Gates before! That means… Father– Crowley cleared his throat, interrupting her train of thought.
"Well, this is quite the predicament. I cannot have someone with no aptitude for magic bumbling about my magic academy. And yet, as an educator, I am loath to expel a young person without a cent to their name, or any ability to contact their guardian… Truly, my grace is boundless."
"Hmmmmm... Ah! There is a vacant building on this campus. It was, in fact, used as a dorm a long time ago. With a proper cleaning, it should be habitable enough. Out of the profound kindness of my heart, I will allow you to live there for the time being."
"In the meantime, we will investigate other ways to send you home. Dear me, but I am a gracious man indeed! A model educator, one might say. Well then, I sha–" I need to tell him before he wastes time and effort on something useless for me…
"Urm, Headmage Crowley… There's no need to send me back for the time being, actually."
"Hmm? Do you not miss your family?" I do, but…
"Uhh… it's more accurate to say that I've no family or relatives there."
"Oh… OH! Goodness, gracious, forgive me for assuming carelessly! We'll discuss more about that another time then… Well, first allow me to take you to your dorm straight away. It is an older building, but it has plenty of...character, one might say. "
"Thank you, Headmage!"
I'm glad he listened carefully… for ONCE. But… what's with the slight hesitation towards the end? The place can't be that bad, right?
"This… place rather has too much character, in fact." I wanna go smack my past self for saying that…
First off, they had to exit the school building via Crowley's teleportation magic. Secondly, the night sky was clear, as the dim moonlight was reflected off his cane. W-wait, wait–, I mean I did leave my home in the late evening, but still…which sane school holds their orientation ceremony in the night?!
Thirdly, they reached a black metal gate, and in the distance was an enormous mansion… or rather, whatever was left remaining of what it used to be. A few weeds were growing on the surrounding grass patches, a part of the rusted metal gate just fell, the concrete stairs leading to the mansion had too many cracks in them. And, to whoever planned the layout of the school, why the hell would you place this place nearest to the forest?! Gosh, is this place safe to stay in, even for a night?
"Well, what're you waiting for? Let's go inside, shall we?"
A while later once they had finally got past the steps with 'little' difficulty, Yulia observed the front look of the mansion as she waited for Crowley to unlock the door, feeling slightly concerned when she heard a 'For Seven's sake, why can't this blasted old lock let this key in? I'm fairly certain that it's the correct one!' after he failed to insert the rusted key through the rusted lock for the fifth time.
"Headmage, how about resorting to using magic to get in? I think it would be best to replace the lock for security's sake…"
"Don't worry about it, Yuu. I'll get this door lock open this time!...Just need to twist this old key and…Oh."
—Thud.
"I need a replacement for that door, Headmage."
"Of-of course. Hmm… how about you go in and have a look around the dorm while I fix this up? It will take a short while, so don't wander too in, Yuu." Crowley cleared his throat awkwardly as he pointed his cane towards the hallway of the mansion.
Giving a short wave of her right hand, Yulia stepped into the mansion and went straight into the room that used to be the lounge. What remained of the curtains on the window wall was just long and torn rags covering just barely half, letting the moonlight in to serve as a temporary source of light for her as she tried searching for a proper light switch. After a few stumbles and getting some scratches from accidentally grazing her legs near broken pieces of wood, Yulia finally managed to locate and turned on the light switch, giving the lounge a warm-yellowish lighting.
"My, my, this dorm has been left too unused until it's in such a bad shape… well, this place is safe enough for you to live in for a while until I've found a solution for you to adapt to this world. I will take my leave first." Without a second thought, Crowley disappeared.
"Urm, wait, I need a first aid kit– And there he goes…" Shaking her head, Yulia decided to use the easy way out to heal the injuries she had sustained moments ago and much earlier. Searching inside her grey pouch, she felt the amethyst earrings that belonged to her mother, reminding Yulia of something she had wanted to do before this whole biazzre experience occurred. There's no better time than now to bid a proper goodbye, isn't it… Mum? Okay…
After locating a clean spot on the floor to sit on, Yulia clutched the pair of earrings tight in her left palm, while finally bringing out the 'weird-looking' pen that her father gave her 8 years ago. Closing her eyes, Yulia began to focus on tracing the memories that she shared with her mother, the joys, bits of sadness and grief followed by moments of respect…
Mum losing her memories of Korkor… When Dad needed to be hospitalised… That last embrace we shared as family, albeit an incomplete one…before he passed on… Mum and I were relying on each other from then on… until… awuh? Seriously, tear drops now?
I… I know Mum did it to save that pair of siblings but… why must she… sacrifice her own life to stop that van from hitting them?
And…and w-why… must it only be during that last call with me before she decided on it, that she suddenly remembered Yulian? Why… am I… the only one… left behind? Is that why she said… 'Yìng Yuè… I'm sorry, I-I don't think I'm able to see you again…Mum's going to do something that she won't regret, okay? And, ah girl (in this context: used by Asian moms to call their daughter*)… I remembered Yulian, please fi– CRASH'
I'm dwelling on this too much… Mum… I'm just trying to stay strong but… things keep happening one right after another… Yet, you need not worry about me lah, be-because I believe I'm finally here… where Yìng Yáng (映阳, Yulian's given Chinese name*) may have disappeared to, I WILL find Yulian… It's your last wish, and the same as Dad's after all…
Thank you for staying strong for me throughout those dark times. Thank you for leaving a part of you in my name… 'Cynthia' really suits you better than me, y'know haha…
I'm gonna miss you to the extent that I can't seem to express in words exactly, but till we meet again… Goodbye, Mum…
A bright silver light shone from the light blue gem at the top of the black pen and went inside the amethyst gems of Mother's earrings, making them glow for a short while before it faded. Wiping off her tears that had trickled down her face, Yulia stayed still… just for a short while, thinking, Those memories of Mother that I saved in the earrings are too little… but I'm gonna add more o-once… I found him. Then, noticing the cuts on her arms and legs, she sighed, trying to recall what her father taught her about healing spells. Although they're kinda unsightly, seeing that these cuts are rather minor, I think it's better to just use a speed-up one, like what Dad said, natural healing is better than using a forced, rapid healing spell…wait, why is it so chilly suddenly?
Something brushed against the top of her hair. Glancing up, Yulia took a while to register upon seeing what was above her. All she saw was a white, rather translucent, floating chubby smoke-like creature wearing a small and cute top hat. Oh, this ghost is cute…urm hold up– GHOST?!
"BOO!"
"HI, AND BOO TO YOU TOO!" Yulia gently waved at it as she got up.
"AHHHHHHH!" "EEEEEEEKKK!" "WAAAAAAHHH!"
"HEY, keep it down! I'm the one who should be screamin', not you ghosts! Wait, there's more than 1 of you?! One, two, three of you, in fact! Well, can you guys calm down, please?"
"Oh, she's right guys." The chubby one immediately commented.
"But why isn't she scared of us?", continued by the lesser chubby one. 'Cuz… I'm kinda feeling sleepy.
"More importantly, why's a girl here.. in an all-boys college?!" The tallest ghost gave the loudest exclaim among the trio. Woah, okay that woke me up!
"Huh, interesting… Seems like you guys are more observant than the living ones, besides that lion-like Leona guy…like by a lot."
"Ahem, well since we failed to scare you, how about introducing yourself first, girl who cried just now?" Clearing his throat, the tallest one started to float downwards slowly.
"Uhh, I'm Yulia Law Yìng Yuè, you can call me Yuu. And urm, can you guys keep what happened earlier a secret? Like the facts that I'm a girl, I have magic, and that I cried kinda too much…uhhh… I don't know your names, sorry."
The tallest one among the three ghosts floated nearer to her, speaking up before the other two could reply, "I'm Inizio. The chubby one is Chaim, while the one starting the fire in the fireplace goes by Selig. May we ask why are you keeping your gender and magical abilities a secret from everyone else, especially the Headmage? You do know that in this school, majority of those immature youths look down on those who are magicless…right?"
"Thanks Inizio. And, hi Chaim and Selig! As for your question… Hmm, I'm still getting used to this world, given that I'm from a different one, so I rather stay on the sidelines for now. And for why I'm keeping my gender a secret? It's just as you guys guessed, it's for my safety given that I'm the only girl not enrolled in this place, pretty much lah."
A light bulb shone in her head as Yulia tilted her head at them, continuing, "But anyways! How about helping me in cleaning up this place then we ask each other questions later? Technically since this place is your home, I'm staying with all of you for quite a long while I think, so I would like to know my dorm mates better."
Moments passed between the ghost trio and Yulia, before finally, bleaming smiles appeared on the ghosts' faces.
"Of course, I'll go get the buckets and mops!"
"Do remember putting in the detergent, Selig! Thanks!"
"Meanwhile, I will collect the bedsheets and blankets and put them into the washing machines in the basement. Hopefully, it will take up to 40 minutes, before I transfer them into the dryers which will take an hour at most. Then you'll be able to sleep more comfortably."
"Oh my, that'll be great, Chaim! I do appreciate it!"
"I think you need a warm bath so–"
—Crackle —Drizzle
"It's raining, so we should close the windows first before that. I'll close the one in the lounge now. I'm not familiar with this place yet, so…" Nodding his head before she could finish her sentence, Inizio drifted away to close the rest of the windows in the mansion. Yulia hurriedly went to the lounge, heading straight for the window.
As she tried to shut it, however, something greyish jumped past her into the room. Aquamarine-blue eyes reflected the glow of the blue flame that burned brillantly in an all-too-familiar paw. Yulia quickly closed the window before swiftly turning to face the cat-like creature, currently trying to dry its wet fur near the fireplace.
"Grim, why are you here? Aren't you kicked out ages ago?"
"I need shelter from the rain, crazy human! And, I'm hungry…Gimme a can, no 5 cans of tunaaaaaa!"
"Oh, right, that reminds me, I haven't had my dinner yet… Guess, I need to find the Headmage. But you have to behave, because there's gho–"
"Yuu! I've closed all the windows! And, I passed clothes to Chaim to wash for you to wear, though they may be big on you… Eh?" Inizio appeared beside Yulia and Grim…
"I brought 2 buckets of water with detergent, and put the cleaning brushes inside! What do you ne– Huh?" …followed by Selig…
"I have put the bedsheets, blankets and clothes into the wash! I also have found–Uh, Yuu?" …and finally Chaim.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK! G-GHOSTS! GET ME OUT OF HERE!"
"Grim! CALM DOWN! They're still humans! Argh, too late… he's unleashing his fear through throwing flames at them, although all of his shots missed and well, the ghosts seemed to be having fun. Serves you right, I guess…Wait, at this rate the lounge will be on flames! Inizio, Chaim and Selig, stop frightening Grim, else this dorm will be gone up in flames!"
"Fuwahh, human! You became friends with these lame ghosts? 'Talk about being downright creepy and scary!"
Grim felt his life flashed before his eyes once he had uttered those words. The ghost trio had immediately stopped floating around the cat in a playful way and were just floating in their respective spots, with their eyes gleaming differently.
"Yuu… You sure you don't want us to scare him furt–"
"That's a yes, Inizio."
"Uh, we should stop, someone's coming!", warned Selig.
"Hey, Yuu isn't creepy, and that's a rude thing to say to a gi–" Oish, did you admit that I'm scary?
"Good evening. In another gesture of my immense kindness, I have brought you dinner. Wait. That's the creature we ejected for causing trouble at orientation! What is it doing here?! No, to be more precise, what is happening here?"
"Thank goodness you're here, Headmage! Inizio, Chaim and Selig are bonding with Grim at the moment… Why are you here?"
"As I said earlier, as a kind and gracious headmaster, I've brought you dinner. Seeing those ghosts reminded why this dorm was abandoned, in fact. They scared away all the students. Yet, Yuu, what I'm seeing is, you managed to convince them into defending you from that creature?"
"I wouldn't say that's accu–"
"We became friends with he–him, Headmage! This young chap wasn't scared of us, unlike those other students."
"Yes, yes indeed! Even when that cat was trying to burn us, he tried to stop it because he acknowledged that we're essentially 'still humans'!"
"Please don't ever kick him out of this college. We never had such a delightful addition to this dorm in such a long time!" Urm, right, how old are these guys are?
"Incredible… I've never seen anyone bend a monster to their will quite the way you have both before and during the ceremony. And, befriending ghosts right after entering this world is quite a feat in itself! I must confess, my educator's intuition did sense something about you after the brouhaha at orientation, Yuu. I could tell you had a certain animal trainer-y, beast master-ish quality to you. Oh, yes. That said, I–"
"So, can I keep Grim here?" Please say yes, please say yes…
"Hey! I'm not a pet you can easily keep, crazy human! But, did you just–"
"WHAT? Letting a monster stay HERE?"
"Didn't you see earlier at how the ghosts were playing with Grim? Grim is essential for the welfare of the dorm, Headmage. And, we do welcome another pair of hands, or in this case, paws to help us out in maintaining this place." Damn, the effect of doing those English situational writing questions from elementary to secondary school must be rubbing off me…
"Hmm…Well, I can't really deny your point. Very well, I'll allow it."
"Myah?! Really?"
"Let me be clear! Under no circumstances would I admit anyone to Night Raven College who has not been selected by the Dark Mirror - especially not a monster! Nor do I intend to allow you, Yuu, to freeload until we're able to find a solution for you to live in this world properly.", Crowley gave a stern glare at Grim as he started.
"Now, allow me to explain. It was the Dark Mirror that transported you here. Therefore this school does bear some responsibility for your well-being. So I will allow you to remain in this dorm, free of charge. However, you will need to pay for your own food, clothing, and incidentals. As to how you will do so, penniless as you are... Ah. Ah ha. Yes, a fine plan."
"What do I need to do?"
"I'm simply going to ask you to do a few odd jobs around campus. From what you've done here, Yuu, I can tell you know your way around a broom. So what do you say to you two working together as a janitorial team? If you agree to that, I will make a special exception and allow you to remain on campus. I'll also allow you use of the library, so that you may study, and research ways to adapt to this world. How soundlessly charitable I am. Ah, but only when your work is over, of course!"
"Whaaat? What kinda deal is that?! I wan–" Cutting off Grim by covering his mouth abruptly, Yulia took a moment to process their situation. That's really a great offer, considering that I can start by checking this college's past records of the students enrolled dating back to 8 years ago. It is definitely a huge leap in my progress to find Yulian... if he really ended up here in NCR and not anywhere else, that is... As for Grim, he could make use of the tutorial books and textbooks to learn as a private student, so it's a win-win for everyone!
"Shush, shush Grim! Don't sabo yourself! We're doing it, unless you want to be thrown out again?"
"Myah?! ... All right, fine! Let's do it."
"Wonderful. Then I beseech you both… To work hard as the newest members of the Night Raven College's janitorial staff!" The headmage suddenly passed her a janitor's uniform, saying, "You wouldn't want to ruin your ceremonial robes, would you?"
"Thank you, of course, you are very kind, sir! So… may I ask for a can of tuna for Grim?"
"That was the best can of tuna I ever had!"
"Yes, yes, you worked hard for it. Make no messes next time else you need to take care of them, okay?"
"You're my minion! Aren't minions supposed to clean up their boss' messes?" Pretty sure it's the other way around…
"Fine, fine, I get what you're saying, just go sleep. You did well in cleaning a few of the rooms. I'll take care of your mess."
"Thank you, minion!" Grim quickly hopped away, going to the second floor to sleep for the night. As Yulia proceeded to wash the dishes, Inizio and Chaim, who was holding a small black drawstring bag, suddenly appeared beside her. Hmm?
"Leave those dishes to me, Miss Yuu. There's a tub of warm water prepared in the bathroom that you and Grim have cleaned on the second floor for you to freshen up. And, Chaim here wants to show you something he had found in the basement earlier."
"I think this bag is meant for those who came into Twisted Wonderland by accident, like you, Yuu. Hope there's something useful in there. Remember to sleep as soon as possible as well! That's what Selig wanted me to pass on before he turned in for the night."
"Wow, thanks for preparing, Inizio, and for bringing this to me, Chaim! Do help me to bid good night to Selig if he's still awake. Good night!" With her black eyes twinkling slightly, Yulia smiled with graittude after she accepted the small drawstring bag from Chaim and waved as she headed for the stairs to the second floor.
"Hope you have sweet dreams, Miss Yuu/Yuu!"
I seriously didn't expect that I would hit past 4000 words for this chapter lol. Okay, Yulia isn't using much Singlish in this chapter because she's pretty much adjusting well to TW. On a more important note: Yulia seems to have some grasp and even knowledge of magic, even though it didn't exist in her own world. (Wonder when Grim's or rather everyone will find out about it and Yulia being well, a girl, huh :p)
Thank you for reading, and do consider leaving a review :) Stay safe and see you on the next chapter release! ~Ribia74
Chapter 3's one-liner plot: Perhaps accepting the job proposal was not a good idea for Yulia…
