~~~~~~~

Ramshackle Dorm

~~~~~~~

Crowley searched far and wide across the library's collection for any mentions of my homeland. To my dismay, all results came out negative.

"There really is nothing. The name of your homeland can't be found on a map, but not even in our historical records either. Are you sure that's the place you came from? You're not lying to me, are you?" The masked bird man inquired. He had returned the book he was skimming through back to its original place: levitating in midair. Like several other books aimlessly floating in the library.

I was distracted by this before replying, "No, sir." In fact, let's ask the magic mirror again! He's got all the answers.

"Now that it's come to this, it's possible that you've been summoned from another planet... Or perhaps a parallel word, due to some sort of trouble." Crowley concluded.

My eyes dilated. "Parallel world?!" Did I get transported from another universe? Did I get warped into an isekai genre? How? Why??

"Did you have anything on you when you first came here? Any kind of identification—a magic driver's license, or a slipper... You appear empty-handed, though." Crowley eyed me up and down.

I don't know why he asked for those in particular but I do know that I don't even have my phone. Not my smartphone!

I pat my clothes for anything hiding in my pockets. In one of my pant pockets, my fingers grazed something solid with a cool smooth surface.

In my palm rests a gold heart lock with a small keyhole attached to a thin gold chain necklace. It has a beautiful luster shining like pure gold that I could see my reflection on it.

...Am I wearing black eyeliner right now?

"Is something the matter, Noctowl-kun? You're staring rather intently at it." Crowley spoke up. "Is it a memento or a gift from someone?"

I was caught up in my odd fixation with the makeup around my eyes (I never wear them) that I realized now I must've looked ridiculous holding a lock at my eye. "Actually, this was inherited from..."

I swallowed thickly before tersely adding, "My late mother."

A pause.

"...I see. Then I'm glad it is safely together with you, young lady." Crowley tipped his chin in acknowledgment.

I clenched the lock, lips pursed into a thin unreadable line. I said nothing and put on the necklace. The gold lock now rests above my chest with a familiar weight.

"It makes quite a charming accessory for you, Noctowl-kun." Crowley said to me, "The gold compliments your eyes, too."

I didn't make eye contact with him. My solemn expression has yet shifted to a lighter one.

Crowley fell quiet as well. He changes the conversation with a soft sigh and hands on his hips.

"This is quite a dilemma. I can't keep someone who is unable to use magic at this school. However, as an educator, throwing out a penniless youth who has no contact with their guardians would just break my heart. Since I am so very kind!" He placed a hand on his puffed out chest like a bird boasting his crest feathers.

The headmaster then contemplates without awaiting my response. "Hmm... I know. There is a building on campus that is currently not being used. In the past, it was used as a dormitory, so with a little cleaning it should be live-able. I will allow you to stay there for the time being! In the meantime, I will search for a way to send you back home. Ahh, how kind I am! Aren't I such an exemplary educator?"

Singing his own praises, huh...

"Now then, let us move with haste. I will show you to the dormitory. It's a little old, but it has plenty of... character, one might say."

...

We traversed a long way from the main building until we stopped before the rusty gate entrance of a run-down dormitory. Withered trees decorated with cobwebs, unhealthy vegetation infested with weeds, rusted barred gates... From where I stood, I could see the poor state of the dorm itself looking like it could fall if a whirlwind flew by.

"Don't you think this has too much character?" I remarked almost flatly, casting a deadpan side eye at the man. There may or may not be some irony behind it. A "little" cleaning is a severe understatement.

Crowley doesn't seem to take the hint. Or maybe he's pretending to. "It is, is it not? Well then, come inside."

We climbed up the staircase leading to the foyer and entered inside the dorm. From the dim lighting of the outside world, a dusty snowscape runs in the hallways. Just trying to breathe the slightest makes me suffocate.

"If it's here, you can at least shield yourself from the rain and wind. I'm going to continue investigating some things, so pass time as you like. Don't loiter around the academy! Well then!" Crowley excused himself from the lounge and left me to my own nonexistent devices.

My luminous blue eyes roamed across the room. "In order to sit down, let's clean this place up first."

The least I could do is clear the dust and cobwebs out of the way. The lounge room will be frequently visited, after all. Assuming the way back home will take long...

With an abandoned broom randomly propped up against the wall, I worked on sweeping the dust bunnies. I wish I had gloves and a face mask to make the process more bearable. And some clothes suitable for cleaning. I feel bad for getting these cool robes dirty.

Time flies by when you do cleaning. I moved and fixed some furniture to stand upright, bravely swatted cobwebs and a few dangling spiders that came close to touching my face, and dusting off incredibly moldy corners rivaling the moldiest of bread.

I was unfortunate to step through a rotten floorboard that nearly swallowed my leg whole. I dread having to know where my foot stepped on, or what the world underneath the floorboards looks like.

I cursed internally through my disgust and aggravation against the world for putting me in this hopeless situation. After eventually recovering from the shock, I slowly pull my leg out while carefully avoiding the sharp edges from tearing the seams of my pants. Fortunately I didn't twist my ankle or earned myself a bruise from that.

I let out a sharp exhale of relief, watching the noticeable dust whirlwind twirling away from my breath.

I feel utterly ridiculous. What kind of 16-year old girl has to go through trying to spruce up a debilitated building? Staying in the main campus would have been better for my health! I'd rather lay on the cold, cleaner marble floors there than a under crusty stale ceiling with dust and insects crawling on every inch and surface within this desolate space.

Upon feeling something cold and wet drop on my head, I looked up. There is a visible crack in the ceiling where a dark spot is formed. A leak?

I turn my gaze to the windows. Heavy rain drummed from outside and pelted the windows thick with raindrops.

"It's raining cats and dogs out there..."

Lightning struck in the distance.

My heart nearly leapt out of my throat from the sudden roaring noise and white light that I could have sworn I saw my life flash before my eyes.

I collapsed to my knees, clutching the dirty brittle broom like a lifeline. My knuckles turned bony white from how tight I was holding it to steel my nerves from spiraling out of control. I desperately try to breathe to steady my drumming heart, yet they come out ragged. Before I knew it, sweat formed on my face.

I hate lightning. I've been scared of them since I was a child. All I could do at the time was hide under the blankets and try to drown out the sound in my tight cocoon. I was ashamed at the thought of being seen pathetically cowering that I didn't seek help. It's just lightning! I'm not in a cartoon where I'd get struck by comedic timing.

Another lightning pierced the heavens. I hope it's my imagination that Ramshackle Dorm didn't actually tilt close to collapsing on my from its brittle state.

I closed my eyes. A pitiful whimper is squeezed out of my throat.

Sidney... Big brother... Help me...

Suddenly a panting voice belonging to an all too familiar creature barged inside the room. I glanced to the side where the lounge door slammed open.

It was Grim dripping wet from head to toe, body heaving up and down as he wheezed, "Why'd it suddenly rain so heavily?!"

I shielded my face when Grim shook off the water from his fur. Just what I needed.

Grim cackled at my soaked state. "You look so stupid, like a bat getting hit by water gun! For the great me, to sneak back into the academy is easy as pie. They're super wrong if they think I'll give up getting into the academy just by throwing me out for a bit!"

He casts me another look. "Now that I look at you, what're ya doing sitting on the floor like that? Lame!"

I wipe my face with my sleeve and rise to my feet, masking my fear of lightning now that I have company, even if it was unpleasant to my liking.

"I slipped while I was cleaning." I said as an excuse, though technically not a lie either. I doubt Grim would even care to think about my behavior earlier.

"But why do you want to get into the academy so badly?" I asked, leaning slightly forward on the broom for leverage.

"It's a simple story! It's because I am a genius born to become a great magician! I have always been waiting for the time the black carriage would pick me up. Even so... even so..." Grim wavered before huffing with a tip of his chin up and away. "That Mirror of Darkness also have no eyes! That's why, I came here myself. Those humans don't understand that not letting me in is a loss for them."

A drop of water caused shivers to make his gray fur stand. "Cold! The roof's leaking! The water's coming down again! My charming point, the flaming ears, are going to disappear!" He holds his trembling ears folded to his head and cowers from the cold.

I wondered if Grim would die if the flames were extinguished but kept that rather dark thought to myself. I stand straighter. "We have to look for a bucket."

"We can just repair this kinda leak with magic, you know?" The moment he finished, however, his round aqua blue eyes sparked in realization. "...Wait, you can't use magic."

A nasty condescending grin flashed his pointy teeth. He then proceeded to blow a raspberry. "Pfft, useless human!"

Annoying... This furball would make a fine substitute for a mop head when I sweep the soaked cat across the floorboard. Despite how comically violent that sound, that would still be animal abuse. He should be lucky I'm more of an animal person and that I adore cats.

"Then help me if you know how to use magic, oh great magician." I said through gritted teeth.

"Huh? Help, you say? No way! I'm just another monster taking shelter from the rain for a bit. There's not even canned tuna, there's no way I'd work for free." Grim waved me off.

I frowned. "All right, have it your way. I'll go find some buckets myself."

I left the broom aside and enter the hallway to search.

What an unfortunate night. Heavy rain had to pour down the same night I arrive. And then the cat-raccoon hybrid soured my mood by reminding me how weak I am for not having magic.

I slowly traverse down the vacant hallway. In an abandoned dormitory tormented by the merciless rain, this is like the perfect set up for a spook. Am I going to turn around and suddenly see ghosts...

My breath hitched.

A creepy laugh from one of the ghosts fills the dark halls. "It's been a while since we've gotten a guest!"

"I'm itching to work out!" Another chimed.

"There it is!" I exclaimed. I should have known to put aside the normalities of my world and expect the oddities Twisted Wonderland brings. This world is different from mine, after all. That means even nightmares can come true! Fantasia brooms better not come to life and flood this building with me in it.

"What are you being loud for..." Grim walks in only to screech upon the sight of three ghosts of different shapes and sizes wearing black and blue top hats and gray capes. "G-g-g-g-gho... Ghooooooost!!!"

Grim suddenly shot across the creaking floorboards to hide behind my leg. I tried to shake him off my leg but he refused to budge, much to my chagrin. He's so damn heavy like a wrecking ball cuffed to my ankle for his size!

I stand my ground against the astral beings, however. They're just ghosts! I can handle that much. Creepy giggling children is a big no-no, though.

"Everyone who lives here all got scared of us and leave." The small ghost said.

"We're always looking for new ghost comrades. How about you join us?" The bloated ghost offered.

"You're threatening to kill me?! That's dark." I said.

Grim trembled. "The great magician Grim isn't scared of ghosts!" He finally released my leg, stepping forward and breathing out his trademark blue flames at the ghosts.

"Where are you looking at?" The lanky ghost of the trio provoked.

"We're here, here!" Cue giggling.

Grim cursed. "Stop appearing and disappearing like that!"

"Do you always close your eyes when you make the fire appear?" I inquired from the back. I remembered he did that a lot back at the ceremony.

"Shut up, don't order me around!" Grim retorted.

An idea hit me as I smirked. "When one has achieved victory, there'd be a tuna can as a prize."

Grim's ears perked up. His expression scrunched, momentarily considering it before he remained stubborn. "What...?! I-I'm a genius, you know. I can finish these guys myself..."

The ghosts seem to be enjoying playing around with Grim who has yet to land a hit on any of the three. The monster stomped on the eroded floorboard. "There's so many of you, cowards!"

"I've prepared a good bargain for a helping hand." I drawled, watching from my place at the sidelines.

Grim struggled a mental battle between his pride and cooperation. He finally swallowed the pill and said to me, "Oi, you! Tell me where the ghosts are!"

Hook, line, and sinker.

"Your left!" I told him.

Grim swerved to the left. Blue flames make contact with the ghost. The tall skinny ghost recoiled and tries to pat off the flames, screeching, "Hot, hot, hot!"

"Ah, it hit! All right, we're gonna drive them away just like this!" Grim said confidently.

I nodded. "Let's finish off the ghosts!"

I ordered him where to attack accordingly. It was until the trio of ghosts got fed up and decided to charge at him all at once did I command him to unleash his magic upon them immediately.

The ghosts shrieked. "We're gonna get erased! Run!" They fled and finally disappeared from sight. Hopefully they won't come back here to bother us since we'll be here for a while.

Grim blinked at his surroundings devoid of mischievous astral entities. The dorm's silent atmosphere has returned. "Hu-Huh? I... won?"

"You did well." I praised. He didn't chicken out halfway and relied on my guidance despite gritting his teeth throughout it all.

The gray cat takes the moment to breathe and steady his pulsing heart. "Tha-That was scar..." Realizing I was still here, he shook his head and stomped with authority. "No, it wasn't scary at all! For the great Grim, it's as easy as pie! How's that, damn ghosts! You gave up?!" He raised his paw curled like a fist at the empty hallway the ghosts once inhabited.

I sweatdropped. "Don't try to antagonize them..."

It was then Crowley had returned. "Good evening. The kind me has brought you dinner."

He paused and looks down at the familiar face. "Wait, that's the monster who acted violently during the opening ceremony! I thought we've drove him out already, why is he here?!"

"Hmph! I exterminated the ghosts here! Be grateful!" Grim puffed his chest out.

"Hm? What's going on here? Come to think of it, in this dorm, mischievous ghosts settled down and students stopped approaching the place, making it an abandoned dorm. However..." Crowley hummed thoughtfully. "For the two of you to work together and drive out the ghosts..."

Grim's triumphant smirk morphed into an offended scowl. "I can't let that 'work together' pass. That girl practically only watched, see? And I did it only because I want tuna cans!"

Grim then paused as he realized something.

"...Wait, hey! I haven't gotten my tuna can yet!" He swerved to me.

I held my hands up in a surrendering gesture, face unfeeling of remorse. "I never said I have it on me. You should be patient."

Crowley spoke, "The two of you. Would you please show me your extermination of ghosts once again?"

"But we've drove away all of the ghosts! Anyways, my tuna can!" The cat demanded.

"You have one serious fixation with canned tuna..." I muttered. It's not even plain raw tuna. Tuna cans are the only things he wants to eat. I think some food products do have a certain taste in cans compared to outside of them.

The masked man whipped out a vial containing what must be a potion. "I'll take the role of the ghost. If you win against me, I shall give you tuna can. I am kind after all. Well then, transformation medicine!"

Crowley gulped the contents. In place of a human man is now a ghost. Even in another form he still wears his mask and top hat. More importantly, there's a potion for ghost transformation? Maybe that would have helped me beat them up. I should have known ghost types would be super effective against ghosts.

"Eeh, I don't want to." Grim whined. "It's too bothersome, to work with this girl again..."

"It might be a chance to enter the academy," I persuaded. I just want to get this over with. My dinner is waiting for me!

Grim clenched his teeth. "This is the last time, okay? This time, absolutely, absolutely give me my tuna cans, okay?!"

"Now, exterminate me, who turned into a ghost! Come, attack me without hesitation. I won't get angry. I am kind, after all." Ghost Crowley assured.

"Well then, let's start!" He disappeared.

"Okay, you! Tell me where he is to me properly, okay!" Grim told me.

"I have a name, you know! It's Strix! Your left!" I then ordered.

"Left, right? Gotcha! Eat this!"

Fire hits Ghost Crowley who was lurking from the side. "Hot, hot, hot, hot! You're good. Well then, I shall raise the difficulty."

Suddenly Crowley shifts about with such speed that it almost seems like he was teleporting.

Grim stood agape. "He became so fast!"

"Well, can you follow my movements?" Ghost Crowley challenged.

Grim put up a smirk. "Hmph, you're good! However, it's easy for the great Grim!"

I watched Crowley's pattern. My eyes are a perfect 2.0 vision. I can still do this! It all depends on Grim's abilities, however.

"Can you defeat these numbers?" Crowley taunted.

Grim persists in his flamethrower. Despite the odds, he continued fighting until all clones disappeared.

By that point, Crowley reverted back to his human form. He appeared satisfied with the results. "Ooh, this is surprising."

Grim pants heavily. "...defeated all of them... Hey, you! You're using me too roughly! Be gentler! Huff...huff...How's that?!"

"For there to be a human who could make monsters obey them..." Crowley hummed thoughtfully. "Actually, I've had my educator's intuition tingling ever since the uproar during the opening ceremony... That you, Strix, probably have the makings of a trainer or a beast tamer. However..." Crowley then began mumbling to himself behind his fist and index finger tapping his chin.

Beast tamers exist in this world? That sounds pretty dope, in my opinion. I do like animals. Just not so much with Grim himself.

Despite me thinking so, I think he deserves a second chance. Since he's desperate, entering the academy would surely make him change into a better magician compared to now. There's no way of knowing, but we might as well take the risk. That'll stop his persistent trespassing, too.

I spoke up, "Can you let Grim live in this house with me?"

Crowley broke out of his musings and looked at me incredulously. "What did you say? Let a monster live here?"

Grim was looking at me astonished. His blue eyes sparkled in new light. "You..."

I didn't return the sentiment, however. "If the ghosts come back, how else can I drive them away?"

Crowley stared at us and sighed. "There's no helping it. All right."

Grim jumped in glee. "Really?!"

"However." Crowley quickly began, "There's no way I can let someone who wasn't chosen by the Mirror of Darkness... a monster, at that, to enroll into the school. You too, Noctowl-kun. I cannot let you to just freeload until you can go back to your own world."

I stood straight and nodded once. "Of course."

Meanwhile Grim sunk his shoulders. "What's with that... That was a short-lived joy."

"Well, listen to me until I finish talking. We, the academy, are also responsible for the summoning of your soul, as the one owning the Mirror of Darkness. In any case, for the time being, we will offer you this lodging for free. However, we'll have you pay for your living necessities yourself. As for what someone empty-handed like you can give..."

His beady glowing yellow eyes examined me up and down before he chuckled. "That's right. Let's do it like this."

I braced myself. I don't like how he behaved just now. What funky tasks will I have to do in another world that is magical unlike mine?

Seeing the nervous tension of my visage, Crowley assures, "You don't have to be that on guard. I'm only going to make you do odd jobs like maintenance within the school. Judging from your appearance, Noctowl-kun, you seem to be quite good at cleaning. I noticed you fixed the lounge room to livable condition while I was away."

I nodded. Back home it was only my great grandfather and I, so I did all the housework myself. The cooking, laundry, cleaning, everything. Sometimes our friendly and thoughtful neighbors stop by to take care of him whenever I was out at school or elsewhere. A little clean up and fixing doesn't hurt... Though there is a line to how much I alone can achieve wonders.

"For starters, what about you two teaming up as the 'handymen'?" Crowley proposed. "If you do that, I will give you a special permission to stay inside the school. I will also permit you to use the library to gather information on ways to go back to your world, as well as to study. I am kind, after all. However, it is only after you finish your work."

Handymen, huh. I didn't think I'd become one, especially in another world. That doesn't sound so bad...

"Eeh-?! I don't wanna! I also want to wear that cool uniform and become a student!" Grim protested.

"If you're unsatisfied, then it's all right. We only have to throw you out again." Crowley shrugged.

Grim jolted. He couldn't throw out his chances of at least being permitted to stay within school grounds. It was better than watching afar behind the gates. He was smart enough to know that much. "Go-Got it! I only have to do that, right!"

I simply nodded again. I was in no position to complain when Crowley has been gracious (because "he's kind, after all") and willing to take an alien like me under his name and protection. I plan on repaying his generosity regardless. Otherwise the guilt would nag at me even in my dreams.

"Understood."

Crowley gave an affirmative nod. "Very well. Then, you two. Starting tomorrow, work hard as Night Raven College's handymen!"

~~~~~~~

My body swims in the sea of dreams. I felt myself become lighter until I emerged from the water, suddenly standing in a realm of skies collided together in a myriad of colors reflecting the times of the day. Clear midday sky blue transitioning into sunset orange twilight and its warm colors melting into pink, purple, and deep midnight blue. Glittering stars dotted the canvas of brilliant skies mingling like watercolors.

My lips parted in fascination and awe. Beautiful. Breathtaking, even. Is this a dream?

Flecks of sparkles fall into my vision. I look up.

A small orb of light comes drifting to where I stood. It floats above my cupped hands, radiating warmth on my palms. Like a gentle sunlight kissing my skin.

A voice whispers.

[You who burns passionately underneath the moon... We await your summons, my liege...]

I stared wide eyed before my conscience begins to fade. Who...was that...?

~~~~~~~

The next morning marked the first day of my stay in Twisted Wonderland. I can still recall the bizarre events of last night, which really was only less than half a day.

Bleary blue eyes stared at the crusty pale ceiling. I couldn't sleep peacefully at all, especially not in a musty, rotten building whose wooden walls are likely crawling with termites. The thought of bugs creeping on my face as I slept had me sleeping with my eyes open. By the time I realized, the sun was rising and my eyes are as full of vigor as a dead fish. For a moment I even thought I experienced nirvana.

I subconsciously scrunched my brows together. Did I even dream of anything? I heard that if you don't, that means you haven't had a good sleep even if your body is rejuvenated, or something roughly along the lines... I think I dreamt of something colorful...? Or maybe that's the spots forming in my vision, which is concerning.

I was greeted with giggling. The same three ghosts Grim and I had supposedly exterminated last night have returned, now hovering above and gazing upon our groggy state.

"Don't you guys have to clean up the academy now?" One of the ghost trio asked.

My dead fish eye morning expression barely shifted before I pulled the blanket over my head. I'm never a morning person. I'm the opposite of an early bird; a night owl, that's what I am.

Grim shuffled in his place on the sofa chair mumbling, "...five more minutes..."

"If you keep rolling around lazily like that, one day you won't be able to wake up for eternity, you know?" A ghost said.

"Just like us! Ihihihi!"

Grim shot up from his sleep. "There are ghosts again! Oi, Strix! Wake up!" Late reaction there.

I felt Grim land on the spot next to my head and his paws shaking my shoulder. Reluctantly I slowly sat up and yawn wide and loud enough to rival a lion. I wanted actual sleep, though. Sometimes dozing through things is my solution to my problems. I should have pretended to sleep dead...

"So, you both are going to live here from now on? You guys are so prank-worthy, kekeke!"

I felt something phase through my cheek and involuntarily shivered. I lazily waved one of the ghosts' hand away. I can't even respond wittingly at the cursed hour of 6:30 in the morning. My body never has a sense of urgency in this time frame of the day.

Grim cursed, standing guard like a territorial or intimidated cat. If he went on all fours it would have been exactly like that. "One day I'm gonna drive all of you out!"

Knocks from the door were heard. "Noctowl-kun, Grim-kun! Are you two awake?"

"Is that the headmaster?" Grim wondered curiously.

I sauntered over to open the bedroom door.

It was indeed Crowley who came to greet us. By then the ghosts had disappeared. "Good morning, both of you! Did you sleep well?"

I noticed he had breakfast in hand. While I'm grateful for the delivery, I do wish to cook at a (working) kitchen for my own meals. Ramshackle is too rundown and not sanitary enough for me to make preparations. Maybe I could convince him to let me use the school kitchen, too.

"When we sprawled on the bed, the bottom of the bed fell out and we were so surprised, you know! How long did you neglect it to dilapidate? We got woken up by a ghost too this morning, it's the worst!" Grim griped, as justified as he was in doing so. At least the bed is still standing.

"Couldn't sleep at all." I sluggishly replied in contrast to Grim as I rubbed my eyes.

"Considering the abruptness of everything, it's understandable. I have hope you'll soon overcome whatever obstacles stand in your way. Have perseverance!" Crowley encouraged me.

You try living in a rundown building then, was what I wanted to retort but decided to hold my tongue... for now.

"Well then, now that that's out of the way, I want to talk about your job for today. Before that, go wash your face and freshen up. The water and electricity still works here, surprisingly." Without waiting for my reply, he turned to exit as he said, "I'll be waiting in the lounge!"

After he disappeared down the stairs, I released another big yawn.

The ghosts reappeared around Grim and I.

"Make yourself at home. Let's be good friends, shall we?" One snickered.

"Yeah, yeah, sure. Do you guys have names?" I looked across the three of them.

The three made eye contact with each other, genuinely confused why I would bother asking such a question.

"No, we abandoned them way back when." The small one admitted with round eyes.

"Then it's fine if I give you one, right?" I point at the chubby ghost, the small ghost, and the lanky ghost respectively. "Hugo, Laverne, Victor (1). No complaints. Now where's the restroom?"

After they gave me directions, I made a beeline for the bathroom. Upon looking at myself in the dusty mirror, my eyelids were half-lidded as though irate when really, they were still drowsy. They would stay like that for the rest of the day until I sneak some naps in between to return to the doe eye shape, a stark contrast to my morning personality.

I glanced to the toilet seat and grimaced. Fortunately I found a rag in the cabinet behind the mirror and soaked it with water to wipe the grime and dust. Before using it, I flushed the toilet for water to run. It was... sufficient.

Preparations are already being made in my head. If I really have to stay here temporarily, the bathroom is a top priority aside from the bedroom I must clean. This is really unsanitary.

Once I cleaned my face and finished my business, Grim and I step in the lounge room where Crowley was gazing out the window patiently for our entrance. We went straight to the subject.

"Today's work is to clean the inside of the academy... Even if I said so, the academy is very vast. It will be impossible to finish cleaning the whole place without magic. That's why, for today, please clean the Main Street starting from the main gate to the library." Said Crowley.

With a wave of his staff, cleaning supplies appeared in my grasp. A broom suspiciously stylized like a Fantasia broom in one hand and a dust cap in the other.

I made a face at the broom in particular. This thing won't suddenly sprout arms on its own while I'm not looking, right?

He hands me the map of the college. "This is for yours to keep, as you are still new here."

I skimmed over the contents. As expected of a prestigious academy, Night Raven College is huge. It's leg day to get anywhere in this school. Especially when Ramshackle is so far from the Main Street directly connected to the front gate. Can't there be a shortcut made from the main building to here?

I bit back my grimace from curling my lips, though my brows did furrow at the effort and time required to travel. May my legs be given the strength to endure this fresh hell that is Twisted Wonderland.

"Do you understand, Noctowl-kun? Please look after Grim-kun properly so he doesn't cause an uproar like he did yesterday." Crowley said.

I lowered the map and automatically bobbed my head. "Understood."

"I'm counting on you. I will give you permission to eat lunch at the school cafeteria. And as for your clothes..." He gestures to the few large tote bags that were on the floor. I was too out of my zone to not even notice they were here before I came downstairs, as noticeable they were.

"As your arrival was not accounted for, here are hand-me down clothes and uniforms for now. There's no need to continue wearing the ceremonial robe now that the entrance ceremony is over. Also, someone will come to discuss details about your wardrobe by the end of today. Well then, work hard!" Crowley excused himself and takes his leave.

When Crowley was out of range, Grim clicked his tongue. "Tch... I can't stand doing things like cleaning up! I also want to attend the magic classes and do lots of cool magic~ Like boom!" He mimicked explosive sound effects he must be dying to unleash in class.

"We can go study in the library after we finish cleaning." I tell him and open the box containing the breakfast meal Crowley left for us. "Let's eat breakfast first and then go to school."

Grim grumbled but nevertheless sat down for breakfast. I'm unfazed by the desire to sit with the rest of the magic students, but for Grim it's a whole other story. I can't say I don't relate, but do I really want to be in a classroom of boys who will repeatedly remind me I have no magic for the nth time? No.

I watched Grim gasp at the meal in his paws. It was a tuna can, and it looks like high quality compared to your standard can. "Tuna cans! Thanks for the meal!"

I rolled my eyes, helping him open the can before digging in my own meal.

I wonder how Sidney is doing back home. Normally I'd brew tea for Sidney and I to drink in the morning. Though instant black coffee was my go-to for a kickstarter (despite my weariness for the bitter drink whose only purpose is to force me awake and not for pleasant drinking), my great grandfather prefers tea, which I didn't mind at all.

Breakfast was usually the peaceful, domestic life between him and I. I'm the type to pass over breakfast meals since I'm not a morning person and make breakfast for him instead. We don't necessarily talk over the table during this time, as the silence was not uncomfortable. I'd drink from my mug while watching and listening to the morning news with Sidney before grabbing my school bag and depart for school.

While I was away, our kind neighbors would accompany the elder to assist him in his needs. Before, it was my kindhearted older brother figure who would faithfully tend to Sidney at his beck and call, but now...

I silently breathed through my nose.

Grim looks up from the can, specks of tuna sticking around his muzzle. "What's up? Does the food not taste good? If you don't want 'em I'll take them off your hands. It's my policy to not leave food behind."

I had a tiny amount of respect for him upon hearing this. That policy is admirable. At least Grim has some morality.

"It's good," I assured. "I was just in my own thoughts."

For now, I'll just have to live with takeout delivered by the headmaster himself.

Once we finished breakfast, I brought the bags of clothes back to the bedroom and went through them. They were mainly simple dark clothes, some with Night Raven College's name and/or logo printed on them. It was the emblem of a raven holding a pair of keys in its talons inside the gold ornate frame of the Dark Mirror. Not bad design, I offhandedly thought to myself.

Considering this is an all-boys school, I should stylize my looks on the masculine side. Though everyone practically knows of my existence as a girl from the ceremony, I could at least try to blend in and avoid direct confrontation from first glance.

With this in mind, I replaced my robes with comfort style clothes that disguise my feminine lines. I also tied my royal blue hair into a high ponytail and purposely made it appear swept spiky to the side. The same goes for the bangs framing my face.

Now I look like nothing compared to the girl who wound up in Night Raven College. All I see in the mirror is a boy with pale skin and irate narrowed bright blue eyes with a tousled high ponytail. He wore a white dress shirt underneath a baggy gray sweatshirt and black sweatpants.

Perfect.

When I returned to the lounge to reveal my "incognito" disguise, Grim couldn't believe I was still Strix behind the boyish mask. If it's working on him, it should also apply to humans, right? Though perhaps I shouldn't keep using Grim as the basis for my expectations of everyone else...

We walked a good mile or two and finally arrived at the Main Street. Grim and I looked ahead and sighed in unison. Neither of us asked to be janitors, yet here we are being losers who won't even be in a classroom.

Sporting an apron and rubber gloves, I used the broom Crowley had provided me and began sweeping the dirt from the gate while I had ordered Grim to manually pick up garbage and burn them to ashes if he could. He cleared away an apple core and a crumpled tissue paper, though he almost burned the grass underneath them as well if it weren't for me to intervene. Unsurprisingly Grim also complained about him being used as an incinerator, which he thought was "totally lame". Better than causing havoc during entrance ceremonies.

After working our way down the stone path for about an hour, we arrive at the end where seven stone statues lined up on either side lie ahead.

My eyes widen. Now that I wasn't living in the dream world, I had brushed off many things. The Mirror of Darkness looked near identical—dare I say, uncanny—to the Evil Queen's magic mirror in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. I recognize these figures all too well, it was insane to believe such knowledge would have come to play in a different universe.

Disney otakus, eat your heart out.

Unsuspecting of my sudden silence, Grim looks around excitedly. "Whoa~ Amazing! I didn't get a good look yesterday, but what's with these statues? There are seven, and all of them look scary."

He approached one of the statues. "This auntie, here, looks especially self-important, see?"

I walked to it. This is the carbon copy of...!

"That's..."

"You don't know the Queen of Hearts?"

We look behind for the source. A student of unruly terracotta red hair and cherry red eyes was in a black and gold school uniform with a red vest and striped armband with a gold heart insignia. He sported red and white sneakers.

What was particular about him was the red heart mark painted on the corner of his left eye glimmering with boyish youth just like an adolescent would typically be. His eye shape reminds me of a cat; mischievous and sly.

Grim tilted his head. "Queen of Hearts? Is she an important person?"

"In the olden days, she was the queen who lived inside the Rose Labyrinth." He approached to stand beside us, gazing upon the self-pleased sculpture of the Queen with reverence.

"She's a strict person who respects discipline, and she won't forgive any disorder among the Trump Soldiers' advance, or in the rose's color. Even though it's a country full of insane guys, they're all in complete obedience to her."

A grin danced his lips once he tossed a glance to our attentive selves. "Why, you ask? It's because disobedience to law will get you instantly beheaded!" He sliced his throat with his thumb.

Grim trembled from his spot, subconsciously drawing close to my leg. I kept my leg away, however. He stuttered out, "T-That's scary!"

I was quiet. The story sounds like it's putting the Queen in honorable light... From the protagonist Alice's standpoint, the Queen is a tyrant whose nonsensical rule matches the world full of madness. The Queen was not particularly a great leading authority in Alice's eyes, who was a figment of her imagination.

The heart-marked student grinned. "Isn't it cool?! I like it. 'Cause, like, nobody will obey a queen that's only kindhearted, right?"

"You're not wrong about that..." I said in my groggy, low voice slurred with drowsiness. Kindness can only take you so far, especially when dealing with mad people. There has to be a line of order to be maintained.

Grim shared the same sentiment. "That's true. It's better to have a strong leader. By the way, who are you?"

"I'm Ace. A fresh first year student starting from today. Take care me well~" Ace sang.

"I am the great Grim! I'm a genius who'll become a great magician! And this dull one is Strix. My henchman." Grim gestured to me half-heartedly.

I was going to let the "dull" word slide until he had to mention the henchman part. I cast a side-eye look at the monster, silently seething behind my poker face.

"I'm not your henchman, mind you." I told him before yawning. I'm the cat's begrudging pet sitter who got saddled with the job the moment we met.

I glance to Ace. Upon eye contact, his eyes were blown wide open like a frightened cat's. From the slightest jerk of his body, he must have flinched a little. I've seen this all too many times in my home world. Even someone from another universe was no exception.

Though I do have a few suspicions I'm all too familiar with the cause of such reaction, I didn't remark on it. Instead I introduced myself, averting eye contact from him. "I'm Strix Noctowl."

My suspicions were cleared the moment Ace relaxed underneath and cocked a brow. "Strix? That's an unusual name."

"Well, that's how it is, and I'm proud of it." I shrugged. It's not even my real name. Just a nickname everyone thought was mean enough to stick with. Unfortunately for them, I actually like it compared to my given name. The last name I made up on the spot, though.

"Hey, hey, Ace. Then, is that lion with the scar on his eye also a famous guy?" Grim points to the lion statue standing dignified with head tipped to the heavens atop the edge of an inclining cliff.

"Of course!"

Ace was generous enough to give us the tour of all seven statues and their historic significance. I would have tuned it all out if it weren't for the fact these characters actually exist in another universe.

The Queen of Hearts, Scar, Ursula, Jafar, the Evil Queen, Hades, and last but not least, Maleficent.

But aren't they fictional? At least in my original home that's the case.

Because of this strange discovery, I paid attention to the tales. They're held in high regard, much to my pleasant surprise. Another perspective in another world where villain characters are preached as noble models...

I kept all the pre-existing knowledge to myself. For now I'll just roll with the lore of this world known as Twisted Wonderland.

"They're so cool, right~" Ace said.

Until a smirk stretched his lips. It was rather malicious. "...Unlike a certain raccoon."

Grim made an offended and shocked noise.

I simply stared at him. I knew it the moment I saw his eyes. They say eyes are the window to your soul. What I saw through the window was what I had mentioned before: mischievous and sly like a cat. And they're not the harmless, playful kind.

The male's shoulders shook. He bursts in a fit of laughter. "I can't hold it in anymore! Hey, you guys are the ones who caused a riot during the opening ceremony, right? A girl who got called in front of the mirror but actually couldn't use magic, and the monster barging in even though he didn't get invited!"

I was wondering if he actually remembered our faces.

"How'd you know I was the girl?" I asked and pointed a finger to myself.

"Only the outlier who caught the monster would be seen together with him. It's easy to put two and two together after that." Ace answered through his laughter.

That does make sense. Grim's presence is too unique that I'm automatically paired with him after that disastrous entrance ceremony. Wait, does that mean Grim and I are seen as a pair? That irritates me somehow.

He soon calmed down and wiped a tear, though still left wheezing. "Man~ It was so hard to stop myself from laughing during the opening ceremony."

"What?! W-What a rude guy!" Grim was astonished by the switch in attitude. Turns out our villain-exposition nerd is a mean dude. Just what we needed to start the day.

"And, in the end you both couldn't get into the school so you became handymen? Haha, lame." Ace laughed, bending over.

I have not a single funny bone in my body now to comprehend the humor behind his provocations. It gets old real quick when you're constantly reminded of your unfortunate circumstances.

Everyone I've personally interacted with up to now has said the same thing to me. Crowley, Grim, the Dark Mirror, now Ace... They make the ghosts of Ramshackle look hospitable by comparison.

"Meowhaaaat...?!" Grim, your cat side is showing.

"Plus, to not know who the 'Great Seven' are... How ignorant are you? I recommend you to start over from kindergarten before coming to Night Raven College." Jeered the boy. The mean-spiritedness twisting his features somehow fits him like a glove. That I would love to use to slap his face. He keeps running his mouth that I saw no point to refute.

First of all, I'm what people in this world classify as an alien. I suppose no one in the school aside from Crowley knows, so I can't really hold that against Ace, but I will because I am capable of doing so.

Second, I know these villains! As a Disney fan, how could I not know the iconic classic Disney villains? My great grandfather didn't raise his great grandkid like that. Ace should be lucky I was raised to be more patient, otherwise he'd be on the receiving end of me throwing my hands the moment he laughed his ass off.

Behind my poker face, I already committed three murders in my mind. If only he knew how much knowledge I possess about the "Great Seven". I have the power to shatter everything he believed about them if I unleashed my worldly Disney knowledge upon him. Yet I am not petty enough to get on his level, thank goodness for that.

I don't know about Grim, though. Maybe it's because he's a monster, but he has the sentience of a human. As an inhabitant, even Grim should be aware who these people are, right?

I flatly looked at Ace, who discreetly avoids my eye contact by staring at my forehead instead. He may try to act whatever persona he wants, but I can see right through his facade as clear as day.

My unnaturally bright yet dull eyes lacking the shine of life must be unnerving him. Of course, that reaction was nothing new even in my home world. I was told I intimidate children just by looking down at them with my harmless stare that would immediately set alarm bells for any concerned parent to pull little kids away. I really should get shades in this world.

Anyways, does he get off on antagonizing people first thing he meets them? He knows how to push people's buttons, huh.

Grim grinds his teeth furiously, shooting lasers at the student. As much as I share the sentiment of wanting to burn the jerk's face off, this is only the first day. If I were to get provoked by this guy, I'd have done exactly what he wanted me to do: blow a fuse over it like a child.

"Calm down, Grim. Remember, first day, first day..." I say in an attempt to keep Grim from spewing fire right then and there. If this took place at night where I'm most active, Ace wouldn't have kept that snarky grin on his face for long.

"I called you out to tease you a bit, but you guys exceeded my expectations. Well, I have classes unlike you guys, so, bye! Work hard cleaning, you both~" Ace sang as he waved goodbye and walks away.

"This guy...! Let him talk and he crosses the line! I'm angry now!" Grim breathes in.

My eyes widen. "Wait-!"

A blazing blue fireball just barely grazed Ace's head. Had he not stepped to the side, he would have been burnt to a crisp. Damn it.

"Oops, that's dangerous! What the hell are you doing?!" He turns around, furious.

"It's because you make fun of me! I'll make your explosion-head even more exploded!" Said Grim with an accusatory claw.

"Explosion head~? Heeh. You got guts to pick a fight with me. You too, I'll turn you into a frizzy toy poodle!" Ace whipped out a pen with a ruby red jewel from his blazer's breast pocket. Isn't that just a decorative pen?

Grim spews fire. Ace dodges and, with a wave of his pen, retaliates with wind magic. The gust bends the flames away.

Could the pen actually work like a magic wand? Wow, I wish I could have one despite not having magic. The pen aspect is good enough. Do they sell them at the school store?

Students walking down the street begin to notice the commotion.

"What's up? A fight?"

"Nice! Get'em!"

I could only watch from the safety of the sidelines as Ace and Grim duke it out in the streets like pathetic punks. Why do they have so much energy to spend in the morning? Can't relate.

"Don't stir up the flames." I drawled out. Neither paid to listen as they continued flinging wind and fire magic.

My face grimaced as the heat of the flames fanned by the flames shoot past me back and forth like a round of table tennis. I swear, if something happens because of this, I definitely tried to warn them.

"Eat this!" Grim spewed a fireball.

The smug smirk has yet to leave Ace. "That kinda flame, I'll just change its direction with the wind...like this!"

The force of wind forces the fireball to change direction. However, the fireball now heads straight for one of the Great Seven statues and burns it black. Ouch.

Ace screamed in horror. "Shit! The Queen of Hearts' statue burnt black!"

"I told you guys this would happen, but nooo..." I grumbled. Does this means I have more work to do? Can I even scrub soot off a stone statue?

"It's because you changed the flame's direction with the wind! Just get burned obediently." Grim told Ace.

"You think there's anyone who'd obediently get burned because they're told to?!" Ace retorted.

I hid behind one of the statues. Pretend you're air, Strix. Be one with the wind...

"Hey! What's all this racket?!" Crowley yelled, having flown in (quite literally, wow I thought that mantle was just for the aesthetic) to an unfortunate turn of events.

"Ugh, it's the headmaster..." Ace muttered.

Grim sweated nervously, experiencing flashbacks as he said, "That guy, he'll bind you with his whip of love! Run!"

A black whip tied the two troublemakers in place. Sometimes I wonder how that's allowed in school.

Ace winced from the constriction. "That hurts!"

Grim squirmed. "That's two days in a row, it hurts!"

"It's the whip of love! It's a 100 years too fast for you to run from me!" Crowley then sighed as he glanced to the two. "I thought earlier I've told you to 'not cause an uproar'? Furthermore, to burn black the Great Seven statue! It seems like you want to be expelled so much."

Horror instantly swirls in red eyes. Ace protests, "Wait! Not that!"

It was then I stepped out from my hiding place. "Uh, headmaster, that's a bit much, isn't it? At least give him a well-deserved suspension." "Hey!"

The masked man swerved to me. "You as well, Noctowl-kun, you can't call this supervising Grim-kun!"

"I did try to stop them. I, a magic-less human, can't throw myself into the fray, now would I?" I defend myself. I'm not a reckless idiot who'd throw herself in the exchange between wind and fire to stop a stupid quarrel simply because one decided to be rude to the other. That's not worth it.

"I see." Crowley turns to Ace. "...You, what's your year and name?"

"Ace Trappola... I'm a first year." He reluctantly replied, looking down at his feet and away from the headmaster's gaze.

"Well then, Trappola-kun, Grim-kun. And Noctowl-kun. As a punishment, I order you to clean 100 windows!"

My eyes darkened. "Excuse me?"

"Fnagh?! Originally, the problem lies in him for making fun of us!" Grim jabbed an accusing paw, rightfully so, at the orange-haired student.

"Eeh?! Me too?!" Ace pointed to himself incredulously.

"Hey, that's my line!" I retorted. I already have my hands with the Main Street, but now I have to clean windows in the school on the same day? Those windows are tall and intricate! Imagine all the corners I have to squeeze in because of the gothic architectural aesthetic! I hope he doesn't expect me to clean the window in and out.

Crowley nodded to Ace. "Of course! After school, gather in the school cafeteria. Understood?" He crossed his arms sternly.

Neither of us three looked at each other and dejectedly answered back with a yes.

"Since yesterday, nothing's gone right!" Grim complained and kicked the stone pavement in frustration. You and me both. You and me, but more so me.

~~~~~~~

(1) - Hugo, Laverne, and Victor (left to right) are the three gargoyle statues in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.