I stood in a maze of roses once again.

This dream... Is this a continuation?

Alice was prostrated on the ground looking up confused with a paintbrush dipped red in hand. Standing before her is the Queen of Hearts in her red and black dress, gripping the base of a heart tree whose roses are mostly painted red above her head.

She wore a scowl as she looked down on the little girl with condemning eyes.

"You went and sullied my roses! Prepare yourself!"

"I beg your forgiveness, Your Highness. It's their fault." The Three of Clovers knelt beside Alice, possessing a paintbrush as well.

"It wasn't me. It was Ace!" The Two of Clovers claimed, pointing to his fellow card soldier dripped in paint with a bucket atop his head.

The Queen of Hearts inched closer to the Ace of Clovers. "Was it you?"

"No, it was Two!"

"Two's doing?"

"No, it was Three!" The Two of Clovers suddenly exclaimed, despite having been the one to accuse Ace.

Aggravated, the Queen yelled, "Enough! Off with all their heads!"

The sound of whistling is heard as the Two of Clovers was dragged by the red soldiers for his execution. A trail of red paint is left behind.

Satisfied to have resolved the case, the Queen hums merrily.

"Of course you lose your head for using the wrong color." The Two of Diamonds softly muttered.

"I can't believe anyone would mix up red and white." The Three of Spades grumbled.

I could only watch from my rooted station in the line of black card soldiers. I know it was pointless to argue with a stubborn queen in my dreams, but I still disapprove of such mindless decisions. I never understand what goes in tyrant's heads.

I register something colorful hop into view. The same green and yellow bunny was pulling the Ace of Clovers along with its long hand-like ears. How could something so cheerful and adorable pull a victim to their doom?

I had resolved to catch it before I would dream again. I need to know everything about it and what it has to do with me.

Suddenly I found the will to move my body when I broke away from the lineup of soldiers and leaped straight for the bunny.

"I won't let you get away this time!"

The bunny dropped the soldier and bounced out of my reach. It flees to a path in the maze.

I immediately recovered and ran straight after its tail.

"Just what are you?! Who are you?!" I demanded as I breeze through fork in the roads and multiple corners while just barely keeping my sights on the bright color palette.

"If you know how to help me with this mess, then please tell me! I don't want to see this tyranny get worse! I'm annoyed!" I said gritting through my teeth. It's because of Riddle throwing a fuss over a tart that I got dragged into this! I haven't gotten a day to just lay down and think! This world is so inconsiderate to aliens!

The bunny led me to a long path where a bright red heart-shaped door lies beyond. It gestures to the doorknob with its ear before vanishing in heart glitters and sparkles.

I came to a stop just before the door. That thing led me here, but I can't even open it. Where's the key to this?

As soon as I have discovered the mysterious door, the world became basked in pitch darkness.

The sound of a spotlight behind slowly draws my attention past my shoulder.

A red cloth draped on a cylindrical dome object had suddenly appeared, placed on top of a tall stand.

Could the key be hiding inside?

The sound of my footsteps were the only sound heard as I walk towards it. My hand reaches out to grip the cloth. I pursed my lips before bravely stripped the obstruction off the object, revealing itself.

My eyes widen.

Inside a gold bird cage is...

A small wilting white rose blotted in black. Remains of its delicate white petals were scattered around it.

I dared to blink. My breath hitched, and my blood runs cold. A terrible choice.

White feathers replaced the petals. Through the gold bars of the cage, lying on its side dyed in a pool of black is...

Just as I make a conclusion, I was too late to realize the threat looming behind me.

I barely registered a pair of cold black anonymous hands grasping my throat and...

~~~~~~~

A Maddening Unbirthday Party

~~~~~~~

"Strix, wake up." A voice I vaguely recognized rouses me awake.

I open my eyes to the cracked ceiling and a blue blur.

Peacock green eyes creased in concern beside me. "You were moaning in your sleep. You look like you saw a ghost."

Once I basked in the lounge room of Ramshackle Dorm, I rest my arm over my eyes and heaved a breathless sigh. "...I'm fine. Must be the stress. Haha..."

Deuce fell quiet. Even someone like him could tell I'm not truly okay.

"...I could understand why. Today is the Unbirthday Party. It's off with our heads if we're late!" He said.

"Oh, yeah..." I slowly sat up and rubbed my eyes, noting that the bruise on my shoulder has mostly recovered.

I touched my throat. It felt almost real. What was that dream about the door? The rose inside a bird cage? Could it be...?

From the lounge we hear the entrance door being knocked. I flinched at the noise. That surprised me all too well.

Deuce perked up. "Hm? Sounds like someone's here."

It was Cater coming in with a chipper greeting, "G'morning! How was yesterday's sleepover? Did you experience youth fully by playing cards and other games?"

I released a sigh of relief. Seeing an overtly extroverted personality now puts me at ease knowing how too carefree they can be. It's as if the world isolates me as the crazy one of the bunch. Note that I'm not being too serious about this.

Ace rises from his futon and yawns as he spoke, "Good morning, Cater-senpai. Yeah, we played cards. Grim didn't know the rules so we just played Old Maid."

"Damn it! I couldn't win at all!" Grim cursed at the memory.

"You have no poker face when you pull the Joker." Deuce simply told him.

"Then, let's go get the tarts you made and apologize to Riddle-kun. There was some trouble yesterday so I'm low on man power and need you to come now." Cater ushered.

Ace quirked a brow. "Man power?"

"Trouble?" I echoed groggily.

"It's nothing, I was talking to myself. Well then, let's get going to the Unbirthday Party!" The third year announced.

...

We arrived to the Heartslabyul dorm. I wonder if there's a mysterious door somewhere in the rose maze, too.

"All right, I'm gonna get the tart to the dorm leader and apologize..." Ace encouraged himself until someone uncanny appears before us.

"Hey! You're finally here. I've been waiting, me!" There's Cater...in his PE uniform...standing in front of the Cater that is with us.

"I'm back. Sorry for the wait, me." Wait...What?

We went wide eyed at the bizarre sight, looking between the two Caters comically.

"Th-There are two Diamond-senpais?!" Deuce exclaimed.

"You have a twin?!" Ace exclaimed breathlessly at the odd sight.

"Oh, no, I'm the only brother." School uniform Cater replied. "This is my unique magic, Split Card. I can use magic to make clones of myself."

"Welcome back~" A clone in a lab coat waved.

"Welcome, Stri-chan~" A clone in the ceremonial robes greeted me, to which I tentatively nodded in acknowledgment.

"It was so difficult! You made me wait so long, Ace-chan~" PE uniform Cater moaned.

Ace steps back, alarmed by the rate of Caters increasing. "There's more of him!"

So surreal...

"By the way, I'm the real Cater." PE uniform Cater points to himself. "Cloning myself is pretty tiring, so I don't want to prolong this. In any case, it's off with our heads if we're late. I don't have enough hands so lend me yours. I'll take you to Riddle-kun once we're done."

Grim heaves a sigh. "You're gonna make us paint roses again?"

"You're a really carefree guy, huh!" Ace crossed his arms with a pointed look.

Cater ignored him and chirped, "All right, let's get started!"

With the help of Cater's three clones, we once again work on painting the roses red before the party begins. After painting so much yesterday, for non-magic people Ace and I, this already became a walk in the park (despite my reluctance to do this... I'll get used to it at some point). Deuce and Grim are on a roll with their magic, no toasty black roses or blue roses.

There was one time when I was distracted about my dream as I was painting that I was nearly startled out of my shell when the Cater clones suddenly huddled close to me and acted flirty.

"Looking cute even when sleepy, Stri-chan~" Lab coat Cater cooed in my left ear.

"Hey hey, wanna have tea together after this? I'm sure it'll perk you right up!" School uniform Cater chirped in my right ear.

"You look super tired, want a shoulder massage?" Ceremonial robe Cater patted my shoulders from behind.

The close proximity sent loud warning bells blaring in my mind.

"Cater-senpai, please don't tease me!" I had swerved to exclaim, the clones snickering as they retreated to their posts. Apparently Cater did that to provide a little "stimulus" for the morning.

I huffed. I have to watch out. My heart wouldn't take it.

Soon we finally finished painting the remaining white roses.

Having expended his magic in such a short time, Deuce heaves in breaths. "We... We did better than yesterday."

"You did well! Oops, it's almost time! Me army, we're done for the day!" Cater announced.

"Aye aye sir~" The clones saluted before the original dismissed them with his magic. He then leads us to the site of the Unbirthday Party just past a lake and off the the side of the dorm's entrance where a tall gate stood.

Beyond the gate, the tea garden is decorated with festive banners and lanterns hanging above. Teacups are stacked, confectionery on the platter, and red roses surround the area. There was also some peculiar, colorful cakes shaped like the comical ones in the animated Alice film.

The blare of trumpets was then followed by the single beat of a drum.

A Heartslabyul student announces, "Make way for our leader, the Crimson Ruler: Dorm Leader Riddle!"

The whole garden cheered, "Three cheers for Dorm Leader Riddle!"

Grim looks at the residents in awe. "Look at their outfits! They look so cool!"

Cater grins. "Heh heh. The Heartslabyul dorm uniform is cool, isn't it? It's totally fashionable and makes for great Magicam! Which means it's time for me to change."

In a flash of sparkles, Cater's black school uniform was replaced with the dorm attire. I wish I had magic to change clothes...

"Laws of the Queen of Hearts also states we have to dress formally on party days. As special service I'll get you coordinated, too." The third year winked.

The boys now sported new attire befitting of Heartslabyul. Even Grim has a new look with the collar.

Deuce's eyes widen. "Whoa...!"

"Dude, this is totally stylish!" Ace admires his new threads.

"Nyaha! I look cool!" Grim was certainly pleased.

"It suits you guys." I compliment, to which the three take happily.

Cater was pondering something while looking over me. "Hmm..."

I can tell what he's thinking right now. Instead of declining, I say, "If you have to make me wear the uniform, give me the same clothes as the boys. That means with pants. I'd rather not attract attention, especially with Riddle."

"Ehhh? I was thinking the female version would look cuter on you, though..."

I raised my brow. "So I'm not cute the way I am now?"

"Of course not! Geez, don't put words in my mouth, Stri-chan~" Cater pouted, seeing through my intention.

"Then give me pants."

"Okay okay, I get it. Honestly, it's not a big deal for me..."

A spiral of sparkles surround me. The black school uniform is exchanged with the standard Heartslabyul uniform of white and red. Unlike the normal dress code, I don't have a vest and had the first button of my jacket closed. I have black fingerless gloves and rolled up sleeves. My laced boots are mismatched alternative colors of black and red.

The boys marvel at the new change in style. I have been wearing mostly black. White and red is the complete opposite of my black and blue.

"Ooh! How refreshing." Ace remarked.

"It looks great." Deuce commented, smiling my way.

"My henchman's looking more like a flashier henchman!" Grim snickered.

I flexed my hands and twist my torso side to side comfortably. "Not bad."

Cater's brows furrowed. "Something's still missing... Oh yeah, you need a trump suit!"

"Hearts all the way!"

"Spade would be better, I think..."

"That doesn't matter right now," I told the three Heartslabyul members, exasperated. "I'm abiding the dress code for the party, that's that."

"But you look naked without a mark on your face while wearing our uniform. It's not a bonafide Heartslabyul getup without it!" Ace said. I simply rolled my eyes at his disappointment.

Cater grinned mirthfully. "We'll save that for next time, then. Don't forget to give Riddle-kun the tart. Let's go party!"

Standing at the grand heart throne chair is the dorm leader, Riddle. He's even dressed like the Queen of Hearts. You can tell he's no normal Heartslabyul student from clothes alone.

He was holding a porcelain white teacup in hand as he spoke, "Let us toast before we proceed with the croquet match. You all have your teacups? Now then, a toast to a day with no birthdays. A toast to the Unbirthday Party! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"Ace-chan, isn't now your chance?" Cater prompted.

"All right..." The first year breathes in and composed himself. We watch from our table as he walks up to the table with the tart hidden behind him. "Excuse me, Dorm Leader."

Riddle acknowledges Ace vaguely. "You are... Ah, the freshman tart thief."

"Um, I would like to apologize for eating the tart before. So I baked a new one."

Riddle raised an inquisitive brow. "Hmm? I'm curious, what kind of tart?"

Seeing his attention piqued boosted Ace's confidence as the boy grinned. "Thank you for asking! It's a marron tart stuffed to the brim with fresh chestnuts!" He flashed the yart before him.

However, Riddle's face morphed into horror. "A marron tart?! I can't believe this!"

Ace was taken aback. "Eh?"

"Laws of the Queen of Hearts, number 562. 'One must never bring a marron tart to an Unbirthday Party.' You've violated an imperative rule! How could you do something like this?! You've wasted a perfect Unbirthday Party!" Riddle bellowed.

The tea garden fell silent from the outburst. Everyone looks on nervously, cheerful atmosphere plummeting at the drop of a hat.

"N-Number 562?!" Deuce exclaimed in bafflement.

"Does he have them all memorized?!" I voiced aloud.

"There are 810. I have every single one memorized. I am the dorm leader, after all." Riddle simply said. "As the dorm leader of Heartslabyul, out of respect to the strictness of the Queen of Hearts, I can't turn a blind eye to this matter."

He points, "Dispose of this marron tart immediately! And throw these rule breakers out!"

We shot up from our seats. We're going to be kicked out when we just sat down?!

"Wait just a moment! As if I'd listen to a ridiculous rule like that!" Ace protested.

"Yeah! I'll eat it if you're gonna toss it!" Grim volunteered.

Trey and Cater rushed to step in, the former speaking, "My deepest apologies, Dorm Leader. I was the one who said we should make a marron tart."

"Exactly! I didn't think there would be a rule for something like that." Cater said.

"Making it isn't the problem here. The fact that you brought it here! Now, today, is the problem!" Riddle said, planting his magic staff on the ground in emphasis.

I visibly frown and spoke up bravely, "That's a rude thing to say to someone who did his best to make that for you with honest intentions." Ace has worked hard to get his sealed magic back. He can't continue to be robbed of his magic when he came to this school because of that.

"Strix is right. I've had enough of hearing all those ridiculous rules. Aren't you being kinda stupid?" Ace said to Riddle.

A dangerous shadow crossed his gray eyes. "Stupid...you say?"

"Wait, stop! That word is taboo." Cater hushed Ace before smiling amiably to the dorm leader, "Also, Riddle-kun, these are freshmen who are still learning the ropes."

Despite that, Ace continued, "No, I'm gonna say it. Anyone who obeys that rule and tosses the tart is an idiot. Stop screwing around."

"I agree with Ace. Of course, I think that rules are meant to be followed but... This is too over the top!" Deuce attested.

"You've got quite the nerve, talking back to me. Listen well. Even breaking insignificant rules leads to huge problems." Riddle explained.

"The other residents are afraid of getting their magic sealed so they don't speak up, but I'm sure they feel the same!" Ace refutes.

Upon the commotion being directed to the silent onlookers of the party, the students fidget. Among them, I spot a familiar face sitting with a solemn face. It was one of the second years from the courtyard back when I was catching Grim from his mischief.

The Six of Spades, Sice Vanga. The tan skinned boy could only bore his pale blue eyes at the table, personality different from the amiable upperclassman yesterday. He was unusually silent and wore a grim expression.

His friend, the Five of Hearts, or Cinque Corda if I recall correctly, sat in the same table. The collared blond slowly shook his head at us in disappointment, his warning having been tossed aside by Ace's rebellious spirit.

A resident fumbled over his words, "Ah no, we..."

Riddle crossed his arms, examining over the tea garden of students. "Heh, is that so?"

"N-Not at all, Dorm Leader!"

"Everything is based on your judgement!"

"No way!" Grim gasped. Everyone is too scared to speak up, much less look at Riddle in the eye.

Ace clicked his tongue in disappointment. "Running away, huh. Lame."

"In the year I've been dorm leader, there hasn't been a single student held back or expelled from Heartslabyul dorm. Only Heartslabyul can say that." Riddle boasted.

He placed a hand to his chest, "In this dorm I am the one with the highest marks and the strongest. That makes me the most correct! So all you have to do is follow my rules without talking back!"

Deuce was astonished by such mindset. If what he says is true, then he may not be a foolish leader who neglects his role, but still... "That's...!"

"I'm not cutting off your heads because I want to. You keep breaking the rules and leave me no choice. If you won't obey me, then it's off with all your heads!" Riddle shouted.

"Now, everyone just say, 'Yes, Dorm Leader'." Cater beckons, green eyes pleading for us to follow along.

However, we didn't budge. We will not bend over to this tyranny.

"... I can't do that." Deuce spoke.

"Me, too." I said.

"I've had enough playing along with this selfish tyrant!" Ace retorts.

Riddle's face twisted. "What did you just say?"

"We're saying you're a hot-headed tyrant that wastes food for his own selfish whims!" Grim spat out.

However, Deuce grew mortified. "H-Hey! We didn't say all that..."

"OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!"

The collar is magically placed on the Grim and Deuce who screamed in agony. It makes me wonder if it really hurts that bad. I don't want to try that out if I had magic.

Grim grits his teeth, exasperated at the weight of the object. "It's this damn collar again!"

Deuce tried to remove the collar to no avail. "Damn it, it won't come off!" Now everyone in the gang is collared and can't use magic.

"Trey! Cater! Throw them out!" Riddle commanded.

The pair of third years were unable to resist their dorm leader, muttering the softest, "...Yes, Dorm Leader."

Deuce was shocked. They're not lifting a finger on Riddle. "S-Senpai?!"

"So sorry, but we don't go against the dorm leader." Cater said lightly.

Trey was the most torn up over this. "I'm sorry..."

"Ohhh. That so! I'll take you on!" Ace was ready to throw hands until I gripped his shoulder.

"You seriously plan on fighting back when you're still collared? Forget it." I tell him, "Let's leave."

Without listening to Ace protest, I called Deuce and Grim over so we could leave. Grim retrieved the untouched marron tart and devours it as he trailed behind us.

I ushered the disgruntled Ace to move along after a few light shoves. What I didn't bother to do was apologize for ruining the otherwise perfect Unbirthday Party, neither for our ruckus.

Feeling responsible, Trey and Cater walked us outside of the garden gates.

"Well then, Ace-chan and friends. See ya later~" Cater waves.

"We'll work on pacifying Riddle so you guys can apologize and come back to the dorm." Trey assured.

"Damn it! I am never apologizing!" Ace swore for the whole tea garden to hear as the gates closed on us with a clattering thud.

Riddle scoffed from his seat by the throne. "Fools, the lot of them. This is why one who abides the rules such as I am needed."

He gripped his staff tightly. He mutters lowly to himself as though chanting, "Mother is never wrong... That means I am not upholding order wrong... That means I am right..."

DRIP DRIP

I involuntarily shivered. My throat suddenly feels chilly. And what's with the noise in my ears again?

I pat my palm against my ear, hoping to knock out the irritation inside. Maybe the trumpets are getting to me?

Deuce blinked at me peculiarly. "Strix?"

"It's nothing. Got some buzzing noise in my ears." I assured him, stopping what I was doing now that my head finally has a sense of peace.

To think I was actually kind of looking forward to my first official Unbirthday Party. Guess not while Riddle is in a foul mood, for however long that will be.

We stalked off to the rose maze in silence until Ace screamed, "Damn it! I'm so pissed off! That little red-haired menace! Does he plan on turning into the Queen of Hearts himself?!"

I've been convinced he is already since he said the famous line.

"I disobeyed the dorm leader and got kicked out... I'm even further from being an honors student..." Deuce gloomed. To be honest, nothing has gone right since we met. Kind of screwed each others' school lives.

"Ugh, this collar is heavy, and it hurts..." Grim whined, lamenting his collared state he entered for the second time so soon.

"Y'all look so stylish with your meowtching collars~" A floating head with cat ears grinned mirthfully before us.

A scream is elicited from our group. What in the name of Walt Disney did I just see?!

Grim was the loudest out of all of us, being easily startled. He had jumped a solid foot in the air before leaping into my arms and trembled like a leaf. He's heavier now with the collar (and maybe that marron tart he had wolfed down a minute ago).

"A FLOATING HEAD!!" Grim shrieked.

"Oops. I fur-got to bring out my body." Then came the rest of his figure. The streaks of purple in his hair whose fringes framing his face are clipped with a pair of three black pins like whiskers, a matching striped shirt... They were akin to the Cheshire Cat.

"How do you 'forget' that, exactly...?" I muttered, paling a shade. Not going to lie, that did freak me out just for a moment. Could that be his unique magic? Also did he just sneak in cat puns?

"Wh-What the... So you actually have a body. Who are you?" Deuce asked.

"I'm Alchemi Alchemevich Pinka. I'm a great enigma with magic that's both like a person and like a cat." He replied.

He lost me at "Alchemi".

"Alche... Come again?" Ace had stumbled over his name several times and gave up.

The cat-human giggled. "Everyone calls me Chenya. At the very least... I'm on a different level than those guys in there." He grins akin to the Cheshire Cat's smile.

"Which dorm are you from?" I asked. He's not wearing the dorm uniform, so he could have been visiting from another place.

"Try guessin' what dorm I'm from~" He sang, dodging the question.

"I got it! You got cat ears, so you're from Mackerel... Savanya Dorm!" Grim was getting close to getting the name right, at least.

"Boo, boo, wrong! Mackerel live in the sea, remember? I'm a cat, so I'm not a mackerel."

"That's what he's picking out on?" I mutter with a sweatdrop.

"There are other people who have different ears in the other dorms, too, you know?" Deuce said to Grim.

Ace scowled at the grinning feline beastman. "I'm in a bad mood thanks to the absurd situation caused by the tyrant. Outta my way."

"Riddle, a tyrant..." Chenya snickers softly. "Well, mew're not incorrect. He's been a serious one since he was little..." He continues to laugh.

"Do you know something?" I asked. Could he be friends with Riddle when they were kids?

"If you think I know, then I know. If you think I don't, then I don't." He placed his hands behind his neck.

"Which is it?" Grim asked, unamused by the elusiveness. That's just how the Cheshire Cat is: a cryptic cat embodiment of the chaotic neutral alignment. I want to believe he knows though. It wouldn't hurt to believe.

Chenya perks up. "What's this? Do you wanna know all about Riddle?"

"Hell yeah, we do! I wanna know who raised a little tyrant like that." Ace said.

"Then, go ask that glasses guy." Chenya replied.

"Glasses... Do you mean Clover-senpai?" Deuce inquired.

"He's known Riddle since he was a kid. If mew wanna know about Riddle, he's the one to talk to." Chenya said.

"They were childhood friends? It didn't seem that way at all..." Deuce contemplates.

"If you think so then it must be so. By the way..." Yellow cat-like eyes slide over to me. "What's a sweet rose like you doing here?"

The male shuffled over to me. I refrained from taking a step behind but reeled my back slightly as he circles around me. The light glinted mischievously in his eyes drinking up my curious presence.

"Intriguing. Not a whiff of magic on you, yet your scent is far attractive than anyone I've met..."

I could only blink owlishly at him. "Uhh..."

The mysterious look in his gaze had disappeared once he stopped beside me. "Hm. Well, guess there's nothing for mew to talk to me about. See mew." Everything but his head disappears as he walks -or in an outsider's perspective, floats- away. Despite our protests, he hums a merry tune even after his head finally fades from visibility.

'What's with overgrown cats sniffing me?' Was all I could think after that eccentric meeting. We never did find out which dorm he's from.

"He had a weird cat-itude... Ah! I'm talking like him!" Grim gasped, holding his tongue.

"If we keep these collars on we're never going to be able to take part in class. Let's go see what Clover-senpai has to say. And..." Deuce glanced to Ace.

"It's super lame to go and apologize, so I'm not doing that!" Ace stubbornly replied.

"Let's leave for now." I tell them, all four of us exiting Heartslabyul.

Right after we warped out of the dorm through the mirror, a face returns, floating by the entrance to the rose maze.

Yellow feline eyes crinkle with mirth.

"For a girl with a scent sweeter than any rose to fall into the rabbit hole that is Wonderland... Hmm."

The grin remains loyal to Chenya's lips as his shoulders shook with impish laughter. "The bigger question is who is the 'White Rabbit' that purrposely led her here? And for what purrpose?"

His pierced triangular purple cat ears flicked once. The musical blares of the Unbirthday Party's trumpets can be heard in the distance.

"Someone who must be madder than anyone in this academy, purrhaps... Even though mostly everyone's mad here. That says a lot, even for me when I'm not all there myself."

He entertained the thought to himself before disappearing, humming a merry tune that fell on no one's ears.

...

We have been waiting in the library until we saw Trey and approached him. Our school uniforms had also returned after we left Heartslabyul.

"Clover-senpai." Deuce addressed.

Trey acknowledged us. "It's you guys..."

"We figured you'd come to the library to return the cookbook for the marron tart and camped out here." The navy-haired boy explained.

"We really can't agree with the way Riddle is doing things." Ace began straight to the point.

Trey deflated from recalling the incident he blames himself for. This was the final straw, he realized. "...I figured."

Ace continued, "What do you really think about him? Since you were kids have you always been so subservient to him?"

Trey became slightly on guard. "Who did you hear that from?"

"From a guy with purple cat ears named Chenya." I answered.

Trey pondered the name. "Chenya... Ah, that guy."

"Hey, aren't you older than Riddle? Just get angry at him." Grim said.

"I'd do it if I felt it necessary. But... I can't bring myself scold him." Trey admitted weakly.

Aggravated by this, Ace asked, "Why?!"

"Everything Riddle is was 'made' by by following strict rules." Trey began. "His parents are very famous magicians that there's no one in town who didn't know their names. His mother is especially exceptional and she wanted Riddle to be exceptional as well. That's why everything from what time he wakes up to what time he goes to sleep, and even what academic programs he'll do is decided for him."

"Geh... Everything?" Grim uttered. Yikes.

"From what he ate, what he wore, and what sort of friends he can make was decided for him. Nevertheless, Riddle never said a word and strives to meet those expectations and completed his unique magic at age 10. On top of that, he has maintained his spot at the top since elementary school. I can't even imagine how difficult that must have been."

Ace was silent.

"That's...pretty harsh..." I could only say. He was raised with so little freedom to be his own individual. He never got to be spoiled even a little as a kid and live his childhood normally.

Trey acknowledged with a nod. "Riddle thinks being bound by strict rules is for one's own benefit. He was bound by harsh rules and still became a leader so he believes it works for anyone. Because that's how he was raised. And that means breaking the rules is utterly unacceptable. I mean..."

"If he gives rule violation any sort of positive reaction, it means going against the way he was made... Right?" Ace concluded.

"... I understand why you think he's a tyrant. And that his way of doing things is incorrect. But for me... I just can't bring myself to scold him." Trey avoids meeting our gazes.

Hearing this depressing stuff made Grim wilt.

"Dorm Leader has a past like that..." Deuce mutters sadly.

It's understandable, but should letting him continue to act like a tyrant really make him most happiest? I think that to myself after hearing the story.

Ace was contemplating something until he spoke, "...After hearing all this, I finally understand. The way Dorm Leader Riddle is now, is your fault."

We shot him startled looks. He said it so bluntly with a straight face! I don't think even I, in all my straight-laced heart, could do that in this type of situation.

"Dorm Leader Riddle had no say in who his parents were. But, you've at least thought they were wrong for a while, right?" Ace asked.

Trey hesitated. "That's..."

"If you think that the prefect's making the same mistakes, say so. Fix your mistakes. What have you accomplished by feeling sorry for the poor guy and indulging him? You're just going to watch while he becomes hated and isolated from everyone?"

Trey's brows furrowed deeply. For once, we may see an angry side to the usual nice upperclassman, and I'm not sure I want to look forward to that.

Seeing this, Deuce tried to stop him, "H-hey... Ace!"

I remained quiet and watched their exchange with still blue eyes.

Despite that, Ace continued, "Or what? Are you keeping quiet 'cause you're afraid of losing your head?"

A sneer. "So lame! You're not childhood friends. You can't even call yourself his friend!" He shouted in the end.

"HEY! YOU ALL! BE QUIET IN THE LIBRARY!"

Suddenly Crowley emerged from an aisle to scream at us. My ears...

"You're the loudest here." Grim flatly stated, and I nodded. He almost shook the entire room.

"Oops, apologies." Crowley cleared his throat and whispered, "My goodness, the library is for quiet study or reading."

"Why are you here, Headmaster?" I asked.

"I was researching ways on how to get you back to your own world. I didn't forget at all, see? Oh, how kind of me~ Research starts at the library, after all. However, I'm not actually here because I wanted to read the latest addition to a certain novel earlier than anyone else, no sir, not at all." He shook his head affirmatively and held his chin up.

"You had me until you mentioned the last bit..." I sweatdropped.

"Ahem," Crowley avoids my deadpan and asks the whole group, "So what is everyone doing here all gathered with such troubled faces?"

Deuce trailed, "Well..."

After we retold the story to Crowley, he said, "I see, that's the situation... You don't want to apologize to have the collar taken off, but you know that convincing the prefect will not go smoothly..."

"Yeah, that's about right." Ace affirmed.

"I see. If you dislike the way your prefect does things, you do have the option to switch dormitories. However, your dormitory was chosen for you after the Dark Mirror saw the quality of your soul, so there are quite a number of troublesome procedures and rituals that are required." Crowley explained.

"Transfer, huh. I feel like I'd lose to him if I did that, so I don't really wanna go for it." Ace declines.

Crowley hummed. "How do you feel about applying for a decisive match with Rosehearts-kun to take his place as dorm leader?"

We screamed incredulously, "EHH?!!"

"Hey! You're shouting!" The masked man harshly whispers.

"Because you said something really weird, Headmaster!" Ace whispered back with as much edge.

Crowley stands straighter and speaks normally, "It is not weird in the least. After all, that's how Rosehearts-kun became dorm leader."

"Now that you mention it, how are the dorm leaders chosen at Night Raven College?" Deuce asked. I was wondering that, too.

"We heard that Riddle became dorm leader a week after he started school." Grim said.

"Being nominated by the previous dorm leader, winning a decisive match against the current dorm leader, and there are many other ways it's decided. A decisive match is one of the more simple." Crowley stated.

"Isn't using magic to settle personal squabbles prohibited?" I asked. Like using magic over a silly egg can't be as ever ridiculous of a squabble?

"Personal ones, yes. Going through the proper channels with the headmaster overseeing a decisive match is another matter." The masked raven elaborated.

"It's prohibited to place handicaps on your opponent before a decisive match, too." Trey spoke, "You would be able to get the collar removed without apologizing to Riddle. But..."

"It'd only be temporary, assuming you lose to Riddle." I finished.

"All students are given the right to take the role of the dorm leader the moment they enter this school. What say you? Trappola-kun. Will you challenge Rosehearts-kun?" Crowley offered.

Ace nodded. "Okay. I won't know unless I try."

"Count me in, too." Deuce volunteered.

"Don't forget me!" Grim raised a paw.

Crowley looks to the beast. "Grim, unfortunately students from another dorm cannot issue a challenge."

His jaw dropped. "Wha-?! Then who exactly is gonna take my collar off?!"

"I'll order Riddle to take it off if I become dorm leader." Ace assured. It's hard to see him take the reigns of something full of responsibility. I'm pretty sure he'd topple the whole dorm from its former glory.

"Damn. This was gonna be a chance for me to show off my skills..." Grim grumbled.

"Are you guys serious? Deuce, I never would have expected this from you." Trey said, looking over to the boy.

"Really? As a man, don't you want to aim for the top sometimes? If we're doing this count me in, make it a team-play." He looks ready to rumble.

"Here it is, bad-boy mode." Ace smiled at the brasher side to Deuce that appeared.

Deuce broke out of character and blinks in confusion. "Eh? It's...normal?"

"I shall take care of the bureaucratic matters." Crowley spoke before beginning to take his leave.

"We should come up with a plan." I proposed.

"Yeah. Anyone got any bright ideas?" Ace asked.

"Huuh. I don't see us beating Riddle in terms of magic. But, if it's a fist fight we got this." Deuce said.

"Typical Deuce." I sweatdropped.

"True, he seems like a little weakling!" Grim said.

"Oops, I forgot to mention. In this decisive match any attacks other than magic are forbidden." Crowley added after pausing in his steps, crushing Deuce and the others' hopes.

The man chuckled. "Follow the rules and enjoy your decisive match! The formalities will be taken care of tomorrow so be mindful of the timing. Now I shall take my leave."

We were now left to formulate a strategy.

Now that we know only magic is allowed, the mood between the boys became a little discouraging. Ace said tersely, "A-All right! I'm not super confident in our magic but...I'm sure it'll be fine!"

Deuce bobbed his head. "Y-Yeah!"

"I've still got this collar on me! You better go all out!" Grim told them.

Trey watches us with concern. "You guys..."

A light of determination burns in Ace's red eyes. "When I become dorm leader, I'm going to make him say, 'I was wrong. I'm so sorry'! And I'll stop him paralyzing everyone with his crazy rules!"

I just hope nothing disastrous would come out of this. Yet the dreams I've been having tell me another story. How would we be able to stop whatever foreboding event comes? I wish I knew...

"So Strix, what's the plan?" Ace suddenly asked me.

I raised my brow. "Why are you asking me?"

"You're the one who saved our asses the first day with your crazy plan, and you did a lot of other insane stuff no one would've expected outta you. You headbutted a dude yesterday y'know! Use that brain to lead us to victory!" Ace said.

"That was all for my benefit, really. You guys are on your own with this one." I shot down in a heartbeat.

"Hey, my student career depends on this duel, Strix! I can't cast magic in class if I'm stuck with this stupid collar!" Grim protested.

"Yeah, same here!" Ace chimed in eagerly.

"Being a student means to learn how to humble yourself. The collar does wonders for you two, especially." I regard Ace and Grim's collars with a straight face, though secretly I was rather relieved at the prospect they wouldn't cause as much chaotic trouble with their magic sealed.

"This one might be as awful as our dorm leader..." Ace muttered.

"I agree..." Said Grim.

"I heard that."

"Please help us, Strix! We're bros, yeah?" Deuce pleaded, much to the others' confusion.

Ace made a face at him before eyeing me for clarification. "'Bros'?"

"Long story, don't mind it." I dismissed airily to avoid the topic.

I give in to what appears to be like three collared cats meowing for help in my eyes and pondered our choices.

Eventually I face them and replied, "I got nothing."

"Fgnah?! Why now of all times?!" Grim exclaimed.

"It's strictly a magic duel. With how often Riddle's unique 'anti-magic' specialty is thrown around like hot cakes, you guys are toast the moment you begin. Frankly, you guys would be lucky if Riddle was merciful and decided not to end the duel so early." I explained bluntly without hesitation in my thoughts.

Trey furrowed his brows upon hearing my words, muttering under his breath, "How often...?"

"Wow, supportive much?" Ace's eyelids fall flat at me.

I stared unblinkingly. "Am I wrong, though?"

Ace let out a huff, crossing his arms and tapping his finger on his arm irritably.

"Are you guys actually friends?" Trey sweatdropped to himself as he watched us bicker back and forth across the table.

Realizing what he just said, Trey fell quiet. He glanced to the marron tart cookbook he has yet to return in his hand in deep contemplation.

As Ace and Deuce were preoccupied with formulating a strategy against Riddle, I watched Trey leave without a word, presumably immersed in his own thoughts.

Just before he disappeared around a bookshelf, I detected faint pink sparkles dance around his shoulder as though leaving a trail of its presence from the man. It completely disappeared from sight, however.

My eyes widen a fraction. What was that...?