Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you guys had happy holidays!
Apologies for the lateness. I've been procrastinating to have some me time after I finally finished my semester. I was also dealing with writer's block as a result. But now I have January to make some progress before I return to school at the end of the month.
At first I wanted to publish this chapter with a CG but decided not to or else this update will be prolonged. I can't get anything out on time smh
Please excuse any errors.
...
A vast desert beneath the starry night sky stretched beyond the eye can see. I was cladded in a tattered cloak from head to toe.
"You are late." That was Jafar. He was mounted atop a dark horse and glowering at an apologetic thief.
"I had to slit a few throats but I got it." Gazeem stumbled out.
"Trust me my pungent friend." Jafar attaches the two halves of the golden scarab beetle together. As soon as they formed, the beetle glows with magic and flies off leaving sparkles behind.
"Quickly, follow the trail!"
Jafar and Gazeem both follow on horseback to where a gigantic tiger head is erected out of sand.
"At last, after all my years of searching. The Cave of Wonders!"
"The Cave of Wonders!" Iago parroted.
"Remember, bring me the lamp. The lamp is mine!" Jafar ordered Gazeem.
"Who disturbs my slumber?" Boomed the Cave of Wonders.
I stared up at the mysterious sand entity in awe of seeing it in person until a shove sent me plunging into the tiger's mouth entrance.
I screamed, inwardly squeezing my eyelids shut from a potential death that Gazeem had suffered. Yet no sand swallowed me, and I laid on the ground for a few seconds before peeking alone eye open.
I stood to my feet in which my height could never create a dent between the stacked riches of gold power and metal studded with dazzling jewels.
If I'm still here, does that mean I'm allowed as the "diamond in the rough"? I suppose I should be honored to be deemed as such in the Cave of Wonders' eyes, though I sincerely doubt myself worthy of the title.
My feet wanders deep into the mysterious dungeon. Though awed by the wonders of riches surrounding me, I knew better than to steal, much less touch, anything other than the lamp.
I can't imagine the brainless trio and others like Azul or Ruggie-senpai keeping their hands to themselves. They wouldn't even have the chance to step foot for that reason.
When I think of them, my self-discipline is heightened to never stoop low as those people. Thank goodness Sidney disciplined me before I took a turn for the worse.
I eventually arrived to the back chamber where a lamp stood atop a tall rock formation surrounded by water.
I wonder if I could wake up from this dream sequence right now to spare myself the endeavors. Rock climbing is not my forte.
My ears perked up at the sound of a Dream Eater. I look down to see a blue and yellow reptile similar to a lizard standing by the base of the rock.
Hebby Repp bounced on its two feet to attract my attention. It points its long tail to a rock platform that appears to trail up a safer route to the lamp.
I brace myself for the climb and follow the spirit leading the way. I was cautious about my footing, slowly but surely reaching the peak. When I finally arrived, the golden lamp was sitting innocently among other forbidden treasures.
["Over here..."]
I paused from grabbing the lamp.
That was...Sidney's voice?
I looked around to find no one in the area. Was that my imagination within an imagination?
["Look this way."]
I relied on the direction of the source and turned to my right.
A ruby red gem as big as my fist sparkles beneath the pale blue moonlight. Upon closer look, I could see the elder's reflection smiling at me. The same smile that fills my chest with warmth and provides the shelter my heart seeks to find solace and confide in.
My vulnerability seeps into my visage. How long I missed the comfort his presence brought ever since I left that cold, dark house...
"Sidney..."
A glazed red light reflects in my gaze. My hand reaches out to Sidney.
Once I grasped the cool hard mineral containing my great grandfather within, the cavern rumbles with rage.
I jolted to reality and cursed. I can't believe I fell for the treasures' temptations like an idiot!
I swiftly grabbed the lamp after tossing the deceitful ruby aside and made a run for the exit where I once came.
I reach out for the mouth of the exit.
~~~~~~~
Sand and Snow
~~~~~~~
I slowly sat up on my bed in my disheveled bed hair glory and stared with bleary eyes. "So it's a desert dream this time?"
To think I'd dream of a desert when it's winter. In the real world lies the frost chilling cold and in my head the intense heat lives. What a pain.
My lips pursed into a thin line. Winter, huh. Between summer and winter, I'd prefer the latter. It gives me an excuse to stay holed up at home where it's warmest.
I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed softly under my breath. Almost four months with not a single lead on a way to return home. I'd hate to think I'd be accustomed to Twisted Wonderland if that means forgetting my mission. It would be a long time for me to see the day where I would not bat an eye at the wonders of magic, and I sincerely hope I don't come to that point.
After putting on my school uniform, I grabbed a gray scarf hanging from the coatrack and wrapped it around my neck once.
"Oh my, what's with your groggy face?" Laverne asked when Grim and I were about to head downstairs.
"You look like you sneaked a peek of the other side." Hugo laughs.
"Your fall term comes to an end today, you can't lose motivation on the last day. Buck up." Victor told us.
"And then tomorrow winter holiday starts. What do you guys plan to do?" Laverne asked.
Grim cocked his head. "Hmm? The hell is 'winter holiday'?"
"It's what they call that big break you get in winter. Usually kids go home to celebrate the new year with their family and have a big feast!"
That perked Grim right up. "Fgna?! A feast?!"
"Oh yeah. With roasted turkey and cake and a gingerbread house... Well, none of us can eat that." Victor mirthfully said in the end.
"Us ghosts usually make our way back to the other side to see our families too." Laverne said.
"And some of them never return to this side! Heeheehee." Hugo snickers.
Grim mumbles, "Eat and be merry with family..."
"Grim, do you have any family?" I asked. I just realized the question was never brought up until now, somehow. I didn't even consider if he had a family waiting for him.
"My family...?" He crossed his arms and hummed thought. "I don't really remember. When I came to, I was by myself and starving. It was freezing and I was just waiting around for someone..." He then closed his eyes thoughtfully, "...What happened after that? I can't remember..."
I stared down at the cat.
"Starving"..."Freezing"...
[A little girl was kneeled on the floor, hunched over and cradling her backpack in the darkness of the corridor where she laid just behind the entrance to the outside world. No one was there to witness the unspoken loneliness accompanied by the chilling wooden flooring, nor did anyone come to greet her with welcoming arms and the promise of a warm dinner.]
[Every time she returns to the house, she would dread seeing the lights of her home still lit. If they were off, she would relish in the silence and absence of adults baring harsh eyes when looking her way. For once she could silently weep in a room outside her bland bedroom without hearing the distaste behind the sucking of their teeth.]
[In the dark dining room, dull blue eyes stared down at the plate in front of her. Another meal that was devoid of life.]
[Regardless, she forced herself to eat. As she had expected, she can't taste anything.]
[Like everywhere under the roof housing the child, the food was cold.]
"Well, the past is the past, y'know! Can't change it so I'm all about the future! I'm on my way to becoming a great and wealthy wizard!" Grim shrugged before laughing.
"You've had your own share of tough times." Laverne mused. My eyes fell halfway from the horrible recollection.
"You two can spend the holiday curled around the fireplace with us." Victor said, smiling.
I reciprocated the smile with my smaller one, one that did not meet the dark dull flicker that had flashed in my eyes. It went unnoticed by everyone. "That doesn't sound so bad."
Grim cheers, "A holiday and I get a feast, sign me up!"
...
As today is the final day of class before winter break, classes are gathered in their respective homeroom teacher's classrooms at the end of the day for a conclusive end session.
From my seat, I stared at the decorative globe standing atop the bookshelf. I was admiring the intricate gold designs when I spotted two small circles connected to a larger one in resemblance to a head.
I rubbed my eyes and made a face. It's still there.
Ever since I saw his silhouette in the mirror, I've started noticing how damn often the hidden Mickey symbols are around me. Clouds, red paint blobs from Heartslabyul, shadows, and even at certain angles from unlikely objects (who knew three masking tapes could create such an image).
I feel like I'm the only one seeing it though when I was told by Crewel to visit the nurse for any eyesight problems after I almost broke into a fit of hysteria seeing a Mickey bubble and smoke during magic potions class. You cannot tell me they just happen to make that iconic shape.
I swear, Mickey is everywhere as though mocking me! He's the reason why I started dozing off more noticeably for the teachers, because of the nightmares haunting me. If I close my eyes, I can see and hear Mickey's squeaky voice echo in my ear with that trademark laugh and speech. Reality just warps cartoon characters into potential nightmare material to keep me even more up at night.
I am honestly scared of meeting him in person. Anthropomorphic animals may be a bit extreme for Twisted Wonderland, assuming there is no race for them. Human-animal hybrids and merfolk are perfectly fine for me, but never anthropomorphic animals. It hits different when you imagine you're not touching a mascot costume but live flesh and warmth.
I shook my head. Focus on class, Crewel is about to make an announcement.
"Listen up, puppies. I'm sure you're all looking forward to spending your vacation at home..." Crewel's silver blue eyes skimmed across the room.
"But every year there are those who spend the entire time playing around and forget their homework! There will be plenty of discipline awaiting those puppies who can't be bothered to do their assignments. Special permission to use the Mirror Chamber has been granted for you to travel home. Get your things and report to the proper mirror!"
"All right!"
The classroom broke into excited chatter.
"Phew, we're finally released from the shackles of our student life!" Ace breathed.
"As expected of Night Raven College, they don't hold back on the homework." From beside Ace, Deuce sighed into his breath as he dreaded the workload of the papers.
"Oh yeah, Strix, you still haven't found a way to get back to your world, right?" Ace inquired, leaning forward on his desk to peer at me curiously.
"I'm afraid not," I replied sheepishly. A lot of things happened in the semester that before I knew it Christmas and the new year is right around the corner.
"I guess that means you two will both be at school for the holiday." Deuce remarked.
"Yup. We're gonna put together a feast with the ghosts, y'know!" Grim chirped, forked tail wagging high in the air in delight.
Ace gave a smile. "Gotcha. With all the ghosts here I guess you guys won't be lonely at all."
"Wait. If school is closed for the holiday, doesn't that mean the cafeteria and student store will also be closed?" Deuce inquired.
Grim's flaming blue ears stood erect, matching eyes widening. "Fgna! You're totally right. How are we supposed to have our feast?"
"I want to believe this didn't slip the headmaster's mind but..." I refrain clicking my tongue at the likely possibility and instead grit my teeth. The image is too vivid to leave room for doubt.
"Your face is getting intense, Strix." Grim sweatdropped.
I patted my cheek to relax the scowl that had crept to my face and returned to my neutral expression. Was I becoming easier to read?
"You should probably check with the headmaster as soon as possible." Deuce suggested.
"Let's head over to the Mirror Chamber since the headmaster has to be there to give his approval." Ace said.
When we arrived, the room was crowded with the majority of the student body hauling luggage and chatting animatedly with their friends before their departure.
Deuce scanned the Mirror Chamber premises. "There's already a bunch of people headed home."
Ace looks around. "Haha, they all look so antsy. And the headmaster is..."
Standing by the Mirror of Darkness was Crowley in a bright yellow Hawaiian shirt designed with red apples and a raven at the breast pocket. He has white khaki shorts and a fedora on. Oh Great Seven.
"Everyone, please make sure to keep a hold of your belongings as you enter the Mirror Chamber. If you let go for even a moment your things will end up in a completely different location. I recommend shipping anything you can't live without through the student store."
"He's in full vacay mode!!"
"A Hawaiian shirt in the middle of winter! This guy's ready to become a snowbird down south." Ace exclaimed.
"He's not even trying to hide where he'd rather be." Deuce shook his head exasperated.
I suppressed a violent twitch.
"Hey you, headmaster! We've got a bone to pick!" Grim called out as we made a beeline to him.
Crowley faces the familiar faces of the first year gang that is us. "Oh, what are you all doing here?"
"Are you really looking for a way to get me home?" I asked lowly, visage twitching underneath my calm composure about to crumble soon. My grabby hands were tempted to lunge for the man's throat but Ace and Deuce were physically holding me back from pouncing like a feral madman. Depending on his excuse I might commit arson to make this room like the first day of school when Grim had run rampant.
Crowley's pale skin breaks into a sweat. "Ah! Aahhh! A way back to your world. Hahaha. Don't be like that, of course I'm looking. My plan is to expand my research by going down south to see if I can find any leads. For I am very serious." He nods affirmatively as though it would assure me of any worries I have.
"I'd be less upset if you actually looked at me in the eye..." I dully told him whose eyes were darting anywhere but me.
"That's not what people wear for 'research'..." Ace sweatdropped.
"Yeah yeah! You're just gonna take it easy, y'know!" Grim frowned.
"What are you talking about? This is how they dress in the south. You have to try to fit in when you visit foreign lands. Escaping this cold and spending time gazing upon the ocean while drinking coconut juice from a hammock... I am most definitely not thinking about enjoying myself to the fullest."
Crowley then noticed my darkening expression and glowering blue eyes that could pierce one's soul. "Please don't make such a scary face!"
"Y-You sure went into detail...!" Deuce said.
"That's no fair! We wanna go to the south too!" Grim demanded, stomping.
"Whaaat? That would completely ruin my fun..." Crowley cleared his throat and spoke solemnly, "There will be a great deal of danger involved in my investigation so I must go alone. And I have a very important job for you to take care of here at school. It is a very crucial task that affects the very existence of Night Raven College."
I could not find it within me to acknowledge whatever this threatening danger is, a flat deadpan lowering my facial muscles almost perpetually. "He's getting full of himself again."
Crowley continued, "If you were to accept this job, then on top of your usual food expenses over vacation... I promise to provide for you a great feast. With roasted turkey, cake, a gingerbread house... How about I throw in thick and juicy spare ribs and a mountain of French fries, does that tickle your fancy?"
"Fgna?! Thick and juicy spare ribs? A mountain of French fries?" Grim swallowed his saliva before putting up a front. "I suppose there's no harm in hearing you out."
"It doesn't take much to pay you off..." Ace noted duly.
I sighed. I wouldn't be surprised if Grim sold me to Satan for one corn chip.
"So what's this job you want us to do?" I asked blandly, having resigned to my misfortune of being begrudgingly pulled into unfavorable errands and trouble, usually at Crowley's beck and call.
"All of the fires around campus, from the cafeteria to fireplaces, are maintained by fire fae. They have been living in the hearths in the main cafeteria for many years now... But if they are not given perfectly dried logs everyday they will disappear. Without those fire faces this school would be wrapped in a cold that would freeze it solid." Crowley explained.
"I had noticed that even without a heater it's always nice and warm around here." Deuce spoke. True, I had never even thought of that until now. It was as if winter never happened outside the main campus. Does that mean the same will apply for summer, too? I hope that is true. Summer is the worst season for me to handle.
"So it was magic." Ace mused.
"There is a ghost that's supposed to be in charge during long holidays but... His daughter had a child this year it seems and has returned to the other side to meet his grandchild. So I'd like to ask you to take care of it in his stead." Said Crowley.
"A ghost has a grandchild...?" Several questions floated about my head as the cogs attempted to turn to no avail. My brain...can't compute...
"Let's just call it a miracle of love and leave it at that..." Came Crowley's swift reply.
I slowly nodded. "Right..."
"Back to the point, this is crucial if you'd like to stay warm over the holiday. All you have to do is move around some firewood daily and you can spend your holiday warm and with a full belly... It's two birds with one stone. Isn't this a wonderful arrangement?" Crowley smiled.
"This is a piece of cake if you compare it to all the weird stuff you've made us clean up before!" Grim said.
"I suppose so..." I muttered.
"Isn't it? This is what makes me ever so gracious." Crowley sung his own praises before saying, "I almost forgot. Since I'll be gone for the duration of the break, I want to give you this."
He hands me a black smartphone.
"Call me immediately with this if there's ever an emergency while I'm gone. This is for emergency use only. Refrain from using it to eat up data by scrolling through Magicam. I have to get back to my very important duty of sending the students home so I'll leave the rest to the two of you."
He mumbled to himself as he walked away, "That's right, before I leave I need to take a look at the sightseeing brochure. I'm just so so busy..."
"Nyaha! Now we're guaranteed a big ol' feast over the holiday!" Grim cheered.
"One of these days I will pluck his feathers off..." I swore darkly under my breath, internally seething that Crowley got away with my wrath yet again with the promise of free food. "He's spared...for now."
"Looked to me like he really knows how to work you over..." Ace watched our two contrasting moods before shrugging. "Well, as long as you guys are okay with it then it's fine."
A pair of footsteps were heard from behind us. "Hey hey! No standing in the middle of the road, move move!" It was Ruggie.
"Bucchi-senpai..." Deuce's bright blue eyes widened once he acknowledges the hyena. "Why do you have so much stuff?! You've got a backpack and three duffle bags plus a giant cooler."
"You mean all this?" Ruggie laughs his trademark laughter, "I got all the food that was about to expire from the cafeteria and school store. Right before long breaks like this I can get it all for free."
"What? There's no way you can go through all that." Ace eyes the horde of luggage containing mostly food that were bigger than Ruggie's thin frame could likely take.
The brunet cocked a brow. "What're you talking about? Once I get home and pass this out to all of the neighborhood street rats, it'll be gone in no time. I've gotta make sure my grandma can eat her fill over the holidays. Oops, the frozen stuff's gonna melt. Oi, Strix, ya brought 'em?"
"Yeah," I approached Ruggie with a brown paper bag carrying a sweet aroma. "So this is what you meant when you postponed the favor..." I had promised him donuts for assisting me in threa- I mean, negotiating with Leona back when Octavinelle robbed me of my shelter. I hadn't forgotten my end of the bargain even after the past few weeks.
I glanced him over; his hands are full with carrying the bags and cooler. Ruggie opens his mouth for me, to which I quirked a sheepish brow and placed the woven straps of the paper bag for him to carry using his teeth. He flashed a grin at me.
"See y'all next year!" Ruggie said through gritted teeth before hauling his things over to disappear beyond the glass mirror.
"There he goes... I wonder what he meant by 'neighborhood street rats'..." Deuce wondered aloud.
"There are many families stuck in poverty in Ruggie's hometown. So during these long holidays, he brings back as much food as he can so the neighborhood kids can eat." Jack said upon arrival.
"Jack... Why are your hands full of potted plants? Are you gonna become a gardener?" Ace eyes the prickly greenery in the wolf's arms.
"These are cacti I grow for fun. They'd wilt if nobody watered them over the break." He looks at them with fondness before realizing we were still here. In the next second he reverted back to his usual tough exterior, though a bit flustered. "...Never mind me!"
"I never expected Ruggie to be the type to share his food with others. He's a pretty good guy." Grim remarked.
"Hyenas are the sort to share prey with the weak or sick without discrimination. I'm sure Ruggie-senpai was raised like that, too."
Wow... That was so sweet of him I almost wept tears at his kindness. I'm glad making those donuts would help the children, then.
"Hmph. Just thinking about handing out food to a bunch of brats makes my skin crawl. Just one is more than annoying." Leona mutters.
"Oh, Leona-senpai... Are you not going home?" Jack asked.
"If only. But if I don't, I'll never hear the end of it so I'm going home." The brunet sighs deeply, already suffering a headache from just the prospect of returning to his home before it even began. "What a pain."
"But you're not bringing anything." Jack noted at the man's nonexistent luggage.
"Huh? I'm fine with just my wallet and smartphone. I've got plenty of clothes at home." Replied Leona.
"This guy is the other extreme." Grim deadpanned.
"He's not even bringing his homework with him..." Ace muttered.
"Homework can be done right as the holiday ends. My job over break is to rest. See ya, herbivores." With a languid wave and message, Leona was gone.
"He could do anything he wanted if he actually applied himself so why does he always laze about..." Jack silently sighed at his dorm leader's sloth before speaking, "Mine will be done perfectly so don't you guys slack off. Bye."
"There's our Mr. Serious. Yeah yeah, see you next year." Ace teasingly joked before Jack disappeared from the mirror.
"Kingscholar-senpai... When he says it I actually want to believe him." Deuce mused as he pondered his words.
"Please don't." Strix sighed.
"Hey now, freshmen. You shouldn't follow that bad upperclassman's example." Cater chided.
"Anyone in our dorm that doesn't turn in their homework will lose their head to Riddle." Trey reminded.
"Trey-senpai, Cater-senpai."
Cater let out a melancholic sigh. "Going home makes me kinda depressed, too. My sisters will be home too, so I'll be worked to death even though it's a holiday. I wanna do a home stay at your place, Trey."
Trey smiled. "I don't mind, but you'll get worked to death there, too. Winter is the busiest time for cake shops."
"Oh yeah. Your family runs a cake shop. No escape for me. Boohoohoo."
A silent Riddle approached our circle. His brows were furrowed in contemplation and worry while eyes were downward at the floor.
"Ah, Dorm Head Rosehearts! My apologies for standing in the middle of the hallway!" Deuce dutifully spoke, straightening upon the queen's arrival.
It was then slate gray eyes finally lifted upwards. "...Hm? Oh, it's you guys. If you plan to keep talking then please move over by the wall."
"Huh? That guy seems down in the dumps." Grim whispered to Ace.
"Oh, that's right. The dorm head has his tiger mom waiting for him at home. That's bound to bring anyone down." Replied Ace.
Trey's mustard yellow eyes took in the redhead's solemn frown and mustered a smile. "...Riddle. I'm forbidden from stepping foot in your house so I can't bring over a cake or anything but... You're welcome at the shop anytime. I'm sure Che'nya will show up too."
"That's right. I think I need to...have a good talk with my mother..." Riddle mumbled softly, "I don't know if she has the ears to listen, though..."
I frowned. The Riddle who was usually strict with how people should speak with a clear voice and upright posture was slipping away with his hesitance.
A sad glimmer flashed in Trey's eyes. "...I see. Good luck."
"What's wrong, Goldfish? You don't wanna go home? Then just don't. We aren't going home either so you should just stay at school with us."
Riddle bit back a yelp and stands alert with the tall eel now present. Wary eyes sharpen at the smiling Floyd looming over him easily. "...What do you want out of the blue? Could you not barge into things you know nothing about? It's unpleasant."
"He's right. You shouldn't go sticking your neck into others' business." Chided Jade who comes to stand beside his brother.
Floyd pouts at him. "Why? Jade, I'm bored of the same ol' faces we get stuck with over the holiday." He grins. "I'm sure Azul would let me keep Goldfish since he's so tiny."
Riddle's brow twitched. Color gradually rose on his face. "Care to repeat what you just said? You sure have some nerve to say that about the head of Heartslabyul. I'll have your head!"
"R-Riddle! Don't lose your temper here!" Cater whispered.
"Calm down, Riddle. You're letting him get under your skin again." Trey placated, placing a hand on his shoulder.
The seething red Riddle grinds his teeth as he held his tongue from screeching in the middle of the Mirror Chamber. The sight of his furious red face never ceases to scare me...
Cater attempts to change the flow of the topic, "Umm, Floyd, you're from the Coral Sea, right? Why aren't you going home?"
Jade replied, "While the three of us, including Azul, come from the Coral Sea, our hometown is actually far to the north. This time year the surface is completely covered by a glacier."
"Yeah... Getting around the glacier sucks. And once we get there there's nothing fun to do. So we'll head back during spring vacation after the ice melts." Floyd said.
"Hmm. Living under the sea comes with its own troubles, I guess." Trey remarked.
Riddle scoffed. "I would never spend New Years with the likes of Octavinelle! I'll take my leave. I wish you all happy holidays."
Trey softly heaved a sigh as the boy left, muttering, "...My goodness, have you gotten back to normal a little?" He then turns to us, "I hope you guys don't completely forget how to be students over vacation. See you."
Cater watched the fellow third year go. "I suppose it's time for me to get moving too. Let's take a pic and then I'll go."
The ginger took one photo featuring myself and another without me (to hide the fact that a girl is in NRC), the latter set for the public post as he then tagged, #finaldayoffallterm #withfreshmen #happynewyear #timeflieslol"
Cater waved farewell and winked, "Happy Holidays everyone!"
After the Heartslabyul upperclassmen left, Floyd looks to Grim and I. "Shrimpy, Seally, are you two staying here? Then you should come to Octavinelle. I'll hang out with you."
Jade smiled. "That's a great idea. We could all have fun over the holidays so please come over anytime. Goodbye..."
With the seemingly friendly invitation, the twins laugh as they walked themselves out of the Mirror Chamber.
Grim shivers. "Ugh... Seeing their faces brings back all my trauma from Mostro Lounge, y'know."
Deuce solemnly nodded. "Yeah, that was rough."
Ace sunk his shoulders. "Don't remind me."
I sweatdropped at the three gloomy idiots. "Were they really that intense...?"
Deuce scans the room. "...Most of the other students have cleared out so we should probably be on our way, too."
"You're right. Oh yeah, Strix. We should trade Magicam IDs since you got a smartphone. Then we can message each other over the break." Ace said, whipping out his phone.
Deuce follows. "Me too. Let's keep in touch."
I blinked. "Huh? I..."
The duo look at me curiously.
I scrambled to form words in my mind until I looked at the floor with interest, pushing my embarrassment away as I muttered, "...I don't know how. I mean, I just got the smartphone," I quickly added, still avoiding eye contact.
Ace bit back a snort. "Is that what being deprived of a smartphone does to you? It's easy. Here, I'll show you..."
I follow Ace's instructions and added both him and Deuce as friends. It really was quite simple.
Their names on the screen vaguely reflects in my still eyes. My finger ghostly hovers over the two IDs on the list.
"Friends"...
An unreadable expression pulled my lips into a thin line.
After adding us as friends on Magicam, Ace grinned his trademark snarky grin. "Go ahead and hit me up if you get lonely~"
I didn't completely register the teasing laced in his words nor the implications behind them as I then duly nodded, eyes remained glued to the smartphone.
"Yeah...I'll do just that."
The smirk vanished from sight. Wide cherry red eyes blinked once. Twice. "I didn't think you'd take the joke."
I finally meet their surprised faces. "Hm? What joke?"
From beside me, Grim's eyes fell flat. "Oi oi, keep that up and this won't be a joke anymore. Did you went autopilot again on us?"
I slowly tilted my head to the side owlishly. I failed to understand what the little beast was talking about and replied like a genius, "What?" much to his chagrin.
"Ace's poor taste in joke aside, you can message us if you need anything. My mom is probably waiting so I should head out. Strix, Grim, have a nice vacation." Deuce bids.
"All right, I'm leaving too. Strix, Grim, see ya next year." Ace follows shortly after.
I pocketed the smartphone and waved to them as they departed. "See you next year."
"There's never a dull moment with those guys around, but you know..." Grim trailed off once we had briefly basked in the peaceful silence surrounding our circle until he spoke up, "Now that they're gone, I just noticed that they really never shut the hell up."
I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the realization. "You're not wrong, honestly." I pick my little companion up into my arms.
Grim cranes his head to peer up at me curiously. "Strix...?"
I gave a little squeeze. "Let's head back to Ramshackle."
Nightfall darkened the sky and school campus. When it was time for Grim to head to sleep, I slip under the blankets, careful to not accidentally flip Grim over the bed. He expressed surprise at how I was going to bed earlier than usual but didn't say more than that, curling up by the foot of the bed.
I stared at the ceiling. In the silence of the night, I quietly uttered, "...Grim?"
He slowly peaked one bright blue eye open to me. "Hm...?"
I lift the blanket up. "Want to join?"
Cocking a peculiar eye at me, he crawls over to the free space and settles himself comfortably.
Pulling the blanket close, I drape my arm over his round body and snuggled. "So warm..."
I soon fell into a peaceful slumber with the comforting bundle of warmth in my arms.
A rare solemn frown took hold of him before he closed his eyes and nuzzled his body, sharing his warmth in the winter night.
...
Now that school is not in session, I get to wear my casual clothes once in a while, not my black dress I had from my world (which was for a wedding party so it's not actually casual).
Over my black leggings, I wore a gray parka dress with blue plaid from under my chest and a pair of gray and black trimmed pockets.
I simply took two thin strands of my hair and pulled them back into a little ponytail with a matching plaid ribbon, no braiding added for the touch.
Peering closely into the mirror above the fireplace, I brushed my bangs and noted how they were longer since I came to this world. Maybe I should trim them over the winter break?
I slipped on deep blue socks and then a pair of gray boots with white soles and plaid sides that matched with my dress.
I release my breath, fingering the heart outline of my gold lock resting on my clavicle and the blue frozen wristwatch. Looks good.
From the closet, I slipped on my navy blue coat with white frills and black and gold trimmed cuffs and collar where an oval brooch whose gem color reflects my eyes is pinned and attached with a chain of gold rings. A blue diamond pattern runs down the fastener as well as the breast pocket and layer over the right chest. A bow is tied behind the jacket.
I tugged on my black leather gloves snug against my skin. I leave the bedroom with Grim in tow. We climbed down the stairs, greeting the ghost trio good morning as we did, and announced our leave before stepping out into the white world of Night Raven College.
Grim runs out and marvels at the winter scenery. "Wow, look at all that snow! It's a winter wonderland!"
I watched the white fog emerge with every breath we exhale. "Good thing we won't be freezing on our way over."
"Those fire fae are probably starting to feel a little chilly, too. We should get them some firewood. And we can see if there's anything to eat in the kitchen while we're there! Lalala~" Grim skips along the white path with the promise of food waiting inside the building.
"Grim, you'll slip on ice if you're not careful." Before he could travel far, I scooped him up in my arms. "I'll carry you there, and you can be my warm water bottle. It's a win-win for both of us."
"Since you insist, I won't complain but... You're awfully generous this time of the year. You rarely ever carry me in your arms, and never let me sleep with you under the blankets. Did you have a good dream or something?"
"Not really." I shrugged. The desert dream wasn't particularly good. It brought back a longing sadness for home instead when I saw Sidney in my dream.
We suppress a shiver from the chilly breeze.
Grim shrinks inside my hold, fiery ears folded to his head. "S-Strix, hurry up and get to the school. It's freezing out here."
"R-Right."
I traversed through the snow with caution and soon arrived inside the main building. Placing Grim on the floor, we relished in the less freezing cold atmosphere and make a beeline for the cafeteria.
I immediately head straight for the pile of lumber available for use and tossed them inside the fireplace. Once it was in, orange sparks danced within the space. With my eyes peeled, I watch a few flames bloom into fire fairies. Crackle pop sounds follow with every movement made.
"Whoa..."
Grim released a sigh of relief. "So you guys are the fire fae that live here. Just being next to you warms me to the core, y'know."
I stripped my jacket and gloves and placed them on a nearby table before returning to the fireplace. A content smile lifts my lips as I knelt beside Grim, basking in its warmth. "This feels nice..."
A fire fairy hovers about me, curiosity in its eyes twinkling like the sun. It stares into my unusual bright blue pools, the orange glow reflecting in them making the colors contrast nicely with each other.
It moves its mouth, but only more crackling and popping sounds are heard.
I sheepishly smile. "I'm sorry, I don't understand what you're trying to say. But I bet it's about my eye color, isn't it."
It bobbed its flaming head vigorously, smiling widely.
I reciprocate the gesture with my smaller one. "I've been told that a lot. Thank you."
From among the crackle of the fire, the sound of something else is heard.
I strained my ear to pinpoint the source. "The sound of a knife on a cutting board...?"
Grim's ear twitched. "Hm? What's this? I can also hear juicy frying meat mixed in?!" He tipped his nose up. "Then there's the smell of spices from a far off land adding that 'certain something'!"
I look to the direction of where the smell likely is. "It's coming from the kitchen."
We decided to check it out and peek our heads through the kitchen doorway. Some students in black and red dorm uniforms were working.
A boy with long dark hair orders, "After the vegetables have finished cooking add in the meat from the fridge and bring it to a boil. Don't forget to add the nuts once the oil has heated up."
"Got it!"
A fellow dorm students asks, "Vice dorm head, about the amount of spice, is one tablespoon enough?"
"The dorm head prefers something with a bit more heat. Another teaspoon should be fine."
"What the? Why are there so many students here even though it's winter vacation?"
The supposed vice dorm head notices us. "Hm? And you are..."
Looking at him closely, I recognized his pretty face before. "Didn't we meet during the Magift Tournament..."
"Ah, that's right. You came to talk to me when I was injured before the Magift Tournament. You are... the prefect Strix Noctowl and Grim from Ramshackle Dorm?"
"You've got a good memory! Your name is...umm..." Grim attempts to guess his name to no avail.
"Jamil. Jamil Viper. I'm the vice dorm head of Scarabia. I've always been good with names and faces but your entrance ceremony left an impression. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't know your names at this point."
I almost flinched. I didn't want to remember that chaotic night of attempted arson. The first few days were horrendous.
"Huh, r-really?" Grim laughs. "We've made a big name for ourselves!"
"For the wrong reasons..." I sweatdropped. I'd say we earned an infamous reputation from the get-go.
"By the way... Why are you all here during vacation?" Jamil asked.
" 'Cause we don't have a place to go home to. That and the headmaster left the crucial task of taking care of the fires here at school, y'know. Thanks to how serious and reliable we are, it makes total sense that the headmaster would rely on us for such an important task!" Grim boasted, chest puffed out.
"And by 'we' he means me." I corrected, casting a pointed look at the cat. "I'm the one who did most of the dirty work. You were the cause of nearly all of my problems." I told him, referring to the latest crisis that is the anemone incident. Grim avoids my gaze in the meantime, having nothing to say.
"Oh...Is that so? The headmaster did..." The dark-haired male mutters something under his breath that we couldn't quite catch.
Grim tilts his head. "Hm? You say something?"
"Just that you guys must be pretty great for the headmaster to recognize you." Jamil said.
Bright azure blue moon eyes stared unblinkingly.
A Scarabia student approached. "Pardon the interruption, vice dorm head, but we've finished preparing the vegetables..."
"I'll be right there."
Grim hops on top of the counter and climbs atop a convenient upside down casket to peer at the pot of boiling soup. "This soup looks super tasty but the smell is a new one for me."
"That's a pretty traditional dish from the Land of Hot Sands... Oh, I know. It must have been fate that brought you here. Would you like to try some?" Jamil offered.
Our eyes widen.
"What?! Really?!"
"But of course. The food will be done soon. You guys can help."
I was given an apron and pulled my hair back into a low ponytail with my spare hair tie. After Grim and I washed our hands with soap, we returned to the kitchen counter.
Grim sniffed the air. "All these spices smell amazing~"
"They're all from the Land of Hot Sands. You mix them together to create a blend for each dish. I'll show you how so just follow my lead."
"All right, we got this!"
"Then I'm counting on you."
I intently listened to Jamil's instructions as he demonstrated the procedure. They were really clear and simple that even Grim can do it by himself (though I wouldn't risk the kitchen being set on fire).
"How long has it been since I actually cooked a dish?" I muttered to myself, adding with dry sarcasm under my breath, "Oh right, just before I got hurled into this world without my consent."
"For someone living in the notorious abandoned dorm, you're doing better than I thought," Jamil said to me when he came back to check on my progress.
"I don't blame you for thinking that. It's not exactly the most suitable place to cook to my heart's content. Ever since I came here, I've only been relying on the headmaster to order food for me."
I never had the time to make my own meals, with several responsibilities consuming my time. My part time job at Mostro Lounge, my studies, and cleaning the dorm take up majority of my weekly schedules.
Instead of cooking, I've only been baking with Trey at Heartslabyul, who was ever kind to teach me some simple recipes, including donuts I had made for Ruggie. I had never baked until I wounded up at Twisted Wonderland. It's actually really fun, especially when there's another person to keep you company and help out. I have a knack for baking apparently as I had little to no trouble making them without Trey's supervision.
The sweet batches of treats were usually reserved for the Dream Eaters who love eating anything sweet. I can't keep feeding them store bought candy, especially when I also depend on them for energy. Cookies and biscuits have become my specialty when it comes to rewarding the Spirits with sweets.
"I...never took it upon myself to learn how to make these kinds of dishes for many reasons. My mother's side of the family usually tends to cater sweet flavors and seldom spicy. I'm no exception. And I had only cooked for my great grandfather and I, so I didn't dare to try making anything spicy while he was in the house."
Jamil nodded. "That's understandable."
"But that doesn't mean I dislike spicy food. I just have a very strong preference for anything sweet." I said.
"Is it time to add this brown powder?" Grim asked.
"Not yet. Garam masala goes in right before you take it off the heat or it ruins the flavor." Jamil told him.
"Ohhh! You sure know your stuff."
"I'd better since I cook everyday. We're almost done so don't lose focus just yet."
I continued keeping watch when I noticed a bright orange color from the corner of my eye. It was Chef Kyroo, the frog spirit holding a skillet and lid in hand.
A gleam shone in its eyes once it acknowledged Jamil. I can see this coming a mile away.
Jamil looks down at the spirit standing by his feet curiously. "Hm? Isn't this..."
"Chef Kyroo, behave." I chided to the frog spirit and pulled him close by my side in case he was about to cause a scene. Chef Kyroo still hasn't looked away from the boy, a fire burning in his stare.
I sent an apologetic glance. "I'm sorry, I think he sees you as a rival."
Jamil slowly blinked once. He then smiled. "I'm honored your familiar thinks so highly of me."
He contemplates something under his hood but I didn't hear what he was mumbling over the kitchen background noise. I think he was glancing over to Chef Kyroo a few times though, until I had dismissed the spirit when we were done cooking.
Grim cheers, "Wahoo! We did it! The spices really add depth to the flavor, I'm already drooling."
"Let's see..." Jamil peers at the dish. Grim and I await his assessment with held breaths.
He smiled. "You guys did pretty well. You've been a great help, thanks. We'll eat back at the dorm so you should come with."
"Oh hell yeah! We're so going, I'm starving!"
"I've been holding off breakfast for so long." I muttered, finally relieved to have the opportunity to eat good food.
Jamil calls out for the rest of the students, "We're done for now. Let's get this all back to the dorm!"
"Yessir!"
"By the way, why are you guys stuck here over vacation?" Grim asked.
"...That's... That's a bit of a long story."
I internally rolled my eyes back to my head. Oh dear. "Let's hear it."
"All of Scarabia was ordered by our dorm head..." One Scarabia resident began.
"We couldn't leave even if we wanted..." The other trailed.
Jamil swiftly hushes them. "Will you knock it off? Any more and we'll be the ones to suffer." Casting a stern glance, he then perked back to his normal self. "The food's getting cold. It's time to get back to Scarabia. It's always summer in Scarabia. It'll be like taking a vacation to a southern country."
My eyes narrowed. I was excited to try the food but now I don't think we should intrude ourselves after hearing Scarabia's situation. I rather return to the Ramshackle ghosts. At least they don't dump unnecessary trouble unceremoniously on my shoulders.
"Wahoo! Sounds like paradise! We're totally going!" Grim skips along as the students file out of the kitchen with pots loaded with freshly made food.
However, I say otherwise. "Grim, hold on a second!"
Just when I was about to move around Jamil who stood between Grim and I, I heard him say, "I'm sure our dorm head will be happy to have you."
A dark callous hand grazes my cheek. My skin nearly jolted from the sudden skin contact and my breath silently hitched in my throat. The warmth of his thumb swipes across the side of my face slowly, drawing my eyes along to meet undeniably handsome features.
Dark almond shaped eyes peer into my dilated luminous ones.
"You're coming, right?"
My subconscious slowly melts from the sound of his velvet-like voice. It's really soothing. I would hate to hear disappointment laced together because of my response.
So I parted my lips.
"Of course."
A pleased smile forms. "...I'm happy to invite you, prefect of Ramshackle Dorm." His hand slips away.
I closed my eyes. My face scrunches up as I reached a hand to nurse my forehead, a lingering fog in my mind trying to clear itself. What did I... Had Grim already gone with the others?
"Then, to Scarabia." Said Jamil.
With my thoughts somewhat still groggy, I inwardly follow Jamil and the rest of Scarabia -who took extra care to cross the snow beaten path with food in hand- all the way to the Hall of Mirrors.