Note: Writing and pacing is crap. May likely go back to edit but for now please forgive my lackluster writing style this chapter due to my laziness and half-assery.

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Unlikely Assistance

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I now registered the stinging of my rug burn from the unceremonious landing of our hectic carpet ride.

I ghostly held the area and suppressed the urge to wince audibly before the Leech brothers. My arm feels numb...

They glance to see white bandages peek out underneath my sleeves. If I had looked up, I would have noticed a dangerous glint in their bright yellow eyes and white sharp teeth flash ominously.

"Who hurt you." Floyd uttered lowly. The tone was not directed towards me, however. Regardless, a chill crawled my spine, and not just because of the low octave. I couldn't understand why the strong reaction towards my injury. The Octavinelle trio and I only began interacting and acknowledging each other since the anemone incident one month ago.

I crestfallen. I couldn't hide it now. "No, this is..."

Two pairs of footsteps burst into the lounge.

"You're out of places to run, damn thieves!"

"Now get tied up like good little mice!"

Grim scrambles behind Jade and Floyd. "Fgna! You followed us all the way here?! Do you guys ever give up?"

The click of the silver heel announced a certain octopus' presence. "Who do you think you are, causing a scene at this time of night?"

The Scarabia residents look to the figure in surprise. "You're the dorm head of Octavinelle, Azul Ashengrotto...!"

Sky blue eyes roam across the Mostro Lounge until they landed on Grim and I that they narrowed. "...What is the meaning of all this?"

"This has nothing to do with Octavinelle! Stay out of it and just hand those two over!" One of the residents ordered.

"Now that I look closer, isn't that bundle shaking on the floor Grim and Strix? I almost mistook you for dirty rags." Azul sneered behind his polite smile.

My eyes fell halfway, lips formed into a thin line. He's a little more than upset that we destroyed some of his property.

"Use that benevolent heart of yours and help us." I wryly told him. I can be petty, too.

Azul stared and hummed thoughtfully.

"We won't let you off if you don't intend to get in our way!"

Floyd cocked his head to the side and stared down imposingly. "...Huh? Just who do you think you're talking to?"

"As this is a gentleman's place for social gathering, we do not take kindly to rough housing in Mostro Lounge. Nor that crass language to the poor unfortunate souls huddled for dear life." Azul said after seeing Grim and I try to appear smaller from view. I had a feeling that last part was directed more towards me. Just how miserable do I, of all people the boys could have imagined, look?

I only shunned my face away. I hate this. I hate this pathetic, cowardly feeling so much.

"So you're really not cooperating?"

"Whatever. We'll just take them by force!"

Azul casts a distasteful glance to them. "Hmph. It seems we have to deal with some rather vulgar guests. Jade, Floyd. Please throw them out."

"All right."

While the brothers ward the Scarabia residents, Azul approached and extended his hand for me to take. He helps me up to my feet. "Are you all right?" He asked.

I didn't know the answer to that. I was so relieved to see Octavinelle's faces that I refused to believe I was happy to be safe under their capable hands. My pride was already wounded upon that realization, the thought of begging for their assistance tasting bitter in my tongue.

Not because of your typical "I'm an independent woman who don't need the help of men" trope. Such gender implications never come to play first, if at all in the world of Strix Noctowl.

It was because I've lived my life harboring disappointment in humanity that I could never trust anyone but myself, Sidney, and Caelum. But now there was only myself I could truly depend on.

If I crumbled to a million pieces right here and now, everything I've done to try to pretend I would manage well in a completely different universe of inhabitants who I always have to act with a strong front with... They would be for nothing.

I would only continue to be reminded as a pitiful existence desperately trying to survive. Could I ever hope to keep faith in remaining in Twisted Wonderland when I have been separated from my reason of living?

My hopes of returning to my days of happiness would vanish. Fade. Dim. Everything this world has to offer...are temporary, superficial pleasures to occupy the void in my heart. Yet I accepted them if that will let me rise to the morning sun the following day.

So when I see Azul staring at me expectantly for an answer, why did I want to believe he acknowledged the myriad of emotions swirling in my eyes that could never hide their true feelings? Why did I want to believe he would lend me his shoulder when we are not even that close to be called "friends"?

Have I gotten so desperate to delude myself from reality that continues to slap me in the face? I was already numb to the painful slaps that it wouldn't register as anything shocking.

Thus emerged conflicting thoughts on whether I should be relieved to ask for help like a constantly wailing child, or wallow in shame in admitting I'm a spineless coward who runs away from reality just as much like her spineless bastard of a father.

A silent contemplation crossed Azul's features as he stared at my unreadable expression whose head was bowed low.

"Sh-Shit! Retreat for now!" A Scarabia resident cursed.

"We'll remember this...!"

"That's right, scatter, you damn fry!" Floyd laughs as they fled out of the lounge.

"We are looking forward to your next visit." Jade politely said beside his brother.

"Nyaha! We did it! Did you see that!" Grim bounced joyfully once they have fled.

Azul interrupts, "I hate to bring this up while you're in such a good mood but..." He glanced around. "About the damage that several of the tables and chairs sustained during the battle... I'd like Ramshackle Dorm to cover it along with our service fee."

Grim and I look at him, the former exclaiming, "Eh?! You're making us pay?!"

"A small price to pay for being spared from being beaten to a pulp, right?"

"We just got out of Hellrabia but we still can't catch a break... There's nobody we can count on in this school." Grim wilts.

"Tell me about it..." I hung my head.

Azul elegantly raised a brow. "...What's this? What do you mean by 'Hellrabia'?"

I explain our unfortunate circumstances to the Octavinelle trio.

"The tyrannical rule of Scarabia's dorm head...?" Azul muttered.

"Yeah! The residents are having the crap kicked out of them by Kalim everyday." Grim said.

The trio's eyes dilated, almost afraid of the morbidity behind Kalim's mood swings. The "yikes" reaction is strong.

Azul spoke, "Kalim is capable of something like that?"

"Whaaa. Sea Otter is the type to do that kinda stuff?" Floyd said, looking disturbed (for once).

"He really doesn't have that kind of image." Jade commented.

"The vice dorm head, Jamil, is at his wit's end." Grim continued, "He's a rare nice guy at this school so we really feel for him, y'know. And even though we could use his help, we can't get ahold of the headmaster all! He's completely irresponsible!"

The dorm leader of Octavinelle ponders silently.

"Azul, aren't you in the same class as Jamil." Jade inquired.

Azul nodded once. "Yes. We also have similar electives so we spend a lot of time together. Grim is right that he is a rarity among the students here. It's like he lacks...presence? Or he keeps his head down at all times?"

"Aaah, I'm on the basketball team with Sea Snake but he never does any risky plays. I don't care about other dorms so I never thought about it but he's Scarabia's vice dorm head?" Floyd tilted his head.

"The dorm head is a tyrant and the vice dorm head is out of options..." Azul hummed. A smile lifts his lips. "Then we have no choice but to lend them our help."

Grim and I look at him as if he grew another arm in human form. The former speaks, "Huh? You're offering help? Is the sun gonna rise in the west tomorrow?"

Azul feigned an offended look. "So rude. I have properly learned my lesson from that incident and have become a changed man. I am only trying to contribute to the betterment of this school like the benevolent Sea Witch would."

"I wish to help Scarabia through these trying times they find themselves in. This is an opportunity which I simply can't ignore." Azul said, true colors shining behind his smile that screamed "exploitation!"

Meanwhile Jade and Floyd held knowing grins. They know there is an ulterior intent behind the guise of benevolence, especially when it's Azul we're talking about.

"I'm also tired of eating turkey with the same faces year after year." Azul admits. "We simply have to enjoy Scarabia's hospitality for ourselves."

"Eeh?! You're sending us back to prison after we just got out? No way in hell." Grim stubbornly tipped his head away from them and crossed his arms.

"Now now, Seally, don't be like that." Floyd cooed.

"Leave everything to Azul and you can enjoy the holidays to the fullest." Jade assures.

"Right..." I don't doubt that statement, but I'm more concerned about whether we would be deemed accomplices in something illegal or immoral. It's not worth the risk since I could hightail out of the Hall of Mirrors and straight for Ramshackle.

"Going empty handed would be discourteous. Jade, Floyd, make sure to have something to take with us." Ordered Azul.

"All right..." The Leech brothers replied, chuckling eerily as they left to prepare.

"Spending the holiday basking in the desert sun doesn't sound so bad. I'm looking forward to it..."

I watched the silver-haired male chuckle to himself and deadpanned. A part of me questions if returning to Scarabia with these people will somehow bite me in the neck.

Azul turns to face me. "Now then, Strix, Grim. It is late. You may stay in one of our guest rooms for the night."

"Don't I have to pay ten thousand madol or something for rent." I flatly inquired, remembering the time Jade and Floyd offered a place to stay when they assumed ownership of Ramshackle Dorm. I could never hope to earn that much considering my situation.

Grim shared the mutual sentiment. "Can't you go easy on us for once without making us cough up money?"

"After listening to your story, I was moved by your endeavors to endure the merciless desert heat while kept captive against your will. It's inevitable that your luck and wits will run out, so to turn to outside help is only natural to occur. For now we'll see how Scarabia will respond to our arrival."

His thumb gently strokes across the space below my eye, a sunken darkness shaping my weary eyes.

"You never cease to be a pitiful soul..."

I must be imagining the crinkle in his sky blue eyes gazing upon me with a gentleness incomprehensible behind his business-like countenance. I had to be.

His words hit too close to home that I shrugged his hand off without hesitance, not making eye contact.

Meanwhile from beside my feet, Grim was wise to silently hold his tongue as he looked up at me with concern.

Azul noticed this unusual level of worry coming from Grim. He must have realized something was off since the last time we met, which was a long while ago even before the twins.

The awkward silence was interrupted by the rumbling sound from a certain monster's belly.

Grim laughed sheepishly. "The escape made me hungry..."

Azul acknowledged this and turned his back. "I'll prepare some snacks and tea. Take a seat by the bar while you wait."

While Grim eagerly heads to climb atop a seat, I politely declined his offer not out of suspicion but because I simply didn't have the appetite. Azul claimed he and the twins had anticipated as much, much to my surprise. They're really one step ahead in impressing me and creeping me out at the same time. Did that mean I was that predictable or easy to read in my needs and wants?

Jade had returned just in time to offer to lead me to a private guest room. I had accepted and followed him, the trip quiet but not unwelcoming as I was in my own thoughts.

Upon entering, Jade opens the door to a connected bathroom. He placed his hand to his chest with eyes closed while I stepped and peered inside curiously at the seashell motifs and light purple decor. There was already water running. "I've prepared a warm bath and your spare uniform inside the casket. You may take as much time as needed to relax."

So reliable...

I glanced back, "Thank you..."

However, I leaned away from the close proximity of his face. Why is he smiling like he's plotting something?

"It must be taxing on your physical and emotional health after what transpired today. I wouldn't mind lending assistance if you like..." A glint in his eyes implied he wouldn't shy away from the request, should I dare to try.

If he wore a butler outfit I would have automatically assumed bathing me was part of his job.

I could only stare back as the image became a little more than vivid in my head than I'd like. I nervously sweat. "N-No thank you, I can do it myself..."

Jade chuckled and leans back straight. "Land dwellers are quite self-conscious of revealing their skin. After you have changed, come see me in the Mostro Lounge to tend to your injury."

I bit down an embarrassed blush as I watched him walk out laughing. He was teasing me.

After discarding my clothes into the casket and my bandages into the trash bin, I sink into the bath while letting my burned arm rest on the edge. Its warmth releases the tension of my sore muscles after two days of marching. The aroma of the ocean breeze calms my senses, as though I was sitting by the shore.

My eyelids strewn with beads of water droop halfway. I haven't felt this completely relaxed for a long while even before winter break began. I could just submerge into the bath water and never want to leave.

However, I willed myself to not fall asleep while taking a bath. The last thing I needed was to fall sick.

I decided to leave the tub after I was free of exhaustion lest laziness will take hold of me.

I changed into the spare Octavinelle uniform provided, sans the jacket. I carried the glossy black suit on my shoulder and returned to Mostro Lounge where Jade had been expecting me, first aid kit prepared.

I sit on the leather sofa couch beside Jade.

Jade opened his palm towards me. "May I see your arm?"

I tentatively reveal my injury. "I tripped and got rug burn..."

He examined my elbow and hummed. "I heard the culture around Scarabia has a fascinating array of textiles sprawled about on their floors and walls. It would not be strange for rug burns to be a common occurrence."

I thought he was going to make a comment about my clumsiness or lack of attentiveness, but he left it at that. In fact it sounded like he was reassuring me not to be ashamed, the opposite of what I was expecting.

I didn't make eye contact, instead interested on the aquarium. I noted how he and Jamil seem to be alike. They're both vice dorm leaders in their second year, have their cunningness, and among other aspects deemed similar.

But there's something about Jamil he's hiding. I just don't have any solid proof to confirm my suspicions based on fictional lore from my world and in my dream sequences.

Jamil... He's too sneaky. Too sneaky for my liking.

When Jade was done, I glanced over the expert bandage work and mumbled, "...Thank you."

Jade smiled. "You're welcome."

Floyd waltzes in. His sights landed on my white arm. "Shrimpy, does it hurt a lot? Tell me who did it so I can squeeze 'em." He said seriously, which I wouldn't doubt him to actually commit murder.

I mustered a thin wry smile. "Squeezing a rug won't get you anywhere, Floyd-senpai."

He blinked. "The square flounder?"

I waved my hand, "Not the magic carpet. I just tripped on a plain old rug, nothing special."

He pursed his lips before plopping on the free space beside me. "Shrimpy can be so clumsy. It wouldn't hurt to ask for help."

I flinched under my clothes. Somehow it really hurts to be told something that I should be telling everybody else in this school. I guess I'm not that far off from the student body in that aspect.

"Yes," Jade spoke, "Whatever shall we do with our dear precious pearl..."

I furrow my brows slightly, wariness guarding my expression. Now that both brothers are together, their smiles unnerve me twice as much. "...What?"

Floyd cups my cheeks with his long slender fingers whose palm is warm to the touch, slipping behind my hair fringes and stroking the shell of my ears upon contact. My breath hitched.

From behind, Jade scooped my soft hair, fingertips slowly grazing the exposed nape glistening like a pearl. I felt his lips brush my hair and went rigid.

I was trapped.

Golden yellow eyes gleam beneath the midnight blue ocean darkness.

"We'll take good care of you..."

Silence.

H...How do I respond to this situation?!

I didn't dare to move. Any words I tried to form vaporized from existence. No smooth talk could save me. How does one leave this position naturally?

Where was Grim when I needed him to break the mood by intervening? Probably snoring away with a belly full of snacks that aren't crackers and cheese for once.

The door to the back room opens.

Azul's eyes were white behind his glasses as he looked at the twins hovering me. In his calm voice, he asked, "What are you two doing?"

"Exactly what we're doing." Was what Floyd replied with a straight face, much to both mine and Azul's utter confusion.

"What are you doing?" Azul repeated after failing to comprehend what Floyd may be suggesting.

"Good question..." I dared to utter out, still sandwiched between the Leech twins. They just suddenly acted like...whatever this is.

Jade's chuckle rang low in my ear. He makes eye contact with Azul, a knowing grin folding his lips as he leaned against my back.

As a result I had to lean forward, only for the lower half of my face to be pressed against Floyd's shoulder. I had to hold onto his toned arms under his thin shirt for support. Floyd's hands twitched.

"You two are alike in many, many ways." Jade said.

I stilled. I remembered Azul saying something similar back at the Atlantica Memorial Museum.

"Totally~" Floyd purred, grinning as well. I could sense him glancing back his yellow eye to Azul over my head with a mischievous glow as he said, "Like how you both try to hide being crybabies."

"Wha-?!" What I wanted to retort was clogged in my throat. Did I look like I wanted to burst into tears post-Overblot Azul style? No. No way.

Sky blue eyes narrowed. It might be my imagination but I felt sparks fly just a little bit between them. "Jade. Floyd."

Unfazed smiles still plastered, they removed themselves off me and bid good night, leaving with satisfied grins and laughter.

Azul huffed once they were gone. "Honestly, those two..."

As he moves to settle on the seat across me, my sense of smell registered a scent that has a sort of young but mature aroma. "I take it the bath was to your liking?"

I recover from my stupor. "Y...Yeah. Sorry for imposing, among other things." I have a feeling Azul won't let the whole property destruction up.

"I see."

I had a pondering expression as I stared at him.

Azul was about to inquire until he clammed up upon the close proximity of my face. His eyes dilated. In the dim lighting, the deep blue hues of my bright eyes reflected the ocean one may find themselves submerged in.

Oblivious to this, I sniffed the air around Azul. "Did you change colognes the last time I saw you?"

Azul blinked owlishly but remained rigid. "Yes, I did."

I sit back on the couch. "I was asking because it stood out to me. Remember when I had asked for a pen a few weeks ago? It still has your old cologne even after I held onto it since then. I keep forgetting to give it back to you every time..." I sheepishly admitted.

A contemplative expression crossed his fair visage, pondering the importance of what is supposed to be a trivial matter. "I find it odd you focused on the little details."

I tilted my head. "Really? I think the colognes you picked were nice. They suit you."

No response.

I raised my brow. "Azul?"

He avoids meeting my doe eyes round with confusion by closing his eyes. If I squinted I could detect a warm color on his cheeks. "Enough about that. I'll be locking up Mostro Lounge now. You should rest for tomorrow."

I stared. Though I was confused by his behavior, I was tempted by the offer of a comfortable bed waiting for me.

I rise from my seat. "Okay, thanks, Azul. Good night."

"Good night."

I returned to the bedroom to see Grim sleeping peacefully and soundly on a chair. He looks the most content I've seen from him after these past few days.

I admire the aquatic nighttime scenery from the ledge of the bed. It was quiet. No childish giggling or trills of affection summoned colorful creatures to life.

It's like they vanished. Where did the Dream Eaters go? Why are they out of my reach now when I needed them to soothe my soul? For companionship?

I plop on the bed and pulled the blanket over. Too much things happened. Why did I have to be roped into other people's problems? I've never been a trouble magnet in my world. What did I do to deserve the absence of peace in my mind?

Ugh, it's no use to complain. Things just happen. What else can I do but grin and bear it?

I closed my eyes.

Looking back on Jade and Floyd, was that their way of cheering me up?

...No way, no way. They were just bullying me for giggles. After seeing the same faces for a few days during the winter break, they would definitely jump into whatever unusual thing landed in Octavinelle.

But... Even though they're strikingly similar to their movie counterparts in some aspects, they have their appealing traits like everyone else I've met. The boys are not completely evil. They're just really, really uncooperative assholes.

I sighed through my nose. I often compared them to Disney characters since Twisted Wonderland is based on Disney. I still don't know why or how a world like this exists.

When I come to learn more about the people I meet in this school, I realized they're not just handsome or pretty men of animated villains.

Riddle may have the same short fuse and extremity as the Queen of Hearts, but he is a respectable, intelligent upperclassman who was bound to rules despite being a child who knew no better.

Leona may be the arrogant lion forever seen inferior to his older brother-named king like Scar, but he just wanted to be acknowledged for his efforts instead of being compared to someone who came before him.

Azul may be a greedy and cunning merchant who seeks to exploit everything and anything for his own benefit like Ursula, but he didn't want to be seen as weak by those who held prejudice and ostracized him.

And Kalim... He's the outlier of the dorm leaders I've met so far. Like many of the Scarabia residents have expressed, Jamil would be far more suitable as dorm leader. Scarabia is a dorm of mystery.

At some point, I thought less and less of the classic films and saw these people as real people. I wonder if that makes me superficial, to have seen these inhabitants as fictional characters I would fangirl over like the Disney fan I was.

If I never knew Disney, I would have never made these comparisons and hold biased impressions on people based on the characters.

Understanding that continuously using this mindset is toxic, I wanted to believe Jamil would not plot an evil scheme against Kalim like Jafar to the Sultan, but...

There are too many parallels. It's like the world just added a slight twist...

Wait. That's why this mysterious Disney universe is called Twisted Wonderland: it's a world twisted from the Disney films.

Why must I have these conspiracies when I'm trying to sleep? I wish I had my journal to write these plausible and intriguing ideas but it's at Ramshackle.

Oh, that's right. I wonder how the ghosts are doing. It's been three days since we were gone. They must be worried sick... Do ghosts even get sick?

I tuck myself underneath the sheets and sink my head and body into the soft pillow and mattress. A youthful softness shapes my facial muscles into one of a little child sleeping soundly.

Though Octavinelle is under the sea, a warm blanket squeezes me securely and safely from the bitter cold that was Scarabia.

...

I was most safe at Sidney's home. I could behave like myself, a completely different me from the Strix outside.

I was able to voice my wants and needs just a little more than I could ten years ago. Being selfish was a slow development for someone who was raised serving everyone's happiness before their own.

I acted childish with Sidney who knows I meant no ill will. He lets me whine openly and shamelessly demand to be spoiled with affection, and overall let me be a teenager for once. Not once was I treated like a criminal nor an immature brat who should act like their age.

[At age six, I shyly reached out to grasp his frail bony hand. He looks down to smile warmly and firmly held my little hand in his. A swelling warmth crawled in my chest once I registered the heat traveling through my arm. Is this how holding hands feels like?]

[The eight-year old me crawls on his lap and rests against his chest. Without a word spoken, he holds me close and relaxes with me in his arms. I easily fall asleep as the rocking chair swayed gently in a steady rhythm.]

["Sidney~ Pat my head please?" I once asked at eleven years old, dipping my head expectantly and giggling as the gentle hand rubbed my head lovingly, a warm blush on my cheeks. I was a giddy child drinking up their parents' attention.]

I was grateful he let me become someone I wished to be but could never under the judgmental eyes of my former family. Perhaps he realized he spoiled me too much to ever lift a finger, or perhaps he truly wanted me to be happiest and truthful with my feelings.

Outside, I was quiet and aloof, disinterested in the world as they were miffed by my presence that attracted prejudice and misfortune than good. Though I was said to be a "cool beauty" by my peers, to my disbelief, my blank and distant disposition wards most away from interaction.

I didn't care for social interaction. They would all be names on my contact list in the end. Even if they want to attempt to be friends, I would never trust anyone with my insecurities and concerns. Nobody but Sidney and Caelum.

Sidney didn't press me to be a social butterfly, though he occasionally laments the fact that he is many generations too old to be suitable company for a young child like me. It always breaks my heart to a million pieces when he is hard on himself just because of his age.

I should be hanging out with people of my generation, he would say, like how I was with Caelum. With how frequently he had said the similar line after Caelum left, he must have heard the prejudice towards old people and taken them to his weary heart.

I would fight the world and even the gods themselves tooth and nail if anyone dares to insult him just because he's a "wrinkly old fart", as some unpleasant people I had bumped into once had said. And fight I shall, for they never came back after I intimidated them convincingly enough through my bloodlust.

The introvert me would tune out the noise with music in my earbuds and make little to no detours and head straight home. I desired to spend as much time possible with my great grandfather who now only has me as company.

Once I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, I would greet Sidney "I'm home!" with a smile that would seem uncharacteristic in the outsider's eyes.

Then when I see Sidney sitting in the living room, he would greet back, "Welcome home," with a fond wrinkly smile.

He was everything I wished for in a family, in a home.

I would do whatever it takes to return home and protect him until his dying breath, even if I have to deal with the devil to accomplish that.

Because I've learned what it means to be selfish.

...

"...up..."

I scrunched my brows and buried my head into my pillow, mumbling in my sleep.

Suddenly the warm bundle I was cozy in vanished from my clutches. I yelped and writhed on the bed from the cold before sitting up. "Wh-What?"

Through my groggy sight I see Floyd grinning at me innocently from the foot of the bed, sheets in hand. "G'mornin'~!"

My eyelids droop halfway. I plop back on the bed soundlessly. I don't want to get out... Too lazy...

"Shrimpy~ Wakey wakey~" He prods at my arm playfully as though an eager child waking their exhausted parent up from bed. Though it's ironic since I was the one crawling to the Octavinelle boys like a child myself.

I buried my face into the pillow, disregarding the constant poking due to my low motivation. How embarrassing to expose myself to the likes of them than I'd like. Just what am I doing with my life?

"I'll get up, I'll get up," I told Floyd and lazily swat his touch away without looking up. Why do people have so much energy so early in the morning? Can't relate.

I released a yawn behind my hand as I slipped out and head to the bathroom to freshen up. I don't look as stressed as I had for the past two days.

"Good morning, Strix, Grim." Jade greeted as he set our serving of omelettes by the bar. I helped place my little companion on the pillows stacked atop a chair stool and sit beside him.

"Good morning..."

It feels weird to be greeted by Octavinelle first thing in the morning. I almost suspected this was all a dream or some simulation forced upon me.

... I only just noticed how I've strayed beyond the edge of accepting the kindness of others for granted. This school only taught me how happiness is short lived once you have to pay the price that is "fair trade". I really don't know how to be happy...

After eating breakfast, we visit Scarabia's mirror once again for Grim and I, but this time with Octavinelle as our allies(?).

The residents were mulling over last night's events when we approached.

"Good morning. And pardon our intrusion." Azul politely greets.

"Holy shit it's hot. It's like the middle of summer." Floyd tugs at his collar, grimacing at the heat wave. Meanwhile I'm already reliving my trauma of the time I spent at Scarabia here...

The two residents who had followed Grim and I into Octavinelle swerved at the trio.

"It's those guys from Octavinelle that beat the crap out of us yesterday!"

"What do you want with Scarabia?!"

"Aaah, I'm terribly sorry about last night. It looked like you were picking on some poor, defenseless animals so as kind as I am I just had to cover for them..."

The silver-haired male tipped his glasses upwards."But after hearing about what transpired... I realized we had become accomplices in their crime of stealing the magic carpet. And I sought to correct our mistake and capture these two thieves. Which is why we are here to return the magic carpet."

From atop my shoulder, Grim was gritting his teeth. He grumbled under his breath, "You lying son of a..."

I shared the mutual feeling. We just made him look better...

Meanwhile from behind, Carpet waves to the residents innocently.

Their eyes widen at the Asim family treasure in the flesh. "Th-That's..."

"Thank you for your cooperation...?" The other resident trailed off uncertainly.

A pair of footsteps approach.

"Hey, you guys. It's almost time for morning training. Kalim will lose it if you're la..." Before Jamil could finish, he stood shocked upon laying eyes on the Octavinelle trio. To be honest I would have the same reaction seeing them at my doorstep. Mafia fish men who know how to ruin careers without batting an eyelash and with a smile would frighten anyone.

"Oh my, Jamil! Good morning and how are you this fine day?" Azul greeted the fellow second year.

Jamil narrowed his eyes at them. "Azul Ashengrotto with the Leech brothers...! What exactly is going on?"

"It is extremely difficult for us to travel home during winter." Jade began.

"So we stay at the dorm during the winter holidays. Aha." Floyd finished.

Jamil stared. "Come...again?"

"By the way, where could I find Kalim at this time?" Azul asked. "I'd like to return his magic carpet you see..."

Jamil does a double take by their surprise visit. "Eh, ahh... ah. If it's a delivery then I'll take care of it."

"No, I couldn't." Azul insisted, "This magic carpet is like a national treasure. If someone were to discover something wrong with it and try to claim that it was Octavinelle's fault, I'd have no end to trouble so I would like to deliver it directly to Kalim myself and have him look it over."

"Kalim would never care about something like that. So I'll take it..."

However, Azul interrupts, "Rest assured. There is no need for you to pay the 20% labor fee for returning a list item."

"We'd also like to offer our apologies for our extremely rude behavior when those from Scarabia were just doing their jobs." Jade chimed in.

"And we brought some seafood pizza." Floyd added, effortlessly holding a two bags of pizza pies made by Octavinelle themselves on either arm.

Azul continued, "Anyway, I'd like to hand this over to him directly. I assume he's already awake?"

"I'm telling you he's in a bad..." Before Jamil would explain, the dorm leader was walking elsewhere to where Kalim would presumably be. He chases after him, "Don't come in uninvited! Azul!"

I stared. Azul is already waltzing in acting like he owns the place. Sometimes I envy that confidence.

The Leech brothers turn to us. Jade beckons, "Now. Strix, you should come with."

"Don't fall behind, m'kay." Floyd sang.

I follow behind them as they lead ahead to where Azul and Jamil had disappeared to. I guess it's a relief to have them as allies, at least for this dilemma...

"These guys don't take 'no' for an answer, y'know..." Grim said to me, to which I could only silently agree.

In the lounge room, Kalim was chilling on the carpet when he notices the new yet familiar faces of Octavinelle arrive. "Oh, Azul? What're you doing here?"

"Hello and how are you doing today, Kalim" Azul smiled, "Wooow~ Scarabia is as splendid as ever. Although outside is a winter wonderland, you see not a trace of that in the summer heat of Scarabia. This would make a wonderful location for a resort and I'm sure there would be no shortage of guests."

"Oooh? I don't really follow but thanks for the compliments!" Kalim smiled.

"I caught your magic carpet so I wanted to return it to you." He told him.

Kalim blinked, surprised. "What? Did it manage to get out again? Thanks for that."

"Not a problem. By the way... I didn't know all of Scarabia was to spend their holidays in the dorm." Azul glanced at the other Scarabia residents lounging in the room. There were quite a number of them present in this area.

Kalim bobbed his head. "Yup. You guys too?"

"That's right! What a wonderful coincidence. Then should we not take this opportunity to deepen the bonds of Octavinelle and Scarabia through a joint training camp?" Azul suggested.

From the sidelines where Jamil stood, his eyes dilated.

"I'd very much like to see the style Scarabia has adopted for their betterment during winter..." Said Azul.

"Sounds great! I'd love for the dorm head of Octavinelle to come stay with us." Kalim beamed.

However, Jamil spoke, "I'm against it, Kalim..."

He looks at him. "What? Why?"

"We're giving up our vacation to study in order to catch up to the other dorms. But you want to invite the enemy into our dorm and reveal all our tricks to them?"

" 'Enemy' is a little much. Besides, weren't you the one who invited Ramshackle Dorm over?" Kalim inquired.

"That is...true, I guess." Jamil mumbled before shooting a look, "I'm saying this for you as well, Azul."

A smile. "Thank you very much for your input. We are all rivals in terms of grades after all. Unfortunately we should make our way back. Do your best with the training."

Azul sighed upon returning to the Leech brothers. "It looks like it's just the three of us in the bitter cold again... I guess we have no choice..."

Jade dipped his chin. "After we worked so hard to capture the magic carpet..."

"And Mostro Lounge is a complete mess..." Floyd crestfallen.

The trio drawled a long melodramatic sigh. "So sad."

"Th-That is most certainly a 'let us stay' kinda sigh, y'know!" Grim remarked.

I deadpanned. "So fake..."

"Stop right there!"

Jamil drawled a long exasperated sigh and face palmed.

"Azul is a top level wizard even at this school. Having him stay here is sure to benefit Scarabia as well! Turning away a guest that came all the way here at the door would dirty the Asim name." Kalim said.

The trio near instantly perked back up.

"Aaah...Kalim! You are truly a kind and warm-hearted person! I would love to. Allow me to teach you whatever I can!" Azul said eagerly.

"The two of us will be happy to assist with any cooking or cleaning that needs to be done." Jade offered.

"Yeah yeah. We're old pros from working in the lounge." Floyd added.

Kalim sends a grateful smile. "That'd be a great help! Then Jamil will have less work."

"Don't worry about me...! Ugh, you're not listening at all." Jamil huffed.

"Well then, I know you just got here but why don't we get this practice started! Leave your things here and head into the courtyard." Kalim said.

"Understood. I hope you all won't go too hard on us." Azul then chuckles.

...

After dinner, the Octavinelle trio joined us in the empty private room we had been occupying.

"Today we had happy Kalim." Grim remarked.

Azul nodded. "Yes, that was the Kalim that I know."

"When he switches into scary Kalim, his eyes get this look in them like he's looking down on you and his whole manner turns scary." Grim explained.

"Could that be just normal mood swings?" Jade inquired.

"What do you mean?" Floyd asked.

"Kalim doesn't strike me as a guy like Floyd whose moods are up and down like a rollercoaster but... There is probably something else at work here."

"Jamil was saying that it's because of how Scarabia did in Magift and finals." I spoke up.

"Eh? Does Sea Otter care about that stuff?"

Grim tilted his head at Floyd. "Sea otter?"

"He's talking about Kalim. Floyd likes to give people nicknames based on sea creatures to show affection. For you, based on your adorable, plump silhouette he calls you 'Seally'." Jade smiled.

"What is this 'plump' business?!" An offended Grim retorted.

"I picked sea otter 'cause he's always grinning while he plays drums, just like an otter." Floyd explained fondly upon the comparison.

I imagine Kalim as a sea otter. The striking semblance rendered me speechless.

S-So cute...!

"Yes, he really isn't the type to become emotionally unstable due to low grades. I think it's very possible there is another reason for it. We need to learn more about Kalim if we are to solve this problem."

Azul glanced to his vice dorm leader. "Jade. Could you go and have a 'talk' with him?"

Jade responds dutifully, "As you wish. Jamil will probably be difficult but Kalim should have no problem having an honest 'talk' with me."

Several question marks float about Grim and I. This is like playing the pronoun game but with verbs, and still has the same frustrating effect of being left alone in the dark.

A grin stretches Floyd's lips. "Then while you're doing that, I'll have Sea Snake hang out with me."

Azul smiled. "That sounds wonderful. May I also take part in that?"

The trio chuckle eerily in their circle. Just how many times did they do that for the past 24 hours?

Grim shuffles close to me and mutters, "These guys, their smiles don't reach their eyes, y'know..."

"They must be really bored..." Was all I said, seeing the gleeful glimmer in their plotting eyes in the dim lighting of the room as though in their natural habitat. Sounds like some people are eager to wreak chaos.

We split up with Jade and head to Jamil's room.

Azul knocked on the door. Upon the door revealing Scarabia's vice dorm leader, he greets, "Good evening, Jamil."

"Evening~" Floyd drawled in singsong.

"We're coming in!" Grim said as they waltz inside.

I joined the boys albeit meekly and apologetically said to Jamil, "Sorry for the intrusion."

Surprised by our sudden arrival, the dark-haired male watched us with wary eyes. "What do you want?"

"I saw a never-before-seen board game earlier when Kalim gave us a tour of the treasure vault." Azul began. "Kalim tried explaining the rules but I just couldn't grasp them."

"How do you play this game with a wooden board filled with holes and some gems?" Floyd asked.

Upon resting his sights on the board game, Jamil's guard is lowered. "Aaah, mancala... It's a popular game in the Land of Hot Sands."

"I have to know about this as a member of the board game club. Would you care to go a few rounds with me?" Azul invited.

"Me too, me too~ I wanna play with Sea Snake." Floyd childishly chimed.

"I, the Great Grim, will never back down from a challenge, y'know!"

"...Kalim's asleep so I guess it's fine." Jamil pondered before saying, "Got it. Let's go to the lounge so we all have room."

We sat evenly spaced out on a carpet and let Jamil indulge us in explaining the rules while demonstrating before we split in two separate groups: Jamil versus Floyd and Azul versus Grim.

Though this is part of our distraction plan, Grim was genuinely excited to try playing mancala, to which I let him play in my place. I somewhat remember the basic rules of mancala since Sidney used to play a few rounds with me a few years ago and had nostalgia from watching them play.

I was laid back against a comfy pillow when I pondered if I should take a nap with the clattering of gems on wood as background noise. Until I see Azul glancing back to me before reverting his eyes on the board game upon eye contact.

I could have sworn I was not imagining the smug grin directed toward me whenever the dorm leader won a game or has the upper hand against poor Grim. I could practically see the sparkles around him as he won his third round while Grim has yet to win a single time.

The gears in my head turned slowly. Is he doing what I think he's doing?

Behind my neutral visage I was amused. I feel like a parent watching their kid showing off. How cute.

I spared a glance over to Jamil and Floyd.

Jamil was playing casually while Floyd had a visible pout on his face. Just one look at the eel merman and we all knew his mood was about to switch off to the piss poor spectrum of sportsmanship if Floyd loses again.

'What a pain this guy is!' Was what all of us had thought upon seeing Floyd about to flip his top off. Jamil silently sighed behind his calm composure.

I remained the spectator to the game as I kept my eye on Jamil from time to time.

"Hooray! I win! That makes it my third!" Floyd cheered triumphantly.

"You make a good opponent when you can actually focus." Jamil acknowledged.

Meanwhile Grim let out a cry of despair. "Fgya! I lost again! You don't hold back do you!"

Unsurprisingly Azul reigned supreme against Grim. "This makes 5 wins and 0 losses for me but as a member of the board game club I have a reputation to uphold."

He glanced to Jamil, "Your ratio was 3 losses to 2 wins, yes?"

"Hm? ...It's been a while so I guess I'm rusty." Jamil reminisces, "Kalim used to make me play with him for hours on end until he finally won... Even though I'm not very good."

"I see." Azul then mutters something under his hand in thought.

However it was too low for Jamil to notice. He raised his brow. "What do you mean 'you see'? You're a weird guy."

"Oh no, I'm just talking to myself. You and Kalim grew up together, is that correct?"

"Yeah, as long as I can remember... That's right, aren't the three of you childhood friends, too?" Jamil perked a brow at Azul and Floyd present.

"Seems that way~" Was what Floyd replied.

"Seems that way? That's an odd way to put it, y'know." Grim said.

"Apparently we've been in the same class since elementary school but the first time I noticed him was right before middle school. So, like, we don't really have any 'childhood friend' memories." Floyd shrugged.

"That sure took you long enough..." I mumbled.

"I was a calm and respectable student so I didn't really stand out." Azul explained.

"Yeah, you probably stood out for a different reason, like how wide..." Before Grim could finish he was silenced by Azul.

"Grim, I have told you time and time again to keep that to yourself...!" He firmly told the cat, palm sealing his big mouth shut.

"And now you're the dorm head? You guys have a strange relationship." Jamil commented.

"Really? I only listen to what Azul says 'cause it's so much fun." Floyd said.

After Azul slipped his hand from Grim's mouth, he said, "Neither Jade or Floyd have any intention of being obedient to me. It's more like we're 'playing the part'."

Jamil scrunched his dark brows together. "Playing the part of master and servant? I don't really get that."

"If the day ever comes that I make a mistake as leader... Or chose the 'boring' option... Then the two of them would turn on me to take the seat of dorm head for themselves. Although, I have no intention losing if that time comes." Azul said confidently.

"I'm not gonna challenge you, for now." Floyd giggled manically.

Jamil stared. "...So you're all on equal terms."

"We stay together 'cause it's fun and if it gets boring, then, bye-bye." Floyd affirmed. "Besides, vice dorm head ain't some retainer. This is normal."

"...It's normal, huh." Jamil pondered. "I've been a servant of the Asim family since I was born so that's just something I can't wrap my mind around. The master is the master and the servant is the servant. Until death."

I was quiet. The resignation of being bound by something you can't control... I recognized that tone. Much like how I used to believe as a kid, and even still to this day, I was powerless by myself to do anything to be free.

I may be released from my cage thanks to Sidney's guardianship, but the past is forever ingrained in my heart and mind that I continue to believe I must be locked inside. I'm not truly free, not when their voices are still ringing in my ears no matter how faint.

Jamil... He's...

"Oh, what's up, guys. You're still up?" Kalim appears wide awake, much to Jamil's shock.

"Eh?!"

"Hm?" Kalim notices the board game setup among us and perks up. "Oh, mancala! I haven't played that in forever but Jamil and I used to go at it for hours."

Jamil stands up. "Weren't you already asleep? Why... Aren't I always telling you not to wander around on your own? What if you get kidnapped again..."

However, Kalim rolled his eyes. "You're such a worrywart. I'm fine, Jade was with me."

Jamil squinted as though he misheard something. "Huh? Jade?"

"Yes, I was with him the whole time." The vice dorm leader of Octavinelle appeared beside Kalim. That was when Jamil realized the Leech twin was not with us ever since we appeared before his door.

"Kalim is a truly kind person. He took the time to explain so much for me..."

The shadow under Jamil's hood darkened considerably. "...The hell did you do to him?"

A flash of sharp teeth grinned. "What...did I do? Why all we did was enjoy a nice long talk. Right, Kalim."

"Yup. I was showing him around the treasure vault." Kalim said.

Jamil gritted his teeth behind sealed lips.

"Oh yeah, Jamil. Do you know what happened to that blue and silver carpet?" Kalim asked, oblivious to his silence as he continued, "I know we brought one with us but I couldn't find it just now."

"Let's go, Kalim." Jamil suddenly said.

"Eh? What's wrong?"

Jamil urged him to move from behind. "Just go back to your room!"

"Fine, I get it, you don't have to yank on me! Sorry, Jade. I'll find it for you later!" Kalim called out while Jamil dragged the dorm leader back to his room.

"All right... Until we meet again." A sinister chuckle leaves Jade's polite smile as the Scarabia duo left the lounge.

I pursed my lips as I had pondered to say something but decided against it. Even if Jade raised Jamil's security level to the max, the three seem pretty confident their plans won't get foiled, should Jamil act in retaliation.

We returned to the private room to discuss the results.

"Thank you for your hard work, Jade. Did you have a good 'talk' with Kalim?" Azul asked.

"Yes, and your hunch was correct. It's highly likely that Kalim is being brainwashed and controlled by magic."

"Brainwashed?!" Grim exclaimed.

I frowned. I knew it...

The gray beast asked, "Is that even possible?"

"This is different from Ruggie's magic and seems to be more along the lines of hypnotism. However, it is a much higher level technique that requires a lot of magic to use so there are exceedingly few wizards that can use it..." Jade explained.

"You gotta be on Azul's level or it's not happening." Floyd said.

"I would probably even find it difficult to control sentient creatures, like humans." Azul admitted.

"But I don't think there's anyone as good as Azul in Scarabia." Grim began. "Kalim can only create a bit of water with his unique magic. And Jamil said he only ever hits the average in terms of grades."

"I wonder about that. They say a smart cat hides it's claws." Azul said.

"So by who and what for is Baby Otter being brainwashed exactly?" Floyd asked.

"Unfortunately, I could not get him to say." Jade told us.

His brother raised a brow. "Even with your unique magic?"

"His unique magic? Now that you mention it, we haven't seen your unique magic at all. What's it like?" Grim asked for both him and I.

Upon meeting our curious gazes, Jade casts a disapproving look. "...Floyd. Aren't I always telling you that I can't approve of you disclosing everything about our unique magic to others?"

"...It's probably not a terrible thing if it's disclosed to Strix. She has no magical prowess so knowing isn't going to suddenly make her able to defend against it." Azul said.

"That's a passive way of dissing me, you know..." I dully deadpanned. I'm right here!

Jade contemplated until he sighed. "I guess it's fine. Those who know how my unique magic works almost always then take precautions against it. So I really don't like divulging it..."

"My unique magic, Shock the Heart...allows me to make another person speak the truth one time."

Grim squeaked. "So you can't lie at all?!"

"...That's true, but I can only use it once per person. Once I've used it I can never use it on that person again. It's also ineffective against those who have high magical resistance or are extremely wary, like Azul. So I save it for times the other person has their guard down or they don't have it up in the first place. It's a unique magic with many restrictions on it."

I hummed. The magic resistance part can't be helped, and I don't think I could be constantly on guard with my thoughts. I fall asleep on many occasions. That doesn't help reinforce my confidence in countering Jade's unique magic, especially when my Dream Eaters are independent allies who can't share/transfer their magic to me.

Azul's right, I'm powerless against it. That's really irritating.

"It works really well on peeps that are scared outta their minds or sobbing their eyes out." Floyd sneered.

Jade chuckled. "That is true."

Grim cowers. "That smile of yours terrifies me..."

I often forget they are high school teenagers who should not be talking so casually about threats and torment with sadistic glee. I'd be shocked if these three are not from a mafia family, if not have any connections to them.

Jade continued, "Anyway, Kalim has always been an open and friendly person so he practically casted it on himself. However..."

We learn that Kalim couldn't tell Jade who the hypnosis culprit is because of a promise he made with them.

Azul bursts out laughing. "Fascinating. So this means your unique magic was defeated by Kalim's humanity."

"It frustrates me to no end but, yes, that's correct." Jade admitted behind his resigned tone.

"Sea Otter seems like he's got a big mouth too." Floyd whined.

"That shows just how much he treasures that promise." I told him.

Azul's laughter subsided. "Although, that stubbornness may have gone and revealed the truth of everything happening in Scarabia. Let's bring this to an end and catch the tail hiding in the sand. I have a plan. First..."

~~~~~~~

I would have Strix play mancala but I'm not familiar with the rules and was just too lazy to search it up. Sorry...

I'm afraid I won't get to update sooner because spring semester is here. Here's to another long school term of pain. And just when we're about to tackle the climax of Scarabia Arc! I hope to quickly get at least the next chapter up soon while things have only begun. And also get my crap together.