Once in a Blue Moon (RevisionEdit in progress)

by HeroProject39

"Don't chase the dreams. They'll lead you to nowhere, just an abyss you'll never be able to wake up from." She delves deeper into the mysteries of Twisted Wonderland and its inhabitants...until she may never wake up from a world that blindfolds her gently from the reality waiting beyond the road. (OC) REVISING. Main story ON HOLD.

29. EVENT: Wish Upon A Star

Reminder that the events are not canon to the main story as confirmed by Yana in an interview on Magical Archives!

Event Length: 17k words/104 pages.

Synopsis: In which Strix has a mental crisis over the Starry Clothes.

~Wish Upon a Star~

"...And that's it for the lesson today. Finally, I've got a few announcements to make. First..."

Grim released a yawn as Crewel was speaking to class 1-A. "Class is finally over... As always, I've worked nonstop all day."

"Nah, no way, I'm pretty sure you've been napping since noon. Maybe you're being a bit too kind on yourself?" Ace said.

Strix suppresses a yawn behind her hand. She slowly raised a brow at the boy. "So you weren't taking a nap with Grim, then?"

Grim tilted his head at him. "What? You were?"

"Wai- Strix! You don't need to run your mouth!" Hissed Ace, shooting a silencing look her way. It had no effect. "I was just resting my eyes a little, but that's not sleeping!"

"You're both as bad as each other. Pipe down and listen to what Professor Crewel has to say." Deuce chided.

"Ever the good student, I see~" Ace snarked.

"And yet, your grades are no better than mine." Grim points out deviously, the pair bullying Deuce together.

"Sh-Shut up! That's got nothing to do with this!"

The crack of a whip snapped.

"Be quiet! You're too noisy, puppies!" Crewel boomed and points his stick at the idiotic trio.

The three shrink in their seats. "Sorry..."

Strix rolled her eyes.

Silver blue eyes narrowed. "Right then, as I was saying, there's going to be a whole school assembly after this. It'll be an explanation on the Star Sending that's a week from today, so make sure you all attend. That'll do... for the announcements. Everyone, please head to the lecture hall."

Everyone fills in the lecture hall. Students chatter in the background while waiting for the assembly to commence.

"I came here but I don't know what's going on. What's gonna happen now?" Grim asked.

"So you still weren't listening. It's about the Star Sending, the 'Star Sending'." Ace emphasized.

Strix and Grim exchanged eye contact before reverting to the boys. The latter asked, "Whazzat?"

The redhead stared. "Uh... Are you being serious?"

"Hundred percent serious." Strix replied with a straight face.

Ace sweatdropped. "Not you, too, Strix..."

"You can let Strix off 'cause she comes from another world, but I can't believe Grim doesn't know it." Deuce said as he looked at the little beast mildly surprised.

"Is it that famous?" Strix asked.

"I mean, schools across the world teach about it, so I think pretty much everyone knows it." Said Deuce.

"Then tell us about it already." Grim prompted.

Ace was disinterested. "Ehh. The headmaster's gonna explain it anyway."

It was then said headmaster comes up behind the podium. "Everyooone, silence! I'm starting the assembly!"

Once silence fell, Crowley spoke, "I shall begin by first explaining the Star Sending... Followed by the announcement of the Stargazers. Then, we will finish with the distribution of the wishing-stars. Well, by now you would have all experienced the Star Sending plenty of times so there's no need to go into much detail. I'll get this part over with quickly. You won't find it at all bothersome, I trust? I'm just taking care to be brief and keep up the motivation amongst the student body. My my, I'm terribly good at such firm decisions..."

Strix and Grim stared at Ace duly, the latter speaking, "...Ace. I don't think he's gonna do much explaining."

The boy sighed. "All right. I'll tell you. The Star Sending is a traditional event that comes from the 'Wish Upon A Star' story..."

Strix perked up. That's the song title from Pinocchio!

"Weeshup onna stah?" Grim repeated awkwardly.

Strix stifled a snort.

Ace almost wanted to bang his head on the desk. "Gah, you don't know that either?!"

"There was an old toy maker, and he really loved this wooden doll he made..." Deuce began, "He wished for the doll to be a real child. Then his wish got granted, and the doll came alive... It's a famous story. That's 'Wish Upon a Star'. I heard it a lot when I was little."

Grim nodded along, humming a noise in acknowledgement.

Deuce continued, "The Star Sending is done once a year. The same day the old man made his wish, we wish on stars, too."

"And that's what the wishing stars are for. They're kind of strange though, these magic gems that glow when they hold a wish... Then lastly, the gems are taken to decorate a tree once they've got a wish inside." Ace finished.

Grim's expression scrunched up. "What a weird thing to do."

Strix had listened to the details of the tradition and made a connection under her breath, "That sounds like Tanabata..."

"...And with that, let's settle down. You've all been waiting! Let us announce the Stargazers!" Crowley announced.

However, students begin grumbling and muttering to life in comparison to the man's spirit. The mood had gotten sour now.

Grim looks around with wide eyes. "What?! What's everyone suddenly started talking for?"

Crowley dismissed the shift in atmosphere. "You're on the edge of your seats~! The Stargazers will be entrusted with the duty of gathering up everyone's wishing stars and taking them to decorate the big tree in the forest behind the academy... The leading parts of this event, so to speak. I'm sure you're dying to know who's going to be chosen!"

"We're not dying in the slightest..." A Heartslabyul student muttered.

An Ignihyde student had his hands clasped while praying a mantra, "Please don't let me be picked, please don't let me be picked!"

Strix sweatdropped. "It doesn't seem like anyone wants to do it..."

"Why doesn't anyone wanna be a Stargazer?" Grim asked.

"I heard this from my big bro, but basically at this school there's three students chosen to be Stargazers for the Star Sending. So that's only three people collecting the wishing stars for the entire school. It sucks." Ace explained.

"Three people in charge of getting hundreds of wishing stars... That does sound pretty rough!"

Strix hummed vaguely in response.

"I'm going to go year by year and use my own horoscopes to astrologically deduce the selected birthdays. The students born on that day will be this year's Stargazers! I shall start now, yes? I'm really really going to start now, yes?!" Crowley persisted in receiving some form of response from the lecture hall.

Strix listened to students of all years across seven dorms mumbling mostly negativities. She doesn't really see why they're so sour about this. If she somehow happens to get picked she wouldn't really be against it. She's been through worse tasks (thanks to Crowley) that they make this more like a privilege by comparison.

"Okay, I'm going to make the announcement! The first Stargazer is..."

"Born into the 25th October, Trey Clover!"

A person Strix is familiar with is chosen? Doesn't the poor guy already have a lot on his plate? She offers her condolences.

"The second person is... Born on the 18th December. Idia Shroud!"

Strix could already hear Idia protesting through his tablet. Oh dear.

"And the third Stargazer is... Born on the 3rd June. Deuce Spade!"

Said boy gaped in surprise. "Wha?!"

Ace snorted. "Pfft. Uhhh, congrats?"

"It's all good, all good." Grim patted his arm sympathetically.

"Don't look at me with pity in your eyes. I'm actually feeling quite proud to be chosen as a Stargazer. As a representative of the whole student body, I'm going to do this right!" Deuce said confidently.

Ace rolled his eyes. "It fits our hard-working pal Deuce perfectly. Well, good luck to you then."

"And there you have it, this year's three Stargazers. Everyone, please be sure to hand over your wishing stars to them. But remember to clearly state your wish in front of them! If you don't, the wishing star won't light up. Stars without a glow make for a lonely sort of decoration, do they not?"

Crowley hummed to himself before continuing, "And on that note, we are expecting journalists to come from outside the academy faculty. In other words, our school's Star Sending is to be reported in the local newspaper. Please cooperate as to help us gather together as many wishing stars as we can. And with that, I conclude the school assembly. You are dismissed!"

Students gradually leave their seats and line up to receive their wishing star.

"Oh yeah! Let's get this wishing star thing show on the road!" Grim spoke excitedly to Strix.

The girl raised her brow. "Even though you were making fun of it earlier?"

"Well, I don't really get it, but we're gonna get a magic gem, right? I can't look a gift horse in the mouth." Grim shrugged.

They approach Crowley.

"Headmaster! We're here for our wishing stars." Grim waved a paw to draw attention.

He turns to them. "Our two from the Ramshackle Dorm. Yes, of course. Here you go."

A star crystal of transparent blue is handed to Strix. It's the size of her fist.

"So this is a wishing star..." When Grim meets Crowley's stare expectantly, he stared back. "Huh? Only one?"

"I believe I did say one per person. And as I told you before, I'm counting yourself and Noctowl-kun as a single student." Crowley stated.

"Whaaaat! Strix, what do we do?" Grim looks to the girl.

Her gaze was lingering on the lifeless star before she passed the star over. "You can have the wishing star, Grim."

He looked from the star to Strix. "You mean it? This doesn't mean I'm gonna give you any of my tuna cans later, yeah?"

Strix rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah..."

Grim clings to the stone possessively and mutters, "Okay, before Strix changes her mind, I'm gonna hand it over to the Stargazer. Umm, so where did Deuce go... There!"

They approach one of the three chosen Stargazers they know very well. Grim calls for his attention with a "Hey!"

Deuce eyes the star in the little beast's paws. "Grim?"

"I wanna give you mine and Strix's wishing star! What do I do?"

"Clutch it really tight, and say your wish out loud." Answered Deuce.

"Here I go..." He squeezes it tightly and declared, "'I wish I could be the best magician ever!!'"

A bright light shines from the core of the wishing star.

Grim and Strix watched with wide eyes round with awe. "Whoa! It started glowing?!"

"That's proof it caught the wish." Deuce said.

Strix admires the luminous magic stone whose pale blue light is reflected in her eyes. "It's pretty..."

"Wow~ That's kinda strange... Okay. Here's our wishing star. I'm leaving my wish to you!" Grim entrusts the star to the navy-haired boy.

Deuce nodded. A solemn expression forms on his boyish features. "...Yeah. I guess it's mine to take care of now."

"Huh? What's with the serious face all of a sudden? Don't tell me that my wish was so amazing you're moved with emotion?" Grim gloats.

"Of course that isn't it." Deuce replied in a heartbeat.

He continued, "It's just... I'm remembering another Star Sending. When I was in middle school, I saw my mom making her wish. She was worried about me, how I would spend all day doing nothing but fighting... She said, 'I wish my son would stop fighting, and for him to always be healthy'."

"Yeah, I do remember you saying you were pretty wild in the past." Strix recalled.

"I was. All I did was cause trouble. So now I'm trying to make up for that by taking my life seriously. I want to work hard with studying and schoolwork and show my mom that I can be a top class student."

It was then Trey approached their circle. "Yo. I see you've already started collecting the wishing stars. Is this one Strix and Grim's?" He points to the glowing star piece in Deuce's hand.

"Yes! I'm planning on keeping this up and getting on with gathering more." Deuce replied, determination radiating as brightly as the wishing star in his possession.

Trey blinked twice. "W-Wow... You're quite into this."

"I am. I'm going to do my very best." Replied the ever serious Deuce.

Ortho hovers into their circle alongside Idia's tablet. "I look forward to doing this with you, Deuce Spade-san! Brother and I will do our best, too."

"That's great. I look forward to it, Shroud-senpai!"

Idia's motivation was lukewarm in comparison to Deuce. "Well... yeah."

This went unnoticed as Deuce was quick on his feet. "I'd better start with gathering more wishing stars!"

"Ah-! Hey Deuce, wait!" Trey watched as he already left the room before he could pay heed. He was fast, as expected a track and field member. "...He's gone. I should follow him, since I don't know what'll happen."

Grim cocked his head. "Aren't you worrying too much? He's just getting gems from other students?"

"That's true, but... with Deuce being a new student and all, it's dangerous for him to start without knowing the proper conditions." Trey explained.

"You mean collecting loads is going to be really heavy to carry?" Strix inquired. He doesn't have anything to haul the wishing stars, after all.

"No, it's something else. For now, it's time for me to go and catch up with him." Trey makes his leave.

"Hey! Trey!" Grim called out.

"We're also worried about Deuce Spade-san. Let's go too, Brother!" Ortho flies out of the lecture hall, Idia chasing after him.

Now Grim and Strix were left alone. "They've all gone..."

"Let's go after them." Strix said.

"Yeah... Let's follow and see!"

They follow the Stargazers into the interior hallway. When they caught up to them, a hostile mood fell between a Savanaclaw student and Deuce who was about to start throwing hands.

"I knew he'd end up in a fight..." Trey muttered before telling Deuce to calm down. When Strix stepped forward and appeared in sight, the Savanaclaw student took one glance and was quick to leave without another word. He seemed to got the memo of not confronting the "cleaner" of Savanaclaw even when outside of the dorm.

"Looks like I was right to chase after you..." Trey sighed into his breath.

"What happened, Clover-senpai? Ortho and Shroud-senpai, and Grim and Strix are all here too..." Deuce looks over them confused.

"I forgot to let you know about the things you should be careful of when gathering up the wishing stars. Well, that guy's attitude has probably already told you all you need to know, now." Trey said, a hand to his nape.

Deuce frowned. "He didn't want to cooperate with me at all..."

Trey gave a wry smile. "Unfortunately most students feel the same way. Everyone thinks it's a pain in the ass, they don't want to help out with the Star Sending."

"When you become a high school student, you don't want to do it anymore. We're at the age when you stop believing in it..." Idia said.

"I wouldn't say that's how everyone feels, though." Ortho chirped optimistically.

"I-I mean, Ortho is right! Amongst everyone are people who would feel the opposite, I mean..." Idia begins to fumble over his words until a voice interjected.

"INDEED YOU ARE CORRECT!!"

Everyone gave a start (with the exception of Strix who was already used to it).

"Headmaster?!" Exclaimed Ortho.

"Y-You made me jump..." Idia stuttered from behind his tablet screen.

Crowley gestures with his staff as he spoke, "As you were saying, it is true that our students have long been unenthusiastic towards the Star Sending... However, it would be problematic if we were not to succeed! Amongst other things, I want to foster some spirit of cooperation amongst the student body..."

"And above all, being a school that sticks firmly to tradition would do wonders for our reputation, would it not?!" He swerved to the students.

Everyone sweatdropped, muttering weakly in agreement.

The man calmly continued, "And so to that end, our chosen Stargazers... Please do not allow yourselves to be pushed away by the attitude of other students, and gather as many wishing stars as you can. I have no problem with Noctowl-kun and Grim-kun helping out or giving guidance, either."

Grim gaped at the man. "Wha-?!"

"It would not do to have any unbecoming photographs published in the newspaper. For that reason, no matter methods you choose to take, this year I shall be allowing all!" Crowley flaunts his coat wings dramatically.

"But, of course, magic is off-limits, right?" Deuce inquired.

"No, I will allow it." Came the immediate reply.

"A-Are you serious?!"

Trey raised his brow. "But I thought magic was forbidden for personal struggles...?"

"This is not a personal struggle." Crowley corrected. "The Star Sending is an important event to the academy. Making people cooperate is part of the growth and development of this school!"

Trey gave a sheepish smile and sweatdropped. "Looks like it's going to be a tougher task than usual this year..."

The masked raven perks up, "Oh, that's right! I have something to give to you."

With a wave of his staff, a bundle of blue and gold clothes manifest for the Stargazers to take.

Deuce eyes them curiously. "These clothes..."

"Aren't they wonderful~? Now now, hurry up and get changed!" Crowley ushers Deuce and Trey to move to an empty room. Once they did, he turns to Strix.

"Now for you, Noctowl-kun..."

Alarm bells were triggered upon seeing the eery yellow glow shift.

"Headmaster, I know I'd be helping but I'm not a Stargazer though..." She said.

"No need to worry, my dear owlet. You will simply wear the Starry Clothes solely for collecting the wishing stars. It would be a hassle to explain to every soul on campus about your involvement, no? Wearing a uniform performs that job."

Strix pursed her lips. "True..."

"Then you too shall try them on. For you, I've added a unique role for this event. I'll explain once everyone has changed." Crowley then had Strix move to the empty room next door and change inside with the clothes he provided her.

When Deuce and Trey step out, the Stargazers were cladded in a deep blue robe with gold star patterns and trimming, pale blue tassels over a light gold tunic exposing their shoulders. They wore black leggings and flats with star designs. Adorning their head is a golden starry headwear, Deuce much more intricate with three chain tassels delicately hanging the side of his face.

"Ah! The 'Starry Clothes'! Traditional outfits that mark a person as a stargazer... So cool~!" Ortho fawns over their outfits.

Trey glanced around the corridor. "Where's Strix?"

Crowley knocked on the classroom door where said girl was inside. "Noctowl-kun, are you ready?"

"Y-Yes..."

The door slowly creaked open, revealing a meek Strix fully garbed in the Starry Clothes wear.

Her head accessory is a double diamond headband with stars dangling and resting on her forehead. The side fringes of her hair were tied by gold eight-pointed stars with a pair of pale blue baby stars dangling. Resting on her chest is a heart with three stars along the drop for a pendant. Her ponytail was held up by a blue scrunchie.

Wrapped around her arms and floating in an arc above her is a beautiful transparent blue article glittered with bright stars of varying blue shades.

"Splendid~! I knew the raiment would complement the outfit nicely." Crowley sang, pleased with himself.

An unenthusiastic Strix refused to make eye contact with the boys. She rubbed her arms restlessly and muttered to herself, "...I think I understand why not a lot of people want to do this. It feels embarrassing to walk around in these clothes, for one."

"Now now, don't slouch like that. Wear the Starry Clothes with sophistication!" Crowley preened like a mother hen over the female, correcting her stature with his staff by lightly prodding her shoulders and back. Strix only sighed in response before standing straighter.

"You look super pretty, Strix Noctowl-san!" Ortho beamed brightly with wide sparkling eyes.

"I bet not many people will bat an eye when you look like a natural in those clothes," Trey reassured.

"He's right, Strix. Don't worry about it." Deuce smiled.

Idia was silent. Behind the screen, he was internally squealing over the rare occasion of seeing the girl in a different outfit compared to the school uniforms as if he had obtained a video game character's skin. She definitely makes a better Stargazer in the outfit.

Strix mustered a smile. "Thank you, Ortho. And I should be saying the same stuff to you guys too." She glanced to Deuce and Trey.

Crowley spoke, "Noctowl-kun will not be performing for the official ceremony, but as she will be assisting in gathering the wishing stars, wearing the Starry Clothes helps convey the others of her duties. Think of her as the Stargazer guide, the shining star who points lost souls to the right path."

He gestures to the transparent article around her arms, "This is the Altair Raiment, said to be crafted by a weaving princess as a gift to her spouse. It was named after the Altair star, and it gives off the illusion of the Milky Way. Lovely article, isn't it? I believed this compliments the Star Sending ceremony perfectly."

Ortho was scanning the item through his eye camera as he stated, "The fibers of this raiment are woven with blue stardust in the same minerals that the wishing stars contain. Therefore, it is possible for the raiment to glow in a similar manner when the wearer wishes with all their might."

"That sounds cool." Strix mused. Just like Disney magic when it comes to clothing.

"I will explain the details for the actual festival and taiko ceremony later. I'll reach out. Until then, please wear these and go gather the wishing stars, all right?" Crowley said to the Stargazers.

"Y-Yes." Deuce stuttered out.

"We'll deal with it." Trey said.

"Lovely! I'm off~!"

Grim watched Crowley skip away with flat eyes. "He's stuck us in a dangerous position again... What'll we do, Strix?"

She shrugged. "Same as always. I'm already in this outfit, might as well get it over with."

"That headmaster! He's always using people!!" Grim seethed.

"Now, now. Gathering wishing stars is always something you want many people doing." Trey placates.

Grim heaved a sigh. "Nothin' to do about it. It'd take more effort to complain to him anyways."

"Strix, Grim, thanks for the help!" Deuce beamed.

"Well, let's go collect those wishing stars." Trey said.

"I'll be my brother's support." Ortho chirped.

A sigh from the tablet. "It's started, I guess..."

"I can just talk fist-to-fist with whoever doesn't get it... I think that's be the easiest for me." Deuce mumbled before pumping himself up, "All right! Let's get everyone's wishing stars!"

"How are you guys going to carry them though?" Strix asked.

They momentarily paused in their tracks. Did they seriously forget that aspect?

"I'll go ask for some bags or baskets from the faculty staff. You guys can go ahead and start gathering stars." Strix offered.

"Thanks, Strix." Deuce smiled gratefully.

"No problem. See you in a bit."

The boys turn face and walk down the hallway to embark on the star-gathering quest. Once they turned a corner, Strix stood still for a moment waiting for any interruption to come into view.

When peaceful silence settled instead, she released a sigh she didn't realize she held. She reached behind to touch her bare shoulder blades shamelessly exposed and bit back an embarrassed frown.

"I need to hide this..."

At least she has the raiment to cover her skin even if it's a little transparent.

A few days after the wishing star collection began...

Everyone gathered to the site of the Star Sending ceremony located in the woods behind the main campus building. It wasn't a far walk on the beaten path to the destination. In fact the woods is like the school's backyard.

Grim marveled up at the grand height of the tree. "I had no clue there was such a huge tree behind the school!"

"Me either..." Deuce turns to Crowley, "Headmaster. This is the tree?"

He nodded. "Indeed. Let's start hanging."

To make things easier, Strix summoned a fuzzy orange bat with large teal ears and bright pink wings with four-pointed star patterns.

Komory Bat uses zero gravity magic on a few wishing stars and flutters up to hook it on a branch far beyond the human reach.

It returns to Strix who gestures it to lift the jealous Grim to another branch. Despite its small and fragile size, the bat spirit can carry a plump and round monster cat like Grim without breaking a sweat. Grim was visibly trembling from how high they were going but was able to attach a star on the tree with the bat's maneuvering skills.

"Komory Bat can carry someone of your size, too," Strix perked up after Deuce expressed surprise. The Dream Eater safely returns Grim to the ground and perches on her shoulder for affection. Trills elicit from the bat as she stroked its fur.

She grinned at the boy. "Want to try?"

"I-I think I'll stick to using magic, thank you," Deuce politely declined.

"It's actually not uncomfortable." Strix said.

Trey elegantly raised a brow. "You've tried it before?"

Having realized what she said, she averted her eyes, abashed. "Uh, yeah..." Strix couldn't tell them she had Komory Bat carry her upstairs to her bedroom while she was half-asleep upon returning to Ramshackle from school on a few occasions.

Strix raised her arm at level with her shoulder and let Komory Bat hang upside down from the sleeves of her school uniform blazer (she didn't need to wear the Starry Clothes outside of star gathering). She moves the arm up and down and swings in an arc gently like a swing set. The Dream Eater squeaks as though laughing.

It flies from her arm to Deuce's shoulder, surprising the boy. The bat had landed because it was fixated on the fancy headwear at first and playfully bites his head. Deuce squeaked at the feeling of a pair of fangs resting on his scalp and jolted. He laughed afterwards from the ticklish affection.

Komory Bat then flies to Trey who had been watching in amusement until it was his turn. The Spirit sprawled its fuzzy body atop his mess of forest green hair. Trey keeps his head at level and chuckled, commenting how his hair must be comfortable to rest on.

Komory Bat's diamond wings were drooping like floppy ears on top of the young man's head. Strix commented on how Trey was one step closer to sharing a resemblance to Majik Lapin, whose long bunny ears were diamond shaped as well.

Afterwards, Komory Bat flapped about Idia's tablet curiously. Idia protested from letting it get close. Its talons might scratch his screen at a minimum! The Spirit didn't understand his pleas and assumes a game of tag with the tablet.

Cue Idia's tablet flying in a circle away from the playful Komory Bat. Ortho was giggling all the while despite his brother's cries.

Eventually Crowley chided Strix and the others to resume hanging the gems on the tree. Perhaps the bat Spirit's affinity with the stars is resonating with it, Strix and Crowley presumed.

Deuce ties the remaining star to the tree. "And... there. We've hung all the wishing stars we've collected."

"Whoa~ The stones are all shining up in the tree..." Grim commented once he took a step back and admired the view.

Everyone else stood basking in the sparkly sight.

Deuce smiled. "Yeah. It's beautiful..."

"It is! Brother, can you see it too?" Ortho asked.

A hum.

Ortho notes his mellow reaction. "Huh? Let me adjust the angle of your tablet... Here."

"Th-Thanks, Ortho. I can see plenty."

"Really? That wasn't much of a reaction..." Ortho frowned.

"No, no, I can see them fine! Beautiful! How moving! Took a screenshot!" Idia quickly assured.

Ortho squinted. "Hmm... All right, but..."

"On the actual day all of the wishing stars gain even more power, it's really quite a sight." Crowley spoke.

"As long as we try hard... right?" Trey glanced to the headmaster.

"That's right! I have high expectations. Now, moving on. Let's talk about the actual Star Sending ceremony. At our school, the Stargazers perform a ceremony with dance and taiko drums... The Star Sending is a massively exciting event. Clover-kun, Idia Shroud-kun... and your acquaintance is Ortho Shroud-kun, correct?"

"Yes, of course." Trey spoke up.

"The last ceremony was super cool~ I knew I'd only see it once, so I made sure to record it properly in my databanks." Ortho said.

"...It was certainly unforgettable. I was embarrassed just watching that scene..." Idia mumbled.

"I haven't seen one since I was a kid. How did it go again..." Deuce trails off.

"Our school always has one performer on the taiko drums while the other two do a matching dance. But it's not just an exhibition. A magnificent melody and visionary dance, passed down through the ages... You three must be in perfect sync or it will not work!" Crowley waved his raven key staff at the trio.

"Huhhh. There really are a lot of annoying things for the Stargazers to do." Grim mused.

"It'd be too simple if collecting and hanging wishing stars was all that they need to do." Strix said. There'd be no reason to assign Stargazers, really.

"Also, the positions are determined by your birthdays. Spade-kun and Clover-kun will be dancing." Informed Crowley.

"Let's work together, Clover-senpai!" Deuce chirped enthusiastically.

Trey chuckled weakly, "Haha, you're a little too worked up."

A smile softens his eyes, however, touched by the freshman's spirit rubbing off on him. "Yes, let's do it, Deuce."

"Brother on the taiko drums," Ortho concluded before encouraging his brother, "You're so good at rhythm games, this'll be a piece of cake!"

"N-No... Real instruments and games are... u-ugh..." You could hear Idia suffer stomach cramps from the prospect.

"So, continue gathering wishing stars and start practicing for the ceremony as well." Crowley finished.

Trey heaved his shoulders. "Getting even busier. Our only time is after school... It'll be a race against time, huh."

"But we have to do it." Firm resolve solidified Deuce's determination.

"How nice~ What spirit! Now, please go ahead and start your dance and taiko practice... Except Idia Shroud-kun is only here in tablet again today." Beady glowing yellow eyes glanced to the magic floating tablet that is Idia Shroud.

"S-Sorry. My stomach is a bit..."

"How troubling... Will you be able to make it to practice next time?" Asked Crowley.

A pause. "Probably... I knew we have to do ceremony practice but you didn't say it'd be in the flesh. But what to do... If this continues I may be forced to actually strike the taiko!"

This went unnoticed by Crowley as he continued, "Please show up next time? Idia Shroud-kun?"

"...P-Positive."

"Now then, let's start the first practice. As we are lacking our taiko drummer today, I will direct you by clapping my hands. Just try to move to the beat. Shall we?" He raised his hands and begins practice.

~~~~~~~

Strix stared speechless. Did her eyes betray her?

Like birds of a feather, Crowley couldn't believe what he saw. "T-That was...!"

"You two weren't in sync at all. Deuce was so bad I couldn't even watch him. Looked like you were trying to swat a fly or something." Grim blatantly said without hesitation. His face contorted into a visible cringe.

"It's true... I feel pretty much the same as Grim-kun here." Crowley admitted.

Strix hates to admit it, but the Stargazers should be taking this as part of their critique if they want to truly perfect the dancing. "What they said."

"You guys didn't need to be that straightforward..." Trey sweatdropped with a lowered head. Ouch.

Deuce frowned at his feet. "I underestimated dancing. It's actually quite hard to do..."

Trey patted his back reassuringly. "Don't worry about it. I just did some when I was a kid, so I've got experience. My parents run their own business, so I got roped into helping with all sorts of events like this. This is... well, boys especially would get embarrassed and not want to do it, right?"

"The difference between you is even larger than anticipated. Clover-kun, I am leaving Spade-kun's guidance entirely in your hands." Crowley said.

Deuce crestfallen. "I'm sorry, Clover-senpai..."

Trey smiled. "Well, we have some time before the real thing, so it'll be all right."

"Yes. You'll have the taiko drums next time too, so it'll be easier. I'm certain that you three will learn to synchronize and put on a perfect performance. Right? Idia Shroud-kun?" Crowley looks over when he hasn't heard a word from him yet.

Sobbing can be heard behind the tablet.

Ortho's eyes creased in concern. "Brother?"

"I-I... I c-can't do this!"

"And suddenly he says something unthinkable..." Grim rolled his eyes.

"And the predictable." Strix added dully.

"I-I mean, drumming taiko in front of the whole school... Won't they just laugh at me? I got through the wishing stars with your help somehow but presenting a super amateur like me on the taiko will just be an event full of exposing all of my shameful mistakes! C-Can't you see that this'll send me hurtling down the route that leads directly to the bad end?! Please do the ceremony without me!!" Cried Idia.

Ortho visibly crestfallen. "Brother..."

The tablet drifted up and down in a flustered motion. "Ortho! ...D-Don't make that face... I only said I'd help gather the wishing stars. I never once said I'd participate in practice or in the actual ceremony!"

"I know you don't like being in the spotlight. But you were chosen as a Stargazer. If we do it together, I'm sure it'll be a fun time." Ortho patiently assured.

"B-But..."

"It is tradition. I will not be honoring any personal pleas to stop. For the dance to got together properly, we need you, Idia Shroud-kun, on the taiko drums!" Crowley said firmly.

He reasons, "Our school always has one performer on the taiko drums while the other two do a matching dance. But it's not just an exhibition. A magnificent melody and visionary dance, passed down through the ages... You three must be in perfect sync or it will not work!"

"Yes! Please!" Deuce pleads to Idia earnestly.

"But all you really need is having an exact rhythm, right? So rather than having me at the actual thing, wouldn't a recording of a no-miss performance to run be better for that 'three of us synchronizing' that you wanted?" Idia questioned.

Deuce faltered. "Uh... I suppose that might be true..."

"Don't agree with him..." Strix told Deuce.

Trey sighed. "Ignihyde's dorm leader, of all people... This is like a kid throwing a tantrum."

"How about you, Ortho Shroud-kun? Do you not wish to see your brother's finest hour?" Crowley turns to the child.

"I...do...but if he does not want to do it, then I don't want to force him." Ortho said, though it was apparent he was saddened to see Idia's apparent refusal to be inclined to the Star Sending ceremony.

"Ortho... Well, how about I use a music app and stream the taiko performance real-time from my room?" Idia suggested. "I wouldn't mind participating like that, but..."

"That's still remote, isn't it...?" Trey quirked a brow.

Crowley moaned, "Aah... For a Stargazer to be absent from the Star Sending is unheard of. In traditional events like this, rules are the most important."

"But I won't be missing or absent, I'll be participating? You're all just stuck on the idea of the physical distance... I'm far away but right also here... beside the two of you. It's just a new way of being a Stargazer." Explained Idia.

"The Star Sending doesn't need that newfangled nonsense. It needs a conservative mind. You other two Stargazers, say something, please!" Crowley swerved to them, exasperated.

"Uhh... What should we do, Clover-senpai...?" Deuce glanced to his vice dorm leader for help.

"I don't feel like either one of them is going to crack..." Trey admitted for him to hear.

Crowley then spun to the sole female, his only hope now. "Noctowl-kun?!"

Despite being closer to Idia, Strix herself is not sure she can persuade him. Sometimes she succeeds, sometimes she doesn't. She might as well give it a try and win that 50/50 risk.

She prays to her lord (aka Sidney) for his wisdom to enlighten this hermit why he needs to square the hell up and touch some grass already.

"Idia," She began patiently. "Being physically there to participate is a more natural performance. It's hard to be emotionally invested to see a machine or program do all the work. It also feels disconnected to perform behind the screen even if it's live. Everyone else who went out of their way to attend in person could have done that on their phones. They sacrificed their schedules to attend live performances, possibly even sacrificed the time they could have spend with their friends and families."

"...That's deep." Deuce whispered for Trey to hear.

"Makes you wonder if Strix experienced something like that herself." Trey remarked.

"My head hurts." Was what Grim only said, his little monster brain trying to comprehend human nature and failing miserably. This all sounds like it's on a psychological level, and he doesn't do psychological.

Meanwhile Crowley was whispering words of encouragement, "Yes, yes! Noctowl-kun truly understands the spirit of in-person participation~!"

Ortho was silent.

Strix continued, "Having people in person makes communication and connection to one's sincere efforts be direct and known. It makes the experience real for everyone, both performers and the audience, to remember by. Of course no one is perfect. But when you try to do your very best to be 'perfect' despite knowing that, that's what makes the audience want to support you and empathize with your mistakes."

"But the people watching want to see a perfect performance. They don't care if we're high school kids performing it, they just want to write pretty things about the ceremony. I'm a one-time Stargazer doing his job, and I'm only ensuring a top notch performance by not screwing up in person. No one wants to see us do that when they came all the way with suffocating high expectations. That's on them for expecting so much out of high school kids." Idia argued at the speed of lightning.

Strix bit the inside of her cheek, suppressing her frustrations from exploding. An introvert's stubbornness is a force to be reckoned with, and Strix herself is an introvert. This guy's a lost cause. She could point out some holes in his reasoning, but they wouldn't get anywhere at this point. She's tired of so much crap as is.

"Well, I tried." Strix shrugged to the boys, not willing to go into another speech debate after her first try. Not even Sidney's ancient wisdom could change Idia's mind. If only he was here right now...

"..My brother is being rather difficult." Ortho sighed silently. He is not unfamiliar dealing this side of his brother, after all. It's not something to be proud of, though.

"You can't get through to him?" Grim asked.

Ortho shook his head. "No. He's always been very stubborn like this. Once he decides on something, he'll circle around anything that even looks like a different opinion... He does run himself into corners like that, though."

"This year, during preparations for the entrance ceremony..." Trey began, "Idia didn't come to a single dorm leader meeting, and when we went to Ignihyde dorm specifically to see him, he wouldn't come out of his room."

He frowned at the memory. "I know Riddle raged over that one."

"Eh... Even though our scary... uh, strict Dorm Head Rosehearts went all the way there to see him?!" Deuce exclaimed.

"Which is to say, neither threats nor platitudes will work on him, once he's decided... Right now, persuading Idia may be impossible." Trey crossed his arms.

Deuce frowned. "But..."

"There's certainly no reason to keep arguing now, we'll just lose all our practice time..." Trey turns to Crowley and lowered his voice for everyone but Idia to hear, "All right. Headmaster, let's let Idia participate remotely for now."

"Eh? What about the actual event?" Crowley asked.

"I've got to work on Deuce's dance, but before the main event we'll figure out some way to convince Idia. If you push too hard, he may abandon his role as Stargazer entirely." Reasoned Trey.

"...You may be right. I will allow Idia Shroud-kun to participate in the ceremony remotely... However! Clover-kun, Spade-kun. You will pull Idia Shroud-kun in for the real thing. Can I count on you?" Crowley leans forward expectantly.

Deuce nodded, "Y-Yes..."

"We'll take care of it." Trey assured.

"Well, I must get back to work. Continue gathering wishing stars and be sure to practice for the ceremony as well!" With a flick of his coat, Crowley returns to NRC.

"Will we... be able to get Shroud-senpai to participate?" Deuce wondered aloud to Trey.

"I'm not sure... but we have to try." Said Trey.

Meanwhile the unsuspecting Idia mumbled to himself, "Heehee, I got him to let me participate remotely... I'm such a brilliant tactician! I should be able to lead the Star Sending without anyone having to see me play taiko drums...!"

Strix looked from Deuce to Trey to Idia before resting her eyes on Trey. Suddenly he looked like he aged several years in comparison. She should help the poor man from this madness of responsibilities upon responsibilities.

A few days after starting practice...

"...How's that, Clover-senpai?"

Trey had watched with crossed arms. His advice was gentle as he spoke, "Each individual motion has started to look good. But you're still off on the timing. We have to synchronize the drum beats and our breathing altogether."

Deuce bobbed his head. "All right!"

"Well, Idia, will you please play for us again?" Trey asked.

"...Eh? You're still going?" Asked Idia incredulously.

"We only have so many practices. Please." Trey requests kindly.

"If you would!" Deuce bowed his head.

The microphone picked up Idia's sigh. "Getting picked for the taiko is just my luck. No matter how perfect my rhythm is, we have to do it over and over so you can match it. I have other things to do, you know... Do you even need me every time? It's not very efficient. Maybe playing the same recorded version would make it easier?"

Deuce gritted his teeth.

"Unpleasant as always." Grim sighed into his breath.

"Deuce, you're doing more than enough. Don't worry about it." Trey assured.

"You're making steady progress!" Strix encouraged.

Deuce smiled. "Thanks, Clover-senpai, Strix."

"Yeah! Look closely, Brother. If you compare to when we started, it's a lot better!" Ortho chirped optimistically.

The tablet was silent.

Ortho raised his brow. "Brother?"

"Idia, are you listening?" Trey asked.

"...Eh? What? Are we starting?"

Ortho narrowed his eyes. "...Brother, don't tell me."

"Hm?"

"Are you playing games?"

"W-What? What are you saying, Ortho. Your big brother has been focusing on rhythm apps to make sure this ceremony is a success!" The panic in his voice betrayed everything.

"Shroud-senpai... We're seriously trying over here but it seems like you're just messing around..." Deuce mumbled lowly.

Grim's eyes dilated. "T-That's bad! That Deuce mode is...!"

Trey was quick to placate the first year, "Deuce, calm down!"

"...It's fine. I won't break anything. But please give me a real reply." A calm Deuce said.

"I may still have some work to do my dance... But I don't want to hear that from Shroud-senpai who's participating and skipping all at once! This won't work after all! Get over here and actually play the taiko drums!" Barked the boy, pointing a finger at the tablet. So much for being composed.

"...I thought we already had that conversation? I gathered up the wishing stars and now I'm doing the taiko thing. That's more than enough for the role of Stargazer so please don't be mean about it... Deuce-shi, are you even doing enough? How many wishing stars did we each collect? Today I hit the goal we set of 100. Deuce-shi, how many have you collected?"

Deuce jolted. He muttered, "I'm... a little behind..."

"You have to collect wishing stars, not just do the dance. And you're saying that I'm messing around? If you look at the results, aren't you the one who's messing around? Do you think that those stars are worth more just because you left your room for them? Get some real results before saying self-important nonsense like that." Spat the third year.

Deuce couldn't form any words to combat Idia's merciless onslaught of his argument.

"He lost somewhere in the middle there." Trey muttered, resting a hand to his temple.

"I can't even look at Deuce right now..." Grim said as he looked away.

"This is painful." Strix simply said. She's practiced patience and maintaining composure thanks to her great grandfather, but confronting a nasty fight is not something she or anyone would want to suck up to.

"I-If you're saying I'm not getting results..." Deuce began, "I will perfect this dance and collect enough wishing stars by the event date! No. I'll get even more wishing stars than you, Shroud-senpai!"

"What a nonsensical goal... I've gotten 100 already. I'll probably have about 150 by then?! You'll almost definitely get less than I will, don't you think?" Idia said.

"Then if I can reach that, will you come here and do the taiko in person?" Deuce asked.

"What? I don't get anything out of that, though? And Ortho is helping me collect the stars..."

"But on the other hand..." Trey spoke up, "You don't lose anything, either. In fact, if you think Deuce can't reach the goal, then it'll be easier to just go along with it. You can just play games in your room while Deuce runs around collecting stars or whatever."

"He's right. If you're so confident you'll win the odds by a long shot, might as well indulge in your underclassman's games." Strix joined.

"So, Shroud-senpai, do you think I can reach that goal or not?" Deuce challenged.

"Haah? Is Heartslabyul and Ramshackle serious... Does he think gonna be a shonen manga protag? Way too annoying... I really am incompatible with the other dorms..." Idia grumbled.

"...Well, you'll never be able to do it so sure. If you manage to get more than the goal amount, I'll come in person." Idia said confidently.

"It's a promise!"

"However! Deuce-shi, if you fail... I will summarily refuse to participate even through the app. I'll just use a recording for the ceremony. Okay?"

"...Understood."

"You accepted my brother's offer? Deuce Spade-san, will you really be okay?" Ortho asked in concern.

The navy-haired boy nodded in determination. "Yeah. I can definitely do it."

"This is what they mean by fighting words, huh." Strix mused to herself.

"But if it goes well, Idia will participate." Trey said.

"Yes! This battle... is one I definitely won't lose!" Deuce declared.

Strix contemplates upon seeing Deuce's resolve before smiling.

"Then let's get back to practice. I've seen the general dance routine enough, so I think I can help you now."

"You know how to dance, Strix?" Trey inquired.

She shook her head. "It's not me that'll do the dancing."

A neon purple and blue cat with a floating music note for a tail bounces into view. Necho Cat lands on the ground besides Strix with its six legs, jingling bells on its collar and tip of its pointy ears announcing its arrival.

"It's so cute!" Ortho hovers gently to the feline so as to not startle it and stroked its back. Necho Cat purrs from the attention it's receiving from the child. Dream Eaters may show bias and utmost loyalty to their master, but they don't exclude children, including Ortho.

Idia's tablet hovers about the cat. "It does have its charm... The color palette still hurts my eyes though."

"Why does it have six legs...?" Trey stared at the Dream Eater incredulously. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't disturbed by the unusual trait.

"Because Necho Cat knows it dances better than you all with six legs. It doesn't walk—it 'dances'. At least, that's what it said." Strix grinned. The Spirit dances even while standing, bouncing with its soles in place at minimal effort. It's the equivalent of breathing for a diva like Necho Cat.

"That's why I know you can perfect the dance, Deuce." Her bright blue gaze was genuine when they made contact with Deuce's.

Deuce's chest fluttered with warmth. With Strix's help, there's no way he'll lose.

"When you put it that way... I'll give it my all!"

After that ordeal, everyone resumes practice.

"Necho Cat will help you correct your footing while I help you with the upper half. Don't worry about stepping on them, they know when to dodge." Strix assured, Necho Cat bobbing its head along.

Deuce tentatively nodded before bowing his head. "R-Right. I'm in your care."

Vague grumbling is heard from Idia before the music plays.

Necho Cat prances around Deuce as though dancing. They would occasionally stand in spots where Deuce shouldn't wander to and lightly nudge his leg to angle a certain way.

The Dream Eater's help was fine. What really proved to be difficult was...

Strix touched his arm. "Your right arm is too rigid at this part. Relax, and swing into a more gentler arc like this..."

Deuce inhaled sharply upon the contact. Her soft, cool hands on his skin is relieving him from the body heat he worked up. But his arm must be sticky with sweat, right? She's not bothered by it?

Deuce mentally willed himself to throw the thoughts out the window. Focus, Deuce! She's your close friend, she wouldn't be bothered by a little harmless sweat. It's only natural to sweat when dancing a lot.

Strix comes behind to rest a hand on his shoulder blade. "You dipped too much weight into your back. Dancers are suppose to move as light as a feather for a reason. So loosen up, okay?"

Deuce didn't trust his voice to muster a word. Instead, he made a sound of acknowledgment. Has her voice always been capable of being this gentle? Maybe after that unpleasant argument with Idia, he wanted to hear some comforting words from a person he is happy to be around. But to hear her speak from behind is sending jolts of electricity down his spine that she must have felt it too.

If she noticed, she made no notion. Somehow that makes it all the agonizing!

Strix stops him in place by standing in front of him with her hands planted firmly on his shoulders.

Deuce's breath hitched. She's so close! Yet she was too focused on instructing him to notice the proximity. If he breathes the wrong way, their chests might actually touch...!

"You're getting a little better here, but I notice you're still making the same mistake by putting more weight on your foot... Deuce?"

"Y-Yes?!"

Strix heard the voice crack. "Sorry Deuce, am I pressuring you?"

"N-No, I'm learning a lot! Really!" Deuce squeaked out.

She looks up to eye him peculiarly. "Do you need a break?"

"No, I can still keep going."

"Are you sure? It'd be against your favor if you suddenly collapse..."

"I'm sure."

Strix stared into him. He hoped the nervous sweat rolling off his skin can pass off as part of the exertion he used for practice.

She held a fist to her chin. "Deuce..."

He remains silent.

"You got nice legs, you know?" Remarked the girl with a straight face after glancing down to the black tights hugging the curves. "Not too rugged but not too slim either. Got some lean muscles, as expected from a track member. Right, Necho Cat?"

Said Spirit meowed in response.

Cue a blank faced Deuce. "...Huh?"

"With pretty legs like yours, you'll be able to dance like a real dancer. As Necho Cat's pupil, your instructor has guaranteed you their stamp of approval after seeing you in action. You have the potential to perfect it."

Necho Cat rubs its head against his legs, much to his surprise. Strix's familiars aren't usually affectionate to even her close friends because they swore upmost loyalty to their master above all. They have a tendency to be protective of her, but that was purely their desire to ensure Strix's happiness.

Deuce blinks down at the Spirit. "Why...?"

Necho Cat tilted its head innocently.

Komory Bat flutters down to perch on its master's shoulder. It chirps something only Strix could understand through telepathy, batting its sleek diamond wings animatedly.

Her expression soften to a gentle smile.

She reverts her eyes on Deuce. "Dream Eaters are drawn to those with dreams. They acknowledged you as someone they want to lend their strength to. And out of their own volition too."

"I...I'm honored...?" He blinked owlishly. It came out more of a question than he thought, though.

Deuce returned his gaze to Necho Cat. Forming a gentle smile, he scratches their chin, eliciting a purr.

"I'm so happy to have such supportive friends..."

~~~~~~~

The following day marked the second day of practice. Trey was the first to have arrived to the big tree and was waiting for everyone else to come when a few minutes later a certain Ramshackle prefect climbs up the hill without her animal companion, for once. Grim was preoccupied with food in the brain at the moment and let Strix go ahead without him.

"Trey-senpai, what's wrong? You look troubled. Are you overworking yourself?" Strix asked.

Mustard yellow eyes acknowledged the girl and smiled sheepishly. "I'm fine, thank you for your concern. It's just..."

Doe blue eyes round with innocence peered up at the tall man.

He found himself averting his gaze and asked, "What do you think about boys doing this sort of event?"

"I think it's nice, especially when it's you three chosen as this year's Stargazers. Aesthetically speaking, you guys are easy on the eyes in the Starry Clothes..." Strix nods to herself in thought. "It's hard to imagine anyone else I know wearing them and look good in it."

Trey sweatdropped. He didn't expect that kind of honest answer from her that it was actually refreshing.

"It's not...weird?"

She raised her brow. "Does this Star Sending tradition really bother you that much, Trey-senpai? If it's about the clothes, I think you look like a natural in them."

The corners of his lips curled upwards into a smirk.

"You said we 'look easy on the eyes' in these outfits..."

He leans forward. "You must really like what you see then..."

Into her ear he whispered, "...because you've been staring when we weren't looking."

Her breath silently hitched in her throat.

His bare shoulders were vulnerable as though inviting. Not to mention his back which must be accentuating his shoulder blades as he was bending down to meet her face. Below the short sleeves of his robe were arms sculpted from years of labor into baking and running errands.

The fibers of the black top accentuated the groove of his sharp collarbone and his broad chest peeking just above the tunic. It was teasing the eyes; it was utterly tantalizing. And Trey took full advantage of it.

His smirk grew wider. Strix almost died and felt her soul manifest out of her body.

"I-I was talking aesthetic-wise! Aes-the-tic!" The female squeaked out, unable to look at Trey in the eyes from the close proximity to the point she could feel his body heat radiating. Her cheeks started to become warm.

"And I wasn't ogling you or Deuce! I was just worried it might be cold to wear the Starry Clothes..." Strix muttered, crossing her arms.

Trey leaned back and laughed. "You know, you're bad at lying when you don't look at anyone. Your eyes are too pure to lie."

Strix pursed her lips tightly and gripped her sleeves into wrinkles. She was certain she was good at keeping a poker face, yet now wasn't the case. How frustrating. She never realized that habit of hers until now. That's going to be very hard to break out of.

The tips of her ears peeking behind her blue fringes were pink.

Trey's eyes soften. He pats her head with an apologetic smile. "Sorry for teasing you. But knowing even you aren't immune by this... It's a cute side of you."

Strix kept her chin lowered and bit the inside of her cheek. Is this what being teased by an older brother feels like?

Trey is mean.

"Clover-senpai, Strix! Looking forward to working with you today!" Deuce waved as he approached up the hill with Grim, Idia and Ortho following behind.

Trey turned back and smiled. Everyone has finally gathered. "Yeah, you too."

Meanwhile Strix had her head in her hands. Even so, what was that?! Did she trigger a switch in him?

Ortho scans the girl. "I detect a rise in body temperature and pulse rate from you, Strix Noctowl-san."

Trey chortled. Strix flinched.

"Don't worry about it, Ortho. Really..." A mysterious expression crossed her visage. Discreetly, her finger glides up the third year's bare spine slowly.

Trey shivered. He stepped away and faced her with an albeit strained smile. This girl...

Strix simply had a mirthful smirk on her lips upon watching his reaction. Consider it revenge.

Deuce tilted his head owlishly, completely oblivious to everything.

Three days after Deuce and Idia made the bet...

From behind the tablet, Idia's ears couldn't fathom what he just heard. "...D-Deuce-shi? What did you say?"

"I said... I got as many wishing stars as I said I would." Deuce repeated.

"Wh...?"

"Deuce Spade-san said that he would gather more than Brother's projected 150 stars... That means together you'll have over 300 at the least." Ortho stated.

"H-Hold on! You gathered that many? In just three days? I'm totally not laughing at that joke. You're just lying because you want me to come play the taiko..."

"I'm not lying! Look at this!" Deuce gestures to the pile of glittering wishing stars at his feet.

The tablet hovers over the pile. "Eh? I-It's true...?"

"Yeah, Deuce really went after those wishing stars. I counted them myself." Trey affirmed.

"And I helped recount them after Trey-senpai to double check." Strix added. "They're the real deal."

"Amazing... That's amazing, Deuce Spade-san! How did you manage to get so many so quickly?" Ortho asked with wide eyes.

"Well, I just spent all my free time tracking down all sorts of different students, one at a time. I may have had a few complications with people who didn't want to answer immediately... But as a Stargazer trying to do my duty, desperate times called for desperate measures." Explained Deuce.

Peacock green eyes rest on the tablet. "...Now it's time for you to hold up your end of the bargain, Shroud-senpai."

"But... uh... Ah! Deuce-shi, you also said you would perfect the dance for the Star Sending, did you not? If you can't perform, then..."

Trey smiled knowingly. "You haven't been watching us practice at all, Idia."

"Eh...?"

"Deuce's dance has improved quite significantly. I'd say it's pretty perfect at this point."

Idia was at a loss for words. "...H-Heh. Really."

Deuce leans forward. "Shroud-senpai!"

Ortho joins him. "Brother!"

Under their gazes, he finally relents. "...I...I understand. I'll do the taiko under the big tree for real... That's enough, right?!"

"R...Really, for real?! Y...Yes!!" Deuce cheered and pumped his arm to the air.

Strix giggled. "Hard work pays off after all."

"Thank you, Shroud-senpai!"

Ortho was relieved. "Brother..."

"You did it, Deuce. Now all three of us Stargazers will perform at the ceremony." Trey smiled.

"Yes!"

Trey nodded. "I'm sure the headmaster will be pleased, too."

"Everyone~!"

Strix and the boys looks over to the headmaster approaching them up the hill. "Speak of the devil..."

"Perfect timing. Now we won't have to go see him later." Said Trey.

"Headmaster! Shroud-senpai said that he would come do the taiko for the ceremony!" Deuce reported excitedly.

The glow in his yellow gaze expand. "What? Idia Shroud-kun will? How fantastic! Ah, I really thought it was going to be impossible to get him to agree. I'm looking forward to the actual Star Sending event~"

A grimace replaced Crowley's pleased demeanor. "However, I come bearing some bad news on that front..."

"What's the matter?" Trey asked.

"I was just checking next week's weather forecast in the news, and... It looks like it's going to pour on the day of the event. It's supposed to be a very bad thunderstorm." Crowley reported.

Deuce paled. "Th-Then... You don't mean you'll be... canceling the event?"

"It does seem that that will be the case. I can't put my students in such danger. And if the weather's bad, the news crew won't be able to report on anything..."

Deuce's shoulders fell. "No...!"

"Of course! I know that you all have put days of practice in so I understand your feelings. I don't want to give up my chances to become a celebr..." Crowley cleared his throat, "I mean, to perform this traditional ceremony! I'm not sure whether to cancel now or hope the weather clears up in time..."

Strix narrowed her eyes suspiciously. She just heard something ulterior behind it.

"Will you please wait until the day of to decide?" Deuce asked. "I don't want to give up so I will keep practicing until then."

"Is that all right? Even if it may be canceled and all your practice will go to waste? So you will continue to prepare in case we can hold the event?" Crowley inquired.

"If I stop practicing now, I think I'll regret it later. I will keep practicing until the day of. Clover-senpai and Shroud-senpai and I will all do our best!"

Trey pulled his lips back tentatively. "Well... I don't think recklessly throwing effort in is rational, but..."

"I concur with Trey-shi! We must think like adults!" Idia attested immediately.

"But... We were chosen as Stargazers." Deuce continued. "That won't happen again while we're still students. So even though the probability is low, while it's still possible that it'll clear up... We should put our all into it, so we have no regrets."

He bowed low to the upperclassmen. "Please!"

"Heh... Well, Deuce does have a point. If it does clear up, we wouldn't want to present a badly-practiced dance. Our dorm head would probably have our heads if that happened." Trey smiled, "All right, Deuce. I'm in."

"Wh-?! I concurred with you, Trey-shi, but I won't revoke my decision!" Idia protested.

Trey raised a coy brow. "Well, Idia. You did lose that battle to Deuce. I'm not sure that you can really veto this?"

Idia's mouth hung open behind the tablet. "Haaaaah?!"

"Trey Clover-san is correct, Brother." Ortho attested.

Idia whimpered as though betrayed, "B-But... you were my only hope..."

Ortho stated, "Don't you always say 'Losers don't have rights! Gweheehee!' ...When you're playing those online games? Do I need to play my recording back for you?"

Sobbing is heard from the tablet speakers. "...I understand... Then let's do it, let's do it..."

Deuce stood back up straight, a relieved smile brightening his visage. "Clover-senpai, Shroud-senpai... and Ortho, too. Thank you! Let's race towards the finish!"

"Ah~ You all are such model students! Well, we shall see if I have to cancel the ceremony. Please continue your wonderful work~!" Crowley encouraged.

Grim notices the child's silence. He wore a focused gaze that the cat spoke, "Ortho? What's up?"

"I was doing a detailed simulation of the school's weather patterns based on the current radar information. As the headmaster said, it does seem like we will have some rather large clouds passing over." Ortho said.

"But that's just a simulation, right? We don't know what'll actually happen." Deuce inquired.

"Yes. But it's strange. No matter how many times my predictions say that probability of it clearing up is low, I keep simulating all of you performing the Star Sending under a perfectly clear starry sky." Ortho said almost wistfully.

Trey crestfallen. "Ortho..."

"In the 'Wish Upon a Star' legend, a miracle happens to turn a wooden doll into a real boy. If we believe, it will definitely clear up!" Deuce smiled faithfully.

Ortho nodded once. "Yeah... I hope my brother will be able to do the Star Sending with you."

Meanwhile the silent Strix had a contemplative expression.

Azure blue eyes glanced to the tablet which had gone silent as well.

She formed a small knowing smile and says nothing on the matter.

Two days until the Star Sending...

Idia was originally ecstatic to hear the bad weather rain on the day of the ceremony. The same cannot be said for Ortho, he knew. As his older brother he wants to do something to make it go away.

"But even for me it would be impossible to influence the weather... Ah, whatever shall I do..."

"Brother?"

The tablet flinched as though emoting Idia himself before spinning to face the cyborg. "Wh-What? Ortho?"

"Trey Clover-san said that they were done with practice for today." Ortho reported.

"...I see. That's earlier than usual."

"I thought we needed some time to hang up all these wishing stars that Deuce got." Trey explained.

"Ah, then I can help too." Ortho volunteered.

"That'd be great. Grim and Strix, please help too." Trey asked.

Strix nodded. "Of course."

Grim sighed. "Guess I gotta."

The massive pile of stars eventually dwindled until all of them were hung on every branch possible.

Deuce released a sigh. "Ah... That's all of them. I really did get a lot."

"Hey, did you get your own wishing star?" Grim asked.

"My wish? I was so busy collecting them from everyone else that I totally forgot..." Deuce admitted.

"Me too. Let's go ahead and get those up too." Trey suggested.

"We should. Then... All right." Deuce clutched the gem. "My wish is... To become a police officer."

The star glows brilliantly in response to his wish, the core spiraling with yellow.

"Heh~ That's a job that perfectly suits the earnest Deuce Spade-san!" Ortho remarked.

"What I'm aiming for specifically is magic enforcement officer. That's the goal."

"That's an elite group of people who are tasked with catching magic criminals, right?" Ortho said.

The navy haired boy nodded. "Yeah. It's a pretty tough path to pick, but I'm going to do my best. I think if I get a serious job like that, my mom will really be able to relax."

"Deuce Spade-san is thinking of his mother. I hope your wish comes true." Ortho said sincerely.

Deuce smiled. "...Hehe, thanks."

Trey stepped forward albeit sheepishly. "Then it's my turn next. It's a bit hard to follow up Deuce's excellent wish, but. My wish is... 'To get the newest food processor.'"

Deuce laughed. "Ahaha! That's a very Clover-senpai kind of wish."

"A good wish! If it gets granted I can eat some tasty sweets." Grim nodded.

Trey laughed. "Ahaha, that's true. Let's hope it gets granted."

"Hey, Grim! Clover-senpai's homemade sweets are a privilege for Heartslabyul dorm only. You keep coming to our Unbirthday parties and eating as much as you want..." Deuce scolds.

"Strix comes to the parties too! Don't just yell at me!" Retorted Grim.

"I'm a sophisticated guest of honor, unlike a certain raccoon..." Strix said with a knowing grin.

"I'm not a raccoon!"

"C'mon now. No need to fight over that." Trey placates before glancing over. "Next... You two from Ignihyde. What do you have?"

"Eh? I have to disclose my wish here too?" Idia asked.

"I mean, we're not going to make you..."

"It's not like it's embarrassing, have you simply forgotten it?" Ortho asked.

Idia was reluctant to answer, hence his silence.

"Ortho, do you know Shroud-senpai's wish?" Deuce asked.

"Of course! He asks for the same thing every year."

"Ho~ Now that's interesting." Grim smirked, intrigued.

Deuce nodded. "Yeah. It's conscientious for Shroud-senpai to ask for the same thing every year, don't you think?"

"Don't give me that kind of expectant look..." Idia groaned. "Uh, my wish is... 'For a sequel to Star Rogue to be released!'"

Deuce tilted his head. "Stah Log?"

"He said 'Star Rogue'." Strix corrected.

Grim followed up, "What's that?"

"Hn. You're all normies..." Idia mumbled.

"It's a game that was very popular when my brother and I were young." Ortho explains, "A sequel was announced but the development team got disbanded. Brother has been waiting for them to restart development ever since."

Grim gave a vague hum in response. "So that Stah whatever is that cool?"

"Cool? What a stupid question! 'Star Rogue' put shooting games on the map with its for-the-time cutting-edge graphics... Its grand story told on the galactic stage had a huge reputation with not only game fans but just regular SF fans. I still have vivid recollections of the first time I played... The sparkling stars... the violence of enemy attacks... the praise my compatriots sung over the comms... That feeling is particularly precious to a gamer such as myself... Ha!"

"He's really going off." Grim flatly said.

"Well... I think we've gotten a sense of how much he likes that game. Right?" Trey glanced to Deuce.

"Th-That's true. It does sound rather interesting!"

The tablet beeped once.

"Huh? That noise..."

"Brother? Oi~ Brother!" Ortho calls out to no avail. "No reply... Did he get so mad that he hung up?"

"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to say anything to offend him." Deuce lowered his chin, crestfallen.

Ortho shook his head. "Nah, don't worry. He's just shy."

Strix glanced to the tablet screen silently and made no remark.

The robot glanced downwards and poked his fingers together. "Um... Lastly, will you listen to my wish?"

"Huh? But you... don't have a wishing star, do you." Grim noted.

"Since I'm not a student. Like Grim and Strix Noctowl-san, my brother and I count as one student."

"But you still want to tell us?" Deuce inquired.

A nod. "Yes. I want you Stargazers who are sending all the wishes to the stars to hear it. Is that... all right?"

Deuce nodded. "...Of course. Let's hear it."

"My wish is... 'For my brother's wish to come true'."

A gentle smile folds Deuce's lips and creased his eyes. "...You're always thinking about your brother, aren't you."

Ortho giggled softly. "Well, my brother is the most precious thing to me. So I hope that like in the old stories that his wish can make it all the way to the stars..."

"You're such a good kid..." Strix said.

"He's way more pure than I would've expected from Idia's brother." Grim admitted.

"I bet Idia would've been happy to hear that wish." Trey said.

"Since you don't have a wishing star, I'll carry your wish in my heart when I dance and get it all the way to the stars!" Deuce said.

"Ehehe... Thanks, Deuce Spade-san! I hope the weather clears up for the Star Sending ceremony!"

Unbeknownst to the boys, Idia was listening in their conversation the whole time after muting his mic.

Day of the Star Sending ceremony...

Murky clouds loom from a distance. From the direction of the wind blowing, it was apparent the storm will eventually arrive to Night Raven College.

Grim looks out the window of the headmaster's office. "...There are some whale-sized clouds over there but it's still super clear here."

"Yeah, it looks like we'll be able to do the ceremony. Right, headmaster?" Trey glanced to the man beside him.

Crowley's voice was quieter than his usual volume, however. "It does..."

"Why are you hesitating?! Didn't we continue practicing just in case it was clear like this?" Deuce spoke.

Crowley cried out, "Look out the window! As Grim-kun said, the rain clouds are still far away, but can you be certain they won't envelop us?! It's not only about how it is at the start, but also if we can carry out the ceremony properly..."

The vibration of Crowley's phone interrupts him. "Oh? My phone... No caller ID."

He turned away to answer, "Hello? ...Yes? Idia Shroud-kun? I haven't given you my number, have I? How do you... eh? The ceremony? I was just talking about whether we were canceling the ceremony with Spade-kun and... Yes..."

He was automatically nodding his head along to the conversation until he exclaimed, "Wha... Eh?! Th-That would be most troubling! Wait?! Idia Shroud-kun!"

He stared at the phone screen. "...He hung up."

"What did Shroud-senpai say?" Deuce asked.

"He said to not worry about the weather and requested that we simply go forward with the ceremony. It seems that he also remotely took control of my PC and emailed the reporter." A not so pleased smile contorted Crowley's expression slightly at the last detail.

"'We will be proceeding with the ceremony as planned and will be awaiting you at the school'...he said. This is really something... I really must proceed with the Star Sending now, mustn't I~?!" A wide smile strained his indigo-dyed lips. It was evident the headmaster was exasperated by the turn of events conspiring against him.

Everyone gathers to the woods behind the campus where the big tree stands boasting with hundreds of wishing stars hung. Crowds of students were either sitting on the ground or standing at the sides before the tree waiting for the Stargazers to perform the ceremony.

"Will Trey-kun and Deuce-chan be all right~? We're far enough away, I can't tell." Cater mused as he could only see the two Stargazers like dots from where he sat.

"Well, I'll definitely be able to make Deuce out. I'm sure he'll be stiff as a board." Ace snickered to himself.

Meanwhile Deuce shook nervously under his stargazer robes, back straight as a board. "I-It's finally time... W-W-Will I be able to dance well?"

Trey, the ever calm young adult, assures the boy, "Deuce, don't stiffen up like that. Relax yourself. It is finally the ceremony, but you'll just be dancing like in practice, right?"

"As Clover-kun says. The reporters have arrived to cover the whole Star Sending, too. I can count on you, right?" Crowley asked the navy-haired boy.

"Y-Yes!"

He glanced around. "And where is our linchpin, Idia Shroud-kun?"

Trey glanced over to the field for flaming sapphire blue hair. There was none. "It seems that he's running late."

"He wouldn't...not show up, would he?" Crowley tentatively inquired, though his voice betrayed the possibility is high.

"That wouldn't... but it is Shroud-senpai..." Deuce shook his head. "No, we battled it out man to man. Shroud-senpai will definitely be here!"

A crying voice is heard approaching them with heavy footsteps.

Everyone looks towards the source of noise.

"Ah, someone's crying and running through...!" Deuce's eyes widen upon recognizing the individual.

"G-G-Going outside looking like this... It's too embarrassing!" Idia puts his head in his hands with squeezed shoulders as he avoids eye contact with countless pairs of eyes boring through him.

He stops before the surprised Stargazers and breathes heavily like he ran a marathon. He was wearing the Stargazer uniform! "Ah, s-sorry I'm late..."

"Shroud-senpai! I'm glad you came..."

"And? Where's Ortho? Not with you?" Grim asked.

"Y-Yeah, he'll be here later. He had some 'adjustments' to deal with..." Idia said.

"'Adjustments'?" The beast parroted.

"I'm just glad you're here in time. Now, let's start the ceremony before the weather turns bad." Crowley ushered the three.

"Understood. Trey-shi, Deuce-shi, are you prepared?"

Deuce was staring at Idia intensely.

The dorm leader of Ignihyde fidgets. "Wh-What?"

"Nothing... You just have a very different feel to you today, Shroud-senpai..." Deuce admitted.

"Yeah, I feel it too. Honestly, for someone who was still saying just yesterday that he didn't want to do this, it's a little unexpected." Trey said.

"W-Was I so difficult to trust...? Ah well I suppose one reaps what one sows, yes. Currently I'm not too worried about my vibe but just making today's ceremony a success..." Idia mumbled.

Thunder strikes dangerously close, flashing white light over the woods. Students and reporters yelped from the roar of lightning and mutter to each other of the potential disaster approaching.

Grim shrieked and nearly jumped a foot in the air before latching onto Strix's pant leg like a lifeline.

"That was a loud noise..." Strix noted calmly and glanced to the direction of the rain clouds creeping towards the site.

"Y-You seem totally fine! That was so scary!" Grim cowered.

Actually Strix had her earplugs on because she hates the sound of thunder and had anticipated one. Otherwise she would have been quaking in fear like Grim by now. She doesn't tell anyone this, though.

"I was also a bit scared! That sudden clap of thunder surprised me. But... as expected. It's already here. Everyone, I must cancel the ceremony!" Crowley announced to the Stargazers.

"But it's not raining yet..." Deuce muttered.

"Did you hear that thunder? I cannot allow us to continue. And... look! Look up! The whole sky is covered with rain clouds!" Crowley points.

The fact was irrefutable for Deuce to argue. "Y-You're right..."

"Because of those huge clouds we can't see a single star!" Trey remarked upon seeing the dense clouds.

"Understand? The Star Sending is too dangerous with this weather. I will send the other students back. You all please get ready to leave as well." Crowley was about to make his round of announcements when Strix stops him.

"Headmaster, it's not time to throw in the towel yet."

He turns to face her. "What?"

Deuce and Trey stared at the girl in confusion. Her body language was lax, too lax in fact for them to comprehend where she got her confidence from.

"It's true weather and the forces of nature in general aren't usually things we can manipulate to our convenience. If it happens, it happens."

"But unlike my world, Twisted Wonderland has the ability to create miracles. Instead of moaning about the 'what-ifs' and sitting with our thumbs twiddled, why not simply make the desired results a reality?"

"...What are you trying to say?" Crowley asked.

She tapped her temple, an uncharacteristically coy smirk on her face. "Imagination is the ultimate weapon a magician could ever employ. You know that, don't you, headmaster?"

Crowley stared mysteriously into her eyes, unusually silent.

Deuce took this as a cue to step into their conversation, "Um, Strix, what's going on?"

"I'm saying we can clear the thunderstorm easily." The girl nonchalantly replied.

"By 'we', do you mean...?" Deuce and the boys stared at her.

Strix shook her head. "It's not my place to take the spotlight. This event means a lot more to others who want to see this through themselves. Right, Idia?"

Said boy fiddled with the tassels on his robe, mumbling, "Strix-shi really is something... She's the heroine, after all." He speaks up, "It's thanks to Deuce-shi's truly foolish behavior that I was able to hear Ortho's wish."

Deuce furrowed his brows. "What do you..."

"If we can't send the wishes to the stars, we'll just bring the stars the wishes."

The hum of a motor whooshed to their direction.

"Brother~!"

Idia grinned. "He's here~! I was waiting for you, Ortho!"

"Ffgna?! Wh-What is that?! Ortho is that cool?" Grim exclaimed, jaws slacking at the different suit he's wearing.

"It looks sort of like the Starry Clothes that we have..." Trey remarked. Ortho's body is navy blue and gold unlike his usual white and black slim suit. The interior of the parts mimicking the robe below Ortho's waist reflect the starry midnight sky.

"This is the aerial atmosphere shooting attachment that my brother made... The 'Stargaze Gear'." Ortho twirled once for them to see.

"Wow Ortho, you look amazing." Strix complimented.

He giggled. "Thank you."

"'Stargaze Gear'...? You said 'aerial atmosphere shooter'?" Deuce asked.

"Yeah!"

"If the clouds are a problem, you just have to take the wishing stars somewhere there's no clouds. Ortho will take them into the sky." Idia explained, pointing a finger up at the muted sky.

Concern replaced Deuce's awe. "O-Ortho... Isn't that dangerous?"

"It's fine. We've done plenty of tests and it's a frame that my Brother designed, after all." Ortho assured.

Deuce stared. "Are you two seriously talking about shooting up all the way to space?"

"Of course!" Affirmed the child.

"A... AWESOME!!" Stars rivaling the wishing star gems shone brightly in the Heartslabyul student's eyes.

Idia flinched by the boy's volume. "Uwah, wh-what?! I don't really like when people yell so suddenly..."

"Shroud-senpai, you're super freaking cool!" Deuce was up in his face now.

Idia reels back, palms raised between them. "Eh, wait, stop... Don't get so close! I can't communicate through skinship, seriously! I-I-I. Just wanted this year to be a success, too... for Ortho's sake. Deuce-shi, Trey-shi. What will you do?"

"Well... I certainly didn't think Idia would come up with this kind of 'missile' to use. Since we're already here, guess we have to do it." Trey nonchalantly rolls with the plan.

"Of course! I'm sure Ortho can ferry the wishing stars. And the three of us will back up with a perfect dance and taiko performance!" Deuce replied in a heartbeat.

Idia flashed his sharp white teeth. "Heehee, okay. Then let's get started."

"I will prepare to launch out on the field. Brother... See you later!" Ortho waves.

Idia nodded. "Yeah!"

"...Ortho!" Deuce called out suddenly.

Said child paused and looks back curiously. "Hm? What is it? Deuce Spade-san."

"You said yourself that you 'don't count as a student' and that together you and your brother 'count as one person' but..."

A sincere smile graced his lips. "You are definitely our fourth Stargazer. Let's show everyone the best Star Sending ceremony!"

A mystified glaze crossed yellow eyes until they cleared with a bright smile. Ortho bobbed his head happily. "...Yeah!"

"W-Wait a moment, all of you! What are you intending to do?!" Crowley calls out.

"Nyahaha! Good luck, Stargazers! Get my wishing star up there too!" Grim smirked.

The ceremony commenced in spite of the murky weather. Idia stood in the middle and plays on the taiko drums. From either side, Deuce and Trey dance to the rhythm, waving their star wands and letting their feet move light on the earth.

They didn't let the eminent rainstorm approaching, nor the unnerved murmurs and faces from the audience, deter their performance as though tonight was a normal Star Sending event.

Ortho had flown to a different location where he'll launch himself into the world beyond the limits of the sky: the infinity of space.

A beam of energy surrounded by blue stars pierced the teem of rain clouds, clearing the skies instantly.

Everyone stops and looks up in awe.

Meanwhile, Ortho floats in the sea of stars. If he is this close, would his wish reach them?

He clasped his hands and prays for everyone's wishes to be granted from the bottom of his soul.

A trill sound announces its presence. A vibrant pink and orange bat appears before him.

Ortho's eyes widen. "Komory Bat?!"

It trills happily as it flew in loops and circles him. Eventually Ortho laughs without a care in the world, happy to have someone with him right now to share their celebration with.

From the earth, Strix smiled as she listens to the voice of Komory Bat speaking excitedly to Ortho. "I'm happy for you, Komory..."

Grim gaped upwards at the midnight blue starry sky. "Whoa~! The clouds cleared up and we can see the stars now!"

"Ortho broke through them with so much momentum that they just blew away." Idia stared up, admittedly surprised himself.

Deuce gasped. He points, "Look, there! That light!"

Trey stared. "What in the world is...?"

A single pale blue streak of light falls. Then another. Soon a wave of light streaks streams into the night sky.

"One... Two... There's more and more of them. It can't be, the wishing stars... Ortho! The wishing stars that Ortho carried are now falling through the sky like shooting stars!" Deuce exclaimed excitedly.

Excited murmurs from students and reporters admire the meteor shower scenery while it lasts. This doesn't seem to be your usual Star Sending ceremony.

"The influence of the wishing stars... They only have the tiniest bit but their magic in the atmosphere changed it. Well now, I really did not know what would happen but we've uncovered quite an interesting result..." Crowley chuckled, adjusting his top hat from looking up at the sky.

Strix smiled, eyes quivering from the beautiful sight nearly impossible to find in her home world. It was so breathtaking that her chest actually hurts a little. Who knew the world can be so wonderful when she is fully awake instead of walking in her dreams?

"I wish you can see this, Sidney, Caelum..." One may detect the voice crack slightly when uttering their names.

Deuce was taking in the view when a ringtone jingles from his pocket.

"Hm? My phone... My mom?"

He answers as he gazed into the night sky above, "Hello?"

A woman's voice excitedly spoke, "Deuce, are you seeing this sky?! Isn't it nuts?! It's like a huge meteor shower!"

He smiled. "Wow, you're really excited. Yeah. I'm watching too. I am a Stargazer after all."

"You're actually carrying out your duties as the Night Raven College delegate." Relief laced into her voice.

Deuce nodded. "Yeah. I'm not like I was in the past. I swear on these stars..."

"Tossing out serious stuff like that... You all right?" She giggled. "Mom's proud of you too. All right, I'm hanging up now~"

"Yeah. Thanks for calling." Deuce hangs up the call. "Mom... said she's 'proud' of me... hehe." A warm feeling colored his cheek and stings his eyes.

"Call from your mother?"

Deuce jolted. He quickly wipes his eyes. "Ah, C-Clover-senpai! N-No, these tears, uh..."

"Haha, you were just so dazzled by the stars that you forgot to blink, right?" Trey glanced back to the big tree brimming with wishes.

His eyes wavered with wet tears. When one threatened to fall, he gingerly swiped it away. "Really... I'm sorry I have to blink too. This is truly the best Star Sending."

Deuce nodded. "...Yes!! Someday, I want to make even bigger wishes come true and make my mom even happier."

Trey smiled at him. "Yeah. I'm rooting for you."

"...All right. Ortho should be coming back shortly. I'll have to tell him what it looks like from here." Idia turns back and relocates elsewhere to contact his brother with his trusty tablet.

Strix runs up to wipe the sweat from Deuce's shoulders and back with a dab of the handkerchief. "You worked up quite a sweat, Deuce. You can take it easy now that everyone's distracted by the light show."

He smiled tiredly. "Thanks, Strix. For everything."

She shook her head. "I should be thanking you for fulfilling my Dream Eaters' wish."

He blinked. "They have wishes too?"

A nod. "Komory Bat got to see the stars up close and Necho Cat got to dance under a beautiful meteor shower. None of that would have happened if you didn't inspire everyone around you to give it their all."

"Trey-senpai, Idia, Ortho, and me... The world needs earnest idiots like you to keep it revolving."

A hand rests on his head and pats it.

Her eyes glittering like the sea of stars underneath the glow of the wishing stars softened. "I'm proud of you, too, Deuce."

Deuce gingerly scratched his cheek, flustered by the heartwarming words and affectionate touch. It wasn't unwelcoming, of course.

A mysterious line folds her lips.

He registers something soft and warm planted on his cheek.

Strix's lips lingered for a few seconds before she pulled back and gave a smile. "You worked so hard for the event. This is the least I could do."

Deuce gaped at the girl with a beet red face contrasting his bright dilated eyes. His hand had rose up to graze his fingertips against the area still hot on his skin.

How cute, Strix thought in amusement. She was going to treasure that face to memory for a long while.

She leans forward, still smiling. "You look a bit disappointed."

Deuce spluttered, shaking his head, "N-No! It's not like that-!"

Strix giggled before straightening her back. "I'm just teasing you."

Royal blue hair glowed a pale tint beneath the wishing stars hung low from the branches to surround her. Were her eyelashes that long?

Deuce was mesmerized. The picturesque view of ethereal beauty was right in front of him, within his reach. Such tangible thing was made possible because he didn't give up in seeing everything to the end.

Yet with this beauty of achieving the impossible, he comes to another realization.

Moments like this are fleeting. Once the wishing stars fade, the Star Sending ceremony will end. Beautiful things come to an end much sooner than later.

A dreadful gut feeling sank in his stomach. He was too scared to blink away.

Like the shooting stars, Strix might one day disappear from Twisted Wonderland.

A few days after the Star Sending...

"I don't wanna anymore!!"

Grim's complaints can be heard across the sports field as he ranted, "We've been here all day, tearing up grass on the sports field, fixing the ground... I can't stand it anymore!"

Ortho wilts. "I'm sorry. When I used my Stargaze Gear jets to fly up, the flare burned the grass."

Deuce was quick to assure him, "No need to apologize. You chose this place and came all the way out here to launch because no one was around, right?"

"But if I'd been able to control my output better, we wouldn't need to be re-seeding the field, I think..."

"Idiot. When it's time to go at full speed with all your power, you have to put the pedal to the medal! You blasted all the way to space. You didn't do anything wrong!" Cried the first year passionately.

"Deuce Spade-san. This topic has made your vital signs jump." Ortho stated after scanning the boy.

"Deuce is just a speed demon, don't worry about it Ortho." Grim waved a paw at Deuce dismissively.

"What I'm more interested in is why Shroud-senpai isn't here." Deuce spoke up. Everyone in the Stargazer team except Idia was present in tending to the sports field. They were in their PE uniforms as it was a messy job.

"Yeah... 'Making the Stargaze Gear was more work than what anyone else was doing. There's no reason for me to help,' he said." Ortho stated.

"Well, that does sound like him, but..."

"Honestly, I was surprised by how constructively he worked on the day of." Trey admitted, shrugging his shoulders.

Deuce chuckled sheepishly, "Ahaha... right."

Grim groans loudly, "Argh~! All this burned grass is sticking to me and it feels gross! I was just supposed to be helping you out! How did it come to this?!"

"I wonder..." Strix muttered, genuinely unsure yet not surprised when Crowley announced they would be responsible for cleaning up. Her heart could only spare so much contempt for the bird man...

"Well, I feel the same way." Trey admitted. "I mean, no matter how hard we worked as Stargazers, we weren't going to grant any wishes."

"It's just not like the stories say..." Muttered Deuce, shaking his head in defeat by the turn of events.

"Ortho! Ortho!" A voice hollered as they run over to the group.

Ortho's eyes widen. "Brother?! What are you in such a rush for?"

Deuce and the others paused from their tasks as they acknowledged the third year. "Shroud-senpai, excellent timing. We were just talking about..."

"Shut up, Deuce-shi! I'm here to speak with Ortho!" Came the swift interruption.

"Wh-! You're skipping out on all the hard work...!" He raised a trembling fist, vein throbbing.

Trey placed a hand on his shoulder. "Now now, calm down, Deuce."

Idia reported to Ortho, "They just announced that they're making a sequel to 'Star Rogue'! Look at my tablet! This article!"

Ortho reads the headline. He softly uttered, "...No way."

"It's true! By some miracle, the old dev team is coming back together. In the article they said that 'seeing the meteor shower yesterday reminded them of the drive they had during production.' That meteor shower must've been the wishing stars you carried up into the atmosphere!" Idia said excitedly.

"...So you mean I made your wish come true?" Ortho slowly raised his eyes from the article to meet his brother's.

Everyone's jaws slacked. "Eeehhh?!"

Idia giggled. "Heehee, I'm gonna be busy~ Of course I'll play, but then I'll have to hunt down every scrap of bonus content to read, and then..."

"His wish was granted, just like in the old tale!" Deuce said while Ignihyde's dorm leader rambles on about video games to himself.

Grim's eyes shone with hope. "That mean our dreams will become reality too?"

"There's always a possibility!" Chirped the ever optimistic Ortho.

Trey laughed. "Haha, there sure is. A Stargazer who actually takes the wishes directly to the stars is pretty unheard of. We don't know that they can't make miracles happen, do we?"

"Nyahaha! I'm gonna be a great magic user soon~!" Grim sang.

"That reminds me, Strix wasn't able to make a wish this year." Deuce glanced to the girl.

"Grim and I count as one student like Ortho and Idia do, so we only got one wishing star." Strix explained.

"What do you think about using the wishing star for yourself next year?" The boy inquired.

A wistful glaze in her eyes. "A wish, huh..."

She gazed into the distance.

The following afternoon when the Star Sending ceremony was announced, Strix visited the library to research the tale of 'Wish Upon A Star'.

With little to no effort of searching, she found a book containing the title and flipped to the chapter.

A long time ago...

An old toy maker living in a country town made a wooden doll.

As he had no children, he put all of his effort into this cute doll.

One night, he wished upon the stars, sparkling in the sky like diamonds.

"Please make this doll a real boy"... he said.

That very night a noise awoke him from his sleep.

The noise was his doll, walking and talking.

The man was surprised to realize that his wish had come true.

The old man took care of the doll and they lived together, happily ever after.

Strix reminisces the memory of her great grandfather's wisdom.

He was the one who taught her it was okay to dream, to wish on a star. Many people wouldn't place their faith so easily on stars because reality wasn't kind. It was hard work that ultimately decides their future and the rewards they reap; they have to achieve results with their own hands or else the victory is cheap.

However, fairy tales teach both young and old to believe in happy endings. That was the magic of timeless tales. There was no harm to believing in the light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how far it may be.

She pondered from their past exchanges. Sidney may be ancient in her current generation, but his heart still has remnants of his youth in him. He changed countless ways yet retained some parts of his childhood, especially when he consumes any Disney media.

In her eyes, he is the most powerful person to ever walk the earth and live to tell the tale. This led her to wonder if any of Sidney's wishes came true, whether from pure faith alone or through hard work. What did he wish for, anyways? She never really recalls if he ever voiced a wish aloud to her.

She wouldn't know while she remains in Twisted Wonderland.

Deuce noted the thoughtful look on her visage. "You already have one ready, huh. All right, let's help the Stargazers out next year too. I hope your wish... comes true."

Strix lowered her gaze and bit the inside of her cheek behind her small smile. Next year, huh...

She has had a clear goal of returning to her home world. But as she spends time in Twisted Wonderland, that goal has become less of a top priority as it is an endgame for her now, though she wouldn't admit that aloud.

It was hearing the wishes of high school students that made her realize the boys will soon climb to adulthood within a few years. They won't consider wishing on stars to fulfill their dreams at that point.

Once she leaves, she won't be able to watch them grow up, grow up with them, and celebrate their joys and share their pain. Everyone will change without her, just as the same applies vice versa. This prospect of change always scares her.

That's why, if she can afford to be a little more selfish...

Her eyes become unreadable under the shadow of her bangs.

This world stands on dreams and doubt.

But as long as you are who you are...

As long as everyone doesn't change...

She rested a hand where her heart lock is in her breast pocket.

If... If I was separated from you...

I'll come back.

So please...

"I wish the time I spent here does not get destroyed."