I got burned out from writing the events so I decided to postpone the fireworks event and prioritize Pomefiore arc for now. Sorry for anyone looking forward to that!
Starting from Pomefiore and onwards, the number of chapters I write for each arc will likely be more than six chapters. The main story chapters keep getting longer and longer.
Not thoroughly proofread in terms of the flow of the plot (the shift from events to main story threw me off a little and I wanted to get this out before college returns to kick my ass out of motivation). Subjected to be revised in the future.
...
I was floating the void of my dream space when I hear a melody being sung in the distance.
'Someone is...singing?'
An oval mirror framed in vintage gold reflected a dark surface.
'The Dark Mirror?'
The reflection of a tall woman in an indigo robe donning a five-pointed golden crown stands dignified before the looking glass. It was the Evil Queen from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs".
"Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?" The Queen commands.
The hollow masked entity, unlike the Dark Mirror from NRC, has a naked face without black intricate tattoos painted on. This is the mirror I knew before wounding up in Twisted Wonderland.
He replied through stoic lips, "What a lovely maid I see. Lips red as the rose, hair black as ebony, and skin white as snow."
The Queen sharply gasped. She utters with venomous envy burning the tip of her tongue once the name left her, "Snow White..."
The scene transitions. The young maiden by the name of Snow White was gazing upon the bottom of the well, wearing her tattered maid dress. Despite this, her face remained pure and lovely.
She sang, "We are standing by a wishing well. I'm wishing for the one I love to find me..."
A young man's face appeared into the reflection. "Hello. Did I frighten you?"
Naturally frightened by the intrusion, Snow White fled inside the castle from the abrupt presence of a stranger. The unnamed prince slowly climbed up the stairs and sang in hopes of reaching her.
"Now that I've found you, hear what I have to say. I have but one song, only for you."
As the prince serenaded to the swooning Snow White, the Evil Queen stood as the sole witness watching from her window. She closed the curtains on them, the glaring face of jealousy deeply rooted in her beautiful visage to the end.
I silently sighed through my nose. Here we go again.
The Dark Mirror floats before me.
When looking into a mirror, one would naturally look at their reflection. However, I was not willing to acknowledge it. I don't like to look at myself for long. It brings unpleasant memories.
I shunned my gaze away.
[Come closer...]
From the corner of my eyes, I recognized a different reflection standing there.
A young girl in a dark blue blazer with a purple cardigan and black skirt underneath regarded me with a mysterious expression. The gold heart lock rested below her ribbon. Bright azure blue eyes devoid of natural light.
This is the me before I had arrived to Twisted Wonderland. Except this person had long waist-length hair, and an aloof, dry atmosphere surrounding her.
Was I always this cold? Have I appeared this lonely?
I reached towards the glass and rested my hand atop the right side of her face. Her reflection remained static despite my movement.
My eyes darkened considerably, a thin line on my lips.
If only I never had these eyes...
From the slightest curl of my fingertips, cracks fractured the left side of her head completely indistinguishable.
~~~~~~~
Wishing Well of Beginnings
~~~~~~~
I tied my white and purple ribbons to either side of my hair and straighten my bow tie.
In front of the mirror is Strix Noctowl, the sole female wearing NRC's school uniform despite it being an all-boys school. Her unusual bright blue eyes may not be as weird compared to the wonders of Twisted Wonderland, but for a magic-less human, it does seem odd.
Yeah... That's me. At least, the me everyone in Twisted Wonderland knows.
I brushed my bangs ghosting my eyelids. They're getting longer, for sure. Should I get them trimmed or should I not is the question...
My hand obscures the left side of my face and lingers there. The dreams are gradually becoming stranger and stranger. And what Mickey had said before really intrigued me.
"It sounds mysterious and has a lovely ring to it. Yet it also sounds familiar..."
My current alias, "Strix Noctowl", supposedly rings a bell to him. How could that be, when it's not even my true name? Perhaps he was thinking of how it sounded on the tongue, the number of syllables or the sounds particular letters in my name come out in a similar rhythm.
After that meeting, I had spent the rest of the night racking up names in the Disney realm of who would share a similar name with me. I arrived at negative results.
Just what is going on between Mickey Mouse and Twisted Wonderland?
"Ugh, so cold. I wanna go to school wrapped in blankets." Grim shivered before glancing to my still figure.
"Hm? What's wrong? You're staring at the mirror. Your hair looks fine so stop checking yourself out, we gotta go." Prompted the little beast.
I grabbed a scarf from the coatrack next to the mirror and wrapped it around my neck.
Grim perks up. "That's a new scarf ya got there. Where'd you get it?"
I touched the soft pink and baby blue plaid scarf. "Cater-senpai gave it to me as a Christmas gift after we came back from winter break."
As we departed for the main campus, I recalled the day school first began for the year...
...
On my way to the library, I was spotted by Cater who approached me with hands behind his back.
A grin was on his lips. "Strixy, close your eyes for a bit."
I eyed him peculiarly before obliging without another word. I was willing to indulge in whatever he had in store for me, and I trusted there was nothing ulterior behind it.
A cotton fabric wraps around my neck, tucking my hair in the process.
When Cater gave the okay, my eyes widen a fraction.
A soft pink and baby blue plaid scarf rested on my shoulders, tails dangling behind. I reached to feel the material of the muffler. It was warm and had a certain squeeze to it that sent butterflies in my stomach up to my chest.
"I saw this cute scarf while shopping over the break and immediately thought of you," Cater began. "That gray scarf you wore didn't look very warm, right? This is my belated Christmas gift to my cute freshman~" He winked.
Behind the scarf, I couldn't suppress the wide sweet smile tugging my lips ear to ear that it actually hurts. My cheeks were warm not just from the scarf but also the thoughtful sentiment.
Soft airy giggles were muffled. "You may not like sweets, but you know how to make a sweet gesture. Thank you, Cater-senpai. I appreciate it."
His green eyes were wide with an emotion I couldn't quite detect before Cater gushed, "Awww, you're too adorable for your own good, Strixy! How about a pic for the special occasion?"
I was swept within the frame of the camera lenses by the time I noticed he had already taken a photo. He said he would post any pictures of me (at least while wearing the school uniform) in a private album, so I trusted him to not accidentally post it publicly.
That reminds me, since I got a smartphone, I've been meaning to ask for his phone number since we're not complete strangers by now. I also thought of adding others like Trey, Riddle, and everyone I've met and befriended (-ish?).
Though a part of me is too shy to come out and say it easily for them. I just don't know how to handle it if someone like Cater gets hyper about an introvert asking for his contact number. I might likely embarrass myself, and I do want to maintain a level of appearance that I wouldn't be ashamed of.
Maybe if the opportunity comes naturally I can succeed...
...
The Main Street was looking livelier now that students have returned from winter vacation. Though I may not know many of them personally, a part of me is at ease seeing them back in campus. I wouldn't admit that out loud, of course.
It was strange, really. I'd never thought of my peers back in my world, when I was a wallflower-kind of person who never interacted with people out of my own volition. Looking back at it now, I probably seemed like someone who thinks they're way above everyone's league. Just like the average NRC student you meet here.
"Mornin', Strix, Grim." Ace greeted.
"Good morning. It's really cold today." Deuce greeted in tow.
I didn't pay notice to their greetings, much less realize I had stopped in front of the statue of the Beautiful Queen. She carried herself with dignity and sophistication, holding the stem of a poisoned apple between slender fingers. She is the carbon copy of the Evil Queen I know, down to the very exact detail.
A thin line pursed my lips. Why did she appear next in my dreams?
Her fair stone visage seemed to bore into my eyes, as though about to become animated with a sentience of her own.
A fuzzy, warm body bumped behind my leg.
"Ow! Don't just stop right in front of someone. I rammed my nose right into your leg." Grim complained, rubbing his black muzzle.
"'Sup? Why're you staring at the Great Seven?" Ace asked me.
I looked at all of the statues I've seen in my dreams up to now.
The Queen of Hearts. A queen whose severity instills order upon her subjects for the sake of controlling their maddening chaos.
The King of Beasts. The lion whose tenacity allowed him to strive to greater heights for a world without discrimination between beasts in the circle of life.
The Sea Witch. The cecaelia whose boundless benevolence is given to the merfolk, making contracts left and right to ensure their wishes become reality.
The Sorcerer of the Desert. A scholarly man whose deliberation and innovative ideas were carried out with the future in mind.
Such noble titles never applied to them in my world. They're villains in their respective films. If I told someone like Ace and Deuce right now that the Beautiful Queen is actually the Evil Queen, they would never accept that as the truth. In fact, all of Pomefiore and those who admire the Queen would have my head on a stick for even suggesting she is evil.
The boys in NRC highly respect and aspire to be like the Great Seven. It was like telling everyone the god they believe in is fake, that their idols are evil. I've been hesitant to reveal this revelation ever since I was aware of the Great Seven, and I was firm in never letting this secret come out for their sake.
"Hey, Strix. You're just spacing out... Are you feeling all right?" Deuce asked, watching my solemn visage form in concern.
"She's been weird all morning, y'know." Grim told them.
"Ehh? Did something happen over the holidays?" Ace inquired to him, seeing as I was still in a daze to not respond.
I rested a hand to my temple.
Over the holidays, Grim and I were wrapped up in Scarabia's mess. Fortunately with the help of Octavinelle, we overthrew Jamil's scheme and saved him before his Overblot would meet an end for the worse. It was inevitable that Jamil would eventually Overblot after long years of pent up resentment towards Kalim. I understood that once I looked into his past.
And then something happened afterwards... But my mind's too fuzzy to remember. All I can recall is black. It was probably nothing important if I couldn't remember.
I finally raised my gaze to make eye contact with A-Deuce and Grim. They stared at me innocently just like the three peas in a pod they are.
Maybe I should at least admit to them of those dreams I've been having. And ask if they've heard of Mickey Mouse before. I haven't seen his name in history books nor have heard of any reference to him yet in this world.
"Hey..." I began softly and eventually glanced elsewhere. Great Seven, why do I have to sound awkward... "We're friends... right?"
"This coming from the one who hugged us outta nowhere and said, 'You guys are the best' after we came all the way back?" At this, Ace had mimicked a teary impression of me, much to my chagrin. I was certainly not crying when I said that, and his impression was deliberately awful.
"If that's not friendship, then I don't know what is." Was what Ace had replied with a snarky smirk that bloomed after seeing me flinch a little.
Deuce punched his arm. "Learn to be more considerate, Ace."
He then turned to me with a reassuring smile. "Of course we're friends, Strix. You can tell us what's on your mind."
I exhaled a sigh of relief.
"Okay... Let's go to homeroom first. It really is out here freezing today." I buried my face into my new scarf and walk on ahead towards the main building with the boys.
...
"You're having dreams of the Great Seven in the mirror in Ramshackle Dorm?" Ace had raised his voice in disbelief before continuing, "I don't think it's weird since we see their statues everyday."
"I usually recite the names of important figures in my sleep before history tests. But that doesn't sound like what you're talking about." Deuce added, having known me enough to say that.
"There was also someone with big round ears called 'Mickey', too." I use my pointer fingers to draw out the iconic Mickey Mouse ears on my head all the while with a straight face.
Ace reeled in his seat, admittedly unnerved. "Whoa, scary! Who's Mickey?"
"I've never heard of anyone like that at school." Deuce muttered.
"Oh, was that the one time you stomped on my tail in the middle of the night?" Grim spoke up.
I nodded.
Deuce hummed. "If it wasn't a dream, did the ghosts do something?"
Grin was quick to nod at that. "I can totally see that, those guys like pulling pranks."
"I don't think so..." I trailed off. Especially since I have the prior knowledge of Mickey, I can say the ghosts wouldn't likely be involved in that whole mystery. Even if they hypothetically were, what motive was there? I have no clue.
Ace was thinking until he proposed, "Oh, how's this sound? Next time Mickey appears in the mirror, why don't you use the ghost camera the headmaster gave you to take a pic? It's a magic tool that shows the shape of one's soul, right? Even a ghost should show up with no issue."
"Good idea. If we've got a photo we can figure out who this Mickey character is." Deuce said.
"I'm gonna make them give me some tuna cans as a co-conspirator in squishing my tail." Grim swore.
"But if nothing shows up then we know Strix was just half-asleep like usual." Ace grinned cheekily.
If only. If only, I simply thought to myself, actually staying quiet and withholding my silver tongue to the snide remark typical of Ace Trappola.
The bell rings.
"Take your seats, puppies. In homeroom, it's time to take your leashes and pull the slack you enjoyed over the holidays tight." Crewel stands behind his desk.
Crap. My eyes are already falling asleep looking at his fur coat. It looks twice as warm in the winter and the thought of using it as a blanket is too tempting.
"I'm sure you're all aware of the National Magic School Joint Cultural Festival happening in the middle of February. Night Raven College has been selected as this year's host." He began.
'That's a mouthful.' Was all I registered out of that.
The classroom was quiet, though the wide-eyed confusion and curiosity shared amongst the first year students spoke louder.
"Ffna? We're having a festival?" Grim wondered aloud, breaking the silence.
"All you confused puppies sitting here didn't look at the school calendar you got in September. Fools!" His pointer stick snaps against the desk with a resounding crack across the classroom, startling the students in their seats who were still under the spell of winter break. I was no exception. That sure got me awake.
"Then I'll do you bad boys a favor and explain it again. Disciplining puppies is my job after all." His silver blue eyes sweep over the room for undivided attention.
He spoke, "National Magic School Joint Cultural Festival gathers students from wizard schools all across the nation. Over two days they will perform, give research presentations, participate in a speech contest, amongst other activities. This is the cultural inter-high."
"Normally, fourth-years are dispatched to various magic-related workplaces for internships and research but... They come back to campus for this to share the fruits of their labors." Crewel said.
"Oh, now that you mention it... I haven't met a single fourth-year since we started school." Ace mused aloud.
"I just knew that they were off campus doing research. I'll have to make sure to show my appreciation to them as my seniors." Deuce said.
"So even magicians have to do internships." I nonchalantly remarked. For a moment I almost thought there were only three years of college instead of four with the absent seniors in the school.
Crewel continued, "National Magic School Joint Cultural Festival brings representatives from many different fields... The board of magic education, ministry of magic, magic corporations, research departments and even celebrities all pay close attention to this event. Any of you puppies in cultural clubs need to brush all your fur in line."
"That means any of us in the sports clubs won't have much to do." Deuce slumped his shoulders.
"So since it's a festival, are there gonna be a bunch of things to eat like during Magift?" Grim asked excitedly.
"All you care about is food." Ace sweatdropped.
"That's all for homeroom. Today's first period will be dedicated to practicing defensive magic. Puppies, come here!" Ordered the professor.
...
I have often considered going into hibernation during the winter season. Except for a human such as I, I'd just wake up once every 12 hours and tell myself to sleep another 12 more. The one time I offhandedly mention that in front of Sidney, he told me (in his comedic serious face) that it was practically a coma. And I responded, "That sounds festive," before ducking underneath the blankets and never leave my cozy bed for the rest of the day.
If only I could avoid my problems by sleeping to pass the baton to some other poor soul. But I would literally die in my sleep in some scenarios if I did so I have to be awake most of the day. Like a decent human being.
I subconsciously clung to the warm, soft, and fluffy pillow and buried my cheek deeper. "Mm..."
Wait, I don't have such nice pillows. What am I holding?
I slowly raised my head and locked eyes with a flat yellow feline pair.
I was hugging Lucius as a substitute pillow.
"Mrow."
Somehow I vaguely understood what that means. Maybe it's also the smug face a cat shouldn't be able to make, but regardless, Lucius wasn't going to let this down without cat food.
I was lucky this happened when Trein had to step out of the classroom for a needed restroom break and left us to self-study until he returns. No one tried to behave out of line thanks to Lucius acting as the leading authority figure in this room now. Everyone knows they'll get tattled by him if they slacked off in his master's absence.
I sat straighter and rubbed my eyes. Lucius's face is hilariously ugly (non-derogatory) yet his body feels nice to hold like a heat pack. I can't truly repel myself away from animals, even if they don't have an adoring personality.
Unfortunately, they still cause problems regardless.
I pursed my lips tightly into a perplexed frown, finding myself in a dilemma.
Lucius is taking up my entire desk space. Come to think of it, how did he even get here while I dozed off? Did he crawl under my arms and wiggle inside just to have me be a substitute for Trein?
I hovered above the cat awkwardly as I try to find a way to move him out of the way.
"Hey, Lucius, would you please move? I can't work like this." I asked politely. A yawn drawls from his mouth but he doesn't budge from his spot. Is he intentionally trying to make my work hard than it needs to be?
I rolled my eyes. Silly me, of course I shouldn't expect a cat to move whenever I want it to, even if it's intelligent enough to think similarly like a human.
I glanced to my neighbors for ideas.
Ace was idly twirling his magical pen continuously in one hand while the other cupped the side of his cheek to support his head. The redhead was staring into the distance to the point of completely tuning out his environment. He's in his own world now. Well, even if I asked him, I have a distinct feeling it's not going to be a helpful response. He just has that energy, sadly.
Meanwhile Deuce was intently reading the textbook in front of him, peacock green eyes flitting back and forth as he went further down. He scratched his head after failing to digest a single sentence from the column of text, mumbling to himself in confusion. How many times has he even done that to not even notice his surroundings? I don't think I should ask him either...
And Grim... Grim was lying on his seat with a book over his face. From his breathing, it seems he was dozing off too.
I internally sighed. I'm my only best friend in these kinds of situations.
"Did Trein spoil you with fancy meals over the break?" I asked Lucius in an attempt to make small talk. He feels heavier than last time I carried him, but I wasn't going to comment that in front of his face, of course.
"Mrooooow~"
"Well excuse me for living in a dilapidated building. It's not my fault I have a birdbrain for a caretaker."
"Mrooow~"
"How nice. You cats have life easy. I hope I get to be reborn as a cat in the next life." I stroked his back.
Even though I don't understand a single thing he's saying, I don't see any difference in urgency to learn since my world doesn't need to communicate their language. Fortunately it's an elective class. When I get back home, I won't be using that skill anyway. Also because making animal sounds is just too embarrassing for me to do seriously.
I stifled a snort. It really is too much...
"Is there something amusing to laugh about, Noctowl?"
I inhaled so sharply that I ended up coughing on my spit, disturbing the silence of the classroom with my wheezing. That was painfully embarrassing.
After recovering from my coughing fit, I make eye contact with olive green eyes. "P-Professor Trein! I'm sorry, I... uh..."
The man's stoic face has yet to shift, never leaving my slowly crumbling state falling meek under his unblinking stare.
I placed my hands on my lap and bow my head. "...I have no excuses."
He closed his eyes in a silent sigh before speaking, "I'll excuse your earlier behavior since you kept Lucius company. He seems to be in a pleasant mood now thanks to you."
Lucius' fluffy tail was raised up, swaying gently as a meow left him in agreement. My face scrunched up the slightest for a second; the tip of his tail had grazed my my chin and made it itch, that's all.
"Thank you..." I mumbled out, watching Trein scoop his familiar into his arms and return to his desk.
Within that time his back turned to us, a scrap of paper slides to my desk, courtesy of Ace who pretends to pay attention to Trein's monotonous lecture and Lucius' obnoxiously drawled out meowing.
I discreetly read the note.
["I think he's spoiling you now."]
I wonder... The thought of the strict Trein slowly acting like a familial figure to me was strange, but not unsettling unlike what many students may think otherwise if they were in my shoes.
Because I was raised by my great grandfather Sidney, I sort of have this peculiar affinity with older people who I've been more accustomed to interacting with than people my age. That applied to the elders in my neighborhood back in my world. Trein is no exception here in Twisted Wonderland.
In the end I made a simple reply back to not keep Ace hanging, keeping the notion to myself for now.
["I think so too."]
...
The blaring tweet of a whistle screeches throughout the sports field.
Vargas raised his voice, "Bulk up, you wet noodles! The past few months of eating on holidays earned you more fat than muscle! Burn off all that from New Years, got it!"
Like every other PE class, I performed my regimen that Vargas had graciously cut down in half the day I started the school year. It was shockingly considerate for the intense Vargas to even allow that, but somehow my wish was received.
Yet now, even after the push ups and running laps, I don't feel particularly tired after all that. I still have energy left to stand normally.
I watched the other students continue running laps. All magicians need to have the stamina to cast magic, not just the mana within their vessel to do all the work. I can't slack off in this world if I want to return home. I need to become more independent than I ever was to survive any longer here.
I internally dread the effort put into physical activities. I'm not the brightest in athletics, but seeing the boys running about motivates me. The thought of catching up to their level was enough for me.
"...Maybe another few wouldn't hurt."
I slowly progress from a walk to a jog and then into a sprint. I ran four more laps before I was exhausted of my stamina to the point I placed my hands on my knees for support. I still need the energy to walk around this enormous campus, after all.
Vargas perked up and approached me, boasting a wide grin. "Noctowl! It makes me very happy to see you going past your limits!"
"Keep up the good work and your muscles will be throbbing with pulsating strength in the near future! Just like mine!" Vargas flexed his bicep as a demonstration, flashing a million madol smile that had me thinking of those toothpaste commercials for a second.
I know he's being genuinely supportive for my active participation, but I still can't help but vehemently shake my head, high ponytail whipping behind me as I declined his expectations as humanly polite as possible.
"Thank you, Coach Vargas, but I'm not going to try to be that muscular..."
I closed my eyes and put on a smile. "After all, no one's as buff as you."
"You're right about that! Hahaha!"
My eyebrow impulsively twitched while I retained my stiff expression. I think I should lay low for a while before Vargas gets ideas and drags me into a ruthless training montage episode.
Afterwards came flight practice.
Grim sat on his small broomstick and casts magic to make it float. It was decided that I don't need to be on the broom from now on since Grim needs to be a little more independent to fly on his own from this point moving forward.
I stood watching expressionless with crossed arms from the solid platform of the earth.
I kind of wish I could ride a magic broom myself (or at least with a more reliable pilot than Grim). Seeing some students able to stand on the pole while elevated several meters above was cool. If only I had the balance to keep myself steady like them... I think it's a little too late for my motivation to come when I suffer back pains like an old woman.
I then remembered the spins and loops that some performed while riding the broom. Color drains from my already pale face. I inwardly hold a hand to my mouth and an arm around my stomach to suppress the cramps from acting up.
A rollercoaster-like experience is not one I anticipate. The magic carpet getaway ride from winter break left a rather traumatic blow on my spirits...
...
That afternoon when classes were over, I left Grim to head on back to Ramshackle and instead made a beeline for the Mystery Shop.
Sam's jovial smile was the first to greet me upon hearing the arrival of a customer. "Welcome! What are you looking to buy today for this new year?"
"Those cooling gauzes for sore back muscles please..." I weakly requested, staggering towards his counter like a zombie. "Also one premium tuna can."
"That's not very pleasant news to hear. Perhaps you're in need of a good luck charm."
I rested my forearm on the counter, muttering with a grave face, "I got rammed from behind by a classmate horsing around during PE like I was in rugby... I told Coach Vargas I was fine but that's because I couldn't feel anything in my lower back..."
"Misfortune must follow you around, you poor lost sheep." Sam pulled out a box of cooling gauzes and a premium tuna can for Lucius from the shelves.
I laced my fingers together and rested my forehead against them. "Tell me about it."
I looked around the shop contemplating whether I needed something or not.
"Anything else?" Asked Sam.
I pondered with the money currently on my person. "Do you have something to hide my face from people so that they're discouraged from talking to me? If I ever get to visit the town, I think it'd be good to have it on."
"...You mean a face mask?"
"Yeah, that."
Sam grinned. "In stock now!"
"Perfect. Five stars. Ten out of ten customer service."
...
According to rule 25 from the Queen of Hearts: "There must always be a tea party on the fifth day of every month." It was one of the most easiest and simplest rules to remember by thanks to Riddle hosting a tea party monthly to drill it into everyone's heads.
Hence why as soon as everyone returned from the break, the students scramble to make sure everything is in order by tomorrow. Especially if they want to not upset their strict dorm leader the first thing in the year with an imperfect tea party.
While the Heartslabyul residents prepare for said tea party, I volunteered to help tend to the hedgehogs.
I smile at a purple hedgehog that crawled atop my lap without hesitation and gently stroked its head with my finger. I was close with this particular purple colored hedgehog because it's my croquet buddy I've bonded with in the past games. I simply like the color purple and went with it.
"I'm back. Did you miss me? I know I did."
The hedgehog rolls on its back, exposing its soft pale tummy to me. I rub the area gently and carefully, watching as its eyes slowly close contently. It hugs my finger with its little paws.
The other hedgehogs slowly creep towards me, becoming more open in seeking my attention as well now that they're familiar with my scent.
I giggle. "I only have two hands to spare. Glad to see you all are doing well."
Their squeaking noises fell deaf on my ears.
I internally sweatdropped. "Yeah, I don't know animal language to know what you guys are saying, but honestly it's been that way forever for me."
I made sure they were well fed before exiting the tent of hedgehogs.
Pricklemane was waiting outside, peering up at me with wide eyes. It was definitely trying to act cute, but I could never say no to my sweet Dream Eaters who are like my friends. I'm simply too weak for them.
I kneeled to rub its forehead. "Yes, I love you too, Pricklemane. There's plenty of room for you in my heart, just like the other Spirits. Always."
It nuzzles into my cheek in response before disappearing once it got my affirmation of affection.
After tending to the rest of the hedgehogs, I thought of checking on the flamingoes next despite not being tasked to take care of them today. Just poke my head and look a little. At least that way I wouldn't risk breaking that one rule about having to wear pink when feeding the flamingos.
Among the flock of rainbow flamingoes, a purple flamingo stood attentively upon recognizing me from a mile away. It struts towards me and gently bumped its head on my shoulder as a greeting. This is the same flamingo I often used as a mallet in croquet competitions.
I stroked its back. "You look energetic since the last time I saw you."
It spreads its wings wide and freely as though to assure me.
I feed the flamingoes and make sure they were all healthy. Fortunately everyone is still in good shape.
A wave of lethargy suddenly hits me once a wide yawn leaves my mouth. Spotting no nearby benches to take a seat, I decided to sit on the ground and rest on the base of a tree. "I'll take...a quick nap..."
Some time later, a couple of Heartslabul students wander into the area where they immediately spot a peculiar sight.
"Why are there so many flamingoes huddled at that specific tree?" A heart card soldier remarked. A huge nest of rainbow birds sat at the base of the tree out of any other trees.
"Didn't the Ramshackle prefect say she was going to care for them today? I don't see her." A clover card soldier said.
The sensitive flamingoes dispersed once they approached close.
"The prefect was buried under the flamingoes?!" The clover soldier exclaimed.
I stir awake from the noise. The flamingoes were gone by then. Though a little disappointed I couldn't sleep a bit more with a pile of feathers tucking me in, I had a nice time just chilling with the birds. It's not often anyone could try that, after all.
"It's surprisingly warm. I could get used to that." I mutter to no one in particular.
Rising to my feet and patting off any dirt from my clothes, I glance to the two bewildered Heartslabyul residents. "Can I help with anything?"
I was requested to help paint the roses in the rose maze after that.
The area I arrived in was empty with plenty of white roses untouched. After all the painting I've done up to now, I've gotten desensitized to spreading paint on fresh roses and the odor replacing its sweet fragrance.
A shudder ran up my spine. My intuition is telling me that I wasn't alone now.
A bead of sweat forms on my temple. No... It couldn't be.
My head darts back and forth warily. Where is that menace? Where's the incarnation of chaos and feline madness hiding?
Strands of hair tickled my skin. I held my breath from the touch. I could feel another person's face ghosting my own.
A chin rests next to me. There was a floating head. On my shoulder.
"Hello~"
Naturally I screamed.
I pant heavily as though I ran a marathon, placing a hand to my heart. It nearly bursted out of my throat!
I swerved to the mischievous floating head shaking with laughter.
"Why are you here in the beginning of the year?! Don't you have anything else to do? You might as well transfer to this school if you come here so much!" I retorted.
The rest of Chenya's body comes out. He grinned at my reaction. "Meow is mad, that's why meow is here."
I nearly forgot he also speaks in cat puns. Make the conversations even more confusing to keep track of why don't you!
The cat beastman smiled. "Mew's scent is still as sweet as usual, just like the cakes served here."
Scent...
Memories of the Unbirthday party from when I first saw Chenya in the tea garden suddenly appeared very vividly. Even though I tried so hard to erase the memory! "That's right! Why did you do 'that' the last time we met?!"
He tilts his head, smile perpetually peering into my face. "What mew mean?"
Despite my embarrassment warming my ears, I clenched my jaw tightly to utter the words clearly. He definitely knows what I'm talking about.
"You...gave me a peck on the cheek. Out of nowhere!" I pointed the same exact spot his lips brushed on my face.
"Hmm? It's a normal greeting for meow where I'm from."
I genuinely had to pause to contemplate that information. Only to curse at myself for nearly falling into his hands like a fool.
"No... I bet you're lying. Even Trey-senpai does that sometimes to mess with his juniors! And you two were childhood friends, it makes a lot more sense if that's the case!"
He hummed as if to entertain the notion. "How much sense would mew add to the things mew want to believe in? The case to make sense of anything becomes full of nonsense in the end."
I flatly regard the feline dully. "I see you're still beating around the bush aggressively since the last time we met."
He blinked his yellow cat-like eyes at me, mildly surprised of my outwardly demeanor compared to first meeting. I like to think I was already tired of everyone's crap by that point. Now I'm a little more desensitized to the massive egos and stunts of many people I've met in this school.
The surprise was immediately replaced with a grin. "Looks like the birdie's mind is becoming close to a raven's madness~ Mew makes a purrfect student here."
He paws my cheek at the same exact spot I had pointed. I didn't need to look to know he bared a toothy Cheshire's smile, straight white teeth and all. A true cat on the inside and outside. He's not the least shameful about it.
I disregarded the cool surface of his cartoony middle ring pressing against my skin and waved his hand off. "Do you just get off on making fun of me like a toy?"
The RSA student crossed his arms behind his head. "Meow is simply interested in mew. Rumors about mew were around in RSA but eventually that rumor died out 'cause nothing special happened. Practically everyone got over it."
Chenya's eyes narrowed a fraction mysteriously. "If they know mew was here for real, mew will lose that madness."
My face fell into confusion. "What exactly are you implying?"
"To imply or not to imply? Mew should start implying yourself! See mew~"
He slowly disappears, humming a tune until his head was the last to completely fade away.
I was left stranded in the peaceful rose maze again more confused than ever before. What else is new by now? Seriously, why did he come here other than to give me a heart attack?
...
The day after the lovely tea party Grim and I participated in, I went to Savanaclaw to poke my head inside the dorm and see how the students are doing next.
On another note, I also figured I don't need to check on Octavinelle since I already spent more than enough time around Azul and the Leech twins over the break. Scarabia is still fresh on my mind thanks to the winter break, so I should give them some space to figure their own stuff out.
I climbed up the stairs leading to Savanaclaw's Magift stadium. There should still be some people training at this hour in the afternoon.
A meerkat beastman running laps raised a hand in greeting as he came closer. "Yo, Sis!"
A striped hyena beastman followed behind, "'Sup, Boss Lady!"
My head automatically nodded in greeting. Yet it was a delayed reaction for me when I got caught off guard by what I just heard. Out of all the titles and nicknames, I never thought I'd be addressed those kinds of terms.
"Don't call me that! It's embarrassing!" I tried shouting out to them who were already far away by then. I think I could hear them laughing in the distance at my reaction.
A different but familiar laugh approaches. "Shishishi, it's all about strength in this dorm that determines the hierarchy. You were seen as powerful enough to be respected by them."
I glance to the spotted hyena beastman walking up to stop beside me. "Hi, Ruggie-senpai. I don't know what kind of strength they're thinking of about me, but even still, it's just plain weird to be called 'Sis', much less 'Boss Lady'."
Ruggie grinned mirthfully. "Rather than a kitten, you might just be Savanaclaw's lio..."
A finger is lifted in front of him in a silencing gesture.
Unblinking half-lidded blue pools bored blue gray ones. "Silly hyena. I'm a bird."
A smile stretched my lips as I spoke, a mysterious glint entertaining the notion in my eyes. "Sadly I'm not a woman with muscles, if what I've learned about Sunset Savanna is true. My forte is being the eyes of the savanna, not the manpower of the pride."
I let my hand fall limp. "I also rather not be put in the same species like a certain lazy lion."
"If you say so." Ruggie snickers. "Speaking of Sunset Savanna, the rascals back home loved your donuts."
I smiled. "I'm glad to hear that."
"If you ever make extras, be sure to give them all to me. I'll make sure not a crumb is left." Ruggie grinned.
"Of course."
A voice shouted from the field, "Oi! We got a man down!"
My eyes widened. "I'm on it!"
I ran up to the fallen student lying on the ground, kneeling beside him and checking for any injuries. There's no bleeding from what I've seen, but he could still suffer a concussion. "Hey, you still here with us? Do you need healing magic? One of my familiars can help."
The striped hyena beastman moaned, opening his eyes blearily. I helped him slowly sit up as he nursed the side of his head where the magic disk must've struck him.
"Damn, I got distracted and didn't pay attention to watch the disk... But I'm fine! I got a hard head." Assured the hyena with a bright smile.
I released a sigh of relief. Chuckling faintly, I gently pat his bright red hair in hopes of consoling him to help soothe the pain. "That's a relief."
The striped hyena beastman fell silent, tucking his knees close to his chest and wedge his chin on top. He was awfully considerate to take up less space with his massive burly frame, even if I was okay without it but the thought is still nice.
Black triangular ears twitched twice from my touch. If I looked behind, his short rugged tail wagged. For some reason he's very interested at staring at the ground.
The rest of the Savanaclaw residents stared.
The sound of a body collapsing to the ground lures my attention behind.
"Owowowow! I can't feel my knees...!" A resident clutched his kneecaps while writhing in agony.
Another nursed his foot. "Damn it, I think my ankle is sprained!"
The residents sprawled on the ground, yowling in agony and crying for help. All while looking at me expectantly.
I deadpanned. Ehhhh?
From the sidelines, Ruggie drawled a sigh. "Ahhh, she's spoiling them too much. And for what? If I were her, I'd make them pay a fee."
"Enough of this farce." A deep voice commanded beside Ruggie, instantly dominating the atmosphere.
Leona appeared with a scowl curling his lips. "If you got the energy to howl above the wind, use that to hone your claws instead. Unless you want your tongues ripped off and roasted for dinner."
Without further warning from the dorm leader, the students scrambled atop their feet, dusted the dirt off their PE clothes, and went back to training in the field. Someone looks happy (sarcasm).
I quietly return to the sidelines outside the border of the field. "...How was your break, Leona?"
"Hmph, the furball wouldn't shut up about you. You cause a lot of trouble even when you're not even physically around." Was what Leona told me gruffly. That was definitely the face of regret for ever returning home over the holidays.
"Well excuse me for asking..." I quipped.
"Speaking of, here." He withdrew something from his pocket.
I was given a sky blue woven bracelet with rainbow beads and a blue feather charm attached. It's bright and colorful, as though symbolizing the beauty of nature and the circle of life.
"Cheka made it for you as a gift." Leona said.
I smiled, now knowing it was handmade from the little boy who must be pretty attached to me despite our few interactions. "It's pretty. Thank you for delivering it to me, Leona. Tell Cheka I said thanks, and that I'll take good care of it."
I slipped on the bracelet fitting perfectly on my wrist, among the other two beaded bracelets I have as part of the Savanaclaw dorm uniform.
Afterwards I pardoned myself and leave the stadium.
Once I was out of earshot, Ruggie mischievously grinned at the man. "Sooo, are you getting fond of Kitten? Even some of the residents here are warming up to her."
Leona rolled his eyes, exasperated. "I don't need one more kind of bird to nag my ears off in this academy. A raven and a peacock are pain in the necks already, why not throw in an owl while we're at it?"
The brunet groaned. "Why are there so many birds that like to flock here and get on my case..."
"I think the name 'Night Raven College' should give you an idea." Ruggie sweatdropped. However, he knows Leona avoided his question. He's not the honest type to admit something that warrants a vulnerable answer.
Strix is gradually becoming a part of NRC, and slowly but surely, a part of their school lives.
...
It's been several days since the announcement of VDC. We've gradually returned to our lifestyle in NRC as students now that the winter break has long passed.
"Ffna~ I'm starving! The day feels so much longer when we have PE in the morning, y'know." Grim griped.
"Dude, you get super hungry whether or not we've got PE..." Ace paused and inclined his head elsewhere outside of our circle. "Hm?"
We followed Ace's line of direction to the walls of the cafeteria. A crowd was formed in front of a grand black poster. It must've just been posted today to stir up that much people.
"What's up? Seems everyone is interested in something on the wall." Upon approaching closer, Deuce squints as he read, "It says... 'National Magic School Joint Cultural Festival: Vocal and Dance Championship. On-Stage Performer Audition'? Ohh, it's about the culture festival."
"It's on TV every year so I usually ended up watching, but I didn't know they were selected through audition." Ace admitted.
He then reads, "'Come all with pride in their singing and dancing! This is your chance to make your pro debut! Take your spot at the top of all high school students! If your team is chosen as a finalist on the day of the event... You will earn the prize of five million madol to be equally divided amongst yourselves.'"
"F-Five million madol equally split?!"
"That is correct. Isn't it splendid?" A pleased Crowley said from behind.
"Uwah!! You scared me!!" The braincell trio swerved to the man. I simply turned around mildly annoyed.
"Headmaster, think you could stop just popping out of nowhere?" Ace told him.
"Oh my, apologies. It's not my intention scare you. The reason we can provide a prize like that for the Vocal and Dance Championship is...because have received an enormous number of sponsors for this event." Crowley explained.
He continued, "VDC is on a much greater scope than a normal musical contest. Finalists in this event are likely to receive a variety of debut offers from entertainment and music labels. You can ignore your ties to the school and dedicate yourself to chasing after your future through this music battle. You have to offer up a worthwhile reward to get the elites to show up."
"That makes sense. For the sponsors, this is a chance for them to find a real money maker, so five million is pocket change for them." Ace said.
"With that much money, I could buy a whole mountain of 300 madol high quality tuna cans!" Grim said.
"Forget that, it'd be great to use that money to fix the appliances..." I muttered.
"Wait, hold on. It says here that the prize is split equally among the team members. So a four person team would mean everyone gets..." Deuce tries to calculate mentally with the help of his fingers, "Five million divided by four is... one... one million three..."
"1.25 million madol. You could buy 4000 of the 300 madol tuna cans." Ace answered immediately.
"I'm surprised you guys even included me as part of that four-man group..." I said. I can't participate for obvious reasons, but at least the thought to include me was nice.
"Woohoo! 4000 cans! Hey, hey, Strix! I wanna be in this thing." Grim tugged my leg and looked up at me eagerly.
"You have to pass the audition first, Grim. Also, I just suffered brain damage thinking about all that money used only for tuna cans." I rubbed my temple, wincing. There was no way I was going to let him use a single madol of that reward money for tuna cans, assuming he even wins the contest. Which, unfortunately for him, is a hard pass no matter how much a person tries to reassure him otherwise.
"It's common practice at other schools to choose their representatives from the light music club or chorus clubs but... Night Raven College lets all students try their luck through the audition process." Crowley assured.
"Everyone gets their shot to duke it out and aim for the top, huh." Deuce said, suddenly in high spirits.
"Most students attempting the audition have been preparing since before last year's VDC. But I think everyone has the right to dream about becoming a star." The masked raven chuckled. "How about that? Aren't I gracious?"
"As long as you're a student here you can sign up for the audition. I'm looking forward to seeing our representatives." Crowley hums delightfully to himself before skipping away.
"What was he even here for?" I muttered.
Ace reads further info on the poster, "'The audition song will be 'Piece of my world'. Deliver your application to Rook Hunt in Class 3-A.'"
His cherry red eyes brighten. "This looks lit! All the sports clubs are stuck working behind the scenes, so this sounds way more fun. Then, if we make it, we won't have to do any of those crap jobs for the event."
"That kind of money would help out my family a lot..." Deuce contemplated. "Ah, but... I'm not weak in athletics, but I've never tried dancing or singing."
Ace continued, "And since everyone was listening to 'Piece of my world' last year... There's a bunch of videos on Magicam to learn the dance from. Learning a simple dance like that should be a breeze."
"Fgna! We can use Magicam with that smartphone the headmaster gave us. All right! I'm gonna learn that dance and take the audition, too!" Grim pumped himself up.
"Your dancing is going to be worth the watch, for a different reason." I stifled a snort when a grin creeps my lips.
"I'm going to pass. I really don't think I have any chance of making it through, anyway." Deuce declined humbly.
Ace rolled his eyes, unimpressed. "Ugh, killjoy."
"First of all, you shouldn't even be going if you're not going to take it seriously." Deuce frowned swiftly at the redhead.
"It's just the audition, you don't have to think that hard about it." Ace slumped his shoulders.
"Hmph. One of us has to take the role of picking you up after you fail the audition, right?" Deuce tossed a sly smirk over.
"Screw you. We haven't even done the audition. But you can stand there and watch me pass." Ace huffed defensively.
"Yeah, yeah! That prize money and tuna cans are gonna be mine!" Grim followed up, taking Ace's side.
"Sure sure..." Deuce rolled his eyes dismissively at them. "Ah, that's right, we have potions class next. It's my day today to help out, so I have to get over to the lab to get the supplies ready. We can't just sit around loitering, we should get our food ordered."
"Same! I'm starving." Grim skips to the line for a long awaited lunch break.
...
After finishing our meals, we walk our usual path to magic potions class by crossing the courtyard.
"Going to class with a full belly in the afternoon makes me so sleepy, y'know." Grim mumbled drowsily.
"I get the feeling." I admitted, hiding a yawn behind my hand. Sometimes I just don't want to do anything but relax when the meal is still sitting in my stomach.
"Don't you dare go to la la land and let something explode during lab, you two." Ace warned.
As we came closer to the middle of the field, a voice reaches our ears. It sung a high pitched note that trembles ever so softly yet beautifully, like a butterfly's wings fluttering about.
We fell quiet and listened for the source attentively.
Grim's ears stood straighter. "Fgna?"
"Is that...singing?" Deuce inquired.
I recognized the echoing effect on the voice. Only one thing in this courtyard makes that possible. "It came from the well."
The voice sings again. It was going well until it soon died into chokes.
"Th-That went south fast." Ace winced.
"It sounded like a cat coughing up a furball..." I muttered, offering my sympathies for their efforts.
"This ain't workin'... I can't sing jus' 'cause I'm told to." A boy's voice sighed.
This is just like what happened in my dream with the Evil Queen. Again. A part of me hopes this universe doesn't expect me to go up and spontaneously sing like I'm in a Disney musical. It may be romantic and even hilarious to some watching it, but it's just creepy for me to do that in real life.
The rustling of the bushes we hid behind disturb the stillness of the courtyard. Oops.
The boy looks to our direction. "Who's there?"
Deuce spoke up, "Ah, sorry about the interruption. We heard singing so... Wait, you're..."
I examined the lilac-haired boy's face closely. I remember his pretty, feminine face from before.
Deuce also thinks the same. "You're the one I ran into on Main Street the first day back from break."
A gasp elicits from the short boy who recognized us now. "...I'm sorry for what happened on that day."
"No, it was my fault, too. And your name was... Epel, right?" Asked Deuce.
Crystal blue eyes blinked widely. "Huh? Why do you know that?"
"Jack told us. You both are in the same class, right?"
"Yeah. You must be Deuce and Ace..." Epel inclines his head to each respective person's name, "And Grim and Strix... I guess?"
"Whoa, we must be pretty well known if even you've heard of us." Grim remarked.
"I really enjoyed your exhibition match during the Magift Tournament." Epel giggled softly.
"Somehow, we left an impression in all the wrong ways." Ace shook his head defeatedly.
"I gave up worrying about that a long time ago, to be honest." I shrugged.
"So, why were you singing into the well?" Deuce asked Epel.
"Because your voice will echo back to you, then you hear how it'll sound to the audience. That's why my dorm leader, Vil, told me to practice here." Explained the Pomefiore student.
"Is there some sort of rule in Pomefiore that says you have to be able to sing well?" Deuce wondered inquisitively.
"It's not Heartslabyul. I'm sure they don't have weird rules like that." Ace told him.
"While it's not a requirement... I'm trying out for the Vocal and Dance Championship." Epel said.
"Wow, that's pretty cool." Deuce smiled.
"So that means... I need my voice to sound lovely and sweet." At this, Epel spoke tightly as though reluctant.
He sighed deeply before whispering to himself a quiet prayer, "...I wish the whole thing would just go away."
Deuce blinked. "Huh?"
"Oh my, Epel. Are you skipping vocal lessons to chat with the pigeons?" A haughty voice intervenes, accompanied by the click of heels drawing closer to our circle.
Epel gasped. "Vil..."
Standing before us is a tall young man of slender build wearing a dark dress shirt and stiletto shoes to coordinate the school's black uniform and Pomefiore dorm colors. Long, silky shoulder-length hair that glistened blonde like sparkling champagne were dyed lavender in the bottom half portion of his hair. They matched his amethyst eyes beneath long lashes regarding us coolly yet haughtily.
"Ugh, my eyes..." I winced at the sparkles surrounding his beauty. If only I had my shades to protect my light-sensitive eyes.
"That's Pomefiore's dorm leader, Vil Schoenheit!" Deuce gaped.
"Whoa, up close he's so put together it's intimidating." Ace admitted.
"His legs are like a whole meter longer than yours, Strix." Grim remarked.
"That's the heels adding the difference, Grim. Great Seven, just how many centimeters are they?" I mutter, astonished at the long and thin heels. He's standing perfectly normal on them! I'm afraid to know how much of a beast he could be when running in such shoes.
Vil glanced past Epel and landed his sights on us. "You spuds there..."
"'Spuds'? Isn't that a potato?" I wonder aloud. Now we've gone from pigeons to potatoes. I actually didn't mind being called a pigeon, though.
"Fgna? Does he mean us?" Grim inwardly blurted out.
"Who else would I mean? Epel is in the middle of something rather important." Vil told us as to state the obvious.
He reverts his gaze back to Epel. "There's less than two months until VDC. You don't have any time to spend with potatoes that haven't even been washed yet."
Vil then said to us again, "Don't try to make a pass at him in the middle of his lessons."
Ace frowned irritably. "Hah? The hell's your problem?"
"We weren't trying to intrude..." Deuce began.
Epel stands between us and Vil, facing the latter once he spoke up, "Vil, stop talkin' down on 'em. Th-This is my..."
"Epel, how many times have I told you to enunciate properly? We have nothing to talk about if you fall out of character every time you get emotional." Vil scolded sternly. "You can't possibly become the red poison apple at this rate. Time to go now, Epel."
I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Red poison apple"? For what purpose? For who are they doing this for... It couldn't be...
Epel's fists clenched into trembling balls by his sides. Tears brimmed his eyes as he cried out, "...But I really don't want-!"
"Have you forgotten your promise to me? Just be quiet and come with me." Vil ordered, whipping his head to glower down at the petite boy. His sharp tone spared not another moment to continue the argument.
Epel bit the inside of his cheek. "Ugh..."
"Hey you, I don't care if you're a dorm leader or whatever but he would rather be doing anything else." Ace spoke up with a scowl.
"And I'm not gonna take your whole 'potato' comment lying down, y'know." Grim told the blond.
Deuce looks to the two fearfully. "H-Hey, you guys. You do remember that the headmaster told us specifically 'no picking fights', right?"
"Don't provoke him, he's out of your league." I warned them. It's obvious from Vil's demeanor that he's no pushover in the slightest.
Epel reassures, "D-Deuce and Strix are right. I'll be fine, so..."
Vil's eyes narrowed. "Hmm. You have a lot of spunk for a bunch of spuds to talk back to me. This will do as a nice replacement for my afternoon walk. Shall we see what you can do before I turn you into mashed potatoes?"
And so, the boys (unsurprisingly) got pummeled into submission with grace wielded by Vil Schoenheit. With elegant swings of his fist striking them down, they were each knocked off their feet and sent tumbling to the ground.
My eyes failed to look away from what seemed more like a dance performance than a fistfight from Vil. The way he carried himself was dignified. Unlike Savanaclaw's roughhousing and raw display of strength, Vil fights with style and elegance.
That's the part I couldn't believe what I saw. "Over in the blink of an eye..."
Vil sniffed at them distastefully. "It was hard to watch how sloppy your movements were. There wasn't even a spec of beauty between all of you. Out of 100 points, you score five. Think well about who you're trying to pick a fight with in the future."
Epel could only stare upon their limp forms helplessly. He released a shaky sigh, clutching his hands to his chest filled with grief. "It's my fault that everyone..."
Seeing Epel's distress formed a wry expression written with irony on Vil's handsome face. "Oh my. You're making me the bad guy?"
"However..." His visage hardened. "The real fault lies on you, Epel, for skipping out on your lessons over the holiday. We have a whole mountain of tasks to accomplish if we want to be selected as a finalist for VDC. The number one spot isn't something you can achieve by taking the easy route. Let's be off."
"...Understood." Epel bowed his head, unable to make eye contact as he bids us farewell. "See you all later..."
I crestfallen. Epel was shedding tears again just like that day we returned from winter break. Here I am again watching his back grow smaller and smaller.
A frown settled on my lips. There's definitely something terrible about to stir with Vil Schoenheit at the center of it all. I just can't catch a break...
My bright azure blues happen to make eye contact with amethyst irises.
Vil's icy gaze intensified on me had only lingered within the brief passing seconds of our eye contact before he looked straight ahead.
I was left petrified with fear not from Vil himself but from the unknown emotions directed towards me. My arms slowly move to hold myself from shuddering erratically. This spine-chilling cold creeping into my heart… Somehow, this feels familiar. I recognized that kind of glare from long, long ago. Yet I don't want to remember that man's voice again accompanying those cruel eyes.
I released a quiet yet shaky breath in hopes to steady my heartbeat. It always becomes suffocating for me to raise my voice when I think about the shadow that follows me everywhere, even to another world.
I cursed in my mind at Vil for making me re-experience unpleasant memories again. What's up with him?
"Fgna... That guy was totally playing with us, y'know." Grim moaned out, slowly sitting up.
Ace crossed his legs on the ground and scowled. "I'm pissed. Is there some dumb rule that says you're only allowed to be a dorm leader if you're a bastard?"
"I'm still wondering why you'd pick a fight with a dorm head. The second Dorm Head Rosehearts hears about this, your head's long gone." Deuce shook his head disapprovingly at them.
I push down the dreadful feeling clutching my chest, hiding my rattled emotions behind my mask. I asked in concern, "Do you guys need to visit the infirmary?"
"It's okay, he didn't hurt us hard to leave a bruise. Just feeling a little sore." Deuce reassured with a smile, albeit strained once he nursed the area he got punched at.
"Don't push yourselves if it really hurts, you three." I assure them.
"Would you help patch us up if we got super bad boo boos?" Ace teased.
My deadpan was stone cold and unfeeling unlike any I've made up to now.
"I think you've been hanging out too much with Cater-senpai." I flicked his forehead lightly, unimpressed.
The redhead jolted from the touch, pouting at my unflinching reaction. "I was only joking..."
Suddenly alarm bells rang in my head. I furrowed my brows and looked around. Now that Epel and Vil have left, it was only us in the courtyard.
I could have sworn I felt another pair of eyes on us, but I guess it was my imagination. I must be getting really paranoid after dealing with four Overblots over the course of the fall semester that I've developed a "fight or flight" instinct.
After nothing happened, I ushered the boys,"...Come on, we need to get going to class."
As we head to our destination, we were unaware there was truly another presence in the courtyard hiding.
A shadow was lurking as the sole witness to their fight. He hums to himself, "Hmm... I see..."
A chuckle. "To think the owl could detect my presence... Curiouser and curiouser."
...
I waited to post this after the ENG TWST released so I could tell you readers my ID! Go ahead and add me if you want. :) Hopefully it shows up here.
ID: FEseTEPp
I'll soon be returning to college hell, so updates will be back to being slow until I finish the term.