Chapter 3

"Nyaaaahhhhh! I'm getting out of here!" Grim shouted before jumping out of Marie's arms.

He tried to scamper down the hallway, back to the living lounge but found himself face to face with the tall and skinny ghost. He yelped in fear, dashing back over next to Marie. He trembled on his hind legs with his hair sticking up on his back. "I-I'm the Gr-Great Grim, the Greatest Magician! I'm not scared of some ghosts!" Squeezing his eyes shut, he breathed out his signature blue fire.

The flames ended up missing the ghost completely, hitting a stray rug on the floor. Marie panicked at seeing the fabric slowly be consumed by the blaze.
"Hey! Do you intend to burn down the whole room and me with it!?"
Acting fast, she rushed over to the nearest door in the hallway. It seemed to be a bedroom that was completely empty except for the white cloths laying on the ground. She snatched one of the cloths and rushed back in the hallway and toward the fire. Fortunately, the girl managed to douse them with a few beats.

"Where are you aiming?" one of the ghosts snickered.

"Over here, over here! Heeheehee!" the chubby ghost taunted.

Grim sneered with his teeth clenched tightly.

"Stop disappearing!"

Another blast of flame, but the ghosts laughed as it missed once again, hitting the wall and setting it on fire. Marie let out a frustrated groan, patting out the flames. If this managed to keep up, the monster cat would end up burning up the whole place. Considering the state of the building is already in, that would be quite an easy task to do within minutes. As the teen rushed over to put out yet another blaze, she noticed every single time Grim tried to breathe fire at the ghosts, he was closing his eyes. Well, it was no wonder he was missing every single time.

"Hey, you know it would help if you didn't keep your eyes shut!"

"Shut up! Don't try to give me orders!"

The blonde huffed at the response. Like it or not, she needed his help considering she had no means to fight against the ghosts herself. Not to mention there was the fact she needed to keep Grim from setting the building on fire. The last thing she needs is her only shelter in a foreign world to go up in flames. Think, think, think, what can make the little monster listen? Well, while he constantly insists he isn't, he acts very much like a cat. Perhaps, he might have the same eating habits as one. It was her only chance.

"Look, if you help me, I'll give you one can of tuna."

It didn't matter if she didn't actually have said item, all that mattered if Grim would buy the bluff. The cat, himself, stiffened at these words. His fiery ears were perked up and his tail twitched back and forth. Clearly, the offer enticed him. With the shake of his head, he curled his paws into two small fists and began muttering "I'm a genius." constantly to himself. His blue eyes now contained a newfound determination. Such a strong motivation simply for food. Marie decided to tuck this mental note in the back of her mind in case of future use.

"I won't let a single one-" Grim started to shout, but got scared by a ghost suddenly appearing behind him. He clenched his teeth angrily before blowing fire. But as usual, the fire ended up missing the spirit. Instead, it was headed to Marie herself.

The girl let out a yelp, dropping to the floor and allowing the attack to hit the wall instead.

"Hey, careful not to burn the one getting your prize!" she yelled, patting out the new blaze.

Grim narrowed his blue eyes in annoyance.

"Fine then, tell me where the ghosts are!"

For once the little monster made a smart suggestion. With him always shutting his eyes when he used his fire, he didn't know where to aim. If she were to shout out orders, perhaps that could turn the tides in their favor. Just then, she saw one of the ghosts appear on Grim's left. Wasting no time, the teen shouted out to Grim. Sure enough, with her command, the cat breathed out his fire, and this time, it hit the ghost. The specter wailed out in pain before disappearing from view.

"I hit it!" Grim shouted happily before smirking, "Alright, let's chase them all outta here!"

Marie nodded her head, with her sheet at the ready. She took a few steps back as she carefully examined her surroundings. Suddenly, on her right, the ghost appeared with a large grin and hands in the air. "Grim! On the right!" The ghost didn't stand a chance as it was blasted by fire. Just then, another one appeared above the cat's head. Acting on reflex alone, the girl swung the sheet in her hands. Much to her surprise, the sheet caught onto the ghost, prompting it to yelp in confusion and swing around its arms.

Seeing this, the blonde laughed. "Ha, these guys can't phase through bedsheets! Go figure!"

The two found themselves back to back. Marie shouted out commands while occasionally slowing down the ghosts with her sheet. Meanwhile Grim was able to follow her orders perfectly. All she had to do was shout a direction, and he would hit the ghost every time. For two people that didn't have a great first encounter, Marie was a little surprised how well they worked together. Unfortunately, the more the two fought off the ghosts, the more they started attacking together rather than single numbers.

Seeing the chubby ghost and thin ghost approaching them, Marie shouted at Grim while throwing her sheet in an attempt to slow one of the two ghosts. This quickly backfired as the cat's flames ended up burning a large hole into the sheet. The girl paled while slightly sticking her head through the hole. There went her only means of defense. Her green eyes looked around, seeing the three ghosts gang up on them.

"Grim won't be able to fight them all off by himself."

Biting her lip, she quickly scooped up the monster into her arms and ran down the hallway, heading for the door.

"Fwah! What are you doing?! I was beating those guys!" Grim complained, desperately hanging onto Marie's arms.

"Yeah right, those guys were about to swarm us! We gotta find Crowley or anyone to help us!"

She ran out into the yard with the laughter and snickers from the ghosts filling her ears. It was hard to pinpoint exactly where they were, especially when their laughter was so loud. Up ahead, she could see the gate at the end of the pathway. Yet when she was only mere inches from it, one of the ghosts appeared in front of her, blocking off her path. Marie inhaled sharply, accidentally stumbling and falling onto her rear. The three ghosts chuckled in delight, having now surrounded the two.

"Crap, what do we do now?"

In that instant, one of the specters was hit with bright green fire. Watching in both confusion and wonder, a wall of flame rose up between her and Grim and the ghosts. The spirits wailed in both agony and fear, the inferno preventing the teen from seeing what was happening. As soon as they appeared, the flaming wall dispersed to reveal the three ghosts flying away.

"What the-"

The sound of heavy footsteps approached her. Ah, it must have been Crowley who chased away the ghosts. He probably came back to check on her. Still, the nerve of leaving her defenseless against those ghouls. She would have been in even more trouble if Grim weren't there. Marie turned toward the footsteps, opening her mouth to shout out some angry remarks. But once she did, her breath was immediately stolen away. Her savior was not Crowley.
Before her was a tall young man. Everything about his appearance left her heart pounding. His long dark hair, fair pale skin, and green eyes that glowed brightly within the darkness.

"Are you alright?" the young man asked, extending out his gloved hand.

Marie was speechless; all she could do was dumbly nod her head, accepting the gesture. Now back on her feet, the girl quickly learned exactly how tall this young man was. He practically towered over her; she couldn't help but feel small and weak in his presence. Actually, taking a closer look, it seemed this man wasn't even human. He had two long black horns and pointed ears, like a being straight out of a fairytale.

"To be honest, I'm quite surprised to find someone here. That building has been only occupied by the ghosts."

Even his voice made her feel weak in the knees. This is ridiculous, how could this man be having such a strong effect on her. His aura is just so intense. It felt like was trying to swallow up her mind. Did everyone in this world radiate this kind of aura? No, that can't be right. She was perfectly comfortable around Crowley and didn't feel too unnerved by the other students. So why is this tall, dark, and handsome figure before her the exception?

"Miss, are you listening?"

"Oh!" Marie shook her head, faintly feeling her cheeks warming up. "S-Sorry, this is just a lot to take in. I'm kind of new around here so I really don't know anything."

Hearing this, the young man's brows rose in surprise, clearly shocked. But it only lasted a second, as he then smiled at her.

"Is that so, may I ask for your name, child of man?"

Marie struggled to give eye contact as she answered "U-uh, it's Marie, Marie Anderson."

"Hmm, well I hope to speak with you again, Marie."

Before she could even reply, green fireflies fluttered in the air. She stared in wonder, watching them as gathered in large numbers. Their glow was both radiant and beautiful. But yet as soon as they appeared, they faded away into the darkness.

"Hey, did you se-"

Yet her mysterious savior was no longer there. She didn't even see or hear him leave. It was almost as if he had vanished along with the fireflies.

"I never even got his name."

"Gwah! Will you let go of me already?!" the familiar voice of Grim shrieked.

Her mind snapping out of its daze, she saw she had been unconsciously hugging the cat tightly with one arm. Muttering out an apology, she released him. The monster, landing on all fours, grumbling as he shook out his fur. You know, when he wasn't trying to scorch her, he could be downright adorable at times. Suddenly the urge to pick him up again just to hear him complain sparked. No no, best not push her luck. Chances being Grim could choose to burn her instead of griping.

"Man, that guy was such a showoff. I could have easily taken care of those ghosts by myself."

"Is that so? Last I checked, you needed help aiming."

"Well you're my henchman, so you don't count."

Did he just call her a henchman? She knew the cat thought highly of himself, but this was on a whole nother level.

"I am not a henchman!"

Grim simply grinned and puffed out his chest proudly. "Sure you are. You can't even use magic, talk about lame. Consider yourself lucky the Great Grim showed up and saved the day."

"Why I oughta-"

"Man, I'm tired. Clearly, I can't leave you alone, so I might as well stick around." the monster snickered, "Ain't this great, you get me as a new friend and protector. Won't be so lonely with me staying with you right?"

Wait, lonely? Yes, Marie was stuck in a foreign world, but she didn't give much indication that she was lonely. Why did Grim claim that? Hmm, come to think of it, what about the fuzzball himself? He was prone to gloating and trying to cover up insecurities, a prime example being when he tried to hide that he was afraid of the ghosts. Maybe it was less that he feared she was lonely, and more that he was afraid of loneliness himself. Well, no matter the reason, Marie saw no harm in it.

"Alright you little gremlin, let's head back inside."

"I'm no gremlin, I'm a cat! Er, wait no-"

"Aha! So you admit it?"

"No, I said I was no stinking cat! I'm the Great Grim, strongest magician ever!"

Marie couldn't help but laugh. She had truly warmed up to the monster. As long as he didn't try to set her on fire again, she imagined they would get along quite well. Perhaps her stay in Twisted Wonderland wouldn't be so bad after all.


Marie groaned as she got off her knees, having finished cleaning the dusty floor of one of the bedrooms. It was truly boring being forced to wait around the dorm building. There was pretty much nothing for her to do but clean. Well, at least she got some enjoyment out of Grim. The little cat grumbled as he dusted off the fireplace with a rag. "Grr, I'm a great magician, not a maid."
Still though, Crowley could have at least left her something, at least anything to keep herself preoccupied. He told her not to wander the campus yet he expected her not to get restless? That's not even going into the fact of the ghost problem.

"When I see that birdbrain again I'm going to have a few choice words." Just then, there was a loud knocking at the door, causing some dirt to shake from the ceiling. "Ah, speak of the devil."

She made her way down the hallway and to the entrance. Sure enough, opening up the door, she was greeted with the sight of the grinning headmaster. In his hands, he held a tray of food. Sliced chicken drizzled in a sauce that smelt of honey and on the side a bowl of rice and a cup of water.

"Good evening. I have graciously brought you supper." he greeted as he stepped inside.

Come to think of it, she hasn't really eaten since arriving. As if on cue, her stomach growled loudly. She blushed slightly, pressing both of her hands against her stomach.

"Supper sounds good right about now."

Wordlessly she followed Crowley who "graciously" showed her where the kitchen was located. She noted to remember it for future use. The teen slightly licked her upper lip. The food seemed to smell more delicious with each second that passed by. Must have been hungrier than she realized.

Unfortunately, before she could dig in, Grim yelled loudly "Hey, something smells really good in here!"

Crap, Crowley wouldn't be happy to know Grim snuck back into the school. Sure enough, when the cat casually walked into the kitchen, she saw the headmaster glaring daggers down toward him. Marie didn't want the little monster thrown out again, for more reasons than one. Immediately the blonde placed herself between the two with both of her hands raised.

"Wait, Mr. Crowley, I can explain, but please don't toss him out."

"Don't toss him out?!" the birdman exclaimed, his yellow eyes wide in shock briefly before narrowing in anger, "That's the monster that ran amuck during the entrance ceremony! You expect me to believe I would let it stay after it nearly burned down the venue?!"

Marie clicked her tongue and rubbed the back of her neck. "Well I guess when you put it that way, letting him stay is a crazy idea." She lowered her arms with a determined look in her green eyes. "But still, you can't throw him out. Grim was a huge help a while ago."

"A huge help?"

"Yeah!" Grim pipped up. He jumped up onto the table with his trademark grin. "I exterminated your ghost problem! You should be grateful!"

Upon hearing this, Crowley's anger dispersed, replaced with confusion. Seeing he might need an explanation, Marie told the headmaster about how Grim helped fend off a group of ghosts. "Which reminds me, I can't believe you left in me in a building filled with spirits! Don't you remember that I can't use magic? How was I supposed to fight them off had Grim not been there?!" Honestly, for a headmaster, Marie didn't exactly find him to be a competent one. Wait, she should take that back, he did prove prowess in capturing Grim the first time.

"Oh!" Crowley gasped, " I had completely forgotten about them." He gave a carefree smile. "We allow some homeless ghosts to make the school their haunt in exchange for doing jobs around the campus. But they're quite the prankful bunch, having scared off the students from the Ramshackle Dorm. I apologize I had forgotten to mention this to you."

So he had forgotten about his own employees essentially. How could one be so intelligent, yet so oblivious at the same time?

"But besides that, you say you two fended off the ghosts together?"

"Meh, I wouldn't say together. She mostly yelled orders and stood around." Grim replied, crossing his arms.

Marie humphed, with her hands on her hips. "I was not standing around, I was putting out the fires you were starting. And besides, I was only yelling orders cause you had your eyes closed. That's why you had me help you."

"No, I wanted that can of tuna you promised! Speaking of which, you never did give it to me! Where is it?!"

"Then how about a proposal?" Crowley said, prompting the two to turn their attention to him, "Show me how you fended off those ghosts and I will give you tuna cans."

In an instant Grim's eyes lit up in excitement. But that shine faded, growing dull as he gave a deadpan stare with his ears flattened against his head. "One problem, we already got rid of the ghosts. How are we suppose to show how we fought them if there's none to fight?"

"Then I shall be the ghost."

The headmaster reached inside of his jacket and pulled out a small bottle with a purple-colored liquid. He promptly pulled out the cork and downed the liquid with one gulp. Suddenly his body turned into white smoke with sparkles in the air. When they faded away a few seconds later, in Crowley's place was a small ghost wearing his hat and mask.
Marie bit down on her lip hard, trying not to laugh. He looked so silly as a ghost, she just couldn't help but find it funny.

"Eeeeeh, couldn't you just give me tuna first?" Grim complained, "You can't expect me to constantly work on an empty stomach."

"Grim, look at it this way, the sooner we get finished, the sooner you can get your tuna."

The cat grumbled with his teeth clenched and his brow twitching. "Fine, but I better get that tuna."

Seeing Crowley get into position, Marie pointed out his location to Grim. The monster nodded before beginning to inhale. Wait, why was he inhaling? The fire in his ears flared up, growing intense. No, he couldn't be, is he seriously going for an all-out attack?! Sensing the impending danger, Marie dove under the table. The next thing she knew, she felt the intense heat. The attack even managed to shake the table and light up the room with a blue tint. "Did he want tuna that badly?!" It didn't take long for the heat to die down. Cautiously, the girl crawled out from underneath the table. Her jaw fell open at the scene she saw. The entry to the kitchen had been scorched black with some burnt wood falling to the floor. How the place was even standing, she did not know. In the center of the disaster area was the ghostly Crowley, face frozen in fear with a small flame still on his hat and covered in burn marks.

Grim was panting but still wore his cocky grin.

"Ha!" he breathed out, "That's for kicking me out earlier. T-Told ya I was a g-gr-grrrreeeee-"

He let out a groan before collapsing on the floor.


Grim was happily chowing down on his plateful of tuna. Marie gave a small smile at the sight before taking a bite out of her chicken. Sitting across from them was Crowley, now back in human form. He frowned as he examined the burnt spot on his hat. Letting out a sigh, he placed it back on his head.

"I must admit, I was not expecting the monster to display such strength. To think it could unleash such power under your guidance." Crowley mused.

"She didn't guide me, I was already that great!" Grim yelled with a mouth full of food.

Ignoring the cat's comment, Crowley smiled in excitement. "I just knew there was something about you. Back at the entrance ceremony, my teacher senses were trying to tell me of your potential. You, my dear, have shown your talent as an animal or a wild beast tamer."

"But I'm not, Grim and I just worked together. Also, you were gonna kick me out had it not been for the fact I can't be sent home."

Unfortunately, it seemed the bird man wasn't paying attention as he continued "Therefore, I have come to conclusion. Despite the circumstances of your arrival, the Dark Mirror having called you here and unable to return you home, I simply can't have you live on the campus as a freeloader. So, I have a proposition." He intertwined his fingers together, with the golden talons gently resting against each other. "I will allow both you and Grim to live in Ramshackle Dorm free of rent. In exchange, I want you both to do maintenance and odd jobs around the school grounds. You will have access to the library and allowed to eat in the cafeteria, but any other necessities you will have to provide yourself."

Well, as much as a part of Marie wanted to complain about having to work, it did make sense. Crowley didn't exactly have to allow her to remain in the school. He could have easily made her leave the premises. He was kind enough to take responsibility for her. The headmaster truly was caring, even if his attempts at kindness did result in her get harassed by ghosts. She took another bite out of her chicken before letting out a sigh.

"I suppose that's fair. What do you think, Grim?"

The cat lifted his head from his plate with an angry pout.

"I'm not okay with that! I wanna wear a fancy uniform and be a student!"

Crowley tapped one of his golden talons, his eyes narrowing slightly as he replied "If you're unsatisfied with the arrangement, I'll just simply toss you out again."

Hearing this, Grim eyes widened in panic. Marie could guess he had worked hard to sneak back into the school and getting tossed out now would just mean sneaking back in would only be even harder. The monster remained silent before groaning, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Grrrr. Fine, I get it. I just have to do some jobs."

"Wonderful!" Crowly said happily with a clap of his hands, "I must be off, but I shall be back to fetch you both in the morning. Until then, sleep well and do not cause any trouble."

With those last words, he stood up from his chair and walked out of the kitchen. Marie let out a deep breath, poking at her rice as she heard the door slam close. Gim was about to shove more tuna into his mouth until dirt dumped onto his head.

"Nyeh, he could at least not let us stay in a dump like this!"

He shook his head, shaking off the dust.

"I feel ya on that, Grim. But at least it's a place to sleep, might as well make the best of it."

The two managed to finish up their meals before heading to the bedroom they cleaned earlier. The mattress creaked loudly as Marie sat down on it, but fortunately, it held up. With a grunt, she pulled off her boots. Now while she didn't want to sleep in such nice clothes, she didn't have anything else to change into. Thus, she had no choice. As the girl pulled her legs up on the bed, she saw Grim hop up next to her. He stretched out with a yawn, tail slightly moving back and forth before curling into a ball. Marie let out a small chuckle before gently stroking Grim's back. Doing so earned a few purrs from him. Once again the claim of not being a cat not holding up very strong.

"Night, Grim."

She laid down on the bed, pulling the covers over her body. Though before her eyes closed, she couldn't help but think back to her mysterious savior. A blush spread on her face as she recalled his visage. That smile and green eyes that felt like they were staring straight into her soul. If it were possible, Marie wouldn't mind seeing the young man again.