So, first thing's first, Ruggie is fast. It's probably that being-some-sort-of-beast fusion thing. I think. I have zero idea what it all means because the King of Beasts looks like a lion but the boys here have ears and tails so like what happened? I don't want to think too deeply about it because I am scarred heavily by the Internet and the implications of the furrys winning this one. I.

Ugh. Middle school will forever haunt me, but it's how I know where the good memes are and older anime references.

I should be thinking of how to catch Ruggie but I am not the most athletic person especially next to these iboys with their legs/i. I'm glad Riddle and I about match up. Woo. Shorties rule or whatever.

The incident from earlier non-withstanding but he hasn't said anything and I never will. I bet he doesn't know what tits feel like given his strict background. Score One for No Wei. Or two. I dunno.

Of course, we run into the dumbass duo, fresh from their duty to their dorm. I have no idea what it's about but there's some weird rules.

We catch up, Cater grasping them. "Ace, Deuce! Perfect!" I'm starting to think that I am the least athletic person in this school and I took like eight years of gymnastics. I really need to get back into that. Tonight. We'll start with tonight.

I can probably still do a cartwheel.

"What's going on? What's the rush?" Bad time to ask questions, Ace.

Teapot Tyrant is about to blow his lid. I repeat, Teapot Tyrant is about to steam it out. "The culprit behind the injuries stole our magic pens and has FLED! Go and catch Ruggie Bucchi now! If you do not—you will face the consequences! Understood?!"

How does his face get so red?

Is it a disorder?

Is that a thing in this weird ass world?

"What?!" Deuce exclaims.

"But we didn't do anything!" Ace is clearly finishing the other half of what that sentence should be.

"Good luck!" I call, because there's no way I'm going to be able to keep up.

Well, Riddle put the fear of God into them at least—because they're off.

Jogging behind, Riddle and I catch up to watch the scene, and it's…

It's not great. Ruggie is agile, and it's clear he's fucking around with both of them.

I'm slightly irritated when he finally stops at the courtyard. He seems to be done with the game. "All of you on me and that's it?" Yeah, we're uselessly tried to head off Ruggie a few times and he's just so slippery and tricky. I hate him. "What a piece of cake!"

Ace is panting. "What is this?! He's so fast-"

Even Deuce is winded. "He's not just fast—his jumping is insane!"

Grim looks so downtrodden. "I couldn't even catch him…"

Ruggie keeps laughing that awful laugh, "Please—this is nothing compared to the slums."

Oh, that's not a great backstory.

Explains the sticky, sneaky fingers though.

Deuce crosses his arms. "What?"

"There's no proof I did anything. Did anyone actually see me using magic?" Ruggie's turned a little serious, he's basically saying he has an air-tight alibi. Technically? But… There's probably some sort of way with magic to get him to confess, right? Crewel might have some sort of potion, or some of the upperclassmen might know a spell. "Do you have any photos? Any proof at all? I bet you have nothing."

We could always torture him, too. I'm about ready to see if it's against school rules to waterboard a student. I'm so tired. My sides hurt.

"Yeah, but you did steal some magic pens and I know that's… that's against the rules, fucker." Oh, I am so tired.

I'm going to kill him.

Ace stutters.

"You're a fucking icoward/i." Oh wow I am pissed. I haven't been this pissed in awhile. Huh. Is it coming?

"Coward, huh, No? What a choice of words." He's got his sights on me and I approach, cracking my knuckles. Fuck this we use fists. Then he grins. "Next time you come after me, have better proof." Ah, and Ruggie the Fucker is laughing. "Well… if you could ever catch me."

"This is infuriating!" Grim whines. Ah… yeah. That's right.

"Well, that's all for now." He's not even breathing hard. I hate him. He takes the pens he stole and drops them on the grass. "And here's your pens. Bye byeeee!"

Off he goes. Ace stomps his foot in frustration. "Fuck! This is pissing me off!"

"Riddle will have our heads…" Deuce laments, except, uh… Where is Riddle? Did he… when did he get left behind? At least we have his pen.

I pick up Riddle and Cater's pens; I'll let Grim put on his collar.

"He's planning something else…" I sigh, frowning. It's probably a lot worse than what's currently at-issue, because these things always escalate.

Five bucks—marks, says there's an Overblot because that's my fucking luck right now.

No one's going to take that bet.

"What, are you guys still lost looking for the crook?" It's Jack Howl approaching, arms crossed over his chest. He's built like a washboard. Brick house. Sturdy and tall.

I want to pet those ears so bad someone help. And that floofy tail! It's so cute!

"No, we know." I reply, tucking the pens away.

"You should help isntead of just standing there watching. Your upperclassman is a dick, you know?" Ace. Don't anger the giant wolf man. Please.

"Why are you so eager to help others?" Jack's asking a dumb ass question.

Wait, in context of this school, it's actually pretty valid.

"For others?" Deuce asks.

"I understand trying to avenge your friends, but…" Jack starts.

"Huh? What are you even talking about?" Ace asks, not… ugh. "Who ever said we're trying to help others?"

"We just want to prove ourselves by catching the crook and solving the case." Deuce supplements.

"Yeah, yeah—we want to be players in the Tournament and show off to the world." Ace continues.

Grim huffs, declaring, "I'm gonna catch them so I can be on TV!"

"I kind of feel bad that we're trying to take over Trey's spot… but…" Ace. Ace why.

I am so disappointed in everyone here right now.

"And I'm the only one that wants to help others." I sigh; I'm just so beaten by these people right now. I want a nap and some ice cream.

"I don't trust people that try too hard to help others, but… you guys are worse than I thought." Why is Jack grinning? Is everyone here a selfish prick?

I hate it here.

"Really? You're worse than us, you know. You knew the entire time, didn't you?" Ace accuses. "You knew who the culprits are."

"Ah! It makes sense! Since you're from the same dorm, you knew you'd never be a target!" Well, there goes Grim's temper.

"So spar with me." Why, Jack. Why are people here like this.

"What?!" Ace questions, he's worn out. I get it.

I take in a few deep breaths. Fine, let's do it.

"I'll tell you everything, after you fight me." Jack is a meat head. Got it. Great. Fuck.

"No thanks; not keen on sweating." Ace refuses.

And this summons forth delinquent Deuce! He grins that grin and starts to flex his fists. GREAT. "Sounds right! It's the easiest way to understand each-other." How. How is that a thing?

I will never understand dudes, and I'm trying to play one.

"Ack! We've got delinquent Deuce back!" Grim, it's our worst fear.

"It always results to this, doesn't it?" I sigh, giving in. I did want to punch earlier but somehow that fighting spirit already left and all that's remaining is a failing faith in people.

"Except you." He gestures to me. I'm so insulted.

"What? Why?!"

Jack doesn't look my way. "I'm not getting into trouble for fighting a Prefect." Jack responds easily. "Especially one without magic."

"Sit this one out, No." Deuce waves me off.

"Hah, yeah, can't mess up pretty Prefect there—otherwise we'll have Crowley down your necks." Ace mocks.

Grim growls at Jack. "Let's go!"

Fine. I go sit under an apple tree and pluck one with a sigh, taking a bite. At least it's dinner and a show.

Holy shit these apples are amazing… If it's against the rules to eat them, I really don't care.

It's been awhile since I've watched a fight too. Honestly? Little satisfying. Dudes trying to beat the shit out of each other. I think maybe it's a little… attractive.

Huh.

Awkward.

Deuce and Jack are basically made to be fighting delinquents.

But the fight ends, and the entire group is a panting mess while I feel a lot better. We could've just sat down and had a reasonable discussion but no. Noooo. No. They had to do this. It's on them at this point. I'm so over it.

"You put up a good fight…" Jack's panting, so I'd say… I'm actually surprised his tongue isn't hanging out? Why am I surprised at that? Whatever.

"You're not… too bad yourself." Delinquent Deuce compliments.

At least they have an understanding with one-another. I don't get it.

"Those punches sent shocks through my heart." Grim seems to be in some admiration at everything.

"This is too much." Ace huffs, "I—I don't even care about… playing anymore." Huh. Slacker, much? "I'm exhausted…"

"We're never going to have a normal school life, are we?" I comment more-so to the world.

"Good. Now that that's settled, I'll tell you everything." Jack's still so stern about it too. Is this how guys make friendships?

It'd make sense. I'm not sure how, though.

"The fuck did we settle?" Ace is asking the important questions.

"...I'm betraying my own dorm—it's putting me on edge." Jack admits, and he seems so peturbed by it too. "But I can't stand it anymore! No matter how powerful your opponent is, it's only a true challenge if you challenge yourself!" Okay, Meathead Jack, we get it. "I want to puke when people use the coward's way to win! It's not a true victory." He's very passionate. "I want to use my own power to win and get on top!"

"Wow, this guy is annoying." Ace shut up.

"Shh." I shush Ace.

"No one likes a cheater." I give Ace a pointed look. He knows why.

"I understand! I know that feeling!" Deuce is… getting awfully passionate and emotional about this. Is this a delinquent thing, a dude thing, or am I just tired?

"And here's the other annoying guy." Grim comments dryly. We're still working on his manners.

"Ruggie's unique magic is that he can make another person mimic whatever movement he makes. He's been taking control of a target, and with his unique magic he makes it look like an accident." Jack explains. Well, he doesn't have the cool name for it, but this reveal checks out. The mincemeat incident to the recent accidents—that would do it.

"Makes sense. It's how he was able to take Grim's sandwich without anyone noticing." Ace concludes.

"Damn it!" Grim squeaks, "I'm so pissed off just remembering it! I'll hold grudges forever over food!" I don't doubt that.

"But… wait. Wouldn't it be suspicious if he was pretending to fall down some stairs near a target…? That's noticable…" Deuce's brain cell is working overtime today and I am so proud of him.

"Ruggie hasn't acted alone in these schemes." Jack informs us. "The other students of Savanaclaw are involved too. If he is around others, weird movements aren't as suspicious—but others acted as a barrier around Ruggie so none would notice."

"What a crime… but why?" Again, good things from Deuce.

"Well, doing well in the Spelldrive Tournament has a huge impact for a student's future, right?" Ace is coming to a very logical conclusion—especially since Crowley informed Grim and I that this was broadcasted worldwide. "I get why they'd do it."

And there is Jack growling like a dog. Furious. He's so floofed out right now. My gosh how is he both terrifying and adorable all at once? Maybe I need help. How he sneers and shows all of those sharp teeth, too…

"Scary! Stop that with your face! I'm kidding!" We know Ace wasn't kidding.

"Hmph! The present is the most important! If you can't show what you can do now, there's no point in the future!" Um. I think Jack's perception is a little wonky because every second is the present and every move made is to the future or… I am honestly going to stop thinking like that because I just gave myself a headache.

Ouch.

"And the one that pisses me off the most is Dorm Leader Leona Kingscholar!" Oh good, Jack fits right in. Fuck that guy. "He's such an amazing player but he doesn't put effort into anything!"

"I agree with that—he seems so lazy but then he's so strong." Grim adding in his two cents.

"He's a prick." I add, and am ignored.

"Right?! He's so strong, so why doesn't he use it!? I hate those kinds of people the most!" Jack's got his fist clenched too. It's serious. "In the tournament three years ago, Leona made one of the most amazing plays I've ever seen in my entire life. He's why I wanted to come here. And when I joined Savanaclaw this year, I thought I could help bring out his full potential, but…"

We need a plan to take this down. Hm.

"Hey, No?" Ace is probably ignoring Jack at this point. Fair.

We're going to probably hear a lot of dramatic back stories and reasons throughout our time at Night Raven College.

"All I'm hearing is him complaining about Leona, but…" That's a lot of shit coming from Ace who could probably write a book of complaints about Riddle.

"...I think he was inspired by him, and what he expected versus the reality is a crushing disappointment." I murmur in return.

"These incidents aren't a one-time thing. There's something bigger coming." Jack informs us properly pertinent information! Fuck!

"Bigger?" Deuce asks.

"Their main target is Malleus Draconia. The Housewarden of Diasomnia." That name isn't the first time I've heard it—but it's popped up in a few rumors I've heard here and there. But that being the target for Leona and Savanaclaw, why? "He has monstrous power and pretty much single-handedly brought Diasomnia's victory for two years in a row. It's because of him that Savanaclaw's been eliminated the first match—my seniors all have grudges against him, I think, because of that…"

"Losing the first round without a single point… that's humiliating for people that were top players…" Deuce has an astute observation.

"Yeah, since Malleus arrived, they stopped paying attention to Savanaclaw. Leona's… humiliated because of it." So Jack's tenderhearted after all. "...He's trying to get the glory they had back, but it's so cowardly…" And he's angry again.

"So you're sure they're going to do something to Diasomnia on the day of the tournament?" Ace inquires.

I wonder if the guy's really that powerful? I've heard a few rumors that he's top five magic-users in the world… so why would he bother going to school for magic? Weird. Maybe he's a member of the unsocialized weirdos squad like Riddle, and mysterious night man Hornton.

"That's right. I need to crush their plan!" Well, he's gung ho and ready to go.

"I've heard more than enough." Riddle interrupts—boy, I was so lost in thought and concentrating at what's in front of me that I didn't hear him and Cater approach. Probably a 0 on the predator scale for me today and 100 on the prey or… wait. Maybe. Hm.

I'll workshop that later.

"Dorm Leader, Cater…" Deuce greets—or questions?

"To even think they're going to try to ruin an important tradition at Night Raven College…" Yeah, he's disgusted. I make my way over and hand the two pens I've collected from the ground to them. Cater snags his with a soft thanks and Riddle delicately takes his and tucks it away. "It's unforgivable."

"So, what should we do, Riddle?" Cater asks.

Sure, I'm up for someone else to do some planning.

"We cannot properly bring Ruggie in right now as we do not have concrete evidence." Riddle should be an attorney when he grows up. Then a judge. It'd fit. "And our enemy is the devious and dastardly Leona. We cannot defeat him so easily."

"So, somehow, we have to catch them in the act?" Ace asks.

"I have an idea, however…" Riddle starts.

"Wait—I didn't agree to team up. I only said I'd tell you what I know." Jack crosses his arms stubbornly. Well, okay, this is my time to shine. Call me Queen Cooperation.

"Eh—already this far and you're trying to stay uninvolved?" Cater, no, this is my job.

"I'll deal with my own dorm myself. See you." Jack's dismissing us already even though he can't do this alone.

"And you really think you can do this all by yourself, Jack? You haven't been successful so far, or we wouldn't have had this conversation in the first place." Gotta hit him with some good ol' logic.

"What-?" Oh, yeah, I've offended the puppy.

"Wow—harsh, No." Really, Grim? Can you really talk?

"No's right—the chance of you winning against the rest of your dorm is zero." Good Deuce, best back up.

"Wolves hunt in packs, Jack. The lone wolf role just gets you killed. If you really want to stop them, and have them rely on themselves and not cheating—you need to join the group." Oh, I can see that he's convinced! No, you did it again.

"Fine. I'll hear you out." Wonderful! That was easy to sway him. Huh. "But if I don't like any of it, I'm out." Well, okay, I half got Jack as a part of the team.

"So annoying…" Ace murmurs about under his breath.

I could say the same for him, lol.

"Isn't being stubborn what you do best, Ace?" Cater digs appropriately at the freshman heart-face.

"Well then, to continue what I started earlier. First…"

In for a penny, in for a pound. I have a feeling this team work to save the day is going to happen a lot in my time at Night Raven College.