I don't see Grim from the time I go to bed to when I wake up, actually. I'm a little worried, but at the same time he can take care of himself… somewhat. But, I have to meet Jack for investigative purposes… so it's… it can wait. I can't investigate and solve this and keep the closest eye on Grim. It's unfortunate, but I am only capable of so much at one time.

I'm feeling achy. I hope we can solve this before I get really sick. It feels pretty inevitable right now, honestly, and I hate that. I absolutely hate being sick and I know Grim's going to be zero use for that too. One, he doesn't have thumbs, and two? He's… pretty selfish.

But he is showing progress. I'm very happy to see that.

I meet Jack at the entrance. I see a few of the anemone-headed students, but they all look absolutely worn-out and miserable—but I see none of my idiots, not yet at least. This isn't good at all. I'm honestly fairly frustrated given the circumstances.

"...How are you feeling?" I'm surprised to hear the question from Mr. I'm Not Involved and We're Not Friends.

"I'll survive; we solve this, and then I can go be sick." I laugh a little. "I'm tired."

"...Mm…" His ears twitch, and there's an expression that doesn't look very positive to me, but who am I to judge?

"So, we're going to follow Azul around today, huh?" I ask.

"...Yeah… basically." He says.

"I'm glad to have you with me."

Jack sighs. "Let's go—and be discreet."

"You're the big guy with wolf ears, Jack." I point out, as we head to—well, we spot him from a distance and head into the Music classroom.

So, we sit in the back and keep down, listening to the students—Azul stands up, doing his warm ups as required—and honestly he's got a good voice.

"He's a good singer." Jack whispers to me, surprised.

"Still has a shitty personality." I reply.

We follow him, and slip into the back of his Animal Linguistics class.

It's a little weird when we hear him talk to Lucius. But, then again…

"—Lucius said it has been three hours since the last time you gave him treats, and he is very upset." Now, that sounds like something any spoiled house cat would say and I have the fiery demon version back at Ramshackle—but Azul seems confident on his cat speak.

Trein pauses a moment, before nodding his head. "Yes, precisely Ashengrotto. You are correct." Did he smile a little? Weird.

"...And he can speak, and understand beasts…?" He asks softly.

"Can't you?" I ask in return.

"Canines." Makes sense. Checks out.

The third period is a class with Crewel: we're hiding behind a cauldron. This is absolutely ridiculous—watching him perfect a potion too. I'd dare say he literally is as good as Riddle. And it's REALLY LUCKY that he doesn't have any classes with him because if we were spotted that'd be the worst lecture of our lives.

Honestly, even Crewel compliments him. I'm a little surprised.

"His potion crafting is… advanced…" Jack comments.

"Yeah I'm not liking the vibe from that." I whisper in return.

We even follow him to the cafeteria where he picks out a balanced meal.

"He seems to be a perfect honor student…" Jack doesn't really like that conclusion.

"But he's also the head of the school mafia—so either he knows we're following him, or it's a day-night thing." I reply, as we get our lunch. I'm starved. Absolutely starved. And I am craving iprotein/i. "I think he's fucking with us."

Grim and the dumb duo stumble up to us. "I… I'm so tired… why do I have to be Azul's minion…?" It's a little nice to see him suffering the consequences of his actions. Oh, wow, I am bitter.

Ace whines, "-we had to clean the entire Octavinelle dorm, wait tables at the Monstro Lounge, and fetch things from the school store…" So, gopher and… well, whatever else come to mind.

Deuce groans, "It—it started at isix/i in the morning."

"And we still have to work at the Monstro Lounge again after school…" Ace continues to gripe.

I'm not necessarily feeling bad, empathetic, or sympathetic for them in the slightest. Maybe I'm really getting sick here. Wow. I should feel bad—but after seeing some lack of consequences and everything working out I guess having them deal with what they've done works out for me. Maybe, maybe they'll actually learn a lesson from this when all is said and done but part of me aches with the unfortunate knowledge that they're not going to. Fuckers.

"We went to Riddle… and he iberated us/i. bYou idiots signed a contract with Azul!? It would have been better if you had your heads cut off!/b." How good that impression was from Deuce is almost a mite disturbing. Almost. "A-and he lectured us—then we had to write papers, reflecting on what we got into…"

They've had a pretty rough day. Dealing with Riddle being Riddle on top of it? Okay, there's a twinge of pity there. But it's ionly/i a twinge.

"Sucks." I can't help but say.

"And this thing is so ugly!" Grim gripes.

The three sigh in their misery, moving with their lunch trays.

Jack, of course, doesn't help. He shakes his head in disappointment at them. "You reap what you sew." They don't know that, they're students from Night Raven College.

Nope, there comes full bitter No back in action again.

"Unfortunately, there's no solution in sight, guys…" I shrug, as we take a seat. "I… don't have magic, and I don't know the first thing about magical contracts. I'd ask if there are labor laws but considering my employment history here I'm going to hedge a guess at no." Plus, most of the workers at Night Raven College are ghosts, so, there's that.

"Oh—what ever is troubling all of you? Having such long faces…" That is one of the creepy as fuck Leech twins. I turn a little to look at the approached pair and see it's the neat and tidy one… that's… Jade.

"Ha ha ha ah! Look at that—a lil' school of anemones!" Floyd has the creepiest grin on his face as he's looking over the triple tired team.

"Ugh! Look! Those awful twins!" Grim has not said truer words in his entire life, I bet.

I don't really like anyone today. I wonder why.

I do not appreciate, as well, that the two are very focused on me. Oh. Oh fuck no. "...And it seems, that something is troubling you, No Wei." I'm starting to have a feeling that there's some unfortunately elaborate plot at work and I don't like that.

"We're troubled! Since a icertain someone/i is using us to the bone!" Ace calls out.

"Why is an anemone who violated their contract even talking~?" Floyd just said another creepy as fuck thing and it makes me shudder. His expression changes to something absolutely sinister. "iShut up./i" Holy actual fuck I hate these two so much.

Grim's suddenly hiding behind Deuce. "I—I don't wanna be strangled again!"

"I am not talking to any of the anemones—I am talking to No Wei. Now, as I was saying…"

I back up a step, they're both far too close to me.

"Aw—look at lil' shrimpy getting all scared~" Floyd's back to sinister smiles. "It fits, right, right? A tiny lil' shrimpy~"

"Doesn't everyone here look small compared to them…?" Deuce asks, and then looks at Jack. "Never mind."

Dumb. Ass.

"Fuck, why do they sound so threatening?" Ace looks a little terrified there—I assume, because he sounds it.

"Ah, I do remember you—spying with Riddle… so, even though we are acquainted it is better if I properly introduce myself: I am Jade Leech, and this is my brother, Floyd." He doesn't introduce him as a twin which is pretty weird. Usually twins do that. So this makes them a million times more creepy!

"Yup, yup~ I'm Floyd, it's nice to meet you lil' shrimpy~"

"It's a displeasure." I immediately remark. Yeah, wow, there is no filter left.

Jade completely ignores me as he continues, "Now—we are here for proper business, after all. Since introductions are out of the way—is what is troubling you, those fairly idiotic anemones?"

"It's not convincing if you're grinning like that." Jack points out.

"No, it's you two being creepers. Your shit-tier mafia-LARPing Dorm Leader. I feel like absolute shit right now… mmm and the fact no one is really listening to a word I say as once more a very useless member of the faculty has dumped the school's current drama in my lap." I am so, so losing it today.

Jack's frowning, and giving me a look. I do not understand how he's the only one that can hear me.

"A—ah? Who's this? Spiky hair like a sea urchin…" Floyd comments, as if I didn't say a word at all. Fuck y'all.

Jack growls. "I am a iwolf/i." Oh, that was some high tier offense. Damn. Rude. Absolutely brutal, too.

"As I was saying… if the source of your woes are those anemones upon your friends' heads—then why not take it up with Azul himself?" Jade's luring me into a trap, basically.

So those looks I caught are adding up with the appearance of fucking creepy twin problems here: there's something I have that Azul wants and he's using my friends as a way to get it. Fucking great.

And I'm going to have to go because I need a way to solve this because iCrowley/i.

"If I wanted to sell my soul to the Devil I'd let you know." Yeah I am definitely in losing-my-shit-mode.

"—What?" Yeah, Jack's got me on this one.

He's like the only person not pissing me off right now.

"You should know, Azul is a a compassionate, and benevolent individuals like the Great Sea Witch herself." Jade, do stop lying today. "Surely, if you go to him, he will listen to all of your troubles."

"He is my troubles." I retort.

"He can solve ievery/i problem. You can make any wish, and he'll make it come true! Like… getting rid of those anemones off your friends heads~" Floyd, you don't need to spell out the trap like that.

"What?!" The three need to shut the fuck up.

"—And of course, we all know this won't be a free transaction." Jade. No shit.

"Of course… the two of you are trying to get No to sign some deal." He's angry, but Jack is absolutely right. Hackles raised. Growling. Jack's like the best.

"Oh, there is no need to bare those fangs at up—ah, land creatures—such vicious things, aren't they?" Jade… wait.

The fuck?

Oh man some circuit in my brain just friend. I need food and a nap.

"We're the nice ones here—we came to let you know all of that! Right, Jade?" Floyd and Jade have to be getting their jollies off somehow with all of this.

"No Wei, if you are interested in seeing Azul, please come to the Monstro Lounge at nine tonight. We will have a lovely cup of tea waiting for your arrival." I don't really believe that, Jade.

"Can't wait to see you, lil' shrimpy!" Floyd cheers.

The two retreat.

"—what they're saying is." Deuce stop.

"If you… go and make a deal with Azul—if you win-" Grim continues.

"It'll free us?!" Ace finishes.

Now they are all sharing a single brain cell.

"Please, No! Win against him!" The three are in a scary brain cell sharing mode and I think it's the tentacles.

"The three of you are taking this well…" Jack is so disappointed. I mean, I am good, but I'm coming to expect this out of pretty much everyone in Twisted Wonderland. Does that make me a horrible person? Maybe in some aspect, but I'm going to say I'm adapting.

Well, maybe everyone except Hornton… I wonder when I'll see my mysterious night friend again.

He was… different.

"You don't even have an anemone on your head! How could you understand?!" Grim, your tentacle is your own fault.

"It's your own fault. You signed the contract in the first place." Jack counters with flawless logic. Have I said he's my favorite today already? Because he most certainly is!

"Clearly, we've already learned our lesson!" Ace protests.

I don't believe that. At all. Not for a single second.

"We won't do it again! We promise!" I believe Deuce more than Ace. "Next time, I will accept failure with honor!"

I have my own biases and I accept them. Oh, no, he got me…

"You should try harder not to fail." Jack continues to scold. "So…" Jack looks concerned. "What are you going to do…? Are you going to see Azul?"

"The problem is we have no other leads or options. And it's clear they're all playing a game with me. There's something I have that Azul wants. I can't fathom what." If this was a Hentai I DEFINITELY could—but no one knows, so, it's not the Hentai route. "I'll go see him."

I'll be honest, I'd play the Hentai version of this game.

"Wow! I've never respected you before as my dorm leader before now!" Grim has definitely struck a nerve right there.

"...Yeah…" He doesn't seem to like that, but at least he understands. Thanks, Jack. "I'll come with you… since you clearly like to jump head-first into danger."

"Aw~ Jack's so nice~" Ace is teasing, and that's not wise.

Immediately he turns and snarls at Ace. "iWhat/i makes you think that's the reason!? It's what Azul's doing that I can't stand!" Which is fair, Jack has very firm moral standards and I admire that. "And I hate losing to people that didn't earn their grades properly!"

There's a weird… sound? Ugh.

"No! The anemones!" Deuce cries out.

"Ow ow ow! Why?! Why during lunch?!" Ace bemoans.

"Please help us No!" Grim pleads.

And… the three of them are drug off… just like that.

"Huh…" I say as I watch them depart, and look at Jack. "So… time to eat?"

"...They're hopeless…" And he gives me a curious look. "Are you feeling any better?"

"No." I reply honestly, taking a seat as I dig into the meat board of food I've shoved on my tray, devouring it like a hungry beast.

I'm getting another strange look from him.

"Do you want to meet outside the Octavinelle Mirror tonight?" I ask.

"Yeah." He responds.

We end up falling into a comfortable silence. Food definitely helps. Maybe—I don't remember being anemic when I was younger, but right now that's what I suspect is going on. And considering the high meat diet that is the native Texan diet—I probably treated it with barbecue. I would kill for some good smoked brisket right about now, which is actually the perfect food and if anyone wants to argue with me they can go fuck themselves.

This stuff, at least, is good too… or this would be intolerable.

I had a pretty relaxing evening, actually. A nice dinner with things put away for whenever Grim gets home, I got to clean in peace, and I even took a solid hour nap! I'm feeling refreshed, or at least as refreshed as I get.

I almost forget I have other shit to do. Welp.

But there I am, waiting outside the mirror at the right time when Jack emerges from Savanaclaw. He looks a little… worried about something. Is it this bullshit? Because same, right? I—whatever. This is another stupid side quest in the adventure of getting No Wei home, right?

"Ready?" I ask Jack.

"...As ready as I'll get…" He responds.

And in we go!

So, honestly, it's as gorgeous as it was the first time and let's be real I really like this pretty aesthetic. It's so beautiful—and maybe I walk a little too slow as we travel to the Lounge itself, but that's honestly neither here nor there.

I'm still in awe to see the Lounge operational. It's—it's just gorgeous. It has that beautiful feel of an upscale lounge in a bit city… I could probably hang here for hours.

"Is it bad that I really like the ritzy, 20s atmosphere of the Lounge?" I ask Jack as we walk in.

He gives me a huff, arms crossed. "We're in enemy territory—keep your guard up."

Well, he is right, after all.

"Oh, oh! There you are, lil' shrimpy!" I hate Floyd Leech. "Welcome, welcome! And you brought little sea urchin with you!"

"I am inot/i some sea urchin!" Oh, hackles raised. I do want to see them fight though. Is that bad of me?

"Ah, and this is my time to cut in—thank you for coming, No Wei." I don't like the creepier twin either! "Welcome to Monstro Lounge—this is your first visit, correct?:

Actually, it shifts moment to moment. Whoever is talking to me is the creepiest twin.

"...You know, I'm wondering if your favorite thing is asking questions you already know the answers to." Jack.

JACK.

God.

He's my favorite side-quest companion right now.

"Yes." Jade laughs.

"I was promised tea…" I note.

"Now—I need to explain the disclaimers and other precautions before we continue." What the fuck is this, Jade? "The Monstro Lounge is a neutral ground, and a gentlemen's social club," then where are the strippers—oh right not that kind of gentlemen's club. OOPS. "Please refrain from fighting with those from other dorms during your time here. And here, all will abide by Octavinelle Rules. Please make sure to follow the rules at all times and enjoy yourselves while visiting the Monstro Lounge."

"What magic am I fighting them with again?" Okay I am never going to get over that magic thing as long as I'm in Twisted Wonderland and there isn't a way to stop me either. Try and stop me from making shit-tier commentary.

"Now then, our dear customer, what brings you to the Lounge today?" Jade freaks me the fuck out and no one can convince me that he shouldn't.

"You invited me here to see Azul, and I was promised a cup of tea. So—that." Tea sounds really good. "Hot. With lemon."

"—unfortunate, the manager is currently...-"

"Wait. Manager? How about Mafia Don?" I cut in.

Jade clears his throat. "The manager is currently with another customer. Please take a seat and please wait until he's available. Loitering is against the rules, so please purchase a drink while you wait."

I move to leave immediately. "Alright then since I was promised a meeting time and it wasn't met, I'll return tomorrow when someone can keep their appointments—because I'm not paying to wait on someone else when I was told nine—and what time is it, Jack?" I ask.

He hums. "Nine on the dot." Good Jack. Best Jack.

Jade clears his throat. "My apologies then—I will have—what was it, tea? I will have tea brought out immediately while you wait—on the house, of course, for your inconvenience." I don't know why Jade is smiling wider.

But I will definitely summon the powers of Karen if I must.

"—Mr. Anemone, please put that order in." Jade calls to the nearby Deuce.

"Can't—delivering drinks-" And off he goes.

Ace scoffs, as he's also nearby. "—oh, they get to relax while we work our asses off."

"That is quite rude for employees in your position." Jade frowns, scolding them.

The weird sounds of a Hentai start again, and they both call out in pain.

"Azul has given me full reign over training the new staff, thus, those who violate the rules of employment shall be punished." And he's smiling.

"So you're some sort of sociopath, I guess." I comment, and he's gesturing for us to sit at an empty table.

I sit with Jack. I dislike this immensely.

There's more weird noises. "WE GET IT!" They shout in pain.

Torture clearly isn't illegal.

"Stop!" It's—this is getting to me.

"Oh no, oh my, what ever is wrong, beloved customer?" Jade freaks me out so much. "You are to follow the rules while here in the Lounge."

"If I had a rule book I could comply." I retort.

"—it's our job to strangle the ones that don't listen~" Where the FUCK did Floyd come from! I thought he left!

Jack frowns. "So what, we can't speak up about this?" His hair is on end.

"If you think you can do better, then take over." Floyd offers.

"Great idea! It'd be wonderful if they helped out!" Ace…

"And who are you to volunteer us when you got yourself into this?!" Jack scolds, scoffs, and he's a little salty.

"If you are willing to work, Mr. Howl, the go ahead—if you are willing to work properly, that is." Jade says with a soft smile. It's also sinister.

There's a cup of hot tea in front of me already and I'm a little confused.

"-it would be bad if you got kicked out." Deuce adds.

"We're tired! Grim's soaked to the bone washing dishes! We really need help." Ace pleads.

"Fine. The sooner we're done the sooner I can go back to my dorm and sleep." Does Jack have an early bed time? Huh—he does, doesn't he? I seem to recall that. "No. Stay put. If you're not here when the imanager/i is done, then you'll probably forfeit your place in line."

"That is correct." Jade chimes in.

I take a sip of the tea—it's… wonderful. Herbal. Lemony. Not sweet—weird, but I'll take it. But it warms me up and soothes me to the core. I really, really needed this and I didn't even know it. Maybe I'll ask for the type, if it doesn't involve some bullshit to it.

I watch as Jack joins the fray, quietly sipping my lovely cup of hot tea. I don't envy him, but I absolutely don't have the energy to help right now. I'm suddenly so worn out that it aches. I wonder if I'm just stressed and overworked, and the cleaning is catching up with me. Plus, I have to deal with some bullshit in just a short while with Azul. I don't want to, either. All of this is such a bother...

The crowd dies down in maybe ten, fifteen minutes of Jack's help. He's amazing at this, really, and he seems a little tired himself.

He returns to me. "Now it's died down…"

"Wow! What good work you did~ Thanks, sea urchin~" Floyd needs to stop appearing.

The sound of clapping fills the air, I slide my gaze over to see the Devil himself giving us a round of applause:

Azul Ashengrotto.