Author's Note: I apologize for the slight delay on this chapter. I told myself I wasn't gonna do it and I was able to hold off for a really long time, but I started playing Obey Me about a week ago and I've been pretty fixated on it. I didn't want to start anything new since I tend to hyperfixate on one fandom at a time and I didn't want to risk losing interest in writing this story. Thankfully, that hasn't happened and I promise you all that I am 100% committed to finishing this fic. Before anyone asks though, while I do have my own OC (her name's Circe) for Obey Me, I don't plan on writing anything for it. (Though it's possible that Circe and her boys might make a cameo in Devon's world. No promises, though.)

Crewel pinched the bridge of his nose, doing his best to keep from raising his voice. "Does anyone want to tell me how exactly this-" He gestured to a young girl perched on top of one of the tables in the lab. "-happened?"

The room was dead silent as Class 1-A watched a group of their classmates explain the situation to their fuming professor, who was clearly trying to keep himself in check so as not to frighten their now de-aged classmate. Their assignment for the class had been to create a potion that could accelerate the growth of a sapling into a fully grown tree in a matter of seconds, but something had gone awry with one of the groups and their potion erupted into a thick purple smoke. Devon and Grim happened to be walking by to gather up the last couple ingredients their group needed for their own potion when the eruption happened. Devon was able to toss Grim aside before she was engulfed in the smoke but Zephyr hadn't been able to clear it away before she inhaled some of it. Apparently the ingredients had been added in the wrong order as well because, instead of increasing Devon's age, she'd been reverted back to a five-year-old.

Fortunately and unfortunately, it appeared that Devon's mind had been reverted to that of her five-year-old self as well. It was unfortunate because this meant that she had no memory of Twisted Wonderland or any of the friends she'd made, resulting in the poor girl spending her first few moments in that form hiding under an empty table on the verge of tears and calling out for her brothers. Her classmates –Ace, Deuce, and Grim included- were at a loss at what to do; this scared, shy little girl was so different from the outgoing and nearly fearless young woman they'd come to know. Luckily for them, Devon had the attention span of a squirrel at five years old, so her fear was soon replaced with curiosity as soon as she got a good look around the room she was in.

One of the things that quickly caught Devon's attention was the glass orb at the top of the Ramshackle staff, glowing with a multitude of colors as it peeked out of her bag. Unable to help herself, she reached out to touch it, only to have Flapjack's magic warp her out of the room, eager to get her back to her dorm where she would be safe under Regina's watchful (nonexistent) eye.

"Thankfully, the potion you mutts brewed only lasts for about 12-14 hours," Crewel said as he finished lecturing the students that caused the transformation. "Lopez will be back to herself soon enough, but in the meantime her younger self will need to be watched carefully…" He looked back over at the table where Devon had been sitting, only to realize that she had vanished. He could already feel the headache coming on. "Oh, dear Sevens, this is going to be a long day."

"Wooooow, this place is super old! Like suuuuuuuuuper old! Like…25 or somethin'," Devon exclaimed as she looked up at Ramshackle. She looked over at the staff in confusion. "Why'd you bring me here, fancy magic stick? And why is that green ball followin' me everywhere?"

Zephyr floated over to Devon-thankfully her link to the Wisps was still intact so they could communicate-and gave her a brief and considerably dumbed-down explanation of who they were and where Devon currently was, explaining that the Wisps in the staff brought her back to her home so that she would be safe until the potion that de-aged her wore off. Meanwhile, Flapjack was explaining the situation to Regina, who couldn't help but wish they had arms so they could pinch the little girl's cheeks.

Devon heard some voices coming from nearby and crept toward them, her curiosity getting the better of her. She peeked around the side of the building and saw a four people having a conversation: a loud boy with spiked green hair was arguing with a much quieter silver-haired boy who looked like he was having a hard time staying awake while a shorter boy with black and pink hair watched in amusement. It was the fourth and final boy that really caught Devon's attention, though. He was tall, taller than anyone she had ever seen, with blueish-black hair and green eyes that seemed to glow.

The two dark-haired boys seemed to be in some kind of costume. Devon wasn't quite sure what they were supposed to be. The beautiful fabrics and rich blue, red, and gold hues kept her from trying to piece it together for too long, though she did notice that the shorter boy's costume had a tail made of fabric attached. The tallest boy turned to address him and that was when Devon's eyes went wide; he had a tail too, though his was much longer to the point of touching the ground. It was a purplish-black color and the scales glistened in the sun. Devon also noticed that it would twitch periodically-something the shorter boy's tail didn't do- and coupled with the horns on his head…

"He's a dragon," Devon whispered to Zephyr excitedly. "He's a really real dragon! His tail looks just like Maleficent's did when she turned into a dragon." She bounced in place as she tried to figure out what to do next. She wanted to move closer to see if the boy would talk to her, but she couldn't help feeling a little shy. His glowing eyes coupled with how handsome he was certainly made him look intimidating, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was much nicer than his outward appearance suggested.

Regina chose that moment to chime in, informing Devon that the first three boys' names were Sebek, Silver, and Lilia. The tallest one had never told Devon his real name but gave her permission to call him 'Horns', something Devon couldn't help but giggle at. Regina also explained that, though she couldn't remember it, they were actually friends with her…for the most part; the jury was still out on Sebek.

"So…you think Horns would be okay with me going over to see him?" Devon asked hesitantly.

Regina pulsed in the affirmative.

"Well…okay…," Devon said as she carefully stepped out from behind the corner.

"All I am saying is that Lord Malleus and Master Lilia's costumes are far too splendid to have Ramshackle dorm as a backdrop," Sebek insisted.

"I'm not sure why you're making such a fuss about this, Sebek," Silver argued. "Out of all the locations on the main campus, Ramshackle has the most natural "Halloween vibe". Besides, you're aware that Lord Malleus himself chose it as Diasomnia's stamp rally location, aren't you?"

"Gh…!" Sebek reeled back as if Silver had slapped him. "I-I wasn't trying to imply…"

"It's fine, Sebek. I'm well aware you didn't intend it as a slight," Malleus dismissed. "Though I would ask you not to speak my name so loudly around this place, especially when the child of man that resides here is nearby. As I've mentioned before, I've chosen to keep her ignorant as to my true identity."

"Hmph! It truly baffles me that there exists a creature with no knowledge of you whatsoever, my liege," Sebek scoffed, shaking his head with disdain.

"She can't really be blamed for that, though, now can she," Lilia defended. "She isn't from Twisted Wonderland and from what I've gathered, the world she hails from is devoid of not only magic, but fae, merfolk, and beastmen as well." He turned his attention toward Malleus as he floated up to pat his head, ignoring the prince's less than amused expression at the gesture. "There's no need to worry about anyone from Diasomnia slipping up and embarrassing you in front of your new friend. Though that does beg the question of what she actually calls you-"

Lilia was cut off by a soft 'thud'. The Diasomnia quartet glanced around in confusion when Malleus felt something lift up the end of his tail, only to release it a moment later and cause it to drop to the ground. He turned around to see a little human child with a head full of dark brown curls gently picking up his tail-given how heavy it was, the end of it was likely the most she could lift on her own-and let go once she'd raised it level with her chest. Everyone watched in confusion (as well as stunned/appalled horror, in Sebek's case and amusement in Lilia's) as she repeated the action a few more times before finally feeling their eyes on her.

Devon blinked up at them innocently, prompting Lilia to land gently next to her with a smile. "Hello there, little one. Where'd you come from?"

Devon shrugged. "I dunno."

Silver blinked, not expecting that response. "But…how did you even get here? Where are your parents?"

Devon shrugged again. "I dunno. I'm not really sure how I got here; the first thing I really remember is a room with a bunch of weird plants and juices. Then a guy in a big fluffy coat said my parents weren't here."

"Fluffy coat?" Lilia repeated as he tapped his chin in thought. "Ah, she must mean Professor Crewel." He picked up the girl and studied her face closely. "Actually, when you see her up close she looks quite a bit like Devon. Wouldn't you agree?"

Silver leaned over to get a closer look. "I suppose I see the resemblance. She even has curls like Devon, they're just the wrong color."

"I'd say she's just as precious as our friend, though~!" Lilia gushed as he nuzzled his cheek against the child's, causing her to giggle happily. "Wouldn't you agree, Malleus? She's certainly just as cute as the three of you were as youngsters."

Malleus couldn't help but chuckle himself as he carefully took the girl from Lilia's arms. "She is precious, there's no denying it. What's your name, little one?"

"Hmph! AS IF A HUMAN CHILD COULD EVER HOPE TO BE AS PRECIOUS MY LEIGE WAS AS A CHILD!" Sebek bellowed before the girl could answer.

"Ay! Why are you yellin' like that, Mr. Grumpy-Pants?!" the child asked as she covered her ears.

"Ah, thank the Great Seven you've found our wayward little hatchling!" came a voice. The Diasomnia boys turned to see Crowley making his way toward them. "I'm so relieved to see that no harm has come to her. I can only imagine the negative press if it got out that a student was left wandering on their own while under the influence of an age-reversal potion." He cleared his throat abruptly as he realized what he'd just said. "Ahem! Ah, I mean… The wellbeing of my students is always my top priority! That's what makes me such a model educator, after all!"

The boys looked from the headmaster to the child in Malleus's arms.

"A student under the influence of an age-reversal potion…," Silver repeated. "Guess that explains who this girl is and why she can't remember how she got here."

"Mmm. I suppose the age-reversal must have caused Devon's hair to go back to its' natural color as well," Lilia reasoned. "The blue suits her so well that it never even occurred to me that she might have dyed it." He floated up and gently poked Devon's cheek to get her attention. "Your name wouldn't happen to be Devon Lopez, would it, little bat?"

Devon nodded. "Yep, that's me~! I was gonna answer when Horns asked me my name, but Mr. Loudmouth starting screamin'…"

Lilia blinked. "Horns?"

Malleus chuckled again. "That settles it. The Ramshackle dorm leader is the only one who calls me by such a name. I suppose there was some sort of mishap in her Potionology class."

Crowley nodded. "Yes, that appears to be the case. Professor Crewel has informed me that the potion's effects will dissipate on their own in roughly 14 hours. However, I can't very well give a child free reign over the campus, even if she technically is a student, so I'll be taking her with me."

The smile immediately dropped off Devon's face as she buried her face in Malleus's shoulder. "No. I don't wanna go with you. The house said not to trust the man in the bird mask."

Crowley blinked. "I beg your pardon? The house told you not to trust me?"

"I think she was referring to the Wisp enchanting it," Lilia clarified. "They truly do appear to dislike you. I've noticed the rise in malice coming from the dorm whenever you arrive to check on Diasomnia's Halloween preparations, though I have to wonder what you could have possibly done to draw this much ire from them…"

"I can assure I've done nothing to warrant such distrust!" Crowley protested as he reached out toward Devon again. "Come along now, hatchling."

"But you're gross and I don't wanna!" Devon argued as she pressed herself even closer to Malleus.

Lilia glanced uncertainly back at Ramshackle, sensing another surge in hostility directed at Crowley. "It might be best not to push the issue, headmaster."

"Mmm. It's no trouble to keep her with us until the potion wears off," Malleus agreed. "Lilia already has experience with children her age, after all."

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I cannot allow my students to be inconvenienced by-"

Devon whimpered and hid her face again. No sooner had the sound left her lips then one of Ramshackle's side doors flew open on its own.

"Everyone, get clear!" Lilia ordered. He and Malleus took to the air with Devon in tow as Sebek and Silver stepped out of the way, leaving only Crowley standing in place.

A volley of kitchen knives flew out of the open door without warning, headed directly toward Crowley and moving far too quickly for him to cast any sort of barrier. He just barely managed to dodge out of the way of the bulk of them, but the empty sleeves of his coat came away with a few slices.

"I tried to warn you," Lilia said as he and Malleus floated gently back to the ground. "You know that Wisp is hostile toward you and by now the entire school is aware of how protective all of them are over Devon and yet you still attempted to take her when she clearly didn't want to go with you. I'm not sure what sort of outcome you were expecting."

Crowley cleared his throat, making a show of brushing himself off and straightening out his clothes. "Y-Yes, well… I can understand wanting to watch over their charge but there was no reason for drastic measures like that!" He sent a glare toward Ramshackle. "In any other circumstance, I'd have the perpetrator ejected from the campus immediately, but I regrettably have no control over the Wisps and where they choose to settle." He turned back to Lilia and Malleus. "In light of the situation, I see I have no choice but to entrust Devon's care to you."

Lilia clapped his hands together. "Wonderful~! I've so missed having a little munchkin to take care of~!"

"Are you sure it's okay that you aren't going to school, Horns?" Devon asked as she, Sebek, and Malleus arrived back at Diasomnia. Lilia and Silver had opted to stay behind at Ramshackle to monitor the progress of their Halloween venue. "Mama says that skipping school is bad."

Sebek let out a pained "Gh…!" as the nickname left Devon's lips. He'd nearly started chastising her for addressing the Crown Prince of Briar Valley so casually and demanding that she refer to him as "The All-Powerful Lord Malleus Draconia", but a quick warning look from Malleus silenced him immediately. Malleus reminded them out of Devon's earshot that he'd chosen to keep his identity a secret to her. The nature of the de-aging potion was such that Devon likely wouldn't remember anything about her return to childhood when the effects wore off, but he didn't want to take the chance that she'd remember his true name, even subconsciously, before he was ready to tell her. To that end, Lilia, Silver, and Sebek were instructed to refer to Malleus as "Horns" as well until Devon was back to her teenage self. As expected, Lilia was very entertained by the whole situation, Silver was mildly taken aback but still agreeable, and Sebek…looked as if he'd been struck by lightning when Malleus gave the order. Still, he wasn't about to refuse a direct command from his liege…no matter how painful it was. He split off from the pair to prepare some tea in hopes of sparing himself from hearing the name for at least a few moments.

"Don't you worry about that, child of man," Malleus assured her as he magically swapped out his Halloween costume with his dorm uniform. Devon's eyes lit up at the sight and Malleus couldn't help but be endeared by the childlike wonder in her expression; her regular teenage self had been in Twisted Wonderland for so long that she barely batted an eye at it anymore and Malleus was happy to be the one to put such an awestruck expression on her little face. "I highly doubt they'd be going over anything I didn't already know."

Devon blinked up at him. "Does that mean you know everything? Like, everything about everything?"

Malleus chuckled as they sat down on one of the couches in the lounge. "Well, I wouldn't say everything, but certainly all of the subjects this school covers in its classes."

"Then why go to school at all? If I knew everything, I'd never wanna go to school!" Devon replied.

Malleus was silent for a moment as he thought over his answer, trying to phrase it in a way Devon could understand. "There are plenty of things one can learn and experience in an environment like this that occur outside of the classroom. I felt that coming here would be a valuable experience from a social standpoint if not an educational one."

Devon looked at him inquisitively.

"My upbringing was…well, it was probably unlike anything most humans would experience," Malleus elaborated. "I was rather sheltered as a child and I suppose, in a sense, I still am. I was rarely permitted to go outside of my home and on the few opportunities I was given, I always had a guard with me. I don't have any siblings so I'm afraid it was rather lonely. Living away from home has afforded me the opportunity to interact with others without being under constant supervision."

Devon cast an uncertain glance in the direction Sebek had left in. "Does the grumpy crocodile know that? Because it seems like he freaks out if someone even makes eye contact with you."

Malleus chuckled again. "Yes, Sebek is rather…diligent in his responsibilities, but he means well." The smile on his face slowly melted into a more melancholy look. "If I'm being quite honest, though, most of the student body is too fearful to approach me. Given my reputation, I suppose it only makes sense but I can't help but find it a bit disheartening all the same."

Devon's brow furrowed as she pondered her what her friend had said. He used a lot of big words and she knew some of what he said was going over her head, but what she did manage to catch was that people were afraid of him. "Well, that's dumb. Why are people so scared of you, anyway? I don't remember anything about how I met you, but the house says that you've been super nice to me since we first met. Besides, you're a dragon, right?"

Malleus looked at her, surprised. "How… How did you…?"

Devon bounced excitedly in her seat. "So I'm right?!" She let out a happy squeal. "I figured you had to be when I saw your horns and tail. I knew it was a real tail because it was movin' around and stuff while Lilia's didn't."

"That's…a more astute observation than I was expecting for someone your age," Malleus admitted. "I'm not sure what it has to do with people being afraid of me, though."

"Oh, right!" Devon said as she got her thoughts back on track. "Well, there are a lot of stories where dragons are supposed to be super scary, but I've never thought they were. I've liked dragons since I was old enough to know what they were and since I see shirts with dragons on 'em and stuffed toys that look like dragons, I bet there are plenty of other people who like 'em too!" She reached over to pat Malleus's arm. "So try not to be sad, okay? I know there's people out there who'll think you're the coolest person ever once you get the chance to meet them."

"I wish I could be as certain as you are," Malleus admitted in an uncharacteristic show of vulnerability. There was no reason to try to save face in front of Devon; she wouldn't remember this conversation once the potion wore off, anyway. Besides it was freeing to finally be open, really open, about how he was feeling to someone who wasn't obligated to listen or try to make him feel better. "The truth of it is that power tends to frighten most people. They don't understand it, so it makes them wary."

Devon puffed up her cheeks. "Well, I'm not scared of you and that's not gonna change." She extended her pinky finger and held it out to him. "Promise."

Malleus looked from Devon's face to her extended pinky and back again, not entirely sure what she wanted him to do. She looked at him expectantly, shaking her pinky finger up and down. Slowly, he reached out his own pinky finger and linked it with hers. A warm feeling began to bloom in his chest as he did and he couldn't keep the fond expression off his face as Devon beamed at him. 'How is it that you're able to charm me so effortlessly, child of man? You kind heart was never in doubt, but it would appear that you wore it on your sleeve when you were a child. I'm glad I was able to see it.'

"There. It's a pinky promise, so that means it can't be broken," Devon assured him, crawling onto his lap so she could wrap her arms around his neck in a hug. "You're stuck with me forever now."

Malleus let out a quick laugh before gently returning Devon's hug. He was thankful for the lid he kept on his emotions; the last thing he needed was to start getting misty-eyed over a human child, but he had a feeling that's where this was headed if she kept being so sweet. "Thank you, dear one. I promise I'll cherish you and our friendship for as long as I live."

The pair settled into a comfortable silence, neither one of them willing to break the hug…until Sebek returned with the tea and immediately began shouting up a storm about a mere human child having the gall to embrace the young master.

The rest of the day passed as a series of misadventures. Crowley made another attempt to retrieve Devon when she was calm (and away from Regina) only for her to knee him squarely between the legs and declare that "he was still gross and she still didn't wanna" go with him. Lilia expressed an interest in cooking something for her, only for Silver to immediately volunteer to handle that. Lilia pouted but agreed and opted to take Devon to his Pop Music Club meeting instead, where she was immediately gushed over and doted on by Cater and Kalim. Even Sebek warmed to her slightly; Silver had caught him giving her a few apple slices to snack on, though he vehemently denied it when questioned about doing so.

That evening saw Devon snuggled against Malleus's side as she fought to keep her eyes open.

"Seems the little bat's all tired out," Lilia whispered. "I'm not surprised; she had quite a full day, after all." He blinked as a faint glowing aura began to emanate around Devon. "Ah, looks like the potion's about to wear off. She'll be back to her correct age in a few moments."

"I suppose it's time to get her back to Ramshackle, then. I'm not sure if her monster companion will be waiting, but the Wisps will be there at least," Malleus replied as he scooped Devon up into his arms and disappeared in a flash of shimmering green lights.

He and Devon reappeared inside Devon's bedroom at Ramshackle. Grim was nowhere in sight, which was fine as far as Malleus was concerned. He knew how excitable the little creature could be and didn't want to risk waking Devon up. He tucked her into her bed and gently pressed his forehead to hers before standing upright.

"Thank you for everything today, sweet child of man," Malleus whispered. "I know you won't remember anything that happened, but I shall treasure my memories of this day, always." He turned his gaze toward the ceiling to address Regina, raising his voice just slightly and making sure to keep it soft enough that it wouldn't wake Devon. "Is the Wisp called Regina present? There's something I need to say."

The manor was silent for a moment before the curtains on one of the large bedroom windows began flapping on its own, as if it was waving. The window itself was not open, so it couldn't have been the wind. Malleus could only assume that was how Regina made themself known.

"I'm sure you've been just as aware of my presence around this building as I have been of yours within in. Now that you've enchanted it, you likely have an even greater sense of those coming and going on the property," Malleus said. "As such, you might already be aware of this, but it appears that Azul Ashengrotto, the dorm leader of Octavinelle, has been taking quite a bit of interest in this building. I've seen him and the Leech twins that always hover nearby him frequenting the area on my nightly sojourns. I'm not sure what they are planning, but nothing good ever befalls those who associate with them. Ashengrotto is the scheming sort and almost every action he takes has some sort of ulterior motive. I'm concerned he might be looking to rope her into something, though I haven't the foggiest idea as to what it could be. I know that you and the rest of the Wisps residing here can communicate with Devon somehow, so I'd appreciate it greatly if you could pass my warning on to her once she's back to herself. No matter how affable he might seem, she must never trust Azul Ashengrotto."

Malleus was gone as suddenly as he'd appeared, leaving only his green lights behind him. The Wisps began to pulse nervously from their various places in the building and Zephyr immediately moved to hover protectively near Devon as she slept, reaffirming their desire to keep their human friend safe.

Ending Notes: This chapter ended on a more ominous note than I had planned, but hey, it's a nice setup for the Octavinelle arc and I do love writing Malleus and the Wisps being protective of Devon. I also love the idea of pretty much everyone (Malleus, Jamil, Leona-basically the whole school) warning Devon to stay away from Azul and then Devon popping up after the Octavinelle arc being like "This is my emotional support octopus."

I also picture her post-Octavinelle arc relationship with the tweels to be something like:

Azul: *walks into Mostro Lounge to see Devon sitting with one of the twins (probably Floyd) and giving them headpats* Umm…what's going on here?

Jade/Floyd: I'm a good eel.

Azul: *looks at Devon in hopes she can give him a better explanation*

Devon: Good eels get good eel pats.

Azul: *exasperated* How very unhelpful, thank you. *walks back into his office*

The next chapter's gonna be a Leona-centric chapter and I am mad excited to write it.

Thank you all so much for reading! As always, feedback and constructive criticism are welcome. Geekinthepink, out!