Chapter 2

I stared at the rundown building with mouth partly agape. "This is where I'll be staying?" I said.

"I told you it has a little character," said Crowley.

"A little too much character, if you ask me." Our trip to the library had proved fruitless, of course. Plus, I realized my phone and driver's license, both of which I knew had been in my shorts pockets, had mysteriously vanished. The headmage offered to let me stay in an unused dorm while he figured out how to send me home. If I had another option, I would take it.

"Isn't it delightful? Right, scoot inside now. There you go."

I entered the building, closing the door lightly in fear that it would fall off. The lounge was just what I would have expected with dust and cobwebs everywhere. "It's, uh... nice."

"This should keep the elements at bay for the time being. Now, I should return to my research. Do try to find some way to busy yourself. But don't let me catch you wandering the campus! Ta!" Crowley left before I even had a chance to say anything.

I looked around again and sighed. "It's like a desolate snowscape. Only with dust..." Fortunately, I found a broom nearby and began to clean up. Then I heard a familiar sound outside. I made my way to the window to confirm my suspicions. "Looks like it's started to rain." And, of course, there were holes in the roof.

The door opened and closed. I assumed Crowley had returned until a loud voice said, "GWAH! It's pouring out there!"

"Wh-what?!" I spun around in shock to see a wet Grim standing there.

Grim laughed. "That look on your face is priceless! Like a bat that got blasted by a water gun." He smirked. "As if I wouldn't just sneak back onto campus the second I escaped pryin' eyes. You all got no idea what I'm capable of! I ain't givin' up on goin' here just 'cause I got kicked out one measly ol' time. And if you think otherwise, you don't know Grim!"

"Why are you so determined to go to this school?" I brushed off the couch and took a seat. I had a feeling this would take awhile.

"Isn't it obvious? I was born to do this! I'm a magical prodigy who's got the makin's to become one of the greatest mages who ever lived! So I've been waitin' and waitin' for that black carriage to come for me. And yet..." He crossed his arms, frowning. "Hrmph! That Dark Mirror's got no eye for talent!That's why I took the initiative and came here myself. You humans don't understand what a mistake you're makin'! Not lettin' me in is a great loss to the world! Mrrao! C'mon, scoot over! I'm getting dripped on here!"

I moved over to give him room to flop on the couch next to me. "I can't say I'm too fond of that Dark Mirror either. I swear it's the reason I was kidnapped and forced to come here. It would be different if I had hidden magical powers, but..."

"That mirror must have switched us up my accident." A drop of water fell from one of the many holes in the roof and hit him right on the head. "Bwah! Another hole in the roof! These flamin' ears are like my trademark, y'know? I can't let 'em get doused!"

I sighed and stood up. "Guess I'll go look for some buckets."

"I dunno why you don't just magic those holes away. You could have it fixed in half a jiff." I gave him a look, and he smirked. "Ahhh, right. You can't use magic at all. Pffft, man you're useless."

I frowned at him. "Then why don't you do it?!"

"Heh? You want ME to help YOU? Ha! You got the wrong idea. I'm just a stranger takin' shelter from the rain. You ain't the boss of me. If ya had some cans of tuna to trade, well, that'd be another story. But I don't work for free."

I lifted my eyebrows. "Tuna? So, you are a cat?"

"I am not a cat!"

A rather large raindrop landed in the middle of the floor. "About those buckets..." It looked like I would receive no help, so I started down the hallway in search of some sort of supply closet. This place was kind of freaky, especially at night. Then I heard something. I turned just in time to see three ghosts staring at me!

"We haven't had visitors in ages!" said one of them. "Oh, I'm just itchin' for new friends!" I let out a loud scream.

"Hey, keep it down over-" Grim started, trotting my way. He froze when he saw the ghosts. "AAAAAH! GHOSTS! GHOOOOOOSTS!"

"All the people who used ta live here got scared of us and ran away," said the second ghost.

"We just want a new ghost to play with!" said the third. "What do you say, buddy?"

I stared at them with wide eyes, knowing exactly what they meant. I should have run, but my legs did not feel like moving. "Help me!" Grim could use magic, right? Maybe he could do something!

Grim jumped back in fright. "I'm a master sorcerer! I ain't afraid of any dumb ghosts!" Grim attempted to use his fire against the ghosts, but they faded out and back in. This happened several times with the same result.

"You're gonna set the whole dorm ablaze!" I exclaimed.

"Shaddup! I don't need any lip from you, human!"

I held in a sigh. This was getting us nowhere fast. "Beat them, and I've got a can of tuna with your name on it!"

"Myah...?! Hmph... I'm Grim, Master Sorcerer! How come I can't even hit one of these little-" The ghosts simply laughed at him. "Hrmph! Ganging up on us... Yer a buncha cowards!"

"Did I say one can of tuna? I meant two."

Grim continued to try but with no luck. "You, human! You tell me which way the ghosts are!"

That was actually not a bad idea. "To your left!"

Grim immediately shot his fire to the left, and he struck one of the ghosts. "Ha, got one! Keep it up, just like that... And let's clear out the whole lot of 'em!"

I continued to give directions while he continued to shoot out fireballs. I hated to admit it, but it was almost fun. Eventually, the ghosts got tired of us and vacated the premises. "Finally!" I smiled despite myself.

"H-huh? Did we... win?"

"That was incredible!"

Grim rubbed the back of his head. "Aw, geez, I was scared outta my-" He flushed. "I mean, they didn't faze me one bit! Just a walk in the park for a mage of my caliber! Whaddaya got to say now, ghosties? That's right!"

I smirked. "Right. And you weren't hitting anything until I stepped in to help."

"Good evening," said another voice. I gasped when Crowley entered. "In another gesture of my immense kindness, I have brought you dinner and clothing." He paused, his eyes on Grim.
Wait. That's the creature we ejected for causing trouble at orientation! What is it doing here?!"

I quickly moved to stand in front of Grim. "Don't be mad."

"Takin' care of yer ghost problem, that's what," said Grim. "You're welcome, by the way!"

Crowley set the plate of food and clothes on the coffee table. "What is the meaning of this, Ona?"

I bit my lip. "Well, we had to fight these ghosts together..."

"But you know, on that topic, I do seem to recall that this dorm had a mischievous ghost problem." Crowley tapped his chin. "Ah, yes... That's why it was abandoned, in fact. The ghosts scared away all the students."

I frowned. "You don't say..." It seemed like something quite important to remember and mention.

"And you're saying that you two joined forces to drive them away?"

"'Joined forces' ain't exactly how I'd describe it," Grim said. "More like I drove 'em away, and the human watched. And I only did it 'cause I wanted some tuna." He paused. "Hey... Wait a minute! I never got those cans of tuna ya promised!"

I shook my head. "And where do you expect me to find tuna at this time of night?"

"Would you two be so kind as to demonstrate your ghost-eradication methods for me?" Crowley said abruptly.

I stared at him. "Come again?"

"One, no," said Grim, "'cause I already wiped 'em all out. And two, no, 'cause where's my tuna?!"

"I will play the part of the ghosts," Crowley said. "As for the tuna, you'll receive it when you defeat me. Oh, what generosity, Crowley... Now, to chug this transmutation potion!" He drank something from a vile and, suddenly, turned transparent.

I shrugged. "I guess we have no choice."

"Ah, you gotta be kiddin' me," Grim groaned. "I gotta work together with the human again?"

"Do it for the tuna, Master sorcerer!" The sooner we got this over with, the sooner he would leave us alone.

"All right, but this is the last time. And I better be up to my jowls in tuna afterwards!"

And so, we found ourselves repeating our performance. Once again, I discovered it to be quite enjoyable. Grim was panting by the end. He looked up at Crowley expectantly. "Well?"

Crowley took another swig of potion and returned to normal. "Incredible... I've never seen anyone bend a monster to their will quite the way you have." He turned to me. "I must confess, my educator's intuition did sense something about you after the brouhaha at orientation, Ona. I could tell you had a certain animal trainer-y, beast master-ish quality to you. Oh, yes."

I blinked. "Beast master?" And who did he think I had bent to my will? Grim? That was not the way I saw it.

"That said, I..." He mumbled something incoherently.

I hesitated before speaking up. "Would it be possible for Grim to stay with me?" The creature was actually not bad, and I saw how he could be useful around there. Plus, I would not mind the company. I was not used to being so alone.

"WHAT? A monster, stay HERE?"

Grim looked at me with wide eyes. "Whoa, did you just...?"

"Please, sir!"

Crowley tapped his chin. "Hmmm... I suppose I cannot deny your plea. Very well."

Grim stared at him in shock. "Myah?! Really?"

Crowley held up a finger. "Let me be clear! Under no circumstances would I admit anyone to Night Raven College who has not been selected by the Dark Mirror - especially not a monster! Nor do I intend to allow you, Ona, to freeload until you're able to return home."

"Fair enough, I guess," I said. Even though though none of this was my fault and he could not just abandon me on the streets...

Grim crossed his arms and frowned. "Never shoulda got my hopes up..."

"Now, allow me to explain," Crowley said. "It was the Dark Mirror that transported you here. Therefore, this school does bear some responsibility for your well-being. So, I will allow you to remain in this dorm, free of charge."

I let out a breath of relief. "Thank you."

"However, you will need to pay for your own food, clothing, and incidentals. As to how you will do so, penniless as you are... Ah. Ah ha. Yes, a fine plan."

I swallowed hard. "What exactly are you planning to make me do?"

"You needn't seem so alarmed. I'm simply going to ask you to do a few odd jobs around campus. From what you've done here, Ona, I can tell you know your way around a broom. So, what do you say to you two working together as a janitorial team? If you agree to that, I will make a special exception and allow you to remain on campus."

I exchanged a look with Grim, who did not look too pleased. I hated cleaning, but what choice did I have? I was completely at his mercy. "I suppose that will work..."

"I'll also allow you use of the library, so that you may study and research ways to return home. How soundlessly charitable I am. Ah, but only when your work is over, of course!"

"Whaaat?" Grim cried. "What kinda deal is that?! I wanna put on one of those sweet uniforms and be a student, not sweep up people's junk!"

"If you're not satisfied with my offer, I can arrange to have you thrown out again."

Grim winced. "All right, fine! Let's do it."

I held in a sigh. "What choice do I have?"

Crowley clapped his hands together and grinned. "Wonderful. Then I beseech you both... To work hard as the newest members of the Night Raven College's janitorial staff!"

Yippee.

Crowley left after that. Grim and I scarfed down the food he had brought, and then I checked out the clothes. I had a bra - he had asked for my size earlier - and a pair of red pajamas. Wow, he worked fast. I chose the closest room to be mine. Well, mine and Grim's. There were four beds inside. We immediately got to work cleaning up.

While Grim collapsed on one of the beds, I decided to check myself out in the full length mirror. Just as I suspected, I wore a student's uniform. With my short, black hair and two sets of clothing underneath the robe, I could pass as a boy. I frowned when I noticed the bags under my brown eyes. I really needed to get some rest.

Soft snores told me Grim was sleep. I changed into the pajamas, careful not to make a sound. Then I crawled into the bed next to Grim's. Instead of falling asleep immediately, my mind drifted to my family. I hoped they were alright without me. They had probably searched the whole island for me by now. When they didn't find me, they would probably assume I had been taken out to sea... My heart clenched at the thought. I needed to get home as soon as possible, no matter what.

"Hee hee hee... Aren't the two of you supposed to be off cleaning the school today?"

Who was that voice? It did not sound familiar. I placed my pillow over my head to drown out the noise. I just wanted to sleep.

"Mmmmm... Nngh... Five more minutes, Ma..."

This voice I recognized. It was Grim. Wait... Grim? My eyes shot open, and I sat up abruptly. A ghost stared back at me. I let out a small yelp. It looked like it was a round of ghost busting to start the day.

After the ghosts retreated, I grabbed my clothes and entered the bathroom. Crowley had said nothing about appropriate attire, so I stuck with my Hawaiian shirt and shorts. I returned to my room to find the man himself waiting for me.

"Good morning," said Crowley. "Did you sleep well?"

"Not at all!" said Grim. "When I sprawled out on the bed, the mattress fell right through the frame! Exactly how ramshackle IS this dorm? And worse yet, we got woken up by ghosts!"

"I didn't sleep well either!" I said.

"Well, it's understandable you'd be anxious after being pulled into such an unfamiliar place," said Crowley. "But the world can be cruel sometimes. So, suck it up and move on!"

I looked away. "You're telling me..."

"Now, speaking of moving on, let us discuss your assignment for today." Crowley started out into the lounge, and Grim and I had no choice but to follow. He stopped in the middle of the room and turned to face us. "Your job today is to clean the campus. That said, the campus is vast, and without magic, it'd be quite the Herculean task to clean it all. Therefore, today I'll have you focus on the area spanning from the front gates to the library. Now, Ona... I do expect that you'll keep a close eye on Grim, lest he cause another incident like yesterday."

I looked at Grim, his arms crossed and eyes narrowed, and then back at Crowley. This just kept getting better and better. "Understood."

"Do not fail me. You may take your lunch in the cafeteria. I eagerly await the fruits of your labor." Crowley turned and walked out.

"Hrmph. I ain't cleanin' nothin'!" Grim said. "I'm here to study magic so I can be blastin' off spells left and right! Like BAM! POW! FWOOM!"

I sighed. "Let's just head to the front gate for now." I did not know what tools I would need, so I just grabbed the broom and dust pan. Grim did not look happy, but he did follow me outside. He brightened up as soon as we reached the gate. Seven large statutes sat on either side of a long road that led to the school.

"Wow, so this is Main Street, huh? This is incredible! I didn't get to see it much yesterday. What's the deal with these seven statues? All their faces look pretty scary." He stepped up one of the statues. "Like, this lady here looks like she's got some reeeal anger management issues."

"You don't know the Queen of Hearts?" said a kid about my age. He wore the school uniform and had messy orange-red hair.

Grim looked at him. "Queen of Hearts? Is she some kinda big deal?"

"She was a queen who lived in a mazelike garden of roses long, long ago. She was a strict woman who prized order above all. She wouldn't tolerate a rose being off-color, or her playing-card soldiers being out of step. She basically ruled over a kingdom of madness, but not one of her subjects dared to defy her. You wanna know why? Because the punishment for breaking a rule was immediate decapitation!"

"Wah! That is seriously messed up!"

"So, basically, she was a tyrant," I said, unimpressed.

"Pretty cool, right?" said the boy. "I'm a big fan. I mean, who would bother to obey a queen that was kind all the time?"

"Anyone with basic morality?"

"Yeah, true," Grim said to the boy, ignoring me. "A leader needs to be strong. But puttin' that aside... Who're you, now?"

"Name's Ace," said the boy. "I'm a first year student here, as of... today! Pleased to meetcha!"

"I'm Grim! I'm a prodigy who's plannin' to be, like, the greatest mage who ever lived." Grim motioned to me. "That there's my far less interesting hench-human."

I rolled my eyes. "My name's Ona."

"'Ona?'" Ace repeated. "Huh. Name's got an odd ring to it."

I chose to ignore that comment. "It's nice to meet you."

Ace looked me up and down. "You look like you're ready to hit the beach."

"Where I come from, everyone dresses like this all the time."

"Oh, really? Are you from a tropic island or something?"

"Actually, I am."

"Wow," said Grim. "No wonder you want to get back so badly. So tell me, Ace, is that lion with a scare in the eye a famous ruler too?"

"Of course!" said Ace. He proceeded to explain the stories behind each of the seven rulers. It was fairly interesting for what is was worth. "Pretty cool, huh?" He smirked. "Not like some piddling weasel."

"Myah?!"

"Pfft... Ah ha ha! I can't hold it back anymore! Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Come on, you're the ones who turned orientation into such a fiasco, right? The one summoned by the Dark Mirror who can't even use magic, and the monster no on summoned at all. It took everything I had not to burst into laughter right in the middle of the ceremony!"

"H-hey!" Grim said. "You don't gotta be a jerk about it!"

My eyes narrowed. "It's not funny. This is a very tragic situation. I didn't mean for it to happen."

"So in the end, neither of you got admitted, and now you're janitors?" Ace said. "Ah ha ha! SO lame!"

Grim glared at him. "What did you just call me?!"

"I never wanted to join this stupid school anyway," I muttered. "I just want to go home."

"And you're both so clueless you don't even know who the Great Seven are," Ace continued. "Not a one of them! Maybe before you try getting into the academy again, you ought to take a second crack at kindergarten? Ah ha ha ha ha!"

Grim's glare deepened. "Grrrrr..."

I wanted to be mad myself, but I knew nothing good would happen if Grim's temper got the better of him. Okay, let's all just-" I started.

"Anyway, just thought I'd tease you a bit," said Ace. "And man, am I glad I did. It's been a blast! Unlike you, I actually have classes to get to, so I'll let you get back to picking up trash. Bye!"

"You ain't walkin' away from me!" Grim declared. "It's too late for that!" He aimed his fire at Ace, who jumped out of the way just in time.

"Whoa!"

"No one makes fun of Grim, Master of Fire! I'm gonna make that explodey-head of yours explode all over again!"

"Explodey-head?! You wanna throw down with me, shorty? You got some guts. You wanna talk hair, huh? I'm gonna shave you like a toy poodle!"

"Oh no!" I groaned when Ace used wind magic to blow Grim's fireballs off course. This was going to get way out of hand too quickly. "Guys, please stop!"

It was no use. The two of them continued to fight while I did my best to stay out of their way. And then, the inevitable happened. Ace dodged one of Grim's fireballs, and the fire struck the nearest statue.

"Oh no!" Ace exclaimed. "Now the Queen of Hearts's statue looks like it's been flame-broiled!"

Grim shot him a look. "That's your fault for tryin' to divert it! You shoulda just let it burn you to a crisp!"

"Who in their right mind would ever do that?!"

"You're both at fault, okay?" I said in exasperation.

"What is going on here?" Crowley said, popping up out of nowhere. "Cease this at once!"

"Oh no!" Ace exclaimed. "The headmage!"

"Not more lashings of love!" Grim said. "We gotta get outta here!"

I sighed. "That will just make it worse." As if to prove my point, Crowley bonked both of them on the head.

"As if the likes of you could ever flee from me!" Crowley said. "Did I not just warn you, 'no more incidents?' And now you've charred one of my statues? It's almost as though you WANT to be expelled!"

"No!" Ace said. "Forgive me!"

Crowley turned to me. "And you, Ona. You were specifically told to keep Grim under control!"

I swallowed hard. "I tried to stop him, but..." What could I say?

"This will not do. And you!" Crowley rounded on Ace. "State your name and grade."

Ace cringed. "Ace Trappola... Freshman."

"Then listen well, Trappola. You too, Grim and Ona. As punishment for today's infractions, you are hereby ordered to wash a hundred windows!"

Grim glared at Ace. "That's what you get for makin' fun of me! This is all your fault!"

"Whaaat?" Ace exclaimed. "I have to do it too?!"

"You're not the one who should be complaining," I said under my breath.

"Of course you do," said Crowley. "You will meet in the cafeteria after class. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir," said Ace.

"Ugh," said Grim, "I just can't catch a break!"

"You're telling me," I said, shaking my head. Crowley was still watching me expectantly, so I added, "we'll get it done."

"Good," said Crowley. And, with that, he walked off.

Ace chuckled nervously. "So, uh, I guess I'll see you later?"

I looked away from him, not acknowledging his presence with a response. "Let's get started," I muttered to Grim.

Ace left, and Grim and I began to clean. The work was not too bad as I could focus on doing something instead of my thoughts. Of course, Grim had to ruin it with his complaining.

"Can you believe the headmage?" he said. "That was totally not my fault!"

"Yes, it was!" I snapped.

Grim frowned. "What are you talking about? That guy Ace was asking for it!"

"I agree he was a jerk, but you could have just let it go like I did."

"You wouldn't have let it go if you had magic."

"Yes, I would. It was not worth it. You just caused trouble for both of us." I turned my back on him as I focused on sweeping.

"What, are you mad at me or something?" He sounded genuinely confused.

"Yes, I'm mad! I'm in an unfamiliar place surrounded by boys with no friends, no magic, and no way to get home. Then you go and make me look bad and cause more work for me and after I convinced the headmage to let you stay..." My anger melted into sadness, and tears pricked my eyes. I heard Grim try to move around to look at me, so I turned away. "Just be quiet and do your job. I can't handle anything else today."

"I... Okay..."

Somehow, the silence did not make me feel better. I did not know what was worse, putting up with everyone in this world or being alone. Why was everything falling apart? Why did people keep blaming for something I did not choose?

But you did choose it, a tiny voice in my head said. I pushed the thought away, labeling it as nonsense. If that vision I had was real, it was a cruel trick and nothing more. I very much doubted there were any princes in this world (of my mother's variety). I did not believe in fairy tales. And I certainly did not believe in true love.