The next day when they walked into the cafeteria, they were surprised to find that the lunch room was in a bit of an uproar.
Taking their usual place at the table along with Harry, they looked around at the crowded cafeteria in bewilderment. Grim scurried up to them holding up a small apple pie.
"You guys! There's this guy in a stall selling these amazing apple pies!" He paused to wolf down a couple of bites. "I've never had apple pie like this before! It's divine!"
Celeste scrutinized the pie with interest. "That's strange... They smell exactly like the apple pies from back home." But that's impossible, she thought wistfully.
"Why don't you go grab us a couple? You still owe us for stopping Grimm from setting the potions classroom on fire this morning." Ace said with a smirk and she sighed knowing he was right. Seeing that the line was thinking out, she went and stood behind a tall boy with green hair.
"Here you are!" A familiar voice said and her eyes widened as she caught sight of the man handing out the pies. He had wavy black hair and blue eyes just like her.
"Thanks!" The boy in front of her said as he walked away. "Once Azul figures out what's in these we can sell em at the lounge..." He muttered under his breath as he brushed past her.
"Uriel!" She gasped, practically running up to the counter. Tears pricked at her eyes as she looked up at her twin brother.
Uriel smiled at her looking like he was fighting back tears as well. "Sorry, it took me so long sis. I meant to come sooner but Dad had me running a bunch of errands."
"Uriel I don't believe it... I never thought I'd see you again..." She choked and wiped a tear from her cheek.
"As if! They can't keep us apart! We're twins remember?" Uriel placed a hand on her shoulder and handed her a small basket of pies.
Celeste blinked as she accepted the basket. "Uriel... Are you giving apple pies made with Eden's golden apples to mortals?! Father would flip if he knew!" She hissed realizing why everyone was so hyped about the pies.
Uriel laughed and gave a nonchalant shrug. "I honestly don't see what the big deal is. We got plenty of them. Anyway what dad doesn't know won't hurt him."
Celeste sighed and shook her head. "It's against the rules to give celestial food to mortals. Don't you remember the story about the human and the apple they taught us in school?"
"They were probably just exaggerating the actual story. I-" He stopped, hearing someone shouting nearby.
"An apple pie vendor? I never authorized any such thing!"
She turned to see Headmaster Crowley headed their way, glaring at Uriel from underneath his mask.
"That's my cue." Uriel reached down and grabbed a large bag and stuffed all the money he'd just earned into it. "Zap and I packed you a bag of clothes and things- here." He quickly handed her the bag. "I'll see you around Celeste." With a wink, he reached up and closed the shudders on the stall.
"Hey! Open up this instant! I demand to know how you got on campus!" Crowley stormed up next to her and banged a few times on the shutters with his cane. When he got no response, he yanked open the shudders.
"Wha-?!" He exclaimed seeing that the stall was now empty with no sign that anyone had been there at all.
The Headmaster turned to her with a frustrated huff. "Celeste! If you see that strange man again inform me immediately! He's not supposed to be here!" He ordered before continuing his search.
Celeste swiftly hid the bag behind her back as she backed away. "Understood Headmaster." She said and quickly made her way back to the table with her friends.
"Wow, Celeste you took like seven years." Ace grumbled, scowling because she had taken so long. She shot him a glare as she placed the basket of pies on the table.
"You got a whole basket?!" Deuce exclaimed in surprise as Grim and Harry jumped excitedly to their feet.
"Yes. The vendor was very kind." She smiled at them as they all took a pie each- including herself. She wasn't going to pass up an Eden apple pie after all.
"Whoa did you get a discount or something?" Harry asked raising an eyebrow as he took a bite.
"Um, yeah..." She looked away, not wanting to admit she'd gotten it for free.
"This is amazing! It's like something Trey made only..." Ace trailed off not sure how to describe the taste of the exotic apple.
"It's like the apple is mixed with honey and flower petals... I've never had an apple like this before..." Harry eyed the pie in awe.
"Pardon me. Mind if I sit with you?" A meek voice asked politely. They turned to see Harry's brother, Peter standing nervously behind them.
"Of course! You are Peter, correct?" Celeste made room for him so he could sit next to his brother.
"Yes." He nodded and sat down adjusting his round-framed glasses. "I want to thank you for looking after my brother."
"Like I need lookin' after..." Harry grumbled with a sour expression.
"How are things back at the dorm?" Deuce asked with a worried expression. "Did Riddle ever calm down?"
Peter glanced about nervously before answering. "Trey and Cater were able to calm Riddle, however..." His ruby-colored eyes flickered over to Celeste. "... What you said at the unbirthday party really caused a stir in the dorm, Celeste. Some are even talking about trying to switch dorms or dropping out." His voice was barely above a whisper, afraid of being overheard.
Ace let out a snort. "That would be the end of his perfect record! Serves him right!"
The rest of them exchanged worried looks. "I guess everything is riding on what Trey has to say..." Celeste murmured as she finished her pie.
Later that afternoon, they waited in the library for Trey, knowing he had to return a book and was bound to turn up at some point. They didn't have to wait long. Trey entered the library and stopped in his tracks when he spotted the five of them.
"Hello, Trey." Deuce said walking up with Ace and Harry, all of them squared their shoulders in an attempt to intimidate him. "We knew you'd come to return that tart cookbook eventually."
"We've got a problem with how Riddle is runnin' things." Harry growled crossing his arms next to Ace.
"Is it true you've been pandering to him since you were kids?" Ace said accusingly, cutting straight to the point.
Trey's eye twitched in surprise. "What?! Who told you that?"
"A guy called Chenya." Deuce responded coldly.
Trey let out a heavy sigh as he frowned and shook his head. Grim hopped up onto the table to look Trey in the eye. "I don't get it, you're older than Riddle. Why haven't ya told him off already?"
Trey looked away. "I do when I need to. I don't think the situation calls for it."
Celeste frowned and shook her head. "I disagree, Trey. I believe the situation very much calls for it. The whole dorm is going to turn against him at this rate."
Trey grimaced at her words and ran his hand through his short green hair. "Those strict rules... They're what created Riddle." He sighed after a pause and everyone exchanged confused glances.
"His parents are famous magical healers. His mom was especially talented, and she really wanted Riddle to live up to her legacy. So, from the moment Riddle woke up to when he went to sleep... Every aspect of his life was planned, down to the minute, by the education program she made for him." Trey said with a solemn expression.
Celeste felt a twinge of familiarity. She and Uriel had also been expected to constantly be preparing for their duties as Virtues when they were younger. Which meant an attendant had been watching them at all times. But this had been because they were children of the Seraphim and their education and safety were absolutely critical.
"What he ate, what he wore, what soap he used, who his friends were- every last detail had been predetermined for him. And to please his parents, Riddle obediently completed every task they laid out for him. I can't even imagine how hard he had it."
Celeste looked away. Both her parents and attendants put together hadn't been that bad. She and Uriel had become pros at working together so they could distract the attendants to get more free time or sneak out to the training grounds to see her mother training the archangels.
"In Riddle's eyes, being bound by rigid guidelines - by fear, is a fast-track way to personal growth. Because that's how it worked for him. On the flip side, he sees the violation of those rules as an inexcusable offense." Trey finished as he adjusted his glasses.
She looked back at Trey. "I understand why he is the way he is. But Trey... If all he knows is strict rules, then how is he to learn anything differently if no one advises him?"
Trey gasped as if what she'd said hadn't occurred to him. "Wh-what?"
"Yeah! Then it's YOUR fault he's like this!" Ace accused him suddenly causing everyone to gasp.
"A-ace! That is NOT what I was trying to say!" Celeste spoke quickly, waving her hands in the air for him to stop but he shook his head.
"No, but it's true! Riddle's making the same mistake that his parents did. But you're going easy on him because you feel bad for him. Don't you see what's happening? Celeste said so earlier- the whole dorm is turning against him! You're letting him make a pariah out of himself!" Ace raised his voice slightly to get his point across. Trey looked at them stunned and with a hint of guilt on his face.
"Why don't ya say something? Worried you'll lose your head?" Harry sneered at him with a mocking smirk.
"You there! Be quiet! You are in a library!" An angry voice shouted at them and they turned to see Crowley standing in the doorway.
"You're yellin' louder than any of us though!" Grim shot him an exasperated look.
Crowley stiffened and cleared his throat awkwardly. "Oh! Yes, my apologies. But let us strive to maintain the library as a quiet place for reading." He lowered his voice to a loud whisper as he strolled over to them.
"What are you doing here Headmage?" Celeste asked as he approached them. She had noticed he seemed to be watching her in a rather odd manner lately, almost as if he was wary of her.
"I'm researching methods to send you back home of course. Precisely as I promised I would." He responded a little too quickly as he swiftly hid a book behind his back.
"Oh, but I AM gracious! And the library is, of course, an ideal place for serious research." He waved his other hand about in a flamboyant fashion as she tried to get a glimpse at the book he was holding in vain.
"Incidentally what are you all discussing with such grim faces?" Crowley asked redirecting the subject back onto them.
"Well since you asked..." Deuce explained to him about Riddle.
"I see... If you and the Housewarden are truly unable to reconcile, you could always transfer." The Headmage suggested after hearing their story, placing his hand on his chin thoughtfully. "However this is the dorm that the dark mirror chose for you based on the essence of your being. Any attempt to relocate would necessitate quite a burdensome process, as well as a new ritual."
Ace frowned and shook his head. "That'd make me feel like I was running away with my tail between my legs."
"Yeah, and it's not like WE'RE the problem. Can't transfer a whole dorm." Harry glanced at Trey as he tapped his foot irritably.
"Hmmm. Then it sounds like you should challenge Mr. Rosehearts for leadership of the dorm." The Headmaster said causally.
"WHAT?!" The six of them shouted all at once, causing Crowley to scold them for being loud again.
Once they all calmed down Deuce looked over at the Headmaster curiously. "What is the process by which the Housewardens are selected?"
"Yes, Trey said that Riddle became Housewarden the first week he was here." Celeste added with a glance at Trey who was looking concerned.
"There are several ways. You could be appointed by the previous Housewarden for example or duel the current warden and win." Crowley explained.
"But isn't fighting with magic against the rules?" Ace asked raising an eyebrow.
"In general yes. A duel initiated through formal procedure and conducted in the presence of the headmage is another matter entirely." Crowley assured them.
"I'm pretty sure the duel rules don't allow for preemptively handicapping your opponent... This could be a way to force Riddle to remove the collar without apologizing." Trey said with a wary glance at Ace.
"So what do you say Mr. Trappola? Will you challenge Mr. Rosehearts?" Crowley narrowed his eyes and grinned as if he found the situation entertaining.
"Sure, I'll give it a shot." Ace smirked as he responded with little thought.
"Then I will too!" Deuce nodded as he pushed his fist into his hand.
"Me three." Harry said narrowing his eyes.
"Are you sure about this? I certainly didn't expect Harry and Deuce to throw their hats into the ring as well." Trey said frowning.
"You didn't? I think every man's gotta make a grab for glory at least once in a lifetime." Deuce grinned excitedly.
"I just want to give him a taste of his own medicine. He's got the whole dorm on edge, now it's his turn." Harry said his ear twitching.
"Then I'll get started on the paperwork." Crowley said with a smile.
"I certainly hope you have a plan." Celeste said giving them a worried look.
"For sure. Anyone got any ideas?" Ace said looking around at everyone.
"Hard to imagine we can beat Riddle with straightforward magic. A solid left hook on the other hand..." Deuce grinned wickedly.
"Ah, did I forget to mention that detail? The duels are fought solely with magic." Crowley immediately shut him down, letting out a laugh. "I'll have the paperwork filed on the morrow, and duel scheduled accordingly."
"Aight, let's do this! I may not be the world's greatest mage but... I'll figure it out somehow!" Ace looked slightly nervous as Crowley left the library.
"How very odd..." Azul sighed as he closed yet another book on apples. He had gone to the library after the lounge had closed in hopes of finding the type of apple that had been used in the pies that had the entire school in an uproar. But to his frustration, he had come up empty. If only he could find out who that vendor was... He could take the recipe for his own and make a huge profit.
He put the book away and resigned himself to returning to his dorm. It was quite late, well after ten. He stepped outside into the crisp night air and started to make his way to the dorm.
He stopped in his tracks when he heard a beautiful voice singing nearby. It echoed off the walls of the courtyard, drawing him closer. It was a woman's voice which was strange in itself since this was a boy's school. Though he noted that there was one female student. What could she be doing out in the courtyard at this hour?
He rounded the corner and was startled to see some sort of winged being sitting by the large fountain in the courtyard. It appeared to be cleaning its wings off in the water-all four of them.
It had its back to him, and he was unable to make out what its face looked like in the pale moonlight. It raised its wings out of the water, the droplets running down its white iridescent feathers like jewels as it sang a somewhat familiar song.
" I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue
Of all of the stars in the sky
Look out for the angel waiting for you
Mysterious sky's above,... sky's above, ...above
From whence wayward winds blow
Where in the garden of Eden
All the angels are singing
Mysterious sky's above,... sky's above, ...above,... mysterious sky's above"
The tune that it sang was so familiar, he was sure he'd heard it growing up in the coral sea. However, the words were completely different from what he remembered.
Azul moved closer trying to get a look at its face. Despite his better judgment, he was entranced and wanted to know what this strange being was that had appeared before him. Its wings blocked most of his view, and he noticed they seemed to radiate a light of their own.
He was standing behind one of the apple trees in the courtyard- about five yards from it. He managed to get a glimpse of dark hair and pale skin when he stepped on a twig.
A loud snap echoed through the air and the creature leaped to its feet spinning around. He froze, it was using its wings to hide its face. It backed away slowly before turning and leaping into the air and taking off. It flew so fast that if he hadn't seen it just before, he might have thought it was a shooting star.
Azul waited until he was sure it was gone before walking up to the fountain.
He reached down and picked up a single feather that it had left behind. It felt soft and silky in his hands and something about it felt... Soothing. He tucked it into his jacket pocket before glancing back up at the night sky one last time.
Celeste was restless all through class the next day. Only it wasn't just because of the upcoming duel.
She had gone out for a quick flight the night before. Her wings had fully healed days ago and were starting to cramp from being kept up so long. Feeling the cool night wind beneath her wings once more had been absolute bliss. However, she had stopped to preen her feathers in the courtyard fountain since the bathtub back at Ramshackle was far too small.
She hadn't expected to run into anyone so late at night since the Headmaster had warned her about roaming the school grounds at night- a warning she had chosen to ignore. While she had been preening by the fountain, she had felt someone's gaze on her. Having heard a twig snap, she quickly fled while trying to hide her face. She was afraid that her cover might have been blown, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary the next day.
Perhaps I imagined it? She thought to herself as she accompanied the boys to their duel with Riddle. They made their way to the center of the rose maze at the Heartslabyul dorm.
The entire dorm had come to watch as Crowley stepped out and announced. "We are about to commence three challenges for the Housewarden position at Heartslabyul House. The first challenger is Ace Trappola. The second challenger is Deuce Spade. The third challenger is Harold March. The current Housewarden they have challenged is Riddle Rosehearts."
Celeste saw Peter watching his brother with a concerned expression. His ruby-red eyes flickered back and forth between Riddle and Harry as he bit his lip and flattened his ears nervously.
"Now, in accordance with duel rules, please remove the magic sealing collars as they would provide an unfair disadvantage." Crowley ordered and Riddle released them of their collars. The boys all let out a collective sigh of relief.
Riddle shot them a cocky smile. "Enjoy your moment of freedom. The collars will be back on soon enough. Let's get this over with."
Cater looked over at Riddle after glancing at his phone. "Uh, Riddle, what do you want to do about today's afternoon tea?"
"A foolish question. You know that the rules stipulate I take my tea at 4 pm sharp." Riddle frowned crossing his arms.
"It's just that it's already after 3:30..." Cater said nervously.
"And you fear I will be late? All the more reason to end this promptly." Riddle turned his attention to his dorm and raised his voice. "It appears I have little time to waste. Rather than facing each opponent individually, I will take on all three at once." He announced confidently and the students murmured amongst themselves.
"You can do it, Housewarden Riddle!" The students shouted encouragement at him, but she noticed that quite a few remained silent, including Peter.
"Headmage, please give the signal." Riddle asked calmly as the boys braced themselves.
Crowley nodded and held up a small mirror. "When the mirror I've thrown shatters upon the ground, that is your signal to begin. Ready...go!" Crowley dropped the mirror and it shattered with a loud crack.
"OFF WITH YOUR HEADS!" Riddle shouted at the same time Harry shouted, "MOVE DOWN!" While Ace and Deuce were immediately collared Harry disappeared and in his place was another collared student.
Riddle seemed surprised for a moment before swiftly deflecting another spell from the crowd. He turned to see Harry standing in the crowd holding up his pen.
"You only bought yourself a few seconds! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!" Riddle yelled and this time succeeded in collaring Harry who let out a shout in frustration.
"I didn't even have time to finish my spell!" Ace groaned tugging at his collar.
"He shut us down like it was nothing... And Harry even used his signature spell." Deuce sighed in defeat, his shoulders slumping.
"It would appear that Mr. Rosehearts has finely honed his magic." Crowley noted grinning, seeming to enjoy the incredibly short duel.
"They didn't stand a chance!" Grim wailed at her feet.
"I'm afraid so..." Celeste sighed, holding her hand to her head.
Riddle sneered at the three boys. "That was all you had and you still thought to challenge me? You must be utterly humiliated. I guess my mother was right. A man who cannot follow rules is a man who cannot achieve anything." Celeste narrowed her eyes angrily and clenched her fists.
Deuce glared at Riddle. "... We agree that rules should be followed. But forcing nonsensical rules on others is tyranny!"
"Then you agree that breaking the rules is wrong. In this dorm, I AM the rules! Therefore, those who cannot abide by my decisions deserve not the heads they use to complain!" Riddle shot back at him.
"Riddle, you can follow every rule in the book but it won't always make you right." Celeste growled and Riddle snapped his attention to her, narrowing his eyes.
"I decide what's wrong and what's right!" He spat at her, looking her up and down. "Someone like you obviously has no respect for rules, seeing how you're shackled. Your parents must be ashamed of you." He sneered at her and she drew in a breath sharply. Her mind went to her father's dismayed look right before she fell.
Deuce tensed up like he was going to lunge toward Riddle but Ace beat him to it.
"You shut your spoiled little mouth!" Ace screamed punching Riddle in the jaw. Riddle staggered back, his grey eyes wide in shock as he clutched his face as a collective gasp ran through the crowd. Celeste's hand flew over her mouth in shock.
"Riddle?!" Trey and Cater cried out at seeing their Housewarden injured.
"A-ace?!" Celeste and Deuce called out to him but he ignored them glaring at Riddle.
"That's all I can take. Forget Riddle. Forget the duel. I'm done. I'm not gonna stand here and let you dis Celeste after everything she's done. Yeah, she's weird but she's also the nicest person I know. She may have broken some stupid rule somewhere but that's ok with me, it's not my place to judge her for it and it ain't yours either." Ace huffed and Celeste's eyes widened. A warm feeling spread through her chest, she was happy to have Ace as her friend.
"Kids aren't trophies for their parents to flaunt. And the accomplishments of a child shouldn't determine their worth to their parents. It's not your parent's fault that you became a tyrant - or anyone else's. You've been here a year and haven't made a single friend who will tell you you're outta line. And that's on you."
"What are you even talking about?" Riddle drew back looking startled.
"Yeah, maybe you had some rigid upbringing from a relentless helicopter mom. Is that all you are? An extension of her? Can't think for yourself?" Ace towered over Riddle, his scarlet eyes boring into him.
"You don't know anything about me! You don't know anything about anything!" Riddle hissed up at him.
"Nope, I sure don't. And I don't need to. Your attitude tells me all I need to know- that you're nothing but a spoiled brat!" Ace huffed and Riddle snapped.
"Shut up, shut up, shut UP! My mother was right! And that means I'm right too!" He screamed getting red in the face.
"Riddle calm down. The duel is already over." Trey moved towards him, looking concerned.
"Mr. Clover is correct. The challenger has been disqualified due to physical violence. If you do not cease your conflict now. I'll have you written up for breaking school rules!" Crowley warned stepping forward.
"Ace is right though! I've had enough of Riddle!" One of the Heartslabyul students shouted and an egg came flying out of the crowd and hit Riddle in the shoulder.
"Who did that? Who threw that egg?!" Riddle yelled spinning around and clenching his fists, but everyone remained silent.
Riddle let out an unhinged laugh. "YOU'RE fed up?! I'M the one who's fed up with all of YOU! No matter how strict I am, no matter how many heads I remove, you keep breaking the rules! All any of you care about is doing what YOU want to do! If the guilty party won't come forward, then I'll pass judgment on all of you! OFF WITH YOUR HEADS!" He screamed as he waved his pen and collared the entire dorm.
Everyone cried out and struggled in their collars. "Riddle! You're out of control!" Harry shouted at him as he went to check on Peter.
Riddle only laughed at seeing his dorm in turmoil. "Now no one can do anything to me. Do you see now? My strict adherence to the rules was clearly the right choice!"
"Riddle stop! Can't you see this is madness?! Release them at once!" Celeste shouted at him.
"Cease this improper behavior now, Mr. Rosehearts. I expect better from you!" Crowley raised his voice but Riddle didn't seem to hear him, instead focusing on Ace.
"Wow way to prove me wrong pal. I call you a spoiled brat and you throw a huge temper tantrum." Ace snorted at Riddle, adding fuel to the fire.
"Retract your comment immediately or I shall skewer you where you stand!" Riddle screamed at him trembling in fury.
"No way I ain't retracting squat." Ace crossed his arms and stared down Riddle who let out an enraged scream.
The rose bushes around them were suddenly ripped from their roots as Riddle's magic took hold of them and started flying toward Ace.
"Mighty roses tear this brute to pieces!" Riddle screamed, launching the bushes toward Ace.
"Ace look out!" Celeste shouted but the bushes transformed into playing cards and harmlessly bounced off of him.
"What...?!" Riddle gasped in confusion as the playing cards littered the ground around Ace.
"I'm still alive? Playing cards?" Ace seemed confused as well.
"Riddle stop this right now." Trey said sternly walking up to Riddle.
"Wait is that Trey's paint the roses?!" Cater gasped watching the cards fall to the ground.
"All the magic collars are gone!" Grim cried realizing that he was free.
"What did I tell you? My magic can overwrite characteristics for a short time. So I made Riddles magic my magic." Trey explained with a serious expression.
"N-no... Off with their heads! I SAID off with their heads!" Riddle cried trying to use his spell again to no avail.
"Riddle stop. Can't you see how you look right now?" Trey glanced over to the Heartslabyul students who were murmuring amongst themselves eyeing Riddle with fear and disbelief.
"What? Was my magic overwritten by yours? Does that mean your signature spell is stronger than mine?" Riddle's voice shook as he looked up a Trey.
"Of course it doesn't. Riddle take a deep breath and listen to us." Trey tried to calm him down in vain.
"Are YOU going to tell me that I'm wrong too? After all I've done to protect the rule of law?! Do you know how much I've suffered for this?! I... I refuse to believe this!" Riddle screamed, looking as if he was about to cry.
"Cease immediately Mr. Rosehearts! Any further attempt to use magic will leave your magestone completely tainted with blot!" Crowley shouted eyeing the darkening magestone on Riddle's scepter.
"But... I'm right! I'M the one who's right! There is NO! POSSIBLE! ALTERNATIVE!" Riddle roared shaking in fury, his face now the same shade of red as his hair.
"Riddle stop!" Trey screamed but it was too late. Black ooze started leaking out of Riddle's nose, mouth, and eyes. A dark mist enveloped him and his appearance started to warp. His outfit became a ragged red and black dress and the black ooze formed a crown on his head.
His eyes now glowed red and the black ooze pooled around him. The ooze started to form a phantom behind him, towering over him.
"He's overblotted!" Celeste cried taking a few steps back. She eyed the ooze fearfully knowing it would burn her with the slightest touch.
Riddle let out a cruel laugh, his voice now distorted. "You are fools to defy me! You are not welcome in my world! In my world I am the law! I am order made manifest!"
"Dear me, what have I done? I've allowed a student to overblot in my presence!" Crowley cried woefully as he watched Riddle transform.
"What's overblot?" Grim backed away from Riddle, his fur standing on end.
"It's similar to corruption where I'm from. It's when negative energy takes over your magic and emotions!" Celeste tried to explain to him.
"If he keeps releasing magical energy, we could be looking at a loss of a life here- his included." Trey's expression was grim as he watched his housewarden become overwhelmed with blott.
"The well-being of my students is my top priority. Therefore, I must evacuate them immediately. As for Mr. Rosehearts, we must restore his consciousness before his magical energy runs dry. For as bad as losing him would be, there are scenarios that are far worse..." Crowley gave Celeste an intense look before he started ushering out the remaining Heartslabyul students who had yet to flee.
"Listen well: I need all of you to seek help from the other Housewarden's and members of the faculty." Crowley ordered them.
Ace let out a yell and started to bast Riddle with a wind spell. Deuce followed suit by summoning a cauldron on top of him.
Grim seemed to gain some courage from seeing his friends attack Riddle and sent some blue fireballs in Riddle's direction. Harry ran to Deuce's side and summoned a barrage of tea cups flying at Riddle.
"What do you fools think you're doing?!" Riddle hissed shoving the cauldron aside and deflecting the tea cups.
They all gawked at them in disbelief, as the boys continued to attack Riddle who swatted away their spells with little effort.
"What are you doing?!" Celeste shouted at them.
"I don't want this on my conscience!" Deuce grunted as he summoned another cauldron. Celeste froze as she recalled how her mother had died. They don't want a death on their conscience, she thought as she watched her friends band together to help the boy they all had disliked.
She was snapped out of her thoughts by Crowley who grabbed her arm. "Celeste you still need to evacuate!" He said and started to pull her away.
She jerked away from him. "I do not intend to abandon my friends!" She turned to see Cater and Trey rushing to aid the freshman.
The headmage narrowed his eyes. "...You will be putting your friends in danger if you corrupt." He hissed in an icy tone that made her freeze.
She spun around eyes wide. Did he know? She took a deep breath to calm herself. "I will not let any harm come to my friends, not from Riddle... Or myself." She assured him.
The headmaster sighed and then shouted to everyone who was battling Riddle. "I'll be back as soon as I've gotten the students to safety. Stand firm until then!" He quickly followed after the Heartslabyul students who were fleeing the scene.
She turned back to the fight to see that Ace was about to get hit by a rose bush. I will not let anyone else suffer as I have. No one has to die this time. She thought as she dashed forward, knocking him out of the way.
"Wh-?!" Ace cried out at her sudden appearance but before she could say anything the rose bush slammed into her, throwing her back several feet and crashing into a table.
"CELESTE!" The boys shouted after her and Deuce sprinted towards her. To his surprise, she got up rather quickly and seemed uninjured except for a few scratches.
"I'm fine!" She reassured him springing to her feet.
"B-but-!" Deuce started to say but she ignored him, grabbing the table she had crashed into and holding it up like a shield.
She charged forward bashing through several airborne objects to the front lines, intending to pin Riddle using the table.
Riddle suddenly stopped, his unnatural red gaze resting on her. A strange awed expression crossed his face.
"Riddle? Can you hear me?" Trey asked hoping they had gotten through to him. Everyone stopped the onslaught thinking Riddle had come to his senses.
"That light... It shines so brightly..." Riddle reached out to her.
"Hey... Isn't that what the phantom said in the mines?!" Ace looked at Celeste in alarm.
"I... NEED IT! Everything will be right again if I can just have that light!" Riddle screamed and lurched forward. Black ooze shot out towards her and she held up the table to deflect it.
"Why is he like suddenly obsessed with Celeste?!" Cater yelled, quickly casting a water spell and drenching Riddle. Oddly, Riddle didn't seem to notice, now solely focused on Celeste.
"I don't know but this happened with the phantom at the mines too!" Deuce shouted hurling yet another cauldron at Riddle. This time with Riddle focused on her, he didn't deflect it and the cauldron hit him over the head causing him to collapse onto the ground.
The phantom that had been forming behind him dissolved into a black puddle.
"RIDDLE!" Trey screamed and ran over to him with Cater close behind him. They pulled Riddle out of the puddle of blott and onto a clear patch of grass nearby. Riddle's small frame dangled limply in Trey's arms.
Celeste slowly walked over to the boys, her gaze fixed on Riddle. He looked so much like the boy she'd saved at that moment.
(Flashback)
Celeste paced the floor impatiently as she waited for Zaphiel. He was running late, no doubt held up by her father. She glanced up at the clock in the grand hall of Eden's palace then back to the rest of the patrol that was supposed to go with them to investigate a phantom attack in the human world. She always volunteered to go on patrols involving phantoms. She was determined to find out why phantom attacks were increasing. It had been 50 years since her mother had been killed in a phantom invasion and Celeste having been fighting at her side at the time, refused to let it go.
She sighed. "Listen would you please inform Zaphiel I went ahead to scout out the location? There shouldn't be any phantoms in the vicinity now anyway."
The other angels glanced at each other nervously. "Are you sure that's wise, princess? Zaphiel won't be pleased when he finds out you left on your own." One of them said.
"Zaphiel worries too much. Honestly, I'm a Virtue, I can handle myself. Not to mention I'm Eden's fastest flyer." She shrugged off the princess comment. Being the child of the Seraphim that ruled over Eden she and her brother were treated very much like royalty. Though this did not mean they were next in line to be Seraphim- the Seraphims were always chosen by the 12 elders. An angel of any rank could become one as long as they were considered worthy. With a wink, she gave her armor and sword one last check before diving down into the portal to the human world.
Dawn was breaking just over the horizon as she glided down through the clouds. She scanned the area below searching for signs of phantoms.
It wasn't long before she saw the small village that had been targeted. Black ooze covered the streets and buildings. She circled around trying to see the extent of the damage when something moving caught her eye.
She stopped and hovered for a moment to make sure it wasn't a phantom that had lingered. She gasped when she realized that it was a small human covered in blott crawling on the ground. She dove down and landed quietly behind him.
She could hear the small boy crying softly as he collapsed. Unable to stop herself, she rushed forward and pulled him into her arms, her armor protecting her from the burning ooze. He was about the size of her flight students that she taught back home.
She flipped him over in her arms and their gazes met. His eyes widened in wonderment as he reached out for her, his hand brushing her wing before going limp. The light faded from his eyes as one last breath slipped past his lips.
Celeste's face twisted in despair realizing he was gone. "...No this isn't fair! You lived through all of this only to die now?!" She cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry that the Angels have turned their backs on humans." She sobbed taking a deep breath. "... But I won't turn my back on you. Even if it means that I'll be breaking the rules... I can't stand to see anyone else die."
She laid the boy down and held her hand over his face. "Reflecto Tempus." A golden light swirled around him as his wounds disappeared. The spell reversed the time on the boy. Turning the clock back to when he was alive and uninjured. Time magic was an ability that only angels possessed and it was strictly forbidden to use it on mortals. The boy gasped and opened his eyes and she smiled warmly down at him.
"Celeste..." She spun around to see Zaphiel and the rest of the patrol landing behind her and her blood ran cold.
Zaphiel walked over to her slowly, his short wavy light blue hair rustled in a gentle breeze while the rest of the angels murmured amongst themselves. "Celeste... What have you done?" Zaphiel's green eyes were filled with dismay as he looked down at the human boy.
(Flashback end)
"He's breathing..." Trey's voice brought her back to the present. Everyone let out a sigh of relief and Celeste went over a knelt beside Riddle along with Trey.
She pulled out a silk handkerchief that had been among the things her brother had packed for her. It had her initial and the twin stars embroidered on it. She started to dab at Riddle's wounds- mainly the one on his head.
"You don't think I hit him too hard?" Deuce said nervously as he watched her tend to Riddle's wound.
Just then Riddle's eyes flickered open and he gasped. He sat up abruptly and Celeste pulled her hand away.
"He's back!" Ace straightened up from his position where he'd been hunched over. He ran his hand through his fluffy orange hair in relief.
Cater let out a relieved sigh. "Well it's about time... We were just about losing our heads here- figure of speech sorry- cause we thought you might never wake up!"
"... What in the world happened...?" Riddle groaned holding his head.
"Ah, Mr. Rosehearts appears to have regained consciousness. Excellent." Crowley said walking towards them having just returned.
"You overblotted Riddle, but it's alright, no one was hurt." Celeste reassured him gently.
"W-what...?" Riddle looked alarmed as he looked around at the destroyed garden.
"Don't worry, Riddle just try to rest." Trey reassured him placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Yo, that's the sort of coddling that led him to going nuts in the first place. And now Celeste is doing it too! The garden is tore up from the floor up. Not to mention we could have died." Ace snapped seeing them caring for Riddle.
"Ace!" Celeste shot him a scathing look.
"The truth is, I... Really wanted to eat the chestnut tart." Riddle said suddenly and they all turned to him in surprise.
"And I don't care if the roses are white, or if the flamingos are pink. And I prefer honey to sugar cubes in my tea, and I like milk tea better than lemon tea anyhow. And after a meal, I want to be the one sitting around talking with everyone..." Riddle choked, his eyes filling with tears.
"Riddle...?" Trey looked confused as Riddle started blubbering.
"And I really wanted to play with you and Chenya more, Trey." Riddle burst into tears, his shoulders shaking with heavy sobs.
"Riddle Rosehearts in tears... Hashtag WOW." Cater said looking taken aback.
"Here Riddle." Celeste offered him a clean handkerchief which he gratefully took.
"Celeste... I'm sorry... About what I said... You're too kind." He sniffled as he dabbed his tears away.
"It's alright Riddle. I forgive you." Celeste reassured him while rubbing his back.
"It gonna take more than that for me to forgive him! And Celeste he was just trying to kill you like ten minutes ago." Harry huffed crossing his arms and flattening his ears.
"He overblotted. He wasn't in control of his own actions..." Celeste said shaking her head.
Trey let out a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry Riddle. I knew you were suffering and all I did was pretend not to notice." Trey glanced down looking guilty before continuing. "So I'm gonna say what I should have said earlier. Your way of doing things was wrong, and you owe everyone an apology."
Riddle sniffled and looked up at everyone. "... I'm sorry... I'm really sorry." He choked holding Celeste's handkerchief to his face.
Ace glared down at Riddle unmoved. "Y'know what? One stupid I'm sorry doesn't even come close to making up for what you did!" Ace spat at him.
"Ace!" Celeste shot him another glare.
"Have you forgotten how he made a total fool outta me!? How he threw away that chestnut tart that we worked so hard on!?" Ace scowled at them.
"Then... Then what do you want me to do?!" Riddle sputtered still sniffling.
"I want a do-over for the unbirthday party. Except this time we ain't gotta do squat. This time YOU'RE the one bringing the tart! And no getting Trey to make it for you! Do that and things are square between us." Ace said with a smirk.
"Ace you had plenty of help making your tart." Celeste frowned at him.
Ace pointedly ignored her comment instead looking intently at Riddle. "What do you say, Riddle? We clear?"
Riddle nodded. "Yes... We're clear."
"Ah yes, compromise is a beautiful thing. I believe this clears up this matter." Crowley declared smiling beneath his mask. Celeste reached into her pocket and pulled out the celestial chocolate bar she had arrived with.
"Riddle here, you should eat this." She told him while snapping it in half.
"W-what? Why are you giving me this?" Riddle sniffled confused as she handed him the chocolate.
"Hey, why does he get chocolate?!" Grim complained teleporting to her side at the sound of the candy wrapper.
"This is a form of medicine where I'm from. It helps in very minor cases of corruption, which is similar to overblot." She told Riddle still holding the chocolate out to him and he hesitantly took it from her.
After a few tentative bites, his eyes went wide. "This is extraordinary!" He said perking up, the color coming back to his face and he appeared to regain some of his strength. It seemed that half a dose was appropriate for a human.
"Hey let me have some of that!" Grim tried to swipe the other half of the chocolate bar from her hands.
"No Grim! This is medicine!" She stood up so he couldn't reach it. "Honestly! Control yourself!" She scolded him and he proceeded to sulk.
"Welp looks like we got some cleaning up to do." Cater turned to look around at the uprooted rose bushes that had been tossed about. He let out a heavy sigh as he ran his fingers over his orange hair. "All that work making the garden Magicam worthy and now it's a total dumpster fire. Laaame."
"I'll help out." Trey said immediately looking up from Riddle.
Cater shook his head. "No, why don't you get Riddle to the nurse's office? That was a full-blown case of overblot. Looks like Celeste's chocolate helped but we still need to make sure he's ok."
"Mr. Diamond is correct. I will go along with you." Crowley said with a nod.
Trey nodded and helped Riddle to his feet. "Understood. Thank you, sir."
"Wait, now that I think of it, Celeste took a beating with that rose bush. Maybe she should go too." Cater's green gaze flickered over to her.
"...Celeste?" Riddle looked over at her with concern and seemed to notice her torn uniform for the first time.
"Don't worry Riddle, I'm quite alright. Though I cannot say the same for my uniform..." She reassured him with a smile as she tried to smooth over the rips and tears. The scratches had already healed, leaving no scars on her pale skin.
"Celeste can walk off some pretty crazy stuff." Ace added glancing at her.
"If you say so... Celeste, I'll see to it that your uniform is repaired." Riddle said before Trey and Crowley led him away.
They all started to pick up the debris. Celeste made sure to avoid anything with the black ooze on it. Grim however went straight for the biggest puddle.
"Grim! Get out of there!" Celeste yelled at him as he pulled something out of the muck.
"Hey check it out! It's another black magestone like the one at the mine!" Grim said holding up a black crystal.
"A black magestone?" Harry frowned tilting his head curiously.
"Your right. Wonder where it came from?" Deuce said walking over to him with Ace.
"Just don't put it in your mouth like-" Ace started to say but it was too late, Grim popped the stone into his mouth.
"Aw, Grim! Not again! That's so disgusting! Stay away from me!" Celeste's face twisted in disgust.
"Oh, Grimmy... Have some self-respect honey! That was literally trash!" Cater said making a face as well.
Grim smiled as he swallowed the stone. "Delicious! But it tasted different from the last one... Relax Celeste, I won't get any of this stuff on ya." Grim said as he walked out of the puddle and shook the muck off his paws, splattering Deuce and Ace.
"HEY! THAT DOESN'T MEAN GET IT ON US!" Ace and Deuce yelled at him as they wiped the muck off themselves.
After they had gotten the garden to a presentable state, Celeste bid them farewell and returned to Ramshackle with Grim.
She let out a heavy sigh as she left Grim to eat his dinner. She went up to her room and pulled out the bag Uriel had given her. She hadn't had much time to go through it with the boys there.
She set aside the money and pulled out one of her outfits to change into. Riddle had said he'd fix her uniform but she wasn't sure when. She would just have to hope Crowley would be lenient about what she wore until then.
She changed out of her tattered uniform and into a long sleeve blue top with a matching overcoat that tapered down past her knees. She snapped on the black leather waist belt that had silver wings in the center and pulled on a dark blue pair of high-waisted pants.
All her clothes had been hand tailored to fit her and were made of the finest materials. There were even slits in the back of her coat for her wings.
She slipped on a pair of matching boots and continued to look through the bag. They had packed a bag of golden apples, her tiara, her star necklace, a nightgown, and her sword.
She pulled out the star necklace and fastened it around her neck. She ran her hands over the crystals in it knowing her brother had a matching necklace.
She picked up the tiara- a gift from her father for her 516th birthday. It also had a star design and was bejeweled in diamonds and sapphires. She wondered why on earth they'd packed it when she noticed a note underneath it.
"Stay strong Celeste. Your father is trying to get the elders to reverse their decision. But no matter what happens never forget that you are Princess Celeste: Second Half of the Twin Stars. Sincerely Zaphiel."
Tears fell onto the note causing the ink to run. She let out a sob as she knelt on the floor by the rickety bed. Her father's efforts were futile that she knew. There was no way the elders Azrael the angel of death and Chronos the angel of time would forgive her for interfering with their domain. But even so, her father was still trying and it seemed that Zaphiel was still considering himself her attendant- even though she was supposed to lose everything in the fall.
Her sobs grew louder and she heard a creak behind her. She turned around to see Grim and the ghosts peeking around behind the door.
"... Celeste are you ok?" Grim squeaked, padding slowly up to her with a concerned expression.
"What troubles you, my dear?" One of the ghosts asked drifting into the room with his companions.
"I'm sorry... I'm just missing my family is all. And I suppose I'm a bit homesick, everything is so different here..." She sniffled wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Ah, that's understandable. But don't worry, things will work out just fine for you." Another ghost reassured her.
"I'm certain some prince charming will come to your rescue! And if not you have us and your Heartslabyul friends." The thin ghost added with a warm look.
Celeste smiled at them. "... Thank you. I am certainly glad I'm not alone, although I do not think I will need a prince to rescue me, I will simply find my own way."
"Yeah! Celeste doesn't need some lame prince when she's got the world's greatest mage as her friend!" Grim declared, puffing out his chest proudly.
Celeste let out a chuckle. "Yes, that's right Grim." She patted him on the head.
A few days later, Heartslabyul held another unbirthday party. Celeste and Grim this time we're more formally invited. They arrived at the rose garden dressed in their Heartslabyul attire.
Once again Peter stepped out and sounded his trumpet. "All hail our leader, the Red Sovereign himself... Housewarden Riddle!"
"We salute you, Housewarden Riddle!" Everyone cried before being seated and she curtsied before taking her seat next to Deuce.
Riddle took a look around. "Hm, the garden roses are red, the tablecloths are white... This seems a proper unbirthday party indeed. Is there a dormouse asleep in the teapo- Er well I suppose it's fine either way." Riddle said catching himself. The past few days Riddle had really been putting an effort to be more lenient.
Trey smiled at him. "Not everything has to change completely you know. Let's try to set the bar at it's great if it's this way, not it absolutely has to be this way."
"Yes, that makes sense." Riddle gave a small nod.
"I'm glad the Housewarden recovered from his overblot without any complications." Deuce smiled in relief next to her.
"Yes, I'm glad as well." Celeste said watching Riddle talk with Trey.
"Yeah whatever! Let's eat already!" Grim slammed his paws on the table impatiently while sitting in her lap.
"Grim! Don't be rude! Honestly, I'm going to have to teach you some table etiquette if you're going to sit on my lap!" Celeste scolded him.
"I don't have time for all that fancy stuff, I just wanna shovel food in my face!" He complained crossing his paws.
"Wait a minute!" Riddle suddenly exclaimed jumping up from his seat. "There's a white rose!"
Everyone turned in alarm to see a white rose had been missed. The air suddenly grew very tense.
"We missed one?!" Ace hissed from her other side, looking incredibly nervous.
"Ace, Deuce, I told you to make sure to paint EVERY rose!" Cater looked at them panicked.
"Wait, this is our fault?! I thought Harry was on painting duty too?!" Deuce said glancing over at Harry.
"Hey don't drag ME into this! That side of the garden was your responsibility, not mine!" Harry shot back, flattening his ears.
"R-Riddle listen..." Trey said nervously.
"Riddle now remember to stay calm. It's not good for you to get worked up you know." Celeste said gently.
Riddle looked over at Celeste and smiled. "Yes I know, thank you, Celeste. I suppose I can overlook one or two missed roses."
Everyone seemed to let out a sigh of relief. "R-really? That's so generous of you Riddle!" Cater looked both relieved and surprised.
The food was brought out and Ace raised an eyebrow at Riddle. "So what about that tart, Housewarden?"
Riddle drew back some and made a face. "I made it for you, as I promised I would. Here: one strawberry tart, crafted by yours truly." Riddle gestured to a tart in the center of the table.
"Nice! The shapes a little off, but I can tell you put a lot of work into the glaze. A fine job indeed, especially considering it was your first try." Trey inspected the tart with an expert eye.
Ace rolled his eyes at Trey. "How about actually TRYING it before you start fawning all over him?" He said reaching for the knife.
Cater held up his hand and stopped him. "Hold it! Don't start cutting that until I get my magicam snap!... Okay got it." He quickly took a picture and gave the okay to serve the tart. Ace cut a slice for everyone including her.
"Tch. I see Cater hasn't changed a bit either." He shook his head as he took a bite of tart along with everyone else.
Everyone seemed to stop at the same time looking at one another. "This is kinda... Salty?!" Trey and Cater exclaimed in surprise.
It was indeed. She discreetly set down her knife and fork and pushed her slice over towards Grim who seemed unfazed at the taste. She quickly reached for her cup of tea to wash away the salty taste that lingered on her tongue.
"Whaaaat?" Riddle exclaimed in shock, seeing everyone pull a face after taking a bite.
"This isn't KINDA salty- it's a full-on salt lick! What did you put in this?!" Ace said choking on the bite he'd taken.
Riddle seemed baffled as he looked at the tart. "But I followed the rules exactly, and measured everything precisely! Unless... Oh!" A look of sudden realization came over him. "Could it be... From the oyster sauce?"
Deuce sputtered as he choked on his tea. "Wait... Did you actually use that oyster sauce that Trey jokes about?"
Riddle blinked. "But Trey said that oyster sauce is an unlisted secret ingredient in all tarts!"
"And you actually believed him?! How could you not tell he was joking?!" Ace exclaimed glaring at Riddle.
"Ace need I remind you that you fell for it as well?" Celeste narrowed her eyes and Ace shot her an annoyed look.
"Even if you believed the joke, it was only supposed to be a splash. How much did you put in?" Cater asked looking at Riddle in surprise.
Riddle crossed his arms and looked away in embarrassment. "It's an unlisted ingredient! How could I measure it if he wouldn't tell me how much to put in?!"
Trey let out a laugh. "I can't believe someone actually fell for the ol oyster sauce prank!"
Riddle let out a chuckle as well. "Yes. Quite humorous indeed. I truly am a fool."
Celeste, Deuce, and Ace started to laugh as well. It was nice to be able to laugh again she thought as she smiled with her new friends.
"Mmmmm! You're baked goods are always so delightful, Trey!" Another voice said and they turned to see Chenya appearing next to Trey with a cake in his hand.
"Chenya! What are you doing here?!" Riddle gasped looking very surprised to see him.
"Isn't he a friend of yours Riddle?" Celeste asked wondering why he looked so shocked.
"Well yes but!" Riddle tried to say but Chenya just grinned at him in a laid-back manner.
"I came to celebrate my unbirthday with all of you. A very merry unbirthday to you Riddle." Chenya gave Riddle a wink as he took another bite of Trey's cake.
"The unbirthday party is a Heartslabyul tradition. It does not pertain to you." Riddle said sternly regaining his composure.
"And the pretty girl and the cat creature? What about them?" Chenya raised an eyebrow and glanced over at Grim and Celeste.
"Why we were formally invited." Celeste said sipping her tea politely as Grim looked up from demolishing his tart.
"Hey, you never told us what dorm you're from." Grim said starting to wipe his face with a paw, only to be stopped by Celeste as she handed him a napkin. He was going to learn table etiquette if it was the last thing she did.
"Chenya isn't even a Night Raven student. He's a student at our long-time rival school, the Royal Sword Academy." Trey said causing Ace and Deuce to gasp.
"Whaaaat? You go to a different school?" Deuce gawked at Chenya who seemed rather nonchalant about the whole thing.
"And freakin' Royal Sword Academy no less!" Ace said equally shocked.
"Is that nearby?" Celeste asked, wondering how far he'd come to join them.
"Yeah, it's on the other side of Sage's island. You didn't know that?" Chenya said his ear twitching.
Celeste had flown around the island at night but didn't realize that the south side of the island was another magic school. She had seen another tall castle-like structure but had assumed it was part of the town.
"Did that guy just say Royal Sword Academy?!" Peter said from nearby his white rabbit ears perking up.
"He's one of those pompous jerk faces?!" Harry said with a frown as he glared at Chenya. It seemed he hadn't forgotten how evasive Chenya had been with them when they were asking about Riddle.
"What?! We gotta get him outta here!" Another student jumped to his feet and started running toward Chenya.
"Well now perhaps I should see myself out." Chenya said as he disappeared slowly.
"He's running for it! Don't let him get away!" A group of students chased after him.
"They certainly are competitive..." Celeste remarked, watching the students run into the maze after Chenya.
"The vast majority of Night Raven College students view Royal Sword Academy as the enemy." Riddle explained.
"No surprise since they've kicked out butts for a hundred years straight..." Trey muttered.
"Hey stop harshin' the vibe! This is supposed to be a celebration. Can't we all just enjoy our unbirthdays?" Cater said trying to brighten the mood.
"Merry unbirthday or whatever! I'm gonna eat until my stomach explodes!" Grim exclaimed.
Celeste ran her hand through her silky black hair as she shook her head at Grim.