Chapter 16

I did not see Grim until I went to bed that night. He was so exhausted he fell right asleep. At school, when I told him I would be skipping classes to investigate the situation, he wished me luck and left me in the hallway.

I was surprised when Jack approached me a minute later. "Yo," he said. "I'm here and ready to get this Azul recon started."

"I wasn't expecting you to show up," I said.

"Look, the headmage ordered this personally. He'll let an unexcused absence slide. Besides, I don't like admittin' defeat. If there's a chance to uncover the secret to Azul's power, I wanna be there when we learn it."

I smiled. "Thanks." I was glad I was not in this alone. I had already obtained Azul's schedule, so we wasted no time sneaking into his first class: music. We listened to him sing, and he was quite good.

"Huh. Guy's got some pipes."

Next was animal linguistics. Azul was asked to go to the front of the class and speak to Lucius. "Mrooowr... Mrr, mrah!" he said.

"Mrooowr... Mowow," said the cat.

"Yes, yes, I see." Azul glanced at Trein. "Lucius says that the last time you gave him a treat was three hours ago, Professor Trein."

"Well done, Ashengrotto," said Trein. "That's correct."

"So he doesn't just understand animal languages— he speaks 'em, too?" Jack whispered to me.

"I wish I had that talent," I said. I loved animals.

We attended potionology next. "A beluga tooth, a sturgeon egg, aurora moth scales, mermaid tears..." Azul said as he added the ingredients to the pot. Add in an extract from 120 types of medicinal herbs blended together, and... Poof! Done! You can drink this potion to transform a body part into that of a different animal."

"That's a very good boy!" said Crewel. "You just formulated a potion that would usually go on the junior-year class's final exams. The rest of you whelps should learn from Ashengrotto's example."

"AND the guy brews high-level potions as easily as a barista slings lattes...," said Jack. "Sheesh."

It was lunchtime, so we followed Azul to the cafeteria. We were close enough to him to hear his order. "I think I'll have some squid ink pasta for lunch today," he said. "Ah, but I do need my vegetables as well. An all-carb meal would be quite nutritionally lopsided... and more to the point, it would go straight to my thighs."

"Seems like Azul's a perfect honors student in every way."

"It is quite impressive," I said. "I wonder why he's resorted to his shady tactics." We obtained food ourselves and moved to sit with Grim, Ace and Deuce. All three appeared wiped. I could not help but feel sorry for them.

"Mrooow... Azul sure didn't waste any time workin' us to the bone," said Grim. "If I wasn't dead on my feet before, I sure am now."

"Cleaning Octavinelle Dorm, waiting tables at the lounge, going on grocery runs..." said Ace. "He's been running me ragged."

"I got called in at 6 a.m. this morning," said Deuce.

"I gotta go back to help out at the Mostro Lounge after this."

"Housewarden Rosehearts was all like, 'You made a contract with Azul? Off with your head!' He made me write lines as punishment..."

"This sea anemone on my head just won't come off, either," said Grim. "I look like a total goofball." They all sighed.

"Pah. You reap what you sow," said Jack.

"This work environment has some issues," I said. "It's not healthy."

"Why the long faces, boys?" said a voice right behind me that made me jump in fright. I turned around to see Jade and Floyd watching us, the former having spoken.

"Myah! It's the lookalike brothers!" Grim exclaimed.

"Aha ha, look!" said Floyd. "It's a sea anemone garden."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "It's not funny, Floyd."

Floyd's smile fell. "I thought it was funny. You're still mad, Little Shrimpy?"

"Of course I'm still mad." I motioned to my friends. "Just look at them."

"Is it just my imagination, or is someone looking a bit dour today?" said Jade.

"Oh, y'know, we're just coming to terms with being ordered around by a trio of tyrants," Ace said sarcastically.

"Aha ha! Isn't that cute?" said Floyd. "The sea anemone that breached its contract is talking!" Suddenly, his demeanor changed, and his face took on a menacing look. "You guys know you're in no position to complain. So, shut your traps."

"Eeep!" Grim squeaked. "Not the squeeze!" I flinched and involuntarily moved closer to Jack.

Something different flashed in Floyd's eyes. I did not catch what it was, but he soon replaced it with a more neutral expression. "Not you, Shrimpy. You're not in danger."

I hardened my gaze. "You really don't get it, do you? If you're not going to be nice to my friends, then don't bother being nice to me."

Floyd appeared surprised. "Ona-"

"Just leave me alone."

"I do apologize for his behavior," said Jade. "What he meant to say was that we are here to speak with you, Ona."

I looked at him critically. "Just so you know, I'm not buying this."

"I beg your pardon?"

"This polite act. I know you are quite devious. You tricked me when we first met, remember?"

Jade smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. "I am afraid I don't know what you mean."

"Never mind. Just tell me what you came here to say."

"Speaking of devious...I understand that you were playing little spy games with Jack and others just recently, Ona."

I froze. "I... don't know what you mean." Jade's fake smile widened. I was definitely not as good at this as him. "What's your point?"

"Allow me to infer what troubles you, Ona. Could your anxiety perhaps stem from these three anemone stooges?"

"I don't know why you would think that."

"Perhaps?'" said Jack. "Listen to you, acting all coy."

"What's your problem?" said Floyd. "You're as prickly as a sea urchin." He looked from me to Jack with a hard expression.

"Wh—I'm a WOLF, not a sea urchin!"

"It's nothing personal," I said. "He likes sea creatures."

"If the source of your troubles does in fact lie with these sea anemones..." said Jade. "I believe you would be well-served discussing the matter with Azul in person, Ona."

"Wait, what?" said Jack.

"You will find Azul to be as benevolent as the Sea Witch, one of the Great Seven. I have no doubt he would treat your misgivings with all due gravity."

"I'm sure," I muttered.

"Yeah!" said Floyd. "Azul's a real problem-solver. For example... He could set these sea anemones free if you asked him to."

"Really?!" said everyone.

"Let me guess," I said. "For a price, right?"

"Absolutely," said Jade. "You can't get something for nothing."

"Tch. So, that's your angle," Jack growled. "You wanna rope Ona into one of his contracts."

"Please, there's no need to bare your fangs at me. Goodness, you land mammals are so belligerent."

"Land mammals?" I said.

"Forget I said anything."

"We're just passin' on a hot tip outta the goodness of our hearts," said Floyd. "Ain't that right, Jade?"

"Exactly, Floyd. We wouldn't dream of leaving a poor, unfortunate soul by the wayside. If your interest is piqued, feel free to visit the Mostro Lounge sometime after nine tonight. We'll have some piquant tea ready for you upon your arrival."

"We'll be waiting, Little Shrimpy!"

"Wait, Floyd!" I said as the two of them turned away.

Floyd looked back at me. "Yes?"

For a moment, I let down my guard and let him see my sadness and hurt. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?"

Floyd's eyes flickered to Jade before returning to me. "I'm just trying to help ya, Shrimpy."

"You sure that's the answer you want to stick with?" I stared him down, but his neutral expression remained. Finally, I sighed and turned full around. "Then go away." I heard them leave a second later.

"You alright?" said Jack.

"I'll be fine."

"Wait, so, uh..." said Deuce.

"If Ona makes a contract with Azul and meets his conditions, whatever they are..." continued Grim.

"...we could be freed from this?!" finished Ace.

"Please, Prefect!" said all three of them. "You gotta beat him for us!"

"You guys are shameless, you know that?" said Jack.

"You don't have an anemone on your head!" said Grim. "You've got no idea how miserable this is!"

"Maybe you shoulda thought of that before trying to coast through a test."

"Look, I've already learned my lesson, okay?!" said Ace.

"Yeah, I'll never do this again for sure," said Deuce. "I'll take my results like a man, even if that means failing."

"You're supposed to say you'll work hard to ensure you stop failin' altogether," said Jack.

"You guys know this isn't going to be easy, right?" I said. "If I fail, you three won't be saved, and I'll just end up like you. Is that what you want?"

"Come on, I know you can do it," said Ace. "You're one of the smartest people we know."

"Yeah," agreed Deuce. "You scored a 95 without Azul's study guide and despite not having magic or being from this world."

I shrugged. "I guess. But Floyd did help me study."

"What?!" my friends exclaimed.

"Floyd is smart?" said Deuce.

"And he didn't try to rope you into Azul's contract?" said Ace.

"He did mention Azul," I said, "but he didn't push me when I turned him down. And he still helped me study."

"That is surprisingly," Jack said. "If it was Azul's plan to get you into a contract from a start, you would think he would have used your interactions with Floyd to his advantage."

"Floyd must really like you," said Ace. "Hey, maybe you could use that to your advantage?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Now you want me to be friends with him because it might benefit you?" I shook my head. "I doubt it would even help. I thought I understood him, but now I'm not so sure..."

"I say you're smart enough without him," said Grim.

"Well?" said Jack. "What's your call, Ona? You gonna take them up on their invitation?"

"If all he wants to do is talk..." I said.

"Y'know, for the first time, I think I'm ready to recognize you as our prefect!" said Grim.

"Gee, thanks," I said sarcastically.

"Tch. Fine," said Jack. "I'm goin' with you, though. You seem like you'd get yourself into trouble otherwise."

"Dang, Jack!" said Ace. "You're a big softie!"

"D-don't get me wrong, okay?! I just don't like Azul's scheming. I can't stand the thought of losin' to guys who profited off of someone else's hard work."

I smirked. "Right. I believe you, Jack." A squeaking sound interrupted out conversation.

"So much for chatting," said Deuce. "My sea anemone's tugging at me again!"

"Ow, ow, ow!" Ace groaned. "C'mon, at least let me have my lunch break in peace!"

"I'm countin' on you, Prefect!" said Grim as he was pulled away along with the others.

"WOE IS ANEMONEEEEE!" all three exclaimed.

Jack shook his head. "Yeesh... Hopeless, the whole lot of 'em. Anyway, I guess we're goin' to the Mostro Lounge tonight."

I took a deep breath. "I hope I don't regret this."

Evening could not come soon enough. Jack met me in the hallways again, and we headed to the Mostro Lounge. This time, the place was filled with customers, all appearing to be having a good time. The food smelled great too. "This place is hopping," I said.

"Remember, you're in enemy territory here," said Jack. "Stay sharp at all times."

I nodded. "Right."

"Eyyy, Little Shrimpy!" said Floyd after running over to me. "Glad you could make it! I see you've got a sea urchin plus-one."

"I told you not to call me that!" Jack growled. He glanced at me. "Doesn't the nickname thing bother you?"

I shrugged. "Not really."

"Well, well," said Jade, strolling up to us. "Thank you for coming to our establishment so promptly. Welcome to the Mostro Lounge. Is this your first time dining here?"

I stared at him. "No, I'm a regular." Floyd laughed.

"Y'know, I've been wondering since lunch..." said Jack. "Do you have a thing for askin' questions you already know the answers to?"

"Heh. I like to keep my bases covered," Jade said with a slightly mischievous smile. "Now then, if you would allow me to provide you with a rundown of our establishment... The Mostro Lounge is a meeting place for gentlemen. Any quarrels with other dorms are verboten here. Students from all dorms are expected to abide by Octavinelle rules on the premises. We pride ourselves on providing a place for everyone to enjoy under the same set of rules. With that out of the way... How may I assist you today?"

"I'd like to speak to the manager," I said. I figured it would be faster to play his game.

Jade appeared amused. "Heh heh heh... Very well. The manager is currently meeting with another patron. Could I ask you to wait in the lounge until such time as his schedule opens up?"

"Yes, that is acceptable." It was not like I had a choice.

"And lest I forget, our establishment has a one-drink minimum. You must order at least a single beverage of some variety." Jade turned to Deuce and Ace, who stood nearby. "Sea anemone, if you could take our esteemed customer's order?"

"Sorry, I've got drinks to run," said Deuce.

"You do it!" said Ace, glaring at Jade. "We're slammed over here! You keep making us do all the work while you're just sittin' pretty over there."

"You're talking back to me?" said Floyd. "How impressively bold for a sea anemone."

"OWWW! Geez!"

"Quit tugging our anemones!" said Deuce, wincing.

"Azul tasked me with instructing the new staff, so it falls to me to instill proper discipline in those who fail to respect authority," said Jade.

"Ow ow ow ow ow! Okay, okay! I get it!"

"You're going way overboard here!" I said, narrowing my eyes at the twins.

"Ah, but you must understand," said Jade. "As I just finished explaining, here in the lounge, everyone must follow our rules."

"And according to the rules, we're allowed to squeeze problem employees who don't do as they're told!" said Floyd.

"No one should have to live by rules they did not agree to," I said.

"But they did agree when they signed our contracts," said Jade.

"You know it's not that simple."

"Tch... You're just makin' a show out of hazing the rookies in front of us," said Jack. "It's making me sick."

"Is that your way of offering to take their place helpin' out around the lounge?" said Floyd.

Ace brightened. "Ooh, that's a great idea! I second that proposal! All in favor? Aye! The ayes have it! Ona and Jack are hereby nominated temporary assistants, effective immediately!"

"Hey, what're you tryin' to pull?!" Jack growled.

"We're not picky, really," said Jade. "We'll take anyone, as long as they're willing to pull their weight."

"You guys wouldn't want to get kicked out of the place, right?" said Deuce.

"I'm runnin' on fumes here," Ace said in a low voice, "and Grim's in the back, up to his eyeballs in soap from dishwashing. C'mon, be a couple of pals and help us out."

"I did work as a waitress part time last summer," I said.

Jade smiled. "Perfect."

"Tch... Fine, whatever," said Jack. "The sooner we wrap up our business here, the sooner I can go back to my dorm and catch a few winks."

"What?" said Ace. "Dude, it's barely nine. What time do you go to bed?"

"I'm always tucked in by ten."

"Whoa, we got a serious model student over here!"

"So, I can put both Little Shrimpy and Sea Urchin down for helping out with a shift, yeah?" said Floyd. "Perf. You can start by running these drinks to table three."

"Don't keep our customers waiting, now," Said Jade. "And Jack, try not to scowl so when interacting with clientele."

"Pffft! A scowl like that would have anyone running for the hills!" said Ace.

"What?" said Jack. "I'm not scowling."

"Hey, no slackin' off boys," Floyd said to Ace and Deuce. "I'm keepin' an eye on you."

So, Jack and I helped out with taking orders and serving the customers. It was not as bad as I thought it would be, and I got a routine down fairly quickly. Still, I was glad when I had a short break.

"It's a lot easier with you helping, Jack," said Deuce.

"Yeah, I thought you'd bungle it, but you're doing pretty well," said Ace.

"It's not that hard once you learn what to do," said Jack. "And Ona's been givin' me pointers, too."

I smiled. "It's nothing."

"Ha ha. Keep up the good work," said Jade. He and Floyd were not that bad to deal with on the job if we actually listened to them. We kept on working until the tide of customers died down.

"Phew. The crowds're finally dying down," said Jack.

"You practically put that rush in a headlock and gave it a noogie!" said Floyd. "'Preciate the helping hand, Little Shrimpy and pal. Hey, hold out your hand."

I complied with the request without even thinking about. Floyd dropped something small in my hand, and my heart skipped a beat. He had given me a perfect shell like when we first met. This one was a reticulated cowrie helmet. I looked up but could not see him.

"What's that?" said Jack.

"Nothing," I said, quickly hiding the shell in my pocket. I did not know how to explain this.

"You got a veritable madhouse of customers under control," said a new voice. "Most impressive indeed."

"Azul!" said Jack.

"My apologies for the wait. The VIP room is ready now. Right this way, if you would." Azul motioned to the side. "Jade. Floyd. Get our customers some tea."

"Right away, sir," said the twins.

Jack and I followed Azul into a large, fancy room. "What IS this place?" said Jack. "Are we really still on school property? Look at that huge vault... It's like some kinda bank."

"Your tea," said Jade, walking in with two cups while Floyd held open the door.

I took a cup of tea, blew on it, and then had a sip. "Wow, this is quite good."

Jade smiled. "Thank you. Do you enjoy tea?"

"Very much. You wouldn't happen to have any matcha, do you?"

"No, but I have heard of it. I could look into acquiring it if you think it would do well."

"Maybe. It's an important part of my culture. Matcha is used in tea ceremonies, and we do enjoy sharing the experience with others. I'm not sure if it is something you would be interested in or not."

"All right, that's enough rubbernecking," said Azul. "Please, have a seat." Jack and I sat in two chairs opposite of Azul, who sat behind a desk. "So, what would you like to discuss with me?"

"I'd like you to free the students you've indentured," I said.

"Ha ha ha! Goodness me. That's quite the demand to make right out the gate. You would ask me to release all 225 students from their contracts with me?"

"You bamboozled that many people?!" Jack exclaimed. "That's nuts!"

"Yes, well, Jade and Floyd did a bit of proactive market outreach this year. Thanks to that, I've had no shortage of clients ready to strike up deals with me. Now, Ona—as for your request to free these students... I am not forcing them to labor under any undue duress. They made a contract with me, and they willingly consented to the terms laid out in writing. Contracts are ironclad agreements not subject to intervention from outside parties on any emotional basis. 'Poor, unfortunate souls' they are not. To put it more bluntly: your protestations will avail you nothing, no matter how much you might kick and scream."

"There is nothing emotional about my appeal," I said. "Indentured servitude is morally wrong. Contract or no contract, you cannot control every aspect of another person's life like this. Such liberty is an inalienable right, meaning even the individual does not have the right to give it away to another, such as you. You cannot own a person even if there is consent. These practices were banned in my country years ago."

Azul appeared unmoved by my speech. "It is unfortunate for you that we are not in your country. If you would like to petition our government to change the law, go right ahead. But all the students you wish to free will have graduated by the time you are able to make any inroads."

I clenched my teeth in frustration. It looked like I would have to play his game if I wanted any success. "Fine. Let's make a deal."

"Wait, what?!" said Jack. "Have you lost it?!"

"Oho. You want to make a deal with me?" Azul said with a wide smile "Now there's an interesting proposal."

"Aha ha! Little Shrimpy's got some guts!" said Floyd.

"Hm. Now, while your interest is duly noted... There's a wee bit of a snag. You see, Ona, my understanding is that you have no innate magical power. You're not gifted with a beautiful voice, nor are you heir to any kingdom. You're an utterly run-of-the-mill human in every possible way. Considering the big ask you're making of me, I would need considerable collateral."

"Such as?" said Jack.

"Hm, I don't know... Just off the top of my head, how about usage rights for Ramshackle Dorm, which is presently under Ona's supervision?"

"Hey... Was that your whole angle from the—"

Suddenly, the door slammed open, and Grim burst inside. "SIGN ME UP FOR THAT!" he shouted.

I looked at him in surprise. "Who is this strange, foamy creature?!" I said. Floyd snickered.

"I can't TAKE it anymore! My fur ain't for washin' dishes!"

"Ducking out of work to eavesdrop on others is hardly employee-of-the-month behavior, Grim," said Jade. "Floyd, eject him."

"Can do!" said Floyd.

"Now, now," said Azul. "Let's not be hasty, gentlemen. Ona, the lone student at your dorm has weighed in on the matter. What say you? Will you put Ramshackle Dorm up as collateral and make a contract with me?" I pursed my lips. I really did not want to do this.

"Pleeease, Ona," said Grim. "I'm beggin' here..."

"Ona, don't do it!" said Jack. "You know he's just gonna name some unreasonable terms you could never possibly meet."

"Let's hear the contract terms," I said. It would not hurt to at least hear him out.

"That's the sporting attitude I like to see," said Azul.

"Hey!" said Jack. "Are you serious?!"

Azul smirked. "Here's the deal... I bid you pilfer a certain photograph from the Atlantica Memorial Museum in the Coral Sea before the sun sets on the third day from now."

"You want us to steal a piece of art?!" Jack exclaimed. I did not miss the surprised look on Jade's face that lasted for a split second. Interesting...

"No, not a piece of art. A photo. One commemorating a visit to the museum from Prince Rielé, taken ten years ago."

"Gonna need more detail than that."

"It's a photo panel placed right near the museum entrance. It has no historic value whatsoever. Borrowing it would not cause any particular fuss."

"Then why do you want it at all?" said Grim.

"Heh. What's the point of a challenge if it's not challenging? If I were to concoct a trifling errand, I would simply be giving away my end of it, wouldn't I? I'm not running a charity here."

"The Atlantica Memorial Museum is a renowned tourist attraction that houses a good twenty different cultural artifacts," said Jade. "That includes the Silver Hair Comb, a Coral Sea national treasure, and the Mermaid Princess's Prized Cork Openers, among others. We're not asking you to find a speck of gold dust on the seabed here."

"Oh, hey, didn't we go there on an elementary school field trip once?" said Floyd.

"Hold on," said Jack. "The nation of the Coral Sea is at the bottom of the ocean, right? It's not exactly hospitable to land mammals like us with no fins or gills. I think you're askin' too much here."

"What he said!" Grim said. "I can't breathe underwater, y'know!"

"Wait, there's a nation under the sea?" I said. "Does that mean mermaids are real?"

"You really are clueless, aren't you?" Jade said in amusement.

"Haven't you heard of the Sea Witch by now?" said Floyd.

"In regards to your first question," said Azul, "that sounds like a 'you' problem...is what I would normally say, but fear not. I will provide you with our very own magic potions. They'll enable you to breathe underwater." He held up a glowing shell. "The answer to your question, Ona, is yes. In fact, once, when a poor little mermaid princess fell in love with a human, the Sea Witch was kind enough to grant her legs to walk upon the earth. And really, what are any of us without a sense of charity? Heh heh heh. So, what do you say? Do we have a deal? Will you agree to a contract with me? I'm afraid I don't have all day, so if you could make your decision now, I'd appreciate it. Chop, chop!"

"You can't do this, Ona," Jack said. "You have too much to lose."

I looked at Grim, who pleaded at me with his eyes. "I have to do it, Jack," I said. "I can't leave Grim, Ace, and Deuce to this kind of fate. They're my ohana."

"They're what?"

"Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind..." I thought about the family back in my own world. "...or forgotten."

"But they are in this mess through their own fault, and now they're using you to get out of it without concern for your welfare. Are you sure they would go this far for you if the roles were reversed?"

I hesitated. I honestly did not know the answer, and it bothered me. However, my own feelings were beside the point. "It doesn't matter. I have to be there for my family even if it's their own fault and if they wouldn't do it for me. All that matters is that they're important to me. If they're hurt, then I'm hurt."

"That's why you're so upset," Floyd said thoughtfully.

"Yes." I took a deep breath and looked at Azul. "It's a deal!"

"Excellent!" said Azul. "Go ahead and sign the scroll, then..." He pushed the golden contract over to me. I picked up a pen. "I give you my word that I will release the 225 sea anemones currently doing my bidding. Should you fail at your challenge, however... Ramshackle Dorm will belong to me, and as a student of that dorm, you will do as I say!" I looked over the contract once more before signing it. "Heh heh heh... There we are. Signature received. The contract is now in effect. Should you successfully steal the photo from the Atlantica Memorial Museum and bring it to me before sunset on the third day from now..."

"I won't let you win!" I said. "I will do whatever it takes to save my family."

"Jade. Floyd. If you could kindly walk our guest home? I'll see you in three days."

Fortunately, the walk home was mostly silent. I ignored Floyd's attempts to talk to him, so he chatted with his brother instead. Finally, we were inside my dorm.

"Oho. So this is Ramshackle Dorm," said Jade. "This is my first time inside, and already I'm smitten by its charm. It's close to school as well. It would be a perfect site for a Mostro Lounge branch cafe."

"There's ghosts living here, right?" said Floyd. "That sounds rad."

"Why're you guys followin' us inside, anyway?" Grim said, arms crossed.

"Uh, 'cause this place is collateral in a deal between Ona and Azul? Duh?"

"Myah?!"

"Unlike the rest of you, Ona has no power to put up as collateral," said Jade. "So, we're confiscating the dorm instead."

"Say WHAT?!"

"I didn't realize that started now," I said.

"Then you should have read the contract more carefully," Jade said with a smirk. "This dorm belongs to Azul until you hold up your end of the bargain. Hence, I'm afraid I must ask you to vacate the premises immediately."

"Don't worry, we'll give you time to pack your stuff," said Floyd. "So nice, right?"

"Once this dorm officially enters Azul's possession, we will be disposing of all personal belongings in it. I suggest you prepare accordingly."

"Don't worry! We'll give it all back if you bring us the photo before the third sunset."

"MRAAAH!" Grim exclaimed. "I gotta save all the tuna!" He immediately dashed off to our room. Meanwhile, I stayed put, glowering at the twins.

"Did you not hear us, Ona?" Jade said politely. "You might want to get a move on."

"First, I would like to speak to Floyd," I said. "Alone."

Floyd looked at me curiously. "Eh?"