Chapter 54
"I hope we didn't keep you waiting," Malleus said when he appeared in the headmage's office with Lilia. They were the last two to arrive at the meeting - aside from the teachers. I stood in between Floyd and Jade. Floyd had his arm around my shoulders, and I leaned into his side.
"Malleus! Lilia!" Kalim said in relief. "You made it!"
Lilia looked around at everyone. "Hmm... It appears I was correct about which students were abducted."
"You figured it out too?" I said, looking at him anxiously. He gave me a nod.
"I was just baking some cookies in the dorm when I got word Riddle had been kidnapped," Trey said. "Then I heard that Ace and Deuce were injured and had to go to the infirmary... It was all so sudden, I can barely wrap my head around it."
"I checked out the stables where Riddle was taken, and it's like a war zone," said Cater. "Even the grass was burned to a crisp. What in the world is going on?"
"That's what I wanna know!" Ruggie said. "Leona surrendered unconditionally. Yeah, Leona, of all people. 'Ruggie, you're in charge of Savanaclaw 'til I get back. Then again, I can't be sure I'll come back at all...' He was dead serious too. He just folded like a cheap suit!"
"Azul was taken during a club meeting, as we understand it," Jade said.
"The Board Game Club guys say he left with 'em peacefully, and Firefly Squid and Lil' Clione went along too," said Floyd. "I dunno, though. Azul's the type to go down swingin'. What gives?"
"Idia told him to surrender," I said. "I called Azul just before it happened, and he left the phone on speaker. Idia and Ortho seemed to know the intruders and advised Azul to give in. I - I can't remember any more details."
"It's alright." Floyd gave me a gentle squeeze.
Lilia nodded in understanding. "And the others?"
"Ona's group and I were with Vil and Jamil in Ramshackle," Kalim said.
"We tried to fight the intruders with magic, but it had on effect on them," said Rook. "They took Vil and Jamil, and also Grim."
"Interesting," said Jade. "So, Azul did not fight back under Idia's advice. Why did Leona not resist?"
"Leona seemed to know what their deal was..." Ruggie said.
"...Hm," Malleus said thoughtfully. "Kingscholar is from an old royal house. It would stand to reason he's heard of them."
"What are you talking about?"
I looked at Malleus in hope. "Do you know who those people were?" The sound of footsteps stopped him before he could answer, and Trein entered the room.
"I'll field that question," said Trein.
"Oh, hello Trein," said Lilia. "Where's the headmage?"
"Styx took him into custody as well. I'm in charge while he's away."
"What is going on here?" I said in distress.
Floyd gave me a comforting pat on the head. "Hold up. What's Styx?"
"Styx is an organization that operates independently of any nation or government," said Trein. "It's an arcane institute that conducts research on blot. They've done so for many years."
"They study blot...?" Jade said with surprise. "It seems your deduction was right, Ona."
"What deduction?" said Ruggie.
"Think about who they took."
"It was Riddle, Leona, Azul, and Jamil," said Cater. "So they abducted Jamil, who's a vice housewarden, and left Kalim alone. But then they didn't take Rook, who's also a vice housewarden."
"That's odd, right?" said Trey. "If they're not targeting housewardens or vice housewardens, then..."
"Blot research..." Kalim muttered. "Jamil... AH!" His eyes widened and he turned to me. "You were right, Ona! It's people who've overblotted!"
"Wait, does that mean Vil overblotted too?" said Ruggie. Kalim and Rook exchanged nervous looks.
"But Riddle and the others got proper medical treatment and had a complete recovery," said Trey. "Why would this come up now?"
"Exactly!" I said. "They don't deserve this!"
"Hmm... There is someone who probably knows their reasons," said Malleus.
"Who?" Kalim said anxiously.
"The Watchman of the Island of Woe," said Lilia.
"I've seen mention of them here and there in old history books," said Rook. "Does that mean you are acquainted with this watchman of the dark and dreadful isle, Roi des Dragons?"
"Really, Hunt, have you become addled? You're acquainted with him as well." Malleus seemed amused, and Rook was surprised.
"And not just Rook—you all know him," said Lilia.
"Are you suggesting what I think you are...?" said Rook.
"Idia?" I guessed.
"You are suggesting Idia Shroud, housewarden of Ignihyde, is the Watchman for the Island of Woe?"
"Yes," said Malleus. "Mind you, 'Watchman' doesn't refer to a single person. It's a title given to a certain family. I believe the current head of their family is...Aidne Shroud?"
"No, she passed away," said Lilia. "Now it's Aidne's son, Idia's father."
"I see. Human generations pass so quickly."
"Well, the Watchman role was actually converted into a formal organization. They go by Styx nowadays. It's a rather recent development, of course. Why, they only became Styx around a century ago, as I recall."
"Wait, slow down a minute," Ruggie said. "I'm gettin' confused. Leona's mentioned that Idia's family is part of some megacorp... But now you're sayin' that's just a cover? And they're secretly the bosses of this Styx group that kidnapped the guys? And they're also called the Watchman of the Island of Woe?"
"Indeed," said Lilia. "While the Watchman has become something of an urban legend by now... Back in the old days, when mages were called witches and wizards, they were feared across the land. People believed the Island of Woe would punish any wizard who abandoned their principles and went mad with power."
"One of my family's history books claims that the group is so ancient, they date back to the Age of the Gods," said Malleus. "The relationship between magic and blot hadn't been established at that time. According to my history book, people believed overblots were disasters that occurred without warning. The Jupiter family forebear sealed those disasters away on the Island of Woe and brought peace to the land. A watchman was tasted with keeping those disasters from plaguing the world again. That person was one of the Shroud's family ancestors."
"That sounds less like history and more like myth," said Cater. "It's all on such a grand scale. Ya boy Cay-Cay can barely keep up..."
"Mind you, humankind never stopped researching magic, eager students that they were," said Lilia. "Time marched on, and at some point magic became safe to practice. The witches and wizards of yore became known as mages. Nowadays, mage licenses are international. Mages are globally recognized as contributing to the betterment of society. And governments passed laws and forced agencies to discipline magic abusers who caused trouble for people... over time, the Watchman of the Island of Woe faded from the history books. But the group continued their research on the disasters—or blot, really—as the organization Styx."
"We were aware that Idia was the son of the Shroud family, yes..." said Trein. "But this is the first time I've heard of a connection between them and Styx. I've read just about every notable work on magic history, yet I've never seen any of this discussed."
"Ah, but see, you're limited to the texts that survive among humankind. Humans and fae stopped intermingling quite a long time ago. Plus, different cultures and species pass down lore in different ways—not every truth is written down. There is no shortage of historical narratives that have been twisted to suit someone's agenda."
"Twisting historical narratives, huh..." I murmured. That reminded me how the dreams I had about the Great Seven differed from the stories others told about them. Very interesting...
"This makes me wonder..." said Trein. "Was the headmage aware of Idia's connection to Styx? Does that mean he wasn't able to work with the Shroud family to avoid this scenario?"
"Who can say, really?" said Malleus. "Even if he had known, he wouldn't have been able to stop them."
"As for Styx..." said Trey. "Why did they capture a group of overblotters? What's their plan?"
"And why are they even allowed to do this in the first place?" I said, my anxiety rising. "I don't care if they think the overblotters dangerous or not. They can't just break into a school, attack everyone, and kidnap people! It's completely unethical! How can the nations stand for this clear violation of rights?"
"Right are important where you are from, aren't they?" Jade said calmly. I knew he must be remembering the time I raged against Azul for violating students' rights.
I nodded. "In my country, at least, they are a priority. Is there no concept of rights here?"
"There is, but rights do not come above all else."
I grit my teeth in frustration. "Just because you haven't recognized rights as superior doesn't mean they aren't."
"You may be right, but that will not help us get everyone back."
I sighed, letting my tension out through the action. "Yeah, you're right."
"Besides, this organization is so secretive that the nations couldn't stop them if they wanted to," Floyd said. "Speaking of which... there's one thing that's buggin' me after hearin' all this. Those goons rolled up and blasted half the campus. There's tons of witnesses, right? Someone must've got 'em on video. Seems to me like they're not tryin' to stay very secret anymore. Maybe they don't care. Or maybe they have some REAL reliable way of cleanin' up after themselves.
"That's a bit frightening to think about." I shivered, and Floyd wrapped his arm tighter around me.
"I don't like the sound of that one bit," said Ruggie. "I say we worry about our own skins 'stead of wastin' time on the others."
"While Bucchi's wording leaves something to be desired, he does have a point," said Trein. "We don't know where the Island of Woe is, which means we cannot pursue our kidnapped students."
"What? No!" I shouted in panic. "We can't just give up on them! I can't just let them all go!"
"Whoa, what's with the sudden concern?" said Ruggie. "I know you're close with Azul, but the others-"
"I care about all of them. And they have Grim too, you know."
Ruggie's ears flattened. "Well, yeah, but-"
"I can't abandon him or the overblotters. They've done nothing wrong. They've recovered and tried to atone for their actions - some more than others, but still." My heart rate was increasing again and my breathing growing shallow. "We can't leave them to some horrible fate. We-we have to-"
Floyd suddenly wrapped his arms around me from behind and pulled my into his chest, hugging me tightly. "It's alright," he said softly. I remembered what Jade said earlier and took breaths, trying to clear my mind. With this and Floyd's comforting touch, I slowly calmed down.
"You seem quiet emotional about all this," Trein said carefully. "Is there a reason?"
I bit my lip. "Well, it's just that I-I..." I did not know how to explain my connection to them. I had seen their pasts when I was in their minds and couldn't help but feel for them. It was like those moments bound us together. But how could I explain that without revealing my weird abilities? I looked to Jade for help. He was the only one who understood.
Jade met my gaze, and I saw his eyes soften slightly. The look vanished when he turned to Trein. "Ona was present during each of the five students overblots in addition to being involved in the events leading up to them. That combined with her empathetic nature has caused her to feel a strong connection to them."
Trein nodded. "Then I trust you can look after her emotional needs?"
Jade gave him a polite smile. "Of course, sir."
"Jade taking care of someone else's emotions?" Ruggie said incredulously. "That doesn't sound likely."
"It is! You know nothing!" I snapped, still feeling sensitive from my heightened emotions. Floyd chuckled in amusement and gave me a light squeeze.
Ruggie's eyes widened in shock at my outburst. "Whatever you say, Ona..."
"Yeah, I would let that one go," Trey said, chuckling lightly.
"I want all of you to return to your dorms and conduct a roll call," said Trein. "Check for any injured students and report back to me."
"Yes, sir," everyone said. Then they started walking out. Floyd let go of me, and I left the room with him and Jade flanking me. I noticed Jade watching someone carefully. It seemed to be Rook, but I decided not to question him on it.
Once in the hallway, I noticed Jack rushing in the opposite direction. He stopped in front of Ruggie and Rook, who were near the twins and me. "Ruggie!" he shouted. "I got your text. What's this about Leona getting kidnapped by the guys who attacked the school?!"
"You pretty much summed it up right there," said Ruggie. "I need to round up everyone in the dorm and check in with 'em. Could you give me a hand?"
"Oh, sure. Happy to." Jack turned to me. "Hey Ona, why are you all banged up? Did they beat you guys up too?" His eyes narrowed when he saw Floyd with his arm around me. "Did he-?"
I instantly feel defensive, and I glare at him. "You're not suggesting what I think you're suggesting, are you, Jack? You should know that Floyd would never hurt me. It was those intruders."
Jack's eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't mean to offend you."
"You know, I wouldn't talk badly about those two around her," Ruggie said, nodding at Floyd and Jade. "I thought she was going to bite me earlier."
"Ona has been through a lot lately," Jade said in a polite tone. "Please do not distress her."
Jack nodded. "Right. Sorry." He looked back at me. "How are you doing?"
"Who cares about that when the guys and Grim are in trouble?" I said.
"The NRC Tribe members were together at Ramshackle when it occurred," said Rook. "We were in the midst of an SDC postmortem when they attacked us. Vil, Jamil, and Grim were all taken just as Leona was."
"They got Vil and Jamil too?!" Jack exclaimed.
"Everyone who overblotted," I said.
"And the freshmen that tried to rescue Grim were gravely injured," said Rook.
I looked at him sadly. "Ace and Deuce..."
Jack growled. "Argh, why are those guys so reckless?"
"I must return to my dorm and fulfill my duties as vice housewarden," said Rook, "but... Monsieur Fier-à-bras. Would you be so kind as to go with Ona and her companions to check up on our injured comrades in the infirmary?"
"That would actually help me too," said Ruggie. "You can see if any students from our dorm are there."
"Got it. I'll be in touch once I know more," said Jack. "Let's go, Ona." He glanced warily at the twins. "And you two."
"Actually, I should be leaving as well," Jade said. His eyes trailed after Rook and Ruggie as they left. Then he looked at Floyd and me. "Do you mind giving us a moment, Jack?"
"Of course," said Jack, taking a step back.
Jade gave me an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry about this, Ona."
I forced a smile. "It's alright. You have duties. You've got to look after Octavinelle. I'll see you soon."
Jade smiled back at me, but it did not reach his eyes. "Yes. Listen, Ona." He moved closer to me and put his hands on my arms. "Everything is going to be alright. I believe in you. I know you make good decisions and choose what is right. Do what you have to do." Before I could question him, he pulled me into a tight hug. "Stay strong, my princess." He gave me a tender kiss on the forehead before pulling back. This time, his smile was genuine. Then he looked behind me. "Floyd, no matter what happens, I want you to stay with her and protect her."
"Of course I will," Floyd said, sounding unusually serious. From the way he and his brother looked at each other, it seemed more information was being exchanged than their words suggested. "I won't let anything happen to her if I have anything to say about it."
Jade nodded. "Good. Take care. Both of you." He gave us a small nod before walking away.
Jack hesitated and then approached us again. "Are you ready to go?"
"As ready I'll ever be," I said. I wondered if something was going on with the twins but decided it was best not to pry. Floyd kept his arm around me as we walked to the infirmary.
"Excuse us, coming in," Jack said as he pushed his way past a line of students to get us into the room.
"STAY!" Crewel said loudly. "Sorry, all beds are occupied. Write your names on that paper and then wait in your dorm. The nurse will attend to you later..." He paused and looked us over. "Wait, you're all perfectly fine. What business do you have here?" He looked at us skeptically.
"Ruggie and Rook asked me to check up on the guys in here. What about you, Professor Crewel?"
"I heard a pair of pups from my class got injured. Really, how can these whelps be so foolhardy? Hm. On second glance, I see Ona has some minor injuries. Come here. I can patch up simple scrapes."
"I-I'm fine," I said.
"Nonsense," Floyd said, pushing me towards Crewel. Reluctantly, I allowed the teacher to heal my wounds.
"Which beds are Deuce and Ace in?" said Jack, looking around. "...Oh."
"They haven't woken up yet," Epel said. I looked over to see him standing in between their beds. My heart twisted upon seeing them in that state.
"Should you be up, Epel?"
"I'm fine. Still a little shaky, but that's all."
"I analyzed the residual traces of the spell they cast on you," said Crewel. "It was designed to stun. Unfortunately, you sustained greater injuries because of where you fought."
"What do you mean, Professor?"
"I mean, enemies and friendlies alike are bound to get hurt when you fire off magic in an old, derelict building. Freshmen would have a hard time using attack magic while simultaneously trying to shield themselves from falling debris. Surprise battles require the coolest of heads. Otherwise, you'll wind up like they did."
Epel nodded. "Heh... You do have a point. I do remember a bunch of debris falling during the fight. Come to think of it, there were also a number of cauldrons falling from the roof..."
"That would be Deuce," I said.
"Yeah, those spell blasts sent glass shards flying everywhere."
"This is the problem with bad boys who act without thinking," said Crewel. "I plan to train them all over again when they wake."
Epel frowned. "But they did it to save Grim..."
"Their reasons are irrelevant. It's a trainer's job to scold pups when they do something phenomenally stupid. They got off lucky this time. What if those soldiers had cast lethal spells? Things would've ended much differently then."
Epel lowered his head. "...You're right. I'm sorry. Vil must've known that, which is why he ordered the freshmen to stay back. ...An' then Ah went an' made an idjit outta mahself. An' what do Ah got show for it? A big ol' whoopin', that's what. They hauled Vil and the others off, an' all Ah could do was stand an' watch..."
"Ugh, I was so useless back there," I groaned.
Floyd wrapped his arms around my side for a hug. "It's alright. It sounds like no one could do anything."
"I guess so..."
"...No one can do everything right out the gate," Jack said softly.
Epel raised his head. "Huh?"
"The housewardens and vice housewardens didn't start out as amazing mages. They went through trials of their own, and that's what made them stronger. Moping about what you COULDN'T do isn't gonna help matters. What can you do NOW? That's what we should be focusing on. So quit your bellyaching... It's like nails on a chalkboard."
Epel stared at him with wide eyes. "Jack..."
"Nicely said, Howl," said Crewel. "That's the right attitude. The faculty will look into what we can do about our abducted students and the headmage. Felmier, Ona, I expect you both to rest and recuperate for now."
"Yes, sir. I can walk now, so I'll head back to my dorm."
"I'm not seeing any Savanaclaw students here, so I'd best get back too," said Jack.
"Little Shrimpy and I will head back to Octavinelle," Floyd said.
"Professor Crewel, please take good care of Ace and Deuce," said Epel, and I nodded in agreement.
"Please, don't insult me," said Crewel. "These pups are under my supervision. Of course I'll take care of them." He glanced at me. "That goes for Ona as well... and Grim, of course. All the 1-A students are pups under the tutelage of the great Crewel. On that note, how DARE someone else discipline a pup from MY kennel. I'm boiling with rage!"
I nodded. "They had no right to do that!" I was relieved to find that Crewel saw the injustice of the situation.
"Yeah!" said Epel. "Ah'm real teed off mahself!"
"SIT," said Crewel. "Listen, pups. The adults will figure out what to do next. So stay put and don't get any funny ideas."
"Yes, sir!" said Jack and Epel. "We'll be going then!"
I headed to the Hall of Mirrors with Floyd, Epel, and Jack. Jack left for Savanaclaw. Epel was about to leave for Pomefiore when he was suddenly struck by someone coming out of the mirror.
"Oww..." Epel groaned. "Who in tarnation shot outta the mirror and bum-rished me?! You coulda really hurt someone!"
"My apologies, Monsieur Pommette," said Rook. He picked himself up and then helped Epel stand. "I was in a great hurry. Are you all right?"
"Oh, it's you, Rook. Goodness, I've never seen you in such a rush." Epel stared at him. "That's a big suitcase you got there. And you're carrying a broom."
"Going on a trip?" said Floyd.
"That I am," said Rook. "I might not be back for some time, but do keep your chin up." He walked past us.
"Wait, what?!" Epel exclaimed. "What do you mean? Where are you going?!"
Rook stopped and turned around. "The Island of Woe!"
"WHAAA?! Now just hold yer horses! You ain't really goin' after Vil an' the others by yerself, are you?!"
"Now that's commitment!" Floyd said with a grin while I looked at Rook in surprise.
"Oui, I am," Rook said calmly. "And I am aware it is dangerous. But I implore you, do not try and stop me. I came to a horrifying realization when I returned to the dorm, you see."
"Really?" said Epel. "What was it?"
"When Vil was captured... HE WASN'T CARRYING A SINGLE SKINCARE PRODUCT! The changing of the seasons can have a tremendous impact on one's skin. Dryness is the natural enemy of a healthy complexion. If one is derelict in their skincare routine, the forbidden red fruit will swiftly bloom on their forehead and chin."
"What's the forbidden red fruit...?"
"You mean pimples?"I guessed.
Rook nodded. "Ah, pimples... A symbol of youth. They do have their own charm. But Vil has a photo shoot for a magazine cover next week. And he is a firm believer in showing up to shoots in top form."
"Phooey to his photo shoot!" said Epel. "We don't know if he's ever comin' back! An' ain't you the vice housewarden?! You can't leave our dorm unsupervised!"
"I Am le Chasseur d'Amour first, and Pomefiore vice housewarden second. I've dedicated my life to the pursuit and defense of beauty. I cannot sit idly by when beauty is in danger like this! And so, I now depart to safeguard my friend's exquisite face!"
"He's very eccentric, isn't he?" Floyd whispered to me.
"He was quite interesting to leave with," I whispered back.
"Wait, you can't just go..." Epel said. "How are you even going to get there?! We have no idea where the Island of Woe is, though."
"The Island of Woe's precise location is shrouded in mystery, it's true..." said Rook. "But worry not. For I can envision where Vil and the others are."
"Envision? Whaddaya mean by that?"
"I think he has a secret," Floyd said quietly, and I nodded.
"Alas, the sun sets lower with every passing second," said Rook. "As much as it pains me, I must depart. I bid you good day. Adieu!" Then he got on his broom and flew away.
"Wait, hold on, Rook!" Epel called after him. "ROOOK!"