Author's Note:Spoilers in Author's Note and story for Book 7, you have been warned!

This is going to be a different story version of the last story I had on here. Cyn Yuu is being replaced with this instead. The thing about this story is that it's radically different. I can be honest, in a way a lot of others are, but I low key simp for Lilia- and several others from the game. It was long-haired General Vanrouge, those in the know, know this. I'm depressed that I didn't get that card and can only hope a chance for it comes back around. Hopefully when I have the money to skewer it in my favor.

And while I will not write smut, this is going to be a romance story between Yuu the player- Yuri, who is cursed- or maybe blessed- but not anymore. I will get into this later. And Lilia. Nothing indecent, mind you. Just note the Fey, Beast People, and Mer People have different aging systems from each other and humans. And Twisted Wonderland in this story has its own laws and moral codes such things would fall into.

Please do not send flames, because this will be nothing compared to the things I've seen on this website. This is T for teen, not M for mature. And E for Explicit is very much banned here, which is fine with me. This is soft. This is consensual. This is two idiots falling in love and learning how to handle their feelings. This is not even explicit or too detailed. And the physical romance won't be happening for some time and likely will happen off screen if it does show up.

Now while Yuri is physically 16, due to a curse- or blessing- he is closer to his early to mid 20s mentally and existence wise. This was a part of his affliction, which will probably be explained later on in the story. Not sure if it will be the prologue or one of the books quite yet. Might change next chapter, we'll see. But it is for this same reason that Yuri will not have anything happening with the younger students- the freshmen or Sophomores- even though he is technically 16.

If anything, we're looking at rivals in Leona, Vil, Rook, and Idia if I decide on that route. Maybe Malleus for some extreme and humorous misunderstandings and drama- If I feel like it. Other than Lilia/Yuu the rest are considerations, not guarantees.

The last few things to note for this story is that Grim's introduction and role will be radically different here. Night Raven has five school years, making it more like a college or long-term boarding school. Yuri is sorted into Diasomnia, but you'll see how Ramshackle gets put into the story. And finally, the stories of the Great Seven are different from both the original Disney movies they come from and some of their portrayal within the Twisted Wonderland universe.

Sorry for the long note, it's almost as long as the chapter- JK, but it is still rather long. Sorry. Though below is Yuri's description just because he is my Yuu with some facts about him that are settled into the universe I'm presenting. For the benefit of those like me who prefer their main character to have a set name and description. And find a single girl in an all-boys school as unsettling as I do. Though those stories- if done right- can be a good, family friendly fun read.

Yuri's description: He is 5'0. He has snow white skin (This does not make him Snow White, rest assured), bright amber eyes with flecks of ember red, and waist-long, softly curled dark, mahogany red hair that is nearly black. He usually has it kept in a loose braid or ponytail with a shimmering green ribbon though it starts out down. He is a Diasomnia student, meaning he shares the same school and dorm uniform as Sebek and Silver. Only he wears a bow rather than a tie with his school uniform. He also wears the Diasomnia Arm Band.

He is trained in self-defense, military and ambush tactics, and other things since he is still a Beast Master in this story, and he did serve as a soldier in a war under Lilia Vanrouge's leadership. He was a monster- dire beast bounty hunter before joining the Fey vs. Human war in Briar Valley, which his time in lasted a decade before the story begins. Remember, he is cursed- or blessed- to physically remain 16 at the time. He uses a whip as his main weapon, though he is well versed with bow and arrow and daggers.

Yes, YuuCrystal said it was okay. Even the bounty hunter thing. I don't think they are the only ones to give Yuu a whip as a weapon or make Yuu a bounty hunter at some point in their lives, but as I did read their story recently, I wanted to get permission to be on the safe side.

Disclaimer: I don't own Disney or Twisted Wonderland. I only own my Yuu character.

Summary:

The last thing Yuri remembers was falling to his death, the sight of his general and dear friend watching on in shocked anguish with the heir egg clutched to his chest screaming for Yuri. Yuri closes his eyes, accepting his fate. Knowing he was going to die once he reached the bottom.

Instead, he wakes up unfrozen in time and attending a school called Night Raven College, where he's set to meet old faces, new friends, and maybe even find a family no matter how irresponsible or bad the head mage can be at it.

There are also plenty of challenges, assassination attempts, bullying, and overblot, but he can handle that. He's handled adversity for years, after all.

Lilia Vanrouge has lost a lot during his long life. His best friends among them, and almost their son, the only part of them left to him. But it was that night 400 years ago that he lost most. He lost his last best friend, her heir was taken from him, he had left his military career, and he had lost a dear treasure who smiled accepting his death. Eventually, he finds more treasures, but he's never able to cleanse the wound left by the one before.

Then his treasure is returned to him and Lilia doesn't think he'll be able to handle all of the trouble that follows his treasure around. Or the constant collection of pretty boys his treasure has begun too unwittingly gather around him, leading to some difficulties with his own emotions that he hasn't struggled with in centuries.

They'll both have plenty of challenges ahead of them as they face the trials ahead of them.

Chapter One: Falling and Waking

Yuri smiles, relieved to see Baur and General Vanrouge have made it across the bridge in one piece, even if the bridge didn't survive. He hands over the precious egg to the general who frowns as he thanks Yuri for carrying the egg to safety. "Why are you frowning Lilia?" He asks. Lilia raises a hand and brushes it across a particular spot on his forehead. 'Oh.' he brings his hand up in a far too late attempt at wiping it away.

Unfortunately, the other's hand pulls back stained in a dark substance the three of them know is blood. "Um. A few rocks fell. It's nothing important." He assures.

"Yuri. How many times have we got to tell you any time it draws blood, it's important." Lilia scolds. Yuri sighs. This has been an ongoing argument for nearly eight years now. Perhaps a little longer. Apparently, Yuri's continued nonchalance about any injuries he received was still enough to make the General's brow twitch and eyes flash even after a decade.

From the side, Baur rolls his eyes at the far too common sight. If any of the others were here, they would be taking bets about something.

Suddenly the world shakes as magic erupts from the ground and the very mountain they stand on.

Yuri falters as the magic washes over all three of them and the young prince's egg. It leaves him breathless and Baur himself has been knocked around by the violence of the tremors. Unconscious up the path where his head has smashed into a rock. That was how weakened the last fight had left the two fey.

Yuri blinks as the sound of crumbling reaches his ears and looks around wildly for the source. Only to be horrified that it's coming from the ground Lilia is currently standing on with his best friends' egg clutched tightly to his chest as he fights to keep steady.

He can't allow them to fall. So, using every last bit of strength and speed he has left from the two weeks journey they had been taking with the precious heir, Yuri moves. Lilia's crimson eyes widen when he feels the impact, instinctively curling around the egg as he knows Yuri knows he'd do. He glances up dazed, only to see the predicament his treasure has placed himself in. "No." It starts as a whisper.

Yuri knows there's no saving him in time. How can there be when Baur is unconscious, and Lilia is severely injured with an egg to protect? But it's fine, because he knew this was always a possibility. It's war, and he is a mere human among fey. He accepts this and can only give Lilia what he hopes is a reassuring and apologetic enough smile to maybe soften the blow as the cliff crumbles under him and he falls out of sight.

"Yuri!" Lilia's anguished scream sends a jolt of pain through his own heart as he closes his eyes to the night moon above and waits for what he knows is coming to greet him.

His eyes blink open to a dark void, not having felt an impact that should have happened by now. He glanced around the abyss and steps back when an ornate mirror appears before him. Looming and foreboding is its presence.

Images play across the surface. Maleanor's fall. Malleus being taken from Lilia forcefully by the council. His retirement. Centuries looking for a way to hatch the last piece of his friends left to him. A human baby with familiar features. Baur's grandson. Malleus and Lilia themselves.

A large, dark Castle like building on a hill, a spread wing Raven with two pens clutched in its talons. Seven silhouettes and seven colors. And inky black darkness staining each one.

"For you. For me. For them. The night grows late, and time is running out. Take my hand, and do not let go, as time unfreezes on your soul." A deep, ancient voice echoes around the abyss. And Yuri doesn't hesitate to grab the pale, outstretched hand before him that offers nothing and everything all at once. Then, he breathes.

Night Raven College

Lilia Vanrouge is unsurprised that Malleus does not arrive at orientation for the new freshmen of Night Raven College. It has been a repeat that has left his heart aching each time it happens. But it can't be helped that one so powerful is treated with such caution. His sweet, awkward charge is too reminiscent of the Thorn Fairy in that regard.

He enters the Mirror Chamber, hearing a commotion happening inside. "But he has no magic! How can he be a student?"

Lilia's head tilts in curiosity. A non-magical student? That was certainly a first for Night Raven. When he sees who is at the mirror though, his entire world slows to a halt. Long, dark mahogany hair that is nearly black. Glowing, snow-white skin. And eyes that are beautiful and unique amber that he swears glow in the darkness. He knows he recognizes the seemingly 16-year-old that stands before the Dark Mirror.

He can't be tricked. He looks and smells too right to even be a close relative. Something he knows the other doesn't have. But it should be impossible because the last time he had seen this person was when he had fallen from a crumbling cliff towards a drop that only promised death nearly 400 years ago. The last thing he had offered to him was a smile that would never be able to cleanse the wound that tragedy had caused. 'Even without magic,' the Dark Mirror says. 'The dorm meant for you is Diasomnia.'

And Lilia's world sped back up. "Yuri?" Somehow, it's heard over the den of gossiping students who fall silent at the words from Lilia. The boy gave him his attention and his eyes widened.

"General?" It's asked, confused and unsure of the situation he finds himself in. Lilia doesn't hesitate to teleport to the other's side, hands raised but hesitating to touch the figure before him. As though he still can't believe it's him. That it's his treasure.

"But how?" Lilia whispers, equal parts hopeful and unsure of what must be a miracle.

Yuri gives him a shrug as his answer, accompanied by a soft, nervous smile. "I'm not quite sure myself. I remember what happened and accepting what was to come. Only to open my eyes and find myself in a void. I remember seeing images, though they're a bit blurry. And anything after taking someone's hand is blank. Then I was stepping out of my gate and into this room." Yuri admits.

"I see. We should probably look into it, though I'm certainly not willing to look into such a miracle too closely." Lilia mused before remembering the Mirror's placement. "Oh, you're in Diasomnia as well. I'm the vice of that dorm. I'll lead you and the other freshmen there as soon as orientation is declared over." Lilia told Yuri with a fang revealing grin.

An awkward cough from the fey Head Mage got their attention. "Actually, Mr. Vanrouge, I'll be burrowing young Yuri here for the evening to discuss some important business." Crowley apologized.

"Then he'll be escorted to Diasomnia, correct?" Lilia's voice took on a hard edge as he fell into fey tongue. He would not be forsaken his treasure's return.

"That is to be seen." Crowley replied, also falling into fey. Magenta eyes flashed crimson in encroaching anger.

"Are you snatching a student from the Thorn Fairy's dorm, Head Mage?"

"No! Of course not! However-" and here Crowley fell into an older fey dialect that the other students couldn't hope of understanding. "For his own wellbeing, I will not be giving him residence into Diasomnia's dorm."

"Excuse me!" Lilia hissed back, subconsciously matching the dialect. 400 years of believing his treasure was lost to him forever and this old crow was going to keep said treasure out of his reach? Absolutely not!

"If your Dorm Head was present to take the students to the dorm, I would offer you an invitation to the meeting as a close acquaintance of the subject." Lilia obviously bristles at that.

"Acquaintances? Merely close acquaintances is what you think we are?" He almost snarled. They had fought in a war together. He had trained Yuri. They had been comrades, who put their lives in each other's hands on a daily basis for a decade- maybe an eye blink for some fey, but some of the longest ten years Lilia had ever been thankful to know. Lilia was alive now because of Yuri! Malleus was here, in large part, to Yuri's sacrifice! And Crowley wanted to call them merely close acquaintances?

"Alas, I will merely have to save this conversation with you until tomorrow evening." Crowley replied before reverting back to commons. "I believe that is the end of Orientation! Dorm Heads and Vices, please escort your new students to their dorms." Crowley called out jovially, sending Lilia a pointed glance.

"Meddlesome old coot!" Lilia snarled, only to calm down at a familiar hand on his arm. He glanced into bright amber eyes.

"It'll be fine General. I'm sure I'll see you again tomorrow." Yuri tried to appease the incensed bat fey despite his own unease at being away from the only familiar face he knows. But this is something he's had to do before... Kind of. It was never something he had done in a school before if he's being honest. "Really. Besides, you have your boys to watch over, do you not?"

"How did you-?" Lilia asks, eyes widening at the words.

Yuri sighed. "Like I said. I saw images before I woke up here. And while they're fuzzy and kind of blurry, I remember a few key things from them. Though I would like to be able to catch up properly when we get the chance. It's been...years, I take it?" He asks, biting his lip in a show of unease at what he knows is the answer.

"Centuries. Approximately four of them." Lilia answers with a low whisper. The other takes a deep breath at that news.

"I see. Maybe the head mage and I should have a talk." Lilia growls. Yuri should have a talk with him, before some crazy old crow. "General, you're scaring the little ones." Yuri can't help his concern at his leader and best friend's lack of decorum. Normally, Lilia Vanrouge was always in control of his emotions. And the freshmen, including a boy that looks remarkably like Baur- 'Must be Baur's grandson.' Yuri realizes- are clearly uneasy at the literal magic that Lilia is losing a bit of his grip on. Even the other Dorm Heads look tense, like they're expecting to have to fight Lilia Vanrouge, the General of the Right.

Lilia took a deep breath, his magic drawing back in and under his control. Immediately, the atmosphere in the room is much more relaxed. He knows his reputation is secure as he's been known to be serious before, though probably never to this degree. It was just Lilia. It wasn't like this was something that happened often after all. He looks into amber eyes, seeing reassurance before he huffs. "Very well. But I expect you to present yourself at Diasomnia. Even if you aren't given residence, which is ridiculous-" he sends a scathing look Crowley's way at that. "Diasomnia is still your dorm, and you still need to be introduced to you fellow dormmates." Lilia gave in.

Yuri smiled. "Got it." He agreed, saluting the man.

Lilia sighed before turning to the gathered freshmen, knowing that orientation is over. "Everyone else that's been sorted into Diasomnia, come with me please." He calls over the crowd. He can't help his wince at the slightly pale Sebek, who looks shaken to have seen Lilia so out of character. The character the three of them know, at least. He would need to make it up to Sebek and pray that Silver and Malleus never see him like Sebek now has, almost completely out of control.

He glances once more behind him to see Crowley with an arm around Yuri's shoulder and leading him out the other end of the chamber. He has to turn away from the sight when it makes him visibly bristle. There is a welcoming party for the freshmen of each dorm- usually- and while Yuri won't be participating in this one, he'll make sure to welcome the boy another way to Night Raven College.