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Archive of Our Own: stars_on_the_water

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This entire trip had been a mess. [Name] didn't really know how they got roped into this, they weren't even invited, but they were making the most out of it. A major plus was being able to go with their boyfriend as well as a magnificent outfit. Like something out of Phantom of the Opera, which no one knew about here, which was just depressing. Top ten musicals.

There were a lot of intricate details that had been a pain to assemble, but hey, at least it was free. This outfit would have cost a fortune, scratch that, [Name] bet it did. The lace work itself had to be over a thousand thaumarks. But it was all assembled and it was time to regroup with the others! And maybe show off a little to their boyfriend...

Riddle Rosehearts

After putting on his mask, Riddle scanned the room that everyone was going to regroup in. He had been the first to get dressed and reemerged, but it was no matter. He could wait. He was honored to be able to represent the school on this trip and-—

Oh Seven, give him strength.

[Name] stepped out of their dressing room and they were absolutely gorgeous. Riddle felt like his heart was going to pop out of his chest as his beloved walked towards them. Their outfit moved with them, almost like a train of a bridal gown. It wasn't fair.

"Riddle! You look amazing! I love your mask!" [Name] fawned over the redhead and all he could do was attempt to compose himself. He cleared his throat briefly and gave [Name] a soft smile.

"T-thank you. [Name], you are... you are amazing." It was [Name]'s turn to blush as they put a hand on their face in an attempt to hide. "Would you care to dance? I fear the others will take their sweet time."

Deuce Spade

"Housewarden, is my collar straight?" With a sigh, Riddle fixed Deuce's collar without a word. Clearly it had not been. Riddle apparently wasn't in the mood to dance with a stranger, or there was some rule and Deuce didn't remember, as the blue-haired boy waited for his partner. [Name] had been handed the bundle of expensive clothes and sighed before going to get dressed.

It didn't take very long though, because [Name] emerged and could only be compared to something of royalty. Deuce felt his jaw drop as their partner nervously held the mask in their hands. Riddle had a smug grin on his face as he left the two first years to their own devices.

"[Name], you look-— wow!" Deuce intelligently got out, causing the Prefect to chuckle as they stood beside their boyfriend.

"Thanks, I feel like I'm going to trip over all the loose fabric though, could we dance later?"

"O-of course! We don't have to dance, we can just talk if you want!"

Ruggie Bucchi

[Name] had already told Ruggie that he was not allowed to pickpocket any of the Noble Bell College students. Not that they weren't confident in his skills, but because they didn't need a scene. He was sure he could get a pretty sorcent off the outfits they gave them though. Maybe [Name] would give him theirs as well? Whenever they get done changing he'll asked and-—

Yeah, no, [Name] was keeping theirs.

"You're behaving yourself, I'm actually quite proud." His partner chuckled as they walked towards Ruggie. The clothing moved with [Name] in a way that seemed like they were underwater. It was elegant, it was beautiful— Sevens [Name] was gorgeous.

"Hey! I can follow instructions pretty well!"

"Does that fall into dance instructions?"

Azul Ashengrotto

His balance was already a mess and now throwing in loose fabric and clothing items that weighted differently? This was a mess... And he couldn't fit his glasses under the mask, so he was going into this physically blind. But alas! Azul is nothing if not resourceful. [Name] had been dragged along as well, which gave the perfect excuse to—

Oh Seven have mercy. That is not fair. His partner is dressed to the nines and all he sees is a blur. As their footsteps click closer, it does allow the seafolk to check out— inspect them properly. The lacework, the checkered patterns, even the frills were exquisite on [Name].

"[Name] you're... you're beautiful." Was all he could get out of his stupid mouth. He was thankful for the mask hiding his blush. But with the soft chuckle his lover gave him before offering their hand to dance, Azul's nerves and hesitation floated away. 

"Would you be keen to wear something like that back at Night Raven? I assure you I could cover the cost."

Jamil Viper

Jamil was slowly losing his mind. He had left Kalim alone at Night Raven and if anything happened to him he was so screwed. [Name] was doing their best to reassure him, but the Vice-Housewarden was more than ready for this entire trip to be over. They were leaving after the ball. Jamil hated balls and all he really wanted to do was take [Name] and ditch the whole thing.

But of course fate had other plans. [Name] exited the room they were changing in and was the spitting image of a classical painting. No art museum dates for the two of them because Jamil was convinced they'd try to keep his partner.

"[Name]..." The boy tried to give his lover a compliment, any compliment, but the words just wouldn't leave his throat. And [Name] had the audacity to laugh at him.

Guess leaving the ball was a bust.

Rook Hunt

Rook was in heaven or whatever the Twisted Wonderland equivalent was. Fleur City!! And with his beloved as well! If only Roi du Poison had been here as well, Rook was sure he'd look merveilleux! At least they had Monsieur Pommette. 

Watching everyone mingle at the ball was all well and good, but Rook was ready for his lover to grace him with their appearance. Epel had checked in a little bit ago and gave an attempt at teasing the Vice-Housewarden. Apparently enthusiasm over his beau was not the reaction the first year wanted. Epel decided to ditch Rook and hang out with Deuce while waiting for [Name]'s appearance.

Which they decided to grace Rook with now!

"Mon amour, words cannot describe my adoration for you. The outfit given to you not only amplifies your charm but brings out your eyes' magnifique shine!" Poor [Name] blushed darkly under their mask before convincing Rook to stop his sonnets and dance with them. Epel gaged every time he crossed their paths.

Epel Felmier 

This entire event was like Pomefiore on steroids. No wonder Rook was living his best life. Epel was having flashbacks to his first weeks at Night Raven, he could feel Vil's gaze on him. [Name] was having a good time, so Epel didn't want to ruin his partner's fun, so he would keep quiet.

And that outfit his lover was wearing? Had to be illegal. The first year had never and still wasn't a fan of fancy smancy outfits, but [Name] had this magical ability to make anything look amazing. Rook had teased the lavender-haired boy about his blush. Something about living up to his name.

"Epel, are you alright?"

"F-fine! I'm fine, [Name], you're just— really pretty!" He said the last part with the twang of his accent, making it sound like 'purty' but [Name] didn't seem to mind. If anything, they smiled brighter before pulling Epel to dance.

Idia Shroud

He didn't want to be here, the only reason he was even in this stupid outfit was because he knew Ortho would be over the moon and [Name] was here. How'd he even end up dating an extrovert? The heart wants what the heart wants or whatever...

Idia was more than ready for this entire cutscene to be over before the camera pan for his lover started. They had matching masks, eek!! It was too cute! His hair must have flashed a magenta judging by the surprised looks some bystanders were giving him.

"I really like the cloak thing you got going on, Idia," [Name] complimented as they fiddled with a loose string of fabric on their own outfit. This wasn't fair, Idia was supposed to be the one dishing out compliments! He... yeah he didn't have a reason.

"I- I like your mask..." The Housewarden muttered out before [Name] laughed and dragged Idia into the crowd to dance. Great. Wonderful. This was his life.

Malleus Draconia

Malleus had been to countless balls, but this was his first with [Name]. He wanted it, needed it, to be perfect. The human had surprisingly wormed their way into his heart and he did not intend to let go. As he waited for [Name] to finish changing, he chatted with Silver and Sebek, who the fae was desperately trying to assure he could dance without them having to keep a watchful guard.

And as always, his child of man was stunning. [Name] pressed down their pants with an anxious expression that the fae hoped to evaporate. As Malleus sauntered over, the desire to see his beloved in more formal wear started to grow. Was it too early to consider marriage? That could guarantee [Name]'s attendance to more balls with him...

"Your attire suits you," The fae called out to [Name], who blushed behind their mask before tightening the string that was holding it to their face. "Do you remember our late night dance lessons? Shall we put them into practice?"

Silver

The second year student was half-convinced Malleus was trying to tease him. He was doing a really bad job at it though. Maybe Father put him up to him. Having answered 'yes' to Malleus' question of 'are you looking forward to seeing [Name]?' had killed the fae's mood and he had sulked away. Oops. Sebek could handle that.

Silver had matters of the heart to worry about and the owner of said heart had just reappeared. The colors suited [Name] and Silver could hear his father's voice telling him to compliment them. But... how? Words won't do him any justice in his situation and his partner was approaching.

"You could kill any opponent with your appearance." What. WHAT!! Of all the things to say... at least [Name] found Silver's blunder funny. Maybe he could rule that off as nerves. Yes, nerves. Nothing else.

Sebek Zigvolt

Silver had agreed to guard Malleus while he enjoyed time with [Name]. However, the half-fae was more than ready to drop everything to assist Silver should the need arise. And [Name] was taking a while to could get changed, maybe he could check in for just a moment and-

Yeah, that wasn't happening. Sebek's undivided attention was on his partner as they exited their dressing room looking frazzled. They preferred to wear simpler clothes as compared to outfits that had as many details as this one did. But they made it look good. More than good!! He should say something, anything.

"[NAME]!!! Eugh—" Well, that was something. And loud enough that the entire ballroom heard it. It temporarily shocked Sebek's lover from their distress at the amount of fabric that they were now laughing at. And laughing meant they were smiling. This was an absolute win.

“[Name], [Name], [Name]! They’re who everyone is talking about!! They have the skill, the looks, the talent– talk about the partner too! What more could they–”

Vil turned the television off with a satisfying click of the remote. He glanced over at the object of the spokesperson’s attention who was currently curled up in a ball on the couch. Their cellphone could be heard ringing from the kitchen. It hadn't stopped since Vil showed up outside [Name]’s apartment this morning.

“What’s done is done. There’s no use moping about it,” Vil huffed out as the sentient mound of blankets didn’t bother responding with the growing silence of the television. The blond gently peeled off the top layer of fleece to see [Name]’s sleeping form. He doesn’t bother waking them.

With a graceful sigh, Vil’s eyes fall to the many photo frames that are on the walls of his beloved's apartment. From childlike wonder from a first rehearsal, with Vil, Neige, and [Name] smiling together for their first movie together to Vil and [Name] standing outside of Night Raven College for his first day as student. There are articles about interviews that [Name] was in, saved by their loving mother. But there is one that Vil remembers the most. It’s [Name]’s first cover issue of a magazine. They were wearing that oddly revealing outfit they had protested against before being forced to wear it. The glass on the picture frame had been broken so many times, but it still hung on to the wall for dear life. 

There was a soft stir of movement from the blanket monster as [Name] arose from their slumber. Vil’s lover blinked a few times before picking up on the silence from the television. 

“They were talking about me again?”

“Yes.”

“Anything bad?”

“Not this time.”

Vil gently ran a hand through [Name]’s hair with the kind of tenderness that only Vil Schoenheit possessed. The kind of touch someone would sell their entire being for. One where you just knew you were loved. 

“Your phone is ringing in the kitchen.” [Name] chuckled at Vil’s blunt statement as they moved to rest their head on his shoulder. 

“I don’t have a project I’m on right now. My agent is trying to get me to play Neige’s love interest for whatever movie he’s doing right now,” [Name] informed with a lazy wave of their hand. They stole the remote from their boyfriend and easily turned the television back on to find their face staring back at them. The media was speculating what their next move would be. There was talk about the very thing [Name] had just told Vil about.

“Are you going to?” If the volume for the television had been any louder, [Name] wouldn’t have heard what Vil had muttered. He had been harboring these bitter feelings towards their childhood friend. They had been put into roles at a young age. Hero, villain, and love interest. It was the same over and over again. It was slowly starting to consume Vil and sadly [Name] was none the wiser. 

“I don’t want to do anything, Vil,” [Name] sighed as they changed the channel to something else. Anything else. “But what else will I do?”

“Ask for different roles.”

[Name]’s eyes stayed trained on the screen.

“You know that won’t work.”

There was a beat of silence between the two before Vil decided to drop the subject.

“Will you attend the SDC this year? ” That got [Name] to turn to Vil, eye bags from lack of sleep now clearly in the light for Vil to behold. Their hair was greasy and a mess. Vil doesn’t know the last time that blanket was even washed. 

“You’re training your school’s group right? And participating?”

“I am.”

“Send me a ticket.”

[Name] ended up taking the movie offer, not particularly having another option with bills to pay. Like clockwork, photos from production leaked of the pair and media speculated that perhaps a better couple would be [Name] and Neige. They clearly had chemistry after all.

Vil had thrown his phone at the wall in the middle of the Pomefiore common room, startling several students. It was an out of character burst of anger that sparked concern for the Housewarden. He brushed it off. 

As rehearsal for the SDC started, Vil’s agent reached out to inform him about the role of villain in the movie starring his beloved and Neige. He rejected it without a second thought.

Once the tickets for the event were being sold, Vil was able to score one easily. He sent it to [Name] who sent him a selfie with it in their hands. Neige was in the background. Vil cropped him out.

And on the day of the SDC, [Name] managed to sneak backstage in a poorly done incognito outfit. The cliché sunglasses and baseball cap combo, but it was endearing on his partner. 

“I’m here! Your school needs better security guards, sneaking past those guys was a breeze,” [Name] informed with a chuckle as they removed their disguise. There were no bags under their eyes and their hair had a freshly washed shine to it. There wasn’t a wrinkle on their clothes and Vil’s beloved was smiling. “You’re gonna win this though, right?”

And there was one of the many reasons [Name] had a claim to Vil’s heart. That smirk. The confidence they had in him. 

But Vil was so tired. This group had trained their hardest but they were still not performance ready. Would it be enough to go against Neige? Would they win?

“Of course we will. Who do you think I am?” Vil responded instead, not voicing his doubts. He wouldn’t want that smirk to vanish from their face. [Name] had just gotten it back. 

“I look forward to seeing the performance then!” And with a quick kiss to Vil’s lips, they were gone. And Vil’s phone started ringing.

“I know you already said no, but I think you’re perfect for the role! You even get some scenes with [Name]!” Vil’s agent’s words felt hollow in his head. 

“... I do?”

“Yeah!! Sure, you kill them and then Neige sobs over their dead body, but think-”

The events blurred after that. The things Vil remembers was crushing his phone in his hand with satisfaction and watching it fall. He remembers attempting to poison Neige with the apple juice under the effects of the ultimate spell. Vil remembers losing the SDC. Rook stopped him. Vil remembers performing on that stage and watching [Name]’s eyes. They lit up more when Neige performed. He remembers Kalim stopping him from doing something. And then losing by one vote–

Vil remembers overblotting. 

“What’s going on?”

The small group of Night Raven College students looked in horror as [Name] approached the stage. 

“Ah… Vil’s amour. There is a situation.” Rook explained briskly as he glanced at the mist and then back towards [Name]. 

“Jamil! I thought everyone evacuated!" Kalim shouted from somewhere on the other side of the stage before running over. Jamil looked about as dumbfounded as Kalim sounded. 

“You mean Neige running around like a puppet with that show?” [Name] frowned as they crossed their arms. Why would they follow a huge crowd of people around their childhood friend?

The first years that had been a part of Vil’s troop ran over, out of breath.

“We did as you said and- Holy shit, you’re [Name]! You were my celebrity crush in middle school!” Ace shouted as Deuce quickly smacked him on the back of the head. Now was not the time to fawn, they had an active overblot.

Ignoring Ace, the actor pressed on. “What’s going on, Rook?” They stared directly at Rook as they said his name and the Vice-Housewarden froze at the stare. [Name] was well aware of who the huntsman was, having met him many times when they came to visit Vil at Night Raven College. [Name] knew all about Rook’s obsession with his boyfriend and childhood friend and them included. If anyone was going to tell them anything about what was going on it would be him.

“Roi du Poison has overblotted.” Rook declared before there was the sound of stone crumbling. Pieces of the stage fell to the ground as something that looked like Vil crawled out from backstage. He was wearing an amazing gown that grew tattered towards his legs. The bodice was made of a golden like material with spikes at the ends. Vil had a headdress that appeared to be a veil over his head with a crown. There was blot dripping from his right eye and a violet glow coming from it as well.

He was beautiful. 

But the monster that followed behind him sent chills down [Name]’s back. It appeared to be made out of ink and had a giant hulking form. Its form reminded the actor of the old woman disguised that the Fairest Queen had dawned, the inspiration of Vil’s dorm. 

[Name] had no magic, but the love of their life was suffering. They weren’t going to stand by and do nothing. As the students who remained in the arena readied themselves for battle, two of the first years ran over to [Name]. 

“You need to get out of here! It’s not safe!” Deuce called out as the pair attempted to turn [Name] around. They weren’t having it though.

“I can help!”

“You have no magic, it’s not like you can talk someone out of an–”

“[Naaaaaaame]!!” 

Everyone froze as the chilling voice that had become Vil’s echoed through the arena. It would seem that quickly getting [Name] out of Vil’s sight was no longer an option as he floated over to his beloved at an intense speed. Everyone watched with baited breaths as Vil scooped his partner up off their feet and into a dance. [Name] was doing an amazing job of going along with Vil’s shenanigans though, props to them.

“My loveee, I am in agony that you had to see me like this! I apologize for what I must do.” Vil held up [Name] in one arm while the other rose to surround the mist into the form of an apple. There were several screams as the apple made contact with [Name] and they went limp in Vil’s arms. The mist burned on contact, the small collection of students had no idea what a concentrated force of it did to [Name]. 

“And the rest of you- You shall not escape me. No one who sees my ugly visage shall live to tell the tale! Ahh AHHH HA HA HA HA!” Vil declared, [Name] still out cold in their arms as the rest of the students prepared for battle. 

Vil remembers coming back to his senses and all he felt was dread. Seeing the sweat glistening from the students he had trained for the SDC was an effort of a battle they had fought. Everyone appeared relieved, but there was an underlying emotion of despair. Of fear. Was it towards him? Had his actions injured anyone in any way? 

Vil’s eyes slowly traveled to the spot where most of the students were staring out. On the ground as a form that the Pomefiore Housewarden knew as if it was his own. [Name] laid on the ground in a pile of limbs, unmoving. Despite the struggle of moving, Vil fell to his knees beside his love’s body. 

The blond gently rolled [Name] over so that they were laying on their back instead of face down in the rubble. Watching the rise and fall of their chest calmed the worst of Vil’s worries, but still not enough. He had done this. Vil felt tears pricking his eyes as he watched [Name] breathe shallowly. It was all his fault.

A gloved hand rested on Vil’s shoulder and the Housewarden didn’t have to turn around to know it was Rook. He had a duty to complete, he needed to assess the damages he had caused and come up with a solution. There were apologies to give as well, especially to those who had worked so hard for the SDC on his team. He had failed them. But with [Name]’s unconscious form in his lap, Vil found himself unable to move.

“What… What did I do to them?” Vil hesitantly asked his Vice-Housewarden who crouched down next to the pair. Rook took [Name]’s wrist in his hand to check for a pulse, obviously worried about the same thing Vil had been. They were still alive. Vil’s sins weren’t too deep. 

“Simply a deep slumber, I am sure your ange will awake soon,” Rook reassured, but he didn’t look fully convinced with that forced smile. “We should bring them to the infirmary.”

With [Name] in safe hands of the Night Raven Infirmary staff, Vil struggled with both physical and emotional hindrance during the SDC. They didn’t win, but Vil wasn’t in the mood to be mad about it. He felt like he was going through the motions until the day was done and he could sit by his beloved's bedside. 

[Name] still had yet to awaken and Vil’s guilt was growing by the hour. He couldn’t let himself dwell in the what if that they may never wake up again. It would send him into a spiral and that wouldn’t help anyone. With a kiss to [Name]’s forehead, the Housewarden rose and got to work.

He started with Crewel, while the man taught potionology and other science related subjects he was one of the blond’s favorite teachers. Vil trusted him with this… personal project. It felt wrong to call the situation that, [Name] was more than any project, if the ring that was always waiting in his pocket had anything to say about that. With a quiet knock on the pepper haired professor’s office door, he heard a response and opened the door. 

“Vil? Didn’t the SDC just end, pup? What are you doing here?” Crewel asked as he set down whatever paperwork he had been working through. He beckoned the student in and Vil quietly shut the door behind him.

“I… I have made a grave mistake. I need your help, please,” Pleaded Vil as he sat down at Crewel’s desk and explained everything that had happened. From his growing feelings of jealousy towards Neige, the fear of losing [Name], the building suspense of the SDC, and the overblot. And finally, [Name]’s condition, that Vil hesitantly told his professor. Crewel’s attention never wavered as he listened to Vil’s story, concern growing with more and more details. Once the blond was finished, he began to rustle through his desk. 

“Spellwork isn’t typically my forte, however, do you remember the Fairest Queen’s story?” Crewel drawled out as he pulled out a slim notebook and a feather quill. He began to write.

“Yes, of course. Are you saying I mirrored it?” Crewel paused to meet Vil’s eyes.

“I think your subconscious was trying to, but you got it confused, pup. I do not believe [Name] is your princess, but Niege. And when you were overblotted, you weren’t thinking right,” The professor explained softly as he finished whatever he was writing and then handed it to Vil. The student looked at it confused. Crewel has magnificent handwriting, but this was entirely unreadable. 

“Take that to Trein. He’s been starting a support group for students who overblot. He’ll also know how to break whatever is afflicting [Name].” Vil immediately stood up and practically rushed to get out the door.

“And, pup?”

Vil’s fingers froze around the doorknob as he turned to his teacher.

“It wasn’t your fault.”

Vil still didn’t believe that in the slightest.

Trein had taken the story of the events the same way Crewel had, with a sense of calm and a soft sadness in his eyes. This was the fifth overblot at the school after all, in less than twelve months at that. Styx would be on their asses soon if they didn’t get all these kids into therapy.

“My support group meets every Tuesday at five in the evening. I look forward to your arrival. Now, as for [Name]...” Trein trailed off as he began to look through his archive. If Vil was subconsciously following the Fairest Queen’s story, then whatever had afflicted poor [Name] had a solution. As the history professor skimmed through his texts, he found what he had been searching for.

“Ah. You mentioned that [Name] was your intended, correct?” Vil’s head snapped up at that and he nodded confidently. “Wonderful, then this won’t be awkward for you at all.”

Trein set the book he had been reading through down on his desk and flipped it around for Vil to read. The Fairest Queen had intended to kill the Innocent Princess with a poison apple. It was to resemble an eternal slumber, but something had gone wrong in its creation. The Fairest Queen had created a remedy for the poison, true love’s kiss, in her belief that it did not exist. In theory, Vil would simply have to kiss [Name] for this entire mess to be sorted out. 

But it would seem that for the first time Trein had known his student, Vil had doubts. He picked up the book with trembling hands and read the words once and then twice. He set the tomb back down and closed it slowly before turning to leave.

“If for some reason this is not the solution, we will find one, Schoenheit." The professor assured the fleeting form. He knew Vil had heard him from the sudden stiffness in his shoulders. 

Vil strutted through the halls of the empty school back to the infirmary. True love’s kiss? He’s the reason [Name] is unconscious, if that isn’t true love Vil doesn’t know what is. But he’s willing to try anything to awaken his lover. He’ll find a solution no matter what.

As Vil opened the door to the infirmary, he was met with Neige sitting at [Name]’s bedside, just as he himself had done earlier.

“You.” The blond growled out as he stepped into the room. Neige let out a squeak of surprise as he stood up to greet Vil. 

“Vil! It’s so nice to see you! I heard what happened to [Name] and had to check on them immediately. It’s terrible no one knows what happened…” The black haired boy trailed off as his eyes followed Vil’s to [Name]’s sleeping form. Vil wanted to punch him in his stupid perfect face, but he must retrain. After all, the star thought Vil was his childhood friend. Ha!

“It is, but the school is working on a cure. Do not trouble yourself,” Vil muttered as he stepped past Neige to steal his chair back. He gently pulled some of [Name]’s hair away from their eyes and placed it behind their ears. Neige stood there like the fool that he was for a moment. 

“You don’t seem too worried, Vil.” 

The blond’s head snapped to Neige with a glare filled with such malice that the Royal Sword Academy student took a step back. He put his hands up in surrender as he glanced down at [Name] again.

“I am beyond worried, Neige. However, putting myself into a panic helps no one, especially not [Name]. I have been busy finding a solution, not crying by their bedside like some damsel in distress.” Vil’s eyes never left [Name] as he delivered the smack down to Neige. “If that is all you have to say, I ask you to leave.”

The infirmary was filled with uncomfortable silence before Niege sighed and his retreating footsteps echoed through the room. There was the creaking of the door opening before a pause.

“Tell [Name] I was worried when they wake up.”

“Sure.”

And then he was gone. Good riddance, now Vil can actually go through with the plan Trein had come up with. He was not kissing [Name] in front of an audience. He has lived his entire life in front of a camera, his relationship would remain private.

In the original story of the Fairest Queen, Vil always hated that the prince didn’t even know the Innocent Princess. For all he knew she was dead and he leaned over her coffin and kissed her. RSA always painted the Fairest Queen as the villain, but really? Some hypocrisy. 

The Housewarden had kissed his beloved many times, but looking down at their sleeping form shot ice through Vil’s body. What if it didn’t work? What if [Name] woke up and was mad at him for everything he had done? Kiss included. 

No, he couldn’t think like that. [Name] loved him just as Vil loved them. They began rejecting roles that would be victims of Vil’s character. His love held his hand when there were magazines praising Neige for his wonderful acting and criticizing Vil for the same thing. Made to play the villain, they said. But never [Name]. No, never [Name]. 

Collecting his courage, Vil leaned down and gently pressed his lips against his beloved's. The Pomefiore Housewarden wasn’t sure how long he was supposed to hold this kiss in hopes that it worked. His thoughts went to what wedding photographers told couples being wed. Five seconds.

The first second Vil felt silly. There was no sound in the infirmary except for his soft breaths and [Name]’s shallow ones below him. There was no way this was going to work.

On the second, Vil began to panic. If [Name] didn’t wake up, what else was there to do? They were practically in a magically induced coma by blot being thrown at them. His lover didn’t have a magical capacity, so what even happened to that blot?

During the third second, the blond felt tears rolling down his face. If [Name] never woke up, they were as good as dead medically. How would Vil ever look at [Name]’s mother in the eyes again? He killed her child when she had been nothing but nice to him. How would he look at his father who had cheered when Vil told him about their budding relationship.

The fourth second was the worst. [Name]’s breathing had stopped and Vil’s heart had dropped in his chest. Trein had lied to him, shown him a false story or something because he had actually done it. He killed [Name]. He would never see their smile again, hear their laugh, feel their touch. Their voice. Vil had killed [Name] and he would have to live with that for the rest of his life. Maybe he was a villain. 

In the final second, Vil attempted to pull away, but found he was unable to. Maybe it was the grief and the guilt, but when he pulled his lips from [Name]’s he couldn’t move. Logically it was the arm wrapped around his back. Wait.

Arm around his back?

“Oh, Vil… Let me get you a tissue.”

The blond snapped his eyes open and through his tears saw [Name] smiling back up at him. He didn’t deserve that smile, the softness they were giving him. But he would take it. 

As [Name] sat up to grab the tissue box from the side table, Vil wrapped his love tightly in his arms and buried his face into their shoulder. [Name] kissed the crown of his head gently and returned the hug in true. 

“It’s okay, it’s okay, I should have seen the signs. I don’t know what I was doing and I shouldn’t have been there I don’t-” Vil cut off [Name]’s rambling swiftly by taking their face in his hands and slamming his lips against theirs. 

[Name] let out a surprised sound, but met his kiss in full. There was a hand cupping the back of Vil’s head as the pair tumbled into the infirmary bed together. [Name] was knocked away from Vil by the force, but they were laughing. They were laughing. It was the most beautiful music Vil had ever heard. 

“Hey, [Name]?”

“Hm?”

“Marry me.” 

“What???” [Name] spluttered as they reached for Vil’s shoulders and lightly shook him. Their eyes were searching for any sign of a joke, but the blond knew they wouldn't find any. He was dead serious. After a life threatening injury, an overblot, losing to Neige, verbally kicking Neige’s ass, and kissing [Name] back into consciousness, Vil was more convinced in his devotion to this person than ever before. And he already had a ring. 

Which he pulled out of his pocket, revealing the ruby red velvet box. Vil flipped the box open revealing a single golden band. Small diamonds were embedded in the metal as well, giving it a wonderful glimmer in the light.

“You’re… You’re serious.” 

“I am. I’m hurt that you thought I was joking.”

And there was that brilliant laugh again. 

“Well, you’re still in school. How about we get married as soon as you graduate?” [Name] offered as they gently took the small box in their hands. They were cradling it like it was the most valuable thing in creation. Vil slipped the ring out from its casing and gently slid it onto [Name]’s ring finger. 

“Sounds wonderful.”

Now… wasn’t Vil supposed to relay a message? What was it— oh! It was from Neige.

Fuck Neige.

“I can see what’s happening,” Ruggie informed Jack and Grim as they watched Leona and [Name] argue. It was different than it normally was though, Leona was smiling like he was enjoying himself and the Prefect kept laughing.

“What? What’s happening?” Grim whined as he frantically looked between his human and the pesky lion beastman. The direbeast even climbed up on Jack’s shoulder to get a better look. In return, Jack gave a confused look to the hyena but didn’t say anything, not even acknowledging his furry passenger...

“Leona’s gone soft on the Prefect. Look at them- our Housewarden isn’t even snarling at [Name]!” The trio peaked over the palm tree they were hiding behind to suspiciously watch the pair. Sure enough, Leona wasn’t snarling nor was he even talking back to [Name] as they yapped about whatever; the three of them couldn’t hear from their hiding place. A few other dorm members of Savanaclaw were eyeing the pair with concern. Leona was smiling now.

“So what? Everyone has a soft spot for [Name] now,” Jack pointed out with a shrug, but Ruggie wagged his finger at the younger student.

“This is different! You gotta look closer!” Ruggie defended and the trio once again stared out at the odd pair before realizing Leona was nowhere in sight. “Oh no, he’s—“

“Gone?”

The trio whipped around to find one of the people they were just gossiping about standing right behind them. Leona had a scowl on his face and his arms were crossed as he glared at each of them. More so at Grim, they had a feud going on or something. Ruggie’s theory was it absolutely had to do with [Name]. Now, Jack is too much of a good boy for his own sake so he immediately folds under their Housewarden’s glare. The whole ears dropping, tail between his legs kind of vibe. He obviously never got into much trouble back home.

Thankfully, Ruggie is no such good boy.

“Hey, Leona! Jack and I were just showing Grim around the dorm since [Name] and him have been hanging around lately!” The unofficial Vice-Housewarden schmoozed the lion beastman with a kind of skill one doesn’t develop overnight. You either had to be born with it or pick it up out of necessity. 

And the best part? Leona has learned not to question it.

With a scoff, Leona uncrossed his arms and walked back over to where [Name] was lounging by the common area pool. The Housewarden snuck up behind the Prefect before picking them up and then hurling them into the pool.[Name] resurfaced, laughing, before grabbing Leona by the ankle and then dragging him to join them.

The entire dorm held their breath as the lion disappeared under the water. 

Now, only a few knew this. Mainly the trio that was still hiding behind the palm tree, but Leona was built like a rock. There was no way that [Name] would be able to pull Leona into the Savanaclaw pool by his ankle. 

Which led to only one conclusion: the lion beastman had let [Name] drag him into the pool.

And speak of the devil, Leona resurfaced with a smirk that would make said devil shudder. Not because there was ill intent behind it, but because Leona Kingscholar had willingly let himself fall into the pool with [Name] and was smirking about it.

“Holy shit…” Jack muttered as he looked down at Ruggie and Grim who had matching shocked expressions. Ruggie was the first to come to his wits though as he casually put his arms behind his head.

“I… Alright, story time. We’re getting to the bottom of this.”

One of Ruggie’s least favorite ‘caring for Leona’ activities was getting him his royal lunch. Sure, he didn’t have to pay for it, but he still had to wait in line, find something with no vegetables or something that cleverly disguised them, and then go find the lion. For the past year, he had been hiding in the botanical garden taking a cat nap. However, since his overblot, Leona had been hiding from the only magicless student. 

[Name] had been attempting to befriend Leona for the past three months. In that time, the Prefect for the unrecognized dorm had already fought against two other overblots besides Leona’s. They weren’t stupid, something Ruggie liked about them. [Name] quickly learned that Leona took his midday nap hidden away in the botanicals. His favorite spot was under a giant monstera plant. He really looked like the King of the Jungle when he snoozed underneath the leaves, shyeheehee. 

Most days it went like this: [Name] storms into the botanical garden and calls out for the Savanaclaw Housewarden. Said Housewarden pointedly ignores their calls and pretends to sleep. Grim will normally barrel in around this time as well either demanding Leona to show his face or complain to [Name] that he was hungry. But neither of the cats deterred the oh great [Name], who stalks deeper into the garden and wakes Leona up without any fear. 

Most days, Leona will give a growl at the Prefect and roll over. On bad days he’ll fully get up and leave, simply to not have to deal with [Name].

But… something has changed and Ruggie doesn’t quite know what. Well— that’s a lie. He has a general idea but there is no way that it should even be considered.

Recently, Leona has been expecting [Name], but not for avoidance. For a lack of better words, Leona was starting to look forward to the Prefect waking him up. Ruggie doesn’t even know the last time the lion beastman was actually napping. It was like he was playing a game.

Now, the hyena knew how to mind his business. Any one with street smarts did. It was a very valuable trait to have. But Ruggie is also a gossip and Leona doesn’t scare him a bit. 

So when [Name] entered the botanical garden, with no Grim mind you, and calmly walked over to Leona’s monstera plant, Ruggie hid behind whatever bush Crewel was keeping this year. Imagine his surprise when instead of the lion shooing the Prefect away like he always does, a hand reaches out and drags [Name] behind the plant to join him. 

Ruggie was so pissed he wasn’t close enough to hear what the pair was laughing about.

“I’m betting Leona knew you were watching and wanted to mess with you,” Jack states plainly after Ruggie finishes his story. Grim glances between the two before joining Jack’s side.

“My henchman despises the lion! They have taste” The direbeast declared with a proud puff of his chest. There was a betting ring going on at Night Raven College that Grim was purposely saying anyone who tried to get close to [Name] was unappealing because he was trying to discourage people from courting ‘his human’. Ruggie may or may not be leading it.

“Look, all I’m saying is that it’s suspicious. All three of us know that [Name] cannot drag Leona by his ankle.” Ruggie points out the fact by adding a little head tilt towards the pool where… Whatever happened is still happening. “And the botanical garden was odd. What were they doing behind that leaf?”

“I think you’re making this out to be something it's not,” Jack’s deep voice cut in as he narrowed his eyes at his Housewarden and friend currently splashing each other in the pool. It was sickeningly sweet. “However…”

Ruggie’s ear twitched at Jack’s hesitant tone. He had a juicy story to share.

“Gonna share with the class?”

The Spelldrive Team and the Track and Field Team tended to have practice at the same time. The asscrack of dawn because running in the blazing sun was horrible and because Leona lived off of suffering. Not his own, but those under him. Maybe it was a kink thing. 

Sometimes, during Jack’s breaks he’ll go over and check out what the Spelldrive Team is doing at practice. He likes—

“Is it because Epel’s on the team?”

But out of the story, Ruggie.

For reasons Jack is not going to explain, he likes to watch the Spelldrive Team on his breaks. It’s normal and not creepy, thank you very much. Most of the time it’s just him sitting in the bleachers, looking up at the members of the team soaring through the sky. However, it wouldn’t be a story if it was the same as every morning.

[Name] was there, without Grim as well, which was odd in itself. They had been there before Jack had arrived reading a book. There was a water bottle on the lower level of the bleachers in front of them, which was odd placement but [Name] was an odd person. When the wolf had stepped onto the metal seats the weight change announced his arrival. The Prefect had glanced up from their book and gave a kind wave to their first-year friend. Jack had returned it before going to his normal seat all the way at the top.

[Name] had immediately gone back to reading their book as Jack took his break. It reminded Jack of his mother when he had track practice as a kid. Book out and water bottle ready for him to grab and drink from before rushing back in. 

Leona normally called a break when he saw Jack sitting in the bleachers, which he continued. The team landed and ran over to where their water bottles were hiding. Epel, yes Ruggie this is important to the story, had dashed up the bleachers as soon as his feet made contact with the ground to join Jack. They normally chatted while they had their breaks.

“Do you know why [Name]’s hanging around practice?” Epel asked with his accent laying on thick, no reason to hide it when Vil wasn’t stalking somewhere. Jack’s friend was always one to be blunt as well, something the wolf liked about the lavender-haired Pomefiore student. 

“I was actually going to ask you,” Jack replied as the pair of first years studied their friend, who was still reading. They didn’t have to wait long to get their answer. 

After about thirty seconds of watching his teammates, Leona gave a huff and lazily made his way to where [Name] was sitting. At the sound of his approach, the magicless student glanced up and put a bookmark in their book before closing it and setting it to the side. Leona climbed up the small amount of bleacher seats and took a seat on the bleachers in front of Jack’s friend with another huff. He snatched the water bottle that was located next to him and downed it before giving the empty bottle to [Name]’s waiting hand. The pair chatted quietly with each other and Leona seemed to relax. 

“What the fuck was that,” Epel whispered as he gently shook Jack’s shoulders. And wasn’t that the question of the hour. What the fuck was that indeed. 

Shortly, Leona stood up after smacking [Name] gently with his tail, earning a soft laugh from the Prefect. He called his team back to the pitch  and Epel gave a dumbfounded expression to his friend as he climbed down the bleachers. [Name] even gave the boy a quick ‘have fun’ and all the first year could do was splutter out a thank you.

Jack didn’t find this out until later at lunch when Epel had pulled him aside. Apparently, [Name] had started bringing water bottles for the entire team in case they forgot theirs. Someone had asked why and they simply said that Leona had informed them and they were worried. Something about Leona looking out for them and they wanted to help as well. 

“It’s like the team has a set of parents. An emotionally distant father and whatever [Name] is. I think I saw someone fucking cry, Jack.” 

“[Name] is always giving me snacks and water, that’s just how they are!” Grim piped in after Jack finished giving his story. Ruggie and Jack shared a look. [Name] had practically adopted the direbeast, so of course they took care of him. Sevens, no one even knew about [Name]’s own family, Grim could really be all they had for all they knew. After all, all the first years know that all Grim had was [Name]. And them of course, but it wasn’t the same. 

“Well, it’s still suspicious,” Ruggie muttered as he took in the new information. It wasn’t enough to solidify his theory yet, but he was getting closer. 

“No, it’s not! My henchhuman is just like that!” Grim growls out, even stomping his little paw on the ground to justify his point. “Listen up! Listen to the Great Grim tell his own story!”

They… don’t really have a choice

That ugly lion has been hanging around both his dorm and his human way too much. Grim despised Leona. He’d come in, not even bothering to knock anymore, and lay on the couch like he owned the place. 

And [Name] didn’t do anything about it!!!

So, it was up to him now. Clearly, [Name] was under some kind of spell that made them like the Savanaclaw Housewarden for some reason. Letting him in without a second glance and even letting him stay for dinner. It would be betrayal if the direbeast didn’t know about the enchantment. What other reason would there be?

Grim had been in his corner, because Leona took his couch, planning what he could do. His henchhuman was humming a soft melody from the kitchen as they cooked something that smelled amazing. [Name] was the best cook ever. 

And then Leona called out to them, stopping them from completing the food! How cruel did the lion have to be?? And [Name] actually came to their call! Like some kind of dog! Grim hated dogs! 

But… then Leona sat up and pouted. He pouted!! Ears drooping, tail swishing sadly, the whole nine yards! What made him think he could use the Great Grim’s tactics to get attention for [Name]! It was—

“Alright, I’m not listening to the rest of that,” Ruggie cut Grim off with a defeated sigh. All the direbeast was doing was complaining and the hyena was not in the mood for that today. Well, he was never in the mood for complaining.

“You didn’t let me get into the part where he stole [Name]!” Grim shouted and Jack nervously glanced out at the pair in the pool. The trio didn’t need the very two people they were gossiping about catching wind of their conversation. Leona and [Name] were still in their own world though. 

“Leona didn’t steal [Name] you’re just—”

“He did too! He—”

“Stop interrupting me! It’s—”

“You stop interrupting me!”

“Grim, I swear to—”

“Hey— they’re leaving.”

Jack’s voice snaps them out of their gossip, because that’s what this whole investigation has turned into, as Leona is helping [Name] out of the pool. They’re both soaked to the bone and the Housewarden has draped his vest over the Prefect, for whatever good that will do. It’s an oddly endearing gesture. 

What happened next though sent the entire group into puzzlement. Well, deeper puzzlement. 

Leona gently scooped [Name] into his arms bridal style while the magicless human in return laughed and wrapped their arms around the lion’s neck. And when Leona gives his own laugh with that look in his eyes, Ruggie knows. He has all the evidence. 

Leona Kingscholar is in love with the magicless human.

“We should leave them alone…” The hyena trails off, barely believing he had just said that. 

“You know, I think you could be nice to them every now and then.”

“I’m always nice to them, Herbivore.”

[Name] chuckled as they dried off their hair with a spare towel Leona kept in his room. The lion beastman had recently given them some of his spare sleepwear to don while their uniform dried off from their impulsive dip in the Savanaclaw pool. He had been the one to throw them in first, so it was only fair.

“You’re right, I forgot how much of a softy you are,” [Name] teased as Leona gave a snort and lounged on his bed. He only laid down for a few seconds before picking his head up to stare at the Prefect. There was a soft thud as Leona’s tail made contact with the mattress. A silent invite for [Name] to join him. They had learned the Housewarden would never voice things he wanted, not when it came to them. [Name] wanted to ask, but didn’t want to drive Leona away. They had an idea that he was scared. Scared to mess up a relationship he had tried to fight because he didn’t want to hurt [Name] again. Even if he hadn’t meant it the first time.

Maybe he was scared.

The Prefect almost tripped over themselves due to the length of Leona’s pants, but they made it safely to the bed. As soon as their body made contact with the mattress, the lion’s arms were around their waist and pulling their body into his. He pressed his face into the nape of [Name]’s neck and inhaled deeply. After starting their courtship battle with the lion beastman, they might have geeked out and read everything they possibly could about the differences between the two of them. Like for instance— Leona experienced smells a lot more intensely than [Name] did! Back home, the Prefect wasn’t too big into lions, they only knew a handful of facts. Scenting was a thing though, they remembered learning that in elementary school. Female lions would give off a scent that would attract males to them for a week during the—

“I can practically hear your thoughts,” Leona grumbled into [Name]’s neck and they chuckled nervously. “If you start sprouting lion facts again I will throw you back in the pool. You’re such a nerd.” 

“Excuse me, how many times have we played chess? I don’t think I have ever won and that’s way more nerdy than me learning about my boyfriend’s biology.”

“Chess is tactical and I think you spend too much time with Rook.” 

“You’re just jealous you don’t have friends.”

Leona quickly grabbed [Name] by the ankles and began to drag them out from the bed. The Prefect launched into a harmony of giggles as the lion beastman hoisted his partner over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“I take it back! I take it back! Don’t throw me in the pool!”

“Too late, Herbivore.”

Riddle Rosehearts

Child Psychology by Black Box Recorder

So, maybe my first decision was a little harsh, but come on. Riddle was under a lot of stress from his mother as a child to be the best and took it out on others when he became Housewarden. He did not have a normal happy childhood. But it wasn't the worst.

Trey Clover

When You Were Young by The Killers

Trey is like, the most chill character with the most chill background. He loves his family and takes care of his younger siblings. But do you think he ever misses the days when it was easier? When he wasn't dealing with overblot left and right at a school supposed to be the best?

Cater Diamond

November by Sparkbird

Okay, don't come at me. That's like the slogan of this. I feel like the song has such a bouncy tune to it with the words and meaning completely different. And the tune of the song itself reflects that. Fitting for someone who hides who he is, right?

Deuce Spade

I Walk the Line by Alien Sex Fiend

"I walk the line between good and evil." Deuce is known for having a past in delinquency, but he's changed. He's also one of the few students who isn't outright villainous in the game. But he slips. You can't fully get rid of your past and who you used to be.

Ace Trappola

Take Me to the Beach by Imagine Dragons (feat. Ado)

Ace is one of those fun-loving characters, so he gets a pop like song. And he was like in the Twisted Wonderland version of a beach episode. And the ending of the song sums up how he was before he met Deuce, Grim, and the Prefect in my eyes.

Leona Kingscholar

Acid Rain by Avenged Sevenfold

Hear me out. Acid eats through almost everything, kind of like his ultimate spell. But it's a song about the world ending and someone comforting their love. I'm a fanfic writer who mainly writes x reader. It's Leona. "Through all the dust it becomes clear, you will always be my heart."

Ruggie Bucchi

Dynasties and Dystopia by Ben Joy and Denzel Curry

We know that Ruggie grew up in a poor environment as said by the game itself. And now he's dealing with Leona's messes. You get what I'm putting down? It's also just a cool song that I could see as an edit with Ruggie too.

Jack Howl

John Wayne by Lady Gaga

He is the greenest flag in the entire series, so I'm giving him one of my favorite songs. "I crave a wild man" I mean... his ultimate is him literally turning into a wolf. Too literal? Well, he's also just cool and there's this idea that cowboys are cool. Cowboy Jack anyone?

Azul Ashengrotto

Ulterior Motives by Who's Who?

For one, it sounds like music that would play in a restaurant (I did my time) but also he quite literally has ulterior motives. He's telling "dirty lies" to get what he wants, to get that contract signed. But he gets busted.

Jade Leech

Bait & Switch by KMFDM

Is this because I saw a reel putting Floyd and Jade to this song? Maybe. But Jade feels like the one to call the shots out of the twins to me, so why not give him a song that sounds like it? Am I saying Jade is a mastermind? Maybe. 

Floyd Leech

Sugar by System of a Down

Now, I know what this song is about, I'm a big System of a Down fan. However, if you turn off media literacy for a second, this song is all over the place. Kind of like the moods of a certain eel. And maybe the line "the kombucha mushroom people" could be Floyd snapping after having to eat too many of his brother's mushrooms.

Kalim Al-Asim 

round and round by bbno$

A lot of bbno$ is seen as dance and party music, like how Kalim enjoys hosting parties. But this one, there's a second meaning if you make one. "Just let it go, don't sell your soul" in my eyes is how often Kalim's life has been in danger and how he doesn't drag him down. He lets it go because if he focuses on it too much maybe he won't be as cheerful as he appears to be.

Jamil Viper

Allah's Plan by Go Hang Music

Now, this is a stretch. Jamil's entire life before his overblot in his eyes was to serve Kalim, his only way out in his eyes was taking control of the very thing he thought was controlling his life. I feel like darker themes definitely could have made an appearance, like death.

Vil Schoenheit 

Venus by Theatre of Tragedy

I had so many songs picked out for Vil, but landed on this one. It's elegant, it's beautiful, but it's slightly tragic. Kind of like his life. Alright, that was mean, but I can bully him because I relate to him. I like to think this song fits his kind of "villain" image despite him craving to be seen as a hero, as the winner. (I could have done the Winner Takes It All by Abba, but that was too mean.)

Rook Hunt

Rule #1 - Magic by Fish in a Birdcage

Like most of these head cannons, it's my personal opinion. While he is obsessed with admiring beauty, I like to think that can translate to love. This song just feels like how Rook sees beauty to me as well, like magic. Kind of funny considering everyone is a mage at the school.

Epel Felmier 

Scavenger on the Wind by Mangy Bones

I really wanted to give him a stereotypical country song, but this fits more. Epel is scrappy, he has a fight in him. He wants to be tough, strong, manly and winds up in a place where it doesn't fit his image. But he keeps fighting and finds his own strength.

Idia Shroud

Creep U by Black Dresses

It was a tie between Placing the Blame, but I feel like Idia is creepy. He's just this guy who's a genius and magically talented but hides away. His hair is also literally on fire and the general public has no idea why. He's scary.

Ortho Shroud

A Human's Touch by TWRP

Language of the Lost felt too on the nose for this collection, so something a little less on the nose. Ortho isn't human and if it weren't for Idia he wouldn't exist. He was born from grief. "It was just you and me" however, could be about the Ortho that Idia lost. "We were such a good team."

Malleus Draconia

Tainted Love by Soft Cell

I didn't choose it for the view of the singer but for who the singer is talking about. Malleus loves his family and friend, but maybe a little too much. Maybe to the point of overbearing. Maybe to the point of obsession. Perhaps, just to the point where he needs to control them so they never leave.

Lilia Vanrouge

Military Fashion Show by And One

Did I take the line "girlfriends, girlfriends never could be mine" and relate it to Maleanor? Yes, yes I did. I could also see Lilia liking the song in general though, it's funky. I mean, there's also "girlfriends, girlfriends never could be more"... just saying.

Silver

Shut Eye by Stealing Sheep

He's literally falling asleep left and right, let me have this. It's also a good taunting song for the poor boy. "You should've got a better bed, better for your head" can relate to how he drops whenever, but it could also be how he lost his "comfy" lifestyle as a prince, lost his family. Would it have been better, Lilia?

Sebek Zigvolt 

Humankind, as the Savior by Rasputina

Do I think I'm funny, yes, very much so. But Sebek is very clear on his goals to protect Malleus. But it wasn't enough to protect Malleus from himself, now was it? That's the storm I'm giving Sebek that he needs to get through.

Grim

Psycho Teddy by Psycho Teddy

So... Helios and I brainstormed this one and we keep coming up with songs about eating because of the blot stones. However, like I said earlier, I think I'm funny. For those who don't know the history behind this song, it use to be a ringtone. It's annoying and all over the place. Like Grim. But it worms its way into your heart, just like Grim does.

They were the top of the class. A true honor student if he had ever seen one. They kept to themselves at school, which was totally fair. There was a large group of delinquents at their middle school, him included. 

Deuce and his group didn’t typically mess with them, but that didn’t mean other groups did. There was a pecking order after all. Nerds were easy to rough up for the most part. Easy targets.

Seeing the tears on [Name]’s face might have been the final kick to getting Deuce on the right path. His buddies yelled after him as he took off towards that stupid alleyway. Why was [Name] even in an alleyway? They knew better, they had to.

“All I’m asking for are the answers. Is that so hard?” Some nobody was holding the collar of [Name]’s shirt and had them pinned up against the wall. All of their notebooks were splattered on the ground, even the one with the cute little rabbit. A lot of their classmates teased [Name] for it, but Deuce thought it was adorable. It was one of those stationary items always in the Clock Town’s giftshops. And now it was on the ground, probably dirty now.

“I- I don’t have them yet! The assignment came out last period!” [Name] argued back weakly, which resulted in another slam against the wall. [Name] let out a sharp yelp of pain or surprise, hard to differentiate, and it just made Deuce’s blood boil. He could hear his friends still calling out for him in the distance, but it didn’t matter right now. 

He didn’t even call out to the bully. There was no need after all. With a quick summon, he was knocked out cold by a cauldron. [Name] let out a shriek as they back away from the metal object and the unconscious kid. Deuce took this as his moment to step out from the shadows of the alleyway, resulting in another scream from [Name].

“Wait! No no, I’m sorry! I just wanna help!” The blond assured as he waved his hands frantically. Alright, so, fingers wrapped in bandages, a bandaid on his face, dyed hair, black leather jacket, and a freshly summoned cauldron from him most likely did not give savior vibes. He was a delinquent and one with a pretty bad reputation both at school and around their hometown. [Name] was most likely freaking out. And for good reason! But he wasn’t carrying his metal bat so maybe he had a chance?

[Name] glanced at him from head to toe before taking a deep breath. They crouched down and started to pick up the scattered notebooks. Deuce took a hesitant step forward, testing the waters, before crouching down next to them to help. 

“Here… I uh, I think this one suits you by the way.” Deuce supplied awkwardly as he handed the rabbit notebook to [Name]. They took it from him gently before standing up. [Name] was significantly shorter than Deuce, but with him still crouching down, they looked so… pretty. 

“Thanks… I uh, don’t know what I was thinking. I thought I heard a cat…” [Name] mumbled as they shuffled uncomfortably. Deuce quickly stood up after realizing him staring at them was definitely not helping. 

“Let me walk you home!”

“Huh?”

Deuce could feel a blush rushing to his face as [Name] stared at him in shock. He covered half of his face with one hand as he turned away. Logically he knew that his classmate wouldn’t make fun of him, but he was used to being around his friends. They would tease him to no end if they knew about this.

“I could walk you home. Y’know, so uh, no one else messes with you…” Deuce trailed off as he kicked a rock down the other side of the alleyway. A moment of stillness settled over the pair for a moment.

“That’s kind of out of character for you, but I wouldn’t exactly turn the offer down.” Deuce snapped his head back to look at [Name], who was staring down at their feet. Almost like they were hiding their own embarrassment. 

“Yeah, I… I know.”

That had been the most awkward twenty minutes of Deuce’s life. But… It was worth it. [Name] lived relatively close to Deuce and he learned that his classmate was also fond of blastcycles. While they expressed that they would never want to drive or ride one, they could appreciate that aesthetic of them and liked how they worked. Deuce could work with that.

“Thank you again for helping me… Alex has been a pain for a while and he knew I liked cats and I just… Is there uh- anything I can do to help you out?” That was another thing Deuce learned about [Name]. They had anxiety. That was a joke, but it was probably true. Deuce learned that they didn’t like feeling like they owed anyone anything, which the delinquent could relate to.

“Could you teach me how to study like you?” He had blurted it out before he could even think. [Name]’s eyes went wide before they smiled softly. Deuce wanted to see that more. They never smiled at school. 

“I can do that. How about every Tuesday? I normally like to study at the library on those days. You could just come with me.”

“Sounds great!”

“[Name], stop laughing! I genuinely thought-”

“You genuinely thought that Briar Valley was in the Shaftlands?”

“Are you gonna help me or not?”

“PFFT- Okay, okay!”

“You want to give up… on your delinquent days?”

“You make it sound like it's a bad thing.”

“Well- I thought I was getting a scary and delinquent boyfriend that would beat anyone up that looked at me wrong.”

“I- I can still do that!!”

“Night Raven College, huh? That makes sense.”

“You really think so? I don’t know if I’ll even… succeed there.”

“Hey, you’re gonna be Mr. Honor Student by the time I’m done with you, of course you will.”

“Does that make you Mx. Honor Student?”

“Shut UP!”

“Mom, I uh… I want you to meet [Name].” 

“H-Hello, Ms. Spade!!”

“Is this who you’re sneaking to the library to be with, Deuce?”

“M-mom!!”

The entrance ceremony had nothing short of a disaster. A direbeast showed up and set everything on fire while a person from another dimension had shown up with no way back home. He was assigned to Heartslabyul, which he would have been over the moon for if his Housewarden wasn’t a literal tyrant. One of his roommates was this guy named Ace that wouldn’t shut up for the life of him.

Yeah, Night Raven College was great. He missed [Name].

And to make it even worse- he had just gotten accused of breaking a chandelier. Which wasn’t even his fault!! It was that stupid cat! And now he was in a dark and scary cave to get some kind of crystal that [Name] could tell him all about if they were here. 

Did he mention he missed [Name]?

They got the crystals though and didn’t die. Or expelled! Deuce almost weeped tears of joy when the Headmage told them they were still students of Night Raven College. He had worked too hard for this. He didn’t want to disappoint his mother or ruin all of [Name]’s hard work with tutoring him. His partner had done an amazing job and he didn’t want to dishonor that in any way. Not that [Name] would care. They would just kiss him on the cheek and ask him if he made any new friends. His mom wouldn’t even be mad either!

And speaking of friends, he was now friends with the very group that almost got him expelled. He was not a great judge of character. 

“Hey, Juice-”

“Deuce.”

“Yeah, whatever- you didn’t say where you were from like the rest of us. Or your family. Or your middle school days.”

Deuce really thought about summoning another cauldron to drop on Ace. He was trying really hard not to do that anymore, even though that is how he scored [Name]. Oh, that sounded really wrong. [Name] would laugh their ass off at that, but that made it sound like he was only with [Name] for their looks and he wasn’t and-

“You gonna spill or what?”

Deuce decided to chuck his apple at Ace’s head before smiling at Yuu and Grim.

“I’m from Clock Town. It’s just my mother and me at home and I wanna be top of my classes here to make her proud. And… And [Name].” Deuce informed them as he took a sip of his water. Grim didn’t seem interested in the least bit as he continued to munch down on his food, but Yuu at least gave him a smile before a knowing smirk grew on their face. Ace hadn't been affected by the apple nearly as much as he should have because he leaned into Deuce with a shit-eating grin.

“Who’s [Name]?”

Deuce wished he had another apple.

“[Name] is the smartest, sweetest, kindest, prettiest, badass-”

“Just say it’s your partner or whatever…” Ace grumbled as he cut Deuce off. Yuu gave Ace an annoyed glare before laughing at Deuce’s matching expression.

“Glad you like them so much. They sound cool.” Yuu added with a chuckle as they wiped the food off of Grim’s face. Must to the direbeast’s dismay. 

“They are! I’m looking forward to seeing them during winter break… With top grades!”

“Keep dreaming, buddy.”

“Hey- Heeeey! Did you hear? Draconia is dating the magicless student.”

“Man- get out of here.”

“No, see, Spiegel- you know Spiegel right? Pomefiore student? Anyways, they said the Prefect is dating the Housewarden for money.”

“I mean- that’s one way to rise up I suppose.”

“That’s what I’m saying!”

“They’re totally dating Draconia for influence. Why else would they be dating?”

“Have you seen how he looks at them? There’s no way they’ll last either.”

If it wasn’t for the lighting storm outside, it would still be possible to tell that Malleus was angry simply by the look on his face. Sebek would not stand for any slander of the Draconia family, so when the rumors of Malleus’ lover reached the half-fae’s ears, he immediately informed the dragon. Who was not pleased in the slightest. It had taken all three members of the small Diasomnia family to calm Malleus down from practically smiting students who were feeding the rumors. The only reason he was even sitting in the common area with a blank expression on his face while the storm was raging outside was because of Lilia.

Who was not helping if you asked Silver.

“So what if the student population believes [Name] is… what are the youth calling it?”

“A gold digger?” Sebek supplied, still holding his post at Malleus' side even though everyone had told him to take a seat. He refused. 

“Yes, that! We know that isn’t true. You know that isn’t true and [Name] knows it isn't true. Rumors will always exist and-”

“I’m proving them wrong.” 

That got a stunned silence to settle over the three of them as Malleus finally spoke. The silence didn’t stretch on for much longer as Lilia began to cackle. That was never a good sign. 

It started as a normal day for [Name]. They rangled Grim out of bed, convinced him to brush his teeth, realized how late it was and carried a screaming Grim to the homeroom. Ace and Deuce stopped their daily stopwatch once both Grim and [Name] were in their seats. 

“Aaaaand- time!”

“[Name], I think you broke your record!”

The prefect just groaned as they let their head hit the desk in front of them. Everyday, they text Ace and Deuce they are on their way and every day the two Heartslabyul students time them. The previous record had been fifteen minutes and thirty-two seconds of time between announcing their departure and actually arriving. That was the fastest.

“Of course they did! My hench-human is growing under the Great Grim’s guidance!” The entire reason they were timed decided to pipe in. If [Name] wasn’t exhausted they might have scolded the direbeast.

With the final bell signalling the start of class, [Name] looked up from the desk expecting Crewel to strut in. However, when do they have a normal day?

One Malleus Draconia strolled in like he owned the place carrying a bouquet of red roses that completely blocked him from view. Truly, the only reason anyone knew it was him was because his horns poked out above the display of a florist's dream. That thing must have cost a fortune. 

And everyone knew who it was for before it was even set down in front of [Name]. Now, before they started dating one of the most powerful mages in Twisted Wonderland, they might have shrank away or decided to act surprised. [Name] knew better now.

“Good morning, Malleus. What’s with the-”

“The enormous bouquet! Do you know how much tuna you could have bought with that??” Grim jumped in, scurrying over the desk to stand between [Name] and the gift-bearing dragon. In the past, Malleus may have brushed the opinionated direbeast off. However, the fae knew how important Grim was to his beloved, so he attempted to treat him with respect. 

“I simply wanted to show [Name] my devotion,” the Housewarden of Diasomnia declared as he placed the bouquet in [Name]’s arms. They blinked a few times, looking down at the hundred roses in their arms before smiling softly at Malleus. 

“Thank you, Tsunotarou, these are wonderful.” And the smile on the dragon’s face was worth the stares of the entire class. Now, [Name] wasn’t an idiot, they would be dead if they were with all the overblots occuring. Of course they knew about the rumors circling Night Raven College about their relationship, or courtship as Malleus called it, and knew very well how the dragon felt about it. Truly, they just wanted the whole thing to be over, so they were going to lay low for a while.

Malleus apparently had other plans seeing as this was the start of the morning.

Ace and Deuce leaned over to join the conversation. Ace let out a low whistle as he stared at the flowers and Deuce scooped up Grim before he could get in Malleus’ face.

“Do you uh- have a vase for those?” The blue-haired Heartslabyul student asked as he nervously looked at the bouquet. Malleus stared at the flowers for a moment before sighing.

“Perhaps I was too eager… or as Lilia says ‘I jumped the wand.’ Tomorrow will be better.” And then the Diasomnia Housewarden left in a puff of green smoke, leaving the three first years and their direbeast with one hundred red roses. 

Then Crewel decided to strut in. 

“Pups! Did you bring me flowers? Too kind!” Their professor drawled passionately as the three shared a nervous look. “Only joking- I saw Draconia with them earlier. [Name], pup, did he not supply a vase?”

The Prefect shook their head.

“Do not fret! I have many you can borrow!” 

That was just the start. Every morning, Malleus brought a bouquet that only grew by the day. Crewel was running out of vases and Ramshackle had never smelt better. But it was getting out of hand and the rumors were not improving.

“Have you seen the bouquets?”

“How could I not? How much do you think those things cost?”

“Probaly not as much as the Prefect wants them to!”

“You think he’ll bring gold next?”

“Dude- I could use some gold.”

“Just take [Name]’s man.”

Needless to say, there was another storm brewing. Literally. [Name] stood out on the porch of Ramshackle as they watched their boyfriend sulk in the eye of the storm. Remember when they said they weren’t an idiot? Well, they lied. When dealing with Malleus, sometimes idiocy was needed, like when [Name] needed to run head first into a storm. 

Besides being drenched and scared out of their wits, [Name] didn’t stop running until they collided with Malleus. In his own shock, the dragon dispersed the storm, revealing the spread of stars in the night sky in order to wrap his arms around his lover. 

“My treasure, what are you doing?” 

“Snapping you out of your tantrum.”

Remember, some idiocy.

Malleus scoffed lightly as he brought [Name] closer to his chest and looked down at the magicless human with a private smile. He leaned down to press his forehead against his lover’s. 

“Only you have the gull to talk to me like that.” The dragon had nothing but fondness in his voice, the previous anger almost completely dispersed. “But these rumors… they make me upset.” [Name] wanted to say he was a little more than upset, but they knew better. They didn't need a pouting Malleus on top of an upset one. 

“There are always going to be rumors, Malleus. Especially with our relationship.” Malleus opened his mouth to say something but [Name] quickly kept talking. “I know they aren’t true and so do you. Everyone important to us knows that the rumors aren’t true. As much as I want to say they don’t matter, because they don’t, I know you care. They matter to you.” Malleus closed his mouth and gave a small nod. “Why?”

The fae had to think for a moment. The answer was so obvious to him, but now it was starting to feel silly. [Name] didn’t seem to care about the students dragging their name through the mud, but Malleus cared. Should he… not care?

“I suppose I simply do not like people ruining your reputation.”

“What reputation?” 

Malleus ponders that for a moment. [Name] does have a point, they are a rather unknown variable in Twisted Wonderland. The campus only knows them due to being the only magicless student, fighting overblots, and courting him. 

“Should I let it go then?” The Diasomnia Housewarden couldn’t see a world where he did, but for [Name]? He would do anything. 

“Do what your heart says, Malleus.”

Thankfully, Diasomnia did not have a storm to fight today, but some members would say that's worse. The next king of Briar Valley was pacing in the common area, muttering to himself as he did. Lilia and his boys were sitting on the couch watching him before Malleus stopped his pacing and smiled at his family.

“I shall make a grotesque in their image.”

All three faces paled at that declaration.

“While I’m sure [Name] would appreciate it…” Silver started as he looked at Sebek and Lilia for support. Sebek would never speak against Malleus, so he quickly shook his head against the idea. Lilia would step up though.

“Maybe something more… traditional?” The older fae offered and Malleus sighed before he went back to pacing.

More traditional? What could be possible…

Oh. Oh, it's so simple.

Grim was being a pain on purpose, [Name] just couldn’t prove it. The direbeast was currently digging his claws into the wall in order to prevent [Name] from dragging him out of the dorm. It wasn’t going to work though as the Prefect planted one foot on the wall and pulled Grim out with enough force to send him flying into their chest. With the beast secure in their arms, [Name] opened the door to find a smiling Malleus blocking their way.

“Good morning, my Child of Man. I bring a gift.”

Malleus pulled his arms out from behind his back and presented a pendant. Upon further inspection, [Name] was able to spot the familiar shine of their boyfriend’s scales as it held a shining peridot. The scales were arranged in a manner to frame the gem and the whole pendant was held on a silver chain. It was breathtaking. [Name] dropped Grim in order to hold it gently, resulting in the direbeast letting out an angry ‘mrow’. 

“Oh, Malleus… did you make this?” The Prefect asked in an amazed whisper, to which the fae smiled proudly. 

“I did! Would you allow me to assist you to put it on?”

[Name] gave the pendant back to Malleus and turned around so he could clasp the chain around their neck. Grim let out gagging noises from the floor to show how he felt about the situation. The two lovers ignored him. 

“Thank you, it’s-”

“-that thing is definitely a tracker or something.” 

Ace’s wonderful words did not help Grim’s mood as the four friends sat in Trein’s class together. The first year was skeptical about Malleus’ and [Name]’s relationship from the start. And this… glowing necklace made out of the fae’s own scales? Definitely suspicious.

“Shut up, Ace. He worked hard on it,” the Prefect retorted as they glared at their friend. They went back to paying attention to Trein’s lecture while Deuce, Ace, and Grim whispered among themselves.

“I don’t like it.”

“Ace, you’re just jealous.”

“I am not jel-”

“Mreow! My human lets the lizard prance around our dorm all the time! He’s getting too comfortable!”

“Since when do you know the word ‘prance’ and use it in a sentence?”

“I’ll have you know the Great Grim-”

Their discussion was cut short by a menacing glare from [Name]. They were spending too much time with Malleus because that was totally his glare. 

Ace was not deterred from his friend’s antics though as he raised his hand to get Trein’s attention.

“Can we talk about fae courting history, Teach?”

“Mr. Trappola, please keep your personal matters out of my lessons.”

[Name] fully turned around to glare at Ace as he sulked back into his chair after being shot down by their teacher. 

“What? We need to do research. Who knows what's going on in his brain.” Ace shrugged and Deuce nervously glanced at [Name].

“We’re just concerned, [Name]. We don’t want you getting into a situation you can’t get out of.”

“Yeah! He doesn’t have any friends, who knows how he would treat his lover and…” Ace’s confidence in his words quickly fell as he noticed the murderous look the Prefect was giving him. Deuce shrank away and Ace should have, but he remained strong. 

[Name] snatched Grim from his perch between their two friends and onto their lap. With one final glare, they turned away from their friends without a word and focused solely on the lecture. 

Deuce and Ace gave a panicked look between themselves before the two started to silently plan. If [Name] was set on Malleus, maybe they should start trying to… understand one of the strongest mages in Twisted Wonderland.

Which was way easier said than done. After spending hours in the library studying the fae when they should be focusing on their actual lessons, they knew close to nothing.

“Well… at least we know the necklace is just a courting gift,” Deuce supplies unhelpfully as Ace bangs his head against the table they are sitting at. “I thought that it was sweet, in a weird kind of ‘I made this out of my own scales’ kind of way. What is with the fae and making gifts out of their body parts?”

“Dude- I don’t know. I just know we messed up,” Ace grumbled before he sat up and a metaphorical light bulb went off behind his head. “You think if we befriended Malleus that [Name] would forgive us?”

“It doesn’t hurt to try, you did call him friendless.”

“Because he is and you-”

“Ace, shut up!!”

Deuce quickly pounced on his friend in order to silence the orange haired boy at the sight of the very person they were gossiping about. One Malleus Draconia strolled into the library with a smile on his face as he headed towards a bookshelf. He was already carrying a stack of books and from a quick scan… they were all romance novels. The two first years locked eyes and came to the same conclusion that the dragon fae was definitely using them as research on romantic relationships. Their poor friend.

“I’m gonna go talk to him,” Deuce whispered to Ace, who silently gaped at their friend before following behind the blue haired boy. Malleus turned towards the pair as they approached and the Heartslabyul students couldn’t fight against the chill that went down their backs.

“Spade and Trappola, friends of [Name]. Is something amiss?” The Housewarden asked as he stared down the newcomers. He thought he was approachable with his question, but Deuce and Ace would be lying if they didn’t feel their legs shake. Did the Prefect really have to date this guy? Couldn’t it have been someone less intimidating? Scratch that, everyone at this school was intimidating in their own way.

“Good afternoon, Malleus!” Deuce greeted him with a plastered smile. Ace tried to catch his attention with a quick shake of his head, begging his friend to stop. “Ace and I were going to go visit Sam’s today. Do you wanna join us?” 

“Dude, why would you- OW!” Ace was quickly silenced by a sharp jab to his ribs from Deuce. Malleus had a thoughtful look on his face as he considered the offer. Deuce felt some sweat form on his forehead the longer the fae thought about it.

“While I do not require anything, I wish to know you two more personally. [Name] always speaks highly of you both.”

“G-great!”

“The Great Grim requires a story!” The direbeast hopped up on [Name]’s bed, fully dressed for bed in his little pajamas set Vil had gifted him last month. It was rather adorable and the Prefect was glad they didn’t have to sew it themself. 

“Oh yeah? Did you already pick one out?” [Name] chuckled at their roommate's antics, fully used to the routine. They had started it a few months ago at the beginning of living together to get Grim to go to bed and now the direbeast required it every night. He normally fell asleep after a few pages, so it was a short but efficient nightly routine.

However, as Grim snuggled into the Prefect’s side, there was a knock against the glass of the window. Used to the antics of everyone on campus, [Name] didn’t even bat an eye as they moved to open the window, but Grim startled and fell off the bed. 

“Child of man, your friends are rather- Hello, Grim.” Malleus poked his head into the dorm, careful not to break the glass with his horns (like last week) before climbing into the room. The direbeast gave a hiss in greeting before scurrying away. “I still do not think he likes me.”

[Name] couldn’t help but snicker at the defeated look on Malleus’ face before patting the now empty spot beside them on the bed. The fae didn’t waste any time and quickly claimed the area as his own.

“Don’t take it to heart, Tsunotarou. Grim still thinks you are trying to take me away from him.” 

“Those were my intentions at the start, but I have come to understand the importance you have to his life, my treasure. I fear I would respond in the same way if Lilia decided to pursue a romantic partner again.” After the touching statement, Malleus carefully rested his head against [Name]’s shoulder. He glanced over at the vases that decorated his lover’s dresser. All of them were filled with smaller groups of the rose bouquets from the week. Gifts from him that the Prefect displayed proudly in their bedroom.

“I have also come to understand what you meant when you told me to follow my heart. I should not let rumors cloud my… feelings for you. There will always be rumors.” Malleus cuddled closer into [Name]’s side, the human had to dodge the horns. Normally, the fae was careful, but he was being heartfelt right now.

“They do not matter, for my heart lies with you.”

“As does mine, Malleus.”

What Styx doesn't want to admit is that they have a phantom that escaped confinement. They have been searching for it for years, but there was never even a sighting.

Now, imagine their surprise when it latches onto a student at Night Raven College with no magical ability. They'll let you in on the report- it wasn't good. The entire control room was losing their minds.

Yuu had simply been going about their day until a terrifying creature that could only be compared to a demon landed in front of them. It was ginormous and gave an emotionless glare before all they felt was a feeling of hopelessness.

They would never go home. Crowley wasn't even trying. Their friends saw them as a burden.

Give up.

Give up.

Give up!

GiVeEe Up!!!!

gIVe e EE Uuu Pu UPPPP!

Yuu went slack, like a puppet with its strings cut off, before they stood straight up and smiled with a grin full of malice.

Heartslabyul 

Ace and Deuce had been walking with Yuu when the Phantom had taken over their friend. Seeing the transformation from their laughing friend to that dreadful smile had been sickening. Their eyes became pools of shadow and their face had black tendrils as veins. None of that could be healthy.

"We should call the Housewarden!!" Deuce cried out as he took a nervous step back. Ace gave a short nod and pulled out his phone. Luckily, Trey and Cater had been nearby and saw the phantom descend and rushed over. They took a defensive stand as they shielded the first years.

"Riddle isn't going to make it in time!" Trey called back to them as the phantom let out an evil hiss before it turned around and retreated, dragging Yuu's slack body with it. "It's dragging them to the Mirror Chamber. Ace, update Riddle on the location. Cater and Deuce, we're gonna chase after them!"

Savanaclaw

Leona had been lounging in his room when the screams started. Savanaclaw members never scream. With a groan, the lion rose to peer out his window and immediately rushed out the room when he saw the situation. As he ran down the halls, Ruggie and Jack had met him halfway outside.

"I take that you saw the..."

"Yuu overbloted? Yes, yes I saw it!" Leona cut Ruggie off as the three of them approached the magicless Perfect and their phantom. It was like something out of a bad dream. Yuu wasn't even in control, the phantom was roaring and throwing what appeared as spikes at unsuspecting Savanaclaw members. "We gotta find a way to break the-"

Leona didn't get to finish his sentence as the phantom growled in the trio's direction and Yuu's body rose up to a standing position, a terrifying smile on their face. The phantom then sunk its claws into Yuu's body and took flight. 

Octavinelle

Watching what could only be described as a devil drop into the Lounge with Yuu in its claws was not good for business. Azul was quietly calculating the bill he was going to be sending to the Prefect for repairs once they defeated the phantom that was controlling them. Yuu's movements were stained and that smile... that wasn't theirs at all.

"Hey, Shrimpy! Who's your date?" Floyd called out as he dodged a spike thrown by the phantom. And there went another table. It was like the eel was trying to cause more property damage! Jade wasn't helping either, he was also trying to rile up Yuu. It was time to stop this.

"Yuu, my friend, how about we strike a deal and-"

"NoOo! No, no, no NO! No DeAAAeL!!" While Yuu's mouth had been the one to move, the hollow voice that could only belong to a phantom had answered. The echo and deep cry had been disturbing. The phantom dragged Yuu's now limp body through the Lounge and back towards the mirror.

"Oh dear."

Scarabia

Kalim and Jamil had been walking back to their dorm mirror after Jamil's basketball practice. Kalim had insisted on watching and it wasn't like the other boy was going to deny him. What neither of them were ready for was a phantom darting out of the Octavinelle mirror like a bat out of hell. With Yuu as its tether.

Jamil shot out a protective arm in front of Kalim as he pulled out his wand. While he didn't want to cause harm to his friend, Kalim's safety came first and it was obvious the phantom was fully controlling their body. It was like watching someone else use Snake Whisper.

"Yuu! We'll get you out of its control!" Kalim called out cheerfully and Jamil wanted nothing more than to give him a smack over the head, but that was discouraged. And Yuu, or the phantom, was not appreciative of the callout because it took flight down the hallway.

"Perhaps we should speak with Azul, since Yuu had just left his dorm."

Pomefiore

Vil was attempting to correct Epel's posture in the courtyard with Rook as his witness when a demonic phantom descended with Yuu in its grasp. Epel and Rook were immediately at their Housewarden's sides as they stared down the situation.

"Spudling, let us assist you before you do something rash," Vil softly offered as Yuu flashed a toothy smile and pretended to think about it. After not even five seconds, the phantom roared and threw two giant spikes at the Pomefiore trio. Dodging was easy, like their attacks were slowing down. How long had Yuu been roaming?

"Now, Trickster... Is that really- Oh la vache!" Rook cried out as Yuu's body suddenly folded over and the phantom physically latched its claws into them and dragged them through the grass. Yuu's feet left a trail in the dirt as the pair vanished from sight.

"Look, there is a group following Yuu!" Epel pointed out as the other dorms the phantom had trampled through came rushing into the courtyard. "Well, let's join them." Vil declared with an elegant hair flip.

Ignihyde

"Ortho, can you believe that Sam got his hands on-"

"One moment. I'm picking up on a high blot reading. It's on the same scale as the phantom that escaped."

"The final boss leveled one? Why would-"

The brothers were cut off by the sight of the phantom they were just discussing dragging Yuu's body with one giant arm. Idia yelped as he directed his skull drone towards Yuu with a shaky arm. Sure, he was used to seeing many phantoms, but not seeing the Prefect being dragged so far there was a trail he couldn't see the end of.

"Ortho, immobilize it! We need to get it back to Styx!" Idia commanded as he got his bearings and launched his own attack alongside Ortho's. It had the opposite effect as the phantom let out a shrill cry and began to crawl away in a hurry. At least they weakened it.

"Dude, how long do you think Yuu's been KOed?"

Diasomnia

Malleus and his family had been on their way to Ramshackle when Silver spotted the hulking figure in the distance. And it had been Sebek's booming voice that had pointed out it was a phantom and it was dragging Yuu's body along with its own.

"I did not know the Child of Man could overblot."

"Judging by the crowd of students following them, it would seem the school didn't know either," Lilia reported with a tinge of worry in his voice. The situation did not look good. The four watched as the phantom crawled past them and disappeared into Ramshackle.

"We shall corner it. Let us join the others."

"YES, MALLEUS!!!"

"...Sebek."

Ramshackle

Grim had told Yuu this morning that he wasn't feeling well, which was only half true. He didn't want to go to class, but the direbeast felt like something big was going to happen. Like when any of the Housewardens, plus Jamil, had been about to overblot. The Great Grim wasn't scared!! He just... didn't want to deal with it today.

The birdman had found a way to bring Yuu home. He had told everyone else before his henchman. To prepare themselves or whatever. It wasn't fair!

The sound of crumbling wood echoed downstairs. It sounded like the door had been torn from its hinges. Grim scurried down the stairs to see what had caused the noise and hissed when he saw the giant phantom standing in the entry way. Dragging his human's body!! They... Yuu wasn't looking too good. They were covered in dirt and it looked like there was a gash on their forehead.

"Hey, ugly!" Yuu had yelled that at the spider that had startled Grim last week. Not that he was scared! But it sounded like the right thing to yell right now. "Let go of my human!!!"

The phantom took one look at the direbeast before grabbing him with its free hand. It opened its wings and broke a hole through the ceiling of their dorm.

Night Raven College

"Professor Trein, the Spelldrive team and I have located the phantom. It's coming this way."

"Thank you, Leona."

With a nod, the lion flew off with the rest of his team to keep eyes on the devilish beast. It was unfortunate that the phantom had escaped, but Styx had alerted them to its location a little too late. But Night Raven College was used to overblots now. They had drills for them and everything.

Grim's yelling could be heard before the phantom had even appeared, allowing even more time to prepare the rope to hold the beast. It was child's play how easy it fell into the trap as well. Its roaring echoed through the lane, causing some of the statues of the Great Seven to shake.

With it now immobilized, a team could be sent in to retrieve Grim and poor Yuu. Deuce and Ace had been the ones to volunteer to wrangle Grim while Epel, Jack, and Sebek would carry Yuu to the infirmary.

It had all gone to plan and thankfully, only two students were harmed. Trein and the rest of the staff were confident that Yuu would make a full recovery.

And seeing the Housewardens and their closest friends at Yuu's beside? It had been touching to see students of their school caring for someone else's wellbeing.