A brightly lit up whip unintentionally caused you to jump back and raise your wand. A string of light swats him across the body, “Agh! That hurts! What’s this string??” he shrieks, throwing up his paws to screen him from the attacks. What was that indeed? Everything here was utterly unfamiliar to you. A cloaked, masked man stepped out of the shadows complete with a top hat and flamboyant black and purple accessories towed by a more veteran student you’d say about 19 years old with a mop of messy short back hair and a tall muscular appearance looking around nervously. At the minimum you weren’t the only one feeling irrational. Upon gazing at his appearance, you guessed a Halloween party was taking place. It was early June, though…

“Ah, I have finally found you. You are the new student, correct? The raven masked man inquires anxiously in a rushed tone.

“Actually sir-” you weigh in.

“You can’t go through the gate without authority!” the man crosses his arms, mocking the face of an irritated teacher. It almost reminded you of the ghostly facade of Binns when someone pushed their lousy luck with the homework due dates.

“-And on top of that, you brought a wild familiar with you against the school rules.” he gripped the cat by the nape of his exposed neck. You had a feeling there was truly no getting through with this one.

“Agh! Let me go! I’m not this person’s familiar!” wails the bowed cat, the blue flames coming out of his ears fanning brighter.

“Sure, sure that’s what they all say. Let’s try to be silent now, shall we?” retorts the clearly now miffed creature, well you think he’s a creature. Above the fire of the cat’s ears, you can make out pointed sharp ears. Perhaps a taller goblin after all, his peculiar temperament and ears would certainly match one. He turns to you again, “Honestly, it’s unheard of for two new students to go through school by themselves,” he retorts impatiently, sighing, “Are you two this impatient? Well, come along then. The opening ceremony scarcely started a while ago.”

“Opening ceremony.” the ravenette says dazedly.

The opening ceremony, as in the sorting ceremony? A sorting ceremony would be out of the question, as you’re already in a Hogwarts house. The raven masked man doesn’t bother to acknowledge the person’s question.

“Let’s go to the mirror chamber.”

Nevermind.

“I’m sorry sir, new student?” you were far from a contemporary student and you certainly didn’t recognize their accents. The black haired person with a mole on his right cheek directed you a look in gratitude that he didn’t have to ask.

“The door you came out of. Every student before you went through that door to come here.” This could be a foreign wizarding school for all you know, though the term “mirror chamber” is unheard of in your mind. This unquestionably wasn’t Castelobruxo, the wizarding school in South America, either considering your time there, due to an exchange program, indeed did confirm there was no mirror chamber.

“Usually students don’t awaken until we open the door with a special key, but…” you could barely imagine the anticipation and nerves of the student being trapped in a coffin waiting for someone to unlatch it.

“Since that familiar caused this ruckus, you must take responsibility for it, but this isn’t the time to talk. If we don’t hurry, we will miss the opening ceremony. Come, come. Let’s be on our way.” he beckons you both forward.

There was no getting through to them. You’d suppose you’d determine your answers sooner or later.

A flurry of voices floods your hearing as you follow the headmaster, Dire Crowley, (His name really was based off of a crow.) as he so “kindly” informed you while walking towards the “mirror chamber”. The cat, apparently named “Grim”, not so quietly informed you all of his plans to befit a great wizard was still squirming in the headmaster’s grip.

Mutterings of a few students stood out to you, namely one who mentioned how the headmaster might have had a stomachache. Funny how he’d specially said stomachache, was it a commonplace occurrence? Even so, stomachaches are quite the widespread pain. It could come in handy should you come to an armed standoff with these people later on.

A loud wallop on concrete walls lured you out of your inner thoughts.

“That’s not it!” squawked Dire Crowley practically ripping the polished door off of its hinges by the way he flung it open. The way he opened the door was reminiscent of a bird spreading its wings to fly.

You look up to find 5 hooded students staring back at you all on a overhanging balcony with a parade of others on your eye level.

A strawberry red colored haired boy with a more petite frame was considerably relieved to identify the headmaster, with hands on his hips.

An unknown man with brown long braids and striking vivid green eyes yawned sleepily upon your arrival.

A intrigued slivered hair man with rectangle glasses confidently stroked his chin when you looked up.

A cheery again shorter, short brown hair, red eyed boy smiled down at you two. Perhaps too cheerily,

And an alluring amethyst eyed man with elegant features and purple highlights looks you up and down as if to inevitably break you down and to put you back together to his liking.

You can see an "electrical" muggle device next to the amethyst eyed man.

“Now then,” he guides you first to a mirror with the palm of his hand, slightly pushing you, “You two are the solitary ones who haven't gotten your chosen dorms. I will take care of that raccoon so now quickly go to the mirror.

“MHMMM” yelped Grim squirming in the headmaster's arms about to maul his mask off.

You walk up to the gold plated mirror. A mask in it’s reflection.

“State thy name.” it instructs you in a monotone voice.

Thinking for a second, you take out your first name, only the first last name that popped in your mind, “Rowle” you reply, hands fiddling at your side pockets.

“Theodore Rowle.” Theodore seemed like a common enough name for it to not cause suspicion.

“The shape of thy soul…”

You curiously tilt your head

“Belongs in Pomefiore!”

You stand in front of the mirror in a frozen silence until the headmaster dragged you back, leaving you stumbling on the steps.

Standing to the side, Yuu, that’s what he told you his name was while walking the halls stepped forward.

“State thy name.”

“Yuu.”

“The shape of thy soul…”

“I do not know.”

“What did you say?” the headmaster yells behind you. He certainly has a flair for dramatics.

“What did it mean your soul was different? The black carriage has never made a mistake like this before.” the headmaster gasps to Yuu before looking at his hands as if in defeat.

“MMHMP” Grim seizes the opportunity to escape, “Then gimme his seat!”

“Ah! Wait, that raccoon!” a loud bellow comes from the crow masked man.

“Unlike this human, I can practise magic. You should put me in the academy instead!” Grim continues crossing his paws with a smug expression. The commotion going on behind you engulfs the dreary silence that dominated the room before.

“If you want, I will show you!” he proudly boasts.

“Everyone take cover!” a strained yet firm voice yells above you.

“Ngahhh!” The smoke caused you to choke, producing a fit of small coughs from you.

“Uwah! Hot! Hot! Hot! The fire is on my butt!” yelled a high pitched voice, stomps preceding his voice most likely caused by him trying to stomp out the flames. His robes would be ruined, though.

“If this continues, the college will burn!” interjected the oh so kind man behind you, “Someone! Seize that raccoon dog!”

“Tch. How troublesome.” someone groaned.

“Ah? Isn’t one of your specialities hunting? Isn’t it plump enough for you?”

“Why do I have to do it? You do it?

A third voice jumps in, “Mr. Crowley, leave this to me. To injure and capture this small cute creature. Everyone else doesn’t want to do it. So I will take over this task.”

“As expected Azul, 1+ for you.” comes an unfamiliar echoing voice.

“Can someone please help me put out this fire that’s on my butt?” interjects the boy.

“Hey! Are you all listening to me?” the headmaster looked up at them all in disappointment.

The man with the chestnut plaited hair sighed, “If you want the raccoon captured then why don’t you do it yourself?”

“I am not a raccoon! How many times do I have to say it! I am Grim, the one who will become a magician!” he yells, all the while, screeching your ears off.

“A small animal with such a strong will. Riddle if you’d please.”

The red-haired boy, “Riddle”, stepped forward, “I can not let an enemy pass. Let’s get this over with.”

As soon as Riddle steps in to fight Grim, Yuuken tackles him to the floor, “Hold on! That’s dangerous!”

“How dare you insult me just now. Let me make this clear… That is the same as insulting the Queen of Hearts herself! I shall have your head! Do you understand?!” The loud shout causes the crowd to jump back, while the students on the balcony merely look bored or interested. No in between.

“Wait Riddle!” A green haired student with a clover on his left cheek stood up with a slightly nervous orange haired student to his right, “Let’s calm down for a second and hear him out.”

Riddle scoffed, “As if I could when he’s making a utter mess of things! He’s guilty of misconduct!” He jumps back up, throwing off Yuuken striding towards the cat with unparalleled confidence.

“OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! Queen of Hearts law 23. “We mustn't bring cats to ceremonies. Your cat is trespassing and violating the rule. Leave this place immediately” he looks at you, ignoring Grim’s cries that he was not a cat.

“I am not a cat. I will burn this collar!” only to look up in dismay. “Huh? I can’t use my magic?”

“Hmph, you can’t use magic in that collar. You are no different from a cat.” Riddle stated, hands on his hips. He gave a distinct impression of your mother.

“Hey! I’m not a common housecat!”

“Don’t worry,” the redhead snarled, “I wouldn’t want a pet like you anyhow. When you leave this school, I’ll take off the collar.”

The man with glass clapped his hands above while praising his magic, “How amazing, your unique magic can also seal magic! I want it… I mean I don't want it used on me.” in quiet afterthought.

“Hey!” the headmaster’s booming voice caught your attention, “Do something about this! He’s your familiar!”

“My apologies sir, but he isn’t mine. I did not arrive with him.”

“What he isn't yours? Well,” he coughs, looking embarrassed, “Let’s rid him immediately off school.”

“LET GO OF ME!” was the frantic cry from Grim as he was thrown out of the room.

“Despite some trouble, the opening ceremony is now complete. Dorm leaders, please take your new students and go back to your dorms.” the headmaster gestures to the dorm heads to get going. The house heads, well dorm heads are students here huh?

You drift off to your thoughts while Crowley mutters something about a missing “Draconia”.

“Isn’t he not being here normal?” the man with the braids asks.

“Huh, don’t tell me that no one told him about the ceremony.” innocently replies the boy who had his robes burned.

“Well why didn’t you tell him?” retorts the man with the lavender highlights.

“Hmmm, but I’m not really close to that guy.”

A murmur goes through the crowd of students.

“Draconia, don’t tell me he means Malleus Draconia?”

“So it’s true, he enrolled in his school…”

“Scary!”

An looking adolescent boy, you’d say with short bubblegum pink highlights pops up, “Oh, just as I suspected. I came here thinking he might show up. But it seems he didn’t receive the ceremony announcement again…”

“Ah! I am sorry. We didn’t mean to leave him out!” the man with glasses responds. The sympathetic mask was so transparent, you could practically see his laughter through it.

“He just has an unapproachable aura to him.” muses Riddle, seemingly quite calm after his recent showcase of magic to Grim.

“It’s fine,” assures the youthful looking student, “Diasomnia dorm students follow me. I hope he isn’t sulking.”

“Now then!” Crowley claps his hands, “Dorm leaders! Take your new students to their dormitories!”

A lavender haired boy with a rough country accent grasps your hand and jerks you to follow a more considerable group behind the amethyst eyed man, “Hey! Don’t just stand there!” Yuuken had followed the headmaster, leaving him out of your sight.

“Ah, right. Thank you.” you nod in acknowledcrystalent and trail him.

The students push and shove, practically launching you into the lavender haired boy’s arms.

“Hey watch it!” a pair of feet shuffle behind you, prompting you to shift out of his arms to not get squished into the crowd anymore than you were.

“It’s Theodore Rowle if you didn’t hear it before.” holding out your hand to offer him a handshake.

“I know. Epel. Epel Felmier.” he shakes your hand.

“What dorm were you hoping to get into?” you inquire after you observe his slightly disheartened expression at seeing a room full of mirrors.

“Savanaclaw. I was going to become manlier,” he huffs, rolling his sleeves up as if to empathize his point, “You?”

“I was hoping for Pomefiore.” you grin with a nod of your head, not knowing any other houses besides what he just told you. You were both currently heading straight for a mirror following a man with a blond bob.

It’ll be just like platform 9 ¾ th quarters, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. Epel, however, notices your hesitation and he offers his hand to you this time. You gratefully take it, taking a stride forward.

A spinning sensation overwhelms you. It was far worse than the playful twists of apparating.

“Woah, woah.” Epel catches you by the arm as you ungracefully stumble,

“You’re like a tumbling apple after it falls out of a tree.”

“My apologies… I’m… getting used to this. I haven’t used this type of transportation before. It might be an acquired thing.

Epel gives you an understanding look while heading into the lounge. You both settle at the edge of the room next to a pair of chattering students. Epel stands arms crossed in distaste for the elegant room with a nervous expression. The candles unfortunately illuminate up his misery. The walls were painted a deep purple with white and gold surrounding the frames. Plush, spotless with matching color schemes sat before you. Most striking of all however was a peacock throne with a crown in it’s center. You stand in parallel to him with a straight back, a tucked chin, and shoulders down, though you also cross your arms, not in distaste for the room, but distaste of your current situation.

A dark bluish haired boy with his arms crossed next to a hunter green haired boy with a mischievous expression called out, “Come over! Before we start the welcome party, first year students, Please introduce yourselves!”

The green haired one jumped in rather excitedly, almost like a child showing off his talents to a classroom of fellow students, “I’m going first! It’s my pleasure to meet you all. From now on, we’re living under the same dorm and attending the same school. It’s my honor to meet you all.”

He practically repeated his second and last sentence, you muse to yourself.

“That’s very gracious… Are you perhaps from the Country of Roses? I can smell flowers coming off of you.” the older dormitory member notes.

“As expected from Pomefiore, you have good sense! I’m surprised that you could identify the perfume that I’m using!”

The darker hair man didn’t stop guessing, “Are you from the Country of Jewels? Your fingers have many shiny and detailed jewels… It looks like a masterpiece made by a certain notable craftsman…”

“…Uhh…” Epel interjects behind you.

The older boy rounds on him, “What about you?”

“Eh! Oh… M-me?” he nearly jumps back in surprise, “Um… Me… I… I’m…”

“Oh poor thing… He looks extremely terrified. Just like a kitty being left out in the rain.” the rosy smelling classman jumped in.

“Oh don’t be nervous! My apologies for my unpleasant gesture of asking for your name!” the dark haired one mocked.

“No, actually… I am… Epel Felmier…”

“So you’re named Epel! The name is so suitable with your adorable expression!”

You could tell Epel did not like that by his sorrowful face.

“That sorrowful look from the side of his face… It’s so ephemeral. How beautiful. You must be the son of a noble family.” they kept prodding. It reminded you of a teenager poking an animal, without knowing it’s abilities, with a stick.

“No, I’m not…”

“You’re so suitable for the Pomefiore dorm where the elegant gather! I have a feeling we’ll all get along fast.” the fellow first year offered a hand to Epel.

Epel reluctantly shook his hand.

“Look at Pomefiore’s lounge,” the older boy turns to his underclassman to boast, much to Epel’s relief, “There are so many luxuries. There aren’t even this many in my hometown.”

“The design looks so intricate. Do you know what brand this is? Do you know you two?” He targets you two, clasping his hands together and giving you an eerie grin in fake kindness.

You’re spry to respond gazing at the rug’s fringes, “No, I’m more interested in things relating to needlework. However, the handmade rug pattern is exquisite while the color palette doesn’t overshadow the rest of the room, but rather compliments it.”

“Oh?” He looks at you as if scored high marks in a test. Which you tell yourself, you presumably have, “How do you know it was handmade? I wasn’t aware of that.

“The fringes are part of the rug’s foundation, machine made rugs are usually sewn or glued on after.” Madam Pomfrey once caught you trying to sew back your ruined robes after being ripped in Care of Magical characters in your second year without knowing the spell. You were expecting her to pull out her wand to patch it back up, but instead she pulled out a butter cookie tin, which did not contain any sort of mouth watering goods, but sewing threads and needles. You had learned the necessary charms later in the year, but still picked up the skills. Over time the sound of a needle going through muslin fabric felt like home.

He gives you a small clap, “Wonderful! You reflect Pomefiore’s values of beauty well! And you?”, He turns to Epel.

Epel does not turn back around like a mouse being chased by a cat and gains his composure quickly when he notices that he was addressed, “Who knows?” a hand on his hip.

“Then, what is your favorite brand?”

“Eh brand?” he looks at you as if you could cut in with the name of a brand. However, you don’t have one in mind unless it was Ollivander's, “No. I don’t have any…”

“So you are the type to not favor one brand! Very nice! You could become the best artisan!”

“Hahaha.” Epel awkwardly laughs.

“Excuse me,” you cut in, shifting the attention to you, “It’s a bit warm in here. Could I head out to get a breath of fresh air with my acquaintance here please? I’m sure he’d appreciate it as well.” he grabbed his arm much to Epel’s dismay. The older one sniffs like a hound looking for lies, “Fine. I suppose some fresh air would help with our new freshman.”

You tap Epel’s shoulder and gesture for him to follow you to find an exit.

“Epel is so delicate. There’s so many people here. No wonder why he’s uncomfortable.” you heard undisguised muttering behind you.

There were more things said, but it was unintelligible due to the distance put behind you as both of you headed through the doorway.

“Ha~~” Epel took a deep breath, a hand on his heart, “Thanks for that by the way.”

“Don’t mention it. I’d say we’re even after that.” he looks away for a few moments before looking directly in the eye and crossing his arms.

“I really… I really wanted to join the brave and wild Savanaclaw!” he closes his eyes, “I can’t believe I got sent in Pomefiore where the dorm leader would say something like that…”

“This is literally the exact opposite of my ideal school life!” screaming to the sky in anger as if God could hear all his rage and fury, “... I must study more, level up my magic skill, and I’ll have to be a lot stronger…”

He raises his right fist to his face, “Someday I’ll be-!”

You both jolt back at the sound of a voice, “Oh? I thought I saw two cute little papillons waiting outside our dorm…”

The Pomefiore vice dorm leader turns to Epel first, “Your hair and eye color… Are you perhaps the new rumor student Vil mentioned? Epel?” Though he looked harmless in theory, he so easily creeped up behind you. It was enough to warrant enough suspicion from you to prepare yourself to apparate in a dire situation.

“Papillon? By the way, what did you mean by the new rumor student?” Epel clasps his hands together, in a show of fear rather than congratulations though. The trimmed bushes behind him seemed to share the same sentiment, shaking in the wind.

“Butterfly. He means butterfly.” you input, helpfully. Hours and hours of examining various languages making the root words of spells have sharpened your ability with languages such as French or Latin.

Rook, curse his overly chilling smile, thanked you for your translation and introduced himself to you both, “Bonsoir, Epel and Avor. I am Rook Hunt, third year. Or you can call me Le Chasseur D'Amour.”

Epel looks to you again, “Chasseur… What?”

“The Love Hunter” he jumped in before you could respond, “I can see that you have potential hidden inside you just like an apple that turns red. May I call you Monsieur Princesse Pomme?”

“Princess Apple?” Epel jolted back in disgust, “That sounds gross, If you’re going to give me a nickname then you should at least call me something cool like ripe apple! I have a strong prejudice against apples…”

“Alright then, Monsieur Princesse Pomme! And you… Monsieur March!” (“What?” Epel yelled, “That’s way better than Princess Apple!”)

You raise an eyebrow at the name, “March?” He seems to find joy in your confusion, sharp teeth widening, “Elizabeth “Beth” March, a dear character in literature. A family centered young woman extending a hand to those in need.”

The school entrance ceremony is already over, now what do you two think about Pomefiore? It’s quite beautiful right?”

“It’s very refined. The generations of opinions from diverse students have built quite the establishment.” you remark in approval at the well kept castle in the most "pureblood" manner you could manage.

“...Well, it is very luxurious and fancy…” Epel seemingly agreed before mocking, “It’s full of weak looking people who like to show off their so-called great sense. Very beautiful I guess.”

He was displaying his talent for giving people whiplash by the attitude change.

“This place doesn’t suit me at all. Sending me to join Pomefiore must be some sort of mistake.” Epel groaned at Rook’s slightly narrowed eyes.

Silently you agreed with Epel. You equally didn’t suit this place at all. The dueling stage was replaced with a runway, the proper leather shoes replaced with glittery heels. Well no matter, you could

Rook, however, gave Epel a sunny look as if to encourage him to stay, “No, no, don’t say something like that. You possess a suitable soul with Pomefiore. I can tell.”

“That’s a no from me.” Epel shook his head, the banner of Pomefiore symbol shook violently above his head as if disagreeing with his assessment.

“Come, both of you. Let’s go back inside! I couldn’t allow you fall sick for staying out for too long!” The blond third year shut down the conversation with the disguise of worrying for your health.

“No… I want to stay here a little bit longer.” Epel protested, clearly done with the conversation himself.

“Are you intimidated of social circles? It’s alright, I’ll accompany you!”

“This dude…” Epel looks to you as if he couldn’t believe he was seeing this with his own eyes, “Did he even listen to anything I said?”

“Come. Let’s go Monsieur Princesse Pomme and Monsieur March!”

“I had already said stop calling me by that strange nickname… Are you listening to me?”

“Ahh~ Our beautiful Pomefiore~” Rook ominously responds.

Suddenly he lunged forward dragging Epel by his arm. Seeing this, you instinctively step a few paces back and reach for the wand in your pocket.

“S-stop pulling on me! My arm is going to fall off!” Epel shrieks, “Rook! Let go of me… such a strong power! What strength!”

You decide to follow them in.

“Epel, you’re back!” an overexcited senior greets Epel, ignoring you, “We haven’t even proceeded with the welcome party because we were so worried about you! You seemed a little unwell.”

“Are you feeling better now?” the other one greets him, “The outside must’ve been so cold for you. Come, warm yourself.”

“T-thank you…” Rook came up behind you as you looked back at him, “The dorm students are starting to take care of each other even though they just met. It’s such a tre bien sight!” dramatically wiping a tear away.

The older student gasped, clamping a hand to his mouth, You are the vice dorm leader, Rook Hunt! It is my honor to talk with you!”

“Ehh! Vice dorm leader? This is strange… Wait no. This unusual person is the vice dorm leader?” also gasped Epel.

“His eyes give me the chills.” you whisper to yourself too gentle to notice.

“Oh? Epel, did you not listen to our dorm introduction at the welcome entrance ceremony? Such a bad kid.” he leans his head into his open palm in faked disappointment.

“Not only the dorm leader, even the vice dorm leader is a strange person… Life is despair.”

“Come, the lovely buds of Pomefiore! Let’s all sit down and have our meal,” he gestures to a set table full of dishes, “The dorm leader will arrive promptly. Enjoy and don’t forget to use your manners.”

The dorm leader huh? He must have been one of the people on the balcony. Judging by the talk about beauty and brands, you’d place your bets on the amethyst eyed man or the red-haired boy who seemed to have a penchant for keeping things in order.

“What a delicious looking meal! The setting of the table is so beautiful!”

“It’s a 5 course meal. Very high-class. It fits in with the theme of Pomefiore.”

“Ugh, this sucks. We still have to keep our manners... We still have to keep our appearance even when having a meal.” Epel grumbled while stuffing the end of a napkin under his collar to assemble what looked like a burp cloth.

“Change gets easier when time passes by.” you empathize with his situation while pushing out a chair welcoming him to sit next to you. Part of his fiery nature reminded you of some of your own acquaintances. Unreluctant to act, a bit harsh by nature, but a well rounded individual with potential to grow. He takes you up on your offer and sits besides you, while you push out another to sit down.

“I doubt it. I’ll never get used to this rich boy stuff.” he stabs a sliced carrot with his fork, almost flipping the plate over causing several dormmates to snicker in his direction, not bothering to hide their distaste of him.

The “boy” part of his statement stuck out.

“...I’m sorry,” you fold the napkin in your lap, edges perfectly overlining, attempting to not stick out like the black sheep,

“...This is a boys school, correct? I wanted to make sure. I’m not quite from around here you see.”

“Huh?” he looks at you with a face of confusion, “Yeah, even I know that. You must live somewhere isolated. Where I live, there’s no one but older people. In fact I’ve never met someone of my age before going to Night Raven College. Wait, where are you from?”

“Bristol, Britain,” you reply while sipping the lentil soup quietly, “And you?”

“I’ve- uh never heard of that place before. Is it a small village? Ugrh, today’s been such a confusing day…” he places his head onto his hands and contemplates his fate in Pomefiore, elbows on the crisp silk table cloth.

You stop midway while picking up a few stuffed mushrooms on your plate, “I’m sorry what?” Britain was by far not exactly a forgettable country. Even if he came from an isolated city.

“I’m from the Village of Harvest. My family grows apples. My grandma and great-grandma are witches, but my parents are non magical.”

“And what country would the Village of Harvest be from?”

“Huh?” he stuffs his mouth with slices of grilled meat, “Ugh, this Yakinaku is terrific. It’s from Pyroxene. Y’know? One of the largest countries in Twisted Wonderland?”

You subconsciously place the fork back on your plate before you drop it. Pyroxene? Twisted Wonderland? You’d never heard of such places before. Pyro means “fire” and xene “foreigner” Fire foreigner? Was it someplace on the equator?

“Have you heard of the Earth?”

He looks at you in pure curiosity, “No? Is that a neighboring city?”

Oh dear lord. You’re not on Earth.

“Hm? What’s this?” he turns away from you to point at a bowl filled with water, “There’s water filled in this bowl. I don’t really feel like drinking juice right now, but that’s a strange looking cup. Well it is Pomefiore, so I guess it isn’t that strange.”

He pulls the bowl up and guzzles it down.

“EHH?” the surrounding students gasp.

“Has he no manners?” yelped a redhead with golden jewelry.

“I can’t believe he was sorted in Pomefiore…”

“He finished the water used for hand washing in one gulp!”

“It was flavorless...” Epel looks at you like a guilty child being caught by its mother. Why is everyone looking at me like that?”

“...I believe that was the water used for hand washing…” you gently take the bowl from his hands and stand up to place it in its rightful place.

Wordlessly, water slowly fills back up in the bowl among the chatter.

“Ah? Was that your magic, Theodore? Thanks.” he lowers his head to you in thanks. In response you shake yours and sit back down whispering, “There’s no need to thank me. You made an genuine mistake. There’s no shame in that. I’m sure you’re just as capable as the rest of the audience in this room.”

“AHAHA” a loud laugh pierces the hall, “It’s like the laugh of a hunter after a successful hunt.” you murmur. Rook Hunt. What a suspicious figure in this place.

“I can’t believe you finished the water meant to be used to wash hands! What a excellent joke!” he jests.

“I thought it was a fancy cup…” he protests.

The senior, who you dub, “Blackjack” because of his dark hair, laughs along with Rook, “I see, so you’re trying to brighten the atmosphere! Thank you!”

“Haha… Right.”

“Then, now you understand why manners are necessary in Pomefiore?” Rook wryly smiles, at the right seat of the chair at the end.

You give a solemn nod, and Epel agrees, “Indeed, I nearly embarrassed myself…”

“Well, I can’t let you stay troubled!” he winks at you, “We’re going to teach you some table manners!”

You fold your hands on your lap, “We? Mr. Hunt?” The eyeliner on his face highlighted his acute eyes.

“Oui! You know your etiquette, correct?” he beams, raising his arms in delight.

The thought of him inspecting you interact and dine with Epel was enough to chill your bones, “Of course.”

“Right then, first, take away the napkin on your neck. It might look like a cute scarf, but we routinely place it on our laps.” he shows Epel how to fold the napkin midair with his own napkin.

“... I understand… Then I’ll drink the soup.”

He loudly slurps the soup to the surprise of Rook.

“It’s usually considered quite inconsiderate to slurp or make loud noises during meals.” you say while holding back the urge to use a spare napkin to wipe off the soup that slightly dripped down his lip.

“Yes, Yes! Now you must take the knife and fork placed outermost from the cutlery!” Epel picked up the knife and fork with a face seeped with misery, right with the fork and left with the knife. “No, no, not like that. Come, follow our instructions. Take it from the outermost, right hand with the knife and left hand with the fork.” (“Haah? Can’t we just do this casually?”)

Rook and you devote the next 10 minutes instructing Epel on dinner etiquette with the background sound of Pomefiore students gossiping and Epel relentlessly groaning. The dorm leader must have been speaking to someone.

“All the new potatoes!” To the right of the dinner table steps the amethyst eyed man with purple haired tips, you’d say about 6 feet with a glowing aura.

“Ugh! What’s with this brightness?”

Epel yells to your left, “That’s-!” while you start screening your eyes.

The Pomefiore dorm leader chuckled, seemingly proud of his beauty, “What did you think of the party I made? It’s graceful and elegant isn’t it?”

“Vil Schoenheit!” Epel stands up and slams the dinner table, shaking the tableware, and making you jolt.

“It’s Mr. Vil. Epel Felmier,” he corrected, with arched eyebrows. He looks over to Rook, “What is this Rook? This dirty potato’s behavior.”

“You mean Epel right? He’s working hard. We’re instructing him table manners right now.” he nods his head to you, clapping his hands once. This shifts Vil’s attention to you, to which you nod your head to as well. You can tell his gaze is currently focused on your chewed nails.

After a long pause he glares, “I see, but it’s not about manners anymore. And you,” he sideyes you, “File your nails when you have the chance.”

“Eh? Why are you suddenly so close to me?” his voice spikes while attempting to pull back from his iron gaze.

“Your posture is terrible!” barked Vil.

“Ack!” Epel jumped back, knocking the arm of his chair.

“All I did was scold you. What an exaggerated reaction.” Epel was hopping from the pain of the unexpected crash.

“Well, It can’t be helped since you’re so bad at this. Tell me Epel, what is your preferred food?” Vil pulled back watching Epel recover from his pain. (Who didn’t exactly seem like he was in the mood for questioning.)

Epel stood up, grasping his chance to stand up to the dorm leader again, “My favorite food? Grilled meat.” Vil’s neutral expression dropped, “...I think I heard something that doesn’t fit in this atmosphere. I must have misheard right?” a question not truly inferring anything, Epel stuttered to this rhetorical question.

“Let me ask you again, This dorm is based off of the Beautiful Queen’s strenuous efforts. You are a student here. What is your favorite food?”

“It’s… Macarons...ugh!” Epel gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

“Very good,” he nodded in approval, “Then imagine you’re eating your favorite macron. Now try correcting your posture.” Vil leaned forward and gripped Epel by his head. Epel straightened up his back and relaxed his shoulders.

“But why are you gripping my head?! My freaking head is going to be crushed like an apple! Ow! That hurts!” he started trying to pry Vil’s hands off of him to no avail.

Stepping forward to cut in the middle of the tussle, you chided, “He’s in pain. Let him go,” you voice slightly choked on describing how he was in pain.

Vil looked at Epel again, “My freaking head is going to crush? It’s My head is going to crush soon, right? Besides, words change your appearance. Utter something I can understand. I’ve been saying this from the beginning.”

“My head is going to crush soon! It’s really painful!” he squealed, attempting to wriggle his way out of his grip again.

You whisper a charm under your breath, separating Epel and Vil with a small pop. Vil looked back at you in surprise and huffed, in contrast Epel had fallen on his knees, cradling his head. “Epel you still have time to spare.” Rook empathized with his over the top tone, while you continued to kneel down next to Epel, using a pain relieving spell to ease his pain. “This place is utter hell.” he whispered while he was getting up.

“Sit back down,” Vil sat down himself and instructed, “Lower your head while eating, don’t move your mouth close to the food to eat rather pick up the food close to your mouth.”

“You lower your jaw too much.” Epel flinched upon Vil’s interjection, “I’ll hold your jaw to help you fix your posture.”

“I can’t eat like this!” Epel protested.

“Don’t show your teeth while eating!” Vil chided.

“I can’t believe I was alive after that.” Epel stuck to you here as you were the only one who wasn’t a “pompous spoiled brat” in his words.

“Potatoes!”

Vil was standing before a throne, befitting a queen, peacock feathers adorning it’s seat, “I expect nothing less than perfection out of all you new first years. Here in Pomefiore, we value the heavy efforts based off of the Beautiful Queen, one of the Great Seven. We stand as the fairest of the seven dorms as well as the most historic in Night Raven College. Don’t dishonor our reputation. I am Vil Schoenheit, the Pomefiore dorm leader. Find Rook, the vice dorm leader” he gestures to a man with a blond bob cut and feather hat sitting to his right, “For your class schedules, magical pens, and dorm uniforms. You’ll have secondary classes based on etiquette, beauty and care. Head back here in the morning so we can tailor you to your new outfits. That’s all.” His voice penetrated the room like an actor performing a play on a stage. He sauntered off to God knows where.

You head towards the blonde with the hat with neatly lined boxes to his side.

“I don’t know why we’re doing this,” Epel grumbles beside you. You turn to politely listen while lining up a single file at the beginning of the line, “This is all useless. Girly girl stuff. This won’t help me become a man at all.” he huffs up a storm.

Unfortunately, Vil hears him complaining, because you all hear footsteps throughout the now silenced chattering in the room. He grabs Epel by the hand and gives him a glare. He wordlessly grabs him by the arm and drags him to another room. Epel yelped almost like a rabbit being grabbed by a bird of prey. You all stare in disbelief, until Rook cheerfully says, “Next!” like nothing happened. You step forward.

“Salut Monsieur March, Theodore Rowle!” Rook smiles at you, showing the pearly whites of his teeth, “Quelle belle name!” he tilts his head and smiles again, scribbling your name on a clipboard and handing you a pen with an amethyst crystal attached, a purple uniform, a key and a piece of paper.

“Merci.” you murmur, stepping back and looking at the piece of paper.

Class 1-B.

First Period - Magical History/Mozus Trein

Second Period - Physical Education/Flying/Ashton Vargras

You read on and on and stop at your dorm room number.

Room 12.

You wander down the hall the students ahead of you went through counting down the numbers.

9, 10, 11, 12. Ah there it is.

You pull out the key and push it in. Click.

You push the door open to reveal a furnished room finished with a purple and gold theme. There were four beds with the signature Pomefiore apple and dagger symbol on the headboard. Several push pillows below a curtain draped over the beds.

A young man with slicked-back chestnut hair with dyed green ends reviewing the possessions in his suitcase greets you with a genuine smile, “Oh? Are you the new 1st year? I’m Aubrey. Glad to meet you. His shirt was slightly untucked, and his tie was laid on the side of a chair.

“Gah, stop causing such a fuss. There’s a new first year. Big deal.” Curiously you peek over, he was taller with a more robust figure.

“That’s Henri,”

Henri had light blond hair with silver highlights in a short braid. He was currently occupying the bed furthest from the curtains with his legs propped on up the wall, staring up at the ceiling in a trance.

“He’s a bit of a dreamer.” Aubrey winked at you.

“Theodore.” you clear your throat, settling down on the bed next to Aubrey’s without any possession on it.

“Our third dorm member is currently out with the dorm head discussing matters,” Aubrey informs you, offering to take your sets of clothing Rook had given you and placing them in the dresser after elegantly folding them, “You have to fold them a specific way so watch closely.”

The armholes are tucked in the back while he folds it forward and tucks it in again horizontally. “Got it?” he looks at you.

You reply with a swift nod of your head.

“Hey kid,” Henri’s voice comes in a low grumble, “Don’t forget the nightcare routine or Jean will have your head. Not that this is Heartslabyul of course…”

“Jean’s the third member. He’s almost as particular with beauty and routines as our dorm leader. He’s not going being very pleasant if you skip the beauty routines.” a slight chuckle is given at that.

“I would have given up on the products by now if Jean wasn’t so freaking annoying…”

With the enchantment of Colovia, your pillows and various room decorations are a metallic set of matching green and silver. The shades of the Slytherin emblem. Content, you sit down on the stool next to a lofty vanity. You find a stiff lavender box with a short gold paper note taped to it, “Follow the instructions in the paper.” with layers and layers of papers in the box in a short and bold handwriting. If you had to guess, it would suit the vice dorm leader. Underneath the notes laid a myriad of products, to be specific, cosmetics.

You could only imagine how horrified Epel must have been. The thought of aparrating to the library stuck in your mind, but alas you don’t have a clear image of it so you try settling in for the night. Well, key word being try to, as after changing in the washroom, a slenderer boy with well kept black hair in a half bun saunters in. He had a tan shin and his vivacious green eyes with certain gold lighting lit up at your face.

“Oh? You have very pretty locks of hair,” he gestures for you to sit down on his vanity while critiquing your hair, “I’m Jean. Jean Solitaire. A prefect of the Pomefiore dormitory. A ponytail doesn’t suit your face structure. Come, I’ll fix it for a suitable nighttime hairstyle.” He says, straight to the point while grabbing a mason brush from a drawer wanting to comb through the knots in your hair.

"Actually if you don't mind, I would like to do it myself." you step back from him. Aubrey felt like how Epel viewed Vil.

He doesn't take any offense to this thankfully and instructs you how to plait it into a loose plait while Aubrey sits up and gives pieces of advice. Henri had already dozed off.

“Jean, if you don’t mind me asking, will there be time to browse through the library tomorrow?”

He looks at you black eyebrows furrowed deep in thought, “Hm… There’s a Pomefiore specific class, etiquette actually, tomorrow, but there should be time the next day of school.”

“There’s specific classes for dorms?” you gasp, your expression in the mirror turns to shock.

“Well, they’re very different. For example Savanaclaw’s a dorm very much focused on athletics and the likes while much of Ignihyde’s is focused on magical technology. Clicking your tongue in confusion and sitting on your bed, legs crossed after receiving a stamp of approval from Jean, “Can we go through the dorms? There seems to be quite a variety …”

Aubrey laughs at your predicament, “Hah! I think Jean was like that for the first 5 weeks of school,” earning him a glare from Jean.

“Well I’m pleased someone was enjoying my confusion.”

He bursts in a fit of snickers.

You find yourself chuckling along with their antics as well, though you hushed your voice as Henri groggily turned over in his sleep, mumbling about some unknown subject.

“Did you all share a dorm room last year? You all seem to be very familiar with each other.”

Jean looks over at you while pulling out a few books to place on top of his nightstand, “Yes, though the fourth person was expelled after getting into a nasty incident with a Diasomnia student. Speaking of Diasomina… You did ask about the dorms.” He holds a finger up, “First Heartslabyul, red and black armbands. Their dorm has a penchant for following strict rules based off of the Queen of Hearts. They’re doing very well academically thanks to their current dorm leader, Riddle Rosehearts. He was the one who collared that raccoon beast at the entrance ceremony.”

“Red hair with a petite frame, correct?”

Aubrey whistles, drumming his fingers along the headboard, “Oh, Don’t let him overhear that. He’s incredibly sensitive about his height. I think I heard from Cater about him yelling that he had more time to grow at some first years who were making fun of his height. They got collared for a month if you’re wondering.”

Jean sighs, “I don’t per say dislike him, but his rules don’t enhance the performance of his students in any way. At most, he just looks like a tyrant in most people’s eyes. Speaking of tyrants… That Leona Kingscholar sure is an off-handed dorm leader. Leona Kingscholar is part of the second dorm, Savanaclaw, yellow and black armbands. They’re quite gifted in athletics as I mentioned before, understandable as most of them are beastmen.”

“Beastmen? Are they people with animalistic features?” you refer to the very few students with animal ears and tails you saw in the lounge.

“That’s right. You’re most likely not from the Afterglow Savannah if you don’t know that since their population is primarily beastmen.

Jean continues with his lecture, “Third, Octavinelle,” his voice turns downright animalistic.

“If you ever even think about making a contract with Ashengrotto, I will have you in detention for the rest of the year.” You slink back at his severe tone.

A squeak on the floor causes you three to look back, “Geez, stop being so loud. Second, who cares if the first year makes a contract. You’re not the one who has to deal with it,” Henri yawned, woken up from his not so deep sleep.

“Of course it’s my business! As a Pomefiore perfect, we should always ensure our student’s honest efforts!” he argued back, sitting on the edge of Henri’s back to his disapproval.

“Blue and purple armbands by the way kid.” he looks at you.

“Noted.”

“Fourth,” Aubrey joins in, “Scarabia, Red and gold. They’re rather clever, in a competitive unofficial argument with Octavinelle every other day because of that. Well, except the dorm head, Kalim, he’s not exactly focused on those types of things…”

“Next would be our dorm,” Jean proudly puffs his chest and grins in pride. You catch Henri rolling his eyes behind his back, “The vivacious dorm of beauty and hard work led by our ravishing queen, himself, Vil Schoenheit. You smile at Jean’s enthusiasm, propping your head on your palm.

“After that, Ignihyde, black and blue,” Aubrey interrupts Jean as if he knew he was about to go on a tangent, “They’re quite introverted. You’ll likely never see them outside of class like their own dorm head.”

“Diasomia’s the last one. Green and black,” Henri groans, “We don’t know much about them, but people naturally tend to stay away from them for a good reason.”

“He’s bitter because we lost to them in the magift tournament last year.” Aubrey rubs his chin with his mischievous look.

Henri clicks about not touching the blueberry crumble in the fridge while pulling the pillow over his ears, Jean and Aubrey are far asleep or too used to it to not wake. You pull your own pillow over your ears, creasing the smooth silk in hopes of getting a more uninterrupted sleep to no avail. The anxious thoughts directing wave after wave of unneeded thoughts in your brain. Amygdala sounding the siren for a tsunami. To combat this natural disaster, you choose instead to try to focus on the moonlight creeping through the crack in the velvet curtains. You hear an unwelcome roar of modern engines to which you crush your ears with the decorative pillow as if that could block out the unmistakable sound.

June 15th, 1988.

I can see the waning crescent out of the car window as we travel to the airport. Washington DC seems so far away. The city lights shrink and shrink as the sun finally sets. I’m on my way to Britain, on a plane which just left the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Christine has moved to a townhouse next to a protestant church near our old home apparently, where exactly, I don’t remember. As the man, “Mr. Alinsky”, drives past the freeway, I can see the car clock turn 10:31.

Signing off now, I’ll write when I arrive in Britain.

The clock on your nightstand won’t stop ringing incessantly.

You awake to a flurry of loud rings, only to be unable to find the device to turn it off. Damn these contraptions.

Silencio! You sigh, not possessing the physical energy to say the charm out loud.

You need to clear your head. You should be back in your room revising for the exams for your last year at school, but here you are in an unknown place. It was June 6th when you arrived. Your graduation ceremony was tomorrow. Well technically, you had already graduated from Hogwarts, but the old 7th years were still residing in their dorms waiting for the ceremony.

“Good morning.” you greet the rest of your dormmates, well two of them. Jean had already left for other matters. Henri groans something unintelligible in response, still groggy. In contrast, Aubrey was adjusting his tie and offered you a greeting, “Morning, we’re heading to the lounge in 10 minutes or so. Do you need help with anything?”

“No, not that I’m aware of, but thank you for the offer.” he nods his head and takes off.

With that out of the way, you head to the dresser to pull out your new uniform and head into the washing room. Forcibly pulling off your shirt, you keep wondering anxiously about the situation at hand. The headmaster seemed… eccentric at best. You didn’t think you could truly trust anyone here either by the looks of things. Fitting into the chemise, you pull out your corset from the closet, slipping into it and tightening the back while wondering uneasily if you had time to explore the library for your answers today. You could head there after school you decide. You pull on the dress shirt, buttoning it up while looking critically in the mirror. You look at the purple vest, royal purple that is. The mental image of soaring places with rigid amethyst walls in floating cities with vaults of gold and crystals stuck out. All with a throne of gold peacock feathers. And on that throne was Vil Schoenheit dressed in his splendid silky robes accompanied by his loyal hunter. Unlike your grey cotton Hogwarts vest, the vest was sleek and bold. A representation of the unapologetically bold personalities many had shown here unlike the flurry of (mostly) fewer prideful personalities that were at Hogwarts. You pull on the jacket and take a peek in the spotless mirror. Before you head out, the thought of using multiple protection spells hits you, you recite all the spells you know to conceal your identity before someone knocks on your door. Olfacies Occultatum, Celare Identitatem, Purgato Sursum. “Give me a few minutes.” you bitterly lamented. You braid your now silky hair, courtesy of the Pomefiore dorm leader’s products and Jean’s personal guidance, wrenching it into a tight bun so your vision wasn't blocked. Giving a final once over in the mirror and straightening your tie, you deem yourself acceptable to head outside for the fitting. Creaking the room door open, several students carry a bundle of unfolded clothing in their arms to the lounge.

The lounge was buzzing with terrible excitement. Like workers hurrying to please their queen bee, the rest of Pomefiore were hurrying to fix their suitable garments to Vil’s liking. Well everyone except Epel. “I can’t believe this.” his distinctive accent had noticeably turned from country to city. His fists were clenched, and he was biting his bottom lip with a look of defeat. Eyebags lining his sinister expression.

“What happened to your accent?” you slightly tilt your head in confusion. You had bitten your nails back to uneven stubs again during the night.

“The dorm leader is insane.” he grits his teeth, whispering, so Vil wouldn’t overhear him as he glances over to you two. No such luck much to Epel’s grimace.

“You,” he inspects you, “Your robe is far too short.” He gestures to your rolled up sleeves on your jacket, dress shirts, and pants huffing. Taking out his magic pen from his left pocket, he flicks his pen and a poof of glitter later, your garments are adjusted to the precise length.

“Thank you.” you nod your head in gratitude, though you seethe. It would have nice to have shorter robes for a worse case scenario. He pays no attention to your thanks, instead turning to Epel, “Meet me after the school period ends. We have to decide what to do about your attitude.” Epel only sadly nods. Not at all like the fiery tempered boy you saw formerly.

“And you,” he turns his attention to you again, “It’s quite clear that you make a habit of biting your nails down. Fix your nails again before heading out. It would reflect badly on Pomefiore if you went out looking like that.”

You only give a faux curt nod before turning your back on him with footsteps making soft thumps on Pomefiore’s carpeted floor following after you.

“Do you see those guys? They all worship that high heeled demon.” Epel pulled the tips of his hair, docile personality all but gone as Vil disappeared.

“He was being severely unjust, I have to agree.” you nod back when you’re sure Vil can’t hear you both. You both stop at the mirror, Epel going in first with you in tow.

“What’s your favourite subject?” you ask in a halfhearted attempt to initiate a conversation still woozy from the mirror travel. You had both arrived at a stone pathway.

“Huh? Oh… Physical education. I heard that Vargas isn’t the most popular teacher among the older students, though… Potions- I mean alchemy sounds terrible, though. And I’m supposed to excel in that as a Pomefiore student which I’m not.”

“Well if you ever need help, I’ll always be willing to lend a hand.” If the potions were still the same you mean.

“Oh… Thanks!”

Shouts of loud yelling take you both out of the peaceful conversation.

“Fugnahh!!”

“Merlin’s beard… That sounds sadly familiar…” blue flames spring to life, covering the statues on the edges of the path. Epel’s face reflected in the shine.

Epel darts towards the azul fire.

“Oh my! Watch out! What’re you doing?” frantic yelling ensues as the nearest patch of grass towards the student and Grim bursted in flames.

“It’s what you get for making fun of me! I’m gonna light up that fire head of yours!”

“Fire head huh?! You’ve got guts to fight me! I’ll turn you into a toy kitty!” A gust of wind blasted towards you all, fanning the flames. You drag Epel back by the collar of his uniform, casting the shield charm, “Don’t get involved that easily,” you murmur, “Those who run into trouble tend to lose their heads.”

Yuuken was standing in the middle of the crossfire, confused and holding a mop.

“This guy is blowing wind all over the place! My fire is twisting!”

“Is there a fight going on?” a timid voice chatted behind you as students were starting to wake up for morning classes.

“Yeah get’em!” A Savanaclaw student with his yellow armband cheered.

“A flimsy little fire like that won’t hit me!” The boy with a red heart stamp taunted, circling the raccoon like a shark with it’s prey.

“What?!” Grim ran towards the redhead, breaking the circle, “You’d better be ready!”

“Eat this!” Grim screamed. At the last second, his opponent reverted the flames engulfing the statue on the right. The statue sat charred and ruined after the flames died down. Epel gasped in front of you, throwing his hands up to cover his mouth.

“Ahhhh! Crap! The Queen Of Hearts’ statue is charred!” screamed the student with the red armband.

“I wish they broke the beautiful queen’s statue instead,” Epel whispered, “It would have pissed Vil off.”

Grim and him started bickering again, while you stepped back from the mess dissipating the shield. Great hell.

“ENOUGH! What is going on here!” a thunderous voice pierced through the street just in time to catch the two in front of a melted blob of concrete.

“Guh! Headmaster!” you and the students watch in interest around the two perpetrators. Grim makes a run for it, but the headmaster reaches for his whip, lashing the two.

“AGHH!”

“This is my lash of Love! It’d be a few hundred years before you can outrun me!” the headmaster declared, tucking his lash and crossing his arms.

“First you ruin the opening ceremony and then char the statues of the Great Seven? And you,” he turns to the student, “I would like to see you expelled!”

“Wait! Not that!” he pleads, clasping his hands together in mercy while Grim gloats in the background.

“What’s your grade and name?”

“Ace Trappola, first year…” his posture shirks in the shame of being caught.

“Then as punishment, Ace, you with Yuu and Grim will be washing 100 windows around campus!”

“After school, meet in the cafeteria! Understood?” he looks down at Ace in anger. Ace mumbling, “Fine…”

Epel looks at you, a bit shaken, “Well that was quite a ride…” he murmurs, hands still shaking.

“I agree. Let’s take a tour around campus before our classes shall we?”

“As long as it gets my mind off of those awful lessons.” he shivers.

“You must have had some conversation with Schoenheit last night.” you two reach the front door which pulls open as other students start flooding in as well. Rowdy first years, burnt out seniors, the like. “It’s quite strange to be considered so young here after being one of the oldest last year. Oh, that must be Mr. Trein’s, the history professor's room.” you say pointing at the corresponding number on the door matching Trein’s name on your schedule.

“Shall we peek in and say hello?” Epel looks confused at your suggestion,

“Actually I wanted to check out the magift pit. We might not have time if we check in all the classrooms.”

“Huh? Magift? I’ve never heard of it before…”

“You’ve never heard of magift before? You really do come from an isolated place.” he took the chance to explain the rules and players of magift, stars lighting up in his eyes among the foggy curtain Vil pulled over his eyes.

You stop walking suddenly, “Anyways, you said you wanted to head to the magift pit right? Where is that?”

He blinks at you in surprise, “Oh! It’s far outside the school, y’know? The big colosseum we saw on the horizon?”

“Have you ever teleported before?”

“...I’m sorry?”

You cough, seamlessly stepping to the side to allow other students to pass the hall, “You said that you undoubtedly wanted to go there soon right? I could 'teleport' us there if you’d like," carefully choosing your words.

“Teleport?”

You hold out your hand to which he reluctantly takes. “GAHH!” his voice spiked in the midst of the swirly scene, almost falling when landing at the magift pit. He huffs, trying to regain his breath. “That was dreadful. No wonder why you don’t like mirror travel. This is completely different…Where do you even learn this stuff?”

“It’s a skill they impart to you in my old school.”

“Well, besides that,” he promptly turns to the sandy pit, “This place is awesome!”

A few students with yellow armbands fly above you on their brooms.

“Hey don’t get in the way!” one shouts your way.

“Those are the Savanaclaw students.” he says with a dreamy look.

“That’s right,” you recall from the last unpeaceful night, “You wanted to be in Savanaclaw. By the looks of it, they’re the only ones here right now.”

“They’re the best dorm… They’re going to help me become a man.” he pumps his fist.

“Actually… Since we’re here, I’m going to take the chance to sign up for the magift club. I’m going to head into the office,” he points to a door across the perimeter, “Do you mind waiting for me?”

“No, not at all. Go right ahead.” At this, he sprints across the sandy floor, causing a dust storm in his path.

“Hey!” you look up at the sound of a coarse voice to find a sandy haired man with the aardvark ears, “You’re that freshman that got lost in the opening ceremony!”

His voice turns into a high-pitched mocking laugh as others fly over, intrigued by the sudden sound.

“Oh, is it another widdle freshman?”

“That stupid pet of yours caused us to be late!”

“You must be part of the Magift club?” you tilt your head to look at one sideways on his broom.

“What do you think?”

“Judging by how you seem to be brooms, I think I would be correct.” you prepare to grab your wand in case a fight breaks out.

The crowd bursts into laughter, “I think I would be correct,” one with tiger ears mockingly replies, “You hear this Pomefiore inbred twit?”

You retain a neutral professional facade, watching warily while they laugh.

“Theodore!” Epel’s voice had returned to his familiar southern drawl, “Oh… Was I interrupting something?”

“Yeah,” the aardvark wheezed, ”You were interrupting this brat’s stupid questions. I think I would be correct.” The rest of the crowd burst into laughter. Epel’s face flushed pink, “Hey! Leave him alone!”, his accent peeking through Vil’s hush hush mask.

“Epel, it’s fine, I assure you.” you can see the bewildering confusion inevitably growing on the Savanaclaw students’ faces. “Great Seven, this kid’s more forgiving than the rich swines at RSA.”

Epel starts marching solemnly towards them with clenched teeth before you grab him by the hand. “Come on, we should get going before this escalates. They aren’t worth our time.” you urge him, gesturing back to the mirror chamber as it was almost time for the classes.

You can hear the jeering of the magift students behind, shouts of how “The herbivore is running away.” and the likes.

Epel shouted as he caught up to you, “You shouldn’t have had to take that!”

He looks at you walking through the rugged path back to the mirror chamber, “You aren’t going to teleport?” he questions as your feet crunch through piles of unraked leaves.

“... I want to familiarise myself with the campus, that's all.”

“Oh.”

He tries to get your assurance again, “Are you sure they didn’t bother you?”

“Epel, I lived with teenagers. I lived in a boarding school. They didn’t bother me, Epel. Don’t worry.”

Vil moved back to the head of the table, Rook at his right, “When someone addresses you make almost sure to look them in the eyes. Epel.” Epel jumps at the unexpected use of his name.

“You’ll benefit from this example instead of looking at the walls during a lesson.”

“R-right!” Epel had seemed to pay more attention, though noticeably not respect to Vil during the aftermath of their conversation behind doors. You straighten your back more than the rigid line it already was and Rook beams at your posture to which you turn away from him.

Vil circles around the table, eyeing the students he passed, all attempting to fix their posture as he passes them, “When you show yourself, whether at a public function or by yourself, hold yourself to the highest standard in etiquette and appearance. Your hair must be thoroughly brushed, and you will choose a style that will compliment your features. For example.”

He stops at Henri and points a ruler at his now strewn about dishevelled hair, “Your messy bun should need to be fixed. It does not reflect adequately on your otherwise tidy appearance no doubt thanks to Jean.” Jean noticeably brightened up at this, beaming at Vil’s praise.

“Other than that, you are expected to have a clean appearance, tidy clothes, and neat nails.” he points out the preceding words with a bit of a snarl as your nails had already been bitten to uneven studs throughout the night. You curl your brittle nails in your bruised thighs to divert your attention, drawing blood. The smell of blood barely reaches your nose, but Rook’s interest is piqued as he turns over to you and acts as if he had smelled it himself.

“You may find these lessons horrendous at the present, but you will find yourself grateful for me when you find yourself in a thorny situation.”

“No way am I washing a hundred windows. I’m going to head back to Heartslabyul…” Ace groans in defeat leaning negligently against the barely wiped windows again staining it with his dirty uniform.

“I think you perhaps give more effort to fix your mistakes before you turn again.” your voice enters, echoing throughout the mirror chamber.

“That’s a shame.” he says with an amused chuckle as he quickly struts out the chamber.

“Hey you!” Grim’s high pitched voice causes you both to squirm and cover your ears.

Ace throws himself out of the bumping into another Heartslabyul student, “Get out of my way!”

“Catch the work skipping bastard!” Grim shouts, pawing the charcoal haired boy.

“Ow, Okay, okay! Uhh, how should I do that? Freezing the legs? Uh…”

“I don’t care how, just get it done!” Grim was close to shattering the mirrors with how high his voice went.

“Okay then! Something heavy!” the ravenette shouted with utmost resolve.

“GAH!” In a split second, Ace was suffocating under a cauldron that dropped from the sky, “A POT?!”

Grim let out a hearty laugh at Ace’s unfortunate predicament, “Trying to be a pancake are we?”

“I didn’t think I’d get a cauldron…” he murmured.

“Impressive magic.” you remark.

“Thank you.”

“Stop gossiping and help me!” Ace shrieked, flailing under the weight of the empty cauldron.

“You looked like a roly poly squirming around trying to get on its feet!” wheezed Grim, on the ground rolling around.

“You all can use magic… Well, except you, he looks at Yuuken. Those windows will be clean in no time.” Ace protested as he finally escaped his bounds.

“I also don’t recall you not having magic yourself based on the charred statues outside.” you point out as Ace stumbles out of the room mumbling something about going to clean the windows. “Charred statue?! You mean the statue of the great seven?!” the other student yells. Grim yelps and runs after him presumably, “You get into this prestigious school and do something like this on the first day…” he shrugs his shoulders.

“Oh right! It’s Deuce Spade by the way!” he politely shakes your hand before rushing off to follow them.

“Haha! I’ll leave it to you all!” a voice chuckles outside.

Yuuken tightens his grip on his broom and rushes out to catch Grim.

“Dumb cat! Hey wait!” Ace’s voices protested against Grim’s slacking off, “Juice, Yuu, and Theo, You’re also responsible for this so help me out!” Theo?

“Deuce! Not Juice!” Deuce yells as Yuuken runs out, mind already fixated on stopping Grim from causing more mayhem.

“I don’t see how I’m part of this plight…”

Regardless, you stand uneasily as an observer as Yuu, Deuce and Ace stumble over to what looks like the cafeteria. Grim was hopping on and off the tables confusing a few students and causing a Scarabia student to run out of the room before jumping on the chandelier.

“Haha! Catch me if you can!” he stuck out his tongue and waved to the duo.

“Ugh! We haven’t learned how to fly yet… Maybe we can get him some other way?” Deuce racks his brains for options.

“I can’t catch him when he’s on the chandelier!” Yuu yells, he looks at Ace and Deuce for backup.

“Woah, Woah hold it!” Ace shouts in desperation as Deuce points his pen at him. (“Oh dear God.” you mumble in the roaring background, the students thrown into chaos.) To his unfortunate, the chandelier was already on the ground in the second that followed. Causing a storm of dust leaving the entirety of the cafeteria coughing a fit around an injured Ace and a shattered chandelier.

Deuce was standing in grotesque horror at the mistake he had made, “I really screwed up this time…”

Ace had regained his footing, but was understandably looking no more pleased than Deuce, “Y’know, we caught Grim but, If the headmaster finds out!”

A shadowy voice echoes through the room in a exaggerated fashion, “If… I found out?”

“Headmaster!” Ace and Deuce shout at attention in unexpected unison almost like a soldier standing at attention. Soldier… Card soldiers… You recall some of the blurred conversation you had with the rest of your dormmates.

“Just. What. Exactly. ARE YOU ALL DOING?” his voice breaking with each word. Grim whines in the background while the students form a circle around the duo, knocking you to the back of the room to get a better view. Taking out their devices and the like.

“You couldn’t just stop with just damaging the statue could you?! This is the last straw. I will expel you both!” If you looked closely, the cracks in his mask were starting forming.

“Please, don’t! I can’t! I have things to accomplish here at NRC!” Deuce had clasped his hands.

Crowley wasn’t hearing it, however, “You have no one to blame but yourself!”

“Wait, I’ll pay for the damages!” Deuce jumped in.

Crowley clicked his tongue, “This isn’t a normal chandelier! It uses candles that burn for eternity… Or it used to. It is a work made by a legendary maester of magical tools!” With its historical value, it would be more than a billion madol! So can you pay for that?”

“A B-billion?!”

“Wait- Headmaster.” Ace argued, scratching the back of his head, “can’t you just fix it with magic?”

“Magic can’t fix every problem. More importantly, the core of magic, the magic crystal, was shattered. No two are the same. This chandelier will never be able to be lit up again…” The magic crystal must have been the crystal at the end of the pen you were given, also attached to your pant pocket currently. It was nice to have deeper pockets, you will admit.

Deuce was muttering, going through possible solutions while looking at the checkered floor.

“Well maybe… There is a way.”

Both Ace and Deuce’s eyes lit up.

“The magic crystal in the chandelier was mined in the Dwarf’s Mine. If we find a magic crystal of the same kind, we could repair it.”

“-I’ll find it!” Deuce yelled.

“But I have no guarantee that there would be any left. After all, the mine has already closed.”

“I-I’ll do it. Give me a chance!” Ace cheered in argument with Yuu standing looking down shamefully at the floor in embarrassment.

Yuu scratched the back of his head in confusion.

Crowley sighed in defeat knowing he couldn’t argue with Deuce.

Deuce strolls out quickly with the intent to bring him the magical crystal with Ace running after him and Yuuken picking up Grim and walking out as well.

A Heartslabyul student chuckles on your left, “Riddle is going to have fun with them.”

When you look at Yuuken, he’s pale faced and nervous, worried about something. He reminds you of the 1st years, worried about a red marked grade or a scolding from a professor. Internally sighing, you silently apparate to the mirror chamber as to not let anyone see you follow them.

“AGH!” Ace jumps back, bumping Yuuken, “When did you get here?!”

“I think we should focus on getting that magic crystal instead of how I got here.”

“Woah!” Yuuken looks up to you with galaxies worth of stars in his eyes, he has pulled his hands close to his face like a kid, “You can do that?!”

“This kid…” Ace swore under his breath.

“Let’s not dilly dally another longer. We need to get that magic crystal!” Deuce barks, usual attitude replaced by bravado, heading to the mirror surrounded by the rest of the dorms’.

Ace and Deuce stepped in first, leaving Grim muttering about how his henchmen should do the work by himself

“Shall we?” you offer a hand, like Epel did to you, to Yuuken looking excited rather than nervous like you were last night. “Thank you.”

Yuuken makes an unintelligible noise, slightly stumbling, eyes open in disbelief, but makes his way up not a second later.

“Alright, there's the rundown mine.” Deuce points out to a small opening with ripped out tracks on it’s floor.

“Wonderful.” you can hear Ace murmur beside you.

“So all we have to do is get that crystal and leave right. Let’s hurry.” (“It’s not that easy, dipshit. We don’t even know if there are any there.” Ace rolls his eyes.) Grim jumps in, mostly likely hoping to leave as soon as possible. Hold on. When did he get permission to stay in the school?

“When did you get permission to stay on campus? I remember you being thrown off the grounds.” you inquire as you slowly make your way deeper in the mine, second behind Deuce, Yuuken taking the back. Deuce had started to search the mine for signs of a crystal, Ace bending down to do the same.

“Hmph! Well, unlike this magicless human here, I can use magic!” he crosses his arms, the air of superiority around him growing by second, “It’s only natural that a genius like myself would be recognized at this school!”

“As a janitor.” Ace snickers.

“Hey!”

“Hey raccoon! Don’t just sit there. Help us out.” Ace unhappily grumbles while shifting through a pan.

Yuuken and you take the right side of the wall, across the rest of the three. He looks up at the higher areas and hops on a cart to view the ceiling using his height to his advantage.

“Hmph! No way! You’re the henchmen! Why should the great Grim should be forced to work!” Grim huffs a small flare of fire and settles down on the floor to doze off. Ace though grabs him by the collar and shakes him awake.

“Fwahh!”

“Guys stop! We need to focus! I can’t get expelled!” Deuce shouts in frustration.

“I-” a rumbling voice takes form in front of you.

Deuce’s breath hitches, “Was that you guys?”

“No.” Yuuken looks around. A light peeks through the broken, somewhat standing pillar of wood. “I won’t.” Yuuken grabs a shovel leaning on the cart ready to strike, holding it like a sword. A tall, uncanny creature with a black glob globe head wearing ragged robes and holding a leaky lamp emerges. No visible ears, eyes, or mouth were visible on its appearance.

“What the hell is tha-?!” Ace’s voice was muffled by Yuuken who made a quiet signal to the rest of the group and bent down to hide from it.

“So we have to search this place with this monster guarding it?” Deuce hissed, not impressed in the slightest.

The monster reeked of gas as it crawled back up the opening it came from, “S-st-one. Belon-gs to m-me.” Deuce jumped up on these words.

“Woah, Woah! Where do you think you’re going, idiot?” Ace hissed.

“It said something about a stone! We have to follow it! It’s our best chance.”

“What?! No, do you want us to lose our lives?!” Ace crawled deeper in his hiding spot against the mining cart covered in soot.

“That’s right! A genius like me shouldn’t have to do this!”

“You’re gonna die!” Ace tried pulling Deuce back in an attempt to get him to stop, but Deuce pulled away, “I can not under any circumstance get expelled. NEVER.”

“Geez,” Ace turned around, Grim at his heels, “I’m leaving. This isn’t worth dying for.” Yuuken and you stood put. You stand up, pulling yourself to your full height, following Deuce, “I don’t know. Is giving up the path to achieve your ambitions and dreams worth it?”

“I don’t know much about you, but if you’re willing to throw your chance away so quickly, then I can’t look at you any better than the way you see Spade.”

Deuce’s eyes widened before turning to face the monster himself, “Theo…”

“Get ready to run after.” you nod to Yuuken in particular with no magic to aid him.

“But, I thought you were standing with me?” he says, looking like a burst balloon.

“Don’t question it.”

“Hey monster,” the monster takes notice of Deuce, liquid spilling out of it’s broken head as it walks towards you three, “Face us one on one. If we win, I’ll take the magic crystal.”

You at first think to use a stunning spell to stop the monster sloshing over to you, but you’d most likely not have enough time to find the crystal. Deuce aims a well thrown out punch to the monster who dodges, similar to the liquid now seeping out on the floor. You seize the chance to take your wand and conceal it in your sleeve. Gas. Incendio. Before you cast the spell, you cast the shield charm for extra protection in front of you and between the faceless monster to protect the crystal from harm. You gain the chance to say in a firm tone to Deuce, “Dodge.”

You barely manage to cast “abserbeo” before the rest of the dingy room lits up, forcing the monster into disrepair. “You- Wo-n-t T-a-k-ke- I-I-T!” It screamed in a dying plea, it’s voice eventually being blocked by the loud explosion and fire.

Deuce takes the chance to run and almost crashes into the right side of the mine. The room is filled to the brim with acrid smoke as all of you book it outside, Yuuken particularly dragging Deuce by his jacket cuff when he proved to be unable to observe anything, bumping into a propped up shovel. “Pull your head down when you run!” your voice comes out shriller than expected. The scare crystals dud on the roof of the mining shaft losing their shine to the blast of excessive heat.

By the time you find yourself outside, the sun has starting setting illuminating Grim’s unblemished fur and Ace’s red locks. “What the hell happened to you?!” Ace yells, apparently right outside the mine, looking at the smoke coming out of the room.

“We’re not getting expelled. That’s what happened. Thanks by the way. For running out on us.”

“Wait until the smoke clears up and then we’ll check,” you command him, folding your arms, “There’s no possible way he could have survived that considering he was made out of gas.”

Yuuken huffs in exhaustion while Deuce looks noticeably unfazed except for a cough every now and there, rather happy actually, soot covering all of your wardrobe. He pumped his fist, “We’re going to get the crystal! We’re not going to be expelled!”

“You bastards actually did it?!” Ace yelled.

“I knew the great Grim’s henchmen wouldn’t abandon him!” Grim smiled in triumph.

“Henchmen?!” Ace scoffed, pointing a finger at Grim.

Yuuken blocks the two before they fight however, “Let’s not fight. We should wait for the smoke to clear out and head in and check for the crystal.”

“Tch, beast tamer.”

Deuce anxiously taps his foot on the dry grass, Ace and Grim glare at each other separated by Yuuken. And well, Yuuken. Yuuken started a conversation about magic with you, “Are all magical creatures like that common?” he asked in a rushed tone like he wanted to learn more.

“You’ve never seen magical creatures before?” you ask curiously. Wasn’t he from this world as well?

“No,” he chuckles nervously, “I’m in fact from a place called Japan. It’s from another world.

Ace and Deuce choked.

Japan? So he was from your world. And unaware of the existence of magic in his own world as well. You stood in slightly stunned silence before Deuce choked out, “From another world?!”

Ace gasped, putting his argument with Grim aside for now, “So that’s why you’re staying in this school without magic!” He pauses, “Wait… How did you even get here?”

Yuuken looks up to the sky recalling a previous memory, “...I’m not really sure. The last time I remember was leaving my fencing class and then I woke up in Night Raven College… The headmaster is currently seeking a way back.”

You held back the urge to snort. Crowley? The professor that had shown himself to have showed up at the end of a disaster to do nothing? Like hell he would help him get back home.

“What’s Jalan like?” Deuce eagerly asked.

“Err. Japan.”

You pondered why Grim was so quiet only to see him fast asleep on the forest floor while your fellow outlander described his ordeals in Japan and training to become a swordsman.

Ace whistled at this information, “A swordsman huh? Sounds interesting.”

“I agree! It could help you prevent fights!” Deuce nodded.

“What’s with this goody two shoes?” Trappola turned to Deuce in the same amusement he showed Grim at first. Same cocky lopsided smirk.

“Hey I’m an honors student!”

“That almost got expelled on their first day?”

“...” Deuce looked down at his nails, fiddling with them and picking it clean of gunk with a faraway look as if recalling a memory.

Yuuken cleared his throat and explained his side of the story before coming to this, “Well, Japan, well my world in general is a bit different. There’s no magic or mirror travel,” he pauses for a second, “Or monsters.” Was it possible that he had encountered Mahoutokoro or an act of magic before. Either way he didn’t seem the type to lie, that or he was a good liar.

“No magic huh? That sounds so strange, just about everything runs on magic here…” Deuce tapped his chin, not fully focusing on Yuuken rather looking back at the cave every few seconds.

“Geez that does sound weird, landing here must have been a shock.” Ace for once agreed with Deuce, well besides on the topic of their feud with Grim.

“Sorry to cut in this conversation, but we should get the crystal there soon. Aerem, you point at the cave with the wand in your sleeve slowly working on clearing the air of smoke and dangerous chemicals. Deuce practically ran in the cave again before any of you could get in. Ace also double checked the walls for any unchecked crystal. Grim sat on Yuuken’s shoulders while he sweeped the floor with the side of a pickaxe.

“There! I found it!” Deuce is close to jumping up and down with the news of his discovery. In his hand sat a turquoise gem with an asymmetrical pattern, barely touched, it was clearly well guarded by the faceless monster currently sitting in a pile of goop a few feet from you four.

“So, we should get this to the headmaster as soon as possible! Come on!” Ace and Deuce start going, while you sit back. Yuuken looks back for you realising that he couldn’t hear your footsteps, “Theodore?”

“I’m going to head back my own way. After all, I'm not supposed to be here. We don’t need another adventure do we?” you give a small smile and awkwardly chuckle.

Yuuken laughs, “I’ll tell them for you. You’ll have to show me some tricks some time!”

Your eyes crinkle as you watch Yuuken gently hold Grim in his arms like a newborn baby so as to not disturb his sleep chasing after the Heartslabyul students. The Heartslabyul dorm leader was yet to meet the worst of his troubles in Grim seeing as how much Ace and Deuce had caused in just a few hours.

Translation Credits:

https://www.youtube.com/c/TeamAvalon (Team Avalon)

Actually thinking of Paimon reminds me of a question I wanted to ask you. She’s capable of disappearing and reappearing at will. Have you ever recognized that ability before? It’s a bit similar to the agents, but she doesn’t leave any trace behind her. How are Macula & Piperis faring? If you’re going to head here anyways, definitely bring them here. There’s an extensive amount of animals, especially dogs, here on Liyue’s bridges. If you come here we can sit by the edges of the river to dip our feet in while petting the dogs! Furthermore, tell Alexy hello for me as I know he’ll be with you.

Onto the subject of my worsening illness though which I know you’ll want to hear about. I received the usual symptoms, and you know they usually don’t bother me all that much besides the few times in the past. The dreams seem to be getting more vivid, though. I’ll go in more detail about them when I get home. Please don’t disrupt your work for me. I’ll be fine.

Take care,

[Name]

[Postscriptum: I met a strange person, well not exactly a “person”, on Wangshu Inn’s balcony.]

You had left the segment discussing your condition irritably short. Focusing back on her current bearings, Signora withdrew her attention off of the window facing Mount Tianheng. "I daresay I haven't broken any contracts," La Signora paced around the edges around the table, snowy crystals cascading off of her figure as she turned the corner. Despite her poker face, he could tell that she was terribly worried or angry by the shaking of her clenched fist, both if he had to guess. It didn’t take a mind as great as Zhongli’s to figure out which emotions were assigned to whom. Zhongli's ever so stoic face didn't so much as flinch at the harbinger's interruption to his morning tea while his hair tucked elegantly behind his ear blew to the side, leaving part of his cheek vulnerable to the subzero temperature. Her frigid powers matching her own frosty personality he thought, though you might disagree. She would be partial to her own daughter though, a mother’s love still prevails. He had undoubtedly noted it throughout the centuries, despite the revision of Liyue’s people. "It might not have been a contract by itself, but I hoped that you would keep your word. I would hope that your failure to keep my daughter from her," Signora but her lip, "issues isn't an attempt to punish me out of malice?"

"I can confirm that you haven't broken your word, but I assure you that I haven't happened to broken mine either," The archon paused his affirmation to blow the steam rising off of his morning tea."I have in fact maintained my side of the bargain, so in exchange you will answer questions of my own."

Signora's face was unreadable as her heels stop clinking against the floor to turn to look at Zhongli. "Very well."

"-And I expect these answers to hold legitimacy," Signora did not act in response to that. Zhongli sighed and brought the tea cup to his lips, having deemed the beverage cool enough to sip. "I won't be inquiring about your angle to taking in her into your custody as I already possess a picture of what you intended to do with her." chimed as the chair to his right squeaked in protest of being dragged against the floor. His morning tea companion took a seat.

"Which of your subordinates was the one that commenced the operation to discover her?"

"Dottore." admitted La Signora with absolutely no hesitation, tapping her fingernails against the table.

"Dottore..." replied Zhongli, "I'm not surprised with all the labs he's left around Liyue. We commenced a funeral a few weeks ago for the adolescent son of a fisherman lost in the woods, found days later with ruin guard footprints around his body.”

“I suppose this not being the standard parts of history you customarily find yourself echoing about, this piece of information has some value?

“Not necessarily, just spouting the work, a proper funeral consultant should find themselves knowing.”

“I don’t find why you concern yourself about the safety of Liyue because of the ruin guards after Osial, and despite my criticisms of both the Qixing and the adepti they have been able to put a closure to that case. Undoubtedly they will be fit to eradicate the presence of a few ruin guards.”

Zhongli again reached for the handle of the teapot, “Old habits die hard I suppose.”

"I believe we nevertheless have a few questions. Well?” Signora probed, Zhongli poured her a cup of tea.

"What's your current endgame for her? Seeing as you've gotten attached to her, I'd doubt you will be carrying out your previous plans."

"Is it so hard to believe that I would like to see her happy?" spat Signora, rejecting the sugar the former archon he offered him.

"I recall you being more polite when we last interacted." interjected Zhongli.

"And I remember that you agreed to give your gnosis up, the fatui have no need for you now neither do I." she looked down at the tea with a wrinkled nose. "I suppose you have a preference for your own country's beverages?"

"Naturally. Is that all?"

Zhongli sets aside his now emptied tea cup, “Unless you plan on telling me more.”

Signora pursed her lips simultaneously, inclining her head to the side without his presence as in disagreement as Zhongli sighed, “It is as I thought then.”

“That and you do have the patience to wait for the answers. I’m surprised that you’ve been managing to keep from detailing your memories of Liyue’s history.” she directed at the now gnosis-less archon.

“Oh?“ Zhongli raised his eyebrows, “You’re handing me the opportunity?”

“No.” was Signora’s swift answer, perhaps too quick guessing on Zhongli’s subdued laughter in the background of her mind.

She rises from her seat turning to the exit, closely followed by another agent, formly listening into the conversation, leaning by the divider. The employees, particularly an employee called “Meng” by a passing member, shaking as he passed the Fatui, avoided the duo courtesy of the Fatui’s sinking reputation in Liyue as they wandered the winding halls.

“Aiya! Lady Fatui!”

Both the agent and Signora tossed back their heads to find a young woman, dressed in appropriately black clothing topped off with a black hat.

“Are you here for business? We have coffins 30% off!”

The fatui agent took it upon himself to answer as Signora walked away, not finding this worth her time, “This isn’t appropriate timing. Perhaps another time.”

With that said he turned his back on her only to be disrupted again.

“Hey! But!”

Meng clasped her aside, “Director please! The Milleith was enough! Perhaps we shouldn’t get into another conflict,” he lowered his voice, “Especially the

Fatui.” Hu Tao produces an exasperated look, “But we should talk about business deals! The Fatui remain the ideal demographic for our business after all!” Meng tugged on her sleeve, reminiscent of a young child dragging on a mother’s sleeve to lug them from danger. The young funeral director’s mouth slanted downwards to form a lopsided frown. “Okay, okay, but make sure to find us later. We can talk then!”

The agent trailed the haughty harbinger outside, dirty glares following their path.

Changshun abruptly decided that mouthing consumer psychology suddenly wasn’t worth her time with Yi Zhan. Xingxi hushed her voice nearby, side eyeing the foreigner diplomats while negotiating prices. Qiming started wandering up the stairs.

“The key here is consumer psycholo- You know what? Suddenly I don’t feel all that interested in that all. Haha.” Changshun awkwardly laughed while scratching the back of her head.

Heading down the wooden bridge, the pigeons below startled by the footsteps took flight.

The security at Yansheng Teahouse didn’t seem to have a problem with following the silent pattern put forth by the rest either, ceasing their quibbling. Well except when Childe stopped by of course, being a Fatui harbinger ensured that his deep pockets of mora were never to run out.

Alexy taps you on the shoulders.

“Young master, your mother would desire a word with you.”

“Right, of course, thanks Alexy,” you look back to see your mother strutting behind a quieted atmosphere.“Hey guys, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I need to step aside for a minute.”

Xingqiu beckons you off, “We’ll be sure to summon you when we require your assistance my liege,” he looks back at Chongyun ready to run into Qingce village, “On second thought, we’ll wait for you so you can enjoy the theatrics.” he snickers, desperately attempting to cover his grin, Cheshire cat style.

You stifle a chuckle and head the other way, heading into an uninhabited room.

“Mama,” Your mother clasped your cheeks between her hands as she’d customarily done when you had been sick as a child sending you into waves of nostalgia.

“You’re going to pinch my cheeks off,” you groan as she lets go, “Are you planning to rip my cheeks off to add to your wall of trophies?”

“Everyone in Liyue seems to be in quite a joking mood today.” Mother remarked in a horribly disguised agitated tone.

You can see Chongyun and Xingqiu’s shadows pacing around behind what you assume is a bamboo-created screen door. “Come again?”

“No, nothing of note, why didn’t you send a letter when you fell ill?" diverting your attention, making you attempt to explain your situation.

“I couldn’t, I felt sick shortly before I passed out. I don’t know what happened... It’s never happened that fast before. It is possible it’s the change in climate, Liyue is far more humid than home after all.”

“No, that couldn’t be it,” Suddenly, you’re grabbed by the shoulders, sharp fingernails dig in your skin. ‘Ow! What was that?”

“We’re heading back home after this. We can’t risk your health much more.” the impatience in the air wasn't escaping you at all. Releasing her cat like claws out of your arms at the realization of the fact that she’s hurting you.

“I think I can stomach it until-”

“[Name]” she squeezes your arm, giving you that glare. You internally wince at the motherly glare.

“You don’t know that, besides what if this is just a one-time thing?”

“What if this isn’t just a one-time thing, huh?” she asks, nudging you against a wall, securing you with her arms, now being unable to move. You gaze up to her towering figure.

“Therefore, if this gets worse-, do I have to-?”

“You know I have to watch over you one way or another. You’ll be safer this way. Besides you’ll be old enough to be required for military conscription in a few years? Wouldn’t it be more suitable to join now?”

Your throat goes parched and you respond, “I’m not saying I don’t want to join, I just would rather do it later than now.”

She releases you from her hold.

“This can’t become “maybe” anymore,” tone as rigid as you’d ever heard it, “We’ll discuss your position when we return home this afternoon when we’re in a private environment.” she scowled at being able to hear the rowdy shouts of Liyuean merchants outside of your current dwelling. There’s no point in arguing anymore.

The silence engulfed you two, until you asked, “How are Macula & Piperis? I imagine they’ve found a way to escape you already. I would have brought them along, but I don’t think the temperature change too well considering it’s mid summer here.”

“You’ll see your pet rats soon enough.” she says scowling, she wasn’t too eager to take on a pet. Especially rats, though you thought a snow fox would fit her chilly personality.

“Shame you didn’t bring them on the boat, besides what did you call the anemo archon? Rodent ruler? I’d imagine they’d remind you of them.”

“Of all the times you listen to me, it has to be this comment.”

“Oh right! I’m going with my friends to Wuwang hill after this.” nervously fiddling with your hands, expecting her to veto your plans.

She slides open the door, Chongyun and Xingqui discussing the details of this hypothetical ghost at the table you were until now at.

“Go.”

Chongyun, still in the haze in the fabricated tales Xingqui was spinning, was practically jumping up and down, like a child in a candy store. Chongyun being the kid and the ghost, the candy. He peered at you at the sound of the door sliding open.

“Oh, [Name]!” he waves at you, “Are you ready to head out to Wuwang Hill with us?

“Yeah, give me a second,” you clamor back, turning back at your mother, also looking at you, “I’ll see you later, I guess.” stiffly, considering the conversation the both of you had a few moments ago. She narrows her eyes at you, but beckons you in for a side hug. Considering her height you’re squished between her fleecy garments and her chest.

“Mhmp, I’ll see you soon.”

You widen the gap between yourselves, running towards your new companions.

“I was thinking of heading to the front of the Hidden Palace of Zhou Formula since the ghost was spotted near the entrance.'' You drown out Chongyun’s voice, your thoughts running to your mother’s words. You? Joining the Fatui?

“Young master.” you snap out of your trance, thanks to the voice you recognize as Alexey. Figures that he would be the first to figure out your thoughts, he had always been unfairly observant. “I’ll be accompanying you on your brief journey.”

As you should have expected.

“Right, let's head out shall we?”

“By all means.” replied an eager hydro user.

Heading out the gates of Liyue to adventure, as you always wanted to do as a child seemed all too joyless now. When would be the next time you came here? On a mission for Northland Bank? Chongyun and Xingqiu gleefully chatting away ahead of you deeply contrasted with your current mournful nature. Would they despise you if you became a Fatui agent? They didn’t scarcely know about your personal ties to them.

“Hey comrades!”

You don’t turn around to the voice calling out, thinking it must be for a passerby.

“Hey slow down, don’t clear out Liyue without me. Did you think I would leave all the fun to you?” that phrase struck out, who would be the type to casually suggest wiping out Liyue? Wait.

You experienced a slight chill as a familiar redhead stepped to your side.

Alexey stiffened, as if on guard.

“Aw, did you not recognize my voice? I’m wounded that you would overlook me that quickly.” Childe, 11th of the Fatui harbingers, his reputation for chaos precedes him. Archons, he almost wiped the people of Liyue Harbor off the map a few weeks ago.

“Childe-, you debate whether you should call him lord Childe considering he may be your superior one day. It sounds too formal for your taste, though. “My apologies, I was nothing but lost in my thoughts.”

“Oh? Care to exchange?”

At this point Alexy has stepped in, “Master Childe.” with a bow of his head.

“Alexy! I recognize you. You were with Signora at the last meeting I attended. And the last and the one before that… Well, I suppose Signora always liked to play favorites. Especially with,” he turns to eye you, “Ah, nevermind.”

“Is there something going on at Northland Bank you require my presence for?” Alexy diverts the subject.

“No, no! I just wanted to catch up with you [Name].” Despite his summery cheery smile, you couldn’t help but get a shiver down your spine, which you should be used to at this point considering your vision.

“Looks like you’re planning on embarking on an adventure. Mind if I come along?”

At this point Chongyun and Xingqui have noticed that you’re not behind them.

“Ah, [Name], have you encountered these men?” asks Xingqiu inspecting the agent behind you. He had assumed that he could leave after the meal. Alongside the fact that the Fatui agents were indistinguishable with their outfits on reminding him of a certain Javert…

“We only just met,” Childe answers for you, “I was just asking if I could accompany you on your trip?

They both very well couldn’t refuse a harbinger.

Something that he was acutely aware of. Sensing the nervous glances from Chongyun and Xingqiu’s less than happy attitude, he inquired, “I’d take it that I’m not invited to the party?”

You promptly intervened.“No, it’s not that at all. We’re just astonished that you would be interested in these types of affairs.” That was a lie. Your mother had frequently complained that Childe was more focused on blood spot than focusing on his duties as a harbinger. But she was still grateful that he was far from Snezhnaya to cause it’s destruction.

“So, is your presence necessary or...? Chongyun anxiously enquired to Alexy, glancing between Childe and the agent who he supposed wasn’t under the harbinger flouncing on the side of the group. He’d imagine Xingqiu wouldn’t be overly impressed with this revelation considering his recent hijinks with the Fatui agent named Javert. You’d never had given him the impression of being associated with the Fatui, but then again, Xingqiu did often forewarn him that things went under his nose. They had arrived at Stone Gate, planning to use the path, then to scale one of the lower rugged mountains to reach Wuwang Hill.

“I came to ensure the young master’s safety.” replied Alexy, all emotion in his face veiled by the hood of his uniform.

“Young master huh? I never knew The Fair Lady had a daughter even after all these years? How come no one ever mentioned it to me?” grinned Childe, scanning Alexy in particular.

Chongyun and Xingqiu stayed extraordinarily quiet throughout the exchange, Xingqiu’s trickster side momentarily quieted and Chongyun in thought.

“The Fair Lady?” Chongyun asked, he was licking at one of his popsicles, eyebrows scrunched up in confusion.

“La Signora, The 8th Harbinger. I read about it in a book containing information about Snezhnaya.” Xingqiu answered, now taking in another look at you. As luck would have it Xingqiu was hardly one to criticize another based on birth, despite his heritage and stayed silent deciding to honor your silence and not probing you any further. Thankfully Chongyun, as charmingly oblivious as he was at times, took the hint and stayed quiet.

Childe had an ominous aura around him during the period of silence after when reaching the mountain and preparing to climb. Like a shark after blood. You would have to hope that he would follow in your friends’ footsteps.

When you near the top, you’re offered a hand by none other than Mr. Ginger himself, already a few steps ahead of you at the top. “Well?”

You clasp his hand, lifting yourself up, with Chongyun and Xingqiu slightly behind. Childe and Alexy already at the top.

“Hey look behind you!,” Chongyun starts once he’s reached the top. A few hilichurls have snuck behind you. Well you specially, Childe and Chongyun remain the solitary ones facing the Hilichurls.

You reach for your bow, only to be greeted by hilichurls with black smoke drifting off of their bodies. “Isn’t this new?” you hear Childe mutter in the background. You don’t have time to dwell on this however, reaching for an arrow in your quiver, you effortlessly shoot the three of them down.

“Impressive,” Tartaglia grins down at you, “I suppose I’ll have to ask you for shooting tips.”

“Uhm, thanks.” not expecting him of all people to not be adequate with a bow, especially thanks to the hydro bow he was holding in his left hand, as if he was expecting an enemy to attack soon. Well that or he would be able to find something if no one showed up.

You offer your hand to Chongyun right behind you, who was attempting to climb faster to the rest of you at the mention of the stray hilichurls. Xingqiu eased himself up without any help however. By this point Chongyun and Xingqiu had found each other by your side at this point.

“Shall we?” Childe asks

You all advance deeper in the woods, Chongyun leading at the front, Alexy tailing you at the back.

The rest of the hilichurl camp must have realised the rest of their companions had disappeared causing them to follow after you all. Before anyone volunteered to fight the disturbance, you extended your arm out pushing your comrades back. Grinning, you voiced, “I’ll take care of it.”

Clutching your dagger, you rush forward slashing the nearest hilichurl, stabbing the next. The next hilichurl swings a club at you, to which you duck under, avoiding. You slash the knees of that one. The rear one is at a distance having run back and hesitated for a bit seeing the damage you inflicted on his tribe, only for you to draw your bow, shooting an arrow at his heart, freezing his body before he disintegrated.

Clapping awaits you when you turn around.

“Well done!” exclaims the thrilled harbinger.

“Thank you.” you accept his praise, sliding your weapon back into its holder.

The wind blowing at your face made you feel so able. So adventurous. It was as the Mondstadians must have felt with the wind blowing at every corner. The sights of the windmills invoking what must have been an unrestricted life. No Fatui guards stalking the streets, just amiable knights patrolling through dangerous parts. You weren’t supposed to experience this, but the rush of adrenaline with the previous battle made you feel alive.

The creaks and callings of the forest seemed to grow louder. Well that, but different in a way. It sounded comparable to... laughter? A creature flew by your ear, causing most of the group to step back.

“I know that sound.” murmured Childe. So did you.

A branch on the floor cracked, Alexy pulled his dagger out, Chongyun walked forward, Xingyun didn’t move.

A Fatui cicin mage stepped out of the shadow.

“Something’s amiss with her, Chongyun whispered, “It’s as if she’s possessed.”

He was right, her movement was aimless and she had blood staining her attire, as if she didn’t have a specific target, but was a machine designed to maim and kill. Like a ruin guard. The same black vapor or smoke clouded her body.

She sashayed back and forth, her lamp almost crashing into the pine tree to her right. Forget the ruin guard reference, it was almost like a puppet being stringed along by it’s puppetmaster. She waved her hand, summoning cicins after all of you.

“I’ve never known a part of the fatui to look like this.” Childe readied his hydro blades.

“I’ll help out.” drawing your own blade.

The cicin mage sent a bolt of purple lightning raining down from the sky to which you both dodge. Before you can blink, she’s down on the ground. Blood moistening the soil on the ground. You’re surprised Alexy hasn’t restricted you from fighting, but with Childe raring to see your ability, and you all too happy to oblige, he can’t exactly refuse.

You’re surprised that Chongyun hasn’t mentioned the similar black smoke trailing the Fatui cicin mage and hilichurls and the fact that they were so easily drawn to you, but then you realise than Chongyun was still climbing up while you were fighting the hilichurls.

“Oh, Chongyun!” Chongyun shifts his head at the sound of his name, “I think I saw a trace of a ghost over there!” Chongyun perks up at both the sound of her name and of a mention of a ghost. They both run off deeper into the forest together.

“Seems like we’ve failed to keep them,” you remark with a slight giggle, “They’re like children with their toys.” to which Childe conspicuously perks up at.

“Well what should we do now?”

Sounds of complex machinery could be heard through the clearing of trees. Alexey instinctively pulled you back. A familiar clink and huff. Almost like...Ruin hunters. God knows why there were so many here gathered at one place. They came out of the disguise of the pine branches. They had the same smoke coming off of them as the hilichurls and cicin mage.

Childe stepped forward, “Well isn’t this a party?” clearly in his element, “Well?” his gaze lands on you, “Aren’t I receiving some aid?”

Alexy rearranged your position so you were now standing besides him and out of Childe’s view. With him being so tall and all. “I’ll aid you instead master Childe.” Childe’s happy facade dropped for a sliver of a second.

“It’s a shame, I was hoping to see your full fighting capabilities, unless,” he cocks his head towards you, “You would like to show me?”

You must have been out of your mind. But the atmosphere and power you felt made you giddy. Lusting after strength you suppose. Instead, you push past Alexy, “No, I can handle this.” much to Childe’s delight.

Alexy steps forward to protest, but realises he can’t do much with Childe’s presence. Signora always said that Childe was an unbearable nuisance.

You hadn’t expected to be able to take care of the ruin guards as quickly as you did. There was blood dripping down your leg, the stench of electricity in the air from the broken-down machinery.

The fatui members behind you, well you couldn’t tell with Alexey, but Childe seemed impressed. To be fair you’d imagine most people would be astonished by that feat.

He hasn’t questioned why so many monsters seemed to find your path yet.

“Miss.”

“Huh? Alexy?”

“I believe there’s something on your face.” you reach up expecting a blood stain, only to observe nothing.

“What do you suggest by that?” he looks at you again, sizing you up.

“...No, nothing, I believed I observed something that wasn’t there. Apologies.”

“It’s fine, let’s go deeper to find Chongyun and Xingqiu with their mystery ghost shall we?” freely skipping towards the direction, your friends headed off to.

“Well what did you both find?” you questioned an exasperated Chongyun and a snickering Xingqiu.

“Nothing of note. Yet,” replied Xingqiu, wheezing throughout his sentence, “We’ll head back there to search more.”

“No,” stepped up Alexy, “The young master is injured, we will have to head back now especially to be back on time.”

“On time?” Chongyun asked ever so innocently.

“For the boat.” the chaotic duo turns their eyes on you.

“I’m, uh,” stuttering with your words, “Leaving for home this afternoon.”

“I was aware that you were staying for another day due to your sudden bout of illness.” lipped Xingqiu.

“Let’s head out now.” Alexy cut off Xingqiu’s questioning.

“...Right.” agreed both Chongyun and Xingqiu after a tense silence.

You wondered what Childe thought of all this. Did he think you were a coward for hiding your relans with the Fatui? Why did you even mind what he supposed about you, you internally groaned.

Heading back to the harbor turned out to be quite the situation. As the adrenaline ran out, the pain in your left leg increased. At a step, you were barely paying any attention to your surroundings causing you to trip.

“Gah!”

Alexy gripped you by the arm, heaving you up and carrying you bridal style. “Allow me.”

Your blush at the gesture, fiddling with your hands as a result.

“What happened here?” your mother immediately questioned at the second of your arrival at the dock, “And what are you doing here?” she looks at her coworker.

Chongyun and Xingqiu left earlier though Xingqiu was less than comfortable with leaving you with the Fatui assuring that he’d deliver you a letter in his signature handwriting later to ensure your safety. How he would manage to find you though, that was the question.

“I accompanied her on her journey.”

“No wonder why she’s injured,” Signora grumbled, “I can’t believe we’re going to be forced on the same boat back to the Motherland with you.”

“Well this happened to be the last boat home for today, head back home later if you can’t stand me that much. Believe me, I would if I hadn’t been ordered to head back so soon.”

Signora withdraws you from Alexy, carrying you on the ship, “There’s a healer in the lower decks, I’ll escort her there. And you,” she glares at Childe, “Watch your step around her.”

“As my fair lady commands.” Childe mocks.

Signora tsks as she escorts you down.

“Oh and before I forget!” Childe shouts behind you, “We’re long overdue for a fight girlie!” winking at you specifically.

Where have you heard that name? Your mind rushes to literature. Weren't adepti commonly discussed topics in Liyue's history? "I found a book in Wanwen Bookhouse," you bluff, "It contained a book regarding the topic of adepti, where his name was mentioned."

"That piece of literati fan fiction seems to be popular these days," he mused while you attempted to keep a neutral expression as if you knew what he was talking about. He must have heard it from someone else who read it. "Very well," he sighs, "I will answer your questions. In exchange you will answer questions of my own."

"Very well." agreeing to his deal. Fitting for a follower of Rex Lapis you suppose. "First," he starts, "How was karmic debt tainting you when I saw you in the morning? I didn't see you before this incident occurred. I am sure this wasn't a result of my own." Karmic debt? Is that what it was called?

"I don't know, I’ve had these symptoms all my life.” You admit.

“All your life? His face turns into one of deep confusion. Deep in thought.

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, nothing of your concern.”

In an attempt to steer the conversation away, you mention Bosacius. “And what of Bosacius? Where is he now?" Xiao's eyes narrow and the tension in the air thickens.

"Gone, I would think someone who read a book on Adepti would know that fact." he abruptly stops the conversation and you know he's caught you in your lie. "Where did you hear the name Bosacius's name?" he was starting to tighten his grip on his polearm.

"I heard it in my dreams." you cutting his decision to put a spear through your heart.

"Your dreams?"

Standing besides you now, he felt the guilt pouring over his soul as he looked down upon your relaxed features. A rush of familiarity went over him, one that he hadn't felt in eons, as he he delve into your dream.

"Isn't this ironic? With myself possessing a pyro vision and you a geo vision? Vaporization and Erosion?" Bosacius and Menogias look to the sea. Bosacius staring in silence while Menogias chattered, up to her usual antics. The waves crashed among the huge boulders of stone while the wind whipped Menogias's hair into a frenzy, though she didn't take it as a need to tuck it behind her ear.

Together they watched the shore and reminisce the lullabies sung by the waves and the wind. Meno's ranting silenced.

"When do you think this war against the fester of the slain gods will end?"

Bosacius tilts his head to look at the pyro user, "Hearing a comment as sensible as this from you is one in a million. I must be blessed by the divine." he mused. "Very funny." was the prickly reply from Menogias, as she reached to pull her mask from her face.

That was all Xiao needed. He collapsed out of the dream. It tasted nothing like the dreams he oh so frequently used to consume from mortals. "Bosacius? What is the meaning of this?"

II.

La Signora stood staring at the sea. The cool breeze rushes past her face and blew her hair to the side. Drumming her fingers over the ship rails, she seemed to be lost in her thoughts about times far away, years ago in the Port of Liyue Harbor. Coming back to the place always brought back the memories.

"Do you believe that this will the be weapon to finally destroy the Tsaritsa?" a fatui agent, Alexey, to her right asked, crossing his arms.

The haughty woman to his side asked, "Do you take me for someone that would fail to utilize their weapons when achieving their goals?" Signora asked.

A ferryman walked by them both and they hushed their voices.

"No, my intention was not to underestimate you my lady."

"Of course." Signora scowled, watching her entourage heaving her belongings up the ship. As the men carried the boxes up the stairs, a baby's wail rang out, making all the men wince.

Coming back to reality, the 8th harbinger shakes her head. An image of you sat down, glassy, blank eyes staring at a barred window while fatui agents guard your door clouds her mind. "A failed plan to dethrone your queen." a voice would ring out as the Cryo archon sat staring at the kneeling harbinger.

The ship's horn blast waking Signora out of her trance. One of the agents opens the door and assists the harbor worker with the necessary precautions.

The same monotone routine plays out. Her accomplices tow her luggage down the stairs. Alexey speaks to her in his usual quiet manner, "All the needed preparations for your arrival have been done, my lady." She nods her head, causing the wood stairs to creak as she stepped down to look at the bustling city. The merchants averted their gaze as the crowd stepped aside to let her walk. Alexey trailed behind her, nearly getting hit by her blond strands of hair fanned by the powerful breeze. A Qixing representative steps forward to greet her.

"La Signora, a honor," he offers his hand to which she shakes albeit hesitantly. "I-" he started only to look up and realize Signora had sauntered off. Looking back he watched her stride up the stairway tailed by her lackey. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he sighs in defeat.

The guard straightened his posture at her arrival, his form rigid. The doors swung open to reveal the empty lobby room with the exception of Ekaterina. "Master Signora," greeted Ekaterina, with a slight tremble to her usual pleasant tone. "Master Childe can be found at-"

The creaking of the door and the sound of shoes tapping on wood stops their conversation and causes them both to look back only for Signora to be greeted by a hurling figure pulling her into a tight hug.

"Such a sweet sight." a voice crooned behind them, "Could the fierce some harbinger be losing her touch?" which received a glower look from his fellow harbinger as you pulled away to look at the newcomer. "Snezhnaya's bloodhound proving useless commentary around Liyue. I believe you were recalled back to Snezhnaya? What reason do you have to be here again?" she snarled, gripping you tighter on the wrist as if he would steal you away.

You look back and forth between the both of them, the auburn haired man baiting for a fight and your suddenly snarky mother. You hold a hand out to the hydro user, which sticks out attached to his belt.

"It's [Name]."

"Childe, nice to meet you comrade." he offers his hand in response, flashing you a mischievous smile. You could feel your mother's glare at the back of your head. Wasn't it the mothers that were supposed to have eyes at the back of their heads? You mother pulls you away by the shoulder, "It's about time we head off Childe, I'm sure you'll find time to talk later."

"Right, of course," Chide verifies though he doesn't look too thrilled at the thought. Signora leans in to talk into your ear. You can smell her signature lavender perfume, nothing like the flowery scent that drifted out of Ying'er's shop. "We'll talk later." Ah, there we go, you can smell the motherly interrogation from a mile away.

She takes her leave following after Childe slipping through the doorway. Alexey breaks you out of your unseen panic.

"Shall we?"

The people of Liyue don't take too kindly to your fatui companion, you catch side eyes and whispers as you past them on your way to Third Round Knockout. You spy Chongyun nodding at Xingqiu with a rather determined look on his face as if he signed up for an extremely dangerous mission. Knowing Xingqui and the laughter he's hiding, it's definitely a possibility.

"We aren't meeting at Wanmin Restaurant today? Shame." sitting down at the third stool, holding your face in your hands, with a dramatic sigh. Chongyun shivers at the though of some of Xiangling's spicy dishes.

Xingqui welcomes your presence with a clap of his hands. "[Name]! How kind to grace us with your presence! I was just informing Chongyun here about the presence of a scary ghost seen in Qingce Village!" all said with a troubling smile. Chongyun starts to rise out of his seat as the waiter comes to take your orders. He starts going on about having to head to Qingce Village, inviting you for the ride startling the poor waiter.

Oh dear.