Cecilia

[A/N: Hello darling. Of course! How very polite and sweet you are, my lovely. May you never lose that quality. Thank you for making a request. You may ask again for more.]

Kinktober Prompt #28 [First Time] of Nightbringer Kayn with a Shy Female Mortal s/o

You have always been special, he tells you. Unable to pinpoint what really makes you so and that annoys him, like an itch he could never really reach. And yet, for that same reason, he values you, like a piece of treasure any man would've been lucky to find.

There were others, he thought. Other women, men, even. You did not matter to him, he would always tell you. But in his heart, and in his actions, it did. The way he would always take hits for you, saying that he was more durable than your earthly form, and far more capable of inflicting something on anyone who dared to say otherwise. The way he never leaves your side, sticking to you like velcro, grumbling about something, saying that you needed protection because you were an easy target. In his own peculiar way, just like he was, he loved you, and the Archon of Light within him. In fact, one would even argue that the Archon of Light loved you more than dusk himself, which, of course, would often lead to quarrels.

But in all his ways, he found himself unable to truly express that love. You were a mortal, a shy and an adorable one at that, and he, was a God and an Archon into one, a weapon and a conquerer wielding and wielded. Yet, in all that, you accepted them. Welcomed and bared your soul for them to take if they so wished, and they did, baring theirs in return, for you to have.

Kayn always thought you could do better. Someone human.

But he was a God, who could be better than him?

And you've told him, countless times, that even if he was the celestial who created universes, it is not his choice to who you entangle yourself with, it was yours.

So it was your choice as well, to lay in bed, spread out and open for him to devour as if he was a black hole.

In all his immortality, he never knew something, or someone, could taste so sweet.

"Kayn..." You whimper, trembling at his hold, coming down from your third high, all caused by his mouth alone, and by this point, you were desperate for something else.

He hums as he dettaches his mouth from you, a string of saliva connecting his tongue to where he lapped at your folds, glistening along with your juices running down his chin in the moonlight.

Your hands reach out to him, grabbing the air, beckoning him. He chuckles as he rises from where he was kneeling, crawling on top of you and laying down, careful not to put too much of his weight on you, feeling your arms wrap around and your hands rake across his bare back, tracing every dip and definition, while your hips buck into him.

"So eager." He teases, dipping his head down to scatter kisses and hickies along your neck, a hand going in between your bodies to finger at your wet and tight little hole that responds to every pump of his digits.

You moan in his hold, body arching towards him as you feel the familiar coil in the pits of your stomach, and you know he knows that. He could feel your walls clamping down on his slick fingers.

He stops for a moment, letting you breathe, and with all the gentleness in the world, he asks, "Are you sure you want this?"

You nod.

"If you regret this..." He pulls his fingers out of you with a pop, your slick staining his fingers as he rubs it on himself, lathering it together all over his cock with his pre-cum, lining it with your entrance, "I'm not so sure what to with myself..."

The head pushes in, bulbous, stopping momentarily as it mushes against your folds, until your hole welcomed it and the rest of his length in one fluid motion. Your legs ache around him and a different kind of burn stretches your insides, almost unbearably painful.

He talks and kisses you through the haze of the pain, rubbing your clit with the pads of his index and thumbs to relax your body, sending tiny fractions of pleasant tingles where your bodies connected, moving ever so slightly until he could thrust in and out of you with ease.

Your nails dig in into his back, leaving deep red scratches that were for sure to make their mark tomorrow morning but neither of you could care less about that. It spurs him on, in turn, speeding up his thrusts until he practically pounds into you, hitting a spot that sends pleasant shivers across the entirety of your body, walls fluttering and tightening around his cock that mercilessly intrudes in your hole like he knew this was how you wanted it. Free; raw. And you're taking it all, so well, as if you were starving and now has just been fed.

Your body spasms against his, chest arching into Kayn's as you desperately pull him closer, the familiar tightness in your stomach once again appearing.

"You feel...so good..." He pants in between thrusts, gripping your hips to keep you in place as his paces goes any quicker, no doubt coming close as well.

You pull him closer by the nape, forcing him to go down with you in a kiss, moans harmonizing into a beautiful masterpiece as you reach paradise together. The waves trickling at you before devouring you whole, leaving you panting and singing his name against his lips feverishly, riding the high tides together until it settles.

You both stay there, locked and connected, unmoving, entangled in each other's legs and wrapped in each other's arms, kissing every exposed skin. In between his minstrations, you look out the window. The sky is beautiful orange effortlessly bleeding into a bloody red and bright yellow as the sun sinks in the horizon. Dusk has come, and so has the one in between your legs.

a/n: this one's shorter than the recents,, midway writing i thought Rook would suit this too agdhd but i guess Jade can have little silly moments of being jealous of objects c/w: soft yandere

now playing: arctic monkeys - i wanna be yours

“If I may be bold, I find myself quite envious of that vacuum cleaner you're holding.”

The prefect abruptly turned towards the entrance of the Ramshackle dorm, where Jade Leech, in all his splendor, stood with two cups in both hands. His impeccable gentlemanly posture, combined with his casually refined attire, contrasted sharply with the prefect, who was hunched over in their most comfortable outfit while grappling with the aforementioned vacuum cleaner. The only thing separating them was the length of the corridor. That same wicked smile graced the merfolk’s face, sending a chill down the prefect's spine, even after witnessing it countless times before.

“...Excuse me?”

It was the weekend at Night Raven College, where many students ventured off the school grounds, while others chose to remain in their dorms, much like the prefect. After all, weekends are the perfect opportunity for cleaning. However, they certainly didn’t anticipate a visitor, particularly from any of the mer trio residing in Octavinelle. Leech strolled down the corridor with a heavy gait, heightening the prefect's anxiety about what schemes he might be concocting. His piercing gaze from afar only added to their apprehension.

Breathin' in your dust

✧Some tags I added but wouldn't work✧

This came out way longer than I thought it'd be

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 3 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 2

𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 ✧ 1 ✧ 2 ✧ 3 ✧ 4 ✧ ...

How was it that both times now that Crowley's made you fix his problems for him٫ you ended up stalking people? If it were up to you٫ you wouldn't even go near any of these lunatics٫ so much tail them! However٫ doing what you want sadly doesn't help pay for Grim's bottomless pit of a stomach; so٫ here you are٫ with Jack as your self-proclaimed bodyguard.

"Yo. I'm here and ready to get this Azul recon started."

"Wow, you skipped class?" You joked٫ not expecting Jack of all people to willing disobey the rules.

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

❥

Your target's first period class was music. You and Jack peered through the door to "sneakily" watch him. In all honestly٫ you both couldn't have been all too inconspicuous because: A—Jack was a huge target to spot even with the door cracked open—and B—you were pretty sure at this rate Jack might create some kind of loud propeller with how much is tail was swishing for whatever reason.

Besides that٫ Azul's singing was actually pretty good. Okay٫ you lied. It was٫ like٫ REALLY good. As in SHOCKINGLY good

"Huh. Guy's got some pipes٫" Jack murmured٫ just as dumbfounded as you.

"I mean٫ he's no Beyonce٫ but damn...٫" you muttered in surprise.

"Who's 'Beyonce'?"

You were quiet for a moment before deciding it'd be best to just walk away.

❥

The second class period on your stakeout mission was animal linguistics٫ and Jack was just obvious as the last period. What made it even worse٫ though٫ was that Lucius kept looking over at the door the two of you were hiding behind like it was the one thing standing between him and Catnip Haven. Thankfully٫ the cat was being kept busy by Professor Trein testing students with him. Speaking of٫ it looked to be Azul's turn now.

"Mrooowr...Mrr, mrah!"

"Mrooowr...Mowow٫" Lucius seemed to answer back. No freaking way.

"Yes, yes, I see٫" Azul replied٫ then turned to the professor and said٫ "Lucius says that the last time you gave him a treat was three hours ago, Professor Trein."

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

What the hell?!

"So he doesn't just understand animal languages—he speaks 'em, too?" Jack observed beside you. Honestly٫ he too close٫ too. Actually٫ maybe you were just mad in general because HOW WAS THIS GUY SO GOOD AT EVERYTHING?! You needed to calm down...

❥

Third period was apparently potionology. On the bright side٫ lunch was next period. You could definitely afford the mental break. However٫ it seemed some people did not٫ because Azul looked right at home in front of that cauldron. You had half a mind to pour water on him just to see if he melted like those myths about witches from home. Wait—Wasn't he a mer or whatever? That wouldn't work then...Dammit...

"A beluga tooth, a sturgeon egg, aurora moth scales, mermaid tears...Add in an extract from 120 types of medicinal herbs blended together, and..."

Poof!

"Done! You can drink this potion to transform a body part into that of a different animal."

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

"AND the guy brews high-level potions as easily as a barista slings lattes...Sheesh٫" Jack thought aloud.

He patted your head as a way to try to comfort you because now you were just pounding your fists against his chests out of anger. You might as well just start looking for tents now; at this rate you were gonna have to tell Crowley you couldn't do jack shit about Azul and he was gonna make you sleep on the streets. Lovely...

❥

Thankfully٫ it was finally time for lunch٫ but you still had to stalk the guy. This was so stupid...

"I think I'll have some squid ink pasta for lunch today. Ah, but I do need my vegetables as well٫" the mer requested. "An all-carb meal would be quite nutritionally lopsided...and more to the point, it would go straight to my thighs٫" Azul bemoaned.

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

How can your lunch order even be so perfect? Honestly٫ you weren't even doing this for Crowley٫ or Grim٫ or any of the other students Azul enslaved. This was personal now due to pure spite.

You soon got so wrapped up in your own plotting that you hadn't even noticed three of the victims approaching you both. Well٫ were they really victims if it was their own fault?

"Mrooow...Azul sure didn't waste any time workin' us to the bone. If I wasn't dead on my feet before, I sure am now٫" Grim whined٫ practically crashing into you. He obviously wanted you to hold him٫ so you obviously did. The little direbeast quickly made himself comfortable in your lap.

Ace all but clattered down onto the cafeteria bench beside you—right between you and Jack٫ actually—and began to rant٫ "Cleaning Octavinelle Dorm, waiting tables at the lounge, going on grocery runs...He's been running me ragged."

Deuce sat on the other side of you and sprawled his upper half on top of the table out of pure exhaustion. All he could manage to do was look up at you with depressed puppy-dog eyes and complain too٫ "I got called in at 6 a.m. this morning."

"I gotta go back to help out at the Mostro Lounge after this٫" Ace groaned٫ almost like he was trying to gain more sympathy. He probably was.

Deuce ignored him and continued to ramble to you٫ "Housewarden Rosehearts was all like, 'You made a contract with Azul? Off with your head!' He made me write lines as punishment..."

"This sea anemone on my head just won't come off, either. I look like a total goofball٫" Grim grasped at your uniform and loudly whined. All three of them let out a collective sigh. You felt like a toddler parent.

"Pah. You reap what you sow٫" Jack reminded٫ now across from you. He must've moved after Ace booted him from beside you.

"This work environment has some issues٫" you sarcastically pointed out٫ resting your chin on your hand

"Why the long faces, boys?" A familiar٫ faux-mannered voice asked from behind you. Your little group all quickly whipped your heads only to find two of the last people any of you wanted to see: Jade and Floyd Leech.

"Aha ha, look! It's a sea anemone garden٫" Floyd sang out in twisted amusement.

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

"Is it just my imagination, or is someone looking a bit dour today?" Jade mentioned٫ an obvious taunt.

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

Floyd laughed٫ "Aha ha! Isn't that cute? The sea anemone that breached its contract is talking! You guys know you're in no position to complain. So shut your traps."

Floyd's playful mood quickly soured to by terrifying amount.

"Eeep! Not the squeeze!" Grim yowled٫ squeezing you tightly out of fear. How ironic.

Jade cleared his throat to regain the spotlight٫ "Allow me to clarify: I wasn't talking to the sea anemones. I was specifically addressing you...___, prefect of Ramshackle Dorm."

He leaned down to about your current sitting height and softly lifted your chin up a bit with his index finger. That was quickly shut down٫ however٫ by Ace and Deuce after miraculously recovering their energy and pulling you away from the second year. You actually let them try to protect you for once.

"A-are you gonna squeeze me?!" You mustered out. Even after everything you've gone through so far٫ those two were still really intimidating! They were like the tall٫ boy versions of the twins from the ring٫ but more aggressive.

"Awww, look at you, scurrying backwards like a shrimp afraid of being someone's lunch!" Floyd cooed٫ leaning closer to you with a thoroughly amused grin. "And on that note...You're so teeny, l'ma call you 'Little Shrimpy' from now on!"

"I think most students on campus would be small compared to you two٫" you heard Deuce murmur٫ visibly relaxing once Floyd pulled away.

"Yeah, and having two guys this big standing together is a special kind of imposing٫" Ace agreed٫ still glaring at the Tweels.

"I understand that you were playing little spy games with Riddle and others just recently, ___٫" Jade went on٫ "You may know who we are already, but l've always been a stickler for formal introductions. I am Jade Leech, and this is my twin brother Floyd."

"Heya. I'm Floyd. Nice to meetcha, Little Shrimpy."

"Now, where was I? Ah, yes...٫" the former continued٫ ignoring his brother٫ "Allow me to infer what troubles you, ___. Could your anxiety perhaps stem from these three anemone stooges?"

"'Perhaps'? Listen to you, acting all coy٫" Jack nearly growled. Now that you looked at him٫ he looked just as upset as Ace and Deuce.

"What's your problem? You're as prickly as a sea urchin٫" Floyd teased.

"Wh—I'm a WOLF, not a sea urchin!"

Jade٫ once again٫ interrupted his twin as if he were a minor nuisance٫ "If the source of your troubles does in fact lie with these sea anemones...I believe you would be well-served discussing the matter with Azul in person, ___."

"Wait٫ what?" Jack questioned.

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

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

"Really?!"

No way those three were that stupid. This was obvious propaganda. After their firsthand experience with the guy٫ why would they expect him to just give them something so good for free?

"Absolutely. Just remember: you can't get something for nothing٫" Jade reminded. There it was.

"Tch. So that's your angle. You wanna rope ___ into one of his contracts٫" Jack realized٫ and was very noticeably against it.

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

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

"Exactly, Floyd. We wouldn't dream of leaving a poor, unfortunate soul by the wayside."

"Heh heh heh...Hee hee hee...٫" the both eerily laughed together. You REALLY did not like that.

"If your interest is piqued, feel free to visit the Mostro Lounge sometime after nine tonight. We'll have some piquant tea ready for you upon your arrival٫" Jade offered.

"We'll be waiting, Little Shrimpy!"

And they finally left. Miracles do happen.

"Wait, so, uh...٫" Deuce began.

"If ___ makes a contract with Azul and meets his conditions, whatever they are...٫" Grim continued the thought.

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

You could tell the three of them were having a silent conversation just from their expressions alone. Were they gonna beg you to help to? You kinda already had to or else Crowley might actually make you homeless٫ so you didn't care really care if they joined the Headmage in begging for help. After a few seconds٫ they seemed to reach a consensus and nodded.

"Absolutely not!"

"Fine—Wait٫ what?"

"What if he finds out what you are? He would totally try to capitalize off of it!" Ace fussed.

"We'd practically be failures if we let you do anything like that for us again! We should be the ones protecting you!" Deuce tried to reason.

"The Great Grim would work double before subjecting his frail henchhuman to such conditions!" Grim claimed.

"Huh٫ you guys aren't as shameless as I thought. Still pretty shameless٫ though٫" Jack admitted.

"I appreciate the support and all٫ but the Headmage already made me promise to help...٫" you groaned٫ "Plus٫ so far it seems all he really wants to do is talk..."

"Henchhuman٫ you can't! The Great and Noble Grim is trying to make a great and noble sacrifice!" Grim pleaded.

"Sorry٫ Bud. but I gotta٫" you sighed and patted his furry٫ little head.

"I'm goin' with you, then٫" Jack stated٫ leaving no room for argument. "You seem like you'd get yourself into trouble otherwise."

"Wow٫ Jack. Aren't you just a big softie?" Ace teased٫ his tone heavily condescending.

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

Squeak٫ squeak!

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

"Ow, ow, ow! C'mon, at least let me have my lunch break in peace!" Ace fussed٫ as if the anemone would listen to him.

"Prefecttt!" Grim whined and made grabby paws toward you as he was dragged away.

"WOE IS ANEMONEEEEE!"

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

❥

Later that night٫ you went back to the Monstro Lounge and the place was absolutely packed. Every table you could see was full of students while Octavinelle members and boys with sea anemones on their heads were forced to run themselves ragged to fulfill each customers demand.

But٫ honestly٫ now that there was total chaos going on٫ you couldn't help but think aloud٫ "This is kind of classy."

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

That٫ however didn't last too long. As if on cue٫ you felt as if an incredibly heavy weighted blanket was suddenly draped over your back. And you had a pretty good guess what٫ or rather who٫ it actually was.

"Eyyy, Little Shrimpy! Glad you could make it! I see you've got a sea urchin plus-one٫" Floyd cooed.

"I told you not to call me that!" Jack yelled٫ pulling you away from Floyd like one would a child from a stove top.

"Well, well. Thank you for coming to our establishment so promptly٫" Jade walked over from behind Floyd and put a hand on his brother's shoulder as a silent order to behave. "Welcome to the Mostro Lounge. Is this your first time dining here?"

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

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

"I have some anemone business to discuss٫" you sighed.

"Heh heh heh...Very well. The manager is currently meeting with another patron٫" the vice informed٫ "Could I ask you to wait in the lounge until such time as his schedule opens up? And lest I forget, our establishment has a one-drink minimum. You must order at least a single beverage of some variety. Sea anemone, if you could take our esteemed customer's order?"

He obviously didn't understand the simple fact that you were flat broke. Actually٫ he probably did and it only brought him all the more amusement. You hate these people...

The guy Jade ordered just so happened to be Deuce٫ who was too busy to even look away from his current task. "Sorry, I've got drinks to run."

Ace٫ deciding to once again play devil's advocate٫ argued back with the power hungry mer٫ "You do it! We're slammed over here! You keep making us do all the work while you're just sittin' pretty over there."

"You're talking back to me? How impressively bold for a sea anemone٫" Jade numbly stated and walked over to the two before grabbing the anemones on their heads.

"OWWW! Geez!" Ace yelped.

"Quit tugging our anemones!" Deuce fussed.

"Azul tasked me with instructing the new staff, so it falls to me to instill proper discipline in those who fail to respect authority٫" Jade informed٫ seemingly a bit too giddy about the whole thing٫ and tugged them again.

"OW ow ow ow ow! Okay, okay! I get it!" Deuce groaned.

"Don't you think thats a bit overkill?" You intervened. The two card soldiers seemed to finally noticed you٫ staring at you with wide eyes. They looked almost embarrassed to have been seen in such a state٫ even if its the state you usually see them.

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

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

"That just sounds like a dictatorship...٫" you grumbled and crossed your arms.

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

"Is that your way of offering to take their place helpin' out around the lounge?" Floyd sadistically grinned. You hoped he only meant Jack.

"Ooh, that's a great idea! I second that proposal!" Ace joined in with a grin٫ "All in favor? Aye! The ayes have it! Jack is hereby nominated a temporary assistant, effective immediately!"

The wolf sputtered٫ "Hey, what're you tryin' to pull?!"

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

"You guys wouldn't want to get kicked out of the place, right?" Deuce whispered to the two of you. Unlike with Jack٫ he handed you some cash to buy a drink instead of work.

"I'm runnin' on fumes here, and Grim's in the back, up to his eyeballs in soap from dishwashing. C'mon, be a pal and help us out٫" Ace whispered out a groan.

Jack thought on it for a moment before finally relenting٫ "Tch... Fine, whatever. The sooner we wrap up our business here, the sooner I can go back to my dorm and catch a few winks."

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

"I'm always tucked in by ten٫" Jack stated.

"Whoa, we got a serious model student over here!" The redhead point out٫ dumbstruck.

"I'm surprised Riddle doesn't do nightly rounds to make sure you're all asleep like a prison warden٫" you joked.

"He does. I just know how to cheat the system٫" he joked back.

"So I can put both Little Shrimpy and Sea Urchin down for helping out with a shift, yeah?" Floyd asked.

"Huh?" You unconsciously voiced.

"Wait٫ no. It was only me that agreed٫" Jack corrected٫ but was completely ignored.

"Perf. You can start by running these drinks to table three."

The mer plopped the tray of drinks down into your arms٫ frightening you with the possibility of spilling them. Luckily٫ you didn't. Unluckily٫ Floyd grabbed onto your upper arms and began to steer you in the direction of the table from behind.

"Aren't you just the cutest wait staff we've had~," Floyd cooed٫ "You're gonna make us so many tips٫ Little Shrimpy!"

"I never agreed to this!" You argued٫ but your complaints fell on deaf ears.

Waiting tables wasn't as hard as you thought it'd be. Though٫ it was probably because for you it mainly consisted of Floyd dragging you around with him like a pet or toy. He did all the real work like writing down and remembering orders while only making you talk to the customers and carry the trays.

You thought he was just showing you what to do٫ so you asked him at one point when he would make you do the work by yourself. Your judgment was proven wrong when he laughed.

"You're so silly٫ Little Shrimpy. Be careful or someone might just nab ya٫" Floyd ominously teased. What was that supposed to mean?! That's when you started to look behind you every so often for the rest of the shift.

Your judgment was also proven faulty since Jack was doing tables on his own. What٫ did you seem like easy ransom material for Crowley or something so the twins decided to take action first? News flash٫ the dumb bird wouldn't pay even if the ransom was 5 thaumarks! Whatever...You did give Jack some helpful tips to appeal to the customers every time you passed him٫ though.

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

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

"It's not that hard once you learn what to do. And ___'s been givin' me pointers, too٫" Jack explained٫ proudly puffing out his chest at the praise.

"Ha ha. Keep up the good work٫" Jade commended.

"Little Shrimpy's doing pretty good٫ too٫" Floyd bragged as if it were his own success٫ currently draped over you from behind again with his chin resting on top of your head. You felt like a little kid's favorite toy; you also now understood why Riddle felt the way he did about Floyd.

"But you're the one doing all the actual work for them٫" Jade chucked٫ thoroughly amused by his twin's new favorite toy. It was also NOT true. You were being made to do the jobs Floyd thought was boring٫ like small talk and carrying stuff around.

Floyd disagreed٫ "Nuh uh! Just look at all the extra tip money I got because of Little Shrimpy!" He then pulled out a rather thick stack of cash from his pocket to show off to his brother.

"Oh my٫ that's definitely more than usual٫" Jade observed٫ now just as interest.

"I helped! Shouldn't I get like half٫" you demanded.

Floyd let out a long and playful "hmm" before breaking out into a wide grin. "You can if you can reach it." Then٫ he lifted the arm with the cash high in the air. You would not be so easily dismayed٫ however.

The more you struggled٫ the more amused Floyd became. You thought he must've found it funny how determined you were for the cash.

At one point٫ a lightbulb went off in your head. You kept up the struggling act and even gripped at the collar and sleeve of his blazer. You knew he had no clue of your plan from how carefree he was laughing at your attempts. Then٫ you lifted your leg and swiped at the back of his knees. He stumbled back a bit out of surprise. You pushed forward with your own body weight٫ causing him to not be able to rebalance himself and fall back. You٫ unfortunately٫ fell with him. That was irrelevant٫ though. You had money to get. Quickly snapping your focus to the task at hand٫ you snagged the money and scurried away before you had to deal with the repercussions of your actions. To your surprise٫ and somewhat relief٫ both twins found your actions hilarious.

"My٫ my. What a clever thinker we have here٫ Floyd٫" Jade hummed.

"Yeah٫ Jade. I didn't realize little Shrimpy was so sneaky٫" Floyd cackled.

"I feel they earned the right to keep their tips. After all٫ the Headmage is known to be quite frugal with him thaumarks. I mean٫ look at the conditions he has the poor thing living in٫" Jade feigned concern.

"I guess you're right٫" Floyd groaned with a pout.

"I always am٫" Jade quipped as if second nature٫ then looked back down at you. "How about a drink? To celebrate your victory over the big٫ mean٫ scary eel٫" Jade teased٫ placing a hand on you back as he led you to the makeshift bar. Did he realize he was basically describing himself too?

"Hey٫ I already claimed Little Shrimpy! Get your own!" Floyd argued٫ following right after. You felt like a toy being fought over by two really strong and really big toddlers.

Jade led you to the barstool at the very end where there was only one other stool next to you٫ which Floyd promptly sat in.

Jade٫ himself٫ went behind the counter and asked٫ "What would you like to drink. On the house٫ of course."

You were٫ for very good reason٫ heavily suspicious. "Is Azul okay with that? He seems pretty particular about that stuff..."

"Azul doesn't need to know EVERYTHING٫" Floyd emphasized٫ now ruffling your hair. Great٫ now you felt like a shared pet for toddlers instead of a toy. You couldn't decide which was worse. Well٫ at least the pet got free drinks.

You were on your forth free drink by the time the other three were done. To be completely honest٫ you had totally forgotten about them. Each drink had an even cuter theme than the last and they tasted so good that even the pickiest of eaters would become easily obsessed. No wonder the place was so popular! Jade and Floyd just watched you like a new pet exploring its new habitat.

Each time you finished a drink٫ a new one was placed in front of you. At first٫ you weren't too sure about drinking it. Still٫ you ended up doing out of pressure from their stares; and it was also free٫ so...After that٫ you would tell yourself it was the last once finishing٫ but then another would be placed in front of you and you felt unable to resist it. You couldn't understand why it was so addictive. Sure٫ you got addicted to good good or drinks before٫ but this felt different. Almost like you couldn't get enough no matter how much you drank.

Finally٫ you were knocked out of your little trance when the others came to let the Tweels know they were finished. They looked just about dumbstruck at the sight of you at the bar٫ and even more so when you turned around with the drink in your hands and the straw still in your mouth. You noticed the way Ace and Deuce froze a bit at the sight٫ horror terribly masked under their expressions.

"We've put in all the outstanding orders٫" Jack confidently announced.

"And it wore us to the bone in the process...٫" Deuce grumbled٫ his eyes still fixated on the glass in your hands.

"Wow, nice job. That mean you're still up for more?" Floyd cheerfully sang. The question couldn't be anything besides rhetorical since the two would not be take "no" as an answer.

There wasn't even time to reply before Jade ordered them around again٫ "In that case, you can get to washing dishes, serving food, and making drinks."

"Have mercy on a guy, will ya?" Jack huffed.

You could hear Ace's unintelligible grumbling as he passed you to head to the kitchen to wash dishes. On the way past٫ he took the glass from you despite there being a good quarter left in your drink.

"Hey!" You yelped and tried to grab it back٫ but Ace wouldn't give.

"You've had enough. At the rate your going you might get a crazy sugar high and then crash out on us when its over٫" the card soldier teased٫ but you could tell there was something else he wasn't saying.

Jade let out a chuckle at the display٫ "Heh. You act like we're loading them with high amounts of alcohol. We would never be so irresponsible with a guest."

"Yeah! A little sugar won't kill 'em. Plus٫ Little Shrimpy really likes them! How could anyone say no to this face?" Floyd playfully cooed٫ grabbing your cheeks in one hand and squishing them٫ getting an amused scoff out of Jade.

You came to realize Ace had a bad habit of showing his emotions at times. Well٫ bad for him٫ but good for you. At the moment٫ his cheeks looked quite red and his expression was fairly pissed. For once٫ he chose not to say anything and just take his victory of getting the drink away from you as he headed back to the kitchen.

Then٫ another fresh drink was slid in front of you by an amused Jade with his finger to his lips in a hush motion. Okay٫ maybe one more wouldn't hur—Or never mind...Before you could even properly admire it٫ Deuce ran over٫ snatched the glass٫ and downed it. He looked at your somewhat horrified expression like a guilty puppy. Neither Jade nor Floyd looked all too pleased.

"Oh my٫ if you're really that eager for a new dirtied dish٫ how about you join the sea anemones nose deep in them٫" Jade wrapped his punishment as an offer and motioned to Floyd to drag Deuce to the kitchen.

Floyd groaned٫ seemingly not to happy at the moment٫ but complied. He grabbed the anemone on Deuce's head and began to drag him along. You could hear Deuce's whined out "ow"'s until they were too far to make out.

"I'm terribly sorry about those two. The new batch of sea anemones are just so stubborn this time around٫" Jade sighed.

"Yeah...٫" you nervously agreed. Yeah٫ that was your sign you'd had enough...

❥

"Phew. The crowds're finally dying down٫" Jack sighed in relied.

"You practically put that rush in a headlock and gave it a noogie! 'Preciate the helping hand, Little Shrimpy and pal٫" Floyd praised in his own weird way.

"Hold on. I practically worked my tail off the whole time while they got to stop and get free drinks half way through٫ but I'M 'pal'?!" Jack huffed٫ but then met your gaze and quickly mellowed into more of a pout٫ "No offense or anything٫ I mean..."

Before any other words could be said٫ the very reason you were here finally decided to show himself.

"You got a veritable madhouse of customers under control. Most impressive indeed."

"Azul!" Jack shouted.

"My apologies for the wait. The VIP room is ready now. Right this way, if you would٫" the housewarden instructed٫ "Jade. Floyd. Get our customers some tea."

"Right away, sir٫" they replied in tandem.

"But٫ Azul٫ a quick moment first?" Jade politely request.

"Very well. Make it quick٫ though٫" Azul agreed.

The door was then closed٫ leaving just you and Jack inside. It kinda felt like a way of saying you weren't seen as a threat.

"What IS this place? Are we really still on school property?" Jack gawked at the room٫ then singled out the most obvious thing٫ "Look at that huge vault...It's like some kinda bank."

The two of you looked around at the stuff on the shelves until Azul returned٫ Jade and Floyd following right behind him.

"All right, that's enough rubbernecking. Please, have a seat."

You both scurried over to the couch opposite of Azul and the Tweels. You sat down first٫ then Jack set right next to you like some big guard dog. The three of them seemed to take a mental note about it.

"So, what would you like to discuss with me?"

"I'd like you to free the students you're forcing to work for you٫" you stated.

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

You bamboozled that many people?! That's nuts!" Jack gaped٫ utterly bewildered. You nudged him with your foot and gave him a look.

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

You hated to admit it٫ but he had really good points. You also REALLY didn't want it to come to this...

"Fine. Let's make a deal٫" you looked him in the eyes so you wouldn't look scared of him. You've already faced not one٫ but two overblots! You weren't gonna be intimidated by some wimp who uses two really scary bodyguards to do his dirty work! You just hoped your palms weren't bleeding from how deep you were digging your nails into them.

"Wait, what?! Have you lost it?!" Jack yelped٫ looking at you like you might really have. honestly٫ you thought you might've٫ too. Wasn't this what started this whole mess? Still٫ it was your only shot at fixing it.

"Oho. You want to make a deal with me? Now there's an interesting proposal٫" Azul grinned with satisfaction.

"Aha ha! Little Shrimpy's got some guts!" Floyd pointed out with delightful amusement.

Azul thought on it٫ "Hm. Now, while your interest is duly noted...There's a wee bit of a snag. You see, ___, my understanding is that you have no innate magical power. The one thing I found that I could use would also have me a dead man in the eyes of select few."

You had a pretty good idea what he was implying٫ for once not surprised someone found out since he had Stalker #2 and #3 working for him. Neither was Stalker #1 Stalker #1 was #1 for a reason...

Jack also seemed to have caught onto what and put both an arm and his tail over you in a protective manner٫ a low growl slowly forming from his chest. Only proving the conman's point...Just to be sure٫ you put a hand on his arm in hopes that he wouldn't actually do anything and ruin your one shot at this.

Azul carried on٫ "Considering the big ask you're making of me, I would need considerable collateral."

"Such as?" Jack gritted out٫ thankfully not doing anything rash like two other idiots you know would.

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

So he wanted the one thing that was your sole reason for helping those idiotic assholes?! What was even the point?! You JUST replace up all the old٫ rusty locks!

Thankfully٫ Jack butted in for you٫ "Hey...Was that your whole angle from the—"

SLAM!

"SIGN ME UP FOR THAT!"

"Grim, how long have you been there?" You just about shouted. And was he seriously trying to sign up for you?! Did he forget you also live in Ramshackle or something?!

"I can't TAKE it anymore! My fur ain't for washin' dishes!" The direbeast noisily complained.

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

"Can do!"

"Now, now. Let's not be hasty, gentlemen٫" Azul interrupted٫ "___, the lone student at your dorm has weighed in on the matter. What say you? Will you put Ramshackle Dorm up as collateral and make a contract with me?"

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

It seemed only now did Grim seem remember that losing Ramshackle would affect you as well. He immediately started trying to backpedal٫ "Ac—Actually٫ who would even want some lame٫ run-down junk! Anything belonging to the Great Grim is much mor—"

"What are your terms for granting my wish?" You asked٫ cutting Grim off.

"Hey!" Jack called out.

You felt terrible for the poor thing. You couldn't bare the sight of how tired he was after being worked like a mule. Just the sight of beloved fur so matted and dull pained you. Deep down٫ you blamed yourself because you knew he just wanted to show off his high grade to you and make you proud. Rather you liked it or not٫ you and Grim were family now٫ and you were determined to help him fix his mistakes.

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

"You want us to steal a piece of art?!" Jack shouted.

Out the corner of your eye٫ you noticed Jade looked a bit surprised by something.

"A photo٫" the housewarden corrected٫ "One commemorating a visit to the museum from Prince Rielle, taken ten years ago."

"Gonna need more detail than that٫" Jack demanded.

Hold it٫ since when was he the one signing because he seemed to be interrogating Azul the most. Wow٫ wait to take your spotlight AND your heroic deed.

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

"Then why do you want it at all?" Grim wondered. You were about to ask the same thing.

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

"Really? Wait٫ so you're telling me that all the proceeds from your slave labor aren't going going toward buying shoes for footless orphans?" You sarcastically added. Your comment got a few snickers from the Tweels. Azul was not as amused.

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

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

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

Grim was quick to agree٫ "What he said! I can't breathe underwater, y'know!"

"That sounds like a 'you' problem...is what I would normally say, but fear not. I will provide you with our very own magic potions. They'll enable you to breathe underwater٫" Azul went on٫ showing you all the potion٫ the immediately went back to his rambling٫ "Once, when a poor little mermaid princess fell in love with a human, the Sea Witch was kind enough to grant her legs to walk upon the earth. And really, what are any of us without a sense of charity? Heh heh heh. So, what do you say? Do we have a deal? Will you agree to a contract with me? I'm afraid I don't have all day, so if you could make your decision now, l'd appreciate it. Chop, chop!"

Was he serious? He was the one that was just boring you to death with all his senseless rambles!

"It's a deal٫" you agreed.

"Excellent! Go ahead and sign the scroll, then٫" Azul directed.

"Mhm...٫" you hummed٫ taking the contact into your own hands.

You weren't stupid. You saw what happened to the rest when they didn't read the whole thing all the way through.

Impatiently٫ Azul questioned٫ "Why aren't you signing yet?"

"What? Conman nervous that a potential victim's not dumb enough to just sign?" You remarked. That time your comment seemed to get him since he let out an amused scoff.

After reading through the whole thing٫ you finally signed the contract.

"Heh heh heh...There we are. Signature received. The contract is now in effect. Should you successfully steal the photo from the Atlantica Memorial Museum and bring it to me before sunset on the third day from now...I give you my word that I will release the 225 sea anemones currently doing my bidding. Should you fail at your challenge, however...Ramshackle Dorm will belong to me, and as a student of that dorm, you will do as i say!"

What did you just sign yourself up for...? You'd say you just made a deal with the devil٫ but honestly the devil may have been more forgiving.

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

❥

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

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

"Why're you guys followin' us inside, anyway?" Grim asked.

"Yeah٫ didn't Azul just say to walk us home?" You questioned٫ too.

"Uh, 'cause this place is collateral in a deal between ___ and Azul? Duh?" Floyd answered٫ as if it were as plain as day.

"Myah?!"

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

"Say WHAT?!"

"Wait٫ wait٫ wait! This wasn't said or written ANYWHERE!" You argued.

"Yeah٫ it was. It was implied٫~" Floyd grinned at your confusion٫ taking the opportunity to squish your cheeks in his hand again.

"Huh?!"

"This dorm belongs to Azul until you hold up your end of the bargain. Hence, I'm sorry to say that I must ask you to vacate the premises immediately٫" Jade put a hand on his chest in fake sympathy.

"Don't worry, we'll give you time to pack your stuff. So nice, right?" Floyd basked in his self-praise.

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

"Heh heh heh. Don't worry! We'll give it all back if you bring us the photo before the third sunset٫" the ladder reassured. There eery chuckles didn't do much to warm the heart٫ though.

"MRAAAH! I gotta save all the tuna!" Grim shouted and scurried off.

"What a mess٫" you grumbled beneath you breath. You started towards the stairs٫ knowing you'd probably end up having to back for the both of you since Grim would most likely only remember his tuna.

"Hey٫ Little Shrimpy٫" Floyd called out. Stopping for only a second٫ you already felt that familiar weight press against you. "If ya need somewhere to stay٫ Octavinelle has some room."

You heard Jade's footsteps on the creaky floorboards as he approached you٫ as well. He also seemed just as taken with the idea.

"Yes٫ I'm sure Azul wouldn't mind all that much. And even if he did٫ you're so small we could always just sneak you in if need be٫" Jade teased٫ crouching down to your level and squeezing your cheeks in one hand just like his brother would.

Floyd burst into laughter٫ "Ha ha ha! I remember when we did that all the time when little! Y'know٫ Little Shrimpy٫ once we collected our own colony of sea snails and didn't get caught for weeks!"

Currently٫ you didn't know if you felt scared by the prospect or amused at the thought of these two terrifying guys as little kids.

"What happened when you got caught...?" You hesitantly asked.

"Oh٫ Mother and Father were furious٫" Jade recalled with mirth٫ "They had us bring them somewhere us and then would pat us down anytime we returned home for months after that."

The memory made you chuckle. The thought of a baby Jade and Floyd being scolded was fairly entertaining.

"You should totally stay with us٫ Little Shrimpy٫" Floyd encouraged.

"We can make you more of those drinks٫ and even snacks if you like٫" Jade contributed.

The thought did entice you. However٫ if you went then Grim would go٫ too–you both were a package deal—and if Grim stayed at Octavinelle٫ they might make him work more than he already was.

"Sorry٫ but it's gonna be a no٫" you apologized٫ maneuvering yourself out of both of their holds.

"I go where Grim goes٫ and I don't think he'd be very happy staying there of all places٫" you elaborated٫ slowly walking backwards up the stairs.

"Aw٫ boo٫" Floyd pouted.

"Very well. If you change your mind٫ don't be afraid to find us٫" Jade calmly stated٫ but you could tell he was a couple moods away from a pout like his brother's.

You nodded and hurried up the stairs to pack. Finally alone with your thoughts٫ you started to reflect. Wow٫ no way were those drinks that good that you were actually considering rooming with the creepier version of the twins from The Ring...What was in that stuff?!

❥

"Are you two all set?" Jade asked.

"Peace, Little Shrimpy and Baby Seal!

See you around!" Floyd promised. It felt more like a threat in your opinion.

"Remember٫ if you ever find yourself in need of lodging٫ our offer still stands٫" Jade reminded.

Then٫ you were kicked out of your own dorm. Out in the cold. Life couldn't be better...

"Hey! Wait! Say that to my face! NOBODY CALLS ME A BABY SEEEAAAL!"

You watched as Grim clawed at the door٫ his efforts most definitely in vain. You imagined the Tweels were laughing at him on the other side of the door. It didn't take long for the wind to pick up٫ the chill in the air growing worse because of it.

"Brr...Guess we're roughin' it tonight. This stinks٫" Grim grumbled٫ waddling his way into your arms.

"We'd better start looking for some cover٫" you sighed.

You didn't like it٫ but you knew Heartslabyul would let you stay. Since...the incident...you weren't all too comfortable at that dorm٫ and at night especially. Not to even mention sleeping there...But٫ if it was your only option٫ you supposed you could suck it up for Grim.

"Hey, ___! Grim!" You heard Deuce call for you. You looked around and saw him with Ace and Jack outside of Ramshackle's gates. You and Grim hurried over to them.

"Myah! Are you guys here to help?" Grim hopefully asked.

"Hm...Not to help you, but it's kind of our fault that ___ is out in the cold," Ace admitted٫ "It'd also for sure be on us if you slept outside and caught a cold or somethin'..."

"What is it with you and posturin'?" Grim complained. Ace ignore him.

"We've talked with Housewarden Rosehearts٫" Deuce informed٫ "We can offer you a place safe from the elements if you don't mind sharing a room..."

Despite the dark٫ the red dusting his cheeks could still easily be seen.

"You guys are gonna cram ANOTHER two bodies into your already overly crowded dorm house?" Jack skeptically questioned٫ "And what, does Heartslabyul not have any empty rooms?"

Honestly٫ you felt you wouldn't get much peace even if they did have those...You also wouldn't put it past them to lie that there were none just to share a bed...

"Since nobody in our dorm ever drops out or gets held back, it's always at full capacity٫" Deuce elaborated with a shrug.

"Then...why don't you come to Savanaclaw Dorm instead?" Jack offered٫ to embarrassed about the kind act to look you in the eyes.

Dumb٫ Dumber٫ and Dumbest let out a collective "HUH?!"

Jack went on to explain٫ "I acted like I was doin' you a favor by sticking around for those negotiations with Azul, but l didn't actually contribute at all. And considering how much we owe you for everything that went down at the Spelldrive tournament, Leona and the others won't make a peep about it."

All of a sudden٫ you felt a pair of hands cover your ears like when an adult covers a child's to swear around them. You quickly realized it was Ace since he was the only one not currently in your range of sight. He was also really bad at whisper-yelling. Even with how he was covering your ears٫ you could still hear everything. Plus٫ even if you couldn't hear٫ you could still lip read! Why must you be surrounded by creeps٫ but stupid ones at that...

"Hey! We already called dibs!" Ace started to argue.

"What...?" Jack questioned٫ visibly confused.

"Yeah! We already managed to get a good plan goin'!" Deuce agreed٫ "We even got our other two roommates to room with other people for the night!"

"Won't...certain others...complain about them staying with you instead of them?" Jack pushed further٫ crossing his arms.

The two of you already shared a look at about their stupidity. Despite having more sensitive hearing than humans٫ he could tell just by the way Ace was covering your ears you could still hear. He could also get from your expression that this kind of scheming happened often.

"Yeah٫ Housewarden already said that we'll probably cause them to not get proper sleep so we only get one night٫" Deuce lamented.

"Stupid tyrant's obviously just jealous and was looking for a good reason to be a perv or something٫" Ace complained.

"I'm pretty sure you’re just projecting about the perv thing٫" Deuce grumbled.

"Lies!" Ace defended.

"Don't I get a say in this?!" Grim demanded.

"Yeah٫ you get a say on sleeping alone٫" Ace teased.

"I think it's a bit too late to say they can't choose٫" Jack pointed out٫ "And I'm pretty sure covering their ears like that isn't helping your case."

Ace let out an exaggerated groan then scoffed٫ "Fine!"

He uncovered you ears.

"Hey٫ ___," Deuce spoke up٫ "Would you rather stay Heartslabyul or Savanaclaw?"

"I think I'd rather Savanaclaw...٫" you answered٫ trying not too seem to eager to decline Heartslabyul. You took notice at how Jack's tail had started to swish back and forth after you said your answer٫ but didn't say anything about it.

"You cool with that٫ Grim?" Ace asked٫ basically pleading with Grim to change your mind.

"I'm fine with whatever my henchhuman chooses٫" the furball in your arms declared٫ causing visible pouts to form between the other two.

"Great, then we'd better get back٫" Jack announced٫ "It's almost midnight as it is..." Jack broke out into a yawn٫ causing you to yawn too.

"Okay, see you tomorrow٫" Ace sighed.

"Have a good night٫" Deuce added.

You watched the two leave for a bit before heading off yourselves. The walk was mainly quiet٫ but more of a comfortable quiet. For once٫ after what felt like forever٫ you felt almost safe to just walk with your guard dropped.

❥

"Not a chance٫" Leona denied.

"You didn't even pause before answering...٫" Jack muttered.

"No pets allowed in the dorm. They shed all over the place٫" the lion stated٫ motioned to the living ball of fur in your arms.

"First of all, I AIN'T NO PET. Second of all, I DO NOT!" Grim denied٫ vehemently defending his honor٫ "Aren't you guys, like, a billion times furrier than me?!"

"This is about you, not us٫" Ruggie shrugged٫ his usual grin spread across his face.

"Well٫ what about ___? It's either here or Heartslabyul٫" Jack explained. There was also Octavinelle٫ but you decided that was not a viable option.

"You know how guys 'round here feel 'bout herbivores like them Jack. If anything happens٫ that's all on you٫" Leona grinned.

"I understand٫ Housewarden٫" Jack nodded.

"Herbivores are a lotta work٫ ya know٫" Leona dragged on٫ giving away that he was just messing around. "'specially that one."

Ruggie happily joined in٫ "Yeah. You gotta feed 'em٫ water 'em٫ train٫ entertain٫ blah٫ blah٫ blah."

"I'm not a dog!" You huffed.

"Yeah٫ dogs behave better٫" the third year teased.

"Well٫ since there's no clean empty rooms٫ I'll be ever so generous and let you room with me instead of Jack's cramped freshman bedroom٫" Ruggie proposed and slung an arm around your shoulder٫ "All I would like in exchange is a portion of my choosing from your lunch every day you're here."

"Not happening!" Grim denied.

"You're no fun...٫" the hyena pouted.

You heard Leona audibly groan before letting out exasperated sigh.

"I guess they can room with me for now٫" the lion relented.

"What?!"

"Ruggie's still recoverin' from the Spelldrive competition so he's been working slow. You two can stay in exchange for helpin' pick back up the pace. So٫ how 'bout it?" Leona grinned. Of course he wasn't doing this out of the kindness of his heart; it was from the laziness of his ass.

"I guess it's better than nothing٫" you supposed.

"Phew. At least now we don't gotta sleep outside٫" Grim sighed in relief.

"All right. Jack, bring some spare bedding to Leona's room٫" Ruggie directed.

"Will do."

"I'm surprised you haven't already run off to take this as an opportunity for a break٫" Leona jabbed.

"I'd feel bad to leave such poor souls alone with someone like you٫" Ruggie quipped back.

"Okay, herbivores. Get the lead out and follow me."

❥

"Daaang! Now this is a wild man's room!" Grim thought aloud٫ openly admiring the dorm room.

"Quit yer gawkin'٫" Leona retorted٫ picking up a few things from where they were definitely out of place in as he passed them before tossing them in some random corner. "I'm goin' to bed now, and if you disturb my sleep, I'll turn you into shag carpet."

The lion growled as a threat. It was pretty hard to be threatening٫ though٫ whenever you pass out right after hitting the pillow.

"He was out in literally three seconds!" Grim exclaimed. Okay٫ but like that was pretty impressive.

On one hand٫ you were curious to know how deep of a sleeper he was. On the other٫ you kinda wanted to live to see tomorrow.

Wait٫ where did he expect you to sleep? You were never really told. He also passed out before you could ask any questions. You debated on it and mentally weighed your options as you got ready to sleep.

Ultimately٫ you decided the bed looked the most comfortable. There was no way that his ass was so fat that he needed a whole queen size to himself. Somehow٫ you managed to push him over just enough for you and Grim to get comfortable and fall asleep.

𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔:

Aatrox with wielder!Reader

- Look there's gotta be a whole character arc here before he's in a state to exist around other people. He's a man trapped inside a sword trying to escape the very nature of his existence by destroying the world and by extension himself, thereby trapping himself in a nightmarish cycle of violence and pain with no respite. Like, all he's done for the last few centuries was possess some poor fool, go on an apocalyptic warpath, get killed, and be stuck back in the suffocating sensory deprivation tank of his sword form until someone new picks him up, rinse repeat.

- You find him in sword form, but much like Kayn and Rhaast he doesn't manage to overcome you–except instead of using him to murder people, you just kinda lug him around and show him all the nice things about living (cuz honestly, leaving him there would be kind of fucked up).

- Being put in forcible time out, he very reluctantly is forced to admit that maybe existence isn't all pain and okay, yeah, maybe there is inherent value in life. The hot springs are nice, he guesses. Human, bring him to the hot springs again.

- He's gonna be a huge bitch for a while let's be real, like full tilt raging complete with threats of grievous bodily harm (and he can be a real bitch when he wants to be, have you heard some of his voice lines??). At the same time, he's terrified you'll leave him so he still tries to go the ‘temptation of power, just give in’ route, and generally emphasizes how powerful he is and how useful he can be.

- Eventually you go from being you, human, to his human. He hasn't had a social interaction that did not end with someone dying in literal centuries, much less a friend. Like he still bitches but instead of threatening you, he starts threatening anything that threatens you, which he defends with the idea that he's the only one worthy of killing you. You learn not to take it personally, your giant sword with a disembodied heart set into the hilt is a tsundere, this is your life now.

- ‘ive only had this human for two months and if anything happens to them I'm killing everyone in this plane of existence and then myself’, but to be fair that last part was his plan to begin with. Anything even begins to threaten you and it's fire and brimstone from him–unfortunately, he can't exactly do much as a sword other than beg you to use him to slaughter anyone who so much as says a harsh word to you.

- The longer you wield him, the more he becomes attuned to you–which is new to him, because Darkin usually don't have a wielder without them becoming a full host for this long, and even then the wielder is usually trying to suppress them. With you, Aatrox gradually gets his senses back–unlike Naafiri and Rhaast, his sword form doesn't come with eyes, so he basically has to magically parasitize your vision and see through your eyes. Gradually this extends to other senses too–hell of a shock to him when he starts to feel your pain. Eventually, he gets his own sense of touch back, which is kinda weird since his body is a sword now, but it's still leagues better than eternal numbness. Even if he's not really sure how to process that he can feel you literally holding his disembodied heart in your hands.

- His grand plan was to accumulate the blood from every rare instance you were forced to use him to defend yourself in order to build himself a new body and then kill you with it. The plan is amended to killing you in your sleep, cuz he likes you, even if he doesn't want to admit it. It takes literally until he's standing over you that he realizes ‘I don't….actually want to do this,’ and he has zero follow up plan or capacity for self reflection so he just stands there like a weirdo. And then you wake up.

- “Are you gonna kill me?” “....no.” “Okay, cool, I'm going back to sleep.”

- You start travelling together like normal people then, except y'know, being in human form is pretty taxing so a decent chunk of the time he just...stays a sword. This is a huge gesture of trust from him, knowing that if you happen to put him down he'll be put back into a prison of his own body, but also you've kinda earned his trust in this matter since you could've left him to suffer at any point before now and didn't. He still acts like it's some sort of honor for you to be wielding him, but you've also earned his respect by this point so the ‘puny human’ talk has pretty much evaporated.

- His protectiveness gets worse once he has a body to act independently with, but not as much as you'd think–he respects your wishes and genuinely doesn't want to upset you, so he won't hurt anyone you don't want him to (...too bad)–though he will intimidate the everliving fuck out of anyone he thinks is a threat to you. He does actually still have a pretty robust sense of right and wrong–it’s just that he didn't give a fuck about it in the face of escaping the torture of his existence. Now you're that escape, and he'll defend you with the same visciousness that he killed literal gods with.

- He does not have any frame of reference for romance. He only sort of remembers being Ascended, and barely if at all being human before that–and in all that time he was a soldier through and through, devoted to his duty above all. He doesn't even know that he's caught feelings. Like he wants to be close to you all the time (and other urges he shall not be examining), but that's normal right?? You've been carrying him around for months now, surely it's because of that. He also hasn't had anyone touch him without also trying to kill him in centuries, forget that he can actually feel it now–surely that's why the slightest touch from you makes his heart skip a beat (you can literally see it, it's right there in the sword). It's normal. He's being super normal. Denial is just a river in Shurima.

- Point being, the man is oblivious, and even if he wasn't, he has no fucking idea what he's doing and he has a boatload of unresolved self-esteem issues. You're gonna have to make the first move and you're gonna have to be very forward and upfront with him. He's gonna freeze, Aatrox.exe is working overtime; internally he goes from ‘tf do you mean I have feelings’ to ‘tf do you mean I have feelings for a human’ to ‘well obviously this is my human, she's special, why wouldn't I have feelings for her’ to ‘me?? Why the fuck does she want me??’ to finally deciding that he would have to be clinically insane to turn you down (putting aside that he thinks there's a very real chance that he is in fact insane, but he's working on that).

- Not that he knows how to be in a relationship. Mutual respect and communication can go a long way to figuring stuff like this out, but it's pretty obvious he's out of his depth–he’s struggling to adjust to existing in general, and he's got centuries of trauma and a barely repressed anger management issue. It helps that he knows you're on his side (and that he's probably already made every threat under the sun when you first met), but the man doesn't exactly have a lot of practice dealing with his frustration in a healthy way. Patience is essential here–he’s trying, and he will get better with time and understanding.

- He's actually super self conscious about his body–in his eyes, it's a twisted, filthy reminder of what he used to be. Without a compatible host, Darkin bodies start to break down without fresh blood to sustain them, and he can't help but compare it to how he used to be before the Void war. His form is stable with you, but he still has a whole lot of negative associations. You've got your work cut out for you if you want to convince him he's not some sort of malformed disgusting beast–he’s very much of the opinion that you're some kind of saint for wanting him despite what he looks like.

- Despite all that, physical closeness is a big thing in his culture, plus he's touch starved and will take any opportunity to have you close. If you're not doing anything he'll literally just pick you up and deposit you on his lap so he can be close to you. If he's in sword form, he'll sulk if you put him down for even a moment. It's funny though, because as much as he passively demands attention like some sort of large spiky cat, he also gets really flustered if you're affectionate with him. He's also a huge tsundere though, so him being flustered mostly involves stammered yelling (he’s actually kind of awkward, when he's not being intimidating–re his joke lines).

- Darkin run hot as a consequence of the hemomancy their bodies are made up of–in particular, the area over his heart is very warm. He doesn't visibly blush per se, but the glow of his heart gets more radiant when he's flustered, and he gets noticably warmer. The dark plated parts of him are hard and bone-like with the slightest bit of give, whereas the red parts feel like normal skin if slightly thicker. He has a habit of only touching you with his unplated left hand–the other one has a lot of jagged edges and he worries he'll accidentally cut you (plus, the plated parts feel less). Since his form is fairly stable with you he can manifest his wings fairly consistently, but he's stuck at a (relatively) meager 9ft tall without absorbing any new bodies. His wings are more batlike than anything, and the webbing is extremely sensitive.

- In Ancient Shuriman custom, marriage is a social arrangement wherein a couple is considered married as soon as they start living together, no ceremony or paperwork required (fun fact: actual ancient egyptian custom!). Most couples have this accompanied with a legalized property agreement, but Aatrox was raised into a warrior caste that doesn't have a concept of private property, and he doesn't currently have much of a use for possessions anyway. This is all to say Aatrox considers you to be married and you have no idea until he offhandedly refers to you as his wife.

I just want to see him carrying her around in his arms. He probably wants to show her off like a proud peacock showing off it's feathers.

I'm just imagining then when it's explained she's from a different reality (I honestly can't see her getting into specifics too much) and everyone bonds, they eventually ask why she's in this reality.

Cue all the Kuuhenki and Luonnotas being feral and trying to harm them...

At least until she stops shaking/crying and tells her little spirit friends to stop (they do reluctantly). Rerir just bundles her into his arms and glares at people at least until SANDRONE explains the truth.

Sandrone knew Columbina!MC wasn't going to explain, but said moon goddess had also given her permission to explain to trusted people.

So Sandrone explains and now we have a nation attempting to figure out how to travel through different realities (totally only because they want to explore and learn about different realities, totally not because they want to destroy that alternate Nod Krai and Teyvet, TOTALLY)

Rerir proceeds to snatch her away to his hide out place, both his and her Kuuhenki + Lunnotars gathering there and surrounding them. He then cuddles her and glares at any person who appears.

I'm imagining Columbina!MC, once she knows Moon God Rerir was a safe person, latches into him like a needy kitten?

And as @lovelyjane-stuff told me-

"She IS a baby kitten

Moon God Rerir is that one rare tomcat dad who take responsibility

Even if the kid ain't really his"

And YES. Let the Alternate Nod Krai crew feel protective over Columbina!MC enough that they want to jump realities to beat up their alternatives.

Adding to this, the alternative Frostmoon Scions. They were loosing their shit after Lauma brought news of Columbina!MC's existence. Cue even more people becoming protective of the bean.

Columbina!MC shouldn't be shocked if she ever becomes brave enough to visit this world's Hiisi island and see a newly made statue of herself besides Moon God Rerir's own statue.

Oh, and a fun idea to add to this is the differenced between Moon God Rerir and Columbina!MC's Kuuheki + Lunonators.

Moon God Rerir's are bigger, maybe more boyish in comparison to Columbina!MC's, and after Columbina!MC's Kuuheki/Lunonator settles into Alternate Nod Krai, it becomes a common sight to see Moon God Rerir's and Columbina!MC's Kuuheki mingling in pairs

Not in a romantic sense! More like as parent and child, if that makes sense.

Yes give me more angst!!!

You have her eyes…

Yandere twst reaction: yuu dying after giving birth

BIG WARNING!! Mentions of childbirth, death, blame, guilt, yandere twst, violence mentioned, abortion mentioned,angst

Heartstabyul:

-Riddle Rosehearts-

He was blaming everyone, your doctor, your nurses, even his own mother that just HAD to be in the room and was stressing you out. But your body it just gave up and Riddle will never accept that.

“My rose…you were supposed to stay with me…I followed the rules…why..? Why?! I can’t raise her alone!….come back…”

-Trey Clover-

He had to leave, the moment he heard the flatline he was gone. Crying in the hallway thinking it’s his fault thinking he should have checked on you more.

“Yuu…we’re supposed to be partners…we were supposed to have the dream life…whats out little one gonna do without you?”

-Cater Diamond-

He was vlogging until he cut the tape. It was live from just his reaction alone the fans knew it was bad. Then a few months later cater goes on live explaining the you passed in childbirth and he was going on haitus to take care of the baby.

“Hey everyone…ima make this quick…mini cay-yuu…he’s doing great…but…yuu…I’m going to make sure our baby boy is gonna grow up how you wanted him too…happy…real. Your memory will live on…”

-Deuce Spade-

He genuinely was gonna punch someone when the doctor told him you died. Both his mom and Ace had to hold him back, and he just cried in his mother’s arms. He had his own baby but he felt like the biggest baby in the world without you

“Mom she’s gone…she’s really gone…I can’t…you had trouble with me what if…I need her! She’s supposed to be here! Raising that little baby with me! Mama…what if the baby ends up like me…?”

-Ace Trappola-

He’s just there….his face has dried tears on his face after everything, he was skin bonding with the baby. It’s like his whole world just stopped when you took your last breath. And now, this tiny life needs him.

“Yuu…can I really do this…? Without you…can I really raise her on my own…”

Savannaclaw:

-Leona Kingscholar-

He knew the risks, and yet he still went ahead with it. Getting you the best healers, actually making a plan and for what?! For you to die in his arms while holding your cub.

“See this land? This is the land of our people…everything the light touches is ours. It’ll be ruled by your cousin but we love this land, like your mother loved you before you were even born…”

-Ruggie Bucchi-

He been crying for days, all when he’s alone with the baby or by himself at work. He genuinely thought he could spare you the fate his mother suffered. But he knows you’ll watch over at the baby.

“See those stars? Mama is up there…and…she loves you…more than anything…and I’m swearing to you kid…I’m never leaving your side.”

-Jack Howl-

He’s a mix of Leona and ruggie, he’s trying to move on but can’t. Your pregnancy with Jack’s pup was harder because you were carrying twins. One beastman child is a risk enough, but two? He didn’t want to think about it, but you were nothing but prepared.

“Look at that…your mom left me a book about how to raise you two…that’s…that’s your mom for you…there’s even reminders to take your month old photos…”

Octavinelle:

-Azul Ashengrotto-

His businesses were closed for the day, his mother closed her restaurant for a week for Azul to collect himself. He was locked in his office on land just trying to rework his life plan. Well now it’s his baby’s life plan…just without you

“DAMNIT! All these moments…everything you were supposed to be there! I don’t even know to raise him on land or in the sea…”

-Jade Leech-

He’s been…managing, luckily he has his mother, his father and his brother. Floyd been on uncle duty for times on end. But he worries about his brother. Especially when the little one cries whenever Jade holds him.

“Please…please stop…I’m doing my best…though I felt better seeing your mother…but I can’t see her anymore…at least you look like her…my little darling.”

-Floyd Leech-

He’s so violent…with everyone. His friends, his family, not even Jade himself can fight Floyd like this. Mainly because he doesn’t want the the baby to get hurt. But Floyd would never hurt his baby, it’s the last thing he has of you.

“GIVE ME MY FUCKING KID JADE! PLEASE!! I WANNA SEE MY BABY! GIVE ME MY FUCKING BABY! YUU IS GONE AND SHES ALL I HAVE LEFT!! DONT TAKE AWAY MY MINI SHRIMPY PLEASE!….im begging you brother…”

Scarabia:

-Kalim Al-Asim-

Poor Kalim…he lost his smile, for the first year of the baby’s life. He wouldn’t smile, he was present for the child. But he only got it back when his baby walked over with a photo. A photo of you.

“You’re so much like her…smart…beautiful…and the light of my life….ima do better and protect you..even if that means you can’t leave the house.

-Jamil Viper-

He never got time to grieve, Kalim kept telling to stop and spend time with his baby, but jamil couldn’t. His sister been taking care of the baby and they keep getting into fights. He’s there, but not really.

“Kalim I have far too many things to do around here. I don’t have time to mope around about yuu….dont talk about my child. He’s fine. He’s with his aunt….he doesn’t need me…

Pomeforie:

-Vil Schoenheit-

This is Vil we’re talking about. He told you to abort the baby then moment you two were told there was a risk of death. He didn’t want to lose you, but no you were stubborn and made him promise to be there for the baby. And he was.

“Hm…seems the news has nothing to talk about but me going on haitus. Can’t blame me…I lost my wife…and I need to be there for my child. Don’t worry my little dumpling…you’re in good hands with daddy…

-Rook Hunt-

It’s hard…to know what’s going through his mind. He cried so much when the baby was born, but cried harder knowing you’re dead. He looks fine, but on the inside? He’s angry. Not at the baby god no, but at himself. For not protecting you.

“My wonderful child…I shall raise you in a way to see the beauty in everything…even in death. Youll know your mother if she was still here.

-Epel Felmier-

Epel fans DO NOT come for me when I say this….but…he’s absent. Like you were his entire world, and he’s just stuck with all his anger and sadness. He can’t even look at the baby because she looks so much like you. It’s not fair.

“I can’t be the man that baby girl needs me to be…I can’t be a father without her…but i can never leave that little girl…”

Ignihyde:

-Idia Shroud-

Idia might be worse than epel, like you genuinely never see him around. Ortho tries to get him to bond with the baby, but this child…looks too much like you and has his curse. He’s hurt his baby by just being her father.

“I can’t ortho…everytime I look at her it’s just yuu staring back at me! And that hair…DAMNIT! All this tech and I couldn’t save her! I don’t even have the heart to rebuild her like I did you ortho…”

Disomina:

-Malleus Draconia-

It’s been snowing in briar valley for…years. The young Prince walks around the cold castle wondering who the human woman is in the painting with his father. Malleus used to look so happy, and now…he’s a cold hearted king.

“Remember my son, you are a child of two worlds. Honor your mother. Honor your father. And you will be a great king. But for my sake…don’t fall in love with a human.”

-Lilia Vanrouge-

He’s lost so many people already, why’d you have to leave him too? He thought he didn’t have to be a single father again, but it’s harder this time. Because he thought he was gonna have you with him.

“Silver! Can you grab the baby I’m trying to recreate how yuu cooked this…FUCK! Sorry…sorry my boys…I just…this is so much harder without her…thought I was gonna have a partner to lean on this time..”

-Silver Vanrouge-

Silver is harder on himself, causing his curse to be worse. But the more he’s harder on himself he’s going to be hard on his child too. Even though lilia didn’t raise him to be a weapon like he was. Silver is doing that to his child.

“My father started my training when I was a bit older. And thanks to that I couldn’t save your mother. So you’re gonna run laps. I don’t care if you’re seven years old.”

-Sebek Zigvolt-

Sebek is another hard case, because your last words to him were “be gentle..” so that’s what he is. With everyone else he’s rough, rude, loud, and angry. But with his child? No he could never.

“DO THE DRILL AGAIN! YOU IDIOTS HOW ARE YOU GOING TO PROTECT LORD MALLEUS LIKE THIS?!….mother good to see you- Hii my love! How’s my little one?”

✧Some tags I added but wouldn't work✧

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 3 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 1

𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 ✧ 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 2 ✧ 1 ✧ 2 ✧ 3 ✧ 4 ✧ ...

Whoooshhh

You opened your eyes to find a truly intense storm out in the middle of the sea. Looking around a bit more٫ a man and a woman made their way into your line of sight. The man looked to be passed out while the woman tried to swim with him to safety.

A distant voice suddenly rang out٫ "Hurricane a comin'! Stand fast! Secure the riggin'!"

After that٫ everything went white٫ accompanied by a woman's melodious voice. You assumed it must've been the girl you just saw.

"Look! He's breathing."

Soon٫ the white obscuring your vision cleared away like fog٫ revealing some seashore. The man from earlier was not accompanied by a much older man and a scruffy dog instead٫ leading him away from the ocean. The older man must've been looking for him since he was calling out his name prior: "Eric".

"A girl...rescued me٫" Eric mentioned in a daze٫ "She had the most...beautiful voice..."

Once they were gone٫ the girl from earlier popped out again from behind a rock٫ looked positively head over heals for the man despite having just met.

"My heart...Oh, how it pounds! Yes. I know it. The day will soon come...part of your world!"

The waves rose around her٫ mimicking her excitement. Actually٫ only now did you notice that her lower half was mermaid tail.

As if things couldn't become more ominous٫ your view was forcefully shifted away from the girl and instead moved to two menacing eels stalking up at her from the shadows and chuckling. What a delightful way to end a dream...

❥

Like any other morning٫ you woke up to Grim practically on top of you while he muttered nonsense.

"Mrrrghrow...The trick to tests...is if there're two choices...it's a trick question..."

And he went back to snoring. Great...You sat up and stretched to hopefully get what remained of your exhaustion before trying to wake up your roommate.

"Rise and shine, Grim٫" you greeted٫ shaking his little (read: humongous) belly.

"MYAH! Don't surprise me like that. You'll make me forget everything I memorized!" Grim yowled٫ "Today's the last day of final exams, y'know. You and I are still technically one student put together, so you better not tank my grades, ___"

"This, from the last-minute crammer...٫" you sighed. Your little direbeast sure was acting a bit strange compared to his usual.

❥

"The test is over, whelps. Put your pens away and hand over your answer sheets like good little dogs. And with that, I do believe exams have come to a close٫" Crewel announced٫ causing cheers to erupt throughout the classroom. "Down! SIT! Don't start celebrating yet. Any bad boys who fare poorly in their exams...will be given mandatory remedial lessons over the winter holidays. Consider yourselves warned.

Class dismissed."

"Whew, FINALLY. It's over!" Ace rejoiced.

"I gave it my absolute best. All that's left now is to wait for our scores to come back٫" Deuce said.

"Myah hah hah! No lousy test is a match for my brilliant mind٫" Grim sang out.

They were all surprisingly confident in their answers. These were the same three you once watched start trying some bullshit ritual some upperclassmen told them to supposedly "help retain their knowledge for the test." Something was definitely fishy.

"Really? You guys usually look like your lives just flashed before your eyes after written exams. Now you're changing your tune?" Ace teased.

"Heh heh. You bet your bottom thaumark l am. Today marks the dawn of a new and improved me! You better be ready, 'cause soon you'll all be callin' me 'Galaxy Brain Grim' and beggin' for scraps of my knowledge٫" your fluffy companion bragged from your side.

"That's a bold claim, but I'm pretty confident in my performance this time myself. No offense, but I'm definitely gonna outscore you٫" declared Deuce.

"Says the guy who's perpetually biting his lip and barely staying above a failing grade٫" Ace began to taunt again٫ "Of course, this test was a piece of cake for me, so I'm pretty sure I'm gonna come out on top."

"Grim, you did ONE last-minute cram session٫" you reminded٫ unable to decide if you were amused or exhausted by their verbal competition.

"What can I say? Geniuses like me can breeze through class without havin' to slave away at their desk like you do."

"Anyway," Deuce interrupted٫ "exams are done and dusted. I'm gonna hit up the Track Club. Actually٫ ___, I wouldn't mind too much if you came watc—"

Ace quickly cut in before Deuce could finish٫ "Y'know, I could stand to get in some exercise at the Basketball Club myself. Let's break this huddle for today, guys."

"Let's head back to the dorm, ___. I'm dead on my feet after that all-nighter٫" Grim groaned٫ lifting his paws up towards you as if to insist you carry his lazy butt. So٫ of course٫ you carried his adorably lazy butt back to Ramshackle.

❥

The following week٫ it was the same deal as always: Ace and Grim setting each other off and then involving others with their antics. This time٫ though٫ something seemed off.

"Hold it right there, Grim! You're not gettin' off easy today, you hear me?!"

"Myeh heh heh! Maybe you shoulda put your name on it if you wanted it that bad!"

"Why, you...!"

"What is it this time?" You complained٫ following shortly behind the duo.

"Seriously, don't they ever get tired of this?" Deuce wondered٫ obediently walking beside you like a loyal guard dog.

He was also carrying your bag along with his due to much pushing from himself. He framed it as a "practical way to build muscle" or whatever.

"Hey, ___! You're the prefect, so do some prefecting!" Ace called out٫ "This lousy furball swiped the doughnut I bought and ate it! AGAIN."

"I didn't steal nothin'! I just saw a snack left abandoned on a desk and gave it a home outta the goodness of my heart٫" Grim reasoned. That had to be one of the worse defense cases you've ever heard.

Ace argued back٫ "It's not abandoned if it's on somebody's desk! If you're gonna keep runnin', l've got some wind magic up my sleeve with your name on it."

"Oh YEAH? Try me! I've got fire magic ready to—" Grim stopped him before he could finish his whole threat. That was really unlike the proud٫ little furball.

"....Erk!" There both yelped.

"Y'know what? I think I'll skip the magic today. I don't wanna get sent to wash even MORE windows٫" the red had an obviously forced grin.

"H-heh. For once, I think you've got the right idea٫" Grim joined in٫ just as nervous. "I'd be embarrassin' myself if I was the only one usin' magic, so I'll let you off easy this time."

"...Huh?" You voiced in confusion. Something was definitely going on here٫ but you didn't know if you wanted to find out what.

"Wow. It's not every day I see you two de-escalate one of your fights without outside intervention٫" Deuce noted٫ "Normally, you go at it until the classroom's blasted to bits and the headmage comes storming in."

"Hey, what kinda punk would I be if I started fighting with a weasel over one lousy doughnut?" Ace wondered. Wasn't he just squabbling with Grim yesterday about some loose change on the ground?

"Why do you always have to get in one last smart remark?!" Grim fussed.

"C'mon٫ ___. Let's head to class٫" the former playfully bumper into your side٫ not really giving you room to refuse since he wrapped his arm around your shoulders٫ again.

❥

"It's time for class to start, whelps. Get to your seats. First, I'll pass back your tests٫" Crewel stated٫ a large stack of papers in his hands.

"This is it—the moment of truth٫" Deuce braced himself.

"Myah hah! Gimme! Gimme! I want that test, Prof!" Grim exclaimed.

"Settle down, Grim. Stay. STAY!" Crewel scolded٫ "I'll call you up by your class number. Number one!"

By the time he got to your class number٫ you felt kind of nervous for some reason. The week before the tests٫ Riddle had made you study with him on account of you being at a disadvantage due to you still being so new to this world٫ in his word's at least.

Getting your test back٫ you were surprised to see you had received a 96! Despite creeping you out SEVERELY٫ Riddle was a pretty good tutor.

"Good job٫ pup٫" Crewel congratulated٫ giving you a soft pat on the head and reassuring smile before you headed back to your seat.

"SWEET! I got a 92!" Ace cheered.

"I got an 88! I never thought l'd see the day I scored over 80٫" Deuce admitted٫ still somewhat in shock.

"Check it out, ___! I got an 85!" Grim celebrated.

"You went from failing grades to an 85?" You questioned٫ now completely sure something was up.

"Hey, I don't like what you're implyin'!" Grim huffed.

Crewel walked over and added٫ "You appear to have studied a great deal for this exam. Yes...A great deal indeed, compared to your quiz scores. In fact, the class average has gone up to a degree one might call...unusual."

Ace spoke up next٫ asking٫ "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"The average test scores across every level of potionology are over 90. Professor Trein has remarked upon similarly positive trends in his magic history classes٫" Crewel remarked

"Say what?!"

"Mraaah?!"

"Uh-oh. I don't like where this is going..."

With how the three of the responded٫ they were definitely apart of this٫ and it was a whole of a lot bigger than you originally thought.

Crewel carried on٫ "The school's fifty highest achievers will be posted in the hall. You can look forward to seeing that shortly. Now, let us begin today's lesson. Open your textbooks."

❥

"Okay, where am I in the top fifty?" Grim cheerfully made his way through the other students.

"With an average score over 90, we've gotta be in there, right?" Ace though aloud٫ looking along side Grim.

Honestly٫ why was it so important to them? Usually٫ they cried tears of joy at just passing٫ but now they cared about making the top 50?!

"First ten places...nope. Twenty...nope. Forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty...nope. Wait a minute—I ain't in here at all!" Grim cried out.

"N-neither am I...٫" Deuce mourned.

"Seriously٫ with scores only in the 80's٫ how did you think you'd make it in the top 50?" You had to ask٫ unable to help yourself.

"Hey! It was really hard to get those scores! How can people seriously score higher than that!" Grim seemed on the verge of a tantrum.

"Hooold up. There's a list of the total scores each top achiever got across all subjects٫" Ace pointed out٫ "The top thirty scored perfect marks—500 points!"

"PERFECT MARKS?!" The other two exclaim.

That's the people you expected to be up there: ridiculously smart people like Riddle and Leona; not people like these three who have better chances of praying to get a good grade than getting one of their own merit. Still٫ though٫ it was weird; could thirty students really ace every test?

"Something's definitely fishy here...٫" you muttered.

"B-but if I don't make it into the top fifty, that counts as a breach of contract!" Grim yelped.

"Wait, 'contract'? Oh no. Grim, did you...?" Ace hesitantly trailed off.

"Judging by the look on your face, Ace, don't tell me you also—" Deuce nervously started٫ but was abruptly interrupted.

Out of nowhere٫ sea anemones grew from their heads with a loud "Bwooop!"

"MYAH! What in the world?! A sea anemone just sprouted outta my head!" Grim yowled.

"G-Grim, you made a contract too?!

You big cheater!" Deuce complained.

"Yeah, whatever, Deuce. You're just as guilty, keepin' your friends close and your anemones closer over there!" Ace admonished.

"I'll just give it a quick tug, and...OW!

It's not comin' out!" Grim whined.

"What's going on here?" You questioned٫ completely out of the loop.

"I came to see what all the commotion was. Why am I not surprised it's you guys? What're you doing?"

You turned to see Jack now right behind you٫ staring at the other three like something just grew from their—Well...

"Jack, did you make a contract too? Wait...You don't have an anemone!" Deuce pointed out in shock.

"So much for looking like a bad boy. You're more of a square than Loosey-Deucey over here!" Ace shouted.

"Okay, what? I'm completely lost here. What are you talking about, and what are those things growing outta your heads?" Jack asked.

"Look, it's, uhhh...MROW?! What now? This dang anemone's yanking my head!" Grim cried out

"Owww, geez! It's gonna rip my noggin off!" Ace whined.

"So when he wrote 'absolute obedience,' this is what he meant..." Deuce groaned in pain.

"AaaAAAaaaAGH!"

"What now? The way they were walking, it was like the anemones were pulling them in that direction. Is a picture that stupid still worth a thousand words...?" Jack observed.

"We'd better follow them٫" you grumbled.

"Huh? Where do I come in here? This is none of my business٫" the wolf claimed.

"Is the big puppy scared?" You taunted.

You could tell you got to him purely from the way his cheeks began to burn and his ears pinned back.

"W-who're you calling a big puppy?!" Jack nearly growled٫ but looked away to calm himself down. "Tch. You're starting to fit in around here a little TOO well. Fine. I'll keep you company for a little while, at least. Let's get one thing straight, though—this is purely out of curiosity. I wanna see what caused this. I couldn't care less about those guys. Just so we're clear on that."

"Got it٫ you just wanna play knight in shining armor٫" you continued to tease٫ walking ahead of him.

"Th-that's not what I said at all!" Jack denied.

❥

Soon٫ the two of you found yourselves in the Hall of Mirrors.

"Oh, it's the Hall of Mirrors...The place that leads to every dorm٫" Jack thought out loud.

"Wow...٫" you marveled at the sheer amount of other students with similar anemones on their heads٫ just like Ace٫ Deuce٫ and Grim.

"I was so sure I'd make the top fifty!"

"Blast it all, I've been had! That cheating cephalo-punk!"

"My school life is doomed now. Doooomed!"

"Huh? It's not just the three stooges...There are other students here with sea anemones coming outta their heads٫" Jack observed٫ protectively pulling you closer to him. "I'm seeing some sophomores and juniors in here, too. And they're all going through the mirror leading to Octavinelle Dorm."

"They re all moaning about their test placement...٫" you noticed and pointed out to Jack.

"Let's head over and see what's up٫" he decided٫ and you nodded in agreement.

So٫ you both headed for the mirror that lead to Octavinelle's dorm house and stepped through it together. After the disorientation wore off٫ it's safe to say you were left in awe.

"Wow, the whole dorm is underwater!" You excitedly observed.

"For real?! Night Raven College is so cool!" Jack exclaimed before quickly correcting himself. He clearer his throat before reminding you٫ "Just remember we're treading on another dorm's turf. Keep your wits about you."

You nodded٫ which seemed to reassure the beastman.

❥

Inside٫ you both didn't have to wait too long to find where all the effected students ended up.

"Look at all these people٫" you commented٫ gazing at the sea of anemones that had sprouted from the heads of these boys.

"There's gotta be a hundred-no, closer to two hundred people here. What is this place, anyway? Some kinda coffee shop?" Jack wondered٫ "'Mostro Lounge'? Where did Ace and the others go?"

Suddenly٫ the lights dimmed. You felt something soft nudging you but soon realized it was just Jack's tail guiding you closer to him as a precaution.

Just as quickly as the lights had dimmed٫ something akin to a stage light shone on a boy that was in front of the crowd. Instead of the school uniform٫ he was in a gray٫ purple٫ and black suit with a hat and bowtie. Maybe it was it dorm uniform٫ you guessed. At the moment٫ you were getting major rejected theater kid vibes.

With a hand to his chest٫ he began to make a speech of sorts٫ "Well, well. What have we here? A band of misfortunate souls who failed to break into the top 50. Welcome to the Mostro Lounge. I'm sure you're all WELL aware of who I am, but let's go over it again anyway. My name is Azul Ashengrotto. I am the housewarden of Octavinelle Dorm, the manager of the Mostro Lounge cafe, aaand...as of today, you have to listen to everything I say."

"Say what?" You overheard Jack mutter. Personally٫ you were just thinking about how you can't but up with any more of these sadistic bastards. Why couldn't they be like Jack. He was chill٫ so far anyway...Please٫ whatever or whoever is out listening٫ don't make you eat your words...

Azul continued٫ "You made a bet with me, and subsequently lost. As per the terms of our contract, you are to devote yourselves to my service until such time as you graduate."

"Hey, hold on. This is all a huge scam!"

Wait٫ was that—

"You're...Ace Trappola, a freshman, if memory serves. Your accusations are insulting, frankly. I upheld my end of the bargain and provided you with an impeccably flawless study guide for your exams. If you used it properly, you should have scored at least a 90."

"Yeah, and I did. I got a 92!"

"Why, that's wonderful news! I'm delighted to have been of service٫" Azul praised.

"But you never told me you'd given the same study guide to this many other people!"

"Yeah, Ace is right." Was that Deuce that said that? "No study guide could help us break into the top fifty when the deck's this stacked!"

"When everybody else is scorin' over 90, even with my 85, my spot in the rankings is no different than when I was failin'!" And there was Grim...

None of them knew how to keep their mouths shut. Honestly٫ what did they expect? Why would some random housewarden give them such a good deal٫ and here at NRC of all places?!

"Have you boys never heard of client confidentiality?" Azul asked٫ then began to quote٫ "'I want an easy way to score high marks. I don't want to flunk out. I want to goof off until the night before the test...' All of you fools—I mean, gentlemen—had your own reasons for seeking my help with your finals. Details such as who made a contract with me, what kind of contract it was, and why it was made...That's all privileged data. Who am I to divulge someone's personal information to a third party? I am a man of integrity, thank you very much. You will find this exact topic covered extensively in the non-disclosure agreement clause on page 127 of your contract. I simply abided by its terms."

His logic was hard to argue with. And٫ honestly٫ these guys basically brought it on themselves for acting like such fools.

"O-okay, then what happens to the fire magic I put up as collateral for the study guide?" Grim hesitantly asked.

"Y-yeah! And what about my water magic?" Another student questioned.

"Give me back my signature spell!" A demanded.

"What's this? Have you really all forgotten the terms of your contract?" Azul dramatically lamented before quoting٫ "I will provide you with a final exam study guide. In exchange, you will leave one 'personal specialty' in my possession. Should you earn a spot among the school's fifty highest achievers, your power will be returned to you and I will continue to provide you with study guides for all exams until such time as you graduate. However, in the event that you do not earn a spot among the school's fifty highest achievers٫ you will act with absolute obedience to me until such time as you graduate."

"As outlined in the contract, I now control every part of your beings down to every last hair on your heads. In other words, your powers are mine, to return or not as please٫" Azul sadistically delighted.

"That ain't fair!" Ace argued.

"No wonder Grim and Ace weren't fighting with magic٫" you thought back to earlier. You were almost too wrapped up in thought to notice Jack stepping in front of you.

"Y'know, I've been listening to this whole spectacle...and ALL of you disgust me!"

Shock rang out around the whole room.

"J-Jack?! What are you doing here?" Deuce stuttered out.

"Oh, are you...? No, I don't see an anemone on your head٫" Azul offhandedly remarked٫ "I'm afraid we're having a staff meeting right now. If you don't have a stake in this matter, I must ask your leave for us to sort this out internally."

"Grrr...You think I don't have a stake in this? I was planning on studying on my own and out scoring these guys in a fair competition. And now you've ruined that. I think I DO have a stake here!" Jack argued back.

"This is the last thing I need right now٫" you groaned٫ placing your head in your hands.

"___? Jack? Are you here to save us?!" Grim cheered.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm disgusted with every last one of you٫" Jack reminded٫ "Why would I side with the slimeball offering shady backroom deals OR the guys who chose to let others do their work for them?"

"What are you here for, then?" Ace wondered.

"Actually, I think Jack's right. He's given me the wake-up call I needed٫" Grim announced٫ "If you wanna win, you gotta snatch that victory yourself! In other words...If I can snatch my contract from Azul by force and tear it up, it's null and void!"

"Hey, now that you mention it..." One student thought it over.

"Who needs specialties when we've got numbers?! GET HIM!" A Savanaclaw student led the charge. You were truly surrounded by idiots...

"These guys are hopeless٫" you lamented.

"Dear me. I really didn't want to resort to violence, but alas٫" Azul sighed with a shrug٫ "Jade. Floyd. Play with them for a bit."

Two insanely tall twins emerged from out of nowhere. Actually٫ you were pretty sure you've seen them before. Yeah٫ when you were checking out potential victims for the mysterious injuries.

"Understood, sir."

"Oh man, I get to squeeze 'em all? Ha ha, nilice."

Okay٫ you really didn't like that second one already...Thankfully٫ Jack seemed to sense your unease and made sure to keep you away from any potential danger behind him the whole time.

"Geez, what a bunch of wimps. They're barely worth squeezing٫" the less kept of the twins whined. You guess that one was Floyd.

"It's like a whole school of feeble small fries٫" Azul mocked.

"How many kindsa magic can this Azul guy bust out?! I call shenanigans!" Ace complained.

"Did Azul's golden contract deflect all of your attacks?" Jack pointed out in shock.

"Argh. This is just showing me how hard I lean on my specialty normally...٫" Deuce criticized.

"Without his fire magic, Grim's nothing more than your garden-variety weasel٫" Ace commented.

"Myah...I ain't a weasel...٫" Grim cried٫ barely having the energy to argue before collapsing to the ground.

"You have all signed these golden contracts. An official contract is completely unbreakable, regardless of how many bodies you throw at it. No magic can harm this document in any way. Heh heh heh... As long as the sea anemones stay on your heads, you will have no choice but to follow my orders. Why don't you start by cleaning up the lounge? You can handle ingredient prep work afterward. Go on, now. On your feet and get to work!" Azul ordered.

"Is this for real...?" Ace moaned.

"Jade. Floyd. You're in charge of instructing the new staff."

"Yes٫ sir."

"Yessir!"

"You're...Jack Howl from Savanaclaw Dorm. And you're ___ from Ramshackle Dorm, I believe? I would appreciate it if you took your leave now. Why don't you come by as customers next time? You're welcome whenever you like٫" the housewarden took your hand in a faux polite gesture.

You could hear the growl coming from Jack as he grabbed you by the upper arm and pulled you away.

"C'mon, ___. We'd better fall back and regroup."

You agreed; even if you wanted to argue٫ the fury radiating off of Jack at the moment kind of scared you.

❥

Jack seemed to have cooled off to his usual self once the two of you made it back to Ramshackle. When he realized how hard he was gripping your arm he began to thoroughly apologize no matter how many times you told him you were fine.

"I think it's safe to say that everybody with an anemone stuck on their head...gambled on Azul's contract and lost٫" Jack stated. You both were able to conclude this as fact.

"The terms of said contract were apparently to place in the top 50. But with the sheer number of students signin' on most of them never stood a chance of getting in at all. That was Azul's game from the start."

"I DID find it weird that Grim managed to score over 80 on a test٫" you added.

"I mean, c'mon! If you're gettin' good grades off someone else's work, what does that even prove?" Jack huffed٫ "You're throwin' away a perfectly good opportunity to show others what you're capable of. Frankly, you're cheating yourself."

"If the rest of the student body here were as principled and tedious...I mean, as 'serious' as you, it would spare me such grief!" Crowley mourned. Hold on—Crowley?! When did he get here?!

"WHOA! Headmage?! You startled me!" Jack yelped.

Crowley sighed٫ "So transpires another year of me being unable to clamp down on Ashengrotto's little 'side business.'"

"What do you mean, 'side business'?" You questioned.

"Azul Ashengrotto: Sophomore. Housewarden of Octavinelle Dorm. Much like Rosehearts, he is a highly capable student already running a dorm as a sophomore, but...He's a bit—no, I daresay QUITE a bit troublesome."

"Are you talking about him swindling people? Seems to me like one word from the headmage could put a stop to this whole thing٫" Jack acknowledged.

"Ah, but it is precisely BECAUSE I am in a teaching position that I cannot prohibit his actions."

"Why not?" he inquired.

"Here's the thing about those study guides that Ashengrotto handed out to the students. There was no illegitimate activity involved in their production. Nobody snuck looks at test questions or answers beforehand. It was crafted exhaustively by hand, after researching the past century's worth of Night Raven College exam questions and their patterns. In other words, it's an entirely legitimate study guide٫" the Headmage admitted.

"A century's worth of test questions?!" You repeated in disbelief.

"Huh. Well, I'll be. If he did all that by hand, the guy's got chops٫" Jack praised before asking٫ "Hm? Wait...So the problem is that there IS no problem with it?"

"You strike right to the heart of the matter, Howl٫" Crowley admitted٫ "As a teacher, I can hardly prohibit a student from crafting an exam study guide via honest work. Nor can I prohibit a student from 'kindly' sharing their notes with friends."

"If you did, you'd basically be tellin' students, 'no studying' AND 'no helping your buds.' Grr...Talk about a seriously briny pickle٫" Jack grumbled.

"That it most certainly is٫" Crowley agreed.

"And earlier you said 'another year,' yeah?" the beastman wondered٫ "Did the same thing happen last term?"

"Indeed it did. Of course, last year his study guides didn't have quite the reputation they carry this year. So the commotion was much more contained, relatively speaking. This year, on the other hand, rumors abounded throughout campus that if one wished to score well on a test, they should visit the Mostro Lounge٫" Crowley thought back.

"And I'm guessin' the nasty little caveat in the contract in the event of a breach stayed hush-hush because of that binding NDA٫" Jack surmised.

"So it would seem. Thus did Ashengrotto have a steady stream of students lining up to accept his bargain this year. And the test average across all subjects and years has jumped above 90, much to my chagrin. Of course, I would be even more chagrinned if all of our subject averages were failing grades. But still!"

"What you're saying is that most of the student body cheated٫" you restated٫ "Wow٫ you suck at your job."

"Hey!"

"Does that mean that there are guys from last year who lost the bet and still haven't gotten their powers back?" Jack went on to question.

"Actually, he returned the powers he took from students last year as part of an arrangement he made with me. In return, I granted him permission to run the Mostro Lounge on school property."

"What?!" Jack gaped.

Crowley then went on to explain how the deal went.

"So you bargained with a terrorist?" You asked.

"By definition٫ Mr. Ashengrotto is not a terrorist٫" the Headmage argued.

"Close enough٫" you brushed off.

"Talk about brazen. I mean, blackmailing the headmage into a deal? No wonder Leona wants nothin' to do with this guy٫" Jack sighed.

"And when he offered to contribute 10% of the proceeds to the school...Why, how could I say no to such a mutually beneficial arrangement?"

"Wait, so you're gettin' something from it?!" Jack was left dumbfounded. You weren't really surprised٫ though.

"Dear oh dear. I can only wonder what demands he'll make of me this year٫" Crowley lamented٫ putting on his "woe is me" act all over again. "Whatever he wants, I will undoubtedly be forced to acquiesce. What else can I do for our idiotic—ah, that is, our poor, unfortunate students? My immense kindness always gets the better of me. Ashengrotto 'merely' studies diligently, then shares his rightfully-earned knowledge with other students out of the kindness of his heart...It wouldn't do for a teacher to discourage such earnest behavior. Why must every student in our school arrive with some amount of baggage to sort out?!

Oooh, woe is meee!" Oh٫ there it is!

You have a pretty good idea where this whole charade was headed.

"And that's where you come in, ___٫" Crowley added.

"Yayyy...٫" you sarcastically cheered.

"Would you be so kind as to persuade Ashengrotto to cease this little game of his?"

"I don't think anybody could 'persuade' him to do anything!" You argued.

"Incidentally, Ramshackle Dorm's food expenses have been mounting as of late, as I recall. You must be terribly strapped for cash...And alas, I'm so preoccupied researching a way to return SOMEONE to their home, I have so little time to address other problems...Oh, but don't worry about me, really. I am, as you know, a philanthropist to the core."

"With teachers like this, no wonder our students are the way they are٫" Jack grumbled.

"You are a horrible person٫" you deadpanned before ultimately relenting٫ "but٫ fine! I'll do what I can."

"You'll accept my request, then? Wonderful, ___! I knew I saw potential in this prefect! Then I'll be going now, as l am a very busy man. I'm counting on you!"

You were sure you heard the cheers of children and the happy cheers of animals as the old bird left.

"Boy, you never know when the headmage'll pop up٫" Jack noted٫ "Okay, so what exactly is your plan here? Because you're kinda right—just going up to Azul and askin' him nicely isn't gonna get you anywhere."

"Gathering intel seems like the place to start٫" you guessed. With every task Crowley gave you٫ you felt more and more like a stalker.

"True. A successful hunt starts with learnin' all you can about your target. You actually know your stuff٫" Jack commended٫ "Besides, letting Ace and the others stew in the mess they made might help 'em learn something from this."

You agreed. Just the thought gave amused you—Oh٫ no٫ they were rubbing off on you...

𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔:

He is his own "person" yes but still an extensive personified desire of a god, his it and he unfortunaly can't change that

However the first time that he met alice!mc was the first time he influenced his "other self" in some way, and that way was love

On another note, nicole!mc finds alice!mc unconcious on top of a sort of altar she rushes to wake her up

"Alice, wake up! We have to get out of here!" She shakes her

"Im afraid tgat won't be possible little missy"

Nicole gasps and fliches when she hears a heavy loud step acompaning by a male voice, a man that apperead out of nowhere

"I've set my sights on this woman long before

And not keen on losing her i have been really patience and even if you're her best friend

That won't stop me from having her"

He slowly extands his hand towards them

Until a blade pirced his arm

Nicole knew that blade and saw the executioner, the pyramid headed thing that was following her this entire time in this hell forsaken town

The ashen man looked mildly surprise

"Hahaha old friend what a surprise! You usually don't frequent these parts i would be happy that you'd come to visit me

In other circunstances that is.....although

I can't exactly blame a husband from protecting his wife......even if she dosen't know he ever existed"

"..."

Nicole was confused.....but was that man refering to her as the wife!?

"...Of course, the role of the man when he marries becomes fundamentaly clear, the protector the provider the yearner....that's a role i intend to incorporate myself and furthermore the role of a father

After all.....the birth of the serpent cannot be prevented"

Nicole perked up at the name

Serpent.....the newly born god the cult of silent hill adored, the child of a demiurge

.......Could this man be?

Fret not nicole and alice mc do have a opening escape

It starts with 'gold' and ends with 'sinner'

Rhinedottir!MC to the rescue?!

Silent hill au

Nicole!mc(and alice!mc) as the protagonist and blade being piramyd head

He was yingxing before but silent hill consumed him and now he is the towns punisher and executioner

Nicole!mc came to silent hill to look for her friend, alice!mc, who was kidnapped by a cult to serve as their god's(cough ashveil cough)bride (they both don't know that yet)

She dosen't remember she had a husband before and dosen't recognize yingxing blade but for some reason.....this terrefying creature won't leave her side and insists on caring for her

Silent Hill au?! With Nicole!MC and Alice!MC?! 🤩

Pyramid Head Blade?! God Ashveil?!

Holy shit, you are feeding me the good stuff, anon!

Imagine after giving birth to your son, being separated towards a war that does not involve you. Unable to escape you were forced to set sail away from your beloved home, and after years of being apart you are finally able to return home.

Cause I'd rather lie Than allow them to think they've won Though I never thought that I'd resort to this Just know I'll be here

Yandere HSR men x Odysseus!reader

DAN HENG – PENELOPE

King of Ithaca who's currently waiting for his beloved retreat, never losing hope despite the many suitors that have come to him requesting his hand in marriage. The cousin of Dan Feng, who is the catalyst towards the trojan war.

Dan heng was against your departure and tried many ways to hide you but it's not any used, he was forced to see his beloved being sailed away towards a war that doesn't involve their quiet life–the night before, Dan heng spent all night embracing your body afraid that you might slip away from his hands. He traces every part of your body fearing he might forget the details of your body as you are sent towards the war.

He would often view phainon with suspension, he can tell the god that personally mentors you have some sort of affection towards you. Dan heng knows better than to offend the divine so he bites his tongue seeing you laughing with the god.

When the suitors get too much to handle or dare to ever tarnish your name as well as a place beside him he would personally have them dealt with. He doesn't care if anyone calls him mad or a grieving spouse, he promised to be yours for all eternity and not even the gods will tarnish that.

This correlates to my previous post about akivilli

So, what if the trailblazer's mother was an elysia? Basicaly elysia is a character in the honkai impact 3rd universe whom which cyrene is of off

This elysia became the aeon of beauty, idrila, to find a cure to her childs finality after finding out about the loops of causality and the tragic fate of her child, didn't really work which ended her being trapped in the finality instead but due to her mothers love a part of her ended up surviving inside finalitys edge

So her husband is named adam who ends up becoming nanook at some time

So to resume, traiblazer was named lilith, lilith and her friends were the "creators" of the imaginary tree which lilith then became akivilli, now the aeon lf traiblaze akivilli in some times got visits of they're future selfs, terminus who came with a plan to stop their own finality

And so, akivilli the past/present and terminus the future, merged their souls and minds together which caused a full looping of the end and the bigening merging

But before that could happen, adam distrought over the suffering of his family ended up trying to prevent their merging, shattered his own child in tiny cracks preventing the full conclusion of the loop (this is after elysia/idrila fell)

somewhere adam became nanook in a way to try and end their daughters suffering(but ends up making her suffer more instead)

And in retaliation some the shards of terminus/akivilli mind became elio who created the script in order to try and get their father out of the picture

Other parts of the shards found their way into xipe and became stellarons, specificaly the shards who forms the body of akivilli while terminus body became the cats

The trailblazer is also some the minds shards inside of a fake body made to hoard the other shards which made their way into other aeons paths

So is straight up a person fighting against their own fate in all times

So uh, i think i didn't pan this ought enough but you got it, trailblazer's elio whom are akivilli and terminus fused shattered counciousness whom in turn are lilith and this is all lilith's instinct trying to mend herself back

Elysia is idrila

Adam is nanook

What a beautiful family

I... question the beautiful family part... they are quite the family, I'lll give them that... but oh boy-

But really, I like the world you're building up here, even if I'm like wait, who's who again? I do hope that Lilith does put herself back together eventually. Poor thing really deserves it...

What if the trailblazer isn't their full self? The person that we see is not their real identity

Now here comes the story:

There are some theorys that say that the trailblazer is terminus and akivilli and i've seen some that sujest elio is them in a different time, so using all of this info i constructed the "lilith paradox" au

Basicaly the trailblazer's real identity, who's name is lilith, was a bio engenering researcher at pegana who was once called earth or the first earth, lillith is the "creator" of the imaginary tree it was first a passion scientifc project along with 6 others to create a pillar of infinite resources to the people of her planet she didn't realize how much that pillar would grow

So when it did, she climbed all the way to the top and saw everything, what is everything you ask?

She saw the edge of her universe and the miracle of creation, the pillar she and her friends all put their sweat, blood, tears and love into waa creating new life new universes....

And that's when she became akivilli of the trailblaze

After THEY departed from pegana and started their journey, the path of the trailblaze was formely conceived

(Im tired so i'll continue this afterwards)

Ooohhh! I like this take on how Akvili became Akivili! 🤩

Thanks for sharing it and can't wait to see more!

RIDDLE ME THIS!

Who would win - Nanook or Gilgamesh?

I JUST THOUGHT OF IT. AND I KNOW HOW STRONG THESE TWO ARE. Y'ALL PLEASE.

Even tough nanook is a literal divine force of destruction, if he were from the fate universe, they would do the same shit they did in hsr universe indenpendedly of the power scale

Because in that recard, nanook is above the power scale and so is the other aeons

But guess, there's someone in the coments who says that the planets there are hader to destroy so that means gilgamesh wins

Cuz even though they're beings beyond the comom universe, they're still good parents to their beloved hell spawn, they're literaly juging the soul of the poor boy (while yuu is a bit embarresed)

Their parents visit nrc, either they could leave twst all the time or a portal that connects the two worlds (if there is a world), and they're just as eldritch as their hell spawn(affectionately) however, they're far far more powerful and more terrefying than their child......and they like to have some words with crowley

Or

There's a all girls school on sage island, based on whatever you want, who saw horror yuu!mc as a girl on a all boys school (horror mc dosen't have a designated gender) and decide to rescue "her" by essenatialy kidnapping, now is up to the boys to "save" them

Meanwhile yuu is having the best type of their life in a hot while being temporalary part of the school

...Well, Crowley is good as dead or worse-

And lol, I wonder how long it will take the girls to realize horror Yuu!MC was never in danger... and is more likely the DANGER itself-