Here's the link to the main one.

And links to some of the character cards I did:

I also post all this on Wattpad is any of you are interested.

Close up:

Close up:

Close ups (the second one was an alternate expression Cater had but I ditched it.)

 by take_a_chill_pill_shawty

Chapter 1: Quarantine 

It’s somewhat been a year since the initial outbreak. The headmage had put NRC under lock down until further notice, no one could leave or come in. Students that have been infected have been moved to a more secluded part of the school, away from students for their safety and away from prying eyes.

“ How long do we have to stay here?” Duece’s voice broke the silence in the Heartslabyul dorm lounge. Other students shift uncomfortably as he said what everyone was thinking, “I’m not sure…The headmage has requested Idia to contact the S.T.Y.X organization to help.” Riddle turned away from the large window he was facing, walking around the dorm lounge as if in thought. A student sitting on the lounge couch got up as he stood front and center in front of Riddle. “Why can’t they just send us home already? you saw what Ace did to that-” the student stopped himself as he saw the look on Riddle’s face that screamed to just shut up. The student knew that bringing up Ace was a touchy subject in the dorm, Riddle calmed down. Him getting angry won’t help with anything, it most certainly won't bring Ace back.

“This virus is unpredictable. The head mage nor Idia had found a cure for it yet.”  Riddle sat down on his chair and picked up his scepter, “What I do know is that staying in the dorm is our  safest option right now. We still have no updates on how this thing spreads and its characteristics, for all we know someone in here could be infected and we can’t tell. ” His tone was more harsh as he continued on “You are all to stay within the dorm until further notice or if given the authority to do so. Different rations will be given to each of the dorms on campus ensuring our food supply for the remainder of this quarantine. Is that clear?” Riddle looked up and scanned the room as everyone stayed quiet. “I said, is. That. Clear.” is teeth grit with  irritation on the lack of response, the students within the vicinity let out a “Yes Housewarden!”

Riddle gave a nod, “Good. you are all free to carry on the rest of the day.” he tapped the hilt of his scepter on his arm chair, akin to that of a gavel being hit to adjourn a case. Some students filed out of the lounge while others stayed back talking to one another, Riddle let out an exasperated sigh as he relaxed more into his arm chair. He had to stay strong not for himself but for the sake of his fellow dormmates as well, Deuce would make his way to his stressed  Housewarden. From where Riddle was sitting and Deuce was standing, they had the perfect view of the ground floor of the dorm. Some of the students were having a good time despite what was happening outside the safety of the dorm. Deuce smiled as he saw his fellow classmates finding fun and relaxation during these hard times, there was a silence between the two besides the background buzz of the other students chattering. Deuce initiated the conversation first, “Has….Has there been an update on Cater yet? It's been a few months now….Even Trey is starting to get worried.” Riddle slightly stiffened at Cater’s name being mentioned. “I…don’t know, from what I was told he hasn’t been infected from the bite….. yet. there’s still some other students in a similar predicament as him, we can only hope that Cater can pulls through.”

Deuce let out a bitter smile at Riddle’s words, hoping that Cater may be alright. a ringtone rangout coming from Riddle’s phone, he got up to excuse himself as he answered the call. Deuce could slightly hear the conversation on the phone, Leona’s voice as on the other line. He decided to stop his eavesdropping as Riddle returned, “Leona has notified me that the rations for the dorms had arrived in the hall of mirrors. I’m sending you and Trey along with some other students to retrieve them.” Deuce nodded as he could see Trey and the other students standing at the entrance of the lounge as they all left to retrieve the dorm’s ration. Despite the short walk Deuce decided to make conversation, “Hmm…How do you think Prefect is doing? I mean… since they’re back home now.” Trey thought for a moment thinking of an answer, “with it being Prefect and all...probably stressing someone else out right now.” He let out a slight chuckle  releasing some tension as they continued their journey. They all arrived at the hall of mirrors with  different dorm members collecting their share of the ration, “Hey. careful with those bags, anything falls on the floor none of you are getting your share for lunch.” He knew that voice anywhere, it was Leona. His dormmates were carrying back some of the rations back to their dorm, now getting a better look at the rations, it was huge! It was more than enough for each dorm. “T…that’s a lot of food, how could the headmage afford all this?! ” Deuce looked at Trey as he picked up a few bags, “It’s actually a donation from Kalim’s family. They were nice enough to provide us with some rations while we're under lockdown.” speaking of Kalim…

Deuce saw Kalim with some of his dormmates getting their share of the ration. Kalim looked tired, some dark circles were under his eyes. It looks like this whole situation even got Kalim  stressed as well, but Deuce could see that he was trying to brighten the mood despite having the weight of the world on his shoulders right now.….but weirdly enough, Jamil wasn’t there with him. Deuce looked back at Trey, seeing him pick out what part of the ration they should take, Deuce took this opportunity to walk over to Kalim and strike up a conversation. “Ah, Kalim….it’s been a while…I just wanted to know if you’re feeling alright” Kalim would let out a slight yawn before he answered him, “Who? me? I…. can’t say I’ve been feelin’ a hundred percent' recently… the dorm got a lot bleeker with this whole virus. '' The smile Kamil had on his face faltered just a bit, but kept a strong front. “But overall everyone is having a blast! we're having a pool party later this evening if you wanna join." Before Deuce could give an answer Trey called him over to help carry some of the rations back to the dorm. He gave an apologetic look to Kalim giving him a wave goodbye as he returned back to Trey and the other students.

Deuce made it over to Trey as he was carrying a crate of supplies while other dorm mates were holding bags. “ Here, you can carry the last two bags. Let’s get a move on." Everyone gave a reply or nod as they all followed Trey’s lead. As everyone made their way back somewhere groaning and complaining about  how heavy the supplies are but kept pressing on until they made it back to the dorm. “Alright, great work.” everyone let out a sigh of relief as they can finally rest their sore limbs, Trey would chuckle at the student’s overreaction. “Ah, I’m afraid we're not done yet.” he picked a bag and handed it over to two students, “You guys can restock the restrooms toiletries.”, Trey walked over to the other boys with another bag. “And you two can restock the pantries, once you’re all done you can help yourselves to a treat each.” the students groaned as they followed Trey’s order. It was now just Trey and Deuce standing there now. "And you can help me cook something for lunch," Trey gave Deuce a hearty pat on the back signaling him to follow him to the dorm's kitchen. 

"Since we can't really use the cafeteria on campus, the kitchen would have to do. " Trey emptied the supplies he needed for today's lunch. "So, what do you think we should make? Soup? Stew? Or something else?" Deuce didn't mind anything really, but he could go for a nice stew right now, "yeah, a stew sounds good. What are we going to have it with?" Trey decided for a bit."Rice sounds good, how about you?" Deuce also pondered but agreed in the end, with that Trey went on his way to prep the chicken as Deuce went to wash the rice. Some dorm mates stopped by to check in, some even lent a hand to make the cooking process quicker, as 12 reached the food was already done. The scent of fresh hot stew hit throughout the dorm for all to smell, it didn't take long for everyone to line up for a taste. By 12:30 everyone had sat down and started to eat, Deuce missed this… Everyone eating and talking to each other with Riddle occasionally telling everyone to not chew with their mouth open, or to sit down. Maybe he should grab a plate for….Prefect and Ace….oh, yeah…that. Deuce could feel a dark pit in his stomach form, Prefect is back home now, safe from the hell going on here. As with Ace, Deuce can only hope that he makes a recovery.

Trey would notice Deuce not touching his food, as he watched everyone enjoy themselves. Feeling his big brother senses kick in he went to check on the boy, "Hey, Deuce. Are you feeling ok? The chicken isn't too salty now is it? " Deuce wanted to say everything was alright…But was it? He hasn't seen his mom in almost a year, two of his best friends are gone, one of them is infected by this hell virus, how can anything be fine? "I….I just need some fresh air…" Deuce got up from the table and walked out the lounge. Everyone went silent as the sound of a door being closed was heard, Riddle was about to get up until Trey raised a hand and signaled him to sit down. "I'll go after him, you guys just finish up", Riddle reluctantly agreed as he sat back down with Trey tailing Deuce. Sitting down in the garden Deuce made a call to his mom, "Mom? Are you there? I know I said last week I might be coming home…but they extended the quarantine ....I don't know how long but I'm sure it won't be too long…" he could hear how worried she was, how much she wanted her baby home. 

"Just take care of yourself for me, please? Promise me the minute your school gives the 'ok'…please come home to me…please." Duece's heart broke as he heard how much his mother was trying not to cry, he didn't want his mom to stress over his well-being, if he could he'd just run home to her…but he can't risk everyone's safety, including his mom. "Of course I will mom, I'll see you later…" he was about to end the call until he choked up a bit, "and…and I love you, please take care of yourself too." His mother also wishes the same as she hangs up. Deuce looked up at the sky for a bit as he took a deep breath to calm down, he didn't know why he was crying. He was going to see her again, no matter what. Deuce heard the soft crunch of grass alerting him that someone is arriving, he quickly used the sleeves of his blazer to dry his face from tears. "Deuce, there you are. You got me worried, are you alright?" It was Trey, "ah. No, no, I'm good it's....allergies…" Deuce would cringe at his lie, as Trey raised an eyebrow. "Really?…..last I checked you weren't allergic to roses." He would chuckle as he turned his head to Deuce, "Can I?" Trey motioned to the bench Deuce was sitting on asking to have a seat next to him. "Uh, yeah…sure, go ahead." Trey nodded as he sat next to Deuce. 

"You can tell me what's going on, you know. I could see that you were crying, feeling home sick? " Deuce nodded, "You wanna talk about it?" Deuce shook his head, "You wanna hug?" Deuce paused but ended up agreeing as he started to tear up. Trey opened his arms up as Deuce gave Trey a hug crying in his chest letting everything he felt for the past year out, Trey would embrace Deuce in return as he rubbed his back. "it's ok…let it out…" this caused Deuce to cry harder, hold Trey closer, slowly but surely Deuce's breathing regulated back to normal as he calmed down. "T..thank you Trey…" Deuce would sniff as he wiped his face, "No problem. I like washing boogers off my blazer." Deuce gave an apologetic look to him as he noticed an obvious stain of tears and snot on Trey's blazer from his crying. "It's ok, it's ok. I was joking, laundry day is tomorrow anyway. I'm not really worried about it." Deuce relaxed more, feeling drained after that little crying session. "You don't have to be alone in this, you know, everyone is on edge about this…even me, but at the end of the day we have each other don't we?" Deuce couldn't help but agree with Trey's words, he was right. At the end of the day they have each other to look after, "You know…. I overheard you and Kalim talking earlier, he's throwing a pool party, huh? " 

"yeah, he was inviting me over… but Riddle wouldn't-", "Go." Deuce paused, "What? But Riddle…he's Housewarden-", "and I'm Vice Housewarden, I have just as much authority in this dorm as Riddle. A pool party isn't going to kill you, besides….it looks like you need it. " Deuce was grateful for Trey giving him this pass, but he's also worried that Trey will be in trouble because of him. "I don't want Riddle to be mad… he'd flip if he knew I was over in another dorm without permission-", "Ah~…you have my permission." Trey would give a little smirk as he pat Deuce on the shoulder. "Not saying you have to go, but if you decide to go…you have my permission. Just come back before curfew, by then…Can't really save you from Riddle. " with that Trey left Deuce with his thoughts. 

A/N: Still working on the art...

Link to the next part:

Here's some close ups.

By take_a_chill_pill_shawty

The stranger grabbed his face from looking. The grip was tight, making sure no noise came from him. Scuttling was heard again as the creature scanned the area and left by the sound of it.

“Hey, is everything alright in there?” All three of them paused as they heard a new voice. Deuce thought everyone either made it back to their dorms or died. “Come on, just open the door, I think that thing is gone.” Epel let his guard down as he went over to the door and opened it.

”We’re right in here-huh?” Epel looked out and saw no one until the creature came down from the ceiling for the attack. The stranger quickly grabbed Epel out the way as the creature came barrelling in the classroom. “Come on! Let's go!” the stranger said as he hoisted Epel over his shoulder and ran, with Deuce followed after. Adrenaline took over him as the only thing he could think of was running. The burning in his legs was nonexistent at that moment, only survival. The creature was obviously following after them as the guttural screech came bellowing again from the hallway. 

They made it back to the hall of mirrors, finding their fellow classmates mutilated and dead. There was no time for grieving at this time. The mirror to Heartslabyul was activated, as the three made a beeline towards it with the creature hot on their trail. The stranger quickly threw Epel in as he turned to Deuce holding out his hand, but Deuce was tired at that point. A small part of him wanted to just give up until he remembered his mother crying for him to come home. He wasn't going to let his mom receive that phone call…never.

With that extra boost, he managed to grab their hand, now being pulled into the mirror. The next thing he knew, he was on the soft grass of the dorm, rose bushes still unpainted, and students surrounding him and Epel. Deuce finally caught his breath. He looked at the mirror and saw the creature lunge in. “TURN IT OFF NOW!”, the mirror deactivated in time causing the creature to be decapitated, it's head landing nearby.

Everyone looked in shock as the head rolled over a bit, blood still fresh. A calm silence washed over the dorm as students gathered around, A student even walked up and kicked the head for good measure. "Deuce, Epel….you two alright?" The stranger was at their side yet again, but with better lighting this time they could see who they were…. It was, Cater?!

His hair had grown out no longer near shoulder length but passed it, nearing his back. A slight peach fuzz on his chin as his eye bags were slightly darkened due to a lack of sleep, but the elephant in the room was his missing arm. There was a stub where his upper arm was supposed to be, what happened to him? Before Deuce could process this whole fuck fest of a scenario Trey and Riddle came running out after some students alerted them on what happened, their footsteps slowed as they saw the head. They cautiously walked around it as they made their way to the crowd, "I've been alerted by the headmaster on what happened. You two were lucky we had the dorm mirror open! What were you thinking?! I knew something like this would happen and you two didn't head back to your dorms before curfew?!" Riddle berated the two but stopped as he realized that yelling at them wasn't the right time, and seeing the head of that monstrosity on his dorm grounds…He knows the two have been through it.

He stopped and took a breath, as he looked down at Work and Deuce. "Look, I'm just looking out for the safety of my dormmates and friends. Sometimes you all make it so difficult.. But I suppose that's one of the many things I have to deal with as a Housewarden. " He gave them both a dismal but understanding look, "For all it's worth…I'm glad you two are alright." Riddle was suddenly startled as someone grabbed his shoulder shaking it in a playful manner. "Now that's the spirit Rids, these two been through hell and back…it think it's time for them to relax, don't you think?" His mood turned sour as he turned to see the person who did that, but to his utter shock and revelation it was Cater.

Riddle stood quietly as Cater gave him a heartfelt one armed hug. "Sorry I was late to the party, would've come sooner but was held back. Hope you won't take my head for this one." Cater's mischievous tone faded as Riddle hugged him tightly, as he broke into tears while in the embrace. Soon sobs racked his body as he buried his head in Cater's chest, Cater could feel the vibrations of Riddle’s crying, how the smaller boy's body broke down. The other students started to crowd around, but Trey quickly placed his dorm blazer on him making sure the others wouldn't interfere while Riddle was in this fragile state.”Alright, there's nothing to see here. As you can see the Housewarden needs some space. You're all dismissed.” Trey shooed some of the students away but held a few back to carry Deuce and Epel to the dorm’s common room.

It was just the three of them now, in the rose garden. Cater kept rubbing circles on Riddle's back hoping to calm him down and ease his heart ache.”I…I thought we lost you…I thought you…” his words came back as choked gargles as he tried to control his breathing and composed himself. Riddle felt so pathetic crying like a child, he needed to be strong for everyone, not here a sobbing mess…But he couldn't help it, as fucked up as the situation is… if felt comforting knowing that a fragment of normalcy returned to him. “It’s alright Riddle, I'm fine...I wouldn't say al’right’…Since this is what is ‘left’ ” 

Riddle would look up at Cater and try to bite back a chuckle from that joke, “I don’t know how you could be joking with your right arm missing…you always have a joke for everything don’t you?” Cater cracked a smile while ruffling his hair, “Ahaha! You know me so well.” Trey watched from the sidelines, happy for Cater's return and his reunion with Riddle, but that was cut short when he received a phone call from Leona, now that he realized he had 10 missed calls from the man. 

The groggy voice was heard at the other end, Leona wasn't too pleased with the current situation. “Finally you picked up. There's an emergency meeting in Ramshackle, bring Riddle with ya. This shit is important.” Trey looked back at Cater and Riddle off minding their own business unaware of the conversation. He hasn't seen Riddle this peaceful since….ever, he needed a break from dealing with all this infection bullshit. “Yeah. I'm coming…Give me a sec.”

The refurbished walls of Ramshackle were lonely ever since the departure of its prefect. The other Housewardens thought that too as they all reminisced on past memories with them and what could have been if they had decided to stay…but they all had bigger problems to worry about. The door creaked open alerting the others of Trey's arrival, “I'm sorry for the delay. I came as fast as I could, did I miss anything?” Crowley shook his head as he welcomed Trey in. “No, no. We were just starting with- ah…is Mr. Rosehearts not joining us today?”, “He's busy, but I'll inform him of any new updates Headmage.” Crowley agreed as Trey took a seat next to Floyd and Vil.

Crowley stood tall as he began the meeting, “As you all know a recent incident had occurred earlier regarding an infected student. With witness testimony the incident all started in Scarabia.”  eyes would be placed on Kalim as he tried to maintain his composure, the guilt of what happened still weighing on his mind, but Crowley continued. “Forensic information wasn't given to me as yet due to this incident being more recent.  A total of 28 students fell victim that day, 8 in critical condition and 20 confirmed dead.” Everyone took a minute to process the information.

“Fuck…28? Wasn't this like a few hours ago? ” Crowley simply nodded, “other students caught in the crossfire were also injured but in stable conditions… the 28 victims were Scarabia students-” before Crowley could finish Kalim stood up and ran to the dorm's kitchen to flush out his stomach. The looks everyone gave were either of sympathy or pity for the poor Housewarden. “Ahem…as I was saying, the 28 victims were Scarabia students confirming that the infected student that attacked must have also come from Scarabia.” photos taken of the incident were strewn across the coffee table for everyone to examine, it was clear that whoever took this tried not to show too much of the carnage that transpired, but a photo of the infected student was the one that took the cake…or the whole fucking bakery. 

Leona picked up the photo to get a better look. The infected student was just a monster, A deformed being twisted from who they once were. “Well ain't this just cute.” the others gathered around to get a look of the thing. “That…’thing’ was a student?”, “Is this what happens to those infected?”, “How is this even possible?”, “Are we going to turn into that if any one of us gets infected?” different murmurs of speculation and worry from everyone filled the room, but Crowley was quick to calm them down. “I assure you, everything is fine. Idia has informed me that S.T.Y.X. is still working on a cure, right Mr. Shroud?” eyes were now on Idia as he fidget in place, as much as he wanted to sit this meeting down this was a life or death situation…”u…uh, yeah…we just need more time… some of the Charon bots recovered some D.N.A samples from the thing…we just need more time.” 

Crowley let out a breath of relief, “See? Right from the source himself!”, “Good. That means we can go home right?” Vil's question made Crowley quiet. This started to worry them, “Headmage…we may return home correct?…it would be unwise to house the students in the same place infected students are being treated.” Malleus brought up a good point as others agreed. “The thing is…the school is still under quarantine by S.T.Y.X until further notice.”, “For how long?” Leona said the burning question that was on everyone's mind. “3 more months give or take.”, “3 MONTHS?!” Floyd's outburst caught Crowley by surprise, “We've been here for almost a year! And we're dropping like flies! And you want us to stay here for 3 more months?!” Vil stood up from his chair, “Headmage we have families at home that need us…some of us have kingdoms that need us.” Malleus reasoned.

“E..Everyone please. Understand this is a direct order from S.T.Y.X, any student that tries to leave school grounds will be apprehended and returned back on campus and placed under dorm arrest until the time being.” Leona tried to get closer to Crowley but was held back by Trey and Vil. “That’s bullshit and you know it! What happens when the whole school gets infected and everyone is fighting against these freaks? That then, huh?”, “Mr. Kingsholar. I understand how you all feel. Trust me I do, but we have to be patient-”, ”patiently wait until me and my dorm gets infected? Not me.” Leona walked off and out of the dorm, Crowley tried to call him back but it was too late. An awkward silence filled the Ramshackle lounge, Leona did have a point. Everyone was just sitting ducks waiting to be picked off one by one by this hell of a virus…But only time can tell.