#phantom bride

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒊𝒅𝒆:

"I considered the outcome that the ghost bride might take a liking to the prefect٫ but I never expected this...!" Crowley cried.

"Charging technomantic energy. Target: Night Raven College, main building. Technomantic beam firing in five, four, three, two..."

"W-Wait! Hold on there a second٫ Mr. Shroud٫" the Headmage quickly interrupted. "There's still time before any drastic measures are needed..."

"But now it's not only my big brother at risk٫ but big (sis/bro) at risk٫ too! If not now٫ then when?!" The humanoid demanded.

"Yeah٫ I'm with Ortho!" Ace agreed.

"Me٫ too!" Deuce followed.

"Yeah! Me٫ three!" Epel join in before taking a quick glance at Rook and quieting back down. Snitches stay snitchin'.

"Dear, oh dear. Where do we go from here?" Crowley silently sobbed.

Azul spoke up٫ "You need not worry on that score! I would like to make up for the shortcomings of my dormmates, Jade and Floyd. My word, they have no idea how to treat a lady. I, on the other hand, can offer you an Azul Ashengrotto guarantee: I'll get the Circle of Severance on her hand."

"Oh٫ please. You just want ___ to see you as their savior. I'M your guy if you want advice on how to woo a cutie."

"Wow, Cater. You seem pretty into this٫" Deuce commented.

"What can I say? I'm in my element!" The ginger joked.

"Yeah٫ right! He just wants the same thing as Azul!" Ace pointed out.

"Nuh uh!" Cater٫ rather terribly٫ defended. He quickly tried to correct his tone by inviting Deuce along٫ "You should come with, Deucey. The more wingmen the merrier!"

"Wait, me?! This kind of stuff isn't really my strong suit...I don't know the first thing about girls' feelings! And I really don't want to mess up any chance of rescuing ___."

"Oh, so you're just gonna abandon 'em? I see how it is٫ and I'm sure they will٫ too٫" Ace taunted.

"What?! No! I would never do that!" Deuce argued.

"Then get to scootin' I'm sure ___'s just waiting for you to swoop in and save the day," Ace mocked٫ absolutely sure the other would make a total fool of himself in front of you.

"You know what? You're right. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to ___ and there was something I could do about it!"

"There you go! Shoot your shot and sweep her off her ghostly feet!" Ace mockingly grinned.

"Okay, count me in, Cater! Let's band together and crash that wedding hall!"

"Oh, Deucey. You can't even see how he's playing you."

"I suppose I might as well throw my hat into the ring as well٫" Lilia mused٫ "I could barely call myself a teacher if I failed to make up for my student's deficiencies."

"That sounded so cool!" Epel admired.

"Heh. The matter is in good hands, rest assured٫" the bat fae reassured.

Cater soon chimed in٫ saying٫ "Too bad you won't even get a turn, Lilia. Cay-Cay's gonna slay-slay!"

"Heh, I believe you'll both find me a very hard act to follow٫" Azul promised.

❥

Smack after smack sounded throughout the makeshift wedding venue.

"WHY WAS I REJECTED?!" Azul demanded.

"Gyahaha! She smacked you good, Azul!" Floyd practically cackled.

"I analyzed the first team's data and came up with the perfect approach by the ghost's standards. I gave her a bouquet of roses and sang a clarion love song! Where did I go wrong?!"

"She said you talked too much and lacked any shred of sincerity. It rubbed her the wrong way٫" Jade pointed out with delight.

"Of course it did. You're not gonna get anywhere talkin' a lady's ear off٫" Leona groaned.

"Leona, you were the first to be rejected. You're hardly in a position to act SMUG٫" the octo mer reminded.

"Aw man, talk about a downer. I thought I was on fire!" Cater whined.

"I fail to see how your flippant chatter would spark anything but annoyance. Even the ghost was put off by your shallowness٫" Vil sighed.

"So, why are you here again, Deuce?" Trey asked.

"I was trying to save you and ___. But the moment I came face-to-face with her, I got cold feet. I blanked and couldn't think of anything to say٫" the freshman admitted.

"She told me I was too cute by half٫" Lilia mentally sobbed٫ showing not a hint of sadness on his actual expression. "Oh, the vicissitudes of being as cute as a button..."

The fae made a dramatic show out of his sniffling.

"For Lilia of all people to receive the slap of rejection...٫" Sebek mourned٫ "HOW?! YOU'RE EVEN CUTER THAN THE GHOST HERSELF!"

"Would you stop shouting?!" Eliza demanded. "Why must modern men be such brutish cads? They come courting and don't even have the decency to wear nice suits. Oh, Idia, darling, I knew you were the only one for me. No one else comes close!"

"I couldn't agree more, Your Highness٫" Puffy wholeheartedly agreed٫ "These suitors are all hopeless knaves who wouldn't know gentlemanly conduct if it slapped them in the face."

"I cannot BEAR this. How could I be outshone by someone as antisocial as Idia?!" Vil loudly complained.

"That shut-in prolly can't even sing!" Leona joined in.

"Idia's nothing like the rest of you. Like I said, he's a perfect prince٫" Eliza rebuked. "I'm sure he'd love to join me in a song. He's just a tad shy at the moment."

"Hate to break it to you٫ Princess٫ but your 'perfect prince' is a D1 freak٫" Cater interrupted٫ "He's probably salivating over that darling you kidn- ahem! I mean took in as we speak."

"Eugh٫ don't make me think about it..." Leona groaned his ears pinned to his head. Truthfully٫ he was more so jealous of the shut-in for being able to be somewhat alone with you.

Eliza let out a loud gasp in response before accusing٫ "Slander! My Idia would never do that! He's loyal to me and only me!"

"Dear me, those claims are absolutely delusional٫" Lilia observed٫ "It seems to me you're projecting your notions onto Idia and refusing to see who he really is. So long as you gaze into the distance, you'll never find what you seek. It's much more important to see what's right in front of you.

"Enough with your gibberish. I know what

I've found. And that's Idia, my perfect prince!"

Puffy remained silent at her side.

"This whole endeavor was a waste of time. We need to get the ceremony preparations underway٫" Eliza decided.

"Your Highness, you must be worn out after dealing with these humans. Surely there's no rush٫" Puffy urged.

"Aww, you're worried about me? Tee hee, that's so sweet of you, Puffy! You've been my dearest friend through thick and thin ever since we were alive٫" the ghost bride reminisced.

"Yes...Your friend. Of course. That's why I'm here, Your Highness."

"Now, show Idia and my precious ___ in."

"Augh...٫" Idia groaned٫ looking absolutely mortified as he was wheeled in due to being frozen just like the others. He was dressed up nicely in a gothic suit and even had his usually unruly hair tied back.

"Oh, IDIA! That long fitted jacket really enhances your air of nonchalance. Its black color and gothic style contrasts delightfully with your bright hair, and those white lilies are as charming as your smile٫" Eliza praised.

"Nana took the liberty of pulling his hair back. It's a minor, yet critical detail٫" Grampy added٫ "Now you can enjoy his lidded eyes and flawless features unobstructed!"

"He's positively dashing! I expected nothing less of the attendants who helped my mother and father prepare for their own nuptials. Idia, darling, you look every bit the perfect groom! I'm absolutely beside myself!" The ghost bride all but squealed.

"Ugh, this embarrassment burns. I mean the parts that aren't already on fire, that is. Did I lose a bet or something? Or maybe this is a dream. Can I wake up now? | just wanna go back to my room٫" Idia anxiously rambled.

Deuce was the first of the guys to say something٫ "Whoa, Idia's dressed to the nines!"

"He's as frozen as we are. They wheeled him in here on a stand٫" Trey audibly observed.

"She slapped Idia too? Bridey's downright ruthless!" Cater grimaced.

"I resent that. I'll have you know I just gave him a teensy poke because he tried to run٫" Eliza argued٫ but then looked around in a bout of confusion. "Hold on٫ where's Nana and my dear ___?"

"Nana's just adding the finishing touches to their outfit. They should be out any second now٫" Grampy reassured her.

"Hold on! ___'s here٫ too?!" Idia shouted in a panic.

"You didn't know? That's surprising٫ given your tendency to stalk them so often and all٫" Vil taunted.

"Well٫ in case you haven't noticed٫ I'm just as frozen as the rest of you!" he rebuked.

Eliza let out a small٫ joyous gasp٫ "I wasn't aware you two were so close already. Isn't this just perfect? We're already becoming such a happy family!"

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑶𝒏 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑺𝒊𝒅𝒆:

"Oh٫ Princess Eliza was right. You really are just the cutest thing!" The ghost٫ that you recently learned was called "Nana"٫ gushed.

Nana٫ among many other ghosts٫ had been helping get you ready for whatever role you were being given in this whole wedding. She had just finished adding the final touched to your hair and makeup and was now helping you get dressed into this absolutely gorgeous gothic outfit that was somehow exactly your size.

At one point٫ you had asked Nana what exactly was she doing; she only told you she had a vision. Now٫ looking at yourself in the mirror٫ you were couldn't believe you ever doubted her. You couldn't even believe that was your own reflection. The version of yourself in the mirror looked hauntingly beautiful. You did feel somewhat like a dress up doll٫ though.

"Won't I upstage the bride/groom like this?" you hesitantly asked.

"Nonsense! Princess Eliza demanded I make you as cute as can be٫" Nana brushed off and pinched your cheek.

"If you say so...٫" you sighed.

"Now٫ best not to keep the princess waiting٫ Your Majesty~."

The way she drew out that title٫ and just her calling you that٫ sent anxious shivers down your spine.

❥

You were just about to enter the makeshift ceremony hall with Nana when you suddenly heard someone complaining at ear-shattering decimals. Wait٫ was that Idia's voice?

"Stunning rescue, guys. You crashed and burned, and now you're nothing but a pile of wreckage٫" the Groom-to-be complained٫ "Shouldn't you normies be good at all this vapid socializing stuff? Aren't you embarrassed?!"

After٫ you heard Eliza join in٫ "You are SO right, honey dearest. Any other guy is a total wreck compared to you! And the way you tell people hard truths when they don't want to hear them? Well, that takes real kindness and integrity! You're just so perfect, I can't wait a minute longer. WE'LL HOLD THE WEDDING TONIGHT!"

"Wait, TONIGHT?!" Idia exclaimed.

You burst through the doors٫ too flustered by this new information to even hear Nana calling after you.

"Like TONIGHT٫ tonight?!" You repeated in equal disbelief.

A loud silence fell over the room once you barged in. It was soon broken by Eliza's mirthful squeals.

"Oh my Seven! You look absolutely adorable!" She fawned٫ clasping your hands in her own. "Aren't they just precious٫ Idia dearest?"

"Y-Yeah...just precious...٫" Idia murmured٫ his cheeks turning about as pink as the ends of his hair.

"Just imagine: tonight, when the clock chimes midnight, we'll seal our eternal marriage with a kiss!" Eliza droned off to Idia and then you٫ "And we'll seel our familiar bond for eternity! Then you'll shed your mortal forms, and together, our souls will depart for our lives together!"

"And leave this mortal coil without getting to read my manga?! NOOO!" Idia cried out.

You glared at him. When was his ass gonna learn to stop resisting in the more irritating way possible. That's why he's getting wheeled around on that thing.

"Guys! You gotta get me out of this!" The housewarden began to beg.

"Well, well, well. It sounds like you've found someone who loves you in spite of your bad attitude٫" Vil pointed out.

"Yeah, y'know what? Good on you for finding your soulmate٫" Leona agreed.

You made sure to look out the window. If those two agreed one more time you were sure you might see a pig fly past.

"What?! Wh-What about ___?!" Idia shrieked in despair.

"Don't bring me into this٫" you warned.

"We'll come up with something٫" Lilia said thoughtfully. Well whatever it was٫ they better hurry it up before you become the next NRC ghost rumor.

"It's finally happening! Our princess's wedding, 500 years in the making! Back in the old days, this event would've merited a nationwide celebration. But our neighbors were ungrateful scoundrels! They betrayed us without a second thought٫" Granpy recalled.

"Just remembering it makes me want to die all over again!" Nana followed suit.

"Now, now. No use crying over fallen kingdoms. Getting upset won't make it any better٫" Eliza comforted.

"Princess...٫" they both murmured٫ their hearts seemingly touched.

"Ooh, I have an idea. I'll make all these suitors groomsmen. They can be part of the ceremony! That way we can have the kind of merry wedding you two want٫" the bride thought aloud٫ "Okay, everyone. You're going to help celebrate the start of our life as a little family!"

"Can we NOT?! Please, somebody, anybody... Ah! AZUL! Aren't we Board Game Club buddies?! You're a fast talker; talk some sense into this ghost!" Idia begged again.

"To think that Idia, king of all introverts, would get married before me...I can't see through all my tears of joy. My heartfelt congratulations. I'm sure it's going to be a wonderful wedding!" Azul congratulated.

"NOOOOOO!"

"Also٫ since ___ is one of the very few on the bridal side٫ would it be all to much trouble to ask if I could be the one to walk with them down the aisle—"

Azul's request was immediately shot down by everyone present٫ including you.

❥

The events leading up to the ceremony were all honestly just one big blur to you. You were still trying to process the fact that you were more likely than not gonna become a ghost in a couple hours. And even worse٫ a ghost with Idia for the rest of eternity. Oh٫ and a clingy princess٫ too٫ but you weren't as upset about that one.

At the moment٫ you stood beside Eliza at the alter as the maid/man of honor. The rest of the guys were forced to sit and watch as wedding guests. Every so often you would glance over at Idia's fear-ridden expression. It helped calm your nerves from your impending demise.

"Ahh, I get to walk down the aisle like I've always dreamed of...And with my perfect prince. I'm finally getting married!" Eliza squealed in excitement.

Idia٫ on the other hand٫ had began to anxiously ramble to himself as if he finally snapped٫ "Idia attempts to flee...But his body is numb all over and he can't move! Looking for healer! I don't have any skills that remove debuffs!"

"Argh, if only I could unbind myself!" Deuce groaned out.

"Would you stop squirming? This is a sacred ceremony. Our princess's wish is finally coming true!" Puffy٫ a ghost you learned was incredibly close to Eliza٫ scolded٫ "She's a pure and noble soul who's harbored this dream since she was young. And tonight, at long last, her loving heart will join with her perfect prince. Nothing could be better...Such a joyous occasion..."

Honestly٫ it seemed to you that Puffy was in love with Eliza٫ and not in the creepy kind of way like you've grown to know here; like the sweet and pure kind you were so used to at home. You pitied him٫ but Eliza seemed to be dead set on Idia being her true darling for some odd reason.

"We've got a problem!" A different ghost interrupted.

"Hm? What's going on?" The former questioned.

"Some rascals got through the gate!

They're barreling toward the wedding hall and tearing through our troops!"

"What did you say?!" Eliza demanded٫ seeming to also have heard the ghost's warning. "Just who are these rude wedding crashers?!"

"A short boy with red hair, one with a heart mark on his face, another with delicate features, and a blond boy with a bob cut!"

No way...THEY were your rescuers?! You'd rather just die already.

"That would be Riddle, Ace...٫" Trey trailed off.

"...Epel, and Rook٫" Vil completed.

"You see?! We could've muscled our way in from the start!" Jack fussed.

"What happened to stealing the bride's heart, I wonder?" Azul lamented.

"If I'd known how this was going to go, I'd have gone for the strong-arm approach too. Then Bridey would've never even seen the herbivore٫" Leona complained.

"I'll bet you all a bread roll Riddle snapped first٫" Cater wagered.

"Aha ha, I could totally see that! Count me in. I'll throw in two bread rolls, Seabream٫" Floyd joined.

"It's not a bet when you're on the same side, you know٫" Jade corrected.

"Can't argue with that!" The third year agreed٫ leading to laughter breaking out among all of them.

You could only look at those bread rolls longingly. Soon you'd be turned into a ghost and lose the ability to eat such a delicacy٫ along with the ability to eat at all. At least if you were going down then you were taking someone down with you...AHEM—Idia—AHEM!

"Our lives hang by a thread and you're all joking around?!" Idia practically shrieked.

"We can't allow anyone to spoil the princess's big day!" Nana announced.

"The intruders must be apprehended!" Grampy decreed.

"I've got it!" Lilia victoriously called out.

"Got what? Ear damage from that loudmouth crocodile always hovering around ya'?" Leona retorted.

"How dare you disrespect Lilia like that٫ you overgrown housecat!" Sebek shouted.

Cater sighed٫ "Poor thing doesn't even realize the insult was towards him..."

"Your highness٫" the bat fae politely addressed٫ "I've a proposition. It's only natural for married individuals to want alone time with each other٫ so what if you leave dear ___ with me—Ahem!—us and we look after the sweet thing while you spend time with your beloved Idia? And no baby sibling wants to see their big sister or brother act so lovey dovey. Plus٫ you can visit whenever you like٫ as well."

That honestly sounded like a pretty thought out plan. How long was he thinking about that. The thing is٫ though٫ you've already come to terms with becoming a ghost. You've already come up with a mental list of ghost activities you can do! A quick glance at Idia was all it took for you to guess that he probably wasn't a fan of that plan either.

"How do I know you'll keep your promise?" Eliza harshly questioned.

"Fae's honor٫" Lilia replied wholeheartedly.

The phantom thought hard for a minute until she finally caved.

"Oh٫ fine! Just make sure to hold up your end and let me have my precious ___ whenever I want to see them!"

"As I said: fae's honor٫" the vice restated. Unlike Eliza٫ you've learned to be wary of the legitimacy of a "fae's honor".

❥

"Idia Shroud, do you take this woman, in sickness and in health...٫" Grampy paused to sniffle٫ which soon snowballed into a sob. " Oh, I just can't stop from tearing up! It's all so moving!"

"Silly Grampy, how can you cry on such a happy day? If you start, then I might...I might...٫" Eliza began to sniffle too. "Oh Grampy, this will make me so happy!"

"They're really working themselves up٫" Jack noted.

"We have to stop this wedding somehow!" Deuce stated.

"But we can't move a muscle!" Sebek٫ not at all passively٫ aggressively reminded.

"I'm kinda checked out, to be honest٫" Floyd admitted٫ "Shrimpy's safe and all٫ yeah? We can go once Firefly Squid smooches the bride, right? Ugh, get on with it already!"

Lilia quickly joined in٫ "Agreed. My lower back is sore from being stuck in this position. Just give her the ol' smoocharoo, would you?"

"You heard Lilia! Make haste and 'smoocharoo' the bride!" Sebek ordered.

"Dude, I will literally DIE if we smoocharoo٫" Idia reiterated٫ "What's wrong with you people? Have you no compassion? Do you post joke comments on tragic videos online too?!"

"All I'm seeing is less competition٫" Floyd plainly stated.

"Oh my! We're not even done with the vows and you're already clamoring for the kiss? No need to rush. This kiss is coming soon enough, tee hee!" Eliza joyfully giggled.

Genuinely٫ you were starting to agree with them. Right about now٫ you could really go for a nice meal and a long hibernation after today's events.

Very soon٫ chanting began to resound throughout the temporary ceremonial hall. The whole thing was the phrase٫ "Smooch that ghost!" over and over again. You found yourself joining in about halfway through. That was also when Idia seemed to lose all life behind his eyes.

"WOULD YOU CUT IT OUT?!" He screamed.

"All we can move is our mouths; we've got nothing better to do٫" Lilia defended. Well٫ you could move٫ but chanting seemed more fun than just standing there.

"Ahh, soon it will be midnight. Then it'll be time for our kiss! Once we seal our marriage with a kiss, my darling and I will live together forever in the land of the dead. And I'll finally be happy!" Eliza explained. You couldn't help but feel bad for her٫ too. For her sad view on what a person's happily ever after should be٫ and for thinking Idia was the perfect prince of that happily ever after.

"All right, perhaps we should take this seriously٫" Vil stated.

Trey started٫ "I would, but there's nothing we can do to—"

"STOP THE WEDDING!"

The doors flew open٫ a familiar voice resounding throughout the room.

"I know that voice!" You heard Deuce murmur٫ and you knew it too.

Ace?! And what the hell was he wearing?! The man had on some sort of red٫ plaid suit٫ a ribbon tied to the jacket's lapel on one side٫ and his bangs tied back. Actually٫ he'd probably look put together if he wasn't huffing and puffing like he was about to blow some poor little pig's house down.

"Made it under the wire!" Ace grimace.

"AAAACE!" Idia cried out٫ looking at Ace like he personally saved him of his sins.

"What do you want?" Eliza deadpanned٫ but soon began to worry. "Wait, you have a heart mark on your face. Are you one of the wedding crashers?! Don't you dare try to ruin my extra-special day!"

"Special, schmechial. You're just shovin' what YOU want down everyone's throat! I'm gonna get this ring on you and send you off, once and for all!

"You won't lay a hand on our princess!" Puffy declared.

"Tch. Didn't think there'd be even more retainers in here!"

"We'll fend him off, Your Highness٫" Nana called out.

"Get the kiss in now; we'll keep them occupied!" Grampy followed up.

"All right!" Eliza agreed.

You felt like you were watching some sort of medieval drama. Could they hurry this up already? Your fun was over and you were getting pretty tired of- Was he beating the ghost with a flower bouquet?! And was he winning?!

"Argh, I keep beating 'em, but they're just coming back for more. Lousy ghosts٫" Ace grumbled.

"Princess, quickly! The kiss!" Nana shouted.

"Idia, darling, must you keep evading me with this silly display of stubbornness?" earnestly questioned٫ and you had half a mind to hold him in place to get this over with sooner.

"Well, you see, uh... Aha ha... Hahaha... I just think a first kiss should be special!"

Yeah٫ he was absolutely lying through his teeth. Grim's given better lies than that.

"Look at Idia over there. See how he's bobbing his head, trying to avoid her?" Ace pointed out to the other ghosts٫ "Let's be real here. Your princess is clearly wrong about her true darling loving her back, and you all know it!"

"...Everything we do is for Her Highness's benefit٫" you heard Nana admit٫ sounding more as if she were trying to convince herself instead of Ace٫ "We've watched over her since she was a little girl. She was so kindhearted and hopeful. All in the land looked forward to seeing what her future would be like. But alas..."

Grampy began to elaborate for her٫ "Our neighbor attacked us without warning, and all was lost in a single night. Yet still she smiles. She never once blamed us for failing to protect her when she needed it most. 'It's fine.' 'Don't worry about it.' 'I'm okay.' 'Surely one day...' That's all she ever says."

"She may say those things, but she's clearly not fine!" Nana broke back in٫ desperation evident in her voice٫ "She dreamed of meeting her prince for 500 years, yet she never did. She must've lost hope somewhere along the way."

"We, her retainers, want but to help the princess get the one thing she desires. Our beloved, tragic princess...٫" Grampy concluded.

You looked back to Eliza's frantic attempts at getting a kiss from Idia. She didn't deserve this; she deserved someone who actually loved her back just as much. Eliza was too kind for anyone here. She was one of the very few to show you genuine care. A type of care you were beginning to forget even existed. You had started step toward her when you heard Ace make another statement.

"For one thing, that 'perfect prince'? Doesn't exist. Never has, never will."

"What do you mean he doesn't exist?" She distressed.

"No darling or yandere's gonna meet your every ideal! That's just common sense."

"How dare you speak to Her Highness that way!" Nana harshly denounced.

"Princess, do not listen to him. You have your perfect prince right here٫" Grampy tried to soothe over.

"And she's stuck on this nonexistent Mr. Right because YOU keep getting her hopes up!" Ace continued to reprimand٫ but then let out a sigh. "This isn't my first rodeo with this stuff, so lemme break it down for you. You might feel sorry for her, but treating the princess with kid gloves isn't doing her any favors! Looks to me like you're a buncha enablers who'd rather take the easy way out than have a tough conversation!"

"Feels like being called out all over again٫" a certain vice housewarden murmured٫ gaining an awkward laugh from his media fiend of a companion.

Oh٫ so he's having war flashbacks. What's next? Is he gonna punch the bride?

"Tell your princess the truth. Looks aren't everything when it comes to finding your darling٫" the redhead demanded.

"Well, how else should I choose the perfect prince then?" Eliza dejectedly wondered.

"You're STILL missing the point. You gotta drop the whole 'perfect prince' requirement٫" Ace groaned in irritation٫ "As for the perfect PARTNER...How about someone you can laugh and cry with?

Someone who'll stick with you through all the hard times? That's the kind of person you should be looking for. Geez, you know how embarrassing it is to have to spell it out for you? How is it that none of you ever taught your princess something so basic? You've spent 500 YEARS with her, and in all that time, you haven't done anything that actually benefits her!"

You were just as surprised as the ghost retainers٫ but for different reasons. That poser! You were the one to tell him that's how people fell in love in your world! Sure٫ it happened kinda like that here too٫ but not exactly like how he just described! Hold up٫ was he gauging your reaction right now?! That piece of shi—!

"Ace is right٫" Riddle agreed٫ Rook and Epel on each side of him. When did they get here?! And what were they wearing٫ too?!

"Housewarden Riddle!" Ace cheerfully greeted. Who is this and what have they done to Ace?

"Oh hey, Rook and Epel are back too!"

Grim?! Where had he been this whole time?! Huh٫ that's what you get for being too invested in eavesdropping you guessed.

"Do you two have any idea how late you are?" Vil scolded.

"My apologies, Vil. I found myself lost so often without you to light my way٫" Rook mourned.

"What? I thought you were busting up ghosts with giddy abandon٫" Epel said. You weren't surprised.

"Housewarden, you've come to save us! I can't thank you en—" Deuce began٫ but was soon cut off by the very one he was thanking.

"CATER. What time is it?"

"Huh? Uhh...11:35, according to the clock٫" the third year answered.

"We have less than half an hour before the date changes. Let's dispatch these ghosts posthaste!" The housewarden ordered.

"Wait, why are you asking? What's going on?" Cater hesitantly asked.

"All right! Team Tux is reunited and back in action! You ghosts might as well pack it in now. It's way past time you released Idia٫" Ace declared. Also٫ what did he just call their group? You don't even know why you're still surprised.

"But...٫" both Nana and Grampy trailed off.

"You can still start over٫" Rook reminded٫ "After all, you wouldn't want your dear mademoiselle to be seen as some evil ghost who terrorizes her darling, would you?"

"Excuse me? Are you calling me an evil ghost?" Eliza interjected٫ "I...I'm not trying to be evil! I just—"

"Don't listen to anything they say, Your Highness. You've done nothing wrong٫" Puffy disrupted٫ only adding to her delusions.

"Puffy...٫" she spoke beneath her breath.

"Dude, did you hear what I said about enabling?" Ace fussed.

"Can't you see you're doing something wrong?" Epel disputed.

"Yeah! What they said!" You just heard Idia very quietly mumble to himself.

"I don't care if it's wrong. I want Her Highness to be happy. I'd take on the whole world to make that happen. That's MY lingering attachment! MY wish!" Puffy argued.

You couldn't decide if you found that sweet or concerning. Okay٫ maybe concerning because now he was growing at a rate of becoming King Kong by sunrise.

"Wha...Wha...What in the world?! The big one's gettin' even bigger!" Grim yowled.

"He's manifesting five centuries' worth of attachment at once!" Riddle frantically pointed out.

"I sense a power within him that dwarfs all the other ghosts٫" Rook noticed٫ "We can't stay here. Everyone, get behind us!

"Did you miss the part where none of us can move٫ along with the fact that ___ is on the other side of him?" Vil sarcastically quipped.

"Ah, yes, quite. In that case...Epel. Move these glorified logs to a corner of the cafeteria!"

"Understood!"

Just looking at Eliza made it obvious how distressed she must've felt. She's been waiting for this day for 500 year only for it to end up turning into a total disaster. You felt yourself close the distance between the two of you and embrace her from behind. Eliza obviously hadn't expected such a thing since she froze just as hard as the others had from her magic.

"I will protect the princess...to the very last!" Puffy loudly proclaimed as he began to battle the remaining boys.

The princess spun around in your embrace٫ holding you in return. You felt her bury her face in you hair٫ peaking at the battle every so often out of fear. Eliza also held her hand to the back of your head٫ gently rubbing it as she kept your face pressed against her chest. You guessed it was so you didn't have to see one of her closest confidants in such a state.

You had a good feeling that the duel was over when you felt Eliza's hold on you go slack.

"Whew, finally got 'em! Take THAT!" Ace cheered.

"Woohoo! That's how it's done!" Grim celebrated.

"Oh no! Noooo!" Eliza wailed.

"There are no more guards. We should be able to get the Circle of Severance on her now٫" Riddle smugly claimed.

"Let's finish this before she blows a gasket!" Epel announced.

"No, no, no...٫" she continued to spiral٫ still managing to have somewhat of a grip on you despite most of it having gone loose.

You heard footsteps draw near and peaked up from where Eliza held your face against her chest to get a better look. For a ghost٫ she was surprisingly comfortable.

Ace was the one to approach٫ smug grin on his face as he asked٫ "Any last words? You can say goodbye to your precious ___ and Idia if you—"

"PUFFY!" Eliza cried out٫ cutting off Ace completely.

Idia was left totally forgotten by the phantom in favor of rushing over to Puffy's side. You٫ however٫ were carried with her like a mother with her toddler.

The three former let out a collective "Huh?"

At the ghost's side٫ Eliza set you down next to her and moved Puffy to lay in her lap. The way she looked as if she were about to break out into tears compelled you to lay against her shoulder; she seemed to appreciate that.

"Oh, Puffy... How could this happen?!" Eliza asked as she choked back a sob٫ "You took a beating defending us from those villains!"

"Wait, you're calling US villains?" Ace was most definitely taken aback٫ trying to act like this was his main character moment instead of there's. People these days...

"Don't be sad, Princess. I always feel happy when you smile٫" Puffy did his best to cheer her up. Right after٫ he began to fade away.

"Puffy? Why are you fading away?" Eliza desperately asked.

"I fear I exhausted all my energy in that fight٫" he replied٫ "Your Highness...I hope you'll always have reason to smile. I wish good fortune upon you. May you live happily ever after with your prince..."

"No...No, don't leave me!" Eliza called out٫ "Your support is what's carried me through all the hard times and helped me follow my dream! I need you!"

"Princess..."

"Oh my...Of course! I've finally figured it out. My real prince...It's you, Puffy!"

The was another collective shock٫ but this time it was٫ "What?!"

Princess...No, Eliza٫" Puffy addressed٫ "You've always been the only one in my heart, ever since we were alive."

"Oh, Puffy. I love you..."

Eliza gave Puffy a loving kiss٫ and barely a second after he started to gain back his visibility.

"Hm? My injuries are healing!" He exclaimed.

"It must be the power of love٫" Eliza believed٫ "You've been saved by true love's kiss!"

"Huzzah! What wonderful tidings!" Ghost attendants cheered.

"Huh? What just happened?" Ace gaped٫ "Am I the only one having trouble keeping up?"

"They're clearly painting us as the bad guys...٫" Riddle observed.

"Idia, dear?" Eliza called out.

She stood up and started to make her way over to the former groom while dragging you along with her. You felt like a ragdoll.

"Uh, yeah?"

"I'm so sorry!"

"Huh?"

"I'm afraid I cannot return your affection for me. I feel terrible, truly...It's not you, it's me. You're a dreamboat, you really are! I'm sure that one of these days, you'll find someone even better than me. You know٫ actually٫ I would just hate for my dearest ___ to feel lonely while Puffy and I make up for lost time together. Would you be a dear and look after them whenever I'm not visiting?"

Eliza nudged—no٫ not nudged—shoved you into Idia's arms and gleefully clasped her hands together. She still seemed to believe in full faith that he was perfect٫ and now she was trying to set you up with him! Unbelievable...

You peered up at him and didn't like the expression on his face one bit. You could just tell his mind was flooded with perverted thoughts at the moment. Quickly٫ you got back on your own two feet.

Soon٫ Eliza made an announcement٫ "Listen up, everyone! I have an announcement to make! I have found my true soulmate. I'm going to marry Puffy!"

The room rang out with congratulations and cheers from every ghost present.

"Ahh, a true love found, ending 500 years of despair! What a touching scene."

Oh٫ look who finally decided to show up: the Headmage. By his side was Ortho. Once the little android saw you and Idia safe and sound٫ he quickly rushed over to the both of you and tightly embraced you both٫ as well.

"IDIAAA! BIG (SISSS/BROOO)! I'm so glad you're both okay!"

"Hi٫ Sweetheart. I'm sorry we worried you٫" you softly replied٫ gently rubbing his back in reassurance.

"Uh...Yeah, we're safe...Sure...٫" Idia stuttered out٫ "I mean, it's cool, but she didn't really expect me to marry her, right? That's a huge imposition. It's all good, just...y'know. Right? Why do I feel like the one who got dumped?!"

You snickered at him before retorting٫ "It's practice for the future."

"Worry not, Idia. Surely someone wonderful awaits you in the future٫" Rook reassured٫ the complete opposite of your own statement. "Have a good cry tonight, and you'll start afresh tomorrow."

"Dude, PLEASE quit it with the sappy pep talk٫" Idia complained.

Did your comment really have less of an effect than Rook positive one? No fair! You decided to take you ragebait elsewhere.

"Gracious. What a fine mess that was٫" Lilia sighed٫ stretching his muscles now that he can move again.

"At least now we can finally move٫" Azul pointed out.

"Everyone's cheeks okay?" You wondered.

"Don't remind me of that!" Vil rebuked. That's the reaction you wanted.

"Ace, you really outdid yourself back there!" Trey praised.

"Heh heh. That's right, you should be grateful٫" the asshole bragged٫ "Especially since I had to make up for your terribad singing!

"Please, forget that ever happened٫" begged Trey.

"Epel. You went up against that huge ghost and didn't even flinch. That takes guts. I haven't been giving you enough credit!"

"Jack, you're embarrassing me."

"Oh, am I? Sorry."

"It was still nice, though. Thank you!" Epel practically beamed at the praise٫ glancing at you to make sure you heard it too.

"Thanks to your quick thinking, Rook, no one was hurt during the fight. I applaud your presence of mind٫" Jade commended.

"Ah٫ Monsieur Prémédité! You would have undoubtedly done the same, were you in my shoes."

"No, Jade would've simply looked on and chuckled٫" Azul corrected.

"Interesting. I suppose there is also beauty in leaving matters to fate٫" the hunter concluded.

"You're one powerful goldfishie! Seein' all that got me in the mood to throw down.

C'mon, punch me a little٫" Floyd insisted.

"This is not the time nor the place!" Riddle scolded.

"Aww, lame٫" the eel pouted before zoning in on you next٫ "C'mon٫ Shrimpy٫ hit me!"

"Absolutely not."

"Aww٫ boo..."

"Cater, let's get you back to the dorm!" Riddle demanded.

"Why me?"

"You took second place in the croquet tournament yesterday! If you don't serve me tea before the day is out, you'll violate rule 703!"

"Wait, that's a rule?!" Cater yelped٫ "No wonder you were so obsessed with the time. Talk about fastidious! Well, since you did save me and all, let's hustle back to the dorm! Care to join us٫ ___?"

"No٫ thanks...٫" you quickly replied.

Not long after the two left٫ the newly weds began to make an announcement. Puffy started it with٫ "If I may say something to all of you...I want to apologize for the trouble we put you through."

"At least you helped me find my true love. I'm very grateful to you all!" Eliza stated.

"Seriously, what a buncha troublemakers٫" Ace grumbled beside you٫ "But hey, all's well that ends well. We don't have to force this ring on your finger now.

"Yes. We're going to take our honeymoon now, completely regret-free٫" her highness delightedly agreed.

"Then things'll finally be back to normal!" Ortho added.

"Uggggh, this sucks. I hate it here. I'm gonna have phasmophobia for ages٫" Idia groaned.

"I'll be sure to pop by for a visit next year and give you an update!"

"JUST STAY GONE!"

Wow٫ for once they all finally agree on something. A shame٫ she actually grew on you.

Eliza and and puffy were the last of the ghost to disappear. As they did٫ she waved and blew you a small kiss goodbye. You waved back.

"My, my. What an eventful day this has been. There were many twists and turns, but everything's over and done with now, so we can put this whole thing behind us—" Crowley was abruptly interrupted by a certain blonde hunter.

"Come now, Headmage٫" Rook tutted٫ "Surely you could think of a more fitting closing line?"

"Ah! Yes, I suppose you're right. And so the prince and princess lived happily ever after. The end."

"I've met five year olds who can make better endings than that٫" you deadpanned.

"Well if you're so good٫ then you come up with something!" Crowley complained. You felt like you were arguing with a toddler.

"Wait٫ I think I hear Professor Trein looking for you right now٫" you looked away٫ trying to listen for something. You looked back and Crowley was gone.

Yeah٫ that was total bull. You were pretty sure Professor Trein wasn't even on campus today٫ but the dumbass believed it. Thank whatever's out there for idiots٫ because damn life would be boring without them.

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