#sam twst

Tick Tick Tick Tick

The room would be completely silent were it not for the ticking of the clock on the wall.

The environment was more comfortable than your usual medical setting, but it still felt cold in a way.

The door creaked open and in stepped professor Crewel. "Hey, Pup." His voice lacked its usual stern tone one would hear in the classroom; instead, his voice was gentle and almost hoarse.

The hoarseness was no doubt a result of him screaming at the headmage in a roar you shiver even recalling. He had spent hours tearing into the man for his gross negligence and irresponsibility.

"Pup?" His voice became more worried when you failed to answer.

"Sorry." A meek, rasped voice leaves you throat. Your throat burns with dryness despite the 6 glasses of water you already drank, and it feels like every syllable echoes through your head and causes an intense, throbbing pain. You don't recognize the voice that claws its way out of your throat as your own.

You hear the soft scrape of a chair on the floor next to your bed. "No. Don't apologize, Pup." Rocking your gaze slowly over to him its clear to you, with the way his jaw clenches and unclenches while his eyes search the blanket covering you, that he wants to say something, but isn't sure what.

You slowly rock your head to look forward again. "Everyone's been in such a panic. . .and it's my fault, I-"

The man cuts you off as you choke on your words: "Pup. This is not your fault."

"But-" Your throat feels like its been given a massage with a thousand razor blades. The coughing your attempts to speak cause only make the pain worse.

Crewel quickly grabs another glass of water and holds it up to your lips for you to drink. "But nothing, Pup- Keep those arms down or you'll re-open the wounds. That old building was bound to collapse at some point. We all knew it. If the fault is on anyone it's on us staff. Crowley made you stay there, and we didn't stop him." The glass cup clinks slightly too harshly onto the nightstand as he sets it down.

Silence falls between the two of you.

Tick Tick Tick Tick

The ticking of the clock numbs your thoughts. You force your mind to stop focusing on the pain radiating from every inch of your body and instead listen to the steady ticking of the clock. The only other sound that can be herd is the occasional hurried footsteps outside the door as the other staff do their best to take care of the situation.

Your injuries have already been treated by a specialty team sent from STYX the moment the news got to them. They were the only ones aside from Grim, Leona, and the staff that had seen your mangled form before you were wrapped up like a mummy. You didn't have to ask how bad it was. Seeing Crowley throw up at the sight of you was enough to tell you it was bad.

The STYX team had spent nearly a whole 24 hours stitching you back together like some ragdoll and rearranging the many pieces of you that had been ripped and jostled out of place. If not for them. . .well, you don't want to think about it. If you looked like a mummy on the outside, you were sure that under the bandages you looked like Frankenstein's monster. There really wasn't a single bit of you that got out of that death trap unscathed.

You were kept in the school infirmary instead of being carted off to some high-tech STYX facility only because they needed to operate on you as soon as possible and didn't want to move you too much after the initial procedures. They made do by shipping a ton (literally speaking, more like 3 tons) of medical equipment to the school, most of which was now littered around the infirmary in a rushed yet professional way.

Despite your closeness to your friends, the only people who had come to see you were the staff. It's not that none of your friends wanted to see you, but that they weren't allowed to. The doctor's worried having them in so soon, when they were still full of hysteria from the news, wouldn't be the best idea. They weren't able to text you either as your phone had been crushed in the collapse.

"How's Grim?"

Professor Crewel hums: "Physically, he's pretty unscathed. He just has a few scrapes and bruises. Mentally, he's a bit traumatized."

You supposed that made sense. You didn't remember much, but what you did remember was Grim's voice. He had been returning to the dorm from after school detention when he found the building in shambles on the ground. He called out to you but your lungs were filled with debris and your torso was being crushed by layers of rubble. The dorm ghosts met Grim at the edge of the junk pile that used to be a dorm and confirmed that you were inside and that you needed help. The ghosts talked to you as you laid there, not being able to physically move anything off you themselves. They kept you awake and assured you that Grim was getting help.

Not long later you heard shouting. Two of the ghosts stayed with you while the third went out to meet the staff and fill them in. You were told after the fact that that's about the time they called up Leona to use his unique magic so they could get you out as soon as possible (that was the first time many saw the lion run).

You were blanking in and out of consciousness when they found you, but you remember them finding you. The feeling of the weight of the rubble lessening as it was methodically turned to sand and removed (in order to not end up crushing you with sand instead), the small grains dripping on your face, and eventually, the full force of the pouring rain battering your face as the last of the rubble was removed from above you. You remember Leona's manic eyes turning horrified, Crowley puking, and worst of all, Grim's face.

"STYX sent over a few trauma counselors. There are ones assigned specifically to Leona and Grim as well since they saw some of the worst of it." Crewel finally broke the silence again.

"And you? You and. . .the other teachers were there too. . .and Sam."

"Calm down, Pup. We've all had evaluations done to assess how we're handling it. We'll be fine.

"What about. . ." Your voice trails off, but from the look in your eyes, Crewel can tell what you were about to ask.

"What about the headmage?"

You nod, wincing slightly when the motion disturbs an injury on your neck.

"He's under investigation." Crewel responds after a brief pause. He knew that you surely couldn't be all that fond of the crow, but as you saw it, he was probably also your only ticket home. Crewel looked up to gauge your response, but your face remained neutral.

"And you, Pup? I obviously know you aren't doing particularly well physically right now, but what about mentally?"

"Hm?"

Crewel hesitated, not wanting to dig around in a mental wound and make it worse, "You were. . .under there for a while. I'm sure it must've been. . .scary."

You think for a moment before responding: "Was I really under there that long? It didn't feel like it. . .I think I passed out a few times." Your mumbled words put Crewel at ease in a way. He's not happy that you had been passing out, but he was at least glad that you weren't stuck under there fully conscious and feeling every second tick by as if it were an hour.

"Hmm. I see." Crewel nods. "I ought to let you rest now. A counselor will stop by tomorrow to talk to you about what happened." He stands up as he says this, his knuckles still white from how tightly he'd been gripping the fabric of his pants. "Rest well, Pup."

You simply nod, this time more carefully as to not disturb your wounds, and watch him walk out. When the door closes you swear you hear a choked sob.

Blog Navigation Page

TWST Masterlist

"This stinks! I don't wanna do a buncha lousy cleanin'!" Grim threw his little paws up in exasperation.

"The sooner you stop whining, the sooner it gets done٫" you teasingly reminded him٫ bending down to boop his nose.

"C'mon, one more game, double or nothin'—" he argued٫ not happy with the results.

"NOW SEE HERE!" A mysterious voice suddenly sounded throughout the dorm٫ causing the both of you to jump.

"Myah?!"

Three ghosts in white guard's uniforms appeared before you both and began interrogating you٫ "What are you filthy vermin doing here?"

"Oh, it's just one of our usual ghosts..." Grim grumbled٫ "Wait, no it ain't. This one's sportin' a totally different getup."

"This domicile is the princess's guesthouse. Outsiders are strictly forbidden!" The middle ghost announced.

"What princess? And what's this 'do-mi-seal' stuff you're jabberin' about?" Grim questioned for you both. "Fling those fancy words around all you want. This is MY dorm, meanin' YOU'RE the outsider, bub!"

"How patently absurd. This manor has belonged to our nation LONG before you rapscallions were born. I'll have to give you a sound drubbing if you refuse to leave!" The ghost threatened٫ but you and Grim refused to give up so easily.

❥

"Now I suggest you leave peaceably, lest I box your ears again!

"MROOOW!"

Not soon after٫ you were kicked out of your own dorm. Well٫ this sucked...

"We just got ousted from our own dorm..." Grim whined٫ "What in the name of tuna is goin' on?!"

You could only shrug and give a noncommittal answer٫ "No idea."

"Hey, ___! We gotta find the headmage and get him to evict those ghosts!" Grim's idea was worth a shot٫ you guessed.

❥

"A gaggle of ghosts in white hats took over your dorm and kicked you out?"

"That's right! They just showed up and started actin' like they owned the place! Spoutin' off some hoity-toity gobbledygook about a princess too."

You nodded in agreement alongside Grim where he stood on the Headmage's desk. The two of you long since learned the fact that if you weren't in his face٫ Crowley wouldn't do shit.

"A princess? Ah, now I see! Your dorm was unoccupied before this year so l didn't address the matter, but...I suppose it's that time of year again."

"What the hell are you talking about?" You deadpanned. The crow had a strange way of making you forget your manners٫ even the ones that had been drilled into you.

"The ghosts who so unceremoniously ejected you from your dorm are the Ghost Bride's retainers٫" he explained.

"Ghost Bride? What kinda title is that? I can't tell if it's supposed to be swanky or spooky٫" Grim complained٫ equally fed up.

"The story is that she's a princess of a kingdom that fell long ago, or some such. She dreamt of marrying a handsome prince. But she tragically perished before that dream could be realized. To this day, her ghost clings to the idea of marrying the perfect prince. She always comes to Twisted Wonderland around this time of year, searching for a groom. And when she does, she and her retainers use Ramshackle Dorm as their base of operations. Out of all the decrepit, abandoned dwellings in this world, her royal highness picked ours.

It's really quite the honor. Heh."

You glared at the man as he preened.

"We got kicked outta our own home and you're BRAGGIN' about it? That ain't right! You gotta show those pompous spooks the door!" Grim demanded.

"She can stay anywhere else٫ we can't. Get our dorm back!" You joined in.

"I'm afraid I can't be bothered—ahem!—I mean, though I sympathize with your plight, we shouldn't bother them. After all, she is searching for a groom she'll never find٫" Sloth incarnated explained.

"Why not?" Grim asked.

"Her qualifications for a perfect prince are, and I quote: 'At least 180 centimeters tall, with an air of nonchalance! Healthy, lustrous skin! Lidded eyes! A charming smile! Bright٫ shimmering hair! Lips so arresting that you just have to kiss them!' There's more, but you get the gist. In summary: A preposterously prepossessing gentleman. Her standards are pure fantasy. She'll never find a man in Twisted Wonderland who comes close. Ha ha ha! Ramshackle Dorm is the only thing that suffers from her annual flight of fancy. Give her a few days, and she'll give up and leave. It's hardly worth all this brouhaha. I advise you to let it go. I'll even be so generous as to allow you to stay with me within the interim."

"Absolutely not٫" you quickly shot down.

"HEADMAAAGE!" Ortho quickly barged in.

"Why if it isn't Ortho Shroud of Ignihyde. What could've gotten you in such a tizzy?" Crowley inquired٫ suddenly wanting to act like a proper Headmage.

"It's an emergency, sir! About Idia!"

"Yes, yes, what about your brother?"

"The thing is...IDIA'S BEEN KIDNAPPED BY GHOSTS!"

"WHAAAT?!"

Kidnapper becomes kidnapped; you guessed you were the only one feeling the irony here...Wait٫ did he just say—

"'By ghosts?!?'" You exclaimed. Actually٫ maybe they just thought he was part of their own kind٫ heh....

"That's what I'm telling you! Here, I've got some footage to show you. The campus security cameras recorded it last night٫" Ortho urged.

"Now, hold on! You can't just hack our security system and access whatever you please!"

"Shh, be quiet! I'm playing it now."

The footage was of Idia walking to the school store until a ghost abducted him while calling Idia "her prince." The footage was abruptly cut off at Idia's shriek.

"Was that...?" Grim started.

"I'm afraid so٫" Crowley answered٫ "Dear, oh dearie me. It would appear the Ghost Bride has found her perfect husband at last!"

"THAT'S her perfect husband?!" You gaped.

"Yer sayin' IDIA'S perfect husband material?! Last I checked, he wasn't like any storybook prince I'd ever seen٫" Grim followed suit٫ "He's all slouchy, never leaves his room, he's got that apathetic look goin' on, not to mention his creepy smile…Wait a second."

"Tall, nonchalant, 'healthy' skin that's never exposed to UV rays, lidded eyes....and I suppose 'charming' is ONE way to describe his smile٫" Crowley thought aloud٫ "His hair is literally aflame, so it could be considered bright and shimmering, and blue lips certainly qualify as 'arresting.' Though an admittedly liberal interpretation, it could be argued he meets the ghost's criteria."

"Yep, Idia's clearly the coolest guy around. Curse that ghost and her discerning taste!" Ortho complained٫ but tried to subtly look for any agreement in you expression. Unluckily for him٫ there was none.

"Somehow I ain't convinced٫" Grim disagreed٫ and you nodded.

"Regardless, the situation has taken a rather grave turn. Being chosen by the Ghost Bride means—" Crowley was cut off.

"We've got trouble!

"Goodness, just listen to that ruckus outside٫" the Headmage commented as he got up to check. "What is this infernal racket?!"

Outside the door was Ace and Deuce٫ who both looked increasingly frazzled and out of breath.

"Headmage! Ah, and ___ and Grim! We got a situation on our hands!" Ace yelped.

"Some strange ghosts we've never seen barged into the cafeteria and declared they were turning it into a wedding venue٫" Deuce explained in a hurry٫ "They tried to take the place over. We fought back of course, but they just revived every time we beat them."

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Three ghosts were rounded the nearby corner٫ chasing after Lilia and Sebek. Seeing them٫ Ortho got in front of you. The ghosts already took his brother٫ but he wouldn't let you be next.

"All I did was tease them a little, and they got all bent out of shape. Those ghosts need a thicker skin٫" Lilia mused.

"Ugh, seriously?! Why'd you Diasomnia guys lead the ghosts in here?" Ace frantically complained.

"How DARE you take such an aggressive tone with Lilia. If you refuse to learn your place, I'll send you packing!" Sebek argued at the ghost and started to attack to defend Lilia's honor. Looking at the cocky bat٫ though٫ it was safe to say his honor was perfectly intact.

"Are you seriously stoppin' to gloat?! The next batch of ghosts is already rising up!" Ace reminded.

"There's no end to them. Everyone, fall back and retreat!" Crowley ordered.

❥

You were not too happy to figure out that retreat meant run all the way to the sports field.

"I don't believe those ghosts will follow us this far out٫" the Headmage sighed in relief.

“My legs are killin' me...” Ace huffed out.

“Ah, Ace and Deuce. Have you been forced to flee to the sports field as well?”

Looking up from your self-proclaimed deathbed on the grass, you saw that it was Riddle, who was accompanied by Azul and Kalim.

“Greetings to you as well, ___. Nice to see you're safe and sound,” Azul smiled down at you. To your dismay, you didn’t have the energy for a sarcastic reply at the moment.

“We were in the auditorium when some ghosts came out of nowhere and chased us out. We were in the middle of studying together, too!" Kalim recalled. The story sounded incredibly relatable.

"What you mean is, YOU were getting help from US, Kalim٫" Azul corrected.

"He was so close to figuring out that problem too..." Riddle groaned.

"We were in a classroom when a bunch of unfamiliar specters told us it was a bridal dressing chamber and locked us out٫" Vil joined the conversation٫ flanked by Rook and Epel.

"More's the pity. I would've enjoyed being able to study fashion under Vil's tutelage for longer٫" mourned Rook.

"We drove them off several times, but they just kept coming٫" Epel added.

Cater soon joined٫ recalling٫ "Yeah, they kicked me out of the lab. They were all like, 'Stay out of the family lounge!'"

"You think that's bad? I was just walking down the hall, minding my own business, when these ghosts got all up in my face٫" Leona lagged behind.

"Looks like this is everyone who got booted from the main building٫" Grim observed in bewilderment.

"It sounds like the whole building's been seized by those white-uniformed ghosts٫" Deuce pointed out.

"Looks like it's not just Ramshackle suffering anymore٫" you taunted Crowley٫ getting up from the comfortable grass.

"What in the world's goin' on, Headmage?!" Ace demanded.

"Allow me to explain٫" Ortho spoke up٫ "It all started last night, with my brother..."

The android retold to everyone what had happened up until now.

"Now I see٫" Riddle stated٫ "Idia happens to be the perfect prince the Ghost Bride's been searching for. That's the general idea, yes?"

Everyone was silent٫ each trying to bite down on their individual snickers. In the end٫ though٫ it was hard for everyone to continue holding it in and everyone bursted out lack only to start cackling together٫ much to Ortho's chagrin.

"Idia's the perfect prince? BWAH HA HA!

You're kidding, right?" Ace retorted.

"Bridey sure knows how to pick 'em!" Cater joined in.

"Of all the times for Idia to choose to emerge from his cave. Hilariou—I mean, how unfortunate for him٫" Azul shrugged in amusement.

"This is no laughing matter!" Crowley cut in٫ "I can only assume none of you know what happens when you're the Ghost Bride's groom."

"What's the matter, Headmage? That's quite the scowl you got there٫" Deuce asked. In your experience٫ asking the Headmage "what's the matter" usual ends in an hour or so long tirade of self-pity and prideful comments. You digress٫ though...

"To marry a ghost means that you bind yourself to someone who's already dead. Hence, if Idia marries her...His soul will depart from his body٫ and he will depart for the afterlife!"

"What?!"

Oh٫ so now he cared about his students' wellbeings. Besides that٫ this still didn't really concern you. If anything٫ it just means one less creepy stalker after you. And if you still get taken to the Isle of Woe by a Shroud٫ you won't have to go through any creepy stuff. Honestly sounded like all good outcomes could come from this!

"I foolishly assumed that the bride's standards were so unrealistic she'd never find anyone, so I wrote the whole thing off as a non-issue٫" Crowley bemoaned.

"My...My brother's gonna turn into a ghost?!" Ortho gasped. You put a hand on the warm flames omg his head. In turn٫ he hugged onto you for comfort. "We can't let that happen! Please, Headmage, you have to save Idia!"

"But of course. With a peer's life at stake, I'm sure all of the kind souls here would be more than glad to lend their aid—" Crowley stopped himself at the lack of enthusiasm.

You swear you heard one of them go٫ "Nah." Even if you didn't want to either٫ they were still wrong for saying that in front of the victim's baby brother. You had to keep telling yourself that so you wouldn't laugh in front of the poor android.

"What perfect harmony٫" you sarcastically noted.

"But why? You could all help!" Ortho desperately pleaded. Poor thing thought they had any kindness in their hearts.

"He snubs the company of others, yet we're supposed to fly to his rescue? I see no reason to indulge such selfish behavior٫" Vil answered truthfully.

"This is your bro's problem, not ours. Figure it out yourself٫" Leona agreed with Vil٫ for once. You had to look up to make sure pigs weren't flying.

"...Okay, fine. I can handle it, sure٫" declared the humanoid٫ letting go and taking a few steps away from you.

"Ortho٫ sweetheart٫ what are you doing?" You worriedly questioned.

"Hey, wait. You can't possibly think you can do this alone—" Kalim sputtered.

"Running simulation of Idia Shroud rescue mission. Priority: Shortest time to achieve objective. Simulation completed successfully. Commencing live operation. Charging technomantic energy. Target: Night Raven College, main building. Technomantic beam firing in five, four, three, two..."

Okay٫ now you had half a mind to help him finish counting and say "one".

"STOOOP!" Crowley yelled in a panic٫ "Were you truly about to vaporize our historic building?! I forbid you from firing that beam!"

Damn٫ a few more seconds and your worries would've been gone...

"Look, if no one's going to help, then I don't have any other option!" Ortho gloomed.

"As for the rest of you—are you absolutely certain you wish to stick with your initial answer?" Crowley demanded٫ as if you weren't now 100% sure you wanted to keep your answer. "Because if you actually abandon Idia to his fate..."

"So what if we do? Don't bother threatenin' me, 'cuz—" Ace started to excuse.

"'Why look! There's a Night Raven College student now!'" Crowley impersonated٫ holding an imaginary microphone up to Ace.

"Huh? What're you doing?" Ace was just as weirder out as the rest of you.

"'Hello there, I'm a reporter with TBC News!

You attend Night Raven College, correct?'"

"Uh, yeah...I guess? Whoa, geez, ever hear of personal space, Headmage?!"

"'Is it true that ghosts took over your campus? Give us an honest answer! Oh, by the way, this is going to be in tomorrow morning's edition. Here, let's get a picture for the article!'"

"Ack! That flash is making me see stars!"

Crowley started to snap pictures with—Hey! Was that your camera?!

"Ack! That flash is making me see stars!"

"'A student was kidnapped as well, yes?

And you abandoned him when he needed you most, isn't that right?'"

"Look, man, I don't know what to tell you! I'm not even in his dorm!"

"'So you deserted him just because you weren't close? How utterly ruthless!'"

Wasn't that what he's been telling you yanderes aren't able to help feeling this whole time?! What a hypocrite!

"'This deserves a special feature! Sage's Island Rocked by Horrific Betrayal at

Prestigious Academy!'"

"Dude, cut it out! Stop pointin' that camera at me!"

That only encouraged the crow to take more.

"QUIT IT!"

"If Shroud never returns, I can assure you the press will be crawling all over our campus day and night, hounding you with questions٫" Crowley wrapped up٫ "I, being the considerate person l am, have no desire to see my students run ragged with fear and anxiety."

"My turn!" You piped up slotting yourself between Ace and Crowley before mimicking٫ "'Headmage٫ is it true you're keeping what basically equates to a fragile alien in such horrid living conditions?'"

"We-well٫ I—" Crowley stammered٫ gaining muffled snorts from the others.

You snatched your camera back with a scowl٫ "Gimme that..."

"If you won't help, I'll hack the TV stations and remove any censoring from your faces on TV. And I'll make sure to add a ticker that reads: 'Backstabbing student!'" Ortho declared.

"My, the apple doesn't fall far from the twisted tree٫" Azul grimaced.

"I suspect the headmage would be held responsible if a scandal broke out. He'd have the most to lose٫" Riddle observed out loud٫ his eyes hinting back towards you.

"Yes! I fear Darling Protective Services would take our dear prefect away!" The bastard cried out٫ placing a hand on your head. Him and his stupid٫ big mouth. He was probably a good bit to blame on how so many people knew.

"But it'd still be bad for us. My mom would cry if she saw me on the news like that٫" sighed Deuce.

"The tabloids would have a field day, ripping my image to shreds. Unacceptable on all levels٫" Vil scowled.

"Looks like they've forced us to lend a helping hand٫" mused Lilia before sighing٫ "I won't stand for any allegations that claimed Briar Valley's heir apparent failed to save a single child of man٫ and darling as well."

"You're absolutely right, Lilia!" Sebek loudly announced.

"Then I believe we've reached a consensus!We'll all work together to rescue poor Shroud from the Ghost Bride! Ahhh, how fortunate l am to have such a kindhearted student body!

"That's the fakest smile I've ever seen!" Grim crossed his little arms.

You didn't agree to shit. If anything٫ Idia's absence would make life a hell of a lot easier for you! However٫ you supposed you'd help only for sweet Ortho's sake.

"Let's brainstorm how we're gonna save my brother!"

"What if we try talking things out with the bride? We could even do it over a dinner party! Maybe she'll let Idia go if we just explain the issue٫" Kalim hopefully suggested٫ either out of naivety or stupidity.

"A lovely proposal, Roi Doré٫" Rook commended٫ "Though there's one troubling detail: Would a yandere who's spent so long seeking her darling be willing to relinquish him? Were it myself, I would never let my dear beloved go."

You felt a variety of gazes turn to you. You hate this stupid٫ stupid place...

Kalim sighed٫ "Yeah٫ you're right..."

"Then I guess violence is our only option٫" Leona guess.

Vil exasperatedly reminded٫ "No, that's the problem. We already tried duking it out, and where did it get us? Here, in this field, that's where."

"Precisely. These ghosts cannot be defeated with a mere fight. Things would be exceedingly troublesome if we got on their bad side. We should consider combat only as a last resort٫" Crowley stated.

"Ghosts, hmm...Young Sam is quite the authority on all that's creepy and crawly, you know. What if we sought his expertise?" Lilia offered.

"'Young Sam'? Do you mean Sam, the guy running the school store?" Deuce hesitantly asked.

"Mhmm. I'm acquainted with his great-great-grandfather٫" beamed Lilia. Of course he was...Seriously٫ how old is this guy?!

"You sure love dropping hot goss on us, huh, Lilia? And with no hint if you're being for real or not٫" Cater sighed.

"Onward, to the school store!" Crowley announced.

❥

"Well, if it isn't the headmage with a merry band of imps in tow! What brings you to my humble store today?" Sam welcomed from behind the desk. "I kid, I kid. I already know. You're dealing with the Ghost Bride, aren't ya?"

"You're one step ahead of us, it seems. Almost like you knew we'd be coming٫" Riddle observed.

"Neh heh heh. My friends in the shadows keep me well-informed٫" the shopkeep grinned٫ walking around the desk to ruffle your hair. "It is quite the conundrum, though. Ghosts are beings who are trapped in this world because of powerful, lingering attachments. You can make them go poof for a short while with magic, but they'll always come back. There's no sending them on to the hereafter as long as their attachment remains unresolved."

"Ohhh, so that's why those ghosts in Ramshackle just kept comin' back every time we clobbered 'em٫" Grim realized.

"Exactamundo! Ghosts can be tricky customers."

"So, how do we save Idia٫" Ortho asked. "It's not like I can expect some item that magically solves our problem to be—"

"—IN STOCK!" Sam interrupted.

"Wait, you got something?" Leona exclaimed.

"Your selection of wares never ceases to amaze٫" Azul applauded.

"Tragic brides have existed for eons. They develop lingering attachments and stick around as ghosts all the time! Lots of ghost brides means lots of people suffering, which also means there are lots of anti-ghost bride items in the world. Here's your ticket to expelling the Ghost Bride—the Circle of Severance."

Sam pulled out a slim٫ silver ring with two small٫ black jewels embedded in it.

"Put the ring on the ghost's left ring finger after saying this incantation: 'I vow to love you for as long as you live.' The ring will then sever the ghost's lingering attachment and send her on to the afterlife!"

"Ah, so it sets up an escape clause: 'No promises once you're dead٫'" Lilia mused.

"What a messed-up ring..." you commented. You couldn't help but feel a bit sympathetic for any previous ghosts tricked with the false promise.

"Hey, I'm just the supplier. You imps are the ones with the demand٫" he playfully ruffled your hair again.

"But this begs the question of how we're supposed to get that ring on the ghost's finger٫" Vil inquired.

"Couldn't we simply give it to her as a gift? As a token of our heartfelt regard, perhaps٫" Rook wondered.

"It would only frighten her if a man she didn't know waltzed up and gifted her a ring—and with good reason٫" his housewarden chided٫ "Not to mention trying to put it on her left ring finger. No woman alive OR dead would permit that."

"Her soon-to-be hubby Idia could probably get away with it, but he's already being held captive٫" Cater bemoaned.

"Then we must become worthy of bestowing a ring upon her٫" Azul thought aloud.

"And how would we do that?" Deuce asked from where he stood at your side.

"By becoming her fiancé٫" the mer answered. Oh٫ this was gonna be good.

Azul continued٫ "After all, a fiancé would be expected to place an engagement ring on his bride's finger."

"But the bride's already picked Idia٫" Ace reminded٫ standing on your other side٫ "She's not exactly taking applications."

"Ah! You're suggesting someone steal her affections٫" Lilia joyfully noted٫ "Khee hee hee. Stealing a bride sounds delightfully dramatic and intriguing."

"Ask for the Ghost Bride's hand. Put the ring on her finger. Retrieve Shroud. I dub this scheme: Operation Proposal! We've established our mission٫" the Headmage announced٫ "Now, who will most likely ensure its success?...Ah, but of course. ___, l ask that you gather the following students..."

Why were you always stuck being his errand runner...

❥

After gathering his list of people٫ he had you stand with them just outside the school store.

"Time for roll call!" Crowley excitedly proclaimed. He was having way too much fun with this.

"Trey Clover. Jack Howl. Jade Leech. Floyd Leech. Kingscholar. Schoenheit. Zigvolt. And ___."

"Those ghosts were chasing me everywhere. So this is where you all escaped to٫" Trey observed.

"I'm quite relieved we could meet up with you٫" Jade cooed٫ lifting your chin while simultaneously bending down to meet your height halfway. Bastard...

"Headmage, may I ask what you want with the eight of us?" Vil inquired٫ pulling you away from Jade by your shoulder.

"I want you to ask for the Ghost Bride's hand in marriage٫" the Headmage simply stated.

"Scuse me?! Just what are you on about?!" Jack demanded in shock.

"Pardon me٫" Riddle cut in٫ "It would be a dereliction of my duty to dispatch my vice housewarden and my—ahem! And an honorary member of my dorm while I sit on the sidelines. Allow me to join them in ___'s stead, Headmage!"

"Unfortunately I can't, Rosehearts٫" Crowley apologized.

"Whyever not?" Riddle questioned.

"You must ask what the majority students have in common. The answer is simple...THEY'RE ALL OVER 180 CENTIMETERS TALL."

You looked between yourself and the rest of the group. You were definitely not over 180 centimeters tall.

Riddle was silent for a moment before once again speaking٫ "Are...Are you calling me SHORT?!"

"Oh man, you can't reach the 'You must be this tall' sign?"Floyd teased٫ "Wanna stand on my tailin? Might give you some extra height."

"Not in the least٫" the redhead denied. "She's choosing a husband based on height? So she'd prefer a slippery scoundrel like Floyd because he happens to be tall? That's ridiculous."

"Now, now, Riddle. Everyone has their quirks٫" Trey tried to soothe

"Yes, I know, there's no accounting for taste."

"That's the spirit!" Floyd added٫ "Besides, bein' small's got its own charm... Wait. Where's Goldfishie? Did he just disappear?"

"What are you talking about, Floyd? I'm right—"

"Oh, THERE you are! I couldn't see you from up here!"

While Riddle had audibly showed his outrage at the eel's attempt at a joke٫ Leona took the opportunity to interrogate Crowley on a topic bugging him.

"Hey٫ Headmage. ___ doesn't reach the height limit either٫ so why're they here."

"Simple! The Ghost Bride has spent years searching for her perfect companion. She'll most likely be unwilling to compromise. However٫ if all else fails٫ she might just see our beloved prefect's adorable charm and change her mind!"

"That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard٫" Vil deadpanned.

"As much as I applaud your dedication, Rosehearts, I must ask you defer this job to ensure a successful operation."

"Doesn't Malleus also meet the height requirement? Why have you not called him?"

"It is true Malleus is a literal prince. Were he to propose, I'm sure she would welcome him with open arms٫" Lilia granted with a sigh٫ "But it wouldn't do for Briar Valley's heir apparent to propose to a random ghost, even if—nay, ESPECIALLY IF—that proposal is a lie. Simply proposing could set off an international incident. In addition٫ Malleus seems to have already found his darling and would be VERY unwilling to propose to anyone else. Sebek's offering his services in Malleus's stead."

"I could ask for no greater honor than to act on our lord's behalf!" Sebek٫ rather loudly٫ admitted.

"Hmph. 'Open arms'? Whatever. You got no clue if she'd choose Malleus٫" Leona mocked.

"Heh. Malleus possesses a singular beauty. If he were here, he'd be selected as a matter of course!" Sebek smugly praised٫ "THE REST OF YOU ARE BUT SPECKS OF DUST ON HIS IMMACULATE BOOTS!"

"Hah. What a mouth٫" the lion grumbled in annoyance.

"Please. You're all a bunch of unwashed, overripened vegetables٫" Vil moved you behind him٫ seemingly to indicate you weren't among those "vegetables".

"Who needs Malleus when I'm on the job?" Leona pridefully stated.

"It might be an impossible task for most, but for me?" Vil listlessly bragged.

"Operation Proposal is as good as done٫" They both pridefully proclaimed.

"Marvelous! It's wonderful to see two housewardens so eager to step up٫" Crowley applauded.

"I'll put up the surveillance feeds so that the rest of us can monitor your progress٫" Ortho contributed.

"I'm positively certain she'll choose Vil! You couldn't find a fairer groom if you tried٫" Rook praised٫ "Wouldn't you agree, Epel?"

"Huh? Oh, uhh...If I had to propose to a lady all fancy-like and spout a buncha sappy lines, I'd cringe so hard my soul'd leave my body..." Epel mumbled below his breath before adding٫ "But I'm sure Vil can pull it off!"

"I heard all of that, you know٫" Vil reprimanded.

"We'll make sure to catch every moment of your shining beauty, Vil!"

Jack leaned down to your ear and instructed٫ "Just stay behind the rest of us٫ just in case."

You nodded

❥

"To think that EIGHT suitors would show up at once..." The ghost guard openly ogled.

"I know am the right prince for your princess. Do not accept any paltry substitutes٫" Vil confidently deduced.

"'Prince'?!" Jack gaped٫ and you almost did the same.

Vil seemed to either not notice or care enough to at both of your obvious shock٫ continuing to effortlessly charm the guard.

"I know she'd end up falling head-over-heels for me. Come on, be a good sport and let me meet her, would you?"

"Who are you and what have you done with Vil?" You overhead Leona grumble.

"I'm not just a model, remember. I'm also a professional actor٫" the blonde reminded٫ "I keep tons of acts in my back pocket for a rainy day. She wants a prince, doesn't she? A professional always delivers."

"You don't even know if you like her, Vil. Yet you're still gonna lead her on?" Jack questioned before chiding٫ "You should take love more seriously, if ya ask me."

"Aww, would you look at that. A talking sea urchin!" Floyd٫ once again٫ started to tease.

"All I'm saying is this is basically a scam, and that ain't cool...y'know?"

Jack really was one of the sweetest here٫ even if he had the same creepy issues. Still better to deal with than the others though...

"Jack, buddy. You're looking at this all wrong٫" Vil stepped in.

"'Buddy'?!" Jack exclaimed in bewilder.

Vil started to explain٫ "This is a competition, to see who among us can charm the bride. And I NEVER hold back in a competition. Simple as that."

"Ugh. You know, I'd take the regular you over this slimeball٫" Leona groaned.

"What's wrong, Leona? Scared you're gonna lose?" Vil taunted.

"You think I'm scared?" Leona glared before shouting٫ "Hey! Ghostie! I came all this way to see the lady, so get a move on and bring her out here."

"How dare you refer to Her Highness with such flagrant disrespect! You're all random strangers, as far as I'm concerned. We've no reason to trust you. So if you truly want to see Her Highness...You'll have to prove your strength!"

And he pissed off the medieval ghost bouncer. Great...

You could only watch on the sidelines during their scuffle. Honestly٫ you were kinda rooting for the ghost to win. Sadly٫ he did not.

"Goodness me, you're much better than I expected. I can see your suit is serious.I permit you an audience with the princess. You may pass!"

Was that seriously all it took to impress this guy—ghost—Ugh! Whatever he was! Standards are so low here...Well٫ besides the Ghost Bride's. Anyways٫ the ghost guard let you all in. When you got to her٫ the group seemed to be hiding you behind them all٫ as if they didn't want you to be seen as an option.

"Are you the ones who seek my hand?"

You peered between the others to see a young lady in a wedding dress with hauntingly beautiful features٫ yet each of those features were blue! From her hair٫ to her skin٫ and even her eyes; each were different shades of the same color.

"There she is! So that's the Ghost Bride who nabbed Idia٫" you heard Jack murmur.

"I appreciate you coming all this way, but I'm afraid I have to apologize. You see, there's this lovely man named Idia, and we've already promised ourselves to each other. I can just feel in my heart that he's my one true darling. He's tall, with an air of nonchalance...His skin is luminous, his lidded eyes dignified. Oh, and he has the most charming smile that he reserves just for me. His hair is so vibrant it burns! And he's got the loveliest lips, which are a color l've never seen before. He's positively dashing. Perfect in every way!" She excitedly rambled. Were you thinking of the same person?

"Weirdly, I can't say that description DOESN'T match Idia٫" Trey nervously chuckled.

"Your attentions flatter me, but compared to my darling Idia, you're—"

"Obviously superior!" Leona and Vil abruptly cut in.

"Looks like they've lost sight of our objective٫" Jade observed in amusement next to you.

"Oh well, if you INSIST٫" the bride-to-be sighed. "Fine, I suppose I can see if any of you are truthfully my fated darling. Let's start with you—the rugged one with the cute ears."

"You're talkin' to me, right?" Leona asked٫ stepping up from the group before starting to introduce himself٫ "Okay, yeah, hey. I'm Leona Kingscholar."

You noticed him throw back a quick glance at you as he went on to say٫ "Go ahead and test me. I'm your guy, guaranteed.""

"Ahem...٫" the ghost bride began٫ "~Would you believe how long I've waited?~"

"…Huh?"

"~I've waited for so very long!~"

"Bwha?"

"~For a glimpse of that tender smile...From youuuuuu!~"

"I am so lost."

The ghost bride remained silent٫ waiting for something.

"Why's she burstin' into song? Is choosing one of us too much for her?"

"YOU'RE OUT!"

A loud smack sounded throughout the whole cafeteria.

"OWW!"

You had to bite down hard on your bottom lip to not burst out into laughter from just the bewildered look on Leona's fave alone. Words could not describe how long you've been wanting to do that. This ghost girl was now your new biggest idol.

"Why did the ghost suddenly slap him?!" Sebek loudly gaped.

"Unbelievable. A princess was singing right in front of you, and you wouldn't even join her for a duet! You're no prince at all!"

"Eesh, and Leona's the only actual prince in our group...٫" Jack thought to himself in a hushed tone.

"Next! You there, with the pretty blond hair٫" she demanded.

"Hey there. The name's Vil Schoenheit٫" the blonde introduce himself٫ taking a few steps towards the phantom.

"All righty... Ahem! ~Would you believe how long I've waited?~"

"~Waiting for me all this time!~"

"~I've waited for so very long!~"

"~My feelings won't steer me wrong!~"

"~For a glimpse of that tender smile...~"

"~From youuuuuu~"

The two dueted٫ harmonizing on the last line. Okay٫ even you had to admit that was pretty smooth.

"Is he actually SINGING ALONG with some random ghost tune none of us have heard before?" Sebek once again shouted in disbelief.

"And harmonizing perfectly, I might add٫" contributed Jade٫ who was now examining a lock of your hair. You swatted at him and took a step away. Better safe than sorry; who knows what he'd do if he got a good piece of your DNA...

"I could serenade you forever. That's the least I could do for someone whose love

I seek٫" Vil promised٫ not-so-secretly glancing at you while the ghost bride wasn't looking. Hasn't he ever heard the phrase٫ "Keep your eyes on the target"?

"How very charming! Now, what's your dog's name?"

"Why are you asking about dogs? For one thing, I live in a dorm. Of course I don't have a dog—"

"YOU'RE OUT!" The bride announced with another loud smack to the cheek.

"OWW!"

Damn٫ he should've just said Jack. Or even better٫ Rook or Epel. Heh.

"I don't believe this! Have you ANY inkling how valuable my face is?!" Vil nearly shrieked.

"Ah, there's the Vil we know٫" Jack pointed out.

"Anybody'd break character if they got turbo-slapped like that٫" Floyd grinned.

"You're no prince in MY book if you don't have a big dog who'll come running when you whistle for help."

You were starting to like this ghost girl more and more. Maybe it wouldn't be all to bad if she actually picked you or something. Better than being around these jerks.

"She's got a very narrow view of what princes are. Leona? Vil? You two okay?" Trey nervously asked.

The two of them were still frozen in place٫ dumbfounded expressions on their faces.

"What's wrong? You're both freezing up. Did she slap you that hard?" Trey asked again.

"I CAN'T MOVE!" They both shouted in unison.

"What?!"

"It's like I'm bound from head to toe. Can't even flex my fingers٫" Leona explained.

Vil added after٫ "I can't use magic either. What is happening?!"

"I've been searching for my perfect prince for 500 years. Yet you dare to march in here and claim to be him when you're so clearly not? You deserve an extensive lesson on the pitfalls of toying with a fair maid's heart. I'd say the same amount of time I've spent waiting should suffice."

"500 years?!" Sebek repeated in bewilderment.

"I've never heard of a ghost who could paralyze humans with a slap. Her power is apparently just as exorbitant as her obsession٫" Jade thought aloud.

Update٫ she is your new favorite person in general. You wondered if she could teach you that trick...

"You've got a lot of nerve turnin' me down over some nonsense!" Leona growled.

"How dare you rebuff my advances! You need to get over yourself٫" Vil rebuked.

"I'm not a fan of lying, but...If two of our housewardens couldn't make the cut, we've gotta seriously step up٫" Jack pointed out.

"Next—you there. The strapping young man with the big white ears."

The wolf hesitantly went forward before giving a nervous introduction.

"...Name's Jack Howl."

"How's your skill with a sword? What's the biggest monster you've slain? Do you have a legendary sword that's been passed down for generations?"

"A sword? What good's a glorified metal stick when I can just punch—"

"YOU'RE OUT."

Smack!

"HEY, THAT HURT!"

"You can't rescue a princess from monsters without a legendary sword. You're no prince! Next! You, the sharp-eyed, handsome one."

Sebek stepped forward next.

"I AM SEBEK ZIGVOLT!"

"What instruments do you play? The piano? Flute, perhaps?"

"You wish to know about musical talents? I'm so glad you asked, Ghost! Let me tell you about my lord. His proficiency with stringed instruments is RENOWNED His violin melodies are hauntingly beautiful...I once heard him on the cello, and his playing had such depth it shook me to my core! His music is every bit as mystical as himself—"

"YOU'RE OUT."

Smack!

"PARDON?! You're quite ill-mannered. I hadn't even finished speaking!"

"You know what's ill-mannered? Bringing up a totally unrelated person during a romantic interlude! You're hardly prince material. Next! The one with the fetching spectacles."

Trey walked forward. The tweels moved to block any possible view the ghost bride could get of you.

"I'm Trey Clover. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Highness."

"...I can't do this! I'm sorry, but we shouldn't see each other anymore. Farewell!"

She began to rush away.

"She just...took off?" Trey watched in disbelief٫ "... Am I supposed to give chase?"

"Prolly٫" Floyd shrugged.

"All right, well...No! Please, wait!" Trey feigned begging٫ follow in after the girl.

"Didn't I just say we couldn't see each other? Please, don't spare me a second thought!" She theatrically sobbed.

In your opinion٫ these seemed like the most normal test she's done so far. Actually٫ it looked like most romantic dramas from your world.

"Looks like chasing was the right call٫" Trey thought to himself before wondering aloud٫ "What should I do next, though?"

"Trey, you're supposed to sing a song٫" Jade helped.

"A song? Right now?!" Trey gaped in disbelief.

"That's right. You need to establish a romantic mood with a touching melody that tickles her fancy٫" the eel elaborated.

"I'm not exactly the best singer, but...Here goes٫" he admitted and cleared his throat.

"Uhhh...Your...~Your...~"

"Yes? My what?"

"Your...veil is...As bright as a freshly-bleached dishtowel...And your eyes, they're, um, like grapes...~You're. so lively!~"

Oh٫ Absolutely not. You took the ghost's silence as her feeling the same way.

"YOU'RE OUT."

Smack!

"Yeah, no surprises there٫" the baker pitiful smiled.

"My veil is like a DISHCLOTH? My eyes are like GRAPES? A prince would never use such utterly unromantic analogies!"

"Your similes were a tad mundane, to be fair. I'm shocked you couldn't even manage,

'Your eyes are like jewels٫'" Jade teased.

"Look, I'm just a regular student, and she totally put me on the spot. All I could think of were things I knew!" Trey defended٫ seeming to have even amused himself.

"All right, next! You there, with that disinterested look."

"This lady's been really gettin' on my nerves. Can I squeeze her?" Floyd begged.

"YOU'RE OUT!"

Smack!

"YEOWCH!"

Damn٫ he didn't even make it to the test part.

"What did you think would happen?" Leona grumbled.

"Next is...you. The handsome fellow with a pleasant smile."

"Jade Leech, at your service. Do be gentle with me٫" he joked٫ taking a few step forward from where he stood in front of you.

"Jade, you're the last one in the game! It's all riding on you!" Jack pointed out. Wow٫ he didn't even count you as a possibility. Well٫ either that or he just didn't want to think about said possibility.

"Would you accept a gift to commemorate our meeting?"

Jade offered the bride a flower. Where did he even get that? Actually٫ where was he even hiding that?

"My, what a lovely flower. Is it for me?"

"But of course, Your Highness. Handpicked by yours truly. I saw it and thought of you."

"He brought her a present?!" Sebek exclaimed in shock.

‏ "Why, how thoughtful! I'm positively thrilled.

Goodness, I believe my heart's all aflutter٫" she joyfully giggled.

"Is this actually working?" Trey wondered٫ seemingly amused.

"Pfft, whatever, Jade. Isn't that the same flower you dug up in the mountains? The uberpoisonous one? You're just dumpin' it on her 'cuz you can't plant it anywhere else٫" Floyd exposed.

"Correct. It's a highly toxic flower that would ruin any other plants it was planted near٫" Jade confirmed. "Normally a person's hand would break out if they so much as touched it, but it doesn't seem to have an effect on ghosts. I've learned something new today."

"ARE YOU MAD?!"

Smack!

"That hurt, Your Highness!"

Deserved! You wished you could've slapped that sadistic eel yourself!

"He might've succeeded but for Floyd's big mouth٫" Vil commented.

"Look, I just didn't like the idea of him sittin' pretty while I'm stuck in slapsville٫" Floyd complained.

"Ugh, then it's a total defeat٫" Jack groaned.

"Come on٫ ___ still has a shot٫" Trey reminded.

"And last we have—"

The ghost bride cut herself off with a gasp at the sight of you and rushed over to where you stood.

"Aren't you just the cutest thing ever! I could just eat you up!" She cooed٫ squishing your cheeks.

"Hey! Hands of Shrimpy!" Floyd fussed. The others' expressions seemed to silently agree.

"'Shrimpy?!'" The bride repeated٫ obviously taken aback. "What a crude nickname for such an adorable sweetie! What rude louts you are. Not a one anywhere near prince material!"

She cradled your cheeks and went back to cooing at you like you were some child. "How could anyone let such a sweet thing like you stay at a place with so many terribly ill-mannered ruffians like this?"

"We're right here!" Leona called out as a reminder.

"Oh hush٫ you!" She scolded٫ only to go back to babying you. "Well٫ I've always wanted a baby sibling! And how could I leave just the cutest sweetheart surrounded by such hooligans?"

"Still right here٫" Vil repeated. The ghost ignored him.

Wait٫ what exactly was she implying?

"Y—Your Majesty—٫" you started٫ but was soon cut off.

"No need for such formalities anymore. Please٫ call me 'Eliza'. No! Even better٫ call me 'Big Sis'!"

"What?!" They boys all shouted in disbelief.

Eliza had clasped your hands in hers٫ her eyes practically sparkling as she dreamily watched you.

"Oh٫ what a wonderful day! I finally get to marry my true darling AND I get a baby sibling!"

"Eli—Big Sis...٫" you corrected yourself٫ eliciting a squeal from her. You nervously asked٫ "Wh—what exactly do you plan to do with me as your baby sibling...?"

"Well٫ you'll come to the afterlife with me and my darling Idia!"

"E-Excuse me?—" Hold on! You were only joking earlier about the ghost bride taking you back with her!

The others also seemed to be strongly against that idea٫ all loudly announcing their distaste. Eliza must've been shutting them out٫ though٫ since she wasn't reacting to their complaints at all.

"We're going to have so much fun for the rest of eternity together! Wait—How rude of me! What your name٫ Sweetheart?"

"___...," you nervously answered٫ feeling unable to opposed her.

"What an adorable name! Nana! Grampy! Please help get Sweet ___ ready for the ceremony. They'll be playing a very special role٫ too!"

"Of course٫ Princess Eliza."

You quickly turned your head around to see two incredibly frail ghosts behind you. When did they get there?! They then began to lead you away at Eliza's request. No matter how far you were led٫ you could still hear the group's protests against you going to the afterlife as well.

𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔: