"OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!"
A collar appears around Grim's neck, locking it tightly. I gasped at Riddle's action. Though Grim was annoyingly obnoxious, I certainly do not believe that he should be locked up like that!
"Hey, get that—" I was stopped when Dire Crowley placed a hand on my shoulder. That's something that told me I shouldn't intervene.
But just watching that made me mad. Why couldn't we just kick him out of the window or something? Sure, he set a fire threat around the ceremony, but still. He could've done way worse.
'Fire wasn't even that huge anyway."
Riddle continues to speak: his tone held a sense of authority, clearly displeased by Grim's actions. Riddle lowered down his pen-red stom magic thingy and cleared his throat.
"The Queen of Hearts'd Rule 23: 'One must never bring a cat to a formal affair.'"
He glanced at me. Clearly that rule was also dedicated to me.
However, when he mentioned "Queen of Hearts," my eyebrow raised on its own. I've heard about the Queen of Hearts, but why is he mentioning her so suddenly? Come to think of it—the collar's design around Grim's neck—it's in a shape of a heart. The colors of black and red were also used in the Queen of Hearts palette.
'Maybe his ability is based off of her?'
"Off with your head" is a famous quote she'd say. So, maybe I'm correct.
Riddle's eyes narrowed, "Your very presence here is a violation of order. You will vacate these premises immediately."
Grim growled, "But I ain't a cat either!" He yelled back.
"Don't you try's collar me! I'll burn it right off!"
As his lips puckered up, I instinctively held my arm up, expecting another flame-party to happen.
"..huh? Wh-what gives?!"
I blinked.
"My fire ain't workin'!" Grim eyes widen. A bead of sweat dripped down from his furry cheek looking at his paws in confusion.
Riddle smirked, seemingly to find joy in Grim's distraught, "Until I deign to remove that collar, you won't be using any magic. You're naught but a pet cat now."
I glanced at Grim, then up at Dire Crowley. He had a thoughtful expression on his face. He didn't intervene or interrupt—just stood there silently allowing this to happen. I gulped.
"Is t-this allowed?" I asked quietly. Fire Crowley didn't respond. Maybe that was a yes.
Grim's eyebrows furrowed. His paws lifted up as he roared with frustration. "M-meoWHAT?! I ain't nobody's pet-NOTHING!"
Riddle lets out a soft "tch."
"Oh, you've nothing to worry about there. I certainly have no interest in having you as a pet." He coldly stated. "The collar will disappear once you're removed from campus."
Removed from campus. On the first day as well. I mean, technically Grim isn't a student here, but still. This is his first impression and he's already getting kicked out for causing a fire hazard.
Azul clapped lightly, smiling as his voice bravos. "Ha-HA! Good show as always, Riddke. Your signature spell locks down any magic. It's quite hand."
I can feel my ear twitched. I blinked in surprise. That collar can spell lock down any magic? That's truly an interesting ability for just a collar. And here I thought that it was a sudden jail break. Now it makes more sense why Grim couldn't get any flames out.
"I've just GOT to have it—ah, I mean, I've just got to have respect for it." Azul corrected himself but I've caught on what he said. He isn't lying though.
Then suddenly, Dire Crowley flipped me around, causing me to face him. I jumped back a bit when his face got into my face. His tone now suddenly became loud and furious.
"Young Cyguns! Was I not clear that you are expected to take responsibility for your familiar?"
What?!
"Now discipline your—" I immediately cut him off before anything came out of that mouth of his.
"I told you that I don't know who he is! Was I not clear enough?" I didn't hold back my frustration towards him. I've told him multiple times that I do not know Grim like that! Being yelled at for something that you've already explained just makes my blood boil.
Dire Crowley stood quiet a bit. He placed a finger on his chin. "Oh…is that so?"
He cleared his throat. His fingertips quickly tapped my head.
"Then I shall have it expelled from campus. I shall even spare it from being served as dinner."
'Why was that even a thing in the first place?!'
"My, but I AM kind."
Dire Crowley applauded himself more than anyone in this room. I find it assuming how he can lift himself up without anyone else's clap of hands.
"…someone take this away, please."
Grim yelled. "Nooo! Let me goooo!"
"You fools better remember my name!"
"Cause I'm gonna go down in the annals of magic history! Just you wait!"
As Grim gets dragged out of the ceremony, I couldn't but feel bad for the guy. I would've gave up my seat to him if I had the chance. It seemed like he really wanted to get into this school before this even happened. Poor weasel.
Dire Crowley patted my shoulder. "Well, that was quite the unexpected fracas. I hereby declare that orientation has concluded."
"Housewardens, please escort your students back to the dorms!" Dire Crowley commands.
He lets out a soft hum. "Come to think of it, I don't see Housewarden Draconia of House Diasomnia."
Diasomnia? What were these names? Are they based off mythical creatures or something?
The boy with lion ears spoke, "and that surprises you? Dude's a total recluse."
Does this guy hate everyone? He's been in a mood before I even got here. The boy with red eyes blinked.
"Wait a sec—did anyone even invite him?"
The handsome boy spoke softly, "if you're that worried about missing out, maybe you should have told him yourself."
That sounds..a bit rude? To me, it did.
"Maybe, but I don't know him too well either…" the boy with red eyes said.
I raised my eyebrow. I couldn't stop myself from speaking.
"But he's still a HouseWarden, no?" I asked, "just because you don't know him to well, that doesn't necessarily mean to forget on purpose or simply not invite him."
The handsome boy chuckled. His chuckle held a sense of humorous mockery, staring at me as if I said something funny.
"Oh, you don't know anything, my dear." He cooed.
I heard whispered amongst students. I truly don't understand why one mention of this guy sparked up tension that even students appeared to be fearful.
"Draconia…like, Malleus Draconia? THAT Draconia?"
"So it's true? He really does go to school here?"
"Yikes…"
I could only stand there in confused. Azul bent down to me. I jumped a little bit not noticing that he had been right beside me all this time.
"Such a fascinating reaction response." Azul smiled softly. His eyes scanned me, probably because I wasn't in the correct form wear.
"I'm intrigued by what you hold in that…unquestionable power of yours."
"Uhm, thanks?" So this place was power-hungry. Got it.
My attention shifted when a boy appeared. His eyes widened a bit.
"Ah, just as I'd expected. I figured I'd come down and see for myself whether Malleus had made an appearance."
His voice is so deep?! This wasn't a kid?! He sounds way older than everyone else here…
"But once again, he was evidently not informed that his presence was required at an official ceremony."
Poor guy.
Azul sat up, his face morphing into a saddened expression by the lack of Malleus appearance.
"You have my sincerest apologies. I assure you, this oversight was in no way intended as a snub."
"I mean, you must admit, he's not exactly the easiest person to strike up a conversation with." Riddle added.
Is that why nobody invited him? Still, doesn't sound like a valid reason. A whole table managed to get invited for this ceremony.
The boy with the deep voice sighed, shaking his head. "No matter. All who were assigned to House Diasomnia, follow me."
The students followed the boy, expressions of puzzled faces slapped across each face. I heard the boy muttering something but I couldn't make out what he said.
"What an absolute pain.." the boy with lion ears muttered.
Each HouseWarden left, only leaving me and Dire Crowley alone. That Azul guy managed to get underneath my skin without doing too much…the way he acted, it tells me that I should be careful around him.
Actually, I should be careful around everyone here. Maybe the red-eyed boy wasn't too bad though. I just hope that neither that handsome boy isn't too bad…
I flinched at Dire Crowley bending over to match my height. "Well, Young Cygnus….This is a most unfortunate turn of events."
I couldn't hope for the best or worst. I'm probably won't be able to get a dorm, so there's a high chance I probably won't enroll into the program.
"I'm afraid I truly don't know what I'm supposed to do."
!
I blinked at Dire Crowley. He straightened up his posture, placing his finger on his chin trying to think what my fate lies. I looked back at the Dark Mirror, whose face still appeared, green flames flowing behind it. I looked back up at Crowley.
"I'm c-confused," I stammered, "so does that mean I'm not accepted?"
Dire Crowley simply shrugged his shoulders. He placing his hands on his hips. "That's what it gets tricky. Surely, I would admit a student, such as yourself, to attend on Night Raven College. You have a magical ability and everything…
…but a magical ability that not even the Dark Mirror could question? Not even allowing you a dorm? I'm simply bestowed!"
Dire Crowley began to soften his voice, "such unquestional power leaves too much advantages."
"Advantages? What advantages?" Surely, he couldn't mean that he only wanted me to stay just for a reason he wanted?
Dire Crowley cleared his throat. "Oh, nothing, my dearest. As for my kindness, I'll do anything in my power to figure out your situation!"
It's not like I had a problem. I did not wanna even enroll here anyway. I woke up in a coffin, supposedly dragged here against my will, and he wanted me to stay here? Yeah, no thanks.
"Is there any way I could go home?"
That question left him off guard. He cleared his throat. "And why's that?"
Though having a unquestionable magic ability sounds thrilling, my brain's just listing all of the possibilities that can occur because of that. I could get exploited, used, or so much worse…I wouldn't want to risk it.
"..I just think I'm not fit in a place where I'm not even welcomed." I try to explain how I'm feeling about this. I'm not really good at expressing or talking.
"I don't know how to put in words, but I do believe that me not attending here is for my own safety." I avoided eye-contact. "I'm sorry, m-mister, but I don't think I'll be welcomed or safe here."
There's no reason why it should be this quiet. My heart beat is bumping at the lack of Dire Crowley's words. Did he think I was thinking I'm too above everyone? Hopefully not. I do not think I'm worthy than most here. I don't know myself how much power I possess.
"…very well, then."
I blinked. Dire Crowley clapped his hands, swiftly turning his body towards the dark mirror.
"It's your choice, my dear. I simply cannot force you into attending this amazing, historic, heavenly magical school.."
I can only stare at him with disbelief.
He cleared his throat. "The Dark Mirror will see you safely home."
He motioned his hands over to the gate that appeared right in front the mirror. I do not like being close to this thing.
"Now, visualize the place from whence you came." He added. I can only sigh in relief. This was certainly much.
Dire Crowley's voice boomed, echoing in the quiet room.
"O Dark Mirror! Return this soul to where it belongs!"
...…
…
Dire Crowley cleared his throat.
"L-let us…er….try this again."
He straightened up his posture, attempting to send me home once more.
"O Dark Mirror! Return this soul—"
The Dark Mirror interrupted
"There is no such place."
The Dark Mirrior's sudden change of voice caused a shiver down my spine. I could only stand there. Each of my hairs on my body tensed up, Dire Crowley's mouth agape.
"There is no place in this world where this soul belongs."
"None."
Dire Crowley grunted. He's equally surprised.
"How can that be?" He questioned, "My, but today is a veritable cavalcade of impossible phenomena!"
"This has never happened throughout my long tenure. I must confess that I am something of a loss."
He leads in next to me, "tell me: From what land do you hail?"
…
…
"..I-I'm not sure." I said. Honestly, I couldn't remember where the hell I've came from? Where did I come from? There has to be something in my brain. Dire Crowley could only look at me. A strange expression morphed.
I feel like he's even more shocked about this than me. Maybe that coffin really did mess up my memory? The only thing I can remember is that coffin. Dire Crowley groaned. It has appeared that even this was getting out of hand.
"A child such as yourself doesn't know much, huh."
He hummed. "Are you sure that you aren't LYING? Perhaps, you're just saying that to stay here in Night Raven College!"
I shook my head. "No, I-I'm lying. I really cannot recall what—"
He placed his gloved index finger on my lips, shushing me.
"I am intimately acquainted with the origins of every student who has ever come here, and yet….a student who lacks knowledge of where they originated from is quite interesting. Yes, yes. Interesting indeed."
I flinched as he placed his hand against my back.
"Let us go to the library. Maybe, if we do a little research, we'll jog that memory back in line."
That doesn't sound pleasant.
🌟
Dire Crowley was driving himself crazy. He's been scanning through each book, pointing out each place that has been mentioned, but none of them are ones I am familiar with.
Books are scattered throughout each isle. Dire Crowley crosses him arms, staring at me in defeat.
"Just as I'd suspected. Nothing." He sighed, "not only is your homeland not listed in any map from any point in history, but you truly cannot remember a shred of history of your own."
I sighed. At first, I wasn't too focused on where I came from before popping up here, but now? I am dying to know so I can go home. Each book and I couldn't recall not a single word of each location.
"The only explanation for this is that you've come from another planet.
Or perhaps you were summoned here from another dimension?"
THUMP!
My heart rate started to pound against my chest fast. When Dire Crowley mentioned about a different universe, the whole world shifted on its own. Now that felt familiar. I did remember a dream…well, I believed it was a dream, about me traveling inside of this black, weird shaped hole that was endless with no light.
"Another dimension?" I asked, turning my head to one of the books next to my foot.
"Show me everything you brought with you. Do you have some form of identification, a drivers license perphas, or even…a shoe? You do seem a tad bit…empty handed?"
I whipped my head at me. "Why would I ever have those things?"
"Well, this is quite the predicament."
Dire Crowley hummed. He tried thinking of something, I know it.
"Ah!"
"There's a vacant building on this campus. It was, in fact, used as a form a long time ago with a proper cleaning. It should be habitable enough."
He placed his hand on my head like he's vowing or something.
"Out of the profound kindness of my heart, I will allow you to live there for the time being."
"In the meantime, we will investigate other ways to send you home."
Or you can leave me alone and I'll find a way myself.
Dire Crowley couldn't help but moan in such a way that I didn't wanna explain. He does that when he's complimenting himself for his "generosity."
"Dear me, but I am a gracious man indeed!"
Told you.
"A model educator, one might say."
No one said that.
He huffed.
"Well then, I shall take you to your dorm straight away. It is an older building but it has plenty of…character, one might say."
⭐️
As we walked out of the campus, my skin spiked up due to the cold. My shredded clothes weren't helping either. I wrapped my arms around myself, shivering as the cold hits my skin like a patch of icicles. Why didn't the coffin provide me with those robes? I would've been so much cozier if I had them!
Dire Crowley suddenly stopped, making me halt in response. I peeked behind him noticing a black gate and to what I assume to be a abandoned house. I only raised my eyebrow in confused. He wanted me to live in that?
"Uhm.."
Dire Crowley hummed, "Isn't it delightful?" His hand motioned me inside of the gate all the way up to the abandoned house.
"Right, scoot inside now,, there you go."
I sighed. I might as well just accept my fate and waltz in. Dire Crowley walked inside besides me, humming a soft melody as his feet tapped in rhythm. Why was he so jolly? I don't know. I just hope that he'll leave.
"Oh, okay."
As we walked in, the first thing I was faced with is debris, dust and numerous things scattered around this place. This room is supposed to be the lounge… hopefully, the path to the upstairs is probably better than down here, right?
"This should keep the elements at bay for the time being." Dire Crowley added. "Now, I should return to my research. Do try to find some way to busy yourself."
He quickly bent down to me, waving his finger, "but don't let me catch that thing wandering the campus!"
He patted my head. "Ta!"
I can guarantee that I will meet a bunch of weirdos such as him in this school. I sighed and shook my head. I heard the door close, which meant that I was finally alone in peace.
Well, not really in peace. This whole place is a mess. Where's my "unquestionable" power when I need it? I would've easily cleaned up this room.
"Not one clean spot to sit.." I heard soft noises coming from outside. I walked over to the dirty curtains, pushing one of them to the side.
"It's pouring already…" I gazed at the droplets from the gray skies before turning back to the center of the room.
"GWAH! It's pouring out there!"
Oh you've got to be joking.
"Well, hello, little fire-ball." I greeted Grim.
Grim flashes a wide, sharp grin as his paws extended.
"Bwahaha! That look on your face is priceless! Like a bat that got blasted by a water gun!"
"I would say the same thing about you." I chuckled softly. Grim's fur is so drenched that I could've mistakenly take him as a hairless cat!
"Keep talking, but just wait until you see me sneaking back onto campus the second I escape pryin' eyes. You all got no idea what I'm—"
I grabbed Grim by the back of his neck.
"Yeah, yeah. Listen, I had a long day as well and if you wanna stay here then it'd be nice if you keep quiet."
I hovered him over the door. "Or…"
"Hey! No! Bad human! BAD HUMAN!" Grim wiggled inside of grip, "Ain't you gonna ask what I'm doin' here? That's what you people do, right? Talk about feelings?!"
I chuckled lightly. I mostly did that just to spike his adrenaline. I let go of his collar, watching him float lazily in the air as he crossed his arms.
"Just what kinda human are ya, anyway? It wouldn't kill ya to listen to me!"
"Right?!"
"RIGHT?!"
I stared blankly at me. I sighed, "why are you so determined to get into this school anyway?" I asked, genuinely curious behind his actions.
He blinked. "Isn't it obvious?"
He flashed a sharp grin. He stuck up with this confident act that I couldn't help but feel pity for him.
"I was born to do this! I'm a magical prodigy who's got the makin's to become one of the greatest mages who ever live!"
"Huh." I listened carefully to each word he spoke.
"So I've been waitin' and waitin' for that black carriage to come for me."
'Black carriage? The same one Dire Crowley asked me about?'
Grim's demeanor shifted. His head began to droop and his voice became softer.
"And yet…"
There was a moment of silence. My eyebrows furrowed, concerned about what Grim is trying to imply.
"…Hmph! That Dark Mirror's got no eye for talent!"
He says, his demeanor shifting ever so quickly that I didn't even notice.
"That's why I took the initiative and came here myself!"
He snickered. "You humans don't understand what a mistake you're makin'! Not lettin' me in is a great loss to the world!"
I sure nobody would care.
My thoughts were interrupted as soon as I felt a wet droplet fell on my head. I lift my head upwards, noticing that there's another hole in the roof.
Grim shrieks, "Bwah! Another hole in the roof!" He protected his blue-flame ears. "These flamin' ears are like my trademark, y'know? I can't let 'em get doused!"
Well, my own hair is also my trademark, but you don't see me complaining.
"Good luck. The celling's riddled with holes."
"I dunno why ya don't just magic those holes away, you could have it fixed in half a jiff."
…
"You do have magic, don't ya? C'mon! Seal those holes away!"
Oh, Grim. If only you knew that I don't even know how to use my magic.
"..I'm not sure how to." I answered truthfully. I truly did not know how to perform a spell to seal the holes.
Grim smacked his lips in disappointment. "Man, you're useless."
My ear twitched. "Then why don't you do it?!"
Grim raised his eyebrow. Did I say something wrong? He looked like I did.
"Heh? You want ME to help YOU?" He lets out a wicked laugh. "Ha! You got the wrong idea. I'm just a stranger takin' shelter from the rain. You ain't the boss of me."
Maybe I shouldn't have felt bad for this annoying weasel!
"If ya had some cans of tuna to trade, well, that'd be another story. But I don't work for free."
I couldn't stand this. Was everyone this disrespectful around here? This people, including Grim, sure have some sort ego issues or something.
I gave up. I already had the roof problem. I'm not trying to gain another problem on my plate.
Speaking of roof problems, a huge amount of water bursts through the roof.
"Yikes, the leaks are really getting bad."
🌟
Since nobody's going to help me, I've decided to just look for buckets. I'm not familiar with this place so it might take awhile for me to locate the buckets. I didn't except to much from the hallways: they're equally as dirty from the lounge downstairs. Is there even a bedroom here? Or perhaps a bathroom?
Thump!
…This place really freaks me out.
Just as I continue to walk down the dirty hallway, three ghosts have appeared right before—
"BWAH?!!!" I screamed.
"Yee hee hee… Bwa ha ha ha ha ha.." one of the ghosts laughter was filled with mischievous intent.
"We haven't had visitors in ages!" Another ghost exclaimed.
"Oh, I'm just itchin' for new friends!" Another ghost's deep voice echoed through the hallway.
'Grim, where are you?!'
The three ghosts became visibly more clear. I quivered in my spot, too stunned to make a single sound or twitch. Grim came lazily flying over to me, yawning like he did something throughout the last four hours.
"Hey, keep it down over—"
His screams pitched noticing the ghosts in front of me.
"AAAHHHH!!! GHOSTS! GHOOOSSSTTSS!!!"
The ghosts snickers are just making me want to run away. I don't know why Grim's scared, use your powers, fatty!
"All the people who used ta live here got scared of us and ran away." Ghost B says.
"We just want a new ghost to play with! What do you say, buddy?"
I had to gulp down the excessive saliva to control my stress. "Grim, use your flames or something!…" I whisper-yelled over to the frightened Grim.
Grim only shivered in response. Calling me useless, huh?
Grim cleared his throat. He shifted his posture, puffing up his chest, "I'm a master sorcerer! I ain't afraid of any dumb ghosts!"
He gave it his all and blew his blue-flames to attack the ghosts. I covered my face with my arm, not wanting small specks to burn my face.
"Nuh-uh. Not even close." Ghost A chuckled.
My head whipped around, not sure where these voices were coming from.
"Over here! Over here! Ah ha ha ha!" Ghost C's laughter echoes.
Grim grumbled in frustration. "Ah! They keep disappearing and reappearing!" He cried out, enlightening flames again.
I clenched my teeth. "You're gonna set the whole dorm ablaze if you keep aiming with your eyes closed!"
"Shaddup!" He snapped back, "I don't need any lip from you, humanoid!"
I had to think: "what will get Grim to finally help me?"
Think…
Hm…
!
I whipped my head towards Grim, placing a hand on my heart. "Beat them, and I've got a can of tuna with your name on it!"
That seemed to get his attention.
"Myah….?! Hmph… I'm Grim, Master Sorcerer! How come I can't then hit one of these little—"
The ghosts continued to laugh at Grim's struggle.
"Hrmph! Ganging up on us… Yet a buncha cowards!"
I had to convince him more.
"M-maybe I can help?" I suggested.
Grim groaned.
"You, humanoid! You tell me which way the ghosts are!"
I nodded at his command. I turned my head left and right, noticing one of the ghosts appearing from the left.
"To your left!" I shouted at Grim.
Grim managed to spout out blue-flames, striking one of the ghosts.
"Aaaahhh! It buuurns!" The ghost screamed in agony, which only made me happier.
"Ha, got one! Keep it up, just like that…" I suppose Grim's also happy as well.
"Let's clear out the whole lot of 'em!" Grim exclaimed, his grin turning into a confident smile.
I nodded at his confidence. "Let's get 'em!"