Prologue: part 1, part 2, part 3 || The Rose-Red Tyrant: part 1, part 2, part 3
Basically this chapter:
Trey: Now add the oyster sauce!
Lia: ...
Lia: Say sike right now, otherwise you're gonna be out the window.
Sam: You really ARE a money magnet.. *seeing a perfect functional magestone with Ren*
Ren: What can I say money loves me <3
Ren: Those chicks will never hatch
Deuce: My disappointment is unmeasurable and my life is ruined.
Ren: *Gives phone to Lia*
Lia: I have a reason to continue living again.
Lia: *Seeing notebooks and sparks in Ren's eyes*
Lia: Oh boy we're in for a ride guys.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
"Finally done!" Ren exclaimed as she looked at the trio of Ace, Deuce and Grim. Grim looked between the window and the purred chestnuts as if on the verge of eating them and immediately jumping out the window and Ace and Deuce looked dejected. Needless to say, they all were thoroughly tired. Not Ren though! She got plenty of energy to spare.
"My arm's killing me..." Deuce huffed as Ren's thoughts were cut off. Trey tried cheering the trio up, "Don't look so defeated, it'll be all the sweeter for your pain."
"The smell alone already has me droolin'...", Grim's mouth watered. Still wondering how he learned to speak? She should really start to write those observations logs again. She always had fun doing that.
Glancing towards Lia, she looked like she was having fun. Granted she liked to bake. Lia grinned, "Now we add sugar and butter to the paste."
"And a sensible splash of oyster sause- that's my secret ingredient!" Trey said in completely neutral voice.
Excuse me?!
"Oyster sauce?!" Ace, Deuce and Lia gasped as Ren gave Trey a weird look. Lia started to pull the bowl of pureed chestnuts nearest to Trey towards her.
Ya Ren has to agree with Lia's action here. Get that bowl far FAR away from Trey before the adds the sauce, even if he's joking. He has to be right? No way a baker just said that.
"Yup. The umami of the oyster gives the cream a deeper, savory flavour. All the best bakers use it in their tarts." He continued as if what he said was completely normal.
"That better be a joke because there's no way bakers would that no matter where they are from!" Lia fumed, pulling the bowls even closer. "Some folks put chocolate into curry, don't they? Maybe it's the same idea." Ace tried to justify putting the sause into the pureed chestnuts. This just ended up with Lia pulling the bowl hear to Ace towards her.
Quickly looking towards Trey, he looked amused as his eyes crinkled at the corners. Like he was holding a laugh. Ah, he was lying. She gave out a small huff of amusement.
This was noticed by Trey, and when their eyes met. "Pfft... Ah ha ha ha!" He cackled out a laugh. "That was totally a lie! No one in their right mind would put oyster sauce into a pastry."
Lia sighed in relief, "Good thing it was a lie. I was about to throw you out of the kitchen if you actually added that sauce."
"What?! So you were just yankin' our chain?" Ace accused.
"Don't believe everything you hear Ace." Lia, now relaxed pushed the pureed chestnuts to Trey. "Now put the cream... Oh."
"What's wrong?"
"As I thought, you guys gathered too many chestnuts that we may have overdone it with the chestnut paste", Trey voiced a sigh.
"Ya we don't have enough cream to mix in." Hearing this Deuce remarked, "Then I'll go buy some. Do they sell it at the school store?"
"They sell pretty much everything, so probably. Can I have you pick me up a few other things?"
They ment Mr. Sam's store right? Guess it's time for Ren to buy herself and Lia new phones and other things. "I can go with you Deuce, I wanted to buy something too."
"I'm takin' a break! All that stirrin' made me dizzy!"
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
The sound of the door opening echoes through the shop. As rush hour was over, there were no customers, Sam looked towards the the entrance to see which little imps just entered the shop. It was the other worldly guest and the first year of heartslabyul.
"Hello, can I get some he- Whoa. This shop is wild. They got crystal skulls, grimoires, what animal is that?"
Ah, the surprised reaction of the first timers coming to his shop never gets old no matter how many times Sam sees it.
"Trey really meant it when he said they sell everything here."
Time to greet the little imps. "Greetings, my stray imps. How fare you today? Welcome to Mr. Sam's Mastery Shop. What among my humble selections interests you?"
"Hello Mr. Sam, Nice shop you got here!" The lady is as nice as ever, a nice change of pace. "Just buying stuff on the list. And some notebooks too please. Easy to carry ones, please." Miss Ren answered as she took out the list from her pocket to show him. Crewel did say him and Miss Ren were only two years a part. It really doesn't seem like it though.
"Cream, eggs and... Quite the sacchariferous list! ", Sam exclaimed as he took the list. "I'll get everything for you."
"Whoa... He really does stock that stuff, huh?"
With that Sam went off to gather the items on the list.
"Here you go. It's pretty heavy..." Sam came back with all the items. "Are you sure you can carry this?" Miss Ren looked towards the items and starred for a few seconds, "Na it's good. I carried heavier stuff. Gotta be careful with the eggs though."
After the payment is done, she carefully gave the bag with eggs and other light items to the first year. "Deuce, you can go back to Trey with these. I need to buy some personal items."
"Are you sure Prefect?"
She nodded and with that Deuce went on his way.
"Now how can I assist you, little imp?"
Miss Ren sighed, "So I got my hands on something rare yesterday. And since me and Li are at rock bottom, I figured I should sell it."
That peaked a bit of interest to Sam. "You mean the chandelier you little imps broke in the cafeteria yesterday? Then went to mine magestones to fix it."
"Exactly. That was intense! Got what we needed though. And for the record that thing fell down on its own! Anyways how much do magestones cost? Read they were pretty rare. Or can I not sell it?"
Sam blinked one. Then once again. She was trying to sell a magestone as if it was some regular gem. This can't be discussed out in the open, it'll be troublesome for the both of them if some of these students find this out.
"Little imp, let's discuss this in a more private place." Sam walked to the back as he showed a more private area.
Miss Ren stared for a while and soon followed Sam, "Right, walls have ears."
The two entered the room as they continued to talk. "Now about the magestone- Can I look at it?"
Miss Ren nodded as she rummaged through her pocket, soon taking out a moderate size red magestone. "Back in my world, rare gems could cost from 10000 to millions per carat depending on the gem type."
Sam stared at the magestone brimming with magic. Ren jestered him to take the stone to get a closer look. He nodded and took magestone.
"This can be sold at a comfortable price. About 40000 madols if I'm not mistaken..."
After he finished talking, he gave the magestone back as Miss Ren looked off in thought. A few minutes later she finally spoke, "I'll be honest my money management isn't that great, I'll need to bring Li into this. I'm great with numbers only. But I do need two phones. Our works fine but we can't call or use the WiFi. Do you have any?"
Now that is something Sam can provide easily. "There is nothing Mr. Sam's Mystery Shop doesn't have in stock! Just tell me the brand- right other world." Sam sighed. It's easy to forget that there were two other world humans here. "What's the budget?"
"I got 2000 madols on me right now." Wow the money double from last time, she really is a money magnet isn't she? First money flying into her hair randomly and now she got a 40000 madols worth of magestone.
"I've got the perfect phones for you!" With that Sam quickly searched for the phone."
Customer's satisfaction is top priority.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"I said, THAT AIN'T FUNNY." Deuce was having a peaceful time walking through the main street but of course the Great Sevens had other plans. The same second year from the cafeteria had to bump into him and smash the carton of eggs.
And instead of apologizing they made of the crushed eggs. "Those eggs may not have gotten to be chicks but they were gonna make some amazing tarts! Do you get it yet? DO YOU?! he shouted brashly.
"What's with this guy all of a sudden?!"
"You own me six eggs. If ya ain't gonna pay me for em, then you're gettin' a bruise for each one!"
"Is he talking crazy now!?"
"Buckle up, jerks!"
"This guy's outta his mind!" The beat up second year exclaimed as the ran away. "Next time you eat an egg you better apologise a hundred times!" Deuce angrily snarled.
A sudden voice "Wow Deuce didn't know you had an inner punk in ya!" Abruptly he turned towards the voice to see who it was as he panted. It was the prefect! "...Urk!" Then he suddenly realised what he had done. "I did it again, didn't it..? ARGH! I was dead-set on being an honor student this time, too!" Lamented as he looked down at the street.
"It's ok buddy, happens to the best of us." The prefect tried to comfort him but he sighed in defeat. "You don't understand, I was pretty wild in middle school. Fought a lot, called teachers names, hung out with bullies. I even bleached my hair.."
"A total delinquent behaviour. Didn't think you had it in you, not gonna lie." He answered.
"But one day I saw my mom talking to my grandma on the phone. She tries to hide it but I could tell she was crying. Saying how horrible mom she was and that she should have never tried raising me on her own." Deuce looked dejected as he continued, "But she hadn't done anything wrong, it was all me! So when the carriage came to take me here, I decided then and there that this time I wouldn't do anything to make her cry."
He looked down at the bag with the crushed eggs with another sigh as he bent down to bick it up, "But I already messed it up!"
"No you didn't. Being an honor student doesn't mean you have to be a push over. Take it from me, I was an honor student back in my old school. Was the prefect just like I'm here! Different circumstances of course, but it still counts!" The prefect extended his hand towards him to help him stand up. "You..Heh heh... I guess you're right! ", and he took it as he stood up.
"Besides if those buys bumped into me and been that aggressive, I would have done something REAL petty. Being honor student had it perks~", the prefect smirked. Deuce huffed out a chuckle as they made their way back to the Mystery Shop to buy eggs to replace the broken ones, "Heh... I just hope those chicks can rest in peace."
The prefect quickly turned his head towards Deuce and blinks twice, "Deuce, those eggs were not fertilized. They would have never hatched. I can show you how chicks are formed from the egg yolk though! I experimented with one of my guardian a couple of years ago..."
.....huh? Whatever the prefect mouth entered one ear and went out the other.
"Wha- WHAAAAAAAAAT?! Are you kidding meeeeeee?" His whole life was a lie...
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Ah, finally back, are ya? Took you longer than usual Rain. Something happened?" Lia commented after Ren and Deuce finally came in with the eggs and cream and other stuff. Upon closer look Deuce looked down, she immediately glanced towards Ren to which Ren's eyes pointed towards the carton of eggs and then Deuce. "...eggs....chicks..."
Oh..he just found out that... Well better late than never I guess. She'll leave Deuce to process that for a while. Lia was also dejected when she found out grocery eggs don't hatch. Trey jested, "Let's get this tart-y started!"
"Yeah! But first!", Ren rummaged through her pocket as to fish something out. "Catch!" And threw out a... phone?!.
"Waw!" Lia swiftly caught the phone. "Phones!!! Thank the Gods that I finally have access to the internet!." Lia wasn't sure she could survive off of the little novels she downloaded and offline game for the month. She's heartbroken that she'll not be able to play her gacha games here cause apparently this world's WiFi is different from their world.
That was soul crushing to find out.
"Weren't you flat out broke prefect? Where did you get the money?" Ace butted in as he was getting a closer look to Ren's phone. She extended her hand so Ace could get a closer look. "Heh, You can just say it's like magic."
Ace gave an unimpressed look as he snatched the phone out of Ren's hands.
Time to ask Trey for the WiFi password! Can't wait to know what kind of music this world has.
"Now now don't get distracted, we still need to make the tarts."
Oh right, we were making tarts. Quest for the WiFi password postponed for now.
"Ah, sorry. Didn't mean to distract you guys with new phones. Lemme put my notebooks in the bag first.", Ren swiftly walked up to where she put her bag and stuffed a couple of notebooks.
She's going journaling or maybe she's going to be doing those observations logs since this is a new world. God these guys aren't ready for it, hopefully she's subtle about it. Because by heavens was it creepy when she did it in her pre-teens.
The Rose-Red Tyrant (part 3) : The lion... is confused..? Matter of fact, everyone's confused!!
Prologue: part 1, part 2, part 3 || The Rose-Red Tyrant: part 1, part 2
Basically this chapter:
Ren: They don't have periods here!
Lia: *angrily* Tf that's not fair!!!
Leona: What the hell is a period?!
Leona: *trying to sleep peacefully*
Grim: Now we can't have that! *Jumps and tapols over Ren*
Ren: *falls back first in Leona's chest* Wha-
Lia: What in the k-drama in this!?
Leona: I should have stayed in bed today....
Ruggie: Finally found Leona!
Ren: Heyo!
Ruggie: WTF are you STILL doing here?!
(After running away from Leona)
Lia: What are we going to do?!
Ren: Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss our way through this!
(With Leona and Ruggie)
Ruggie: Are we gonna address what-
Leona: *walking towards the exit* NO!
Lia: Music?
Trey: Sure, what's the worst that could happen?
Music: (unholy screeching and distorted lyrics)
Ace: Turn that shit off!
Deuce: Sounds so creepy.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Leona was having a great time. Sleeping in the botanical garden under one of the trees. Enjoying the warmth.
"Ugh, Ren really had to ditch me with these guys and now we split up too." It was that magicless herbivore from the orientation talking way too loud for Leona to enjoy his peace.
And by the sound of it, seems like he was getting closer.
"There's nothing here except plants. Wonder if I can do some gardening here if I ask Mr. Crowley nicely." The herbivore started to walk towards where Leona was.
As long as he doesn't disturb Leona he's going to be ok and Leona gets his peace back. But of course that didn't happen.
"Yo Li! Are ya there!" A new voice echoed through the garden. Great these guys multiplied. And another loud one soon joined the magicless herbivore after he answered.
"Dang bro you almost blew out my eardrums with how loud you shouted." The herbivore sighed as he put his hand in one of his ears.
Yes Leona is watching the two now but that was just, in case they cause trouble for him. Might as well be aware of the newcomer too, he smells of magic. Leona can smell if from that far. He really doesn't want to deal with that one- any of them actually.
Ok maybe Leona was wrong because this guy with the bandages on his head has just been talking non stop about 'periods' and the magicless herbivore is one became angrier by the second.
The two of them seemed to be looking around from time to time as if to find something. They might have noticed Leona staring at them? But humans aren't capable of that.
What the hell is a period anyway? And how is it unfair people here don't have them? Just a waste of time. Best if Leona just goes back to sleep again.
And just as he was about to fall asleep, a whisper was caught by his ears, "Ok, whoever was watching has stopped. You felt it too right?"
Well there goes Leona's sleep. His ears has once again given him more work.
"Let go find Ace and Deuce."
Yes go away now, let Leona sleep this out.
"Ya let's- yo whose tail is that? That's definitely a lion's tail." Leona quickly looked towards his tail and low and behold his tail went through the bushes he was behind, sat in the pavement.
Maybe he closes his eyes and doesn't move he doesn't have to deal with this.
"You know what? Wrap it up, we're going back the way we came." The magicless herbivore sighed.
Yes go away and let Leona sleep in peace before Ruggie finds him and drags him to his classes.
But just as it seemed like the walking noise pollution was about to go away- "Henchman!" The sound was loud but distant like it was approaching the two fast. These herbivores are actually multiplying by the minute.
"Huh..?" Just as Leona was about to get up and find a new place to sleep- Thud! "Oof!"
Someone's back was on top of him. Ok that's it that was the last straw. "What do you think you're laying down?!" Leona growlled out.
Immediately the one in front of him got up as he started to apologise, "Man! I'm sorry, Grim pushed be off before I was ready to catch him. Are you good?"
Leona sat up straight and ruffled his hair a bit, "You got a lot of nerve-" then the smell hits him. Was that..? No that can't be right.
He stands up to get a little closer smell. This guy... had a lot of smell sticking to him. But the where was the smell he was looking for...
Unconsciously, Leona stepped closer and closer to Ren and just sniffing him to the point it was conserning. But he got the smell- "Wow, buddy step back a little.." he exclaimed taking a couple of steps back with the fire cat perched on the shoulder.
Leona just stared at at the boy- well the herbivore in front of him isn't a boy. He's a she. She had that floral and earthy smell that women have.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Uh..? Hello, earth to lion guy here? Ya good..?" Ren questioned the guy. Is he lost in thought?? Well it wasn't the best second impression Ren will tell you that.
First they made eye contact when she was bleeding and now she fell on top of him. Not the best impressions..
The lion man blinked once and then once again and sighed, "What is- Ugh, Now this might cause problems..."
Oh he has a lion's nose too? So the ears and tail aren't just for show.
"So those aren't just for show..", Ren's thoughts slipped out, oops! And now the guy was glaring at her. "I mean- ahem, sorry about falling on top of you!"
And looked at Lia for backup, to which she followed up, "It was an accident, you're not hurt, are you?"
The guy seemed to ignore what the two had huffed out. "It's not on my agenda to fight...right now.. but he growled- " but you did fall on top of -."
"Wow there buddy! How about we get a compromise." Ren cut the guy off before
That sounded like he was going to start a fight? The usual fights Ren's been on are friendly ones. Plus if he has the nose of a lion he definitely has the strength of one too!!
He really didn't like being cut off since he growlled?? Ren's not judging but she is.
Suddenly she felt something between her legs, glancing down- it was Grim the one who accidentally got her in this mess. He looked a little scared- with all the fur that was puffing straight. I guess small cats are intimidated by larger ones.
"Leona! There you are!"
A familiar voice called out to Leona- the lion guy. How ironic that his name is Leona lol. "I knew I'd find you here! We got after-school classes today, remember?" It was the hyena guy from the other day.
"Great now I got this guy on my tail." Leona grumbled as the hyena guy came closer.
"It's you again! Hello again." Ren welcomed the guy. Wait if lion boy here knew she was a girl by her smell, hyena boy must have known yesterday too since hyena have a greater sense of smell than lions..
The hyena boy's eyes darted between Leona and Ren as if thinking what to say.
Ren looked at Lia who sighed as she picked up Grim to comfort him, giving her a small node. Looking towards the hyena and Leona, "We'll be going now!"
As soon as she finished saying that, Ren grabbed Lia's hand and took off at full speed. But she glanced back after she was far enough and sure enough they couldn't be bothered to chase them. Good because Ren doesn't think she could outrun them.
Ren needs to do something about her and Lia's smell so she can hopefully gaslight the two. Hopefully before her period. Perfume it is!
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Rain, think this is far enough." Lia broke her wrist free from Ren's grasp to put her hand on her chest. Taking a few breaths, "Gurl, what are we gonna do about our periods?! I'm pretty sure there are no pads or tampons. Nothing!"
Ren motioned to Grim who took the que and made his way to her shoulder, "Should we DIY it? I say we ask Mr. Crewel to make some pads. Tampons would be the best because the smell won't hit the air and those with strong noses won't smell it."
Talk to a man, about periods... No thank you!
"I'm not doing that shit, Rain you do it."
Ren hummed as she took Lia's hand and held it with her own, "Sure, It's natural part of being a girl. Nothing to be ashamed about."
"Ya but it's not natural here. Good luck girl, you're gonna need it."
The two walked around to see if they'd bump into Ace or Deuce. Not in silence though, Ren explained in an easy way about periods to Grim was confused. Soon enough they found Ace.
(Woods behind Campus)
"What took you so long?!" Ace huffed. "Juice and I have been waiting since forever!" He's whining a lot for someone who needs help.
"Ya could have started before us ya know." Grim looked done with Ace.
"And have me do more work?! No thank you! Now chop chop, we gotta pick up those chestnuts!"
The group collected the chestnuts with Grim telling about the lion guy Ren fell on top of.
"....and then we peaced out!" Grim spoke while holding out the basket for the chestnuts.
Ace put some chestnuts in the basket, "Yeah, no way are you going to ok next time you bump into that guy."
"Wouldn't have happened if Grim didn't jump full force on top of me so suddenly." Ren said as she picked up a chestnut.
Lia just wants to jump right into the baking part of this. It's been a while since she baked so forgive a girl for being impatient! But then she remembered- those two animal guys know Ren's a girl, "I'm kinda worried that those guys know now."
Ren glanced towards her but soon enough goes back to picking up chestnuts, replying with amusement- "Ya think I can gaslight 'em? Overstimulating their noses is the to go, really."
Ah, overwhelm their noses. That's decent. Rather smell too much than nothing at all. Lia nodes but Ren continues further, "We should really buy you some clothes. You're wearing that coat for 2 days STRAIGHT!"
Lia would love that! The coat has probably soaked up a lot of her sweat and she swears she can smell it. But with a crumbled expression, "I'd like it, but with what money?!"
Ren glanced towards where Ace and Deuce were, they were busy arguing as their voices were getting louder and louder. She came closer to her and whispered, "I picked up those stones to sell 'em. Have like around 10 of them. There's a shop here to sell."
Ok that's good news! Lia is honestly relieved for a while. "Ya sure the owner will buy it though?"
Ren nodded, "Magestones are rare but not uncommon here. These are mined, so the amount of stones must be smaller but not to the point mage schools are hurt. So, it wouldn't hurt to try."
Lia just nodded her head. What she said DID sound reasonable.
"Ok! That should be enough!", Ace exclaimed loudly as he turned towards her and Ren. "You guys can stop collecting more. We got enough of them! Let's go get these to Trey!"
Giving Ace a thumbs up, Lia answered, "Ya got." Finally she can make some tarts. Wonder if she could charger her phone too.
"It's been a while since I last ate Lia's baked goods."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Welcome back. Looks like you got plenty!", Trey welcomed the group as they entered the kitchen with baskets filled with chestnuts. The baskets were filled to the brim. Think they might have gone a bit overboard.
Ren greeted him as he put the basket in the counter, "Hey Trey, quick question!" He pointed his thumb back towards Lia and asked, "Can Li here bake some tarts too? Been a while since he last baked."
Well it wouldn't hurt, would it? Plus it will get the work done faster.
Tery glanced towards Lia to see if what Ren said was true. Lia nodded, "I was just about to ask you." He scanned the room as if looking for something and asked, "Is there an outlet here? My phone's about to die."
"You listened to music all day with the earpods, didn't ya?" Ren sighed, "I told you, it's not good to wears those all day! Ya are gonna go deaf cause of it."
Well aren't they good friends to bicker. "There's an outlet right there." Trey replied to the question, pointing towards the corner of the room.
Lia dashed towards the way he pointed after he snatched the bag out of Ren's shoulder.
The battery must have been almost gone by how fast he speed-walked. Reminds Trey of Cater, hopefully this one's not that Magicam obsessed.
Grim who was on the shoulder of Ren jumped off and said with excitement, "Now make those tarts ya promised!"
Trey turned towards Grim, the cat was acting a lot more tame than it was in the orientation. Which is a good thing. Riddle was not in a good mood for a while because of it.
"Now now, be patient. You guys need to peel them." Trey said as he put a couple of the chestnuts in front of each of the group."It can be tricky but that's where magic comes in." Deuce diligently tried to peel the shells off, "You guys can't use magic, though, so it's the hard way for them."
That is true Ace and Lia cause magic, guess the manual it is for them. Maybe Ren can help if Trey gives him a pen too but he didn't bring any spares.
Lia who was back with the group after charging his phone, brought a pot half filled with water. "It's easier to peel them after scoring and boiling them."
He then took a knife and started scoring the flat side." Looking towards Ace, he huffed, "What're you looking for? Come and help me! It's your tart we are making." Ace quickly nodded and searched for a knife to copy what Lia was doing. Ren was off to get more pots.
Well looks like these guys are getting along just fine! You don't see that often in this school.
Abruptly Lia stopped what he was doing to- rummaged through Ren's bag to.. take out another phone?
"Is it ok to play music?" He asked, glancing at the group.
As soon as he asked that question Ren cried out, "You are NOT gonna stuff those earpods! Give your ears a rest."
Lia stuck his tongue out, "Fine!" And looked towards Trey, "Is that ok? Music might be a little loud. I like to listen to it while I bake."
Music didn't sound that bad, so Trey simply nodded. He has baked in worse situations than loud music.
Lia searched through his friend's phone for music as soon as Trey had given his ok. He then questioned without looking up from the phone, "Any preference or anything goes?"
"Surprise me!" Ren exclaimed as he waited for the water to boil to put the chestnuts in.
"Henchman, I'm bored!"
This group is going to be a loud one, isn't it? Looking at the chestnuts, Ace definitely brought too much chestnuts, it will take a while to peel them- Trey's thoughts were cut short with music with lyrics Trey couldn't understand. It sounded distorted..
Glancing at the group, Ace and Deuce also seemed confused about the song coming. Trey looked at them and then at Lia, to ask about it. But Grim beat him to it.
"Henchman, I can't understand anythin'!", Grim angrily said with his ears down.
"Looks like you need to get your phone repaired prefect. Those distorted sounds are hurting my ears now."
"It's making the Common sound creepy."
It really did, Trey agreed to what Deuce had said. Everyone looked at Lia for answers but he tilted his head in confusing?
"Common..? what's that?"
...Trey blinked once and then once again.
He can't be serious, right? Trey looked at him. Really liked at Lia.. His brows were furrowed and his eyes looked confused. He really didn't know what Common was.
"It's what we are speaking now! Everyone knows that."
"We're speaking English, Is English called Common here?" Ren butted in the conversation.
Where have these two been living all their lives? Speaking Common but not knowing what Common is. And then there's that distorted song that nobody except the two could apparently understand.
The music- if you can call I that, was still playing. Trey can't-
Ace stopped scoring the chestnuts and towards Lia, snatching the phone out of his hand to pause the music. "There! Now our ears won't bleed to death!"
"It sounds normal to me though..? It's the same as we're speaking now." Ren commented adding the chestnuts to the now, boiling water. "Give me my phone back."
Ace who glanced at the phone and passed it to Ren spoke, "What brand is it? Never seen it before."
Really? Trey hasn't gotten a good look at the phone to reply tell if Ace is bluffing or not. It looked like a regular phone to him.
Taking his phone back, "It's from my place, ya know the one where there's no magic."
No magic? The place these two are from must be more secluded like Briar Valley. But how can they make phones if they can't use magic?
"Henchman, I think we can peel the chestnuts now!"
"I'm already done with my pile and you guys haven't even started." Deuce grumbled.
"Well not all of us can work with screeching noise in the background, Juice!"
These two really like to bicker, don't they?
"We will be talking about the whole 'What is Common?' thing LATER!" Ace huffed. "I want this collar off of me sooner rather than later!"
"I can just all about it, while we peel and get these pureed!" Ren said with a smile. Trey gets to know about the language similar to Common and gets to prepare for the tarts.
"There moreeee?!"
"So what do ya wanna know?" Ren eagerly said with his eyes fill with excitement. Lia who rollee his eyes and shook his head a little, "You just want to talk about our place, don't you?"
"Dah! Someone's gotta educate the masses."
"You didn't even know what Common was, what do you know about languages!?"
"More than you I'm sure!"
Ah, the bickering has started again.
...
At least it's better than the atrocity that was the music. Trey sighed as he swiftly swung his pen to help peel the chestnuts.
Doing so made the two, Ren and Lia, snicker as their shoulders shook a little.
... That's weird. Trey didn't do anything funny, did he? He looked towards Ace but he just shrugged, "These two are like that sometimes, just ignore them."
Prologue: part 1, part 2, part 3 || The Rose-Red Tyrant: part 1
Basically this chapter:
Trein: You're not going to classes.
Ren: Talk to Mr. Crowley about that.
Lia: Yes lecture him for 10 hours.
(Somewhere)
Crowley: I feel like I'm in trouble.
(After finding out about flying brooms)
Ren: I'm gonna be a witch! :D
Vargas: *refusing to teach Grim to fly with Ren bcuz it's dangerous*
Ren: *puppy dog eyes*
Vargas: You know I'm weak to this shit.
Crewel: You guys do NOT look 22-23
Ren: It's that Asian blood in us.
Lia: Yaa.
Ace: *looks away from the group for 2 seconds to get food*
Grim: *starts a fight*
Ace: Man tf?!
Ren: Everyone's so pretty here. :D
The group minus Grim & Lia: *blue screens*
Ren: I'm going to talk about borderline illegal stuff with him (Tsunotarou)
Lilia: *To Lia whispering* Should I be concerned?
Lia: *whispering back* That's just one of his ways of making friends. Think it's because that guy wasn't disturbed about Ren's talk about body part removal.
Ren: *knowing 3 people already*
Ace: *to Lia* It's not even been 3 days?!
Lia: I call this the talk effect cuz he talks a lot.
Trey: *trying to help Ace but also bcuz he didn't want to bake too much again* There will be free food
Deuce, Grim & Lia: I'M IN!!!
Ren: Folded faster than you can say tart.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
"Pardon me but Miss. Ren is what!?"
Ren and Lia both stammered and looked at each other then Ren collected her thoughts to speak, "Ya, I'll be starting classes from next week. So I'm kinda speed running reading all the basic stuff of different classes and basic knowledge."
Grim was still on Ren's shoulder getting restless as he now started squirming, "Ren, I'm hungry... Don't you have something to eat!?" Ren promoted to dig through her bag to see if there was anything Grim could eat. She found some biscuits and gave them to Grim who happily took them.
Mr. Trein sighed like a disappointed parent and murmured under his breath, "I'll have to talk to Crowley about this." Lia tried to lighten up his thoughts, "Hey at least it's only one of us! Mr. Crowley wanted both of us to attend but Ren debated for like forever for it to be only one of us."
Grim who was munching on the biscuits commented. "Well that's cuz my henchman argued for hours and demanded stuff that the Headmage agreed to."
Mr. Trein seemed surprised and Mr. Vargas looked curious about what Grim just said. They both discretely looked at Ren to follow up if what Grim said was true or not. Ren obliged and repeated the requests she made. Lia had made herself comfy and sat on one of the chairs and was just playing with her phone while petting Grim as Ren continued to summarise what happened with Mr. Crowley yesterday.
The two looked astonished that Mr. Crowley let her debate for that long. Frankly she was too.
"So, I wanted to ask what I have to learn to at least know what's going to happen next week." Ren asked hoping to get an answer. And just her luck she got it!
Mr. Trein replied, "I teach history so it will be best to ask notes from your future classmates or myself. I'll show you my schedule so it will be easier to adjust when you start. It's best to ask other teachers too."
Ren gave a smile and thanked him and turned to Mr. Vargas. "And for Mr. Vargas class?"
He flexed his muscles, "I'll make sure you are fit and muscular!"
"Oh. So you teach P.E? That's one of my favourite classes! What do students do if you don't mind me asking?" Ren perked up and asked.
Mr. Vargas looked pleased with her reaction as he explained further what he makes students do, "Exercise, running and flying on brooms are the basic stuff. I make sure no students slack off and increase their stamina and endurance."
Flying on brooms!? Ren HAS to try that pronto!! Ren was interested, "I'm already an active person but I might need some guidance for flying. Could you perhaps explain it?"
Mr. Vargas nodded as he answered, "I would love to assist you but since you don't have magic that will be dangerous as flying requires magic."
Ren quickly spoke, "I'm trying to hide the fact I don't do magic from students. I'm planning to be using Grim to do the magic stuff. So it would be best for Grim to practice flying by himself and me." She turned towards Grim as if to see if Grim agreed to this. Grim who was enjoying the pets immediately perked his ears as he heard what Ren just said.
"I'll do it! What kind of boss will I be if I can't even fly with my henchman."
She then turned to Mr. Vargas, and looked with pleading eyes as if to say "is it ok?"
Mr. Vargas looked towards Ren then at Grim and then at Ren, sighed and agreed. "Fine... But don't say i didn't warn you. You can find me here after classes."
Grim and Ren cheered as she sat beside Lia and handed Lia her bag. Lia then rummised through the bag to find something. After a while she took out earpods. She was probably going to listen to music. "Li mind if I listen to what you're gonna listen??"
Lia replied as she handed Ren an ear pod, "Sure. By the way we need to find to charge these. My battery is gonna low after a couple of hours."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Lia was just sitting in the teacher's lounge listening to music as there was work given to her. Ren was having the time of her with Mr. Trein as the two were talking back and forth about the history of this world. With Ren occasionally throwing in history from their world. He seemed pleased by how eager Ren was into knowing about this world's history.
*Bell ringing*
Mr. Trein got up from this seat, "Oh? It's already time for my class to start." He walked towards the door, "If only my students were as diligent as you, Miss Ren."
Ren, took off the earpod and handed it to Lia, got up. "Mr. Trein let me accompany you to class. I haven't gotten my schedule so it's preferable to know where difficult classes are!"
Lia took the earpod and watched as the two and Mr. Vargas went out of the room. Finally she can get some alone time. Just Lia, her phone and ear pods to listen to music. Petting Grim who was again asleep like a true cat.
Cats truly are the most perfect creatures... Lia wishes she could be a cat. Cats..
Wait, isn't Ren allergic to cats!?
Lia stared back and forth between Grim and the door where Ren had exited. Did Ren's allergies go away or is Grim not a cat?
....
Lia's gotta call Ren-... Wait... This world doesn't have the same cell phone signals her's and Ren's phones use. THEY HAVE TO BUY NEW PHONES. But Ren's broke at the moment.
Lia can't even move, Grim fully asleep and it's kinda a law that you can't move if a cat is sleep on you. Ren come back soon please!!!
"All my daily log ins... I'm f2p this is hurting me physically.."
The door of the room creeked open, Lia turned towards it and Ren was back!
"So alchemy is kinda like chemistry, with all the manipulation and transformation of matter but with magical energy?" Ren entered the room talking to Mr. Crewel.
"Very good pup. Just be diligent as you are and you'll catch up with others quickly."
Guess alchemy exists here. Oh that would be fun to do. Childhood dream of making potions can become true now!
"To be honest I'm excited, it was totally every child's dream to make potions in a cauldron back in our world. Speaking of our world, is the periodic table mostly the same here? Though there might be a slight increase or decrease in gases in the air." Ren asked with sparkles on her eyes as she and Mr. Crewel sat down across Lia.
Oh, she's gonna be asking a lotta questions now.
Mr. Crewel in surprise blinked once and twice before answering, "I could show you the periodic table."
Ren enthusiastically nodded her head and with that Mr. Crewel got up to get the table.
Wait.. if Ren makes potions and flies in a broom won't that make her a witch? Looking at Ren, she was looking at Lia too. Their eyes making contact was all it took for them speaking together, "You're going to be a witch!" "I'm gonna be a witch!"
The sound was so loud that it woke up Grim with his fur and ear straight up. "Gah! Why are you yelling!?"
Lia petted Grim as a way to calm him down which seemed to work. Well kinda? Because he's still wary with this ears up straight. "Sorry Grim, We're just excited because you're going to be a mage soon."
Grim grumbled, "Ya can shout all ya want after I'm done sleeping" and again fell asleep.
Mr. Crewel came back and sat back with a chart paper at hand which he opened so they could get a look.
Lia glanced around the table, it looked identical to their world's table.
Ren was analysing the table as if to find any difference. After a while she finally spoke, "This table is identical to that from our world." Ren looked at Mr. Crewel. "Scientists are focused on searching new elements, 119 and 120 and maybe more. Are people doing that here to?"
Mr. Crewel abruptly closed the chart, "Pup don't think too much, it will lead to burn-outs. Just focus on basic alchemy elements for now."
Mr. Crewel will have to remind Ren that a lot more times. Her brain will go 100m/hr and overthink a lot.
"About alchemy. How will my body react to it? Like I'm sure it won't be pretty. And magic too. Would it be ok to try some potions? Like healing one and what not." Ren completely ignored what Mr. Crewel had just said but she did bring up important questions.
Mr. Crewel glanced at Lia and she just shrugged.
Mr. Crewel sighed, "If only the other pups had half of diligence as this one. But too much excitement is bad for new pups." He pondered for a while then spoke again, "Listen up pup, if you want to ask alchemy or science related questions. Write them down to ask later."
"Way ahead of you Sir! I already work a bit. Some differences between our worlds and what not!"
Lia looking at Ren, reminded her that it was like she had too many thoughts in her head. Ren might have confused at least one student by now.
Mr. Crewel leaned towards Lia asking, "Is the pup always like this?"
"Believe it or not this is actually tame. She was much much worse in her teens mostly early teens." Lia stated.
Mr. Crewel stared at her when Lia said that. She blinked a couple of times before asking, "What...?"
"Excuse me for asking pups but how old are you two?"
"Um.. I'm 23 and Ren gonna be 23 in October."
Mr. Crewel looked back and forth between Lia and Ren. "That explains the maturity part."
"Thanks I'm trying my best and Ren's will get worse as time goes by."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Ace was not having a good day today. Not like yesterday was terrific either. He was still hungry, why couldn't lunch come faster!? He's dying here. Literally P.E has to be worst when you're hungry and this collar isn't helping!
How tf is Deuce still running!? When will this torture end. "20 laps and 100 push ups!? The coach wants me dead!"
Riddle better take this collar of after he apologizes or Ace swears he's going to go CRAZY! He can't use magic. That's like losing an arm!
The sound of the bell rang was heard, signalling the end of the class. "Finally lunch break!" Ace quickly ran in the locker room to change. After that, he and Deuce were now on their way to the cafeteria. "For a magic academy, it's a lot like ordinary school...lame. Not what I expected but at least the collar won't be much of a problem."
"Do you have any tidea where Ren and Lia are?"
"They better be at the cafeteria because I'm too hungry to go look for them right now!" With that Ace dashed towards the cafeteria.
Upon entering the cafeteria, Ace immediately made his way to the line where he hear a familiar voice, "Whoa! They got some good-lookin' grub!"
Ace browsed around to see where Grim was. After a few seconds he spotted the blue fire eared cat perched in Ren's shoulder, Lia with Ren's bag and Deuce were just behind him.
"Ren, grab me the grilled chicken! And an omelette too. Just fill your whole tray with food!" Grim was brimming with excitement. Ace made his way towards the group but as he was doing so, Grim accidentally knocked over a few students.
"Hey! Watch where you're goin'!" The guy was knocked back a little leaving this tary a mess. "M-my carbonara! You broke the yolk!"
The other one commented, "Whoa, that's messed up! Pokin' the egg is the best part." The suddenly shouted, "You better make this right, pal!" While leaning closer to Ren.
It's been just been lunch and Grim's already creating trouble. Great..
"I'm gonna be taking that grilled chicken as compensation."
"Myah!? No way! Hands off the bird, chump!"
Ren stepped back a little and voiced, "Ever heard of personal space? And if you want to break yolk, you're gonna get the omelette. Nothing more."
"That's no way to speak to an upperclassma! Catch me outside and I'll teach you some respect!" The other guy again shouted louder.
His voice is gonna make Ace's ears bleed if he continues.
Looking at Lia, he looked so done with the two upperclassmen, "Ren just give the guy what he wants, he is so desperate that his friend has to help him look intimidating."
"Don't say that Li, it's almost impressive how he's willing to go to look intimidating, even if it means dragging his buddy along." Ren spoke, his voice dripping with mockery.
What are these two doing!?
"What is you just say!?"
Oh he sounds mad.
"Um, excuse me, but it was said that in the handbook that fighting with magic is prohibited."
Yes Deuce defuse the situation before these two make it even worse.
"Fighting? You got it all wrong. This is me helpin' an ignorant nobody know his place."
Ren simply glanced at Lia, "Wow Li, look this guy desperately wants to feel important." Then he smiled, "Keep trying maybe one day you'll actually impress someone!"
That must have done it because the upperclassman quickly threw a punch with a lot of force. But before Ace could do anything Ren leaned back and sidestepped effortlessly avoiding his strike.
That punch must have had a lot of force in it because the upperclassman somehow hurled and crashed towards another student.
Ren turns towards Ace and the group, "You guys got your food?" And without waiting for a reply pushed them towards and empty bench. "Good because I don't want any part in that."
The group sat down and for a second nobody spoke until, "Can't believe we technically bullied a 17 year old. Pfft" Lia blurted out.
"Pfft- I know right!? We' gotta blend in so- Aha ha ha!"
What do these two yapping about? Aren't they like around those ages too. These two are getting weirder day by day.
"I can't believe it. Textbook bullies at an academy that's supposed to be famous for producing exceptional mages.." Deuce sighed as he looked at this tray.
Grim immediately stuffed food. "This omelette is as fluffy as a cloud, and practically burstin' with cheese!"
Dang Ace wishes he could do that but alas he has manners so he simply ate quickly.
"*Munch* *munch* I saw your guy's dorm but what are the other dorms like?" Grim asked as he munched through his lunch.
"Oh! The other-", Ren was about to answer but- "I'm sure you're familiar with the statues of the Great Seven? Night Raven College has dorms themed after them." Was cut off as the two new guys sat down.
"Bwah! You're that guy from this morning!" "Oh! Hi Trey and Cater."
Wait how does Ren already know someone from Ace's dorm?
Grim mood immediately soured, "Henchman you know glasses?"
"Ya, I accidentally sprayed him." Ren apologized, "Again, I'm sorry about that!"
"It's ok. Thanks for looking out for our boys yesterday."
Ace interjected into the conversation, "Wait! Ren how do you know his guy!? And who invited you to sit with us.."
"Aren't you guys from the same dorm? Anyway, met him in the botanical garden." Ace sighed. That doesn't exactly explain much. Lia perked up hearing that.
"It's weird! How many other people do you know!?" "Rain, you HAVE to take me there"
"Deucey, now that's just rude." "Sure!"
Deucey. Pfft- Ace might be using that except of Juice but nah! Juice is superior.
"Please. Do NOT call me Deucey."
"Hey now, let's try to get along. Here, gimme your digits."
"Sorry we're going to buy new phones today-" "Henchman! Tell me how the dorms are like!" Grim whined while pawing at Ren's cheek.
"Oh right! You were talking about the dorms, yeah?"
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Lia listened to the glasses guy and murmured to Ren, "Gurl, we're definitely in a Disney villain inspired world or somethin'."
Ren whispered back, "Oh definitely. Wonder if there are school full Disney heroes too lol."
"Pfft- and these guys hate those hero guys."
"All those names are way too long! How's anyone supposed to remember 'em?" Grim commented and Lia mentally agreed. How is she supposed to remember all those names!?
"Well from personal experience, you can get a distinct sort of feeling of who belongs to which dorm." Ren tried to explain.
"That's soooo true. I totes see it."
"Feeling, huh...?"
Trey tried to make Deuce understand, "For example, look at that guy." And signalled to a broad looking guy with wolf ears and a tail.
Oh my god, they have furries here. What's next the wolf guy can turn into an actual wolf?
"That tough-and-tumble vibe he's got has Savanaclaw written all over it."
"No doubt. That dorm is full of scrappy guys who are into, like, working out and fighting." Cater commented.
"That dorm was a deserted area when I went there."
Grim seemed to be listening in and asked, "Huh. What about that guy with the grey and purple cord wrapped around his arm?"
"He's from Octavinella dorm. And the students sitting at the table in front of him are Scarabia dorm."
Lia looked at the students. Everyone's handsome and pretty here.
"Is being pretty mandatory for admission? Because everyone I've seen are pretty so far." Ren snickered. She took the words out of Lia's mouth.
"O-Oh?!" "Huh?!" "Eh?!" "Wha-?" The group flustered with embarrassment. They shifted nervously, avoiding eye contact.
"You guys don't get compliments about your looks?", Lia huffed a small laugh.
Cater, still flustered a little, abruptly spoke, "If you want to see real beauty, Pomefiore dorm will be your to go. It's basically full of models. They are the ones with purple and red armbands. Their housewarden has 5,000,000 followers on Magicam"
"Hey now, they're not just pretty faces. The students there are among the best at potions and casting curses."
With that the Grim's eyes roamed to find the colours, "Whoa! There's a girl with potion books." There's a girl here? Lia turned to look at where Grim was looking.
Deuce stammered with a shocked expression, "What's a girl doing in a boys' school?!"
"Morons. There aren't any girls officially enrolled here." Ace said.
"WHAAAAT!?"
Lia was close to letting out a chuckle. No girl officially enrolled. Pfft- tell that to Ren. Lia looked at Ren who was amused and their eyes met. And that's all it took. The two started to chuckle, shaking a little to not burst into laughter.
"Don't mind us. Continue on please."
Cater shrugged, "Next up, Ignihyde... Their armbands are blue and black, but I don't see any around here." He frowned his brows, "They aren't the most outgoing. They're kind of polar opposite of us."
"So they're gloomy and miserable?" Pfft- Grim, don't sait it like that, if Lia laughs again her stomach won't be able to take it.
"Let's not say that. They just have a reputation for being quiet and serious, is all."
"And that just leaves...Diahonyalara, was it?" Were teenagers always this funny? Because Lia might actually start to cry from laughter by how badly Deuce butchered that name.
"That was close. It's pronunced 'Diasomnia'."
"I know that! I.. just miss spoke."
"Diasomnia dorm is, hm... Ah, look over there." Cater gestured towards a different seating area. "Those guys in the special seating area. They're basically the campus celebrities. The vibe they give off make it real hard for regular folks like us to approach."
Lia stared at the Diasomnia group, hard to approach? Give Ren a month at most and she'll be friend at least 2 of them.
"There's a little kid in that group!" Ace noticed.
Ren upon hearing that replied, "Oh no, that's actually-"
Lia who was still watching the group watched in real time the little guy disappeared and then a deep voice near her and Ren. "Lilia. Lilia Vanrouge."
Lia along with others except Ren jumped a little with surprise, "BWAH?!" "Hello Lilia."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Ren happily greated Lilia. He just teleported from Sebek and the silver haired guy to her table.
"*Sigh* Hello to you too Ren. I could surprise you again." Lilia two was upside down sat between her and Lia.
It's gonna take a lot more than that to surprise her. She trainer herself to not get caught off guard. "You need not gawk at us from afar. You may feel free to speak with us directly like Ren here."
"How the hell do you know so many people?!" Ace called out Ren.
"I met at least one student from each dorm. Who did you think delivered the notice for the housewarden meeting?" Ren chuckled. "Plus, Lilia invited me to breakfast today, chatted a bit with Sebek- the one with light green hair."
Ren smiled as the others looked at Sebek.
"That guy is glaring at you. What did you say for him to do that?!"
Upon hearing that, Ren looked towards Sebek who was indeed glaring at her. To bad for him glaring doesn't intimidate her, so she gave him a little wave. Which resulted into him abruptly looking away.
"Don't worry he's just shy! It's nice to see Sebek making new friends."
Lilia speaking made Ren realise something, "Lilia a quick question!" Ren remembered when Tsunotarou teleport he left fireflies. "The only guy, I've seen who teleported except you left fireflies along the way. Why do your's not do that?"
"Oh, I know who you're talking about. Why don't you ask him yourself? Do make friends with him. He's quite lonely."
"I talked to him about body part removal and he still came in for seconds, he's already a friend in my book. Matter of fact I'll yap to Sebek about human biology, he looks fun to annoy."
After a chat with others, Lilia left with inviting Ren for another breakfast. Which ended up extending to Lia as well.
"Man that way creepy. How did he hear us from THIS far."
Trey then explained how the students of Diasomnia have a reputation for haviylots of special students. And that the housewarden, Malleus Draconia was considered to be one of the five best mages in the world.
If he's the best what's the point of going to this school? Just for fun-gies Ren guesses.
This lead to Ace going into a rant about how his housewarden was unfair and rule obsessed.
He really isn't happy about getting collared huh? Well Ren would be too if she had magic. Huh. Now she wondered what that spell 'Off With Your Head's so to Ren, since there was no magic for the spell to do it.
Ren has been listening to Ace rant about his housewarden while observing the students, "And..."
As he continued to talk, Ren gase landed on Riddle who was making his way to their table. "Ace."
She called out to Ace but he didn't listen.
"Ace!" But still no answer. Ace was still ignored Ren.
"He's rules are obsessive!" And with that it was too late. Riddle was just behind Ace. "Oh? My rules are obsessive?"
That shut Ace up real quick. And the rest of the guys tensed up a bit.
In the end Ace didn't get his collar taken off and Ren came to know about Unique Magic. But hey if push comes to shove Ren could try to melt it with acid. Now THAT would be a fun experiment! Maybe it would work maybe it wouldn't.
"How am I supposed to find a tart. Those were so delicious! It has to be expensive."
"Why not make it yourself? Trey made those three tarts by hand after all."
Tart? Oh Trey must have made them. "Did you make those from the extra strawberries? Dang now I want to eat one."
Ace turned to Trey surprised, "Wow! You made them Trey? That's incredible! That was like something you'd find in a bakery!"
"Reminds me of the time Lia used to make stuff." Ren murmured as she reminisced on memories of when her and Lia were teens. The amount of chaos they caused was unreal. Wait...if these guys think her and Lia were teenagers like them, does that mean she can cause chaos and be reckless?
I mean it's isn't the right thing to do BUT she can blend in perfectly! Who cares about what right or wrong? What matter is that you have fun! Well unless it's illegal.
Even IF it's illegal Ren and Lia technically don't exist here sooooo, she gets a pass.
"Please you guys gotta help me!"
That snapped Ren out of her thoughts. Shit she blacked out into remembering eating Lia's baked goods. Ace was looking at them (Ren, Grim, Lia and Deuce) hoping they would help.
"Hell no!" "I'm good." "I got better things to do."
Ace despaired but immediately perked up knowing Ren hasn't answered yet. "Well at least Ren will help right..?" He looked at her with pleading looks.
Ren looked at Ace. Then she looked at Lia to signal that something. She looked at her and shook her head a little that only Ren noticed it.
And with that Ren got her answer. "Sorry Ace, me and Grim have something to do with Mr. Vargas. Plus I have something to do at Mr. S' Mystery Shop."
Trey stepped in with a truce, "Now now, before saying no, chestnut tarts are at their tastiest when eaten after they are baked." He tried to appeal to to the group to help Ace, "And the only once who gets to experience that are the ones who make it."
Grim mouth was watering as Trey said that and immediately agreed.
Looks like Grim is food motivated like most cats. Need to train him with it.
And the other two (Deuce and Lia) folded like paper after finding out they get free food. Ren also agreed because she has never baked before. She might as well give it a try like cooking.
"Me and Grim might be kind of late cause of my work. We can meet up after work is done."
"Just meet us at the botanical garden. I'm sure collecting hundreds of chestnuts will take a long time."
The Rose-Red Tyrant (part 1) : All over the place (around 6k words)
Prologue: part 1, part 2, part 3
Basically This Chapter:
Lia: *sees Ramshackle* Ren was right this place really is a dump.
Ren: *dreaming about cards* Why tf am I dreaming of Disney!?
Malleus: Finally a moment for myself.
Ren: *popping up* Well hello there.
Malleus: I spoke too soon.
Crowley: I'm only here because if I don't feed you the staff will kill me.
Lia: You let others boss you around when you're the boss!?
Sebek: Humans are weak.
Ren: *talking about the size of human lungs*
Sebek: Why do you know this!?
Deuce & Grim: *not painting the roses red*
Cater: *thinking* it's soo off with my head. #I tried.
Lia: Why don't I get a pokémon!?
Ren: We can share!
Lia: Ren's gonna be starting classes soon.
Mr. Trein: Excuse me, she's WHAT!?
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
"This place is ok-ish. Could definitely be better", Lia said to nobody as she was in the lounge. Ren arrived 30 minutes after Lia had, she had grabbed dozens of books from the library and planned to stay up all night walking at the yard and reading. But after some back and forth Lia convinced her to sleep and read early in the morning.
Ren was now already sleeping like the dead with Grim and the ghosts she met when she first got here were off somewhere. Well she doesn't actually fully SEE the ghosts, they are kinda transparent sometimes translucent but she definitely can feel them, know what she means? Like she sees the ghosts cooking but they are blurry like when she isn't wearing glasses and a cold feeling when she's near them. The first time she came across the ghosts she heard them then she felt them and then she could see them.
Luckily Mr. Crowley had already explained the situation and they welcomed her in the building.
Speaking of the building, it was old and worn-out. Cobwebs were plenty and the roof had several holes in the, how Mr. Crowley wants both of them to live here? She doesn't know. At least he cleaned two rooms but she's sure this place breaks several health codes. She'll have to clean up this place.
Lia sat on the couch, looking through her phone, thanking the lords that she had her phone with her. But oh how she misses the internet! She would have been watching another anime or reading a novel by now.
Her games were still there. Her download videos, music, photos, nothing was deleted which is good. "I can survive with this for a while."
Lia made a plan to clean up this place and try to repair the lights and water. Just as she was about to get up and go to sleep alongside Ren, the door knocked.
She stood still for a few seconds, debating whether or not to open the door.
Did the door even have a working lock? ... Well whoever it was didn't barge in so that's good, Lia guessed. But then the knocking started again, more aggressively and with a familiar voice, "Come on! Open up. It's me Ace."
Lia walked towards the door, hoping there to be a peephole but Nope! So with nothing else to lose, she opened the door. And low and behold! There was ace folding his hands and a weird looking familiar collar around his neck. It was Ace! He rudely barged in as soon as the door opened. "I'm going to be a part of your dorm from now on!"
Lia followed him to the lounge area, "What happened when Ren left you!? Did you get in trouble again!? It hasn't even been an hour!" Lia sighed as the two sat down on the old couch.
He didn't speak, just looked at the floor as if he didn't just barge in as if he owned this place.
"...So..? What do you do now?"
Immediately Ace tried to defend himself, "I didn't do anything. I just...." But he's voice grew smaller with each word. "What..?" Lia blinked. Ace murmured with a small voice, "I just...."
"Huh??"
"I just ate a..."
Lia shouted irritated, "Ace. Just spill it!"
"I ATE A TART OK!?", Ace cried out.
Lia blinked once. And then twice. As to process what he just said. "You ate a..tart..."
"You got that weird collar shit cause you ate a tart?" Lia did believe him so Ace who was unamused started to summarised what happened after Ren went away.
After knowing what happened, Lia stated, "You took someone else's food. Of course that guy was gonna be mad! You could have at least asked before taking it!"
Ace who had thought Lia would agree with him huffed, "Well no was there and I was hungry! I thought you'd agree with me."
"I would be that would make me a hypocrite."
"But locking away my magic is too far!" He whined as he tugged the collar. Lia rolled her eyes, "Just apologize and you'll get it back."
Ace grumbled closing his eyes for a while, "Fine! But you have to come with me cause this was your stupid idea!"
"Ok.." Lia yawned while getting up. "Welp I'm going to bed now, have to sleep at some point."
But Ace quickly grabbed her wrist, "Wait where am I going to sleep!?"
Lia looked at Ace then at the couch. "Just sleep here" and patted the sofa.
Ace declined, "No way! This couch is too old! I can just sleep with you, I'm slim, you know?"
Sleep with her!? Is he crazy. Lia's not gonna be sleeping with a boy she just knew that's just wrong. "No! No way. I'm sharing the bed with Ren cause we have shared beds before. It's either this couch or you clean some other room, Ace." Lia firmly stated.
Ace sighed in defeat, "Fiiiiiinnneee, just give me a blanket or pillow or something!"
"I'll see what I can do." Lia went up to her room to get some blankets and a paper and pen.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
"Painting the roses red.
We're painting the roses red.
We dare not stop,
Or waste a drop,
So let the paint be spread."
There were three cards in a maze, frantically colouring the heart shaped roses tree while singing.
Ren was seeing all this like she was in a movie theatre. "This is a dream isn't, it?" Ren thought. "Why am I dreaming of Alice in Wonderland?"
"Oh painting the roses red.
And many a tear be shed.
Because we know,
They'll cease to grow,
In fact, they'll soon be dead,
And yet we go ahead,
Painting the roses red.
Painting the roses red."
As the cards continued singing, a girl with a blue dress and blond hair stumbled upon the scene. She stared in awe and wonder as to why these cards were painting the roses red.
Ren was watching all this, trying to manipulate her dream. It didn't work, "I'm lucid dreaming, but I can't do anything but watch? Why's that? This hasn't happened before.."
"Why must you paint them red?" Alice asked but in a way to blend the card's singing. "Huh?" The cards quickly turned their heads towards the voice and saw the girl staring. One of them closer to her as to say a secret, "Well, the fact is Miss, we planted the white roses by mistake and.."
The other two joined in, "The Queen she likes 'em red,
A d each of us,
Would quickly loose his head!"
Ren noticed a connection. "Loose his head? Isn't that what the spell that the heartslabyul housewarden said on the orientation?-." Then It clicked. "Wait! Does that mean The Queen of Hearts and the housewarden connected in some way? *Sigh* I should really read a history book from here-"
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
RING! RING! RING! rang the alarm that Ren had set.
A hand reached out for the phone sitting on the table. "It's...time... already.." Ren groaned. "Weird I dreamed about..... Alice in Wonderland?" She straightened up and by her side Lia was still asleep. She must have been pretty tired if Ren's alarm didn't wake her up because Lia usually a light sleeper.
Ren got out of bed and stretched for a few minutes. Still feeling sleepy, she wanted to wash her face. But the water wasn't working here, Lia checked last night. Ren walked towards the window hoping to open them. Slowly she reached and opened them, fresh air came and old air went out. Breathe in and breathe out. She did that for about five minutes by the window until she felt she was fresh enough to read. Maybe her greed to learn about this world will help her wake up more.
After freshening up, she grabbed a book from the very big stack in the corner or the room ready to soak it up like a sponge. But then she glanced at Lia who was sleeping peacefully. "I think I'll read in the lounge area." And proceeded to walk towards the door.
Why is Ren not reading in the room? Well Ren can soak up information much faster and easily if she's walking around and reads. The walk can be anywhere. She once read for a test by going up and down the stairs of her house and she aced it!
Slowly walking towards the lounge, Ren talked to herself - a habit she got from Lia- sighed, "I want to go back to sleep...but I really want to read too. Prefer audio books but I don't have this world's phone." After giving it a thought she continued, "I'm gonna have to sell one of those magestone to a jewellery shop or something and get myself and Lia a phone and other basic necessities."
Finally she reached the lounge, she glanced around and saw a lump on the couch. Strange... Did someone enter this place while both of them were asleep?
Ren walked towards the couch to see who it was. As she was closer, she saw a folded piece of paper beside the couch on the table. Unfolding the paper, there was a note: Ace came to stay cuz he got in trouble. Ps: from the stairs he blends in the couch and it looks like a lump XD -Lia
Oh that lump was Ace. Cool. Welp now Ren can't pace around the lounge either! Does she actually have to go out on the yard to read!?
Ren was out in the yard. With a boo in hand. Still in the same hoodie that Mr. Crewel gave her because didn't want to sleep in her-previous bloodied but not clean sweater. She paced around the yard, reading each and every word carefully and typing notes on her phone from time to time. This went on for a while, until in the corner of her eyes, she saw familiar green fireflies. Ren quickly closed the book but not before remembering the page number and scanning the area for a set of horns.
There it is!
"Hey! It's you again!" As she shouted, the man turned around and saw her.
"Child of man, you're still here." The man sounded disappointed? Was he looking for alone time or something.
"Ya just woke up and didn't want to wake my friend up so here I am reading at-" Ren glanced at the time on her phone-"3:48 in the morning. I should have stayed in bed."
The man simply nodded and didn't talk. Now that Ren has a much cleaner look at the guy, he wore a similar vest color to that silver headed guy. "By any chance are you from diasonima? I gave that silver haired guy a notice, did he not give it to the housewarden? Since he apparently didn't attend the meeting."
The man stared at Ren for a concerning amount of time before finally answering, "Ah yes. He must have forgotten to give it."
"Makes sense, he was half asleep when I met him. Maybe he fell asleep again and the notice went bye-bye~ and flew away."
"Pfft-" the man quickly covered his mouth with his hand and tried to cover it with a cough. "Ahem excuse me. But I'm sure to tell our housewarden bout the notice."
"Oh! You don't have to, Mr. Crowley is going to be sending me there to give a summary about the meeting. I'll probably give it to the housewarden or the vice housewarden." Ren continued, "I haven't met any of the housewardens only like one vice housewarden. It's best to at least know some of them."
The man pondered for a few seconds and glanced towards the book I was hugging with one hand. "Facts about Twisted Wonderland. You're reading children books at night? Did you not have anything better to do, Child of Man?"
Ren looked at the book then at the man and said in amusement. "Fun fact: Where I'm from there's no such thing as magic. Matter of fact, I didn't know magic existed until yesterday when you teleported away."
That surprised the man as he stared at her like she claimed that the sky is green. "Surely you must be joking?"
"Nope! Just truth and nothing BUT the truth."
"Then your place must be pitiful, for those humans to not know magic." He teased but his eyes seemed to be interested to know more.
"This book says a small percentage of people have magic so am I really that pitiful?"
"That may be true but all beings have some form and amount of magic, even you have it, Child of Man. Even if it's very faint." Ren and magic? Ya no, this guy must be feeling the two magestones I got on my pocket. "If you say so.." Ren might as well ask if she can sell these. "Is it's ok with you, can I ask you a question?"
The man thought for a few moments before answering, "You wish for me to indulge you?...Fine but you must talk more about humans that grow horns again."
Ok that might be a bit of a problem because Ren yapped all she knew about that. "I already told you everything I know about it though. Maybeee.." Ren looked around to see if she could yap about it. There were a few but it wasn't something this guy would find interesting. Then an idea popped up in her head, if she couldn't find any topic why not let the guy decide. "..why don't you decide?"
"Aren't you smart?..sure why not?" The guy then looked at the gargoyle, he spoke, "tell me a little about gargoyles?"
"You really love gargoyles, don't you? Sure I can say a few things, not a lot though. Let's start with the basics, gargoyles are historically made as stone sculptures for buildings, primarily during the Gothic period. It is essentially a functional water sprout that directs rainwater away from a building's walls. It can be crafted or sculptured. Gargoyles are said to protect what they guard. Some people mistake gargoyles with grotesques but they are two different statues. Grotesques are purely decorative carvings...."
This went on for a while but soon enough Ren ran out of stuff to say. "...and that's all I know. Can I ask my question now?"
The man was very pleased and chirped, "I am happy at least someone knows the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque. You won't believe how many people mix it up."
Ren just nodded.
"As for your question, ask away."
Ren perked up, she reached for the magestone in her pocket and took it out, "how much can I sell this magestone for and where can I sell it?"
The gem shimmered in the moon light, full of magic waiting to be used. "This magestone will sell quite well. You can sell it to Sam's shop if you're truly desperate. Why do you want to sell it, Child of man?"
"I found this while I was exploring and since I can't access my bank account, I thought I could get some money from it. This place could use some repairs."
The guy stared at the gem and then at her, "What do you mean?"
"I live here now with my friend and Grim. And as you can see this place isn't suitable for living so might as well repair it to be liveable." Ren shrugged.
The guy looked saddened by what Ren could tell. "Ah! It seems I've lost one of my favourite spots in this college."
"You can always come around, heck I can even invite you to some tea next time and play host." The horned man looked appalled, "Are you sure about this?"
"Yup, we are buddies after all." Ren said with a smile. The horned guy seemed amused, "You truly don't know who I am, do you?"
"Nope I don't! You don't know who I am either. So how about we exchange names? I can't just call you guy in my head forever ya know?"
He was amused by Ren's boldness but declined her offer, "You can call me whatever you like, Child of man but I hope you don't get scared once you come to know who I am."
Ren stared at the guy for a few seconds. His hair was black but the ends of his hair faded into a dark turquoise. His eyes were green, lime green. And horns in his head. "Lime.." she murmured.
"Hm?"
"Lime. Cause your eyes are green, like mine but I'm a different shade! Or Tsunotarou cause of your horns?"
"Pfft.. Ha Ha Ha ha!" Tsunotarou laughed in amusement. Is he this easy to amuse or is Ren just THAT good? "You truly are fearless, aren't you Child of Man? Sure you may refer to me with those names. Be grateful that you got this opportunity."
Ren simply went along with this, "Now you give me a nickname!"
Lime stared at her with surprise, "..hm..?"
"What? It's only fair you know? I don't know your name and you don't in now muney, now quickly come up with some- wait Child of Man technically already a nickname, isn't it? Come one Lime think of another one!"
"I think I'll stick to Child of Man for now, Child of Man." Lime stated.
She sighed, "Fine! But next time think of something."
The two chatted away about nothing in particular, just random stuff Ren could yap about. And before the sun was rising. "My very first sunset." She turned around to say something.
"I shall take my leave" Lime has abruptly left leaving nothing but the fireflies behind. "At least let me say goodbye first. Oh well! I can meet him when I go there to deliver what Crowley wants."
"Miss Ren you're up early!" Speak of the devil and he shall appear. He has once again appeared out of thin air. He seemed to be in a good mood, Ren will ruin that for him. "It's admirable for you to be so eager to study. I wish more students were like you.", he chirped as his eyes wandered to the book in her hand and read the title. "I see, you're reading about this world! Feel free to ask the teachers if you are ever confused." Mr. Crowley then took out a letter and handed it to Ren. "Now be sure to deliver this to the housewarden or vice housewarden. As for the food the two of you can eat while it's lunch time and cook dinner in the cafeteria's kitchen. I will be back but you can go ahead and deliver the letter."
Oh Ren will be asking SEVERAL questions, don't worry sir!
Ren nodded as she took the letter and put it in her pocket. Mr. Crowley went away as soon as he finished what he said.
Left alone once again, she thought of selling the magestone in that shop Tsunotarou told her about. Is it ok for her to grab something to eat from the cafeteria right now? She hasn't eaten anything for more than 12 hours now and her stomach is killing her. Plus, she can feel herself being hangry as the seconds pass by.
The shop must be around this school. So Ren went inside the dorm to write a note to Lia and Ace.
She scrambled around to find a pen and write the note in the back of Lia's note: Gone out to hopefully eat cuz I'm getting hangry or at least drink tea and deliver Mr. Crowley's letter. Ps: Yes, Ace did look like a lump. A sad lump XD -Ren
And with that Ren was on her way to find the shop, at 6:30 in the morning when she'd usually be off to dream land. But not before she once again wrapped a fresh bandage on her head to get those sympathy points and changed back to her white sweater which was covered in blood before. She'd have to thank Mr. Crewel for cleaning the blood and return the red hoodie and buy new clothes for her and Lia. So much stuff to do! She's gonna be bored..
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Lilia's morning was going just as any normal morning. Wake up, get ready, wake up silver, great malleus, sebek great malleus passionately. It was indeed a very normal morning. "Another normal morn-"
"You can't enter without an invitation! Come back with one!" A loud voice from one of the students spoke. Looks like Lilia spoke too soon. Was someone here for something? "I'm just here to deliver Headmage's letter for the housewarden" a voice tried to reason with a sigh.
Oh? Someone was here to Malleus? Well that doesn't happen that often now does it? Lilia teleported to the dorm main gate to see the person behind the voice. The person was the same one who barged in the orientation with bloodied clothes, Lilia couldn't get a clear look because the magic less one was blocking the way. Now that he could get a clearer , Lilia noticed that the 'he' was actually a 'she'. She had bandages around her head but the smell of iron didn't come from them, maybe she needed to wear them just in case?
"Come on! Let me through! Even the vice housewarden will do! I just need to deliver this and eat my breakfast." The lady said looking a bit irritated.
That's Lilia's cue to join the . "Boys this isn't how you treat a guest and injured!" All three looked up and saw Lilia floating just above the gate. Immediately the two diasonima members straightened up, "Vice warden! This human was trying to enter without an invite!"
The lady didn't seem that surprised, "He can teleport too? Didn't see any fireflies though..", the lady mumbled but then spoke a little louder. "Once again, I repeat I'm here due to Mr. Crowley's orders! I just need to deliver this!" She said as she took out a letter with the Headmage's seal and held it up for Lilia to take. "You can take it cause you're the vice housewarden of this place. She muttered under her breath, "Think the news is kinda out dated though."
Lilia took the letter with a smile, "Why not join us for breakfast? Since you came all the way here."
The lady shook her head side to side. "Thank you but I-" her stomach grumbled with hunger as she looked a bit embarrassed. "-don't want to impose."
Lilia snickered, "Your stomach says otherwise. Plus our dorm mates could use a new company." Extending his hand as a way for her to reconsider.
She exhaled in defeat and took his hand, "if you say so but I'm only agreeing because my stomach will actually file for neglect if I don't eat right now."
Lilia ecstatically pulled her towards the dorm, "I'm Lilia by the way. Apologies for not introducing myself before. What's your name?"
The lady gave him a small smile and replied, "I'm Ren. Nice to meet you."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
When Master Lilia came back to the dorm with the bloodied human from the orientation, Sebek didn't know what to say.
He should tell the human to go back but Master Lilia was the one who invited him, so Sebek just bit his tongue and didn't say anything for now. Master Lilia happily talked to the newcomer as he was getting dragged towards Sebek. "You can sit tight! Chat with Sebek here, he needs new friends anyways! I'm bring the food for us."
No way was Sebek going to be entertaining a human. "Master Lilia! I don't-" but Master Lilia had cut him off, "Have a fun chat!" And already teleported. Murmurs were heard as other dorm mates talked about the newcomer.
Fine Sebek could chat with the human but only because Master Lilia ordered him to! "Human, you better be grateful for the opportunity to dine here due to Master Lilia!"
The human faced him and simply nodded, "Oh I'm grateful alright! My stomach was dying of hunger."
Sebek looked at the human for a few seconds. He looked far better than the last Sebek saw him but the still had bandages around his head, "Humans truly are so weak, they get injured way too easily, it's pathetic."
"Ya humans can be fragile but also be durable at the same time"
"Oh? Care to elaborate?"
"Well-"
"I'm back with food!!", Master Lilia abruptly teleported surprisingly Sebek but the human looked unfazed. "Aw~ I didn't scare you." He then placed the food before the human and gave Sebek his. "I will forever be grateful for your kindness, Master Lilia!"
Master Lilia sat beside the human, "So what were you talking about? Something fun I hope.
The human took a bit of the food and spoke, "I was just about to tell how durable and fragile humans are at the same time."
That seemed to interest Master Lilia, "Oh? Really."
The human chirped, "Oh ya! Humans can survive getting stuck by lightning but can also break their neck just by sneezing! That will never NOT be funny to me!"
Sebek and Master Lilia just stared at the human. That...that can't be true! "You dare lie in front of Master Lilia!?"
"Hm?" The human tilted his head as if confused but simply stated, "I'm not though? Humans, at least the humans from my place, a person has survived being struck by lightning seven times and fractured a rib by sneezing too hard."
Sebek was speachless. A human survived being struck by lightning? Not once but seven times!? That's impossible but this human doesn't seem to be lying by how genuine he sounded.
"That's impressive for all the wrong reasons but what do you mean by 'f humans from your place." Master Lilia questioned now intently looking at the newcomer.
"I would love to spill everything I know but that information might be confidential. I'd have to talk to the headmage for that."
Need the headmage approval? That sounds suspicious!
"Well I've written some differences between my humans and the humans from here on my phone. If you're interested I can talk about that! I'm warning you though, I will be babbling a lot." The human then informed, "Just keep in mind the place where I'm from it's only humans! No faes, no beastmen, no merfolks, only humans! Oh! And also no magic."
Now that, that would peak Master Lilia's interest and just as Sebek thought that Master Lilia spoke with glee, "Oh?~ do tell! Your place sounds interesting."
"Ok. Let's start off with something interesting! Ever since I got here I got here it has been easier? To breathe. Like the air was more fresh or had more oxygen. And I was right! The atmosphere here has 30% oxygen where I'm from there's only 21% oxygen in the atmosphere. So the average size out of your guy's average human lungs size are slightly smaller than ours." He then put his hand in his chest, "See-eh well you can't SEE my lungs but you understand, right? Well an average adult human lungs from my place is 24cm and 27cm in full capacity. But the humans from this place roughly have 2-3 cm smaller lungs."
Sebek wasn't impressed with this information. He huffed as he ate his food, "That doesn't sound that impressive.."
"That's where you're wrong! Having larger lungs lets you take more oxygen which increases your stamina and endurance! They even give a better adaptability in places with low oxygen levels!" The human has now completely stopped as he continued to explain about human lungs.
Master Lilia seems to be invested in this as he doesn't interrupt the human. Even a few others seemed interested! "You are a curious one, aren't you? Be careful though~ you wouldn't want to find out something you'd regret. Master Lilia teased the human but he just snickered, "Well for there's a saying 'Curiosity killed the cat'-" the human leaned closer to Master Lilia as if to say a secret. Master Lilia in return leaned towards him. "-but what they don't say is that 'the satisfaction brought it back'!"
Master Lilia laughed out loud for everyone to hear, "Ha ha ha! So you're going to be reading about others too I presume? If you have any questions about the Fae, feel free to ask. I'd answer you happily."
Why Master Lilia would entertain this human is beyond him, so Sebek ignored what the human was saying. He'll have to complain about this to Silver. Thinking of Silver, Sebek looked around the room, he was nowhere to be seen. Did he fall asleep again? How can he survey the Young Master if he's always sleeping!
"I'll be joining classes after a week's time because of this." Sebek heard those words. What does this human mean!? Joining classes that late? Not that he cares! But it will be a problem if he is sorted into diasomnia.
"That sounds reasonable! Have you been sorted yet? This dorm needs more laid back dorm mates!"
Great Sevens! No! Sebek doesn't want to share a dorm with this human!
"I'm gonna have to disappoint you cause I'm not sorted into any dorms. My friend would be lonely, so I'd be staying with him."
"That's unfortunate to hear-" Master Lilia was cut off by a loud arm coming from the human pocket.
The human swiftly took his phone to silence his phone, "Shit! It's already 8!?" He then quickly finished his meal, "Sorry to leave abruptly but I'm WAY behind schedule! Let's talk again soon!" The human ran out of the dorm. He wouldn't have been late if he didn't talk so much!
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Cater might be regretting his decision of roping the newbies and the magic less guy to do his job. Why you may ask? Because they suck!
The one with no magic was doing a better job and no, Cater wasn't talking about Ace! It was Lia who still hasn't talked except the initial conv.
Cater turned towards the magic duo consisting of Deuce and Grim trying to turn the roses red but failing miserably. Oh! Look he burned the rose. Great Sevens! Have mercy and please save the roses before Riddle Offed with his head and collar Cater.
"Wow. You're even less competent that I thought."
"Yoooo!!!" A cheerful shout was heard coming closer. As within seconds tackled Lia into a hug, "I knew you guys would be here!" It was the boy from yesterday- Ren who demanded to see Riddle.
The newbies seemed to perk up, even Ace, as Lia returned the hug with a small smile. "Since you're in a good mood I presume you ate breakfast?"
"I was invited to breakfast, I even had tea! Got chu coffee though."
Ren pulled away from the hug and handed Lia the coffee that somehow hadn't spilled over by that hug. He snatched the coffee out of Ren's hand as soon as he finished his sentence and took a big sip. "You're God sent! You even got my third fav!"
"Henchman! Why'd ya leave your boss with these losers? I had to do all the work!" Ren simply pulled out a can of tuna from his shoulder bag and the cat happily took it and proceeded to gobble it up like it was his last meal.
Cater barged in the conversation bcuz he can. "As if! You burned half of the roses! I wanted them red not #burned. *Sigh* try imagining a red rose and do it."
Grim did as he was told and Deuce soon followed. Oh? It was a success? Maybe Riddle wouldn't be more made than he is now. He turned towards Ren who already painted a few roses while chatting with Lia,happily sipping his coffee. Looks like this group wasn't a lost cause after all!
"That's the last of them! It's finally #Done." Cater looked at the time and he just finished in time before year classes started.
"Finally I thought it would never end!", Ace groaned as he slumped his shoulders, but then he jerked up as if he just remembered something, "Is Riddle here? I gotta talk to him."
"Yeah, probably." Cater answered. "But are you sure? Did you even bring an apology tart to replace the one you ate?" He continued.
"Uh, no..? I have to do that?"
Cater new it! This newb is going to be in a world full of more hurt. "Ah ah ah... That could be a problem. See, Queen of Hearts Rule no. 53: Stolen items must be replaced. Since you can't do that, I can't let you in."
"Are you serious!? Guys do something"
"We can't do shit Ace." Ren and Lia both replied simultaneously. "Jinx!" Well time to throw these guys out. Cater took out his pen and cast a spell. "Come on guys! He's-"
"Next time bring a tart with you! Bah- bye now!" And with that pushed them out of the dorm.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
As she got dragged out, Lia murmured under her breath holding her laughter, "Rain was right. The spell casting does sound like the magical girl animes.
Lia was in a much better mood now that she had finished her coffee. Sure the breakfast that Mr. Crowley got was... ok but it was too little and she had to share it with Ace too, he said to meet at the teacher's lounge to get today's work from the teachers too.
Ace complained, "He really kicked us out..."
"Had to do all the work just to get kicked out..." Grim grumbled as he made his way to Ren's shoulder kinda like a pokémon. Then Lia's brain started connecting weird dots. She mouthed, "Wait... A talking cat = talking meowth, fire + cat = Litten and blue = shiny..?? Ren got herself a pokémon!?" The dots connected into a full picture! Lia has to share this information!
She then abruptly grabbed both of Ren's shoulders and made Ren face her, looked her dead in the eyes with excitement. "You got a pokémon!!" Hearing her words the peanut gallery commented.
"Huh??" "A what??" "What did you just call the Great Grim!?Ace and Deuce both looked confused while Grim thought it was an insult with what Lia just said but she could see gears turning in Ren's head as she looked between Grim and her and it clicked.
"Oh mah god you're right I got a pokémon!", Ren exclaimed. Then in an amused voice said to Grim, "Will you evolve into something cool?" Grim puffed his chest as he proudly stated, "I'll already at my best but I will be a great mage too!"
"You still haven't explained what a pokémon is?-" Suddenly a faint sound of the bell ringing could be heard. Ace and Deuce froze as they heard the sound echo. Deuce shouted, "We missed the first bell!" He grabbed Ace's wrist and started running, "We can't be late!" Ace who was getting dragged away and soon also ran in sync with Deuce yelled towards them, "We'll see you guys during lunch! See ya then!"
Now left with just the three of them, Lia remembered that Mr. Crowley had said to meet in the Teacher's lounge to get today's tasks. After telling Ren that, they made their way. The two continued their talk about how Grim was a pokémon for laughs and explained what a pokémon is to Grim. When Grim knew what a pokémon is he simply said that he was far superior than those monsters.
Finally they reached the Teacher's lounge. Ren knocked on the door to get permission and it was granted, upon entering Lia noticed that there were only two teachers present. What were their names again? "Good morning Mr. Trein and Mr. Vargas" Ren greeted the teachers. And Lia followed soon after and thanked Ren in her head for giving her the names. The two teachers returned the good mornings.
Time for work or time to ask for work Lia guesses!
"Is there any work for me to do? Mr. Crowley said there will be work given to me. Ren's probably here to ask questions about classes since she will be joining them next week.-"
One of the teachers, the older teacher, abruptly cut her off looking troubled, "Pardon me but Miss. Ren is what!?"
Summary: Malleus finds out humans apparently CAN grow horns.
A strange human with bloodied clothes showed him pictures for one of those electrical devices.
Off screen of what Ren explained to Malleus from my fic:
💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 9 · Wonderland in Chaos (Twst fic) · Prologue: Woke up in a situation
Summary: Lia woke up room full of floating coffins and a
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
This night, Malleus has met an interesting human. Someone who he didn't recognise. The said human also did not recognise who he is.
The human didn't offer a name or any introduction, claiming only to be just a passerby. Yet, Malleus could see a flicker of glee in the human's eyes upon seeing his horns. As the child of man came closer, he could see that white clothes were stained with blood.
Currently Malleus is escorting the said human to the Mirror Chamber, so to speak to the headmage. In exchange, the human is talking about about humans growing horns.
Interesting isn't it? Human. Growing horns.
"The horns can be any size, big or small. I think the biggest size recorded was about 25 cm or 10 inches if you're American.", the human exclaimed with glee.
25 cm. His horns are about 9 centimetres. Malleus would like to meet that human one day.
"If you got any questions, feel free to ask!"
Oh? Quite bold for a human. Did the human not recognise Malleus? Looking at the state of her clothes, Malleus is going to assume that the blood loss is getting to the humans head. Humans are fragile, aren't they?
Oh, how surprised will the human being when finding out that of the bazaar talk with the crown prince. Malleus could already imagine the reaction. But then that would mean Malleus will have one less thing that integers him.
"Aren't you a bold one? I wonder if this is how you are or amnesia." Malleus amusingly said with a huff.
Glancing towards him, the human pondered, placing a hand near the chin and with a subtle smile, "Well amnesia can be caused due to lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain and I did get into a road accident." Then, with a wave of the hand and a slight shake of the head, "But that can't be it, I was fully healed. Unless the lost blood wasn't replaced?"
It is quite bazaar that the human was fully healed, simple teleportation does not do that.
With a sigh the human continued, "Guess we'll never know..bummer.."
Looking straight ahead, "Well I wouldn't wanna relive the accident, believe me! 0 out of 10, would not recommend."
"Worry about yourself. You humans are far more fragile than I." He huffed, looking straight ahead. As if he'd ever be injured.
The human just nodded along with what Malleus had said until abruptly exclaimed, "Wait! No, we're getting off topic. I was telling you about cutaneous horns!"
Then the child of man's eyes closed as the hand getting near the human's hair as to slightly played with it, "Hmm, yes I told you about the different sizes the horns can grow! Again, the longest horn was about 25 cm, the one who had it was a 61 year old man, it took 10-11 years for it to grow that big!"
The human eyes drifted towards his horns as if to get a clearer look. "Cutaneous horns don't look quite like yours though..", glancing between him and his horns.
This human really doesn't know who he is. Eyeing him and his horns far too much for it to be comfortable. As Malleus was about to snap from the gawping-
"Your's looks more pretty- cutaneous horns aren't a pretty sight.", looking forward, the human casually said.
...If these 'Cutaneous horns' don't look like Malleus's, what do they look like?
"How do they look like them, how of man?"
The human pondered for a few seconds, as if to find the correct words to speak. "...Well if I HAVE to put it into words- weird and painful. They look painful."
Painful? How can growing horns look painful and weird? Malleus has had horns since the day he was born. Sure, it got itchy when it grew but never painful. The human must have noticed his confusing, as the human's eyes glanced at their bag and to him. "Well if you wanna see how the horns look like maybe you'll understand? I'm sure I got some pics of them if I dig through my gallery. Wanna see?"
"If you please Child of Man, I would like to see them."
The human visibly perked up with smile, eyes sparkling with excitement. The Child of Man rifled through the bag, searching for the device. After finding the device, Malleus watches as the human searched though the phone, Malleus doesn't really know what's happening. He isn't the best with these electrical devices.
"Here it is!", human exclaimed as the screen was shown to Malleus. And there it was, horns. Malleus leaned in slightly, eyes narrowing as he studied the picture. It showed a close-up of a thick, keratinous projection on a person's scalp—curved and rough, tapering to a point. The skin underneath looked a little inflamed, but no signs of infection.
The human was right 'cutaneous horn' as the humans said did look painful. His gaze flickered between the picture on the phone and the human, feeling a strange mix of curiosity and unease. The horn looked nothing like Malleus's, "Those indeed look painful. Do these humans have to live with the horns for all their lives?
"Hm?", The human closed the device and shoved it inside the bag once again. "Not really, you can remove them though surgery."
Malleus tilted his head, ears twitching slightly. “Really? How’s it done?”
The humans eyes lit up, "Want me to explain the step by step process of hor we remove it?"
. . .
Does Malleus need to know? No, not really. But is Malleus curious enough to say yes? Yes, yes he is.
"Sure, I did say to to tell me everything you know. So explain it to me."
The bloodied clothed human nodded, gesturing as the human spoke. “First, they examine the horn and the skin around it. To make sure there’s no infection or hidden problems. Sometimes, taking a small sample—like a tiny piece—to check for any abnormal cells, just to be safe.”
So far, the process sounds simple enough.
“Then they numb the area, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. If the horn is really large or in a tricky spot, they might use sedation or even put you under completely, so you’re relaxed or asleep.”
Magic is used, of course. Such a procedure is painful without it.
“Next, they mark around the base of the horn, leaving a little margin—like a safety zone—so they can remove the entire thing along with a bit of surrounding tissue."
And this is where they use magic to remove- "Then, using a sharp scalpel, they carefully cut around the horn, down to the tissue underneath.”
. . . What.
Maybe the human misspoke. Humans do make a lot of mistakes, this must be one of them. He glanced at the human, nothing but utmost excitement on the face as if the human hasn't just said that the horn was about to be pulled off.
"Human ,are you telling me that they pull the horn off." Malleus stared at the human as his ear twitched.
The human simply shrugged. "Pretty much, but they do it in a controlled way, making sure to get all the tissue underneath. After that they clean up the blood and stitch the wound shut, If the area is large or in a tricky spot, they might do some reconstructive work—like skin grafts—to help it look good once it heals."
Malleus isn't sure where to be disgusted or intrigued about the process Child of Man just described to him. And what is a skin graft? Is that a healing spell? If so Malleus has never heard of it. He has to ask Lilia about this.
"And that's it! Then it's just all that healing mojo. Any questions?" The human glanced at Malleus, waiting for him to speak.
Clearing his throat, he spoke. "The method you speak of is barbaric for my kind. Are the other ways you humans.. remove such..?"
The human gestered. "Oh there are other ways too like Lazer, freezing it or radiation therapy too. The one I just told you about is the most common. You got a lot of options, my guy."
Malleus looked forwards, their destination is coming closer as they spoke.
It's about time for him to bid farewell to the human. A strange one sure. And that's saying something, this college is filling with.. peculiar individuals to say the least.
Well Malleus now has something to ask Lilia about even if it's a bit morbid. Malleus hopes to meet the Child of Man once again even if the human unintentionally told him he could remove his horns.
If it were anyone else Malleus would have thought it was a threat. But the Child of Man did not know who he was. Malleus can pardon the human just this once, since he was the one who told to tell him everything the human knew.
Grim: *talking*
Ren: I want to dissect you so bad..
Ren: *Having the time of her life with Grim and finding magestone*
Lia, Ace & Deuce: *Running for their lives*
Ren, Lia, Ace & Deuce: *getting along*
Crowley: What the fuck happened!?
Lia: It's trauma bounding.
Crowley and Ren: *debating why Ren and Lia can't be students here*
Lia, Ace & Deuce: *with sunglasses and eating popcorn* Dang, this is crazy...
Ace: *eating a tart*
Riddle: I sense a disturbance in the force.
Ace: *can't use magic cuz he ate a tart* This is so unfair!
(How the meeting went)
The housewardens (minus malleus): *not happy about the two guests that will be staying here*
Crowley: I understand, they are nothing more than guests. Feel free to ignore them.
The housewardens (minus malleus): *not believing him* Whatever you say, Headmage.
(Ren being a half student with Grim)
Crowley: Well I lied but that's nothing new now is it?
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Shit Ren got separated and lost.
...
......
.........
............
Welp at least it's not dark. When all four of them entered the Dwarf's Mine which by the way, definitely looked like the mine from the movie snow white. There were even seven small chairs in the house they walked into to get to the mine. Is this world Disney inspired or something?
Well, right now that's not the problem, the problem is that she's lost AND alone. Ren breathed in and breathed out. Ok! the rules when getting lost are: stop, think and observe and most importantly don't panic. Ren has been lost a couple of times so she's not panicking that much. Just breathe in a pattern Ren,calm and steady. At least the part of the mime she is in more isn't narrow enough to trigger her claustrophobia, now THAT would be a disaster.
She looked around for any familiar landmarks. As her eyes roamed around for familiarity, her eyes stopped at a corner of the mine. Someone has started a fire and it was glowing blue.
So Ren walked a bit closer to get a clearer look, blue fire. There it was the cause of the blue flames. It was a cat with flames coming out of his ears. And by the looks of it the cat was sad.
Wonder how this cat's ear producing the flame? Lead and bismuth can be used to make blue fire.
The downside is that the lead is very toxic. Though burning bismuth isn't as toxic but it's best not to take any chancs. Or maybe Ren is just overthinking again and fire is blue here, who knows and that's the best part.
As she came closer and closer to the cat, the cat must have noticed her scent. "Maw! What are you doing here!?"
Oh it talks too? Interesting. Cats don't have the vocal anatomy to speak human language.
"Hello. I just got lost, how about you little guy?" The cat seemed to be surprised by my soft tone and exclaimed, "The Great Grim isn't little. I'm here because I want to!" Oh it has a name. Did someone give it a name or did it come up with the name.
"Well Grim. I'm Ren, wanna come along with me? If you're good I can give you food." Mention of food seems to get Grim excited, "What didn't you say that before! I'll lead the way!" Grim puffed up his chest with a big smile. "Where are we going anyway?"
Good, the cat was happy now. She can poke and pry at it when Grim is more comfortable with her.
"I was here to look for magestones."
That was all Grim needed to get going, "hmm, you know what henchman? You can lead the way."
Well it's best to go back the way Ren came. Ren nodded and turned around walking the way she thinks she came from.
Grim took Ten walking away as a chance to get a ride on her shoulder. And with that Ren walked while Grim talked about how great he was.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
She lost Ren. Lia has lost Ren in this godforsaken mine. Great. Just GREAT.
When all of them entered Dwarf's house from snow white and went inside the mine, Ren got separated. Great..
"Wha?. Guys, looks like we lost Ren."
"Really Trappola? I didn't notice.", Lia said sarcastically. She is worried but losing Ren is like losing a cat. She will eventually fund her wat back somehow anyhow.
As a matter of fact, Lia won't be surprised if Ren was waiting for all three of them near the way back.
"We can find him later-", Deuce looked surprised. "Huh? What's that?"
"What now?"
Lia and Trappola looked where Deuce was looking. There were ghosts!?"Hee hee here! Visitors! First time in ten years!"
"Say here forever with us..."
The ghosts looked similar to the ones Lia saw in the cafeteria. But these ones had tattered very cloaks on their heads.Lia ran, no way was she gonna be she's gonna stay here. There's a great chance Ren has already found magestone with her luck. The two students soon followed her footsteps.
After running away, all of them did a pit stop to catch their breaths."Everywhere we go there are more ghosts. I want to go back to the dorm."
"If we stop now, we'll surely be expelled. Let's get moving."
"And who made you the team leader-"There goes Trappola about to start another fight. Are all teenage boys like this here or is Trappola a special case?
"......ooonneessss....eeeeeee......."
"What was that!?", Lia whispered-shouted.
"....ssssttttt.......reeeeeee......."
"Sounds like it's getting closer."
But before they could run, it was there. It was big, twice as big as Lia. It looked like it was made up of some sort of clay smile, in one hand it held a pickaxe while the other held a lantern. Instead of a head the creature had what looked like a fish bowl. The bowel seemed to be leaking the substance that made up the creature.
You can have your stone buddy! And all of them were running again. Lia really should have worked out more, she was NOT built to be running like the protagonists in horror games.
"Aaah what is that!?"
"Run now, ask questions later!"
Ren better have the magestone.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
The henchman Grim picked up turned out to be useful. He was in some part of the mine with his henchman, Ren taking some of the magestones he found. "Well isn't this my lucky day?", Ren continued on collecting the stones. "How about a little snack after we're out of here Grim? As a thanks for giving me company."
Right...
The two will part ways after this. This put a bad taste in Grim's mouth, he was very happy that at least someone treated Grim with the respect he deserves. Just then a loud roar was heard, "Stoooonessssss....Stoooooonesss aaaareeeee mineeeeee."
Ren grabbed Grim and took off, "Welp let's get outta here before whatever that was, gets here."
"The Great Grim doesn't run away." But whatever that was, did sound very angry, "But if my henchman is scared, it's a boss's job to make his henchman comfortable. SoOo, get outta here Ren!"And with that Ren was out of there with pockets full of magestones.
Soon voices could be heard.
"Is everyone ok?" Grim recognised that voice, it was that human who he threatened yesterday.Ren also seemed to recognise the voice as he was going towards the voice.
"Li? Are you there?" Ren ran closer to the voice and yup, it was the human he threatened yesterday.The human turned towards Ren as he heard his voice, "Ren! You're back. Did you find the magestone?"
"Yup! Grabbed a bunch! Let's get outta here I heard something big."
"Heard? We saw that thing! If you got the magestone, let's get out NOW!" The other guy with heart on is eye shouted. And with that they started to run towards the exit, but just as they were about to get out, the thing was there.
And did it stink. It stank of rotten flesh and whatever that black liquid it was made of. It was the scariest thing that Grim had ever seen.
"It looks like it noticed the magestone that went missing."Grim noticed that his henchman was taking a breath and slowly released it. And the look in his eyes told that he had a plan.
Great! His henchman is good. "We need a distraction." Ren glanced towards Deuce and the different paths of the mine. "Deuce could you throw a couple of cauldrons? And Trappola-"
"Call me Ace."
"Ok, Ace, could you amplify the sound the cauldrons make? That way that thing will be distracted."
"And when it goes that way we block the entrance so it can't get out. Ren that's perfect!"
"Less talking, more doing. Lia can be on look out and I'll see to it that the plan goes as it should."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Deep breaths Deuce, deep breaths. You can do this. Just conjure up a few cauldrons like the one you did before and throw it the other way. After that it's running at full speed again.So he did as he was told and with Ace's support the sound came way louder than it would have been without it.
Lia then signaled and all of them ran at top speed. And soon they were out. "Quick! Block the exit with a big cauldron or maybe a thick rock. Do it quick!" Deuce took the order and threw the biggest cauldron he could make. Once the entrance was sealed, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"We.....win? I think we did it!"
"All right!"
"Woohoo!" Ren pulled Lia into a hug and beamed, "Hive five!"
"Yeaaah!" The two hive fived Ren with excitement. "You make friends easily, Ren."
Upon hearing the word friend Deuce repelled away from Ren as if he was made up of fire. "I wouldn't call us that."
"Spare us the cliches, Ren."
"You guys only won cause of my henchman." Deuce finally noticed that there was a creature on Ren's shoulder. "Ren, isn't that the thing that caused trouble yesterday?"
"Maybe I don't know, I was too busy not dying from bleeding." Oh right, he looked bad yesterday. And now that Ren said that, Deuce noticed he was wearing bandages around his head.
Honour students don't make other people's injuries worse. He's already failing this honour student thing. Sorry mom, I promise I didn't mean to do that.
"Ugh! Let's get out of here." Ace was right. It was getting very dark, granted it's going to be winter after a few months.
"My legs will be killing me tomorrow. I wasn't built for all that running." Lia grumbled. Deuce was just happy that he wasn't getting expelled on the first day. "The chandelier crashed on its own though, how was it our fault.."
"The headmage would have believed us." Lia pointed his thumb at Ace, "He already marked himself as a trouble maker so ya Mr. Crowley genuinely thought he did it and we were the tagalongs of his." Ace upone hearing that stared at Lia and spoke up, "Well it was ACTUALLY this weasel's fault!" Luckily the cat was too busy being petted by Ren to actually listen to their conversation.
"You really are a cat magnet." Lia commented. "What can I say felines usually like me. Even your cat loves me more than you."
"Ouch! Straight to the heart. That must have heart." Deuce mumbled. Lia then playfully ran towards Ren who ran away shouting, "Deuce and Ace we'll met you at the headmage office! I gotta lose Li in the process."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"And with this, the meeting is concluded." Finally it was over, Crowley walked out of the Mirror Chamber and was walking towards his office. He updated the housewardens about the two unfortunate guests who will be residing on ramshackle for an unknown amount of time, though diasomnia housewarden was nowhere to be found. He would have to write a summary about the meeting and order Ren to deliver It to him. It was unruly that the said guests were unable to attend the meeting. It wasn't his fault that they got themselves involved with a troublemaker. He truly is kind, to give them a second chance.
But now that Crowley has a clearer mind her remember the two unfortunate ones were trying to say something. Ok maybe Crowley expelled those students in the heat of the moment, it would have been better if he had listened to the story as a whole.
Oh well, Crowley will fix the lights of the main room of ramshackle as an apology. Look at him being so gracious. And the meeting, why were these housewardens bombarding Crowley with questions!? He already said what he knew, of course he didn't reveal that the guests were girls. Best he acts oblivious if that ever gets out.
Argument after argument! When will these students learn to get along? Sure you don't HAVE to be friends, at least be civil around each other. Maybe it was too much to ask his students, do have great pride and big egos. Oh well, there's nothing he can do about it.
Finally Crowley reached his office's door. Time for him to sit down and enjoy some tea. But before he opened the door, he heard the voices of all four of the students he scolded in the cafeteria. He listenned in the conversation. "Finally, I thought we would be stuck here forever." Trappola sounded bored.
"Ace, it hasn't even been five minutes."
"Easy for you to say Ren. You don't have a housewarden who's angry with you when you get back to the dorm because of Someone." Trappola said it in a sarcastic tone. Were these students on friendly terms now? "In Ren's defence, we couldn't find you."
"And you did run away for us." "You from them."
"I'm not listening to the peanut gallery."
"You're now also part of the peanut gallery by the way and no you can't leave."
"Hey that's-nevermind.."
Well would you look at that, Crowley was right, he's so happy he could shed a few tears. And he is curious what happened for them to be on friendly terms. Oh well, he'll know as soon as he enters his office. And Crowley entered the room, as soon as the door opened Ren perked up and glanced towards the door while the two students were busy talking and Lia was petting a sleeping cat? ....Wait isn't that- "Good evening Mr. Crowley. We got the magestone like I said."
The words took Crowley by surprise, he actually had to stop for a second and ask to be sure what he heard was true. "Pardon!? You're telling me you actually went to the mine..?"
"Uh..? Yes."
"Were we not supposed to..?"
"No I didn't expect that you'd seriously do it and be successful in your endeavour."
"Mr. Crowley we fought a monster to get this." Ren exclaimed and pulled out a magestone. They were telling the truth! Oh my magestones are less supplied than when Crowley was young, well aren't they lucky but the luck can wait.
"Monster...?" These younglings fought a monster..!? "Please elaborate, Ren."
"So Ren got lost, found the magestone while you three were running away from the monster, when Ren found you three, planned on how to distract the monster, you three worked together and brought me the magestone." ...Amazing...
"Uh... I won't call it 'working together' Ace grumbled and Deuce soon followed in the same tone, "It was more like we just happened to share the same goal."
Finally....Finally.
"Oh gracious...Ohhhh...Ohhhhh!" Crowley sobbed with happiness. Finally a sign that these students can work together.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
This is so weird! Lia who just got back from a traumatic situation she did NOT sign up for and now Mr. Crowley was crying. No full on sobbing! All four of them were staring at him and all for various reasons. Ace and Deuce looked uncomfortable which same but Ren. She looked concerned by how her eyes looked but her mind was probably studying the man.
How can Lia be sure? Well if there is anything who knows Ren it's her. She had known her for more than a decade now.
How long is he gonna be sobbing? Lia wants this to be over with and sleep.
"In all the decades I've worked at this school..", he finally seemed to have gotten everything out of his system but this voice still cracked. "The day has finally come when students of Night Raven College joined hands together to work together!"
"What! No! No way would I join hands with THIS guy!"
First of all there was NO hand holding. Gross and second, exactly HOW old are you, Headmage?" Dang so that hive five was fake? Lia doesn't think so remember how happily the two did it with each other and Ren. And do students not get along well here or something? For the headmage to say that.
"At this moment I'm moved beyond words." There there, I guess Ren can be charismatic when she wants to be. "This incident has proven my hopes were justified. The two of you, without a doubt, you possess the talent of a beast tamer!"
Ren immediately raised her hand that wasn't holding the cat, "Wha-Slow down there sir! I'm just good with animals. Well humans ARE animals but you know what I mean! and Lia's only good with her pets." Bro really called his students beasts indirectly.
"My students are budding mages called here by the Dark Mirror. However, as they are of great talent. Most are self-reliant and self-centred that they never cooperate in the slightest."
He's roasting his students with twisted words. Lia was surprised that someone would say it out loud. Like keep those thoughts to yourself! If it gets leaked, this school's reputation is gone. "But you two don't possess magic-"
"Wait you can't use magic!?" Ace and Deuce shouted towards Ren. Lia stared at them.. right nobody except the staff knows that Ren can't use magic, though the list might be a bit longer if Mr. Crowley said it in the housewarden meeting.
"I never said I could, you just assumed." Ren replied.
"Ahem!" All of them looked towards the Headmage as he continued, "As I was saying, you two were able to convince those who CAN use magic to work together for a common goal."
Sir this really isn't that impressive, even Lia can make people cooperate. She did it when she was a prefect in her school. Though she didn't like talking to people but being a prefect usually meant being in the good book of teachers so that was a win. Plus you could sometimes skip classes.
"Perhaps that humdrum mundanity you two possess are what Night Raven College needs!"
"He's not saying anything nice, is he?"
"Ya Ace he's not. He just called Ren and me dull and boring people which is just WRONG. For Ren not me. I'm perfectly ok with being 'boring'.", Lia murmured back but Ren took the insult as if it was nothing.
"I'm convinced that people like you are essential for the future of this school."
"Wait-"
"Trappola, Spade. I hereby revoke your pending expulsion!" Mr. Crowley spoke with excitement, "Furthermore, Ren and Lia, I'm granting you the qualifications to attend school at Night Raven College!"
"REJECTED!" "I'm good, sir." Both Lia and Ren answered swiftly. The others seemed surprised by how fast and loud the two answered. It even startled the cat awake. "Maw! Why are you shouting for!?"
Ren ignored the cat but tried to calm it down by petting it.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to reject this you guys!? It's a golden opportunity for you two." Deuce explained.
"I'm sure. We graduated school a few years ago and I don't want to go back."
Ace nodded as if agreeing not wanting to go to school. "Well as for me, i don't think it will be set right for other students. Mr. Crowley already had a meeting for our stay, it would be a hazard to do that all over again to inform them about us being students. Plus we can't use magic." Lia gave Ren the look as if saying 'Are you sure that's the reason.'
"Quit ignoring me!", all the attention was stolen by the cat
Ren noticed and mouthed so others won't hear, "We can't be in debt with him. He might take advantage of my money luck."
"Ren, pardon me if I'm wrong." Mr. Crowley pointed to the cat. "But isn't that the cat that caused havoc yesterday and fought today with Trappola?"
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"You're right, sir" Ren agreed.
Mr. Crowley looked like he was thinking for a few seconds as his face changed from a face getting ready to scold her to a more pleased look. Ren could see the gears in his brain were spinning, that doesn't look good for her. "As I am so kind, you Grim, how would you like to have the opportunity to study here as a third of a student Ren and Lia?"
Grim immediately perked up when he heard he could attend NRC. "I.. I'll get to go to this school." His eyes were sparkling.
And Ren has lost Grim, it's ok she can turn this around if she's lucky. "Mr. Crowley, you can't just bribe Grim for me and Lia to be students." Glancing at Lia, all three of them were invested. Sigh looks like Ren has to do all the talking. Passing Grim to Lia who was more than happy to hold a cat and signalled her something, "First of all, students might think I can use magic but that can easily be debunked and Lia is already magicless, this will not end well for the both of us-"
"But that's where your beast taming skills are up for show. I'm sure you'd train Grim here splendidly, I would even cover all your expenses so you two can learn here."
"Sir you and I both know this school curriculum is unnecessary for us. Might I remind you of how we got here." Ren jabbed back. Even if it did interest her to study people and the curriculum here.
"Yes but there's nothing bad in learning, is there? Won't you like to learn more of this world." Mr. Crowley knowingly or unknowingly tempted Ren because of course she was curious!
...
This back and forth went on for another hour until Ren sighed in hopes for a compromise. "We're not going anywhere with this. How about we compromise? Since there's only one Grim, -" Ren gestured towards herself and Lia- "but the two of us, it would be for the best if only one attends classes while the other assists the teachers. It's optimal, plus you'd be saving some money. I also request that you pay Lia for her work too."
Mr. Crowley who was looking appalled, tried to rope Lia into the conversation as a way for Ren to demand less. "What does Lia think-" But she simply shrugged, "I'm ok with doing your work as long as I'm getting paid and I don't have to go to classes."
Thanks Li! This should shut Mr. Crowley up for a while.
Ren continued with a cheerful lilt,"As for the classes, I will be starting classes a week later, as a way to try and catch up with other students. As for ECA, I either get to skip or change in another place as you already know the reasoning behind this. And finally you continue finding our way home." Sighing Mr. Crowley groaned, "I agree with your terms. I shall inform the staff of this..."
And with that Mr. Crowley sat down at his chair, hopefully mentally thinking if this was worth it.
Ace and Deuce were bewildered at what just happened. Mr. Crowley then gave Ren a mage stone and spoke, "Accordingly, I present to Grim the magestone that is issued for every student here."
Hmm, this looks kinda has a different color from the ones she has in her pocket and Ace's and Deuce's.
"It's typically attached to the 'magic pens' but you can attach it to collar of Grim. I trust you will keep a tight rein on Grim." Ren questioned, "What if the students find out I don't have magic?"
"It's their fault for not asking and just assuming but fear not it will not be a problem." That might actually look like he's playing favourites...which can come in handy.
"Wow, you got promoted from a chore worker to a student to a prefect, all in a span of a day." Thanks for the optimism Ace. Deuce looked confused for a second but it clicked with him. "Oh, I see. Since your dorm only has you and Grim as student and Lia as teacher's assistant. Headmage putting you in charge of Grim makes you a dorm prefect as default." Ace continued, "That will make you the first magic-less prefect! Not that others will know. Heh heh heh!"
But Mr. Crowley still wasn't done. He handed Ren an old version of a camera,"Now I'll give you this 'a ghost camera'." Ren accepted the camera and took a good look. It looked cute not gonna lie, definitely something she'd buy if she saw it when she was in her original world.
Ace came closer to take a look, "Ooh, my grandma told me about those. Those are like super old magic items, right?"
"I'd hardly call them 'super old'...Ahem. But it may have been invented when your great it great-great-grandmother was a child."
"So it is OLD!" everyone except the headmage and Grim exclaimed.
"Ahem..the photos taken from this carema are special as it photography's part of their soul self too."
"That sounds sketchy." It does Deuce but since the Mirror could see Lia's soul and by association can't see Ren's soul, think she is good.
"They're called Memories. The deeper the soul bond between the photographer and the subject, the more the photos grow animated like videos. Sometimes they slip out."
"Just like a ghost.."
"Hence the name: ghost camera."
Ren's going to have FUN with this one. This would make journaling so much more FUN.
"Now that's all settled we'll be leaving, Mr. Crowley. Guys, let's go!" As Ren walked towards the door but Mr. Crowley chimed in, "Ah! I almost forgot! I need Ren to deliver the summary of the meeting to the housewarden of diasomnia since." He seemed too happy for someone who is going to be losing money. "I'll hand it over to you the first thing in the early morning."
All four of them including Grim were out of the Headmage's office. It's already night time...10 or 11pm or something. Way past Ren's dinner time. The talk took way longer than Ren original thought. Good thing Grim fell asleep again, she would have to train this cat if he's actually going to be my partner for this, Li is good at training cats, isn't she?
Well for now it's time to go get her bag from the teacher's room. "Ace since I'm sure you'd be in trouble if you go to the dorm alone, I'll accompany you even if it's late. Wait for me I need to get my bag. Li, you can follow me if you want."
"You better come with me!"
"I'll be going with Lia too, it already took late and I don't want to get in trouble, that's not what honour students do."
"I'm good, I will go to see how ramshackle is. You said it looked sad so Mr. Crowley better have made it liveable. I'm taking Grim with me btw." And off Lia went with Grim in her arms and Deuce went with her.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Where is the housewarden when you need him!?" Ace shout-whispered. He's already hungry cause he missed dinner. He and Ren looked around the dorm main room but to no avail.
"Guess he's asleep. At least you're not in trouble. I can just explain what happened to your housewarden tomorrow morning." Ren tried to comfort him.
Ace sighed, "Fiiiiiinnneee. Now you go back to where Lia is."
"It's ramshackle. Not that far away from the Mirror Chamber."
Ace was now on his way to his room that he shared with other dorm mates. He really wants to eat something. After walking a while he was now in the kitchen.
....
"Guess I'm so hungry that my stomach took control." Ace went up to the fridge because he's already in the kitchen, let him eat something!
Opening the fridge, "There's gotta be some to eat here right?" He did a quick scan of what was there to eat. His eyes landed on some tarts, three to be exact and big ones too!
He's lucky is back because he was dying to eat something. So he took out one of the tarts and took a BIG bite. "Great Sevens, this is sOoO good." He continued to gobble up the tart. "Mmp.. so good! It's like I'm in pastry paradise."
"Of course they're good. Trey made them. His tarts are always exceptional.
Ace choked as he didn't expect anyone to be awake right now. The turned his head around to see who it was. "Housewarden!? Wait I can-" Housewarden cut him off before he could speak anymore. "First you skip your punishment and now you ate something of MINE. Well I'm impressed by your audacity, at least." Ace just stood there in silence still looking shocked.
"Queen of Heart's rule 89: Never eat a tart without the queen's permission. Theft of tarts is a serious crime! Off With Your Head"
"Bwaaah!" A heart shaped collar snapped itself around Ace's neck and locked itself there. The housewarden continued speaking but Ace wasn't paying attention. The collar felt uncomfortable. The collar rubbed itself against his neck and was heavy.
He doesn't notice that the housewarden is no longer in the kitchen. After debating what to do he finally had an answer, "To hell with this! I'm outta here! It's just a tart he didn't have to cut off my magic for this."
Ace then stormed out of the dorm and made this way towards ramshackle where Ren and Lia were. He didn't care if it was late, he's not going to be staying in heartslabyul anymore.
Crewel: *seeing Lia and Ren as two puppies* It's like when one pup is waiting for the other to wake up and is restless to play again.
Lia: We're in an another world.
Ren: I am filled to the BRIM with questions and excitement.
Crowley: I want to get them out of my hands.
Ren: *essentially a Madol magnet*
Crowley: That one I want that one. Oh and I guess the other one (Lia) can also stay.
The staff: Your greed knows know bounds.
Lia: *peaceful sweeping the main streets*
Grim and Ace: I'm about to end this man's whole career.
Trey: *seeing Ren in bandages* Are you sure you're ok?
Ren: Of you're worried, I'm getting my sympathy points.
Ruggie: *in a panic for both himself and the girl* I don't know what to do!? What do I do!?
Ren: *holding back the urge to ask very inappropriate questions* Must hold back.
Ace: *Not doing his punishment*
Ren: Time to snitch!
Lia: Yeah!
Riddle: *enjoying this tea*
Ren and Lia: say goodbye to that tea and hello to a whole new world or ANGER.
(After getting back Ace again)
Lia: Trappola really said 'if I'm at rock bottom, I'll simply dig deeper cuz I'm defending not down enough.'
(Ace, Deuce, Ren and Lia passing by)
Chandelier: I give up in life.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Finally..Lia can get a slip of coffee to live through the chaos that was last night. She had gotten the coffee she requested and is content with it.
Her friend, Ren is still asleep. Must be nice to fall asleep within a few seconds. Lia personally takes bout 30 minutes up to two hours to fall asleep. Plus she's a light sleeper too.
Though Lia guesses it's fair that Ren is a deep sleeper because she is the more energetic of the two. Got to recharge somehow, right?
Lia is still in the infirmary, it's 5 in the morning. Mr. Crowley said something about a staff meeting which involves both her and Ren.
She'd have to wake up Ren for that, talking to people first thing in the morning? Ya no. Lia doesn't have the social battery for that. She likes her mornings quiet, thank you very much.
Lia patiently sat beside the infirmary bed that Ren was sleeping at, occasionally glancing at the sunrise through the window and sipping her coffee.
Coffee is really keeping her from crashing out. All hail coffee!
Usually she would be listening to calming music too but it's best not to take out anything out of Ren's bag right now. You know because the two of them are from another world and everything.
"Pup, you should wake up your friend. The meeting is about to start.", Crewel informed.
"Ok, Mr. Crewel." Lia already wants to go home, but she can't. She should have been in the house with Ren. Her drinking coffee and Ren enjoying her lemon tea.
Speaking of tea, she should probably wake up Ren up before the tea gets cold.
Roughly shaking Ren, "Wakie Wakie it's time for school~"
Ren grumbled, "We already graduated a couple of years ago...lemme sleep in peace..."
Looks like she has to get the big guns cause this is kinda an emergency.
"If you don't wake up I'll burn all your journals."
"I'M UP!!!"
Ya threatening to burn her journals always woke her right up.
Mr. Crewel seemed amused, "Good pup. Now freshen up, the meeting will start after you're there, pup."
Since there's no sink for Ren to wash her face, Lia handed her tea as a compromise. Ren quickly drank the tea, "Li, update me. What's happening?"
"Well first we're in a school not a cult. Second we're in another world and finally you are going to do all the talking to the people here at the meeting."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Ren lightly slapped her cheeks to freshen up faster and she finished her tea. A pity she usually took the time to enjoy the taste. She caught up to what was going on.
"Ok pup, hope you freshened up because the meeting is going to be soon. Now be good pups and follow me."
Ren got up from the infirmary bed as Lia started to follow Mr. Crewel. Ren grabbed her bag that was in the chair that Lia sat at and soon followed the two before her.
So she and Lia were in a different world? This is exciting as well as potentially dangerous.
Well first thing's first, she and Lia could have possibly died within a couple minutes if this place didn't have oxygen.
Given how the two of their bodies haven't reacted negatively yet, it's safe to say that the atmosphere here is similar to earth.
Humans are highly adaptable creatures so there's a good chance that overtime the body will adapt to the new environment, if it's similar to earth. They share a species here with the humans here.
Germs are a different problem though. A new environment means new types of germs. There's a good possibility that the new germs could be hazardous to their bodies. Ren's immune system is pretty strong, Lia's on the other hand. Her immune system could be better. It's not bad but not too good either.
Another problem is the scientists. Which scientist would turn down a chance to study a species that's similar to them but have different biology? Heck Ren is pumped up wanting to learn everything about this place.
But that problem is if the person in charge of this place hands them to the scientists. By the looks of this place, there's a good chance for that too.
Is Ren thinking too much? Probably but if she doesn't think her mouth and brain will ask questions until she's satisfied. Which is never.
Again, if all's good. Ren would LOVE to read, listen and observe all the different biology, history, and behaviour of the people here.
Heck if someone's interested in hers, she would be happy to talk in depth and in exchange the person could answer her questions.
With all the thinking Ren is doing, all three of them reached the meeting place.
Not a lot of people here. That's good. It's best to be discrete about this situation.
Best not lay all her cards out, she needs more information before she and Lia trust these people.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Crowley you still haven't answered my question. Where is Crewel? He's never late."
Crowley sighed, "He's fetching the very reason for this meeting." Just the door creaked opened.
Crowley perked up when Crewel entered the room with the two problems, "Now since the main issue- I mean unfortunate bystanders have arrived, shall we start the meeting?"
Crowley continued, "First things first, the mirror has been unable to return these two to their home."
All this is going to be too much work. Crowley just wants to relax but alas he was just too kind.
"Since they are unable to return home and are stuck here. And I can't simply throw them out for I am so kind."
"So what do we do with our guests?"
With that all of the staff glanced towards the two, waiting for one of them to speak.
The one in a woodie, who was bloodied last night spoke, "Well I would say it's ok to let us go." The girl glanced towards her friend Lia as if to convey something and continued. "We are from another world. So doing anything will be hard so to speak. The main problem is our legal footprint."
"The two of us, me- Ren and my friend, Lia don't technically exist. The best option is to stay here but seeing how Mr. Crowley reacted to me being a woman, there seems to be a problem."
Yes truly, the two being women have made the issue at least thrice the trouble.
All this thinking is really trying, seems like Crowley has to hand over the two to the authorities even if this would end in a scandal.
"Usually I could solve this with money but since I'm at rock bottom, it'll take me a couple of days."
That. That peaked Crowley's interest. Sam who also seemed intrigued questioned, "Do elaborate what you mean miss Ren?"
Ren quietened for a few seconds before answering, "Well not to sound egoistic but wherever I go, money usually follows. Be it by coincidence or just pure luck. It usually happens when disaster happens to me. And given how bloodied I was, I'm sure money would soon follow me. It might sound unbelievable but it's true"
"You are right pup. I don't believe you. How can it possibly be true."
Just then a strong gust of wind blew, and Ren who was near the window got her hair full of leaves and...Madol?
Glancing at Ren to look at her reaction, and she seemed unfazed as if this was nothing new.
"Is this proof enough?"
Lia who also seemed unfazed gently took out the thaumarks, "Someone just lost a 1000. I don't know what currency this is."
That was all it took for Crowley to throw away his idea of giving Ren to the authorities. He got himself a Madol finder.
"Well isn't that something. The little imp sure is full of surprises."
"I should probably return the money. Usually it's a lot more but maybe money's stuck in traffic."
"It's decided! You two will be staying at ramshackle. Aren't I so kind."
And the room was quiet. Looking at the staff seems like they don't like the idea of the two staying at that rundown dorm.
"Wait you mean that beat up house I saw from the infirmary? That place screamed health code violations."
"Miss Ren is correct there is no chance these two could possibly stay at that place."
Seems like Crowley has to backtrack a bit, "Of course I would never leave these young ladies in such a place. As I am so kind, I thought of renovating the place. The two can stay there while it happens while I find a way to their home."
Crowley continued, "Though for now you two would have to do some chores around the school. Nothing hard I assure you. Just assisting the teachers and cleaning and others."
"Do we get free meals too? I don't know how it is here but for us we need 3 meals a day."
"Of course Crowley will provide them. Right Crowley?"
Wah! What a glare Trein was giving him, looks like Crowley has to agree.
Sighing, "Of course meals are provided. How can I get mo- I mean how can I leave you ladies with nothing to eat?"
"I will renovate the ramshackle throughout the day while you two would be doing some chores."
"Would you need anything from us to find our home, Mr. Crowley?"
"Well that certainly would make it easier. Do you posses any of your belongings?"
The lady then rummaged through her bag and pulled out her wallet, "Here's my wallet. It has money and my credit card which are of no use anymore."
Those might be useful but, "Are there any other?"
"Others are mundane things an umbrella and bandages or are to important like our phone. And I don't feel comfortable enough to give the phones to you."
That's understandable. Nobody would like anyone to go through their phone.
"Very well your wallet will do."
Oh look at the time it's been almost going to be 2 hours since this meeting has started. Time to end it.
Crowley glanced around, seeing if anyone wanted to say anything but seemed like everyone is satisfied or
doesn't want to speak, "And with that this meeting has come to an end."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Sweeping. Here was Lia sweeping the main street. Being an errand boy (girl). After this she has to clean the window with Ren.
Did she mention that the main street had statues of Disney villains? No? Well she did now!
"Heh. They thought they could get rid of the Great Grim that easily. As if!"
That voice, it was the same voice the cat thing had. Lia searched for it and there it was near the statue of the Queen of hearts, the cat was there.
"You don't know when to give up do you?", Lia said with a sigh.
"You! It's because of you I couldn't get into this school. Looks like you didn't get in either."
Lia simply ignored the cat thing. Because if she didn't she would 100% pet it. She's weak to cats ok.
"Mea-wha? HEY you can't just pet the Great Grim without permission!"
Looks like she failed. Oh well nothing she can do now.
"Well if you're just gonna keep petting." The cat thing glanced at the statues. "Whose is that funny looking woman?"
Lia eyeballed the statue, "That's the Queen of hearts."
"Queen of hearts is she a big deal? "
"You don't know who the Queen of hearts is?", a new NPC has appeared.
Turning towards the new voice. A boy with orange hair with a heart painted on his left eye.
"She was a queen who lived in a maze-like garden of roses a long time ago"
"Didn't she make like 810 rules for her subject follow? And if they didn't it was off with their heads", the boy glimpsed at her. "At least one of you knows this stuff."
"Personally I like the thorn fairy cuz she can be a dragon. You can never go wrong with a dragon."
"Ooh, a dragon! That's what all monsters want to be."
Lia who was petting the cat thing stopped and was about to go back to sweeping but of course the NPC had to speak, "Pretty cool right? Unlike some piddling weasel."
Ok start a fight why don't ya. Don't drag me into this.
"Pfft... Ah hahaha! I can't hold back anymore-"
And that was Lia's cue to leave. She can feel a fight was going to start.
"You're the one who turned orientation into a fiasco, right? And you!" Great now he's dragging Lia into this. "You were the one the Dark Mirror summoned who can't use magic. It took everything I had to not burst into laughter. But then a bloodied person came barging in. That's when this weasel was caught-"
It's best to tune this guy out. Seemed like Ren is being circled around. Rumours are gonna be flying soon.
Lia hopes the rumours won't be that bad. She doesn't really care what this guy has to say but by the looks of it the cat thing is getting angrier.
Blue fire spay out of the cat. Now that's her cue to actually leave. Lia silently tiptoed away from the main street. A crowd was forming.
She might have to get a teacher. And as if Lia manifested it, she bumped into Mr. Crowley.
Mr. Crowley noticed the crowd, "Lia! There you are. Do you happen to know what is happening here."
"The cat thing from last night broke in the school again and someone's fighting it."
'Fight' seemed to snap Mr. Crowley out of it because he proceeded to break the fight but not before the cat thing damaged the statue of the Queen of hearts.
NOW, Lia can leave.
"Trappola you will wash a hundred windows as punishment, Lia will supervise you. And this weasel. I will throw it out for good."
Great he signed me up to this guy.
Hope Ren is having a better time than me.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Ren out her watering the plants in the botanical garden. Some of these plants are unfamiliar to her.
Another thing for Ren to learn. Let's go!
"Aah!" Oh looks like she sprayed someone.
"Sorry! Didn't know anyone was here this early in the morning."
"It's ok, mistakes happen." A man just as tall as Lia came out. He had dark green hair, yellow eyes and a clover painted on his left cheek. "Oh you're injured. What happened!?"
"Last night was something. But I'm all good now!" Ren bandaged her head a little.
Why? To get sympathy points. Those who saw her bloodied yesterday must have spread the word. Heck rumours are going to be in the making. Her in bandages solidify something happened last night. People are more likely to forgive an injured person than a healthy one. Doesn't matter if she's actually healthy if she seems injured.
"Are you sure?" Like this guy. He would probably have been a bit angrier but now he's kinda worried about Ren.
"Yup I'm sure. What are you doing here? I can help. That's literally my job right now."
The man seemed to stare at Ren for a couple of seconds before speaking, "if you're sure. I'm fetching some strawberries for tarts. I'm Trey by the way."
"Ren. Nice meeting you! I can help, done watering the plants anyways." Trey did nothing but a nod. Good because Ren was going to help either way.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Trey was confused. First he got sprayed by the person, Ren who turned out to be the bloodied guy that Riddle was talking about. And now he's helping him collect strawberries.
Trey guessed that it was lucky that he was the one getting sprayed by water. If it was Leona.. Trey isn't sure if it won't end well. "My friend also likes baking. Baked me my birthday cake once and now it's kinda like a tradition for her to bake me a birthday cake."
Aw! That's sweet to hear. "Your friend sounds like a good friend."
"I know. I dragged her into so much stuff."
Looks like the two of them have collected enough strawberries. "Ok I think that's enough strawberries to bake with."
He turned towards Ren and- he had filled two baskets to the brim with strawberries!?
"How did you get that many in a short time!?"
Ren replied with some thought, "Well you can make some strawberry short cakes or pastries if there are extras."
Trey nodded and got up to get back to his dorm. He held is pen out as the basket start to levitate. That seemed to have surprised Ren from the looks of his expression.
"Sorry didn't mean to surprise you there."
Ren also got up, "It's good. I was about to offer to carry the baskets to your dorm with you."
"That won't be necessary."
"I know but I'll be here for a few days so might as well get familiar with the school."
Looks like Ren will leave after a few days.
It won't be that bad if Trey said yes would it? He feels bad leaving him all alone.
Great Sevens, he's not going to take no for an answer...fine he'll bite.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Ok it was a bit pushy but Ren now has a reason to visit one of the dorms. The levitation took her by surprise because of the sound it produced.
It sounded like magical ironically.
Like one of those sound effects like that in a magical girl anime. If Ren ever gets in a fight or watches a fight with those sound effects and the boys with serious faces, she would 100% laugh hard.
Wonder if Lia knows about those sound effects happen when people do magic.
"Come on now, follow me."
"Yess!"
And with that the two went to the halls of mirrors. Isn't this the place where-
"Come on now don't get distracted."
Ren snapped out of her thoughts. "Sorry maybe my head's not as good as I thought." She mumbled
And by the looks of Trey didn't hear because he went through one of the mirrors.
Is there a chance this will go south very soon? Yes
Is she worried something will happen to her? 1000%
But is Ren going to do it anyways in the name of science and Lia isn't here to stop her? DEFINITELY!
And she goes through the mirror.
It felt like chills going through her spine. Her body shuttered for a few seconds as if to check if everything is ok with her body.
She checked herself while Trey waited to see if she is ok. And yup she was a-okay! And gave him a thumbs up.
Ok maybe she has a tiny bit of a headache but she's not gonna be worried about it.
The dorm was full of hearts. No not a literal heart but a lot of bushes and even the door was heart shaped. And a fountain.
It was definitely inspired by the Queen of hearts.
"Trey this place is beautiful. Must have been magical to say her for the first time."
"You're right about that." The two of them were at the entrance of the dorm. "Well this is far enough. I'll go and store these and go to class."
"Of course. And now I have to find the housewarden of this place even though the vice would do."
"Oh why is that?"
"Mr. Crowley said to pass on the notice that there will be a housewarden meeting after classes are done for the day and paper to solidify what he said."
"Well you're on luck. I am the vice housewarden. I can deliver your word to our house warden, so you can rest easy and pass on the paper." And with that Trey stretched his hand for the paper.
And she gave the paper.
Is there a chance that he's lying? Sure but if this place is like the Queen of hearts it would be 'Off with his head'.
"Bye-bye!"
And with that Ren was on her way to exit the dorm.
Just as she was about to go through the mirror, a new student entered. He was short with the brightest red hair Ren has ever seen.
But she had work to do so she did stop and went on her way.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Ugh classic Leona giving Ruggie more work...Not that he's complaining. The more work he gives the more money Ruggie earns.
Just as Ruggie was about to be on his way to class, the smell hit him. No not the smell of sweat and the savana. Something new and it wasn't the freshmens smell.
Nope it was definitely..a girl's smell.
His eyes darted around to find the source of the smell and there it was the girl. This is an all boys school what is a girl doing here!?
There she was, in a hoodie with bandages wrapped on her head carrying some papers. Her green eyes scanned the place and eventually landed in Ruggie.
Fuck! They made eye contact and now she's walking towards him.
What does he do? Does he hide? No she already saw her.
Does he jump in the pool? No that would be awkward for the both of them.
Leona didn't say that the bloodied person from last night was a girl!! He was just irritated enough to tell Ruggie about it. The blood must make messes with the smell.
"Hello! Excuse me could you tell me where the housewarden is? Mr. Crowley wants something delivered to him."
And she wants Leona, great. He's probably in the botanical napping the day away. If Ruggie said that this girl will probably go there.
It's best he takes one for the team and takes sthe hit. "Leona is in class right now, so whatever it is you can give it to me."
Please believe his words. Please believe his words. Please believe his words!
"Oh ok then." The girl then passed Ruggie the note. "Please tell the housewarden that there will be a meeting after classes are over. Thank you!" And with that she went away.
Ruggie stared at the note and clocked his teeth. Great more work for him.
The girl owns him big time even if she doesn't know it yet.
"Time to make a call", Ruggie sighed.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Ren finally delivered all the notices to all the dorms. It took a while but she did it.
All the dorms were very beautiful but she couldn't stand the heat of two of them. Unfortunately she couldn't meet any of the housewarden, gave the notice to the students.
Heck she gave the notice to a guy sleeping at the gate, what's was that dorm's name? Diasomnia? Read that as insonima at first ngl.
And look at the time! It's time for lunch. Great now where is Lia. Ren scanned through the cafeteria and eventually saw her friend in a corner waiting for her with birth of their food
There she is! Ren speed walked to where Lia was. "Hey Li! Thanks for getting my food for me."
"Heyyy Rain. You're welcome. What's up with the bandages. By the way we're going to have company when we wash the window. Some guy had a fight and Mr. Crowley gave him his punishment."
"Bandages are for sympathy points and less work for us I guess."
"Btw ghosts are real here. A ghost gave me this food."
"Another reason for me not to sleep tonight."
"You're gonna make me read some of those books to you again.."
"Yup. I came to prefer audio books but since I've no access to those, you'll do too. Don't worry you won't have to read many books out loud. I hope."
Ren hopes she means what she says. Lia likes reading in peace and quiet and not out loud.
And so they are and waited for the guy who Lia remembered was something Trappola.
They waited.
And they waited.
And they waited.
"He ditched us, didn't he?"
"Yup."
"Did you see his uniform vest colour?"
"It was red, bright red. Like a tomato."
"Heartslabyul. That's where he is."
"We're going to get him in trouble?"
"Of course we are! Just because we're technically adults doesn't mean we can't stir some trouble. Now let's go Li!"
And with that the two went off to heartslabyul.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Riddle was enjoying his peace as he was in the garden drinking tea. The classes were over and he was going to leave to go to the meeting that the headmage had instructed.
Yes it was peaceful in heartslabyul. No one was breaking the rules and the tea was warm.
"Heeeeyyy Riddle.."
Riddle spoke too soon. Something happened he just knows it.
"What is it Cater?"
"Sorry to disturb you Riddle but there's tots a problem because two people came in the dorm and asked if the freshe Trappola is here or not."
"Show me where the uninvited guests are."
Sigh, there goes Riddle's peaceful time.
Following Cater to the entrance of the dorm, there were two individuals just as he said. Upon a closer look, the two turned out to be the magicless one and the bloodied person.
Had the headmage not showed them their way home?
The bloodied one looked a lot better than last night. Looks like he got the proper treatment, good. If not it would have violated Queen of hearts Rule No 90. Never leave a severe injury unattended for, unless the blood they seep is purple or blue.
"Excuse me, my name is Ren. We are looking for a Trappola, a first year? Is he here by any chance?"
Well at least he's polite. Riddle gives him that. It's the least he could do, he disturbed Riddle's peace. And Trappola? Yes Riddles remembers that name.
"I would say it's a pleasure to meet you too but you disturbed my tea time." Riddle glared at the boy.
The boy, Ren seemed unfazed and continued, "Yes well he was due a punishment given by the headmage for starting a fight, supervised by my friend here but he is nowhere to be seen. Ha-"
"What."
Ace Trappola started a fight!? On the first day. Is he a barbarian? It is good that these two came to inform Riddle about this. He broke the school rules.
"Thank you for the insight. I'll see to it that he is severely punished."
It will be Off with his head when Riddle sees him next time.
"And one more thing. If we see or meet him can we ask for him to carry out his punishment?"
Yes that does seem like a reasonable thing. "Yes you are free to do whatever you like with him if you ever run into him."
And with that the two left. "Thank you housewarden. Sorry again for the disturbance. I'm sure I'll make it up to you."
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
Idiots! As if Ace would wash a hundred windows. He was in the halls of mirrors, going back to his dorm. Just as he was about to go to his dorm, the very person who he was trying to avoid came out of his dorm.
He panicked. "Shit how is he here!?" And by his side was the bloodied person from last night, he looked better than before.
Not the time! It's time to run. But before he could do that he felt a hand around his arm.
"Oh look Li, someone's running away. I hope he is running off to scrub the 200 windows he was supposed to."
Damn this guy's grip was strong, "200!? It's only a hundred only!"
"Gotta cha. I wasn't sure if you were Trappola. Thanks for conforming."
Damn it. He fell for the cheapest trick in the book. Ace can't even pretend now.
"Don't even think about running off now unless you want to anger your housewarden even more."
"WHAT!? You can't just snitch on me man. Snitches get stitches."
"Good thing I know how to undo stitches, isn't it Li?"
And with that Ace was getting dragged into the cafeteria so he could start his punishment.
He needs to get away. Come on this would be a great time for some distractions.
And it looked like the Great Sevens were smiling down at him because soon the two idiots were talking. The bandaged one was distracted with his grip being not as painful before.
Now is his chance.
He pulled his arm and there! He was a free man once again.
"Ha! As if I'll wash those windows. See you never again."
The two seemed surprised but quickly got over it as they started running after Ace.
Ace was running even faster now. He was coming closer to one of the students from his dorm, "Outta my way! Outta my way!"
"Eh! What gives!?"
"He's skipping his punishment. Please stop him."
Dang it that voice was of the bandaged guy.
Ace pushed past the new guy and didn't stop running.
"What!? That's wrong...How to stop him?"
"Anything will do as long as he's ok and alive!"
"Anything? Anything huh...Here goes nothing."
Ace couldn't hear any further, plus now he was extra busy running at the moment.
Just as he was out of there something heavy fell on top of him.
"Bwaaah?! Wha!? A pot!?
He was totally crushed by this heavy pot. He wiggled to get out but alas he couldn't get out in time as all of the people have caught up to him.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Pfft. Karma at its finest." It was funny how Trappola got crushed by the cauldron, Lia laughed. "Cauldron? I may have overdone it.."
"He's alive by how he's wiggling like a worm not injured so thanks for this dude." There goes Ren complementing again. Well it is good to butter people up, just hope she doesn't over does it.
Now to talk some sense into this guy. Lia helped the Trappola guy out of the cauldron.
"Owww!! What are you bothering me for? You could have cleaned by yourself." He then turned to the guy that helped Lia.
"And you. What are you butting in on someone else's business!?"
The guy seemed to ignore Trappola's question. "What did you do to get punished on the first day?"
"..I screwed around with a furball and the statue of Queen of Hearts may or may not be a teeny tiny bit charred. Sue me."
The guy stepped back in surprise, "You damaged a statue of the Great Seven!? No wonder you're punished."
Ren then began to drag Trappola again towards their destination and it seemed like the guy who helped them also followed. Trappola continuing the convo.
"Oh, shut up. Who are you anyway?"
"Name's Deuce. Deuce Spade. Don't remember your own classmate?"
"As if you remember who I am."
All of them were at the main street again. Ren was staring at the 7 statues, most likely thinking about why there are statues of Disney villains.
....
Finally they reached were about to their destination. All they had to do was to go through the cafeteria.
The convo had died down and the Trappola guy was just glaring at Ren, too bad for him, glaring doesn't work for her most of the time.
And then all of a sudden, Ren grabbed Lia, pulled Trappola towards her and shouted, "Deuce get outta there quick!"
Just as Lia was about to question Ren, a crashing sound could be heard from just behind them.
Abruptly all of them except Ren turned around and all there was was glass.
The chandelier had come crashing down and broken down into pieces. And given it looked, it looked like the four were responsible for this.
"Waa! That was a close one.. Thanks for the heads up."
"We should probably get the headmage before he-"
And just like that, the Mr. Crowley appeared. Lia was seriously starting to think that Mr. Crowley is summoned whenever someone says his name.
"Before what, dear Ren?"
Oh he sounds angry. The bird mask was not helping him look any less creepy.
"Aaah! Headmage Crowley.."
Mr. Crowley shouted, "You..what have you done this time!?"
Everyone was quiet.
"Burning a statue wasn't enough for you? Now you've destroyed a chandelier!?"
"But it just-"
"Enough. All of you are expelled."
"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?"
Right what!? Deuce wasn't even involved. Heck even the Trappola wasn't involved. The chandelier just crashed on its own.
The eye contact she did with Ren screamed, 'Do something before these guys are actually expelled!!'
And It looks like Ren got the memo because she started to talk before the two students spoke, "Mr. Crowley, forgive me but-"
"No ifs, ors or buts. The blame is clearly on these two foolish behaviours."
"I'll pay for the damages! However much it costs!" Deuce proclaimed.
No Deuce you can't, that chandelier looked Expensive with a capital E. If there were some who could have paid for it, it might have been Ren from this group.
But she's at rock bottom. Good thing Lia still has that 1000 from yesterday that she picked from Ren's hair.
"That chandelier was no ordinary one. Its candles are powered by magical energy so they burn for eternity, and given its historical value it is worth no less than a billion thaumarks"
A BILLION!? Dang even Ren would find it hard to be able to pay that much money if she had her money. She would have to in touch with her connections or something.
"A... Billion.." deuce said with a surprise.
"But I'm sure with your magical talent, you could just snap it back to it being brand new, right up!"
"Even magic has its limits." Sir you're doing nothing but add fuel to the fire. A solution would be good right now!
"It's magestone, the heart of any magical artifact is cracked. It cannot be replaced so easily." Mr. Crowley was saddened, "I fear that the candles will never burn again."
That's even worse news. Lia and Ren are gonna be stuck here and those two are going to be expelled at this rate.
"Is it ok to say that if we find the magestone our problem will be solved?" Ren shed a light of hope.
Yes if it's important Ren can find it, she's better at finding stuff anyway.
Mr. Crowley pounded for a few seconds before speaking again, "The magestone was mined from the Dwarf's Mine. If you acquire a magestone with the same properties, it could be possible to repair it."
"Then I'll find the magestone!" Deuce must really be desperate. "With your permission, sir!"
"I'm not sure this would be a fruitful endeavour but if you're sure. I will suspend your expulsion for a single night."
"I understand. Thank you sir. "
The Trappola guy sighed, "Fine, then. Let's hurry down there."
"You should be able to reach the Dwarf's Mine instantly by using one of the gates from the Mirror Chamber
Well look at that. These guys can talk their way into it. A bit brash but it did work. Ren didn't even have to say much.
And with that all of them headed to the Mirror Chamber.
Why are Lia and Ren getting dragged into this? Frankly Lia thinks that because Mr. Crowley probably hasn't cleaned that dorm.. ramshackle so he needs more time.
Oh well, can't argue with a person with power.
"Maaaa...I swear I have the worst luck."
"We can't complain now. Dark Mirror! Take us to the Dwarf's Mine."
Wait is it safe for other worldly people to go through mirrors? But before Lia could question it to Ren and the two guys had already gone through the mirror.
Ok so it's good. God if you're real, let this quest be completed without more incident.
Lia: *sees floating coffins and a talking cat that breathes FIRE*
Lia: Nope not today Satan. *Runs away*
Grim: Wait come back!!
Ren: *Yapping about how to remove a cutaneous horn*
Malleus: *whispering* I might have to talk to Lilia about this.
Crowley: *has a problem* I have a plan!
Crowley: *calls Crewel*
Crewel: *woke up cuz of the call* wtf does this guy want..
(Crewel and Ren in the way to infirmary)
Ren: *somehow turned talking a out coats into yapping about human body and experiments she did*
Crewel: *listening with interest* Maybe being here is worth it
Summary: Lia woke up room full of floating coffins and a talking cat breathing fire. So what does she do? Run
A man with a bird mask found her? She's in a cult isn't she..
Ren woke up in the infirmary with half of her clothes covered in blood and blood clots in her hair. The upside? She's fully healed from her injuries.
She finds a man with horns? Maybe he knows where she is.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Run! Don't care where but just RUN!
That was the thought that's going on Lia's mind on repeat at the moment.
What happened? Well one minute she was in a road accident injured and watching in real time her best friend, Ren dying and the other minute she's inside of a coffin in a room full of coffins with a talking cat that breathes FIRE! Did she mention that the coffins were FLOATING!?
So running was the most logical thing to do. Granted her stamina isn't the greatest and she doesn't know where Ren is but. BUT she can figure it out LATER when she's in a safer environment.
With all the running, she did a pitstop at the library of wherever she was, trying to catch her breath. "Ok I think I got away. I really hope this is just a coma dream or-"
Suddenly a blue ball of fire flew right by her, missing her just by a hair. "Foolish human. You thought you could slip away from ME? Well guess what you're WRONG!"
The fire broke down all her hope of this all being a dream.
"Now unless you wanna get burned into a crisp." As the cat thing was talking footsteps could be heard. Those could be Ren's footsteps. "Now give me that-YEOW! That hurts.. what gives!?"
Lia heard the sound before she saw it. A wipe. A wipe was tightly wrapped around the cat thing. And her hope of it being Ren disappeared.
"Consider it tough love."
Turning towards the voice, there was a man in a half mask that looked like some kind of bird, a thick coat that screamed fancy and a hat. The man looked like he was cosplaying someone.
In a relieved voice, the man glimpsed towards Lia,"Ah! I've found you at last. I trust you're one of this year's new students." His eyes seemed to be glowing gold. "My, were you ever eager to make your debut."
The man continued to scold her, "And bringing your untrained familiar with you? That's a violation of the school's rules."
Hearing this Lia interrupted, "Excuse me, did you say school?" It looks like a weird school but at least Lia is not in fire right now. So that's a win I guess.
"As if I'd serve some lowly human!", the cat thing seemed to be struggling to get out. "Now lemme GO."
The man ignored Lia's question and simply replied with a sign, "Yes yes, rebellious familiars always say that. Now do be quiet, won't you?"
Carrying the cat thing, the man expressed, "Dear me. Of all the students I've dealt with, you're the first temerity enough to open his own gate and step out of it."
Lia doesn't look at a boy, does she? No. No she thinks she doesn't. Lia glanced at the cat thing in the man's arms who was still struggling. Now that Lia looked at this cat thing, it looks cute when its now actively trying to fry her like fried chicken.
"No matter your orientation has already begun. Let's return to the Mirror Chamber." The man started to walk towards the exit.
"Orientation? I don't look that young do I? I already graduated a few years ago", Lia whispered and contemplated whether or not to follow the masked man.
"Well aren't you coming?"
Speed walking towards the man, "Student..?", Lia slightly looked up at the man in a confused gaze.
Seeing that Lia was confused, the man answered while exiting the library, "You awakened in a room full of gates, did you not? All of the students here at the campus arrived passing through such gates. Although students typically have the patience to wait for me to open them before waking up."
Following the weird man, Lia pondered for a few seconds, it clicked. "You mean the floating coffins are gates? mine was actively on fire." Lia thought this was a cult ngl.
"The culprit seems to be that familiar of yours", the man countered. "You're the one who insisted on bringing it, so curtailing its behaviour is your responsibility!"
"Go on now. Make haste. You have an orientation to attend."
"Sir, first of all that cat thing isn't mine. But could you tell me where am I?"
The man abruptly stopped in his tracks and stared at her for a few minutes, "Hm? Seems the timespace teleportation must have addied your memories." The man then continued to walk as he spoke, "Well no matter. I shall explain it to you. Truly my magnanimity is boundless."
Teleportation? Is this guy mentally ok? Even if a cat can apparently breathe fire now teleportation seems absurd. Ren would like to research the fire breathing cat though. Thinking of Ren, where IS-
The man was still talking when Lia snapped out of her thoughts."And I am Dire Crowley. Have been entrusted with this academy care by the chairman, I serve as the headmage." The man introduced himself with enthusiasm.
"Academy..?"
"Only those who the Dark Mirror perceives as having a talent for magic are admitted to this college".
Ok ILia's kinda getting a cult-ish vibes right now.
"Those who are selected are summoned through a black carriage such as the carriage you have met."
"Ummm..".Lia explained, "Mr. Crowley, I think there has been a bit of a mistake. I was just in a road accident and my friend was bleeding BADLY. Speaking of my friend, have you seen a person with black hair and green eyes?"
"Dear student, the only one I know of from your description is-",but before Mr. Crowley could answer, they seemed to reach their destination, "We're here. Now let us attend to your orientation."
Inside the Mirror Chamber both of them went.
...
Cloaks. All of the people here were wearing cloaks and it was night time. Lia is DEFINITELY in a cult. She thought that as soon as she saw the cloak over her clothes. I need to get OUT of here.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
(Meanwhile)
From actively dying due to a road accident to waking up in a school infirmary bed, fully healed and a headache wasn't something Ren thought she would ever experience but here we are!
She truly was fully healed. The glass shards that cut her skin? Gone. Her bleeding head? Disappeared like it never existed replaced by a headache.
The only downside that Ren could see was the blood. Her white sweater was RUINED. Some parts of her black hair also had small blood clots.
This would be a pain to clean.
Sitting straight, Ren scanned the room for anything familiar. Ren's sidebag was on a chair. Slowly she got up so her headache wouldn't be worse, she walked towards the chair.
Rummaging through the bag, she checked if everything was there! Nothing was lost. Her and Lia's phone, extra phone, taser, pepper spray, wallet, a few of her jewellery, umbrella, few makeup items, earpods, perfume, sunscreen, some candy and gum, bandages, chargers and notebook and pens.
Yup all of her (and Lia's) things were here.
"Ok nobody touched my stuff without permission and even if they DID they returned my stuff."
Peaking her head out of the infirmary, Ren looked around the hall. Nobody was there, mostly cause its night time and everyone was most likely asleep if there were dorms here.
"Well can't just stay here, there MUST be someone around here. Maybe a security guard or somethin'."
And off she went. Through the halls some exterior halls she saw a dorm snapped building so off she went with the dorm as the destination.
"This school was quite fancy if anything. Must have cost a fortune to build." She talked out loud as she walked out what seems to be the main building.
Walking for a couple of minutes, Ren strayed away from the main path and was just going wherever she felt like it. She walked on appreciating the design that the school was presenting her. Climbing a few walls. It was fun for Ren to say the least.
There was even a botanical garden, a big one at that. She would like to come back and explore there but that's for next time.
Eventually she reached her destination, the dorm shaped building. "This looks like a neglected child.."
The entrance gate was open, wonky and kinda rusted, trees were not taken care of. The sound of insects and the breeze could be heard. Frankly the place looked old and haunted.
Just as Ren was about to go, a glow of green light could be seen near the old building. And she made the quick decision to go towards it. Her reasoning? The chances of that light belonging to a security guard or a student is higher than it being a burglar.
Best way to approach whoever, is to talk from a far for now. "Excuse me, is anyone there?", Ren spoke. In the quite night, her voice sounded louder than intended.
Not getting a reply, she walked was bit closer to the building and there she saw a man. And man was the guy Tall with a capital T- are those horns in the guys head!?He seemed to be looking at the roof of the building. Maybe he's looking at the gargoyles? Who knows? Who cares?
"Is that a cutaneous horn!?", Ren whispered, she took a clearer look. As she came a little closer with a little excitement, the man abruptly faced toward her direction. Staring at her for a few seconds and spoke in an intrigued tone,"...Hm? Who are you?"
That was a mild reaction to seeing someone whose clothes were half covered in blood.
Taking a breath to relax herself, Ren explained, "Just a passer by but before you say anything.", Ren gestured towards her clothes. "THIS looks suspicious, I know! but I Don't know HOW I got here!"
The man with horns pondered for a few seconds before speaking again, "If what you say is accurate, it seems other housewardens have once again failed to extend an invitation to me."
He gave Rem a closer look,"Were you injured before arriving here, considering your white clothes are particularly stained with dried blood."
Ren conceded, "Ya, the last thing I remember was that I got hit by somethin' big and it hurt like hell too." She continued, "Woke up in the infirmary all healed up and with my things."
"So, you had woken up fully healed? That is quite unusual. Maybe the headmage has a little insight into how this miracle happened.", the man jested.
"That's good to hear. SoOo ya got any idea where the headmage is?". Ren pointed towards the main building, "Took a shortcut from there to here and none was there."
"Hm. Aren't you in a peculiar predicament?", the guy stated in a detached tone went back to looking at the roof.
With no other way, Ren repeated the question. "Could you maybe know where the headmage is? That'd be a big help."
"What do you have to offer in return if I do help you?.", the man questioned still looking at the roof. An indirect offer! Ok that's ok-ish. Ren just have to offer him something.
Now having gotten a good look at the guy, he must already be rich by how extravagant this school is. Soo, fun fact it is!
"How about fun facts about humans growing horns in different places, since ya got them?"
That peaked his interest as he once again turned around to face Ren with integrity in his eyes. "You've peaked my interest child of man, feel free to say those "fun facts" as you put it."
The guy waited in eagerness for Ren to speak.
Child of man? Is he not human or just deep in roleplaying a character? Oh well not her business. He agreed to help so it's a win for Ren!
"How about you walk with me to where the headmage is and I say all about humans growing horns?", Ren gambled so she didn't have to go alone anymore.
"Aren't you a bold one?" The guy smirked and got closer to Ren, "Since you've intrigued me, I shall humour you this time."
The man started to walk away from the building as Ren followed him cheerfully, "Great! Won't disappoint you. Now when the human grows a horn that horn is called Cutaneous horn. This can be caused Keratin, a fiber protein that makes nails, scales, horns feathers etc...."
And so Ren enthusiastically told the guy about humans growing horns. The offer of a fun fact turned into a yap session about how humans grow horns and it's symptoms.
The man she didn't know, nodded and looked very interested to what she was saying as he guided Ren to where the head mage was.
"...so that is how a cutaneous horn is removed."
"Can humans truly be that violent? I should ask Lilia on a later date." The horned man mumbled in a disgusted and intrigued tone and continued with a much louder voice, "We have arrived at your destination, you have not disappointed me like you said. I shall take my leave now."
And with that the man literally disappeared leaving a trail of fireflies. Ok looks like Ren's been drugged or the guy's a magician. Hope she sees him again soon.
Ren was infront of another building. She went inside trusting the horned man lead her to the right place, and soon enough she could heard frantic footsteps, yelling and the smell of smoke.
"Ok building's burning down BUT there are people here."
As she came closer and closer towards all the noise, a very familiar voice echoes through the walls.
"I said that THING isn't mine. I told you at least 5 times. If your ear listened you'd have known." That was Lia's voice.
Time to run.
So she dashed towards her friends voice faster until she reaches the door. Annnd..
BANG!
Abruptly opened the door with Ren at the entrance stopping to catch her breath. Taking a look of her surroundings, everyone were cloaks including Lia. This looked like a cult.
Her friend joined a cult without telling her!
Lia was staring at her like she just came back from the dead. As a matter of fact everyone one was looking at her. Even the cat with fire coming out of its ears was staring at her.
Granted it must make looked like Ren rose from the dead by how much blood she had on her clothes.
Before she could say anything, Lia had already ran towards her frantically checking her. "Ren are you ok!? How are all healed up!? Where have you BEEN!?-"
"OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!", a click sound could be heard as soon as those words were spoken. A red haired boy drew his pen.
"Nygah! The heck is this!?", the fire cat expressed with a heart shaped collar around its neck. Since when do cats talk? And why didn't she know about this!?
And magic exists!? Ren's eyes sparked with curiosity but before she could speak, Lia whispered, "Ren not now."
"Queen of Hearts, Rule Number 23 'One shall never bring a cat into a formal affair.' Your very presence here is a violation of order. You will vacate these premises immediately.", the boy ordered.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Ugh when can I go..?" Leona was bored and would most definitely should be asleep by now. But the great sevens said no and now here he is in the Mirror Chamber watching riddle collar, a puny cat as the room was filled with the smell of blood.
The herbivore that just barged in reeked of blood. Not surprising considering his white cloth was half covered in blood. And if Leona looked at the right angle he could see blood clots on his hair.
The magicless herbivore eyes seems to be saying "how are you alive!?" by the looks of it. The bloodied herbivore was looking around with a certain spark that gave a bad feeling to Leona.
As he was bout to close his eyes for a short nap, his and the herbivore's eyes met. The herbivore looked intrigued, this made Leona even more irritated and annoyed. That look the bloodied herbivore gave was eerily similar to a certain hunter. Not that Leona would ever admit to it. He sighed just thinking about Rook
"Hm? Oh, now you're too lazy to fall asleep? Your laziness knows no bounds, does it Leona?"
Great now Vil started to nag him. Best thing to do now is to go back to Savanaclaw. "Party's over. All savanaclaw students follow me.."
With that Leona went off to his dorm but not before looking back at the bloodied herbivore.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"There is no such place."
"What..?"
"There is no such place in this world where these souls belong."
Great! this night just keeps getting bEtTeR. Lia is frankly done with tonight. She was supposed to have an exciting night to celebrate moving in with her best friend but NOPE, she got into a road accident with her friend almost died, then she disappeared and reappeared fully healed but covered in her blood.
And now the talking mirror from snow white was babbling something like 'YoU dOn'T bElOnG hErE.' There's no way she and Ren got isekaied somewhere, right?
Lia glanced at her side to look at Ren annnnnd yup, she looked fascinated. She has officially lost Ren to her curiosity and is on her own. Honestly she's surprised that Ren hasn't bombarded Mr. Crowley with 1000s of questions by now.
"How could this happen? This has never happened throughout my long tenure. I must confess I am at a loss."
Mr. Crowley sighed and questioned, "Tell me. From what land do you two hail from?"
"We're from east Asia." Lia quickly answered before Ren could talk. It wasn't rude! Ren tends to go on a yap session when she's sleepy and given how late it was, she might actually give the exact latitude and longitude of our house.
"I've never heard of such place. Seems like I need to check the library..."
"Mr. Crowley could Ren maybe borrow a bed ? Heck even a chair would do. She looks like she's about to fall asleep."
Mr. Crowley glanced towards Ren, it must seem like Lia was exaggerating because Ren looked perfectly fine but she knew better. Ren's mind was probably racing 100 miles per hour because she hadn't slept well for a few days due to finals.
Noticing the intense gaze, Mr. Crowley begrudgingly agreed and quickly called someone.
Whoever he was calling better be quick because it gets worse when Ren starts to mumble.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
The sound of the phone ringing abruptly woke Crewel up.
Why is - Crewel checked the clock, Crowley calling at 3:15 in the morning. He groaned, "Crowley this better be important.."
"Yes it is quite late but I digress, as you know tonight is when the new students arrive at the orientation-"
"Crowley if you woke me up in the middle of the night just to tell me that. Cut to the chase and get straight to the point."
"Ah..yes, there seemed to be a situation at the end of the orientation. I require your assistance, please be present at the library and be sure to bring a set of medium sized clothing."
"What do you mean situation-", but before Crewel could finish Crowley had hastily ended the call.
Now staring at his phone, "Did he seriously hang up the phone?"
Slowly getting up from the bed to freshen up. "Whatever it is better be worth it." And so after a few minutes Crewel was ready and was on his way to the library.
Entering the library, "Crowley you're lucky my place is close to the college. Now do tell what was so important-" Crewel's complaints came to a sudden end when he finally took a good look at his surroundings.
There were two pups, one in robes from the orientation and the other one was practically covered in blood. Both of them were looking at Crewel in a sort of anticipation on what he would say next.
But that's not important. There was a pup here bloodied and not given treatment. By the look of the splashes of blood, the pup must have bled badly in the head.
Urgently walking towards the bloodied pup, "Pup lay down now. Do you want to get an early death!?" He then turned towards Crowley and fumed, "And you! Why did you not specify that one of the pups was injured? Matter of fact you didn't even provide him with first aid."
After calming down, the bloodied pup,"I'm good really. Woke up here fully healed for some reason, just need a clothing change and a shower."
"Still a check up won't hurt you. Better safe than sorry.", the other pup argued and Crewel agreed. "Your friend is right pup, now if there's no bleeding come with me to the infirmary."
Crewel waited for the black haired pup, the pup turned towards his friend and seemed to be staring at him and soon enough sighed, "Fine... But come to the infirmary right after cause I've all our stuff."
Before the two were on their way, the cloaked pup advised, "Sir, Ren gonna yap a lot because she hasn't slept for a few days."
Getting a closer look at the pup, he could see dark circles around the pup's eyes, "Speak for yourself but thank you for the suggestion."
With that the Crewel headed for the infirmary with the bloodied pup following him.
The pup hadn't spoken a word after exiting the library, not that Crewel is going to complain. Some silence is necessary for him to get a clear mind.
"I like your fur coat. Is the tail reference to that one woman from the dalmatian movie? A nice touch. You know...." Never mind Crewel spoke too soon. Looks like this walk isn't going to be a peaceful one after all.
⋆˙⟡ — —⟡˙⋆
"Just as I suspected, the homeland you speak of is not listed at any point in history."
Lia grumbled, "Greattttt. The maps you showed me also aren't familiar to me."
"The only other explanation, is that you and your friend are from another world. You're not lying to me are you?"
"That's actually the only explanation cuz I'm not lying. Looks like the library isn't going to be of much help."
"Do you perhaps have anything with you?"
Lia thought for a second before answering, "I think I saw my friend carrying her bag. There might be our stuff there."
"That is good news, let us pay a visit to the infirmary. I shall lead the way, for I am so kind."
Having no other choice, Lia followed Mr. Crowley. It was already morning by the looks of the sky. Great.
Lia might have already said it but she'll say it again. This school is Fancy. Whoever made the school must have had money.
After walking for a few minutes, the two reached the infirmary doors. Mr. Crowley took the initiative to open the door and stepped inside with Lia following soon after.
Ren, who was wearing a hoodie, was asleep like a log and the man, upon hearing the door being opened turned around, "Good you're both here. I was about to call you. Crowley, we need to have a staff meeting right now."
The man turned towards Lia and spoke, "And pup, your friend is in tiptop shape. I gave her a check up but calling it a check up is an overstatement."
Lia acknowledged knowingly, "She spouted facts about the human body didn't she? Sorry if she chewed your ears out."
"I beg your pardon. She?", Mr. Crowley questioned but the man bluntly ignored him and simply continued the conversation.
Glancing at Mr. Crowley, he seems to be frantically making multiple calls. Probably have to do something about Ren being a girl. This is going to be a problem because Lia was also a girl.
It's not her fault the man thought she was a man, she just didn't correct him. Looks like Lia isn't going to bed tonight, well it's morning already..
Lia's going to need a lot of coffee in her system. She might as well ask if there's tea for Ren too.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Chibi Ren and Lia before they got isekaied into twst
Wrote this story cuz I wanted more aroace characters so my brain said make one then and here it is.
Summary: Two best friends have died but what's this!? They got reincarnation? Not only that they reincarnation into the otome game they played as the original female mc and the original villainess!? And to top it all off, the two friends don't know the other reincarnated with them!? Now that's just a mix of chaos. Will our protagonist s ever find out each other's identity? Or will they remain behind a deceitful mask?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
PROLOGUE
Tonight was supposed to be just like any other ordinary night, two friends going out to eat, chat and have a great time.
Yes.
That was what tonight was supposed to be like but nope it ended in a disaster.It ended with two friends meeting their demise with each other by their sides.
- - - - - ( - Earlier Tonight - ) - - - - -
It was just an ordinary night for Ren except it wasn't.
It was an EXCITING ordinary day!!
How?
Well except for the fact that she would soon be finishing her internship at the (medical) residency, her best friend, Lia who finally agreed to live together with her as roommates, would soon be done with law school and be on the path to be a lawyer.
I mean every close friend has at least fantasized about what it's like to live with/close to their close friends and Ren is here to make that fantasy a reality.
So to celebrate this new page in their lives, the two went out for a walk in the town to catch up with each other's lives and what not. The two walked side by side with Ren's elbow locked with Lia's forearm.
"-and then my supervisor told me that the patient said that she was having a headache for the past 3 weeks. Turns out she had a brain tumor.", Ren enthusiastically recalled a stranger story she heard from her supervisor.
Lia who was looking straight ahead on the path they were walking listened to Ren's strange story and commented, "Dang well that escalated quickly, how did it go from a headache to a brain tumor!?"
"So we're finally gonna be living together huh? We planned this since we were what? Like 16? Time sure flies away when you're having fun, huh Li?"
"Ya Rain it does. By the way you haven't even TOUCHED your genshin account for like a month now, I can't be farming for your account also."
"Hey you roped me into this game! And at least it wasn't like last time when I didn't play for like 2 years straight.", Ren checking the time on her watch,"Li it's almost 11pm we gotta go home now. Tomorrow is a weekend so we gotta be unpacking your stuff at my house."
Lia as she was walking also checked the time on her phone as sure enough it was 13 minutes till it'd be 11pm, "Ya Rain let's go."
The two friends were on there road to home. They admired the roses as they went past the patch of rose bush and now were on their way to cross the road.
They looked left.
No vehicles.
They looked right.
No vehicles again.
So they continued chatting and crossing the road , they didn't notice the truck barreling down the road. Towards them.The driver who was distracted by his phone, failed to notice the two friends in his path. Soon enough due to him being distracted, the truck hit both Ren and Lia.
The impact was devastating.
So devastating in fact that Ren was thrown several feet from the ground to the air. She eventually fell on the concrete suffering severe head trauma, internal injuries including a broken rib and a punctured lung due to the medicine bottles she was carrying being broken and several other cuts.
While Lia who also been thrown in the air just not as bad as Ren but suffered some head trauma and got glass deep into her body and a broken arm from the landing.
Hurriedly the bystanders called the emergency services while running to the scene. Hoping the two were still alive from the impact of the truck.The paramedics arrived shortly after, but it was too late for Ren and Lia.They were pronounced dead at the scene, their lives lost in an instant due to the reckless actions of .
⊱ ──────「 ✦ Ren's pov ✦ 」────── ⊰
Dark..
. . .
That's all she remembered after closing her eyes..
..Oh and the pain!
How could she forget the pain?!
It felt like she was dying.All she knew was the pain she felt when she flew up in the air and her head was continuously hitting the ground.
"{Huh... So this is how I die?}"
"{ . . . }"
"{I read a lot of times that after dying the brain had about 7 minutes left. So, 7 minutes till my consciousness is gone. 7 minutes and I'll know what comes after death.}"
"{ . . . }"
"{Those 7 minutes are gonna feel like hours, isn't it?}"
"{Weirdly enough I always wanted to experience that.}"
【(start of) Random but memorable moments of Ren's life】
"It's so sad that the child's parents perished in that awful accident."
"Who knew that the airplane was gonna crash. It was so devastating."
"Who is going to take care of the child now?"
"It's a miracle that she survived the crash."
2 years old Ren, who didn't know what was going on around her, was attending her parents funeral. "{Why is everyone crying? Makes me feel sad. I want my mama and dada.} Mama, dada, where?" The two year old asked while tucking one of her relative's clothes.
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"{I wonder how many layers of skin does a person have? I know from school under the skin is blood.} "
I wanna know how much skin I can bite until blood can be seen!"A 6 years old Ren had a... unique...ya! a unique thought and question.
Little Ren wanted to know how many bits it took until she bled. And she found her answer too.
She carefully bit the tip of her index finger and tore a little bit of her skin. All it took for her skin to be bleed was 3 bits. 3 bits was all it took.
"waw? {That's all it took!?} I thought it would take at least 5 bits until blood comes out. {I don't know if I should be impressed or disappointed.} Impressed because I actually made myself bleed or disappointed because I ACTUALLY made myself bleed."-ˋ
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"You sure do look watching the animal geography huh, Ren?", Ren's great aunt asked her with an amused face."Of course I do, ba! It's fun to watch and I get to see animals too." An 8 year old Ren cheered without taking her eyes of the TV."And I love to learn about stuff! It's fun!"
"Well aren't you a curious cat. Just don't go snooping around just to satisfy that curiousness!" As the great aunt went to another room to take a nap.ˋˏ
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"Wow the human body is so interesting! Learning about them seems fun. {The pictures of different body parts are so interesting. Minus the names. They're too wordy and hard to read and weird. I can't pronounce any of 'em.}" 10 year old Ren was looking at one of her mother's human anatomy books.
Even though she didn't understand most if not all the words in the book, she looked at the pictures of the human body parts with complete fascination. She continued flipping the pages and looking at the pictures. "{I wonder if I can see these parts in real life one day. I wanna see them work in real time- wait! If the human body is fascinating doesn't that also mean that other living being's bodies are also gonna be fascinating?} I gotta ask if there are any books about animals."✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈12 year old Ren was nervous as today was the day she got her results for her final exam. "Rain, you're still nervous about the results? I'm sure you'll get an A as usual." Lia tried to cheer her friend up."Li, come one you know my home situation. We've known each other for like a year now. It's back to homeschool if I get anything below an A. And believe me another decade of me being caged will not be good for the world""I know. I hope your great uncle was just joking about that."ˋ
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"....just keep thinking about how we were so excited to finally see each other but now he's gone." A girl was spilling her heart out to 14 year old Ren about the death of her brother which happened today.
"He was supposed to pick me up and we were supposed to walk to the park, maybe play quarrel a it. And then-. But. It's just so hard. So hard to accept the fact that from now on I'll never ever see- . ", the girl sniffles as her eyes slowly filling up with tears again.
"Only if I hadn't - if only I hadn't told him to pick me up. Maybe just maybe he would still be here with me. We would already be fighting about something stupid I just know it..."
Ren who was listening to the girl and was fascinated by ber being so expressive. "I'm here for you. It's ok let it all out. Just know it's not your fault. How could you have known that this would happen?"
The girl resting her head on Ren's shoulder, "but that's-"
" Unfair. I know. But life is just that. You never know what's coming next.{that's what makes it so interesting.}" Ren gently reaches for the girl's hand and holds her hand with care, "I'm be here with you until you feel better. {And also because it's fascinating to watch how people reach to grief so differently.}"
"Thank you...Thanks for being here for me."
"No thank you for trusting me to tell these things {giving me opportunity for me to watch something interesting}."ˋ
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"{I wonder why when we step with our right foot the left hand swings and when we step with our left foot the right hand swings?}" a 16 year old Ren was wondering about answer in class when the teacher said, "if you guys have any question, feel free to ask me. I'm always here to help you guys."
"Sir! How come some people are left handed and some people are right handed?" Ren quickly asked the teacher.
"Ren, when I said I'd answer you guys questions, I meant questions related to the chapter I'm currently teaching you about right now." The teacher was clearly used to Ren's behavior.
"At least you tried Rain." Lia said while looking through the chapter."Worth a shot hahaha."ˋ
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"So Ren, what do you wanna study after your results are released?" Ren's great aunt asked while Ren was placing tea at the table for herself and her guardians.
"I'm planning on being a surgeon." An 18 year old Ren sitting down on the sofa and blowing on the tea for it to cool down a bit for her to drink.
"That's good. Being a doctor is the least you could do after we raised you."
"Yes, your great uncle is right. It's good that you always get an A. So you grades won't hinder on your path on being a surgeon."
Ren just smiled and nodded while slowly drinking the tea. "{The only reason I'm gonna study to be a surgeon is because I get to legally cut people open.}"
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"Isn't it weird that we have a lot in common taste in things but have different thoughts about those things?" 20 year old Ren sat on the sofa in a comfortable position and talked with Lia.
"Ren you're changing the subject again. I asked if you're ok because your granduncle aka your guardian passed away a couple of days ago.." Lia wanted to comfort her best friend as not too long ago her guardians passed away.
But Ren changed the subject for the third time."I know but I think I'm still in denial. It doesn't feel that different after their death. Even if their way of raising me was in a way kinda strict and their behaviors were questionable, I wanted to make their lives a little bit easier. Though their behaviors were very questionable. One was very religious and the other was more of a scientific way of thinking. I still find it hard to believe that they fell in love and married because they didn't seem 'in love' because they fought so often and didn't want to see each other's faces."
"Just so you know if you wanna talk about after your denial is gone, I'm here for you."
"Well at least my plan A of being rich came true. Not that rich but rich enough and I got the house too... I'll probably feel remorse for saying that after a few days, hehe."
【 (end of) Random but memorable moments of Ren's life 】
{Dang... that's it!?}
"{That did NOT feel like 7 minutes maybe 3-4 minutes at best and two minutes at worst.}"
"{Plus there are a few years of memories missing after the 20 year old me memory. And what about other memories!? Was that really the only importance memories? I thought for sure there would be more}"
". . ."
"{Oh well. It is what it is, I guess}"
"{I hope Li is ok but since I'm dying there is a chance that she's at least heavily injured.}"
"{Now I'm just left here...all alone...with my thoughts...ehhh~ I'm cool with it.}"
"{Just hope I get to relax in my next life if I remember my current life hehe..oh and if Li also died with me. I hope we can meet and be friends in our next life too even if we forget each other.}"
Ren closed her eyes for the last time and her consciousness faded.
⊱ ───── 「 ✦ Ren's pov ended ✦ 」──── ⊰
And just like that our beloved protagonist died.
Her consciousness left her body.
And an angel faded into being and took out two ball like containers to place the two consciousness that were out of the body due to the two humans death.
The angel looked radiant. The halo above their head shining brightly, the angel almost looked human if it weren't for the extra pair of arms they had that was holding the two containers or the multiple sets of eyes spread across their face which was filled with sadness as two lives were lost and the enormous wings.
After mourning for the lost of two lives. The angel carefully placed the two containers in a bag."{*sighing* got the two consciousness.} These two are young in human age.""How unfortunate...but fear not as you won't remember any of it."
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Author's Note:
I figured why not post here too :p
Though I might disappear again. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! :D
So I made baby Xia (Ren) from my story "Chaos in the Game"
Be hold Xia (Ren)!!!!
She was reincarnated into an otome game with her best friends (Ren doesn't know either of that at the moment 🤫✨)
She is aroace because there aren't enough aroace characters in media at all :'D
Here's the story if you guys are interested.
Basic summary of the story:
Two best friends have died but what's this!?
They got reincarnation?
Not only that they reincarnation into the otome game they played as the original female mc and the original villainess!?
And to top it all off, the two friends don't know the other reincarnated with them!?Now that's just a mix of chaos. Will our protagonists ever find out each other's identity? Or will they remain behind a deceitful mask?
(Note: after the prologue chapter alternate with Ren's and Lia's point of view. But I wrote it kinda like a third person from the beginning :p)
Note: Wrote this story cuz I wanted more aroace characters so my brain said make one then and here it is.
Two best friends have died but wh
Ps: I finally got it how to put link here!!! Ig not sure anymore :p
A story for an aroace person aka me world lore part 1 ig :p
So to recap, I've had thought about a story with an aroace mc who gets reincarnated into an otome game with her best friend and she is the original mc and her best friend is the original villainess and both of them have no idea if the other is also present in the otome game with her.
This though has been stuck with me for over TWO years so I had a lot of time for the world building part which I might change cuz I'm indecisive as hell when it comes to this.
So now this is the current lore of the otome game world which I should REALLY come up with a name for the said world :'D
××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××
In the beginning, there was nothing. It's simple really, there was nothing.
No planets.
No moons.
No suns.
No stars.
No galaxies.
No universe.
Simply nothing...but
There's always a but...
Simply nothing but an entity who was quite bored with there being nothing. So what does 'it' do? Why, create something of course!
Nothing will cease to exist if one where to make something right?
But how can you create something out of nothing?
That just sounds absorbed!
That didn't matter to 'it' all it wanted was some company no matter what kind it was.
'it' wanted company not because 'it' was lonely no no no. 'it' wanted company simply for the fact that "it" wanted change. 'it' wanted to be entertained. 'it' didn't want to stay bored again.
So 'it' started to create the planets... moons... stars... galaxies and so much more.'it' had something to do so 'it' just created more and more and soon the a minor part of the empty nothing-ness was filled with more galaxies than it could be counted.
'it' only created things in the minor part of the nothing-ness to know that it would be easy to wipe out everything if the things 'it' created was not entertaining to 'it'.
But luckily 'it' was satisfied with what 'it' had created. So, the stars shined, the planets and the moons coexisted and most importantly 'it' was entertained.
'it' came to love what 'it' had created and would often just spent a lot of time just observing the planets, the moons, the stars and the galaxies and many other things. It was fun to know that what 'it' had created was capable of change if 'it' left it alone and simply just observed.
'it' would often talk to the things 'it' had created even if they couldn't talk back to 'it'.
"did you know that I created you guys just because I was bored?" 'it' said to a star.
The star did nothing but shine brightly.
"oh! But that doesn't mean I don't care about you guys! Even though you can't talk it's nice to have someone who can just listen you know that right?"
Still nothing. Nothing but the sound of 'it' own voice and then silence
"you know what fascinates me? Change! It's so fun to see change happen Infront of my eyes. It fascinates me that what I created can change without needing me."
All 'it' got was silence.
"Well just so you know even if anyone of you change to the point where you seem different from how you were once, doesn't mean I won't recognize you. It just goes to show how much you've grown since you once we're"
Nothing but silence follows.
**sighs*Well looks like it's time for me to go now my dear but fear not as I'll be back soon!...well as soon as I see fit that is"
With that 'it' moves away form one of many stars that shine brightly in the nothin-ness.
'it''s entertainment didn't last long or so it seemed at least, neither less 'it' grew bored of the things 'it' had created.
Sure 'it' could talk to them but they never replied to 'it'. They just listened. 'it' wanted something that could talk to 'it'. So that's what 'it' tried to create next.
But creating a thing was that could talk was proven to be a bit challenging that what 'it' had created so far. 'it' grew frustrated as the time passed and grew more and more impatient, until 'it' finally snapped "ugh! Why is this so hard!? Why can't I create something that can talk!? It shouldn't be that hard I can talk just fine-"
Just then a new feeling over came 'it'
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Welp that's of for the lore part for now lol
I didn't have motivation to write the next part of the story so I wrote the lore of how the 'world' came to be XD
Hope you enjoyed.
Btw I found the copy in which I wrote the story lol
I wrote 40+ pages and will most likely write more. Mostly cuz like not even 25% of the story is written in the copy.
And even less is posted in here.
The only problem is that I've made the characters designs of a lot of characters which will most likely be a part of the story no matter how big or small part that are in gacha cuz I suck at drawing TT
my mom might not entirely get the concept of aroace even though she is one but at least she got the spirit! :D
From the last post about me coming out to my mom about me being aroace, she also found out she was aroace.
As she had a "eh whatever" or "oh ok, moving on" kinda reaction. I think she hasn't fully rapped around the whole concept of aroace.
My mom's aroace-ness is not aroace-ing cuz I think she forgets when she is aroace lol
I find it funny cuz whenever it comes out that in our conversation I just tease her about us being the same.
This is the conversation I had after it really sunk in that me and my mom were aroace XD
Me: mom I just realized that you're aroace and I'M aroace...do you what that means??
Mom: no? What does that mean?
Me: it's mean the your genes have been passed down to me cuz we both the same-*laughing*
Mom:*slight giggling* I don't think that's how genes works Fefe.
Me: well what are the chances that us both are aroace? It sounds silly to me *still laughing*
Me: but it's makes me happy that at least someone from the family understands me.
Me: aren't you glad to know who you are mom XD
Mom: *rolling eyes* ya ya sure I am
I personally think she's like that cuz she is a layed back person and can be an air head sometimes and also can't read the room so she mind come of as rude sometimes.
a short wholesome moment with my mom cuz I love her verryyy much ♡＼(￣▽￣)／♡
Due to a lack of aroace characters/representation in many shows/ stories/mangas/manhwas/ etc, my brain went "if there is no representation, just make it yourself"
Hence, the creation of this story which doesn't have a name yet! I thought that I would name this story after I finished it like an idiot :D
{ basically what the story is about: two best friends who died and got reincarnated as the original mc and original villainess in an otome game }
(so from where I left the story, think you'll have to read part 1 to understand if you want, also keep in mind I'm not that good of a story writer lol)
Magic also exists in this world, from what xia, (which was the name give to her by her care takers in the orphanage) has gathered so far about this world was that, it seemed less developed than her modern world so far, a person can only use/possess one type of magic and get the said magic around the age of 7.
There were 7 different types of magic: fire, water, ice, fauna, earth, lighting and wind magic
From what she had heard from adults from the orphanage, there were schools which children could go to learn to further develop their understanding of their magic.
The education level vary from location to location. She also assumes that there is a possibility of high class- low class system and slavery in this world. She was correct on the first half to this hypothesis when she saw the person who looked like a Nobel from the anime and manga she watched and read visit the orphanage.
With the very limited information she has gathered, xia still doesn't have enough information to know where she reincarnated into.
It's not that she minds the whole reincarnation gig but she has read too much of this genre to not know what is to come next. As most of these reincarnation genre (with female mc at least), romance is HEAVY involved of which our mc doesn't want to be a part of.
But xia also remembers in some manhwas/ mangas with female mcs who at the start of the story say they won't fall in love/ won't get involved with the main characters but then later, plot happens and suddenly the character which she said she won't fall for, she falls for. So Xia was determined to avoid that.
So she pretends to be a normal 3 year old by seeing how other 3 year olds act around the orphanage.
After a couple of weeks, Xia comes to the realization that her hair color could help narrow down where she reincarnated into.
And ran to the nearest reflected surface and observes her hair which was pink with light blue hear the ends of her hair.
So she tries to think of characters with that type of hair color and she doesn't remember at all... Needless to say, Xia is very disappointed in her memory power to remember the characters at that moment.
Some time skip
Xia is now 5 years old and a lot has changed for the past 2 years.
The first thing that changed is that, Xia discovered that she has a different type of magic from what she has original known before the week she turned 5 . Whatever this magic was helped her heal wounds be it the wounds be hers or others. So she training her magic which she deems as healing magic.
The second thing that changed is the environment of the orphanage. After the kind head caretaker had died due to some reason that Xia doesn't know, new head care takers was given the job.
They were a married couple who on the first few days treated everyone nicely but soon showed their true colours.
They were insanely greedy, so much so that they fired al most all the staff to save money and told the children who were old enough to do simple chore. They even went as far as to manipulate the younger children into believing the old staff were bad people and the older children who knew something was wrong were threatened with the lives of the younger children if they didn't do what the couple were telling them to do.
In order for the couple to earn more money they started to sell the kids on the black market or sold them as slaves after the children has gotten their magic.
Due to selling kids on the market so often, the wife had got to know which type of magic was on high demand and which was not. The kids who had the higher demand magic would be sold on a higher demand and were treated better while the kids who had the lower demand magic were treated poorly compared to the higher demand ones.
Upon seeing this, Xia who has two years on average to get her second magic powers (she had not told anyone about her healing magic), ultimately made a plan to escape the orphanage. She hoped that she would not get the higher demand magic in order to not be sold off.
I told my mom I'm aroace but she unknowingly pulled an uno reverse card on me ( - v -)
Since it's still pride month, I thought I should share the moment I came out to my mom
I came out and told my mom I'm aroace, two year ago and thought I should talk about it's cuz it's kinda funny to me.
(Side note: my mom is a down to earth kinda person and sometimes can be a clueless or an airhead but she does have a resting bitch face and has a harshly type of voice)
So I told my mom I'm aroace when we were just walking in the balcony at night after we had dinner.It was summer so the cool breeze at night help us cool down. And then, we just started talking about stuff.
It was pretty random and somehow we (mostly I started) to talk about the LGBTQ+ community.(I've told my mom about the LGBT community before too when I was in 8th grade too,to see if she's homophobic of not which not to my surprise she was not?(She even told me if I liked a girl she's ok with it as long as I'm happy but I didn't tell her I'm aroace that time)
So then I just straight up told her I'm aroace. She obviously didn't know what aroace was. So I told her that aroace was the lack of feeling or not feeling romantic and sexual attraction and there is a spectrum to it.And that I don't feel romantic and sexual attraction towards other people. She kinda understood this but I tried to explain further.
(The conversation went like this)
Me: ok mom, so like you know how in when people talk about their feelings for their crushes? Ya I don't so that.
Mom:... people actually have crushes.
Me who is speechless :um ya mom people have crushes.
Mom: wanna know something funny? I didn't know people actually had crushes untill I went to Russia to get my degree.
Me: so, you mean to tell me your friends didn't talk about crushes?
Mom: they did tell me they like some celebrity, always thought they liked the celebrity cuz he/she was nice to look at.
Me: you mean like the celebrity was eye candy?
Mom: ya, like they are eye candy.
Me: so you mean to tell me that you never had the want to be in a relationship?
Mom: nope not at all.
Me: wait wait wait I need to make sure. So you mean to tell me that you've always thought that crushes or those lovely dovey thing bf gf do was like a joke or they they were acting like they were in a movie?
Mom: ya, doesn't everyone think that?
Me: mom... you're aroace like me.
Mom: oh ok...
Me:MOM WHAT KIND OF REACTION IS THAT!?
And like that is how my mom knew she was aroace.
Funny thing about all this is that I got the vibes that my mom was aroace for the longest time and my guess was correct lol.
So this was a win-win situation for me and my mom, I told her I was aroace and she now knew she was aroace.
Funny interaction between mother and daughter if you think about it loI.
I can relate to this. Part of the reason why it took me so much time to realize I was ace is that as a teen, I would take my mom as an example. So I used to believe that the girls having crushes on celebrities and boys was actually them pretending because it was the popular thing to do. My mom "confirmed" my belief, because her belief came from her own experience as a teen in which she too did not experience all that so she too thought the others were pretending. So I in turn thought it was confirmed to be a social convention (which is not entirely wrong, we definitely pressure our teens to have crushes). It's only when I got to adulthood and learnt about the LGBTQIA community that I realized that no, they were not pretending. 😅
I tried to explain that to my mom but to this day I am still not successful. 😑
ah the classic peer pressure! Luckily me and my mom were to into the delusion that crushes were actually a practical joke made by society that both of us don't get. I still find it hard to believe romantic and sexual feeling are real.
And when I'm told by my friends that they're in a relationship, my mind automatically goes "oh so your like best friends" I just think the two in the relationship are best friends.
And when they do get lovey dovey I think it's a joke. My former roommate used to be lovey dovey with her boyfriend but I'm PRETTY sure she did that just to get on my nerves. >:(
Either I'm oblivious or my friend is lying about thing
this story sounds strange enough for me (an aroace person) but I'm kinda sure it's strange to non aroace other people too. So there goes nth ig :p
So the thing is that a couple of years ago (3-4 years to be exact) one of my best friends.
We're like 13-14 years old at that time and apparently love was in the year or sth around that age.
I don't know the reason but she would constantly say that there were people who had a crush on me which was kinda weird to me cuz I don't remember anyone giving hints on them being interested on me.
And when I said that to her, she would say that there were 5 boys FIVE MIND YOU who've a crush on me IN MY CLASSROOM.
...
One I can believe, two? It's possible but FIVE!? and that's not including students form another sections!? THAT I don't believe.
So whenever I asked how she knew that cuz either I was oblivious as HELL or she just straight up lying.
She would say that the guys would come to her to ask questions about me and 'supposedly' they're given her things to then give to me!?
Which is weird..like very weird. Is that a real thing or is my former best friend just telling that lie
Cuz like some of the things she game me as a birthday present were given to her by my supposed admirer but she didn't tell me that, she'd just say she got the present for me just so I would take it.
And the guys who she said had a crush on me were like a line barely making them my friend
One of them, even used to call me names and take my stuff and apparently that meant he likes me!? That's just not sure at all!!
And the other who she said had a crush on me. I think she just said that cuz he just complimented how cute I looked when I got a new hair cut.
But all the other ones? Ya no. Think her imagination was just wild cuz I'm sure I'm not oblivious.
Ya I'm definitely like 100% SURE she was lying
Oh and I've not even mentioned the rumors about me being in a relationship with a student a grade or two above me
