OOOOOOOOOO

w a t c h i n g

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING

I am only allowed to observe. It is all I have ever done.

I am nothing and nobody.

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ACT I - WATCHING

part i | part ii | part iii | part iv | part v | part vi | part vii | part viii | part ix | part x | part xi | part xii | epilogue

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hello! I'm @ryder-carpe-diem, the awesome and amazing mod for this blog. for those who are like "what the actual heck is this," allow me to explain.

this is a twisted wonderland au sideblog! it started off as an idea called abstract horror Kalim, which centered around the concept that Kalim was indeed just a concept. during this storyline, there will be ten acts, each titled and tagged accordingly. the main focus here is Kalim, or as I will be affectionately calling him, 'Kalim'.

this is obviously the beginning stages, but as the story progresses, so will the intro post. I will be keeping track of each change and documenting them. please bear with me as I get through this. it is only the beginning.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part xi

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I have never seen a beastman like Ruggie Bucchi. He is small, yet unafraid. Sneaky, yet smart. His boldness should get him in trouble, but it seems that he has learned early on how to avoid trouble.

He latches onto Leona Kingscholar quick, making himself known and available to do his work. It is odd; many students would sooner rot than submit themselves to another person. I reckon that Ruggie Bucchi's pride is not in his social status, but in his survival. He knows when to stop and when to run, when to speak and when to stay silent, when to stand up or lay low. 

I would argue that Ruggie Bucchi is the most intelligent one here. I do enjoy watching his escapades. He is astoundingly good at getting himself out of issues. It does not phase me that his magic is lackluster. His... his personality is interesting enough.

Silver's magic is quite weak as well, but it flares at times, waiting to emerge. I cannot wait to see what it becomes.

He stays close to Lilia Vanrouge and Malleus Draconia. They call him a knight, a protector of the prince. I wonder why such a powerful prince needs the protection of someone like Silver. I do not think Silver is weak, but he is certainly undertrained. But Lilia Vanrouge looks at him far too fondly. I think this is the son.

I watch Silver. He sleeps an awful lot, dozing off at the most random times in the most random places. I almost feel obligated to watch him, just to make sure nothing terrible happens to him. He is so peaceful when he sleeps, I do not think I could bear anything horrible attacking him.

I am not supposed to get attached. But even with Ruggie Bucchi and Silver's feeble magic, I cannot help but be drawn to them. I... I cannot.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part x

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Jade Leech is terrifying. I do not understand how his fellow students underestimate his nature. He is one decision away from gutting them with his claws, all for experiment's sake. His calm hides the inner workings of someone who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I do not trust him. But that is what makes him so interesting to watch.

He walks with a steady confidence, like there is nothing and no one who could ever make him falter. I am tempted to believe it. I have never seen someone as impervious to troubles as Jade Leech. In fact, he seems to invite trouble wherever he goes. And he enjoys it.

He is very interesting to watch. I wonder what would happen if he truly got upset. Maybe he truly would gut his fellow students.

I watch his brother, as well. Honestly, I prefer watching Floyd Leech. There is this unbridled boldness to his walk. The way he moves is lackadaisical, as if he has no care in the world. His mood changes so often, I like to predict what he will do next for fun. I am never wrong.

Floyd and Jade Leech spend a lot of time around Azul Ashengrotto. I like to watch them pester him. They poke and prod as if he were a fish in a tank rather than a student like they are. Their enthusiasm is palpable. I want to reach out and wrap myself in it. 

But I only watch. I do not immerse myself in their lives. I... watch.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part ix

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A new cycle of students has arrived. This batch is also quite fascinating. I cannot believe I have been so lucky. All these students, so similar to the ones I watched long ago. How fortunate am I to be able to see this kind of passion once more. I wonder what surprises they have in store.

As I watched, there was one student whose magic shouted and screeched. It was fire-hot, burning into the air around him. And his hair. It was a vibrant red, shocking and bright. I was immediately intrigued, but he was sorted into Heartslabyul. I do not go there.

But only a week passed when the students in Heartslabyul started acting differently. They stood straighter, acted more polite, looked over their shoulders as if Death was standing behind them. And the collars, demeaning and vibrant red. I took a quick look into Heartslabyul to find Riddle Rosehearts at the head, demanding order. 

I can watch Heartslabyul, which means I can watch Riddle Rosehearts closely.

There was another boy with impressive magic, but his flowed with effort and strain, unlike the fire that fumed out of Riddle Rosehearts. This student had magic made of work, of blood, sweat, and tears. It was palpable, almost saddening to feel. 

Azul Ashengrotto. He was full of sadness. No one else could tell, though. He hides it well. I respect a student who knows how to hide.

I watch him as well, as he blends into the inner workings of Octavinelle with ease. He promoted himself, proving that he was reliable and smart, one to be trusted. His superiors believed him, giving him task after task to prove his worth. He worked for it. He earned it. A go-getter, that one. It was fun to watch.

He and Riddle Rosehearts do not get along. While Azul Ashengrotto offers help, Riddle Rosehearts offers nothing but scorn. It is a fun little dance they do. 

I wish... I wish I was apart of it.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part viii

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I saw the student who won against Leona Kingscholar. I will admit, I was very disappointed to watch him lose, but his snapping magic nearly made up for it. Nearly.

Malleus Draconia has a presence about him as well, just like Lilia Vanrouge. He holds his head high, expecting nothing but the respect he believes he is owed. Perhaps he is. His magic is loud and crackling, popping at every step and turn. There is no moment of silence with his magical prowess, only the ever-present sound of power moving around the room like electricity.

It was no wonder at all why other students avoided him. He was imposing, unapproachable, on an entirely different level than the rest.

My interest piqued. Malleus Draconia. I have not seen a Draconia in a very long time. I had almost forgotten how intense they were. However, this Draconia held himself inwards, shying away from the students around him. Not that they would be able to tell, considering their immediate discomfort. 

I feel bad for the boy. He never had the interactions these students get from the moment they are integrated into society. He was treated more like a monster than a child, a student, someone who had their own hopes and dreams and aspirations. I could relate to little Malleus Draconia. 

If I were able, I would reach out to him. He deserves a friend.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part vii

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I began to watch the student that Rook Hunt was watching. I see why he was so intrigued. Vil Schoenheit is a marvel.

He is another student full of confidence, borderline arrogance, but with the power to prove his point. He is no pushover. He never allows himself to slip or to be looked down upon. He is always at his best. I stuck close, watching, waiting for a crack in his routine. There is none. He holds himself to such a high standard and never lets himself falter. It is rather remarkable.

I do not think he sees the anger underneath his perfection. He does not see the rage building up, the wrath he has stored away. He does not recognize the tension. His magic does, and it strains. It does not crackle or pop, it throbs and pulses. It waits. 

I could not help but wonder why, so I watch him closely as well. He is bold. He walks with a grace that few people can maintain. It is a sight to see. He is always giving someone a sharp critique about anything amiss. Some people refer to him as shallow. He is not. I know he is not. No one who holds themselves to such an impossible standard could be doing so out of a thin and wavering motivation.

Intriguing, very intriguing, how he interacts with the world around him and the turmoil within him. He does not give his inner storm any sort of attention, only focusing on how to better himself, his performance, his magic. Determination and perseverance. I have not seen such vigor since the first students.

I enjoy watching Vil Schoenheit. I hope he does not falter.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part vi

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Rook Hunt is most intriguing. I do enjoy watching him. He watches, too. He is like me, but not like me. I wish I could teach him more about hiding.

He is in Savannaclaw, a dorm for intense and aggressive fighters. Competitors. Not that Rook Hunt is an unworthy competitor. It is simply that he does not belong here.

I wonder why that mirror chose here for him. His eyes sparkle at the trees, at the flowers. If there is a particularly nice scent in the air, he takes a longer breath. He walks slowly, taking his time, watching the world spin. Sometimes he is late for class because he watches the clouds for too long. His heart is far too loving for Savannaclaw. He takes in the beauty of everything for too long to be here at all. 

I like him. 

He meets another student, one he has been watching for so long. I have seen his dorm, covered in pictures of this student and another. He talks, a lot, giving his advice and critiques. His eyes still sparkle and shine, as if this student is the prettiest of flowers and the freshest of scents.

I was very proud when he submitted his dorm transfer. I watched him hand the papers to Leona Kingscholar, who barely spared them a glance. He only said for Rook Hunt to stop watching him. I wonder if he would ask me to stop.

Rook Hunt doesn't have the crackly magic that the others have. But something about him is fun. I like watching him. I wish I could do more than watch.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part v

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I cannot watch Lilia Vanrouge.

His magic does not crackle, it roars. It flows out of every spell he casts and every step he takes. I wonder how the people around him do not shake or tremble. Do they not know who he is? Is it too deep in history for them to be aware of? 

If I had any doubt that they cannot feel the magic pop, it is immediately dissipated. They cannot feel it. If they could, they would trudge carefully around Lilia Vanrouge.

I cannot watch him. 

Yet he is nothing like how I remember. He is not imposing, not scowling, not ferocious. It is like everything that happened before has been buried in history. He bares his teeth, but it is not in a show of dominance. Not anymore. Lilia Vanrouge is not an angry, vengeful, aggressive product of war. He is kinder. He has changed.

I watch a little longer. He plays music. He has a child. He stands with this other student and protects him. Like a mother with her kin. 

I am stunned. It reminds me so much of the beginning, of how the people used to grow and change. This one has changed, immensely so. He is nothing like history says he is. He is nothing like the bloodstained general he once was. It is interesting. Very interesting.

I want to watch him more, but I know he will catch me if I watch too long. I can feel his magic search for me when I stare for a second longer than usual. He knows. Or he suspects.

I cannot watch Lilia Vanrouge... too closely.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part iv

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I do not want to watch the ones in the Queen of Hearts' dorm.

They are plenty interesting. Trey Clover walks with a burden. He walks downcast, worried, afraid, but he never shows it. Reliable. He wants to seem reliable. I can see it in the way he talks to his fellow students, in the way he treats those older than him. But he walks like he's in pain, stewing in regret. I want to know why.

Cater Diamond walks odd, too. He walks with purpose, confident, sure of himself. He bares his teeth an awful lot, clicking away at the screen in his hands. Cater Diamond watches, too. I think he does not want people to know how much he watches them. He tempers himself, blending in when he wants to hide. I want to know why.

But that dorm is a madhouse, filled with aggressors and rebellious students. I watched before, but they are not as interesting as Savannaclaw and their aggression. No, Heartslabyul has an unchecked rage. It makes sense, I know it does, but I never liked the Queen of Hearts. She was always so angry.

But I watch Trey Clover and Cater Diamond when I can. I stick to the corners as they travel to class. They do not like the way their dorm is run, either. I can see it. But they do not say anything. Under the radar, is what one would call it. They fly under the radar.

But their magic pulses, too. Not like Idia Shroud or Leona Kingscholar, but enough to be noticable. They have potential.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part iii

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There are more. More people. A new cycle, a new group. They are interesting, so interesting. Some of their magic crackles, too. They do not see their magic crackle.

I watch the blue haired one first. His hair is made of flames. It is far more intriguing than anything I have seen in so long. I have not seen the fire hair since the beginning. He brings another thing with him. It is small and made of things I do not touch. It has blue fire hair like he does. I wonder why he has such a curious thing.

It takes no time to learn his name. Idia Shroud. I have heard of the Shrouds. I know who they are and what they do. I have to keep my distance from this one. If he finds me, I will live in the horror that is his home. I will keep away from the blue fire hair as I did in the beginning.

Although, he intrigues me. I do not think he thinks too much of himself. He runs when there are other people. This is normal for students in his dorm. However, he seems to have a stranger disposition, as if he is always on edge. He stays close to the small thing and never leaves without it. I realize quick that he never leaves his room, not unless he has to. I cannot watch him close. His room is filled with those things I do not touch. 

It is clear his confidence does not reside in public spaces, but in the solitude of his room. Sometimes I watch him from corners and crevices, just to see how the Shroud will operate. I stopped after a while. He stares at shadows too long, unblinking and unwavering. Once, I thought he was staring at me. 

I cannot watch this one. He is keen. And his room is too similar to his home.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part ii

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Leona Kingscholar was as interesting as I had hoped. He already climbed his way to the top of Savannaclaw, which could not have been an easy feat. I have seen many members of that dorm compete, but none like Leona Kingscholar. I enjoy watching him.

He often fights with the other members of his dorm. He dismisses those he finds inferior to him. I do not appreciate that. However, his power is enough to support his claims. No one can argue with truth. So, his hubris can be forgiven. For now.

I watch his spelldrive practices. He towers over everyone with his power and strategical thinking. It suddenly makes sense why he is so good at chess. I watch him play that as well. His strategy shines in spelldrive. So does his magical power. It still crackles. I wonder if he will break through his restraints, like those students at the beginning. His power can. He can. I want to see it.

I hid in his shadow during his first spelldrive tournament. I wanted to watch him up close as he tore through his competition as if they were nothing but paper. He does not disappoint and the crowd raves. I rave, too, from the cold of his shadow.

His team wins, of course they do, and he bares his teeth in victory. His magic flares around him, popping and snapping. I wonder if he can feel it, if he can see how much potential he has at the tips of his fingers, at the core of his heart. It would be so fun, so intriguing, to watch...

Watch. I get to watch.

[k-a-l-i-m--enter]

ACT I - WATCHING part i

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I have always watched.

Plenty of people go by. They grow. They leave. More appear. It's fascinating. A constant, neverending, forever changing cycle of people. Intriguing, they all are. They are filled with this vigor, this energy, this life I could never replicate. So, I watch. It is fun. They are interesting.

Eventually, the cycle becomes dull. Every person shows up, but they all act the same. There is no intrigue, not like in the beginning. They grow, but they do not change. Not like they used to. There is none of the energy I felt before. It has been ages, and this world I have observed suddenly grew so dull. 

I stay in the trees, the shadows, the crevices their weak eyes could never perceive. I still watch, I could never abandon this place now, but it has bored me so. When did their aspirations become so lifeless? When did their power become so restrained? I could never say.

I felt the change the moment he showed up. He was tall. He had this imposing demeanor, one that commanded attention and respect. And his eyes, vibrant green and furious. He was already angry at the world and the world had yet to do anything. 

Most importantly, his magic pulsed through the air around him. I could feel it crackling, sparking, waiting for something that he was entirely unaware of.

It was dull here, for so long, until Leona Kingscholar appeared.