#Model Trein

[i-think-pictures]

[harunayuuka2060]

Professor Vargas: No. Definitely not. I would rather build her a house than have her join a dorm full of guys.

Crowley: But... That would add up to our expenses-

Professor Trein: WHICH we could easily afford, headmage.

Professor Crewel: Yes. I agree.

Sam: Look at us already have taken a liking to our little imp!

Professor Vargas: Ha! Yes! The moment I saw her, I claimed her as my daughter!

Crowley: ...

Crowley: *clears throat* Very well. Uh... While we build a house for her and her son, she could stay in the little tent I lent her-

The professors: GIVE HER A ROOM.

Crowley: ...Okay.

Crowley: I suppose the Pop Music Club would not complain if we used their club room for this purpose.

Professor Crewel: Your house will take a month to complete, so you will need to stay in this classroom for the time being.

F!MC: Thank you, professor. And I apologize for causing so much trouble.

F!MC: If there's anything I can do to pay your kindness back, please do tell me.

Toddler Riddle: Yeah. I will help too.

Professor Crewel: There's no need. I will be assigning a housewarden to help you in setting up this room.

F!MC: Th-Thank you, professor!

Professor Crewel: Don't mention it. Have a nice day, pup. *then takes his leave*

F!MC: ...

F!MC: *lets out a sigh of relief* *then smiles at her son* Isn't this great, Riddle?

Toddler Riddle: *nods* Mama doesn't need to knock on people's doors anymore.

F!MC: *hugs him close* Yes. You're right.

Kalim and Lilia: Me! ME!

The other housewardens: ...

Professor Crewel: I am actually thinking of appointing Rosehearts for this job.

Lilia: Crewel, the room they're using is the Pop Music Club's.

Kalim: Yeah! And I want to be friends with her!

Idia: Well, Kalim could definitely buy some furniture.

Lilia: Yes! And I'll buy her son toys!

Professor Crewel: ...

Professor Crewel: Rosehearts, what do you think?

Riddle: I don't mind.

Azul: Are not you appointing him since the lady's son shares his name?

Professor Crewel: Yes. That's the reason.

Riddle: ...

Riddle: Thank you for accompanying me, Cater and Trey.

Trey: We want to meet the lady too.

Cater: I met her in person, and she is really nice. Though it felt like I was talking to someone older.

Trey: *chuckles* She's a mother. Of course, you would feel that way.

Riddle: Ah. We're here.

Riddle, Trey, and Cater: *noticed that the door was slightly open and decided to peek inside*

F!MC: *cuddling her son while reading him a recipe out of a cookbook*

Toddler Riddle: Mama? Do we have to follow everything in this?

F!MC: Hmm... I think we can change the shape of the eggs and carrots.

Toddler Riddle: I'll make them stars.

F!MC: Oh! That will be great, Riddle! Do you want to cook it yourself? Mama will make you mini-kitchen utensils!

Toddler Riddle: Yes, please.

Riddle, Trey, and Cater: ...

*The three decided to move steps back.*

Cater and Trey: *communicates through eye-contact*

Trey: 'Mini-kitchen utensils.'

Cater: 'Yes. And that's so adorable!'

*meanwhile*

Riddle: *his mother issues are trembling*

Riddle: Professor Crewel, I would certainly appreciate it if you would not assign me chores related to assisting the lady.

Professor Crewel: Why? Is there a problem?

Riddle: ...

Riddle: N-No...

Professor Crewel: I was hoping you would be friends with her because you are the same age and can serve as a role model for her to strive more in the future.

Professor Crewel: In any circumstance, I would delegate responsibility to another person. Do not worry.

Riddle: ...

*Back in Heartslabyul*

Trey: Riddle? What happened to you? Why did you run?

Riddle: I had a pressing task to complete.

Cater: Well, Trey? Have you seen how happy they were when we gave them the mini-kitchen utensils? 🥺

Cater: Ridz said thank you and called me "Uncle Cater".

Trey: *chuckles* Yeah. You almost squealed because of that.

Cater: By the way, Riddle? MC was looking forward to meeting you.

Riddle: Huh? Why?

Trey: She's interested to know what our Riddle is like. You know, someone her son can look up to?

Riddle: ...

Riddle: Maybe next time, Trey.

Riddle: Definitely...

Trey and Cater: ...

[marigoldendragon]

Thinking of how the Twst boys would go trying to take a bra off their partner for the first time. Mild spice

Riddle - He'd struggle. He's too emotionally constipated for intimacy at first.

Cater - Easy enough. Man was SMOTHERED by his sisters growing up. He'd be desensitised to all things feminine, it's just another piece of clothing to him.

Trey - It wouldn't be smooth sailing, but he'd just casually laugh at himself and continue what he was doing.

Ace - He'd be nervous but otherwise it'd go smoothly. He thanks his past self for learning all that slight of hand. Dexterity +1

Deuce - He'd be red faced and taking it so seriously. He'd blue screen once he finally gets it off and sees whats underneath.

Leona - Man's ripping that thing off with his teeth. R.I.P bra.

Ruggie - Mr pickpocket would have *zero* problems getting it off you. Dexterity +5

Jack - He'd struggle so much. Not only would his nerves get the better of him but his giant hands are not used to such delicate tasks.

Azul - Another one where his emotional state would impair his hand eye coordination. Don't laugh at him he'd never recover.

Jade - If he knew there was a possibility of such an event happening he would come prepared. Has no difficulties with the task.

Floyd - Man's ripping that thing off with his teeth 2.0. R.I.P another bra.

Kalim - He'd struggle with it, but you guys would have fun laughing about the situation anyway.

Jamil - He's probably helped Kalim get dressed in fancy clothes a lot. Dealt with plenty of fiddly buttons, clasps, toggles etc in the past. Smooth sailing for him.

Vil - Mr world famous model, actor, fashion expert? The most gender non conforming person in the whole school? (except for maybe Lilia). Not only would taking a bra off you be easy you'd probably leave with a better quality one than you came with. (He'd magically make it your size. Great sevens you've never had a bra ft so well)

Rook - He'd take forever with it. Not because of a skill issue, he'd just want to savour the moment.

Epel - Would have practiced/watched tutorials beforehand. Wants to be a smooth operator when the time comes. Be impressed by his manly skill.

Idia - Man would be having massive performance anxiety issues. Please be gentle with him. (He'd be bragging about his skills later online though)

I feel weird including Ortho in this. Skip!

Malleus - There's a possibility of him getting in his own head about having to deal with unknown 'human' clothing. Wouldn't be an issue though, he'd just magic it off you.

Silver - He's calm and steady. Even if he's got butterflies in his stomach he takes it slow and has no problems.

Sebek - Yet another emotionally constipated one who's head gets in the way of their hands. Takes him a minute. Probably blushes and averts his gaze like a scandalised housewife when he finally sees the tiddy.

Lilia - hahahaha Man has that thing off you before you even realise he's reached for the clasp. Dexterity +100

.... you know what I might include the staff this time. Although they're all adults who have presumably encountered bras before XD

Crowley - Mans won't shut up. Keeps droning on and you wonder if he's ever going to make his move only for you to discover your not wearing a bra anymore. When did he do that?

Crewel - If he's taking it off you it's likely just so he can put some other fancy lingerie back on you.

Vargas - Hands too big and muscular. Accidentally breaks it in the process. Another for the bra graveyard.

Trein - He's had a wife. Man knows what he's doing.

Sam - Quick and deft with it. This man FUCKS

[takeachillpillshawty]

Things I need to see in more\ want to happen twst fanfics

Vil living as Vil Schoenhiet the student at NRC and not THE Vil Schoenhiet model, actor, and influencer.

Kalim angst. I love him but sometimes I love seeing my babygurl suffer, and not Jamil betraying him angst. No, I want him to question his self worth as a dorm leader in general, I want him to be on edge at the thought of an assassin at school, I want him to worry about the people he befriends knowing that getting involved with him will put their lives in danger just like him.

Leona's hinted depression being discussed.

Jade finally being seen as the scarier twin than Floyd, I don't care Jade lovers your mans is scaring away the hoes.

Yuu\ Prefect \ YN adjusting to the world or Twisted Wonderland... Literally, getting used to the oxygen, atmosphere, eating fruits or food that doesn't exist in their world, so on and so on.

Riddle being a kid.

Vil enjoying his flaws and accept that there are people who genuinely love him even if he isn't the fairest one of all.

Trein and Riddle having father son moments.

Jamil realizing that his parents played a bigger role of his hatred for Kalim, and that it was possible for he and Kalim to be friends after all.

Silver and Sebek being brothers. Yes, I see them as brothers Silbek shippers don't come at me.

Ortho being creepy as fuck, like as in uncanny valley creepy. I know with my full heart that is Ortho was real he'd give major uncanny valley effect. I love him, he's still my son.

Lilia going through the grief of losing Meleanor.

Grim and Prefect some how fusing together into one being, A being able to do magic and be accepted as a student.

Kalim being unhinged, like feral. Not in the sugar rush kind of way, like giving a 5 year old the power of God kind of unhinged.

Cater, Kalim and Lilia all just collectively crying together to let all the stress, frustration, anger and sadness out. They usually do this during club hours.

N I E G E L E B L A N C H E.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

📚inch resting bits from the march twst manga updates📚 (octa, savana, & 4koma!)

***Manga spoilers below the cut (with an emphasis on the Episode of Octavinelle, since that's my favorite dorm!)***

The 4koma manga has dropped! Again, it centers around the daily lives of the NRC boys and is shown in a 4 panel gag comic format.

In the illustration above, we see the main cast with Grim's beloved tuna cans~

This month has comics about Ace going to a supplementary lesson (to learn how to manipulate brooms to do his chores) and Leona attending his art class. The comic depicts Leona, Idia, and Rook in the same art class though we're not sure if this is true in-game yet. However, the comics do carry over the continuity of Ace and Deuce being in Trein's class so maybe the art class thing is also true of Leona?

From the Episode of Savanaclaw manga: I KNOW WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE IN AWE OF DIASOMANI'S PRESENCE BUT ALL I'M THINKING IS THAT DIASOMNIA HAS A MOB STUDENT WITH A BOWL CUT 😭

I'm also really fixated on how this mangaka draws her lashes and hair, they're always bangers every time 💗

Ruggie "bleh" face... Also???? That full page of him using his UM... and the visualization of the wildebeests racing with him like the people in the crowd, very Lion King.

I like that the manga really shows us more emotional and intense moments the game cannot depict due to its limited assets. Here, we see the aftermath of Ruggie using his UM on the crowd. Even with Azul's magic-enhancement potion, Ruggie has taken a great physical toll from spellcasting. Falling to his knees, panting... This will make it hurt more when Leona almost poofs him to sand later 😭

These panels remind me of like. Scar looking on from up high while the hyenas do his bidding. Ruggie's expression... it's so full of a desperate kind of hope has he gazes up at his "king".

From the Episode of Octavinelle, we get to see Leona post-OB and recovering in the infirmary. Side note, I really love how the mangaka adds these cute little faces to let us know who is speaking in certain text bubbles. The little faces make some of the cutest expressions; just look at that cheeky chibi Leona head!

Here, Ruggie is telling everyone about rumors that Azul and the twins purposefully prevent their clients from fulfilling their end of the contract so they can reap the benefits. I like how the scene shown is a boat tipping over (with the twins implied to have flipped it). Nice callback to the boat scene in The Little Mermaid!

We have another The Little Mermaid reference here, where Floyd shares his UM with the gang?? The hypothetical man here reminds me of Prince Eric, especially in that white shirt and appearing as though he is drowning.

Guys... Azul's been taking modeling lessons from Vil-- I really like these more quiet and contemplative moments of Azul; plenty of those are featured this month.

asdbhlfdbaifyoaiygoeia I WILL NOW ALWAYS ASSOCIATE AZUL THINKING HARD WITH SITTING IN THAT CHAIR... There's so many shots of him seated here...

Yuuta continues to be my favorite manga!Yuu so far by diligently tidying up Leona's messy ass room for him... asfvkyadvfialf Grim looks so goofy helping out, that tower of clothes is half his size...

FLOYD'S FACE IS SO siLLy HERE TOO (this is the scene when Ruggie recalls seeing his eel form during a P.E. class where they swam). The mangaka really decided to summon his gremlin energy here...

Aaaaah, I love this shot; it sort of parallels Azul and Leona... It also makes me realize the difference between how Leona's hair is in Octavinelle vs Savanaclaw (due to the different mangaka). In Octavinelle, his hair is usually a solid black with white highlights but in Savanaclaw there tends to be a subtle gradient/screen tone on Leona's hair.

Anyway, twins Twins TWINS

GOOD WAY TO CLOSE OUT THE OCTA CHAPTER, EXCELLENT WAY TO CLOSE OFF THE OCTA CHAPTER IN FACT 🫶 Can you tell I love the Tweel parts/j

[robin-evry]

Hi, I love your headcanons, is there any way for a Kaibyo! Yuu?

Glad you enjoyed it, ask and you shall receive

𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐔𝐔 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐊𝐀𝐈𝐁𝐘𝐎 😺👻

Kaibyō (怪猫, "strange cat") are supernatural cats in Japanese folklore. Examples include bakeneko, a yōkai (or supernatural entity) commonly characterized as having the ability to shapeshift into human form; maneki-neko, usually depicted as a figurine often believed to bring good luck to the owner; and nekomata, referring either to a type of yōkai that lives in mountain areas or domestic cats that have grown old and transformed into yōkai.

( English is not my first language )

Day 2 : kaibyo!yuu

The entrance ceremony goes exactly the same, waking up in a coffin,grim sets the fire to the school and acatera. Originally kaibyo!yuu thought that grim was the same kin, mystical cats able to manipulate blue flame and are capable of human speech, before the blue flame can spread kaibyo!yuu use their magic to stop it, for compensation kaibyo!yuu ask Crowley to allow grim to enter the school as another student.Crowley unfortunately has no choice ( literally )

Since the mirror said that kaibyo!yuu but they display some abilities to control fire and shape shift. So Crowley still allowed them to attend the school. When Crowley presents the ramshackle dorm to kaibyo!yuu, he swears they send him the most disgusted glared in the world. He swears when he was sleeping, he felt someone was watching and is cursing him. After being unable to take it any longer he fixed the dorms and that allowed him to sleep peacefully... For now.

Kaibyo!yuu as a student likes to sleep during class, when Mr trein asks them a question about a subject, they answer correctly, when a test happens they always get good grades and manage to stay on top of class and during a portion project they always get it perfect.

Technically kaibyo!yuu is 12 years old since in mythology if cats live more than 7 years or turn 12 years, they are able to turn into a kaibyo or bakeneko. So technically kaibyo!yuu is 12 years old but in cat years they would be 64 years old.

Kaibyo!yuu has the ability to manipulate blue flames as well to shape shift and are able to create illusion but it's not as realistic as kitsune!yuu. They are able to cast but they do need a piece of paper to cast them. By writing fire and throwing it or something touch it, it will summon a fire it's similar to glyph magic from the owl house.

Not to mention kaibyo!yuu have incredible stamina, flexibility, and speed as well to quick reaction speed. Since Kaibyo!Yuu have the ability to shape shift to a human disguise, but they usually aren't in this form either. Because it takes too much energy, so they fused both their human form and yokai form into one. In this form they have their feline features around their body but with a human body including their cat ears and a tail. Their body is covered in a thin layer of fur. As well a bonus to be immune to poison.

kaibyo!yuu is pretty laid-back but also quite blunt without realizing it. They are incredibly brutally honest but showing this side for those who are not close to them, only acting nice for those who are around their circle.

In this situation, when kaibyo!yuu was standing in the middle of a room too busy paying attention, someone stepped on their tale as a joke, let's just say the person ended up living with a multiple bloodied cat scratches on their body and face. rook is incredibly infatuated about them wanting to learn more about there physiology, so he went straight ahead and ask them let me tell you, kaibyo!yuu send this dude the most deadass glare in the world and that didn't work on him cause he keeps asking and every time when they tried to scratch he managed to dodge. Vil practically sees kaibyo!yuu as a potential to be a model or an actress due to their pretty appearance as well as there talent of memorising something quickly and perfectly, but their personality is a total downgrade.

Their main diets are usually poison. During lunch they will bring a snake, they hunt from the woods and eat it there, this certainly scares the vice warden of scarabia. After hearing their immunity to poison Jamil will ask for kaibyo!yuu to taste the food for kalim and if they like it, it means it's poisonous. This allowed kalim to eat food more freely as well Jamil not risking his lives.

Idia first impression on kaibyo!yuu was cute, behind the tablet he really wanted to pet them but after a few chapters. Idia is now afraid of kaibyo!yuu feeling they would judge him and send him a glare towards his way. He would just die.

Also after kaibyo!yuu have a cellphone given by Crowley. Carter introduced them into gaming and now they're hooked.

Kaibyo!yuu would not bid fairly in the octanaville chapter due to it taking place at water and they hate getting wet, because they feel heavy. And how long their fur can dry up, PS : they also mention having a sibling who is a nekomata.

[dotster001]

Hello, I think there is a big lack of Crewel content soo could I have some dating/courting hcs of him please? Thank you!

(a lot of this is self indulgent, what I would want from him, because you are right we don't have enough content from this man)

A/N: It's in my pinned post, and I've mentioned this in a couple posts, but if this is the first of my stuff you've read, I view NRC as an actual college, so reader here is 18+. If it makes you more comfy, imagine it as grad school age.

He's a professional. He knows he shouldn't date a student. No matter how hot, or smart, or fun he finds you, he stays professional. He doesn't want it to inadvertently be easier or harder for you to pass his class.

And like a true professional….he waits until your second year at NRC, when you are no longer taking his classes, to start pursuing you. 

He considers himself a smooth individual, but when he gets you a coffee on the first day of class, he's like

"Do you like me? Shoot, I meant do you like coffee? I misspoke."

With visible confusion in your eyes, you tell him you do like coffee, and he shoved the coffee in your hands and left with a muttered, "have a good day puppy"

But he's nothing If not a go getter, so he brushes it off, and brings you a coffee everyday. He has no more slip ups, but he does get nervous you're complacent in your relationship with him. Which is fine but…he likes you a lot. And he's known for being the most hot headed amongst the staff for a reason.

"Be yourself" Trein says in exasperation. "Bet," Divus says.

"I need a new model, for when I'm working during the school year. It used to be Vil, but as you know, his internship took him far away."

"I'm honored, but I wouldn't consider myself conventionally attractive," you said with a self conscious laugh.

He stared at you blankly for a moment, before abruptly smacking his pointer down on the table.

"Bad pup. Clearly I need to teach my new show dog some self confidence."

"But…"

"Be in my office on Saturday." Obviously, he couldn't threaten you to be there, but he could imply a threat in the way he said it.

He does measurements the first week, feeling excited as a school boy from being so close to you. When he measures your waist, he wants to throw away all pretenses and wrap you in his arms. But he has restraint. He can wait.

Soon he's spending hours sewing you outfits he hopes will make you feel beautiful. Part of the problem is, he already sees you as beautiful, so it's hard to tell if any particular outfit will work.

It takes until outfit three. When he puts his hands on your shoulders and maneuvers you to look in the mirror, on the pretense that he wants your opinion on makeup styles, you start staring at yourself in awe.

"I'm beautiful."

"You've always been beautiful," he can't restrain himself as he presses a soft kiss to your shoulder. You look at him standing behind you, in shock.

"What?"

"I thought I taught you better. Observation is key."

"That's specifically in potions though…"

He's groaning and rolling his eyes.

"How clear do I have to be?"

Things are a little awkward after that. He does your makeup, and you both sit in silence. He uses his thumb to smudge off some excess eyeliner and feels your cheeks burning under his finger. And he can't help the smirk on his face. Your eyes meet his and you are leaning in and pressing your lips to his.

Once you start dating, he continues to bring you coffee everyday, but he also brings you a lot of gifts. Usually something you can wear. His favorite gift he has given you is a crimson choker, with a shimmering medallion. He likes it for normal reasons.

He likes when you sit next to him in his office, after lesson hours. You can work on classwork, and he can work on his grading and paperwork. Personally, he prefers the days you have no homework, because then you can sit on his lap while he does his paperwork, and he can be surrounded by your scent.

You're still his model. He insists that you are exactly what he's looking for in his new fashion line. You're skeptical, at first, because you are vaguely certain  it was all a ploy to ask you out. But lo and behold, he releases the line three months later, and you have to eat your words. (Obviously it's a bestseller. The critics are calling it his most inspired line yet)

You don't live in Ramshackle anymore. He won't stand for it. You live in his penthouse apartment with him and his three dalmatians. Grim can move in with you if that's what you really want 😒 but he can't sleep in the bed with you guys. He'll have to stay in his own room. He's not good at sharing your snuggles, especially with a cat.

He loves to hold you in his arms. Not like a little spoon, but where he is slightly propped up, and you rest your head on his chest, snuggling into it as much as possible, while he wraps his arms around you. If you move, he whines a little. No moving. It's cuddle time!

He likes to take you to fancy expensive restaurants. He dresses you both up so you outshine the stars, then treats you to anything on the menu. He takes you on these date nights once a week.

You share your bed with his three dalmatians. They get attached to you very quickly, and it makes Divus jealous when they snuggle up to you, and shove him out of the bed at night. It's an accident, but he's still very pouty about it. Tbh, having to share a side of the bed is how he found his favorite snuggle position with you.

When he's feeling jealous or self conscious, he gives you one of his coats to wear for the day. He knows they're your friends, but sometimes Ace, Deuce, and even Jack sometimes, get a little handsy. So he'll slip the coat on you, and give you a soft kiss, pretending he was concerned that you might get too cold.

He likes to dress you in the morning. Partially, because he knows what you like to wear, partially because he's a fashion designer, but mostly because….

He buttoned up your shirt, and kissed your collarbone before buttoning the final button.

"You're beautiful…" he whispered.

He wrapped the ribbon that went with the shirt around your waist. He kissed your neck, and swayed from side to side as he whispered in your ear.

"You're radiant…"

He brushed his fingers through your hair in a final touch up of the style he finished for you a moment earlier.

"I adore you."

He doesn't expect much in return from you, romance wise. He knows you're a student, and that you don't have any money to your name, as you don't even belong to this world, so he knows not to expect presents. He knows you're busy, as his fellow faculty is rigorous with homework, and your friends are fools, so he's not expecting extra favors from you. All he wants from you is your eyes on him, and your beautiful voice wishing him a good morning when you wake up next to him

....

Found my tag list! So if you want to be added to a specific fandom/character tag list, let me know!

Tag list- @shytastemakerthing @stygianoir @leonia0 @eccedentesiast-sapphic

[adrianasunderworld]

More Twst x Stardew things

The Royal Sword Corporation opened one of their stores in town years ago. Crowley hates it. He hates the manger, Ambrose, who wants him to sell the community center so they can open another Royal Sword Business in town.

Che'nya works at Royal Sword Mart. Neige actually got his big break from Royal Sword. He got cast in a commercial for it, and it did so well that he's the face of a whole ad campaign now. Vil is angry and jealous because he also auditioned for that role and Neige got picked over him.

Vil still acts and models, but it's on a much smaller scale compared to Neige. Like he gets hired a lot to do ads and commercials for businesses in town, and in all the neighboring towns, to the point he's kind of a local celebrity in the area. He keeps visiting the city to audition for theater, but so far nothing. He ideally would like to move to the city to pursue bigger roles, but it's just not in the cards now.

The witch that turns your eggs into void eggs at night is Malleus grandma. He gets embarrassed, and has tried convincing her to get a different hobby, to no avail.

Fellow and Giddel are event characters. They get hired to work at the county fair during the fall, and sometimes stop by on the Night Market. There's a quest where you can befriend them so they can move into town, and Giddel can join the other kids on their lessons.

Leonas family is very well off. After his father passed while Leona was still a minor, Falena took custody of him, and he still lives with Falena and his wife, Asha. The Kingscholars were successful in their careers and had plenty of money. Like the farmer, they wanted a change of pace from city life and bought a nice inn just outside of town. Falena runs the actual business while Asha still works as a lawyer. Leona is taking online courses while working at the inn. Ruggie also works there and often has to keep Leona on track.

Ace is a carpenter, and was like Robin, the first person in town to greet you and show you to Ramshackle Farm. And like Robin, he also called your grandpa's house crusty. He also has beef with your cat, Grim. Everytime he comes by to work on something, they have a stare off.

Jade is still interested in foraging, and often gives helpful tips, like what is in season and where to find it. His favorite gifts are any mushrooms.

The mermaid who does a show at the Night Market is Rielle.

Ortho, Najma, and Cheka are like the Jas and Vincent in town. They're the local kids you always see running around, along with everyone else's little siblings, like Jack's brother and sister.

Since there's more than two kids in town in this au, there is an actual school house in the area. It's right next to or is connected to the library, and Clara is the local teacher. Trein helps her out by doing the history lessons. Clara will give the older kids their lessons in the morning before doing their more independent study time and class work in the afternoon while she teaches the little ones. Trein usually keeps an eye on the older kids while they work in the library. It's hard though, Lucius keeps demanding their attention when they're supposed to be doing homework.

Ramshackle is still haunted. There's ghost all over the property, and they mostly show up at night. But they will sometime show up indoors, like in the house, sheds, and greenhouse.

If you marry Leona, he will nap in the greenhouse.

If you marry Deuce, he will work on his bike outside.

If you marry Vil, his post marriage heart event is him going away to work after taking a bigger role. Kinda like Elliot going on his book tour.

If you marry Cater, he will post about living on a farm. He will absolutely make vlog type videos going "My day in the life of a stay at home farm husband."

@mangacupcake @marrondrawsalot @writing-heiress @the-weirdos-mind

[chacolatepocky]

Twisted wonderland nationality headcanons

BTW NONE OF THIS IS CANON I DON'T THINK AND IT'S ALL MY OPINION FEEL FREE TO AGREE OR DISAGREE JUST DON'T HATE ON ME 💔💔💔💔💔

Heartslabyul:

Riddle rosehearts: British

Trey clover: British

Cater diamond: American

Deuce spade: British

Ace trappola: British

__________________________________________

Savanaclaw:

Leona kingscholar: Kenyan

Ruggie bucchi: Kenyan

Jack howl: American

__________________________________________

Octavinelle:

Azul ashengrotto: Danish

Jade leech: Danish

Floyd Leech: Danish

__________________________________________

Scarabia:

Kalim Al asim: Moroccan

Jamil viper: Moroccan

__________________________________________

Pomfiore:

Vil Schonenheit: German

Rook hunt: Ivory coast

Epel felmier: Sámi / Finnish

__________________________________________

Ignihyde:

Idia shroud: Greek

Ortho shroud: Greek

__________________________________________

Diasomnia:

Malleus Draconia: French

Lilia vanrouge: French

Silver: French

Sebek zigvolt: French

__________________________________________

Staff:

Crewel: British

Trein: French

Vargas: Italian

Crowley: French

__________________________________________

other characters:

Neige: Belgian / French

Chenya: British

Rollo: French

__________________________________________

Now for brief explanations:

I hc Most of heartslabyul as British because of Alice in wonderland (Set in Britain) and most of the characters are from the Queendom of roses. I Hc Cater as American because it just fits tbh.

I hc Leona and Ruggie from Kenya because that (allegedly) where the lion king is set in. I hc Jack as american because it fits (x2)

I hc all of octavinelle as Danish because of the little mermaid statue in Copenhagen and the little mermaid movie itself is set in Denmark.

i hc Scarabia as Moroccan because Aladdin is set in a Arabian country (Not said which one specifically) but i chose Morocco because it just felt like it fit.

I hc Vil as German because 1( The evil queen is German 2( Schonenheit is a German name. I hc Rook from ivory Coast because he's canonically from sunset Savanna but I wanted to choose a African country that speaks French as the main language so I picked that. I Hc Epel as Sámi, because I saw a post about how his hometown models a lot after Sámi culture, I hc that he is Sámi from Finland.

I feel like ignihyde is very self explanatory, Idia is based off Hades (Greek god of the underworld) and the Isle of woe resembles Greece

I hc Diasomnia is French only because Sleeping beauty takes place in france.

I hc Neige as Belgian mostly because He's supposed to be snow White (German princess) but his name is in French, And Belgiums main three languages are German, French and dutch.

I hc Crewel as British because he's from the Queendom of roses

I hc Trein as French because it feels right idk

I hc Vargas as Italian because Vargas is a Italian last name (i think)

I hc Crowley as French because im pretty sure he's a fae and probably from briar valley

The others are pretty explanatory I think...?

[frie-ice]

Although I already did a TWST collage of the Night Raven College staff with the Disney villains they were modelled after, Crewel's Rich Fur Coat card inspired me to do a collage of him with Cruella de Vil. With Divus Crewel‎ being her Twisted Wonderland counterpart, and Professor Crewel's JP server limited card gives me the material to do a proper collage, that matches with the theme of the other TWST collages I have done. Because I didn't want the collage's title to be something like "Divus & Cruella," I went with Crewel De Vil.

I'm hoping that Mozus Trein, Ashton Vargas and Sam will be given their own cards as well. That way I can do proper individual collages on the NRC staff with the Disney characters they were inspired by, like this one.

This Disney Twisted Wonderland collage is part of a series that showcase the parallel comparisons between the original TWST characters with the classic Disney villain characters (or trademark items) that they are based on upon and inspired from. In which has those Twisted Wonderland characters be seen as the TWST counterparts of those Disney characters. I got the idea for this series after seeing Tumblr posts of the TWST Housewardens and Vice-Housewardens being featured beside the original Disney characters that they represent, and I didn't want to limit myself to the Dorm Heads and overblot victims, but also for the other TWST characters.

[yuurei20]

Compilation Master List: Q&A

(Not all but many!)

Ace ・I noticed that ace seemed to think the title of magic-less prefect was cool ・I suddenly remembered out of nowhere Ace had ghosted his ex

Trey ・I can''t remember a time when we've heard Trey use honorifics with anyone else in the student body.

Cater ・I have a curious question about a voice line from Cater's Bloom broom card. ・Is Cater Diamond attractive with both genders? ・Is it mentioned how many followers cater has on magicam? ・Do we know what caters dad does for work?

Leona ・So in the second novel, after Leona's overblot does it go into his past or is it just the speech afterwards? ・Does Leona have a favorite first year/freshman? ・Does novel Leona treat Yuuya differently compared to the game. ・I remember hearing once that leona can drive a car? ・Do Leona consider mc/yuu as friend or just a normal classmate?

Azul ・Can I ask about Leona and Azul's contract? ・Does canon ever say anything similar about how Azul was acknowledged as dorm head and when he assumed the position?

Jade, Floyd ・I wanted to know if it was ever mentioned anywhere that Jade ate his siblings. ・Is there any reference to the Tweels being afraid of sea snakes? ・Floyd's union birthday vingette in JP ・Is it true that Jade doesn't have any members in his club

Jamil ・When Jade corners Kalim with his UM in book 4, Kalim admits he knows who's been mind controlling him, but promised long ago to never tell. ・On the EN server, Jamil's lesson start line is translated as "No antics, please." ・I've seen people mention Jamil might actually care about Kalim more than the surface level ・So what's the deal with Jamil Viper's parents

Vil ・Could you explain to me why Vil is so insistent on correcting Epel's accent?

Rook ・Regarding Rook: do we know whether he arrived at NRC aboard the black carriage because he was actually picked by the Black Mirror? ・I was wondering if it's ever mentioned about Rook disliking anyone

Epel ・I've noticed Epel keeps adding 'kana' to the end of his sentences. What does it mean?

Idia ・How does Idia feel about Leona? ・How many times do lilia and idia interact in person? ・Does Idia's hair burn? ・Does idia sometimes use "de gozaru" to end sentences? ・I think I remember there being a lot of madness surrounding Idia being close to Yuu. ・Has there ever been a name given for the MMORPG Idia and Lilia play together? ・How do you think Idia got his unique magic? ・What's Idia's relationship with his parents like? ・Does Idia have any peeps that he can get along with, other than Ortho? ・Could it be that Idia actually considers the prefect to be a friend?

Malleus ・In twst is it obvious knowledge for the characters in game that malleus is like 100's of years old ・What honorifics does the cast use for Malleus? ・Do you know how Malleus got the dorm leader position? ・Did Malleus have a special tutor growing up or did Lilia also serve as his tutor?

Lilia ・Do you remember any instance of Lilia calling Silver 'his son' in JP server?

Silver ・Do the other members of Diasomnia know that Silver is Lilia's son?

Sebek ・When Sebek enters a battle, he says, "I'll swallow you whole." What does that mean? ・Is it possible that "human" can be used to describe everyone who isn't fae?

Crowley ・I swear the model of Crowley even in that moment was holding a whip ・Is there anything about Crowley Actually being stingy in game ・Have you seen the voice lines for Crowley's card? ・What's this Crowley's fan theory rejecting Deuce's application for a Magical Wheel club about?

Lucius ・Is there any canon indication that Lucius is Treins familiar?

Prefect Questions ・How many people know about Yuu is actually from the other world ・I was wondering what yuuya does during the OB battles? ・Is there anything in the novels where Yuuya going into a club is brought up? ・Does Crowley give the MC any allowance? ・Do you think a magicless prefect would be able to get thru NRC's curriculum w/o grim? ・Do the characters seem aware of the backstories of the other characters? ・When Yuuya arrived in Twisted Wonderland, did he instantly understand the language there? ・Has the Perfect ever given gifts in the birthday tracker? ・Is Yuuya more prominent in the novel than Yuu in the games ・Characters reacting to prefect ・Do you have any idea as to why the novel Yuu has severe social anxiety as opposed to the other Yuus? ・Did the novel talk about the effects of blot on normal people without magic? ・Ghost Prefect?

Students ・Do you know how many siblings each characters has ・I was wondering if it was "common" knowledge that the overblot happened or if it's only the students that were present that know about it? ・Do you perhaps know which character is the most frequent DUO character? ・Was there ever an official height chart anywhere? ・Did the 5 student overblots happen over the span of 5 months? ・Can i ask about what happens After the overblots? ・Was it ever said in the game or by the guys themselves where they go or what they do during the holidays/ winter break?

NRC ・Does any part of the story mention the cost of tuition at nrc? ・Does NRC have a nurse or a doctor for the infirmary? ・I was wondering how animal linguistics works ・Does Twst follow Western or Asian school system ・I've been trying to find out how many students go to nrc for fic purposes ・I was wondering if clubs are mandatory for students and when club enrollment begins. ・Are the student numbers chosen specifically or do they mean a specific thing? ・It is common knowledge that Night Raven College is an all-boy schools, but what about Royal Sword Academy or Noble Bell College?

Magic ・Concerning light and dark magic, has there really been like a significant difference between the two? ・So how many people do we know the circumstances of how they got their unique magic now? ・I was wondering how the novels described how it looks when each character's Unique Magic is cast.

Language ・Do you know why 'land of pyroxene' was changed to 'the shaftlands'? ・It seemed like Mickey was saying he saw the Silver haired weird eye colour boy... ・In EN, (Najma) calls (Jamil) bro/dude and he reacts with "since when do you call me bro/dude!?" I was wondering what this exchange is like in JP? ・In the new update malleus UM said fae malefience and not fae of malefience would you know why? ・"Cold One Duke"

Behind the Scenes ・How true is that Yana is not involved in the writing of all events? ・I'm especially curious about (Yana's) involvement in the starsending, chef, rabbit fest and harveston event. ・I was wondering if you knew anything about the artists who work on the game? ・Do you know if some of the characters were supposed to be girls or the school coed?

Various ・Has there been any comment about dinosaurs in twisted wonderland? ・I was curious about what's the largest and the shortest Twistune/Rhythmic. ・I keep seeing the fandom joke about S.T.Y.X being the government or something ・How on earth did the heroes stories work if they, uh, yk, dont have the villains? ・Is there info anywhere on how much a madol/thaumark is worth? ・Do you know if there is a timeline for the main story and events that would make for the best reading order? ・Reading Order Pt2 ・Book 7 Theory

[awwfur]

Oh look! The TWST staff as WoF dragons-

Master post

Tribes I picked for them and why under the cut ✨

Let’s start with everyone’s favorite neglectful headmage

Crowley: Nightwing! Mostly for color ngl. He doesn’t get any cool Nightwing powers (mind reading or future sight) he doesn’t DESERVE them.

Vargas: Mud/Sky hybrid! Partly for color but also because they’re the two most physically strong tribes, and I felt that fit Vargas very well.

Crewel: Hive/silk hybrid! Another one mostly for color, cause I wanted a semi pepper moth look, well also not going the easy rout of making him either a rainwing or Night/ice hybrid. If Silkwings could have black in their color pallets naturally he’d be pure silk, but alas. Although I do love the hivewing face for him. I think it fits. (Also added in him having like- moth floof because yes!)

Sam: Mudwing!!! Nearly made him a rainwing or a rain/mud. BUUUTTT because mudwings are based off crocs/gators (can’t remember which I think croc but oh well) it felt like pure Mud fit him just a bit better. If that makes sense? And I KNOW mudwings don’t have purple in their color pallets, but we can all pretend it’s paint or tattoos or something.

Trein: Icewing! I had two reason for this, one being he has a resting grumpy face, because I think the overall sharper design of icewings fit that well, and two color pallet yet again.

bonus-

Lucius Trein’s cat: I made him a snowy leopard with Melanism (opposite of albinism) or I at least tried to make it look like that.

again most colors were taken off their in game models (I did have to get creative with some colors mostly on Sam and Vargas)

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

🎉 happy 4th anniversary, twst! 🎉

***Spoilers for the Grim groovy and new animated PV below the cut!***

This year features no anime-style PV, but rather a reel of various (groovy) pictures that we have taken over the years. You can watch it here!

While it features all 22 of the main cast at NRC, there is a focus on dorm leaders at the very end. All seven (yes, including Malleus!) gather for a group photo.

There is also this special ad that aired on Shinjuku screens. It features 3D models of Ace and Deuce carrying supplies over for the celebration, only to drop them. They spell out a "Happy Anni" message before exploding into white and gold confetti. It's interesting to see TWST using 3D models in their advertising; these were only previously seen at a TWSTFes where they performed some songs with them for in-person attendees.

Additionally, a special website has launched where you can design your own key.

And now… Grim’s groovy!!

OMG 😭 I’m so glad they included Lucius and the Ramshackle Ghosts in here too, they’re unsung heroes finally getting the spotlight!!! I love the touch of Grim and the ghosts posing with an open palm because those guys only have four fingers on each hand www

It’s nice to see the staff out of their usual element. They play such a minor role in the main story and only occasionally step up during events. You can see each of their personalities really coming through in the way each poses!!

Sam and Crowley are more on the chipper side, especially Crowley who is front and center (and living for every moment of it, just look at that wink)! Crewel is looking cool and confident, and Trein continues that energy but is much more stern. I imagine he’s trying to smile for the camera but maybe isn’t used to having his picture taken so he comes off as unintentionally upset 😂 And, of course, Vargas is flexing off to the side.

This was a nice way to celebrate the fourth year of TWST~

[rattlyglitch]

Souvenirs and Fireworks

Silver hummed as he sat on a couch in the main dorm-like room the Night Raven students were staying in while Malleus helped him put on the black and green pelerine that adorned his outfit. Rook had instructed Malleus how to put it on Silver and showed him how he also put it on his own. "Roi des Dragons you will have to know how to put one on since you will wear something similar during our trip and maybe even in the future. Thus Monsieur Sleepyhead can be the perfect model to help you."

That was what had led Silver and Malleus to where they were now Malleus helping Silver and Sebek sitting next to Silver a bit annoyed. The student aids had been rejected by Malleus when they offered to help Silver and Sebek had as well hence his annoyance. "An unimportant matter for you my liege" Sebek had said. Those words didn't discourage Malleus. Instead, it just made him more determined to help Silver, and when he was finally able to finish putting the pelerine on he let out a relieved sigh.

"You want me to help you put yours on Mallie?" Silver asked. Malleus smiled adoringly at Silver. "Let me get changed and only if you want to" he replied before ruffling the human hair. Silver giggled at the motion and stayed with Sebek before Malleus returned cape in hand. Even without the cape, Sebek started to declare how dashing and wonderful the outfit that Malleus wore was. Silver couldn't agree more with Sebek. "You look pretty Malleus." The compliment Silver gave made Malleus smile. He kneeled to Silver's height once he came over and hugged SIlver before letting him place Malleus' cape over his shoulders.

After a few moments of fiddling with the front of the cape and figuring out how it worked Silver successfully managed to correctly get the cape to stay. "There you go Malleus all done." Malleus stood up carefully and the cape stayed in place barely moving from where it was. Silver had managed to apply the cape and keep it in place.

"Thank you for your help Silver. I appreciate it." Silver smiled up at Malleus. "Of course. I'm going to be one of your future knights. I need to know how to help you." Malleus sighed but didn't protest against what Silver had said. Professor Trein entered the dorm to see how the students were doing. He got distracted while talking with Rollo. It was during that time that Malleus seemed to notice Sebek and Silver's outfits.

"You both are matching." Silver nodded excitedly. "Yeah! We'll look like we're knights when walking with you." Sebek gave a nod. "Hence why I give my praise to Fleur City again !" Malleus looked over Silver and Sebek before he formed an idea. "Let me get a picture of the both of you. It would be a shame if Lillia couldn't see the two of you matching and looking so regal." Yuu came over to help take a picture of the two of them while Malleus continued to smile at the pair.

Once everyone was dressed and ready to go they went outside and were assigned into groups. Silver was grouped with Ruggie, Idia, and Rook. "Bye Malleus I'll see you later," Silver said waving to Malleus before Rook took his hand and led the way with Idia and Ruggie close behind. The town was fun to explore but what Silver's eyes caught the most were the wooden dolls. Multiple stands had a small house and two wooden figures that accompanied them.

There was one stand though that had a man who seemed it be hunched over and a beautiful lady who appeared to be mid-dance. Silver had been given some money by Lilia. He chose to get the two wooden figures along with three wooden gargoyles. He would give Sebek and Malleus each a gargoyle while holding on to one himself. Even if two out of three of them were in the city Silver wasn't certain that they would come by the stalls or that Sebek would look past his pride enough to buy a wooden toy. It would be like a keepsake and they would all three have ones that were similar but still matched keeping them attached in some way.

Once the wooden figures were bought Silver turned his attention to Idia and Ruggie smiling when he saw Idia talking enthusiastically with Ruggie and smiled up at Rollo. "Thanks for helping Idia, Rollo. He seemed nervous and I think the dolls helped him perk up." Rollo gave Silver a small nod. "Well, that wasn't the point I was trying to make. But still…you're welcome Russia." Silver looked at Rollo confused. He was sure that Rollo had just called him Russia. He decided to ignore it though as his gaze fell upon shiny shards of what seemed to be glass hanging like a wind chime in one of the stands.

"What's that?" Silver asked pointing to the hanging glass and looking at Rollo. "That is a glass mobile. Usually, they are hung in the windows of houses and are usually not bought ready-made." Silver didn't lose too much of what Rook said his attention caught by how beautiful the sound of the windchimes were. "It seems like you've taken a liking to these wind chimes Silver. Perhaps you could pick one as a souvenir?" Silver thought for a moment before shaking his head no. "Papa would want something more exciting and fun." Idia seemed to have overheard what Silver had said.

"Oh, you're looking for your dad? Do you plan to ship it back home?" Silver didn't respond to what Idia had said. No one knew that Lilia was Silver's dad. They may know that he was older than he seemed but Silver being his child had somehow remained a secret. Rollo offered to show the group to a shop that wasn't part of the flea market that may have what Silver was looking for. It was confusing when Rollo seemed to buy a boring old handkerchief. It didn't look like much. When a loud banging noise went off though Silver was quick to tackle Ruggie, Idia, and Rook to the ground.

When nothing happened Silver peaked his head up and saw a smile on Rollo's face. "What was that?" Rollo tried to hide the smile he held behind his handkerchief. "That was a firework. A noisemaker within it is set off when someone blows on it or waves it around hard enough like I did. Usually, it is used to play pranks by children." Silver started to laugh at the handkerchief. "It is a really exciting thing. I bet my papa would love it." Rollo knelt down and handed the handkerchief to Silver. "Then you can give this one to him. There is also no need to repay me." Silver gently took the handkerchief.

"Thank you, Rollo. My Papa will be super happy about this." Rollo patted Silver's head. "Anything for you Russia." The name Rollo had called Silver earlier was repeated. Before Silver had a chance to ask though Idia seemed to come back with some kind of drink and commented about how alive again he felt. "How could you just leave your group to go get a drink?" Idia rolled his eyes. "My stamina is much less than yours and I needed to replenish my sugar and water before I kneeled over in the street."

Silver looked at Rook whose hand he had been holding. "Can we go get drinks too? I'm also thirsty." Rook gave a nod. "Of course we can. I was getting thirsty as well." Silver felt himself hoisted into Rook's arms before the blonde looked around and spotted three more people coming over to them. "Ah, it seems Professor Trein, Grim, and Yuu are coming to join us." Silver smiled and waved to the three excited for them to come over. "We're about to get juice. Come join us!"

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14

[blackcherryvelvet0909]

Why Should I Worry? (Filis O. Seaveworth)

Content Warning: Passionate kissing towards the end, spoilers for the Playful Land event, kidnapping (canon event), child abduction (canon event), mention of menstrual period

Note: Filis uses he/him and she/her pronouns throughout the story. She goes by he/him when under the moniker of Henry W. Taon. Filis O. Seaveworth/Henry W. Taon, Persayis N. Siofra, Liling Trieu, Revon C. Crowley, Alyssum Desrosiers, and Juliusz A. Bauer all belong to me. A few characters mentioned (surnames Sharnaz, Thazeen, and Fardowsa), as well as Arty, also belong to me. There are a lot in this one folks, haha.

Additional Note: This is a repost of a story of mine, with a few minor changes. It's over 11k words, so sit down and get comfy!

“Don’t forget to read pages one hundred seventy-two through one hundred eighty-eight,” reminded the assistant professor to the students. “The information found within the text will be on tomorrow’s test.” 

A series of grumbles and groans followed the pupils as they walked out of the classroom and into the hall, off to lunch. Henry reorganized their desk space, restacking books on the left and sorting papers that needed to be graded on the right. He placed the feathered pen back in its inkwell, right after making sure said inkwell wasn’t in need of a refill. Once the desk was properly sorted, he erased the chalkboard directly behind him, then wrote down the instructions for the start of class with a piece of crisp white chalk. After dusting off his hands with the cloth used for that specific purpose, Henry walked down the aisles of student desks, making sure no one had left any belongings or trash behind. Satisfied that everything was in order for the next class, Henry gathered his things from the little cabinet next to the door. The strap of his canvas bag looped over his shoulder, the assistant teacher exited the room and headed to the cafeteria. 

It was a pretty day outside. The sky was clear, the sun was shining, the air seemed sweet. The man’s calico cat ears twitched as they listened to a few birds chirp below, likely perched in a tree or on a bench. He couldn’t help but flick out his tongue for a taste of that sweet wind as a gentle breeze blew by. Henry quickly retracted that tongue as two students passed him from behind; he gave them a polite wave of greeting, which they returned with a smile before they continued on. The stress of teaching class slowly trickled its way out of his mind and body. It would soon return, likely in the afternoon once the school day was done, yet Henry didn’t mind too much. 

Night Raven College was exactly where the beastkin wanted to be. For years they’ve dreamt of being a teacher - to get an opportunity to be a professor at their alma mater was extra special! Henry had applied for the position of assistant professor on a whim, not believing he would even get an interview. How surprised he was when the headmage himself contacted him and set one up with him. It was Trein that had recommended Henry for the position; the same man who wrote Henry’s letter of recommendation for his university of choice shortly before he graduated from Night Raven. Now, here Henry was: an assistant to Professor Trein, and a candidate for his replacement upon his retirement. Life couldn’t be better!

“Mr. Toan!” Henry stalled his stride as someone called his name. He turned to see a student approaching him: Ortho Shroud. The teacher smiled as the robotic boy approached, books clutched to his chest. His big yellow eyes practically twinkled as he gazed up at the beastkin; the new freshman looked quite smart in his new model, fashioned after the uniform for Ignihyde first years. “I decided to write about the lost city of Atlantis for my history paper. Can you recommend some books to read to help with my research?”

Henry chuckled to himself - there was at least one freshman eager to learn. “I think I can help with that. How about we reconvene at the library after the day is done? We can decide on the best options together.” 

Ortho nodded eagerly. “Yes, I’ll do that. Thank you so much, sir!” As the boy began to levitate back the way he came, he gave the teacher a friendly wave. “I’ll see you later!” 

Henry waved back, right up until the boy disappeared around a corner. Not every student could be so dedicated. Although, Henry supposed he could sympathize with those who despised anything to do with education, at least to a degree. Back when he was a student, Henry always struggled with master chef and conjuration. He was barely able to pass those classes with a high mark, and that took a lot of struggle and studying, trial and error. Even now, as an adult working on their master’s degree, Henry still found those subjects to be quite troublesome. Not everyone could be like him and be stubborn enough to keep trucking along without giving up. 

As Henry reached the road leading to the cafeteria, he paused and winced, placing a hand on his hip. The faintest grimace crossed his face, eyelids falling shut as he swallowed the whimper that threatened to escape his lips. Great Seven, what a pain! If it were up to Henry, that was one thing they would do away with. However, as he was still considering what he wanted from that part of life, he’d neglected to look into any sort of surgery to permanently fix the problem. After a small hiss, followed by a deep breath, Henry opened his eyes and let his hand fall back to his side. 

“Hey, you okay?” 

Henry glanced over at the woman that now stood beside him. “Yes, I’m alright.”

“That time again, huh?” she suggested with a smile. 

“Not quite, but it’s getting close.” 

“You want to come with me to the infirmary?” she offered. “I’m heading there anyway; we can pick you up some painkillers.”

That did sound nice. Henry checked the watch on their wrist - yes, he should still have enough time to grab a bite to eat afterwards. “Yes, I’ll come with,” he said with a smile.

It wasn’t that long of a walk, really. Within about ten minutes they were there, engaging in polite conversation even after they’d entered the nurse’s office. The ghost on shift gave the two a nod of acknowledgement as they entered. Once it was returned and the pair shut the door behind them, the nurse attendant went back to his business, making beds at the end of the room. There were no students in the room; as the ghost was privy to Henry’s situation, there was no reason to hide whilst there. 

“How’s that binder treating you?” Revon asked as she handed Henry - Filis - the bottle of painkillers. 

Filis let out a sigh as she fetched herself a styrofoam cup and filled it with water from the sink faucet. “I’m wondering if it’s for me. It’s awfully suffocating, and it only makes my cramps worse when my period comes.” 

Revon hummed in thought. “You think you need a bigger size? Maybe one made of a different material?”

Filis shook her head as she sat down in a chair next to one of the beds close to the door. “No… I’ll probably just stop wearing it.” She placed the cup of water on the small side table next to her and opened the bottle of pills, pouring two into her open palm before closing it. “I’m so used to wearing sweaters and cardigans that I won’t feel much of a difference. I doubt any student will bat an eye, either, as that’s my usual fashion.” 

Revon watched as Filis put the pills in her mouth and swallowed them down with a few gulps of water. “Well, at least you tried. You’re right, it’s definitely not for everyone.” She met Filis’s eye as she placed her cup on the table. “You think your regular bra will keep you from, y’know…bouncing?” 

Filis let out a small, quiet laugh. “There’s barely anything to bounce!” She patted her chest. “These have been kept hidden since I came here as a freshman. No one noticed then - I don’t think they will now, especially with the layers I wear.” 

Revon nodded. She paused for a moment, thinking something over. “Do you mind if I ask you something?” Filis shook her head. “This is probably a dumb question, as I’m sure you went over your options before applying here, but you never thought to teach at a girls’ school? You certainly wouldn’t have to hide anything there,” she paused a second time, briefly, then finished her thought with, “though I’ll admit I don’t know why you even hide you’re a woman here. We’ve been accepting female students for a while now.”

Filis shrugged. “Force of habit, I guess? I told you that, when I enrolled here, it was before Crowley opened the school’s doors to all genders.” She shot Revon a smile, “No thanks to you, I assume.” 

Revon put on a coy smile of her own as she shrugged and rolled her eyes. “Who can say?~” 

It still was a little unbelievable who her father was, honestly. Filis nearly fell out of her chair when that little fact was revealed to her. “I guess it just might be kind of weird to some? I mean, I’ve masqueraded as a boy since I was sixteen. A part of me will always be Henry Wendall. Taon - switching over to Filis Olivia. Seaveworth won’t change that.” She took another sip of her water. “I also don’t want anyone to start treating me differently, whether due to my gender or my name.” 

Her family name, to be exact. It wasn’t always Seaveworth, but upon her adoption Filis was thrust into high society. It felt like whiplash the first year or so, and while she’d grown used to it, the status came with its drawbacks. People kissing up to you and stop considering you a person and more of a prospect, for example. Filis was quite happy with being Henry W. Taon - Mr. Taon to many - for now. She likely would make the change to her actual name at some point, but for now she was happy with where she was. 

“Well,” Revon began, “if you ever do decide to make the big reveal while you’re here, I can promise you I’ll handle any backlash or trouble that might come with it. No one should really bat an eye, since people transition and take new pronouns all the time, but there will always be some people.” Revon flipped a few tresses of hair over her shoulder for effect. “And I oh so love to deal with those types of people.” 

Oh, Filis was well aware of that. She recalled the last time Revon had to wrangle an angry parent, and when she previously had to give a student a very stern talking to. Each for a separate reason, yet each held one similarity: those types of individuals were downright rude and entitled and did not know when to quit. The only reason Filis let Revon deal with her share of those miscreants instead of taking care of it herself was, as bad as it might sound, Revon had daddy’s protection. Seven held the one who tried to touch the headmage’s little bird. For how often he hinted at threats concerning his daughter, everyone and their mother knew he was serious. 

“True identity aside, I really do like it here,” Filis added. “I would like to stay here as long as possible, even if I don’t take Mozus’ place when he retires. My family worked too hard to get me here as a student; I’m not going to back out now when I’m about to reach the goal they’ve supported since then.” 

Revon knew which family she was referring to. “You know, if you don’t win a teacher’s award at some point, I’m going to peck out the eyes of whoever’s in charge of handing them out.”

Filis laugh was louder this time. “Do not!”

“Whaaat?” Revon mused. “They’ll never know it was me! It’ll just be some random bird with a mysterious vendetta.”

Filis felt a little sad Revon, Divus, Sam, and Ashton weren’t in her class during her time as a student. She believed those years would’ve been extra amounts of fun with them around. There truly wouldn’t have been much reason for worry.

Filis, currently Henry, watched as all the students filed in. He - she - gave a polite greeting to each that walked in; whether or not they replied at all depended on the person. Filis could discern which had gotten a full night’s rest and which decided to pull an all-nighter by the looks on their faces. Each placed stapled stacks of papers on the desk, right in the little basket Filis had set out to retrieve them. A few she could already tell would have poor grades, as they were either one page only or sparsely written. Those were from the usual suspects, of course. There was teenage rebellion and angst aplenty about the school. 

When the last student took their seat, Filis grew a little puzzled. A few of them were absent, she realized. The first she noticed was Ortho, whose bright, joyful orbs of sparkling yellow had not greeted her at all that day, as they often did. The boy always tried to arrive early, especially attentive to his studies. Filis had been looking forward to reading his paper, which he’d been working so hard on the past two weeks. The memory of them picking out books at the library for Ortho’s research on Atlantis still hung fresh in her mind. 

The other freshmen missing were Ace Trappola and Jack Howl. The former wasn’t too surprising, but the latter? Goodness, had they all fallen ill? Perhaps they partook in too much fast food or candy or some other treat that they overindulged in over the recent weekend, and now they were all sick in their beds? Wait, that didn’t make much sense for Ortho. The cybernetic boy couldn’t exactly eat, given his anatomy - his entire physical body. Filis didn’t feel like he and Jack would skip class with Ace, either. 

When Trein arrived moments later, Filis pointed out the missing students. According to him, he hadn’t heard about anything befalling the three that would prevent them from attending class. While he brushed off the absence of Trappola, given his record, the professor stated he would check-in with the status of Shroud and Howl later. So, trying not to worry, Filis went on about her day. The majority of the first and second classes were spent reading and grading research papers, which was a very time consuming task. Thankfully, there were only a few times she pulled Trein aside for a second opinion on a student’s work. 

It was one of those times when Filis noticed that there were other students missing from the lineup. This occurred in the second class of the day, which included sophomores. There were five missing this time: Jade and Floyd Leech, Liling Trieu, and Kalim Al-Asim. Jamil Viper was also absent. Later in the day, when everyone breaked for lunch, she was able to figure out where Jamil had gone off to. Apparently, according to Divus, Jamil had taken the day off to search for Kalim - the Al-Asim heir was missing. Filis’ colleagues, including Crowley himself, were looking into the matter at the moment, though how much Crowley would actually do was up for debate. 

When it was time for the last class of the day, Filis truly began to worry. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for Leona Kingscholar to be absent, and only a little odd for Cater Diamond to be. For Vil Schoenheit, Lilia Vanrouge, Persayis N. Siofra, Juliusz A. Bauer, and Trey Clover though? Fourteen students were missing. That was no coincidence. It was certainly cause for alarm; while Filis and Trein remained calm for the duration of class, afterwards an emergency meeting was held in Crowley’s office.

“Oh, you know how children are,” Dire Crowley mused. “They’ve likely skipped class to go off and make some mischief! I’m sure they will be back soon.”

“They are missing, dad!” Revon bit back. “Sure, a few of them like to skip class from time to time; they could have probably snuck off campus. But Vil? Persayis? They’ve nary missed a single day of school! Why would they suddenly take flight now?” 

The man that was somehow the father of such a woman shrugged, in much the same way she would. “Youthly rebellion?” 

Revon looked as though she might blow a fuse. It almost appeared as though her eyes were beginning to glow, her teeth grit in rage. Before a brawl could ensue, Trein spoke up. “I highly advise that we investigate the matter. Even if this turns out to be something trivial, it is our duty to assure the safety of our students. They could be in great peril.” 

“I took it upon myself to question some of their peers,” Divus interjected. “Viper was the first to raise alarm; Hunt, Felmier, Bucchi, Rosehearts, Thazeen, Spade, Fardowsa, and the older Shroud were soon to follow. Just before I came to this meeting, Ashengrotto and Sharnaz also came to me with their concerns.”

“Draconia and his two attendants came to me earlier during our flying lessons,” Vargas piped up. He cut his eyes at Crowley. “They told me they’d come to you about Vanrouge and Siofra this morning, but said you just assured he’d turn up eventually.” 

The headmage was slowly being backed into a corner. “I am well aware of the maturity of those two. I simply thought they might be out. Who are we to keep two legal adults under wraps?” 

“When they’re loved ones don’t even know where they are?” Revon practically spat. “If I were the one missing, you’d be turning the whole island on its head!”

Well, he couldn’t argue with that. It was Sam who broke the momentary silence. “Might I add that one of the little imps that’s MIA is the prince of the Sunset Savanna. Tell me, wise headmage: what would happen if word were to get back to his family - his brother, the current king regent, that his own flesh and blood went off the radar whilst attending this school? If I were him, I’d certainly have a number of questions.” He brushed an imaginary piece of lint off his sleeve. “Not to mention his highness’s current lover, who I’ve heard the king regent and his wife are very fond of.” 

Filis could almost make out the sweat beading under Crowley’s shirt collar. There was no need for another push. The rest of the meeting was spent discussing how to proceed, aside from contacting the authorities and tracking down the students’ last known location. Each staff member had their part of play; unfortunately for Filis, hers was the smallest. She was to go back to Trein’s office and grade the rest of the second year’s research papers, and then go back to her living quarters for the evening. “I do not give you the task out of a lack of trust in you,” Trein explained to his assistant before he sent her on her way. “You simply do not yet possess the necessary experience to handle a situation like this.” 

Though it did nothing to quell Filis’ unease, she wasn’t offended. Mozus was right: she had never experienced a crisis like this. While she certainly hoped one of this magnitude hadn’t occurred in the past, Mozus and the rest of the staff were certainly trained in the procedures one should follow in these circumstances. Filis would be sure to ask to be trained in these as soon as the students were found and everything was settled. The beastwoman could barely concentrate on her work - her attention kept going back to her students. She could picture them all in her mind’s eye, their faces clear as day. Ortho stood out the most, his pupils full of excitement and wonder, curious about the world around him and willing to do whatever it took to explore it. 

Filis imagined their friends and loved ones were just as distraught. Whether their relationship be platonic, romantic, or familial, their hearts were likely being ripped to shreds now. Filis recalled Divus stating that Idia told him he couldn’t locate his brother via the tracker planted within his body. It was as though the boy had disappeared off the face of Twisted Wonderland! “It’s like he just floated out into the sea and poof! Gone!” For a young man that barely got any sleep to begin with, Filis reckoned he wouldn’t droop an eye anytime soon. 

Filis sighed as she put down her ballpoint pen, letting it roll across the desk before coming to a stop beside a paperweight. She laid her head in the center of her folded arms, placed atop the desk as a makeshift pillow. Where could they be? Where had they run off to? They couldn’t have taken the mirror - her colleagues would have been able to track that. There was no way they could get off the island without being seen. They couldn’t just up and disappear without a trace!

As Filis thought and thought, picking her brain for any sort of clue, a memory came to mind. It was just yesterday, in fact, when it occurred. Ortho had come to her again in the late afternoon, returning a paperclip he’d borrowed earlier in the day. There was no need to give it back, but the boy was so kind and well-mannered he didn’t like the thought of taking something from Filis - Mr. Taon - like that. As Filis did not want anything in return, Ortho felt it was only right to give back what she’d lended him. “If you receive kindness, you should give it in return,” he’d told her. What a sweet boy…

She and the student made small talk before going their separate ways. Filis recollected Ortho telling her about a ticket he received earlier in the day. It was for some carnival or fair, if Filis remembered right. “I wanted my brother to come with me, but he doesn’t like things like that. He thinks it’s a bad idea… I still hope I can go. It sounds like a lot of fun!” 

“It does,” Filis concurred then. “What is it for again? I don’t remember any news of a festival being held in town.”

“It’s a traveling amusement park!” Ortho had replied to her, looking ecstatic by the prospect. “It’s called Playful Land! You can only enter if you have a ticket. I’m so pleased I got one! I’ve never been to an amusement park before.”

Playful Land. The name had sounded familiar, but Filis couldn’t recall where she’d heard it then, and couldn’t now. Who’d given Ortho such a rare opportunity. A once in a lifetime venture, from the sound of it. The fact he disappeared the day after he’d regaled Filis of the entry ticket he’d received for it… Could the other students have gotten similar tickets? She further remembered Ortho telling her about going into town with some of his friends that day…

Filis reached into the pocket of her black slacks and took out a silver coin. It’d been given to her long ago by Arty: a member of her found family, the one she gained before her adoption. It was a good luck charm of sorts, one he gifted to her when she was just nine years old. Back then she wore a shirt and pants that were two sizes too big, a scruffy hand-me-down jacket with sleeves that went over her hands, and thrifted brown boots. She smiled fondly at the old memory, feeling nostalgic for those bygone days. If you’d told her little self that she’d one day have more riches than she knew what to do with, she would’ve believed you were a scam artist trying to sell her something. They were a dime a dozen in that part of town. 

“Take it as a reminder, kid,” Arty had told her, wearing a pair of black shades. Filis always thought they made him look cool. “There will always be bad times, but good things will eventually come your way. Don’t get your tail up in a knot about it.” She remembered how he slid his sunglasses down to the bridge of his nose and sent her a wink, paired with that devil-may-care smile. “Why should you worry?”

Neither of them knew that, years later, she would name her signature spell after that motto. No one could have known where her life would lead her. The coin she held in the crook of her thumb and forefinger, its old metal faintly clinting in the dim lamplight, was a daily reminder of where she came from. She would never forget, and never be ashamed. She was Filis Olivia - give or take the Seaveworth title. Good times were around the corner; everything would work out, just like it always did.

“Why Should I Worry?” 

From the rim of the coin shot out a beam of light - not too bright, not too dim. Its soft blue hue matched that of Filis’ favorite color, the same shade as the pullover sweater she wore over her white button up. She sat herself up and stood from her chair, leaving the many papers - graded and ungraded - behind. From her canvas bag, left open beside the desk, Filis grabbed her magic pen. It was the same one she received in her freshman year at the college; somehow, she’d managed to keep it looking relatively new. Only the magetone was new, having been replaced the year prior. It matched the same shade of blue as the stream of light that led her out the door and off Night Raven College campus. 

Filis’ brow furrowed as she reached the edge of the dock. What in the world…? The beam of light, still emanating from her lucky coin, stretched out to sea. It seemed to stop towards the middle of the expanse, but Filis couldn’t be sure. For all she knew, it could lead her many miles out, far away from Sage Island. This was certainly dangerous. She had to be smart if she wanted to get her and the students back to the college safely. 

Filis noticed that the lights of the island’s library were still on. Though it was a little past closing time, Filis tried the door anyway. Thankfully, it opened, the bell of above chiming as she entered. “We’re closed,” came a voice from within. Filis approached the front desk; a few minutes later, a man only half a decade older than her emerged from the back. He didn’t look too pleased to see her, likely eager to go home for the night. Filis recognized him, and he recognized her, his facial expression shifting to one of surprise. 

“I’m sorry to come in so late, Alyssum,” Filis said with an apologetic smile. 

“For you to come in after closing, it must be important.” He placed his hands against the desk and leaned forward, their ponytail - this time, it was tied back with a teal ribbon rather than blue -  falling over their shoulder. “Do you need to check something out for a class?”

“No, not tonight. I need a favor.” 

The librarian raised a brow. “And that would be…?”

“Can I leave a note here with you? I hope you won’t have to deliver it, but it’s a precautionary measure.” 

Their expression shifted to one of concern. “Are you in some sort of trouble?” 

“I don’t know,” Filis admitted. “But my student may very well be.” Filis glanced down at the coin in her hands, the beam of light balancing on its edge pointed slightly to the side, out the window and towards the sea. Alyssum couldn’t see it, of course - he’d be even more puzzled  if so. She put it in her pocket for now. “I think I know where they are. It’s risky, but I need to go now, before something bad happens.” 

“Do you want me to go with you?” 

“No, I don’t want you to put yourself in danger.” She pointed to a small basket of blank sheets of paper. “Can I have one of those?”

Alyssum retrieved her one, along with a black pen. With haste, Filis scribbled down where she was going, and where her colleagues should look. She then folded the note and handed it to Alyssum. “Give this to the headmage at Night Raven College if I’m not back here by lunchtime tomorrow. Please.” 

With some hesitance, Alyssum accepted the note. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to wait until the proper authorities arrive? I could give them a call.” 

“I can’t wait that long.” Filis was determined to get to her students as quickly as possible. To wait any longer may put them in further peril. “I’m sorry to put you up to this. When I come back, I’ll make it up to you.” 

“Yes, when.” Alyssum cut a stern look at their frequent patron. “Not if. I swear, if you wind up missing, too, I’ll hunt you down myself!” 

Filis’ ears perked up in surprise. “You’ve heard?”

The librarian shook his head. “Not a word, but I can put the pieces together.” He rolled his eyes. “A proper headmage you have over there.” Filis couldn’t argue with that. Alyssum sighed as he said, “Alright, I’ll do as you ask, if needed be.” He stood up straight again as he added, “I expect you back here a few minutes before lunch.”

Filis smiled from cheek to cheek. “Thank you.” 

Alyssum watched her go, right up until the library door shut behind her. As Filis reapproached the peer, descended the stairs to the dock, she picked her magic pen out of her pocket and raised it in the air. She mumbled an incarnation under her breath, one she’d repeated probably a million times. Just as she reached the edge of the dock, something swished over from above her. Slowly, the woman’s broom floated down, the initials H.W.T carved into the wooden handle. Beside that was painted a tiny blue bow, and in the center of that was an even tinier painted yellow bell. Another reminder of her family back home - who, without a doubt, would do something crazy like this for her. 

Filis pulled her broom over by the hand before mounting it. Usually she’d give herself a mental pat on the back for no longer being nervous to ride the thing, let alone fly, but now was not the time for such sentiments. Before she disembarked, she looped the button of her pants pocket into its hole, shutting the opening. That would prevent her lucky coin from slipping out of her pocket mid flight. The beam of light passed through the dark fabric, still trailing out to sea. Filis took a deep breath as she set her sights out on the horizon, swallowing any fear she might have and building up her courage. As she exhaled, she took off on her broom, following the blue trail. 

About thirty-five minutes passed before the light began to reach its end. Filis squeezed her magic pen a little tighter as she approached her destination. She grew troubled as she neared the end of the trail. There was nothing there. Her heart began to sink, her mind coming up with all sorts of horrid possibilities. They couldn’t be… How would they…? 

She gasped as she passed through something thick, as though she were flying through pea soup. It was cold and tingly, kind of like when she traveled by magic mirror. Her ears flattened against her head; every piece of fur and hair on her person stood on-end. Filis’ left hand gripped her broom tight, as did her right around her pen. She shut her eyes, pushing forward and forward and forward. Then, after what was probably only a few seconds, it stopped. Filis flinched as bright lights suddenly appeared in front of her closed eyelids. 

When she opened them, she gasped again as she looked down at the new landscape she’d just entered. It was an amusement park! There was a gigantic roller coaster at the rear, a humongous eight ball to her left, a sprawling mansion behind the eight ball, and a water ride that ran the length of the north side of the park - all spaced out between funhouses and food stalls and colorful tents. When she looked ahead, Filis beheld a grand theater, bright lights highlighting its rich red curtains, gilded gold trimmings, and black and white striped stage. Filis slowed her speed, barely above a drift as she began to lower herself to the ground. She swept strands of hair away from her face, clearing her vision. As she descended, she observed various broken wooden figures scattered about the place, though a few here and there still remained in one piece. 

“Puppets?” Filis mumbled to herself, curiously looking about. A few miles away, there stood the remnants of some building, now a shadow of its former self. Now that she got a better look at the land around her, the place was an absolute mess! It was like a stampede had run through, tearing apart everything in sight! “What happened here?” she whispered. 

Her ears perked up as she heard a noise come from somewhere behind her. It came a second time, then a third. Filis quickly realized it was a voice, what’s more one she recognized. That had to be Ace! Another voice cried out after him: Kalim! They sounded like they were in trouble! Filis hopped off her broom and left it behind as she ran towards the theater, the source of their cries, magic pen at the ready. 

She slowed to a stop as she neared the towering curtains framing the stage. There were other people with them, she realized. However, the voice that spoke now wasn’t familiar. It sounded like an older man, ordering someone else to put another in a cage “with the other one.” Filis crouched down and itched over to the entrance, discreetly taking a peek behind the curtain on the right. She had to hold in the gasp that dared to rip from her throat. All the missing students were there, in cages, and Filis was just in time to watch an unconscious Persayis be thrown into the one that contained Lilia. 

Filis waited for the man to come to her side, to embrace and comfort her, perhaps try to wake her. To Filis’ surprise he didn’t move - not an inch. A rabid fury raged behind those dark eyes, yet the fae refused to budge. Could he not move? Filis glanced around at the other students - most of them weren’t moving, either. That was her biggest hint her assumption was correct, given that Floyd would have been throwing a fit in his predicament, especially since his little girlfriend, Liling, was trapped along with him.

Those poor things…Ace and Kalim were the only ones who seemed to still possess the ability to move. They protested and resisted, unwilling to back down, though it seemed Kalim was beginning to give in. Suddenly, a cell phone rang. It was only then Filis noticed a beastman standing a short several feet away from the cages. She figured he must be in cahoots with the smaller one, who just finished closing the cage holding Lilia and Persayis. The little one, just a bit younger than sixteen, put his droopy eyed gaze on the taller man, who excused himself to answer the phone. The boy, his partner in crime, did not follow. 

It was then Filis witnessed just how cunning her students could be. Ace began to appeal to the younger boy, talking about his time at Night Raven College. A few of his classmates - thankfully, they at least still possessed the ability to speak - soon joined in, recalling all their misadventures at the school. The little boy, whose clothes were way too big for his body, seemed intrigued by their stories. He clutched his toy hammer in his hands, nearly equaling him in height. His large pupils and bright green orbs sparkled in wonderment, much like Ortho’s when he was beholding something that amazed him. Despite this, when Ace tried to coax the boy into freeing them, so they could take him back to Night Raven and show him what a good time he could have there, the beastman shrunk back and shook his head.

Something compelled Filis to step out of hiding. She stepped out from behind the curtain, the sound of her footsteps catching everyone’s attention. “Mr. Taon?!” Kalim yelled in surprise, but was hastily and vehemently shushed by his underclassman. From behind Ace and Kalim, Filis could see Persayis was starting to come to. Unlike the others present, she wasn’t wearing a mask. Could those masks be the key to their predicament? 

Filis decided to figure that out later. For now, she focused on the small boy before her, droopy eyes now wider than before as they stared up at her. He appeared afraid, hammer at the ready to wallop her. If it could do much damage to begin with. She put on a friendly smile, holding up her hand to silently shush him. “Hey, it’s okay,” she said softly. “I don’t want to hurt you.” 

Against her better judgment, she put her magic pen away in her right pocket. Her lucky coin, kept safe in her left one, still beamed that ray of blue light. It passed the boy and shot in the direction of where that other man had gone. So, he was the one Filis was supposed to find. She’d deal with him soon enough. She bent down a little as she maintained eye contact with the beastman, trying to get down on his level. 

“My name is F-” She stopped herself, recalling who she was around. “Mr. Taon. You can call me Henry, if you want.” The boy still appeared unsure, but there was now a curious glimmer in his gaze. “I’m an assistant teacher at Night Raven College.” She pointed towards the cages. 

“Those are my students over there. I was worried when they didn’t come to class, so I came looking for them.” Filis knew outright accusing the boy of kidnapping them, helping that other man imprison them and Seven knew what else, would be a bad move. She wracked her brain for what she’d been taught at her university, recalling how to talk to children his age. “What’s your name?” she asked. The boy didn’t answer - he simply stared up at her. 

“His name’s Gidel,” Ace offered up from within his cage. “He can’t speak.” 

Oh, so that's why the little cat was so quiet. She wondered if he knew sign language. To test her theory, Filis asked Gidel in sign, “Do you understand this?” Gidel continued to stare at her, this time with a wisp of confusion across his face. Well, there was her answer. “Did you see what I did with my hands? That’s called sign language.” 

Gidel tilted his head to the side and blinked, growing evermore curious. He wanted to know more. “It’s a language specifically designed for people like you,” she explained. “It takes a while to learn,” she gave him an encouraging smile, “but I think you could get the hang of it!” This next question was a little stupid, but if it got Gidel to communicate, it was worth a shot. “Have you ever been to school?” 

Gidel shook his head ‘no.’ What? That was strange…boys like him should be coming into middle school by now. She glanced in the direction of where the older beastman had disappeared. Just what had he been doing with this child, not giving him an education? That was all sorts of neglect! This boy might be as much of a victim as her students were. 

She tore her gaze away from the backstage area and turned her attention back to Gidel. Filis kept her voice calm and light, as if she were talking to a friend. “Do you think you’d like to learn sign language?” Gidel paused for a moment, thinking the prospect over. Then the most adorable of little smiles crossed his face as he nodded his head. “Well, I’d love to teach you. I could make some time for it after my classes back at the college.” 

“He’s telling the truth,” Kalim piped up, seeming a little more chipper than before. “Mr. Taon’s a great teacher! He helped me when I was having trouble with my History of Magic class.” Kalim looked very proud of himself, chest puffed out and grinning from ear to ear as he added, “I passed my exam with high marks!” 

“Yeah, what he said!” It was Ace that spoke up this time. “Mr. Taon got Professor Trein off my back when I didn’t turn in my homework one time. He even convinced him to give me a little more time to turn it in! I’m sure he’ll stick his neck out for you, too.” Ace sure hadn’t expressed his thanks before - it felt good to hear him say that about her. Filis’ confidence got a little boost, which caused her smile to brighten. 

“School can be hard,” Filis said honestly. “But it is also a lot of fun! You can learn so many things, and it can lead to you doing something you really like to do.” 

“And get paid for it!” Ace added. Gidel certainly perked up at that. So, money was a motivating factor for him. Filis could sympathize - she knew what it was like to go without. 

“Mr. Taon let me pick out the topic for my research paper!” Filis finally noticed Ortho, who was stationed in a cage a little behind Ace and Kalim. He was dressed like a little drummer boy, Filis thought. “It was so much fun to learn about Atlantis! It’s an ancient city that existed long ago and-” Ortho stopped himself. “Oh, I shouldn’t spoil it; Mr. Taon hasn’t read it yet!”

Filis’ heart melted at the young Shroud’s excitement. He’d worked really hard on his report, reading over every single page of the books Filis helped him pick out. She couldn’t wait to sit back and read what he’d written. 

“A boy your age should be surrounded by other children.” Every head - that could move - turned to look at Persayis, who seemed to have just come to. Though she appeared to have not come around fully, she offered Gidel a kind smile. “You would be able to make friendships that last a lifetime.” 

Gidel flinched away from the fae. There was an apparent fear in his eyes, his little body trembling a tad. Persayis’s smile was replaced by a look of shame and sadness, tucking herself as far out of sight as she could. Though he could not move, Lilia’s eyes portrayed his wish to comfort the poor thing. Filis pondered what could have happened before she arrived that made the boy so afraid of Persayis. She supposed she would receive the answer at a later date. “I really would love for you to come back with us,” Filis said, regaining Gidel’s attention. She held out a hand towards him in peace, “I promise to help you in any way I can.”

Gidel stared at her in silence, blinking every other second. He studied her like that for a few long moments, expression unreadable. Then, with barely a sound, he turned and walked away, in the direction where the other man had gone. Filis’ heart sank - she didn’t convince him. Gidel likely went off to tell the man about her, an intruder, so he could come and take her down. “Shit,” she cursed under her breath. What to do, what to do…

Filis noticed Kalim and Ace had gone stark still, along with Ortho. Oh no, she was running out of time! She bolted over to the boys and asked in a rush, “What’s happened to you?” 

“The masks,” Kalim answered, struggling to speak. “They’re stuck to our faces; they’re gonna turn us into wooden puppets!” 

Filis felt sick to her stomach. That’s what was happening to them? They were slowly being turned into dolls? 

“It’s an ancient curse.” Filis whipped her head around as Persayis spoke up, a little more awake now than she’d been before. “Before, when we were given the masks, I got a feeling I’d seen them before. I discreetly tossed mine away and made a replica with my own magic while I tried to figure out where they’d come from.” She hung her head, tears in her eyes. “I realized when it was far too late.” 

“Is there a way to break it?” Filis asked, trying to keep her cool.

“We couldn’t,” came her reply. “Only the caster can dispel the curse. There is another way, but we do not have the materials necessary.” Persayis raised her head to look up at Lilia. “If it would even work now.” It was apparent she was trying to not break down crying. “I’m so sorry…” 

With great strain, Lilia managed a smile, a silent way to tell his love it was not her fault. It was all so heartbreaking… To think this could be their fate, and there was nothing Filis or anyone could do to stop it. …No, there was a way. Filis ripped her magic pen out of her pocket. She spun around and began to march in the direction Gidel and that other man had gone. If that man was the caster, he could break the curse - Filis would make him if it was the last thing she ever did. 

Filis didn’t make it far. A few steps in and the two appeared from around the corner. The three paused simultaneously in their stride, shocked to see her standing there, more-so the older beastman beside Gidel. He appeared to be a fox beastman, now that Filis got a closer look at him. His clothes were neat, yet patched up in certain areas. They were old, that was for certain. With her lower class upbringing, Filis could spot a person down on their luck from a mile away. 

Filis directed her magic pen right at the man’s head. A low hiss rose from the back of her throat, teeth bared and body prepared for a fight. No matter what, she was going to free her students from their cages, from that horrible curse. She was their teacher, their protector. That man was not going to get away with this! There was no time for thoughts of failure or all that could go wrong. 

Why should she worry? 

“There you go,” Filis said, handing the boy his workbook. “Remember: finish pages twelve and thirteen, and then you’re finished for the day.” She pooped the little man on the nose; it crinkled as he smiled and closed his eyes on instinct, his freckles in full view. “And I mean it! You’ll burn yourself out if you study too much.”

He smiled and nodded, then turned around and trotted back to his room. He would sit at his little desk, in his comfy little chair, and do as he was instructed down to the letter. Gidel was such a diligent student, so eager to learn everything he could get his hands on. It was trouble enough to get him to stop working and be a kid and play! Filis smiled as she watched him go, right up until he disappeared from view. She then went back to cutting vegetables on the counter - something she herself had taken time to practice over the past two years. Filis was quite proud of her progress.

In the next room over, the front door opened. “Honey, I’m home!~” came a voice in a sing-song tone, followed by the door shutting. Filis rolled her eyes, smile now mocking as she shook her head as she continued to chop the carrot into thick, but not too thick slices. Footsteps entered the room behind her, followed by the sound of three brown paper bags being placed on the kitchen table. Those footsteps swiftly approached Filis from behind; before she could react, two arms wrapped around her midsection and pulled her back against a strong chest. She gasped, almost dropping the knife as a kiss was pressed to her neck with an accentuated “mwah!” 

“Fellow Honest, I have a knife!” Filis scolded, turning her head as far as she could to look back at the sneaky fox. 

The man nonchalantly shrugged. “I’ve had worse.” Then proceeded to give Filis another lip smack, this time on her jaw. 

Filis placed the knife on the cutting board, so neither one of them would get stabbed. Fellow rubbed his cheek against the top of her head, the silk blue bow tied at the back of her hair tickling his chin. Filis wrapped her arms around his own just as he placed a kiss on her scalp. “Someone’s clingy today,” she commented, a grin pulling at her mouth as he delivered a kiss to her ear. 

Fellow made a hum in question. “Would you rather me be stoic and aloof and not shower you in kisses?”

Filis pretended to mull the prospect over. “Hm…if you were to act like that, I’d assume you were not who you said you were and proceed to beat you senseless until you told me where the real Fellow was.” 

“Oh, come now, Filis!” The fox spun her around, releasing her from his hold in favor of addressing himself with his hand. “You really think someone could replicate my charms?~” 

Without skipping a beat, Filis snapped back with, “Most likely.” 

His expression shifted to one of surprise, thick brows scrunched in confusion, one rising in an arch. Then, just as quick, it switched to one of great pain and disappointment, Fellow’s ears flattening as he placed his hand over his heart. “To insult me so blatantly!” He sniffled. “And I thought you loved me.” 

“Oh, don’t start that mess!” Filis lightly tugged at a lock of his bright orange hair. “Did you get everything we need for the stew?”

He threw out his previous theatrics and nodded. “All except the celery. They just ran out when I got to the market.” 

Filis began to take the produce and other groceries out of the paper bags and set them on the kitchen table. “It’s alright, we can do without. We would have barely tasted it anyway.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Wash up and help me cut these up?”

Fellow swept down in a deep bow as he winked. “Your wish is my command, fair lady~” 

Again, Filis rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance. As Fellow turned on the kitchen sink faucet and proceeded to wash his hands, she couldn’t help but pause to watch him. In her mind, she could picture him in those elaborately patched clothes he wore when she’d met him. Fellow had looked like a ringmaster, but he’d mentioned to her before that that was the vibe he’d been going for. Nowadays, he often wore more casual attire: plain or graphic t-shirts, green cargo pants, a dark denim jacket, and a pair of black and white converse. Well, casual was the dress code unless Fellow was going to work, or some other time he needed to spruce himself up. The fox looked forward to dressing in such a manner, as he found it very fun. 

In a way, he and Gidel both were still getting used to living in relative comfort, not having to scrounge for food or wear tattered, and sometimes oversized, clothing. It’d been a hard road since the two started fresh, right after the Playful Land fiasco. Filis had aided the duo when she could, one of the key helping hands being when she loaned Fellow enough money to attend career school. That was right after he obtained his GED, which Filis also helped out with in terms of studying. For all the bad cards dealt to the man throughout his life, Filis wasn’t surprised when he immediately grew suspicious of her generosity. Filis being part of the upper class was a deterring factor as well. That was until Filis took Fellow and Gidel with her to visit her family - not just her adoptive one.

The childrens’ home wasn’t as rickety and rugged as it was when Filis was a child, yet one could tell it lacked exceptional funds. The home only had two sponsors: the Seaveworth family and the government. While Filis’ adopted father poured a huge sum into the orphanage’s accounts every six months, it couldn’t buy everything. Even so, the Fifth Avenue Homestead was moving up in the world, slowly but surely. Filis always kept an eye out for other potential sponsors; recently, she’d even managed to get a charity organization to donate to the place. The home’s growth was documented with several photographs taken by its residents over the years. Gidel picked Filis out of many without much problem, and the look of her and everyone else back then gave Fellow a glimpse into just how similar their childhoods were, at least financially. 

The romance was the unexpected bonus of the whole arrangement. It started out as a simple acquaintanceship; as Filis provided Gidel with an education, she lent a hand in Fellow advancing his and acquiring a suitable occupation. A little while later, Filis and her adoptive father began to set the groundwork for the school Fellow dreamed of opening for underprivileged children - with and without magical abilities. It would be located in a vacant townhouse just a couple blocks from where the three lived now. With a little remodeling, renovation, and the acquisition of study materials and other school necessities, it would be ready to open its doors. While Filis would be the face of the facility, it was only temporary until Fellow received his own teaching license. Just a little more saving, a little more hard work, and they could set that in motion, too. 

To think she, a year and a half ago, wanted nothing more than to send the man flying into the Coral Sea. Under the circumstances, as well as Fellow’s own actions, no one could blame her - not even Fellow and Gidel. That pride had definitely been hard to swallow for the fox, but that was one thing he promised her he’d become more of: honest. It was a steep learning curve after lying and deceiving for so long, but Fellow was getting the hang of it. If there was one thing he’d never be able to shake though, it was his showmanship. One of many things Filis now loved about the beastman. 

Suddenly, Filis was pushed out of memory lane as someone flicked her forehead. “Helloooo? Fili? Are you still with us?” 

Filis blinked a couple times as she came back to reality. “Hm?” 

“I turn around and you’re ogling me.” Fellow chuckled, smirk clear across his face. “Shameful! What if Gidel were to walk in? You’re supposed to be a role model for students, you know. Can’t be drooling over my good looks in front of the students, now can you?”

Filis scoffed. “The only reason I’ll be staring at you is to scold you for making a fool of yourself in front of the kids.” She flicked the tip of his nose, causing him to flinch and go cross eyed as he scrunched it. “You need to learn to behave yourself!” 

“And let the little tikes die of boredom? Why, I would be more irresponsible not stealing them away for a game or two in-between classes.”

Filis placed her hands on her hips and shot the fox a mock glare. “Are you saying I’m not fun, Mr. Honest?”

Fellow laughed. “There is only so much fun to be had when it comes to learning, Filis.” He tucked his tongue into his cheek as he flicked his gaze to the side. “Especially when you’re learning about some dead guy’s good or bad deeds.” 

Unlike Filis, Fellow never cared too much for history - or school in general. Filis knew from personal experience that, if Fellow had gone to a regular school in his youth, he would have been a pain in the ass to the teachers. “History is important and you know it!” 

“Mhm mhm, when you make it interesting, sure.” To an outsider, they would think the two were in the midst of a lover’s quarrel. That couldn’t be further from the truth - they were just play-fighting. Catch them actually fighting and that was a spectacle to binge eat popcorn to. Fellow showcased his signature smug grin as he finished with, “How’s that, Mr. Taon?~” 

Filis hadn’t been addressed by that name for a good six months now. It was bittersweet, leaving Night Raven College to open a school in the Shaftlands with Fellow. To become a professor at Night Raven was her dream; well, it was up until Fellow and Gidel entered her life. She remembered the night she made her decision, the one that would alter the course of her life. Filis had sat on her bed in her quarters on the college campus, lucky coin in hand. When she recited the incantation to produce her signature spell, the blue line of light that imitated from it sealed her fate. It shot out the window, away from the college and out towards the right side of Sage Island - where Fellow and Gidel were staying at a little bed and breakfast, visiting her for the weekend. 

Sure, Filis wouldn’t mind using her old moniker in the future. It was going to be very odd for students to address her as Ms. Filis. She’d gotten a taste of that when the students present at Playful Land learned that she wasn’t who she said she was, nonetheless not a guy. Of course, they still addressed her as Mr. Taon for the rest of her time at the college, but outside of that? It was a little strange now, when she received letters from a few of her former students every other month or so. Her most frequent writer was who she came to call her star pupil: Ortho Shroud. 

“I miss you being here,” he’d written to her once. “But I’m so glad you left to pursue your dreams! I’m still making good grades - I became an honor student! I hope Mr. Fellow and Gidel are doing okay, along with you, Ms. Filis!” 

Sweet boy… Filis planned to visit Sage Island next month, right before finals week. While she was looking forward to seeing her old students, those who still attended the college, the little Shroud held a special place in her heart. Of course, her old colleagues would be delighted to see her as well. Filis still kept in contact with them, too, especially Mozus and Revon. 

“Should you ever need guidance, know you can always call upon me,” Mozus had told her time and time again. Even professionals of the highest accreditation and excellence need a second opinion.” 

“You three take care of yourselves!” Revon had said the last time Filis called her. “Send me pictures of the school once it's finished. Oh, and one of your first group of kids! I want to know every detail.” Before they’d hung up the phone, Revon mentioned one other thing. “Tell Fellow that, if he breaks your heart or does something stupid, I’ll break more than his ankles.” After that first meeting with the woman, shortly after the destruction of Playful Land, Fellow definitely took that to heart. 

“Mr. Taon, Ms. Filis - doesn’t matter.” She poked his chest. “I demand, as your former tutor and your brother’s teacher, start chopping those vegetables, or we won’t have any dinner to speak of!” 

“So demanding!” Fellow fished a hair tie out of his pants pocket and began to pull his hair back. “This must be what it’s like to be scolded by your mother,” he mused. 

Filis forgot to reply. The calico cat was too busy watching her boyfriend do such a simple, domestic task. It was the little things that caught her attention when it came to her attraction towards him. The way he expertly twirled his hair between his fingers, effortlessly looping it through the hair tie. Though part of his biceps were hidden underneath the short sleeves of his plain white t-shirt, Filis could just make out them flexing underneath the cotton fabric. Fellow wasn’t overly bulky, nor could he be called a twink. To Filis, he was just right. 

Once more, the fox caught the cat lost in her own head. He snickered to himself as he took a step towards her, this time booping her on the nose. “Hey, kitty, you’re staring again~” 

Blood quickly rushed to Filis’ cheeks, clearly flustered. This time around, she slapped him on the arm. “Go chop the vegetables, now!” 

“Ah ah ah~” The fox man tutted. “There’s a price to be paid for every show.” Fellow took another step forward, forcing Filis to take one back. Her lower back pressed up against the edge of the kitchen table, and she soon found herself leaning further backward onto it. Fellow trapped her there, arms either side of her torso, looking rather pleased with himself. “All debts must be collected, you understand.” 

Filis’ tail slapped against his leg, brushing his fox tail. “Get off me you-” 

“Handsome, debonair gentleman?” Filis glared at him. “No? How about…” He held his chin with his forefinger and thumb, tapping the underside as he thought of another set of compliments. “Gorgeous, charming devil?~” 

Filis smirked. “More like a brazen, sly fox!” 

While it was still playful, Fellow’s smile took on a genuine undertone. Fellow released his chin and lowered his hand down to hold her waist. “I can live with that~” 

His kiss set every nerve of hers ablaze. Without a thought she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. The hand that was not holding himself upright slid up from her waist and to her cheek, caressing it gently. He soon deepened the kiss, gently tilting Filis’ head to the side to follow his lead. Her sleek tail coiled around his fluffier one, the fingers of one hand reaching up to scratch behind his ear. They now purred together, making their lips tingle. Filis smiled into the liplock as she felt Fellow’s tail wag back and forth, pulling hers along with it, swishing to and fro. 

Fellow just made up his mind to break the kiss and begin peppering Filis’ face with more when he heard a noise. Both he and Filis’ ears perked up at the sound of soft footsteps approaching from down the hall, a certain little bounce to them. Gidel. In a hurry, Filis and Fellow released each other, Fellow stepping aside to let Filis sit up from the table. They simultaneously straightened their clothes and fixed their hair, right before Gidel entered the room, a clear pep in his step. The little cat didn’t notice a thing. Yes, the two adults present were being so normal right now. 

“Finished already?” Filis asked, thankful she was able to hide the breathlessness she felt. Gidel nodded, looking quite pleased with himself as he offered up the pine green workbook, clutched in his sleeve covered hands. No matter how many times they offered Gidel clothes that were just his size, he always preferred ones with oversized sleeves. One because he was so used to it, and second because he thought it made him look cute. Filis wondered if a certain fae influenced that decision long ago. That, or it was how much Gidel could get away with when it came to strangers for looking so adorable. 

Filis opened the book and flipped to the pages she assigned him. She skimmed over the answers he’d written down - the first half in red colored crayon, the second in blue. Filis smiled conspiratorially down at him and asked, “You’re not trying to butter me up by writing in my favorite color again, are you?” The boy held up his arms in a shrug, smiling coyly. Filis hummed in thought as she looked back at the pages, pretending to scrutinize them a second time. The beastwoman then grabbed a red pen off the table, pulled off its cap with her teeth, and wrote a big ‘A+’ on both pages before flipping the workbook over for Gidel to see. 

“Not a single error. Great job!” 

It was like someone got a big bottle of glitter and poured it into Gidel’s eye sockets. He hopped up and down on the balls of his feet, clapping his hands together in glee. “Awesome job, smart guy!” Fellow congratulated his little brother with a ruffle of his naturally messy hair. “You’ll be making the big bucks in no time!” Fellow swiveled his head to the side to address Filis. “What was today’s subject?” 

“Algebra I.” 

Fellow looked like he got hit by a brick. Ah, yes, of course Gidel would succeed at something he absolutely slumped in. Well, better for him, he supposed. Though he was a little envious of the guy, Fellow’s frustrated grin was completely false. “Trying to one up me, huh?” This time, he picked Gidel up and held him sideways under his arm before proceeding to give him a noogie. “Don’t think this means you get all the spoils this weekend.” 

By spoils, Fellow meant the trio’s weekly night on the town. Scratch that, they couldn’t do it every weekend, whether due to business or finances or some other thing, but they made a point to go out and do something fun at least once a month. More often than not, if Gidel did a remarkable job in his coursework in the days prior to the outing, he had more sway in deciding what they all did. It was only fair - and it didn’t just happen when Gidel excelled in his classes, either. The kid was spoiled downright rotten sometimes! Fellow wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“I don’t know, another visit to that ice cream shoppe sounds awfully good.” Filis watched as Fellow sat the boy back on his feet, all whilst shooting her a teasing stare. “Before we even think about that though,” Filis reached into one of the brown grocery bags and pulled out a potato, “we need to cook tonight’s dinner.” Gidel nodded eagerly, right before he trotted over to the counter nearest the stove. He pulled over his stepping stool - while the boy had grown two inches since last year, he was still quite short - and stepped up to the cutting board Filis had abandoned. Filis mouthed to Fellow, “Please, help him.”

Fellow sent his lady love a small salute before stepping over to Gidel, helping hold the knife and carefully cut the rest of the carrot. Filis busied herself with emptying the three brown paper bags of their contents: potatoes, corn on the cob, broccoli (Fellow still refused to eat it, that child), a few packages of chicken, apples, bananas, blackberries and strawberries. Once the stew was boiling on the stove, Filis planned to prepare a fruit salad for dessert. As they all preferred, it would be dusted with sugar and drizzled with cream. Before Filis made a move to continue cooking, she watched Gidel and Fellow for a few more moments. They were very cute together, sometimes more like father and son than an older and younger brother. 

Under her breath, Filis recited to herself the very familiar words: “Why Should I Worry?” Filis did not have her lucky coin on her; it was still safe within its tiny padded box on her dresser. The coin was not required to use her unique magic - the beam of light could come from anything, even the tip of her finger. That soft blue stream of light appeared before her. Unlike many times before, it stopped only a few feet away. It disappeared right into the backs of Fellow and Gidel. Filis really never needed a reminder - she was right where she needed to be. 

Why should she worry? 

[irisinthemoon]

Until I Found You, Pt. 6

[Pt. 1], [Pt. 2], [Pt. 3], [Pt. 4], [Pt. 5], [Pt, 6]

Warning: F!reader, Rollo being a Malleus hater, event spoilers, mock kidnapping, NRC students being NRC students, Eliott and Jules being menaces to society, Rollo being jealous, and blot

Characters: Rollo, Eliott (Oc), Jules (Oc), Malleus, Silver, Sebek, Idia, Rook, Epel, Jamil, Azul, Ruggie, Riddle, Deuce, Yuu, Grim, Professor Trein, a few Oc's here and there. Neige, Chen'ya

Summery: It was finally the day of the week long festival! And it was time you did your duty as a student in Nobel Bell College, but it also meant meeting the person who was in the same situation as you.

“Did you see the NRC and RSA students?”

“Wow! I never thought I would be able to see Neige Leblanche up close!”

“Did you see that guy with silver hair? He looks like a prince!”

Voices of both boys and girls mingle together as they talk about the newly arrived NRC and RSA students. You hadn’t been able to see them yet, having risen early to get everything you needed along with the two outfits you were going to wear for the performances. Just alone from the conversations you had been hearing all morning, you could tell that the people who came here today weren’t just anyone. 

A prince, an actor and model, a son of a noble family from the Queendom of Roses, a second year who was known for his booming business at such a young age, and the heir to the Shroud family business. Those were some of the things you managed to hear from the two girls who were accompanying you for the first performance. You had expected to meet and see many people from different social standings, but expecting and actually doing so were two different things. 

With a clammy hand, you continued to brush down Snowflake’s mane, the black stallion calmly eating the almonds you had brought to keep him in good spirits and calm. Though, you were starting to think that the one who needed to keep calm was you. You had practiced your routine for almost two months, way before decorations for the Masquerade Ball started to appear on peoples’ houses and the school. 

You practically knew the routine by heart! But that didn’t stop the nervous tremor you felt in your hands. This was different, all of this was new to you. Performing for a group of royals and nobles was already nerve wracking, but performing in front of a crowd of people who saw you on the daily really made your head dizzy. If you mess up, the royals and nobles will speak about it but won’t ever see you again.

But the people who lived in the city and attended NBC would most certainly see you everyday and remember your failure.

“Great seven…I’m not up to performing yet and I am already getting myself nervous.” You told your stallion, running your fingers through his mane. He huffs, a crunch leaving his mouth as he continues to chew on the almonds. The stables were the least packed, most of the performers had taken their horses outside in order to get some last minute preparations.

You had decided to stay inside with a few others, far too nervous to face the crowd that you were sure had formed just outside the battle arena. Instead, for the past hour or so you spend them going over the song you were to perform as the closing event. It was a classic one, originating from the City Of Flowers. And for whatever reason, they decided that you were to perform it.

“Maybe you've heard of a terrible place where the scoundrels of Paris collect in a lair.” You hummed under your breath, the familiar tune you had come used to hearing after countless hours of practice coming out of your throat easily. Snowflake’s ears perked up at the sound of your voice, his hoofs tapping on the dirt ground. Seems like he also recognized the lyrics. Smiling, you patted his neck before putting away the brush and taking the empty snack bucket. 

The rest of the song came out clearly, Snowflake dancing along with it, happy little huffs leaving his nose. The nerves in your body melted little by little as you went over your routine with the black stallion. By the time you finished going over the routine you had been filled to the brim with energy. 

“Ok, we got this Snowflake! All we have to do is keep calm.” He huffed, almost as if telling you that he was not nervous to begin with. You rolled your eyes, a small grin on your lips. “Yeah, yeah, I was nervous for the both of us.” Glancing at the time on the clock hanging by the stables’ double doors, you curse under your breath. 

“Shit, I gotta go and get changed.” Calling over one one of the stable boys, you instructed him in what to do with Snowflake. Then, you rushed out of the stables with a few of the other performers and into the changing rooms. One of the girls handed you a yellow dress, brown riding boots, and a deep blue coat. “Good luck [name]!” Giving her a rushed thanks, you changed as best as you could.

With some help, your hair was done in a style that would keep it away from your face. Some light make-up was added and with that, you were already mounting Snowflake. Pulling on the reins, you directed the horse towards the line of other horses. Glancing behind you, you casted an encouraging smile to one of the girls performing with you. She gave you a nod, her brown eyes glinting with excitement.

You could already hear the crowd inside, all anticipating the performance so they could start the week officially. Rubbing your palm against your stallion, you took another deep breath and put on your best smile. Once you got this done and over with, you would be able to spend the rest of your day with Rollo. 

“We will now be presenting the Equestrian Club!” 

And with that, all ten selected club members guided your horses to the battle arena, bright smiles and ready to perform.

_____

Rollo covered his lower face with his purple handkerchief, a frown present on his lips. He watched the NRC and RSA students mingle with each other, speaking and laughing in excitement. Their black and white uniforms make them stand out like a sore thumb among the festive outfits the citizens of the City of Flowers wore and Nobel bell students still wearing their school uniform. Glancing at the city’s clock, he sighs, your performance won’t be until a few more minutes. He hadn't been able to see you for most of the morning, his duty as student president prevented him from leaving early as he had to show their guests around.

It would have been fine if not for the fact that the moment the NRC students arrived they started to show off whatever magic they had. That put a bitter taste on his tongue and soured the majority of his morning. He was grateful to Eliott who quickly took over when it became clear that Rollo wouldn’t be able to stay quiet about their magic use.

“Why is everyone heading over there?” Yuu, the magicless human Crowley had mentioned in his letter, asked him. He was painting towards the battle arena where he knew you were probably getting ready. “It is tradition to start the week-long festival with a performance and a traditional song from the City of Flowers.” Rollo explained, lowering his handkerchief to speak properly to Yuu.

“In a few minutes, members of the Equestrian Club will perform a small show, and lastly, one of the members will perform an old traditional song. After that, the festival will officially begin.” Yuu nods in understanding. “So it’s like an opening ceremony?” The third year president nods. 

“The festival hasn’t started?” Rollo suppresses the want to roll his eyes. Turning to face the very bane of his existence, Malleus Draconia, he nods. “Yes, I will guide you to the battle arena before the ‘annual hunt’ begins.” Jules nods, his eyes scanning the area. “I think it will be best to leave now, while there isn’t a big crowd.” His secretary adds.

A few of the NRC students furrow their eyebrows in confusion, others looking around the area. “What is this ‘annual hunt’?” Rook peaks up after a few seconds of silence. Jules and Eliott share a look, both of them look unsure of whether they should just tell them in case they are selected. Rollo could see the conflict and familiar mischief swimming in their eyes.  

He gave them a blank look, while it would be amusing to see one of them get selected for the annual hunt, he didn’t want to run the risk of them using magic as self defense thinking that they would get kidnapped. Even if the ones doing the hunt use a magic nulling spell, there could be some sort of repercussion. Turning to face the invited students, he is about to explain what is the annual hunt when a puff of smoke appears in the middle of their formed circle. 

‘Too late’ he thinks as four more clouds of smoke appear, clearly a coordinated attack. Instantly, Silver and Sebek form a protective barrier in front of Malleus, their magic pens out and ready for attack. Deuce stands in front of Riddle in a protective manner, pen out as Riddle covers his back. Epel and Rook put their backs together, eyes sharp while their hands on their magical pens, not taking them out just yet. Ruggie, Jamil, and Azul get into an attack position, each ready to attack if needed to. Idia lets out a whimper, shrinking into himself with fear and shock written all over his face. 

The only ones who don’t move are Rollo, Jules, and Eliott. The three of them simply stood back, already knowing where this was heading. So much for trying to get to the battle arena before the group of ‘hunters’ appeared. “A boss battle this soon in the event?!” Idia said, voice trembling. “Who are you?! And what do you want?!” Demanded Riddle, glaring furiously at the five selected hunters for this year.

“Now, now gentlemen! There is no need to be hostile!” The leader of the hunt, a blonde girl, said. Her hands raised in mock surrender. She was sporting a yellow jester outfit, a black and yellow mask on her face, making it hard for Rollo to tell who it was. “We have come in humbling peace!”

The bells in her hat ring with each movement she does, the other hunters, dressed as different color jesters Rollo noticed, all follow along. A purple jester hums a tune under his breath, and Rollo already knows who Purple jester had picked out of the students. A red jester walks towards him, his brown eyes looking over at the third year with interest before walking away in favor of looking at Neige.

Neige smiles nervously, hiding behind Chenya who looked intrigued by the five different color jesters. A blue jester stands near Malleus, Silver, and Sebek, eyeing the two guards and from where Rollo stands, he could see him thinking about the pros and cons in taking one of the guards. And the final jester, one dressed in green skips around Idia, smirking at the way the blue haired boy shrinks into himself even further. 

“President! You don’t mind if we snag one or two of your esteemed guests do you?” Yellow jester says, hands on her hips. Rollo looks at her, then at the students. They all look at him, confused and a little worried. Their magical pens are still out but he could see how some of them start to lower them. “We just want to show the two specials selected to the V.I.P. room where our esteem judge is!”

At this, Rollo perks up, “So, she really was selected to play the part of the judge this year?” Yellow nods, tiny smirk on her lips. He did know you had a solo performance to do, but he didn’t know if it had been for the part of the judge/jester, or if you were just one of the backup vocals. 

“Very well, whoever you choose, please do handle them with care.” Placing his handkerchief up to his lips, Rollo hides the tiny smirk forming on his lips. Eliott sniggers while Jules jabs him on the ribs, trying to contain his own laughter. “W-What?!” Exclaimed Epel, anger clear in his face. “Yall just gonna let us get taken?!” 

“You will be fine.”

His response only made them even more agitated. Good, they were starting to get on his nerves. 

“Where will they be taking us?” Riddle asked, trying to suppress his rage.

“Who is this Judge person?” Deuce added, his blue eyes eyeing weary at the blue Jester who was circling him and Riddle like a shark.

“Better yet, what do you mean by two of us?” Silver spoke up, aurora eyes glaring at the yellow jester. She laughs, her bells jingling along with her. Rollo sighs, then steps aside. “Take whoever you want, but do so with haste. Or we will be late.” 

“Oh shoot! Right you are Mr. President!” Clapping her hands, she points at the purple jester and red jester. “Let’s hurry! We mustn't make our dear judge wait!” And with a snap of her fingers, purple and blue jester lunged at Idia while red and green jester lunged at Neige.

It all happened in a blink of an eye. 

Without having any time to cast a single spell, Idia was already being carried like a sack by the purple jester, a scream so loud pierced the town square where they all were standing. The blue jester mumbled the familiar incantation and in an instant, whatever spell Idia had thought of using vanished. 

Neige also led out a loud squeal as the red jester carried him bridal style as the green jester did the exact same thing as the blue jester. And in quick fast jumps, they all landed where the yellow jester was. The rest of the students screamed the names of the other two, ready to lunge at the hunters when in a fluid and elegant motion, the yellow jester moved her hand into the air and just like they made their grand entrance, purple smoke blinded them momentarily. 

The echo of their laughter was all they could hear as the two students that had come with them vanished alongside the hunters. Huffing, Rollo put away his handkerchief and casted a quick wind spell, airing out all the purple smoke. The hunters were long gone, only a yellow and black handkerchief left behind. Once everything was clear, he turned to face the remaining students. 

“What the hell was that?!” Exclaimed Epel, eyes trained on Rollo angrily. “And what was with letting them take Idia and Neige?!”

“We have to go and rescue them!” Exclaimed Deuce. “Are they in any kind of trouble? They mentioned a judge, and by the looks of it, you seemed to know who it was.” Added Riddle, gray eyes staring at where Idia had been standing. “Do not fret, they are fine.” He finally said, “Let us go to the battle arena before we miss the opening ceremony.”

“And what about Neige and Idia?” Azul points out, he still looked frazzled about the whole ordeal. “Why were they even dressed like that?” Grim grumbled from where he was in Yuu’s arms. Both the magicless human and cat monster had decided to hide behind the statue of the fair judge until the cost was clear. Not that Rollo blames them, for the years he had stayed here, not once had he been picked. 

And it was mostly because he either sacrificed someone, or hid very well so they weren’t able to grab him. Much like now. 

“As I have said, they are fine. No harm will come to them,” He began walking towards the battle arena. Jules and Eliott to his left and right. “Now I suggest we hurry unless you wish to miss the opening ceremony.” Jules turns to face them, an apologetic (Rollo knows that it was a mocking smile) smile on his lips. “Worry not, I will explain who they were and why they took your two companions as we make our way to the battle arena.”

That seemed to put most of them at ease. Chenya smiles, eyes flashing with interest as he makes his way to Jules and wraps an arm around his neck. “Oh, now this just sounds like something mew would like to hear.”

‘Great Seven, please help me keep my sanity’ 

Shaking his head, Rollo leads the group to the opening ceremony. 

_____

If heaven was on earth, it was at this very moment. When they had announced for the Equestrian Club to make their entrance, Rollo’s eyes had immediately searched for you in the crowd of yellow dresses and suits. Once they landed on you, the world seemed to blend in the back as he watched you throughout the whole first half of the performance. 

The way you seemed to guide Snowflake in elegant movements following your fellow clubmates left him breathless. The smile on your lips, shine in your eyes, and little waves you did for the crowd had his eyes glued to you. He fiddled with his magic ring, finding it grounding him as he continued to observe you. 

Slplitted into two teams of five, he watched as you and four others ran the horses and jumped obstacle courses. The other group of five would trout around the edge, waving at the crowd while handling flowers and bead necklaces. 

From the corner of his eyes, he could see how Riddle, Silver, and Sebek stared at the group who was performing elaborate tricks in amazement. “Wow…I didn’t know they could be maneuvered in such a way.” Said Silver in amazement, aurora eyes following one of the riders. Riddle nods in agreement, “Most of what we do is focused on racing other than performing arts.”

Sebek didn’t say anything, but his electric yellow eyes kept trailing behind one of the riders, interested in them as he saw how they did another high jump. Malleus hums, interest flashing in his green eyes as he keeps a close eye on the riders handing out flowers. Rollo gave a suitable nod to one of the riders, who understood immediately as she galloped towards them. 

“Welcome to the City of Flowers! May your visit here be one to remember!” Handing Azul, Jamil, Ruggie, and Riddle a red rose, she made her way towards Deuce, Silver, Malleus, Yuu, and Grim. “Here you go! A flower to represent an everlasting friendship.” Each one of them got a yellow rose. After she finished handing them one, she moved on to the next group. 

“Rollo, we got word of the last guest that was supposed to be the chaperon for both NRC and RSA.” Whispered Eliott to his right, a tablet in his hands. Pulling away from your figure, he gestures at him to continue. “He will be arriving in around ten to twenty minutes, there has been a delay with his trip but he should be able to make it before the ceremony comes to an end.”

Profesor Mozus Trein, he had volunteered to be the chaperon for both schools, however, he couldn’t be there when Rollo had gone to greet the students. Apparently, he had some issues with his familiar that he couldn’t ignore. “When did you receive the notification?”

“About twelve minutes ago.” Eliott responded after checking his tablet. Rollo nods, “Send one of the members from the student council to go wait for him at the magic mirror. It shouldn’t be long before he arrives.” 

“Alright, I’ll send Catherine then.” Typing away in his tablet, Eliott turned to Jules and began discussing the next planned events they had for their guests. Rollo went back to look at you, however, he noticed that someone else had their eye on you. 

Malleus Draconia

The fae prince had a small gentle smile (it would have looked sadistic to anyone else) as he gazed at you. Something aching to tenderness flashed in his deep green eyes. Rollo felt himself sneer and quickly covered his lower face with his handkerchief. Something ugly twisted in his chest, it made him feel bitter. 

Suddenly, your eyes met him and you beamed at him like you always have. And in an instant, the feeling vanished as it was replaced with gentle warmth. You raised your hand, excitedly waving at him, the sun casting warm rays to your face, illuminating your natural beauty even further. He felt himself smiling like a fool, and without even noticing, he had raised his hand in a half waive. 

That seemed to boost up your energy as your face flushed pink and a dazzling smile covered your face in pure joy. Guiding Snowflake towards the other set of obstacles, he watched as you ran with your other four clubmates, more energy in each movement than before. 

Someone hummed cheerly in his left ear, startling him. Turning to face the cause of the sound, he almost shrieked as the floating head of Chen'ya greeted him. The cat beastman chuckles, a smile too wide for his face breaks out as the rest of his body appears before him. “Why dear president~ I had no clue you had a lover performing. I wonder, is that why you were in such a hurry to get us here?”

Something about the tone Chenya used was getting on his nerves. It may have been the teasing tilt or the obvious mockery, either way Rollo didn’t like it. Glaring at the cat, he simply turns to face the performance. “She is simply a friend of mine, it’s her first time performing and she wanted me to be here.”

“Mmm, my, my, friends?” Leaning in further, the purple haired boy hums. “Are you sure that is all you feel for the little birdy?” 

“I don’t know what you are insinuating.” 

Leaning back, the cat gives him a shit eating grin. “I am just saying, if you don’t act quick, a little dragon may steal that birdy from you.” At the implication, Rollo feels a wave of anger hit him. Before he could respond back, Riddle had reached forwards and pulled Chenya by the collar of his sweater. “Chenya! What have I told you about instigating fights?!”

The cat laughs, “Sorry, sorry, I just wanted to have a nice little chat with the president.” He looked anything but sorry. Frowning, he gave the boy a pointed look. “I would appreciate it if you don’t stick your nose where it doesn't belong.” His voice was so cold that it even startled Riddle.

“I apologize on his behalf, Rollo. I will make sure this doesn't happen again.” Pulling the boy away from the white haired boy, Riddle once again offers another apology and walks away with Chenya, scolding him about manners. 

“Honestly, who does he think he is…” He mumbles slowly under his breath. Huffing, he goes back to watching the performance, yet the words Chenya spoke to him bounced inside his mind. Without thinking, he glances towards Malleus. The fae was staring at another rider, but his eyes flickered to you every once in a while. 

Shaking his head, Rollo tried to rationalize that Malleus simply looked at you like that because he may have never seen people perform with horses until today. He reeked of child amazement the longer he looked at the performers. 

Nothing more, nothing less.

_____

Blot, blot, blot…

Staggering at the sudden vision, you lean on Snowflake for balance. The horse huffs as if concerned and stops moving once you reach the stables. Blinking away the blurriness, you swore you had seen black ink drop right in front of you and into a puddle. 

“What the hell…” You mumbled, head feeling a little fuzzy. “Hey, you alright [name]?” Asked one of your clubmates. Her blue eyes glancing at you with worry. Giving her a strained smile, you nod. “Yeah, just a little thirsty. Don’t worry, I will get some water before the last performance.” She doesn't look convinced but nods nonetheless. 

Guiding Snowflake into one of the stables with water, you leave him there and go to your changing room in order to take a break before the next performance. 

_____

Yuu blinks away the wave of dizziness he suddenly has. Grim yelps as he is almost dropped to the ground the moment Yuu stagers forward. Deuce, who was next to him, manages to steady him before he could fall to the ground. “Whoa! You alright?!” Asked his blue haired friend, eyes glancing at him with concern.

Epel helps him settle Yuu in one of the nearby chairs, his baby blue eyes looking just as concerned as he felt. Waving them away, he gives them his best convincing smile. “I-I’m fine, it's probably just the heat of the sun mixed with the excitement of the crowd.” 

It wasn’t the full truth, but he couldn’t tell them why he had almost fainted. Deuce and Epel share a look, “Have you gotten enough sleep prefect?” Said Deuce, eyeing him cautiously. “Or did you barely sleep because of the excitement of going on this trip?” Added Epel while giving him the same look.

“He actually woke up pretty early.” Grim finally spoke from his position on the ground. Both boys turn to look at him and Yuu glances away with a wince. He had another weird dream, the usual ones he had when someone was about to overblot. He had tried to piece it together to figure out who may be the next victim. 

But the dream didn’t fit anyone on campus. 

And now that he had another vision, this one showing the blot accumulation, he was sure that the person who would overblot wasn’t from his school or RSA. His brown eyes glanced at Rollo, Jules, and Eliott. The three of them huddled in a circle, looking at something Eliott was showing them. Yuu had a hunch that this time, the victim was going to be one of them.

And if his hunch was correct, it may be Rollo.

Yuu had no clue what Chenya had told the third year, but it must have struck a nerve if even Riddle flinched at the tone Rollo had used. No one had seen the interaction, and Yuu had only managed to witness it when he noticed that Chenya and Riddle were not next to him as they had been moments prior. 

“Yeah…I was excited for the trip and ended up waking earlier than planned. I couldn’t go to sleep after that.” Yuu laughed awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck. Epel shook his head, “Ya need to take care of yourself prefect.” Yuu chuckles but nods along. 

Looking towards the left, he sees Malleus looking at the place where the performance had taken place. A far away look in his green eyes. He wondered what he was thinking about. Shrugging, he went back to focusing on Deuce and Epel, both talking about the tricks the horses had done. 

Yuu prayed that he was wrong about the next blot victim.

____________________________________________________________

Info on the event:

In this au, the festival has a tradition in where five different color jesters will appear and take two people before the opening ceremony begins

The five color jesters are called hunters

The judge mentioned is not related to Frollo, it will make more sense once I post the other chapter as to why they call the reader 'judge'

In case you haven't figured it out, yes Rollo will be overblotting

Neige and Chen'ya will be more included in this au

Eliott and Jules like tormenting people

Fun fact, did yall know that Frollo's horse's name was Snowball, I decided to use that in my favor