#see don’t think you were escaping from twst so easily

[fruixtii]

So I. Might have downloaded twst

NOOOO HOW COULD YOU GET ME SO EXCITED

[yan-twst]

Idk if I made it in time for requests so I'll send it in anyway feel free to delete if too late but headcannons of Yandere Malleus, Kalim and Leona with a darling who loves them back but is scared of being tied to royalty?

a/n: just a quick heads up- kalim isn’t royalty (i used to think he was like, the son of the sultan when i got into twst) like in the sense his family isn’t connected to the crown, however he is the heir to an incredibly powerful and influential family! it still works for the effects of being incredibly stressed to being connected to such important family- think of it as old money rich families- but just thought i’d give a heads up bc i don’t refer to him as royalty in this one. also i’m working off the assumption that the relationship is already like, happening because i don’t want to make these way longer than needed

warnings: general yandere themes, implied violence

❥ leona kingscholar

it all comes off as... almost mockery, really. it leaves a sour taste on his mouth- he can see how his darling tenses at his presence whenever his title is mentioned, how they seem to stress whenever leona’s brother writes about how he should bring his lover to the palace to meet him

it’s not them trying to make leona feel unappreciated or feared, but that’s what they do. he’s spent too long being compared to his brother, being whispered about by servants- it wouldn’t be too far off to say that he almost feels betrayed by his significant other because of this, even if their reluctance isn’t necessarily aimed at him

he isn’t above using pressure to keep them right by his side. royalty might be annoying, but it’s also pressuring and crushing. he knows better than anyone that his darling can easily crumple under it all, and he uses it for his own advantage before they can slink away from him

their face shown to the entire afterglow savannah. being presented to farena and his wife. cheka’s constant cheering and asking “when they’re gonna marry uncle leona”. he has no trouble taking his darling back home by telling them how excited farena is to see them- surely they aren’t about to disappoint the king, are they? and once there, it’s all in his ballcourt.

court manners, keeping up appearance, smile for the citizens, wave as leona puts his arm around their shoulder, try not to go pale and fall when farena introduces them as leona’s partner- this isn’t a marriage announcement, but it might as well be. after all, is it even possible to split off now...? now that everyone seems to think leona’s found his genuine love, that it’s a sweet love story of the ill tempered second prince falling in love with a no-name commoner and tossing aside traditions of royalty marrying royalty to bring them to his kingdom... it’s such a sweet story for everyone, except perhaps for the poor soul that’s trapped in the relationship with no exits

and oh, if pressure isn’t enough, then pain and threats surely will be. leona seems to easily pick his own desires over his darling’s comfort; after all, he so easily chose to shackle them to the relationship just because he feared their insecurities would cause them to leave. now that they’re effectively trapped to him by everyone’s gazes being in them, he just has to keep them docile and obedient, keep them from causing a scene. 

he’s careful enough not to bruise anywhere visible if he thinks punishment is needed; long gone are the days when he’d perhaps tolerate his darling not doing as he pleased, replaced by his seemingly unwavering intent to train them into absolute submission. it’s more so mortifying when he decides to drag their loved ones into the ordeal: perhaps they’re willing to withstand pain themselves, but would they want anything bad to happen to their beloved friends back at nrc, hm? 

“are you being cold to me? you should know better by now.” he isn’t necessarily angry, per se, but annoyed- by now they do know it’s already bad to have him in that mood. there’s an added danger of being back at nrc now that break is over; there’s no longer guards stationed outside the room, no longer the danger of cheka bursting in- which means leona has little to no reason to not be as horrible as he wants, provided he makes sure they can’t scream too loud beforehand. the bruises on their arms still hurt from being gripped too tightly last time he considered they weren’t behaving as affectionately as they should, and the memory immediately makes them tense. without even asking why he’s accusing them of being cold now, they apologize- meek, docile, spineless- and the grin on his face grows. perhaps they’d been to scared at the thought of being connected to royalty before and failed to realize it wasn’t leona’s connection to royalty what made a relationship with him dangerous: how many red flags had they missed before? how many of those quirks and things they chalked off to leona being a bit too possessive or territorial had been warning signs to this eventual outcome? dwelling on the past did nothing to soothe the pains of the present, though. “hmph, i don’t think i’m buying that apology. if you really want to get off without a punishment, put me in a good mood first. you can do that much, can’t you, herbivore?”

❥ kalim al-asim

sweet, innocent and cheerful kalim would seem like the sort of person who wouldn’t understand anxieties over being connected to a powerful family. he gives off such a bubbly and happy impression that such things would simply slip his mind

oh, but they don’t. he himself has suffered at being tied to his family- he’s been through enough attempted assassinations and kidnappings and poisonings that he’s almost de-sensitized to it all. he’s sunny, yes, but it’s almost surprising how cheery he is considering all he’s been through

perhaps that’s why he’s almost... sympathetic to his darling when he finally understands their plight. it’s a relief, really- it’s not that they don’t love him! he’s fine, they’re fine- it’s just a little bit of anxieties! 

he understands, really... it’s so scary to have people wanting to get rid of you. well, it’s different for him, because he’s lived this way all his life, but his darling hasn’t... it must be scary for them... kalim’s affection and his simple mind, combined with his love that runs a bit too deeply mix

good intentions or not, the result is nothing more than glorified imprisonment, really. it begins with him happily saying that he asked crowley for permission to get some guards from back home to come to nrc to make sure nobody tries to break into his darling’s dorm, to then kalim insisting they spend their nights in scarabia for added safety- it snowballs from there

don’t eat the cafeteria food if it hasn’t been poison tested! actually, don’t eat in the cafeteria at all, he’ll provide the food. they don’t have someone like jamil by their side, so try not to wander outside alone! in fact, always have him close if they go out, ok? 

... and of course, it ends up with maybe don’t leave the dorm, since it could be dangerous, and by then? it’s too late. kalim interpreted their anxiety as fear of dangers, because he’s put in danger because of his position, and so he seems to tell himself that as long as he keeps them safe everything is fine

even if they don’t want to do as he says, he’s just... keeping them safe. it’s his duty, as a good boyfriend, right? even if it’s painful to hear them cry from their room as he locks the door, even after he has to keep a chain on their ankle to keep them from trying to pick the lock... kalim doesn’t enjoy their pain, doesn’t relish in the sadism most nrc students seem to inherently have. but he still thinks he’s doing what he must to keep them safe: after all, wasn’t it them who were scared before...?

“i got you this, it reminded me of you! please, won’t you try it on? i’m sure it’ll look amazing on you, and it matches with me... oh, if you don’t like the colour of the gems i could get you another one, too!” kalim opens the box to  present a bracelet. it’s objectively a fine piece of art- surely it’s pure gold and carved jewels, a priceless piece that most could merely dream of even looking at through a glass display, and yet to kalim, there isn’t really a price too high for his lover. they’re his most beloved treasure; and he seems to protect them as such, too, if the chain connecting the cushined cuff on their ankle to the wall says anything. it’s covered in gold and long enough they can wander around the room, but a golden chain still remains a chain. it’s almost silly to think back on how this hell began, with them being anxious over being connected to such an affluent family as the asim family was- in fact, the threats of poisonings or kidnappings hadn’t even crossed their mind until kalim began to protect them from it. and now this was life- kalim seemed to willingly ignore every single time they tried to lash out, acting as if everything was fine, showering them with gifts as if new and expensive belongings could somehow soothe the loss of their freedoms. and maybe it was partly their fault too- after all, they let him put the bracelet on their wrist, let him cheer about how pretty they looked. it was so hard to lash out against him, despite him doing all of this- knowing that he genuinely had no bad intentions, that it was all born out of love and desire to protect, but they were still prisoners with no escape.

❥ malleus draconia

there’s nothing that malleus dreads more than being feared by his darling. that’s what sets them apart from others, what makes him so obsessed, to finally have found someone to show even an inkling of kindness to him, to show him a glimmer of warmth after a life of being feared, of being shunned

he... can’t understand. why are they scared of being tied into royalty? as he sees it, it’s a step up from their current life- power, riches, comfort, those are all things that people dream of, things men have gone to war over, things he can give them. malleus doesn’t seem to comprehend the pressure of it all to someone who’s simply never been involved with the crown- he’s never truly had friends outside of his parental figure or guards, always surrounded by those who work for the crown or are part of the court.

his frustration makes him turn to his instincts. he isn’t willing to lose his darling, not over something like this- even if in reality, he’d be unwilling to let go no matter the reason. what good is power and status if he can’t at least keep the one person he loves the most...? why would he not use said power to keep them by his side?

he seems to think that if he just pushes them headfirst into it, they’ll adjust. a sort of “rip the bandaid” method; they’re anxious over being tied to fae royalty, so why can’t he just show them it’s truly nothing to stress over? they don’t need to worry about ruling or about duties- their title as royalty in the future wouldn’t mean much. they’re malleus’ lover first and foremost, their only true duties would be to stay by his side as they’ve been doing

malleus makes his decision almost worryingly quickly. it’s perhaps because this obsessive attitude has been in him all along, simply brought up by the slight bump in the relationship. maybe his draconic instincts to hoard could be blamed, or maybe his lack of real relationships, or maybe he simply was never meant to love in the regular sense

it... really doesn’t help that most fae don’t think too highly of humans. when malleus drags a clearly terrified and unwilling little human back home and declares them to be his future spouse, the fae court really seems to think of them more as the prince’s pet rather than a lover, leave alone an unwilling victim. if anything, there’s more pressure added to them, the fact that in the castle there isn’t really any ally for them

he’s persistent. malleus doesn’t want to hurt his darling much, but his temper isn’t quite stable. test him too much and he’ll snap, electricity and magic humming in the air. the faster his darling learns that the best path for them is to just do as he says, to hold him and kiss him and try and hide how their body tenses and hands shake when he enters the room, the better it’ll be for them. it’s not like they’re going to be getting any other life soon- upon returning to nrc, malleus doesn’t see the need for them to attend classes. after all, their future is already decided as a docile spouse to a king, they aren’t going to be needing much of an education, as much as they simply have to learn to be a doting and gentle spouse to him.

“i don’t understand why you’re so stressed over this.” malleus sounds genuinely confused, arms crossed as he stares at his darling. the poor thing flinches at his voice, quickly composing themselves, as if trying to hide said moment of vulnerability from him- the last thing they want is for malleus to grow more upset because he once again is forced to realize his own lover is terrified of him. still, he steps closer, close enough to cup their cheek with one of his cold hands. it takes all of their willpower to not stiffen under his touch. they’re extra jumpy today, mainly because lilia dropped by to begin court etiquette lessons. the fae’s ways are much different from humans, but from what they hear, malleus doesn’t plan on having them discuss many affairs with the court to warrant more than some infrequent reminders by lilia on how to behave. still, that does little to calm their nerves, especially because they know the reason why despite the fact they’ll soon be royalty that they’ll still have little duties. malleus caresses their cheek, thumb moving to gently swipe over their lower lip (the urge to lunge and bite seems to still scream from a corner of their brain. the urge to rebel against this, to try and claw back at their old life- urges they ignore and suppress. it’s useless- it’s all useless now, and they know trying to stand for themselves is just asking for malleus to lose it again and hurt them beyond belief in his anger). he seems satisfied with their response; that is, with the lack of response, minimal flinching and tensing, things he’s slowly become keenly aware of, are good, and speaks again what weighs heavily on their mind. “you won’t have to deal with the court much. you’ll be my spouse- your title doesn’t mean anything to worry about. you’ll simply have to continue to love me as i love you; your only job is to stay by my side forever.”

[imnotanironwall]

Evening Respite

I thought I'd try my hands at some short twst pieces to get a feel of the characters, before I write a bigger piece. Here's one with my favorite boy Epel.

There is nowhere in Night Raven College that Epel likes to be more in his free time than in the woods behind the school. There is something here that reminds him of home and some more. It may be in the many apple trees he can find through the woods, or perhaps the calming chirping of birds, or even the quietness that he misses from the countryside. Or, maybe, it is a mix of everything that makes this place his favorite.

Today, like the days prior, he finds refuge deep in the woods, right after Spelldrive practice. He isn’t ready to go back to his dorm just yet, knowing full well he will need to take a shower to clean all that sweat away immediately – lest Vil scrubs him down himself until he is sparkly clean and sweet-smelling. So instead, he escapes here, wandering around the woods until his appetite gets the best of him.

There’s not much to do after the first few strolls. These woods show their limits quickly, ending over towering cliffs and crashing waves. Yet, Epel doesn’t get tired of them. The wild animals that bring life to these woods are getting used to seeing him around, and don’t immediately shy away anymore when they see him approach. New paths seem to appear overnight, as if the trees themselves shift and move with the sun.  He even hopes to one day discover something new and unique, once the woods trust him enough to allow it.

It’s a good thing, Epel thinks as he settles below an old apple tree. Rook ain’t going to find me so easily if the woods change. Because there’s nothing worse than a hunter sent by the Pomefiore king to kill his good mood. In a sense, his housemates truly fit this dorm. 

Looking around, Epel spots an apple near him on the ground, slightly damaged from its fall. Back home, he would collect these apples and carve beautiful shapes into them. There were so many mouths to feed and so little money, they couldn’t pass on an apple because it didn’t fit beauty standards. Thus, Epel had learned to reshape them into little jewels for the eye. 

Ironically enough, he too is going through such process here in Night Raven College, he realizes. Remodeled, reshaped into a little jewel for the eye, to fit a beauty standard he does not care about. A beauty standard he doesn’t believe in. After all, he always liked these apples in their fallen and bruised form. They made wonderful tarts if you just gave them a chance.

He sighs, giving a long look at the apple in his hand, before digging out his pocket knife from his tracksuit. He can just hear his father laughing loudly, gently mocking him for thinking too much. “Just cut’em or eat’em, boy,” he’d say, “I can see fumes escaping ya noggin from all that thinkin��”. And his knife slices. 

It’s a good twenty minutes and three apples later when Epel finally breathes in to his full capacity, feeling more alive than he has felt all day. There’s still a long evening before him, but he is feeling much calmer than when he arrived. Almost ready to face the ire of his housewarden – almost. 

Maybe if he spots Jack on the field, he’ll join him for an early-evening run, just so he hasn't any energy left in him to fight Vil. He can’t outspeed a wolf (yet!), but he can definitely try over and over again until he succeeds. And that, that definitely sounds like a plan Epel looks forward to.

[writing-for-me-at-this-point]

Holy shit, imagine this for the afterdark au:

Thanks to the emotional, physical (and maybe sexual) trauma that Mc went in Twisted Wonderland, they develop amnesia from all those events once they arrive back to the world.

They don't remember names, faces, events, but they do remember the pain, to the point that Mc really needs professional help. It years, but eventually they forget everything and managed to properly heal.

Imagine the reaction of dark!twist boys once they found out they don't exist anymore to Mc

Oh no ;-;

tw: triggering content, yandere, abuse, dark behavior, and more

Okay, so each boy would have a go at MC. But by the end, I wouldn't be surprised if MC were to black out these memories as a means to protect themselves.

But, if they leave, they can heal.

The dark!twst boys would have different reactions.

Abandoners ( Jack, Sebek, and Idia )

These boys could honestly care less. They didn't care for MC when they were around, so why should they care if they leave? They're more likely to be disturbed by other characters about the disappearance, than feel anything towards it.

Yanderes ( Malleus, Jamil, Azul, Floyd, and Rook )

These characters are heartbroken. You were torn from them, and now you have to suffer a life where you never knew them? Where you completely forgot them? Their love for you? Their time and effort to make you see it?

That won't do.

They'll find a way to bring you home. Into their arms. Back to their love. To where they can protect you, love you, and create something better with you. You were... Taken from them, yes. You would never leave... You were taken.

You can't escape these yanderes, different world or not, you belong to them- just as they belong to you. You were meant to be. Two pieces of a puzzle. Each others one and only.

And your memories gone? Of them? Must have been from the trauma of being torn from them. They'll bring you back, and if you're memory as so bad, they'll just create better ones!

Also, they would be highly attached, and do whatever they can to make you fall in love with them. Most likely to baby trap you as well, no matter if your body could do so with or without magic, you now have something to tie you to them forever. Now you can't leave.

Manipulators ( Lilia, Jade, Cater, Leona, and Vil )

These boys will either use you for their own game, or use you to make another happy, maybe both. Lilia and Jade are prime examples- both using their manipulative tendencies to being you closer to their loved ones, Malleus and Azul/Floyd respectively. You will NEVER know what they're doing, gas lighting, manipulating, lying, and more just to get you into the arms of their family.

Cater, Leona, and Vil will use you as they please. Either getting work done for them, experimenting on you, or... Using your body for their pleasure. And you'll THINK you want it.

Cater uses you as someone to release his tensions on. Any stress, anger, happiness, and more... You'll see it all. He uses you to cope with his loneliness and dark thoughts. Leona does the same, using you to tend to him personally, taking a load off of Ruggie while he takes care of the dorm... And you Leona. Vil uses you as a doll. Potions, potions, potions! So many to try and all the time in the world. You become malleable, dependent, perfect for him. You'll become the prettiest thing that hangs off his arm, all while taking care of him behind closed doors, if you are conscious about it or not.

You're not allowed to forget them unless you have permission.

You'll never get it.

Blissfully Ignorant ( Ortho, Silver, and Kalim )

Would be heartbroken.

Ortho eventually moves on... Begrudgingly. You played with him! Took care of him! He blames himself for getting attached so easily.

Kalim grew close with you as well! He enjoyed taking care of you, and seeing Jamil be so happy with you, he even planned a wedding in his phone! WILL bring you back if you agree.

Jamil says you cried with joy... So of course you can come back! Those lost memories can always be remade! Don't look so stressed! They still love you! Even if you're crying... Scared... It's because you're stressed... Right... Stressed.

Silver thinks it's best you left.

His father and Malleus... Are a fate worse than death, it's not like he doesn't understand, he just accepted he won't be able to escape long, long, ago. It's best to just go along with it.

Abusers ( Riddle, Ace, Deuce, and co. )

Depends on the character. Some may not care, others may have become dependent on you, while others are spiraling at the loss of control.

It's best if you never saw them again.

For your sake or theirs?

Both.

[mobagehelllocal]

“dati” ver i - riddle, leona & azul

 A/N: This piece is something I was meaning to write and post after I open my ask box again... but I thought you all deserved some really good new fluff prompts from me! For this one, please assume that you, the Reader, is different from the actual MC of TWST! 

“Dati” is a pretty difficult word to translate, because it’s just one word but--it can mean so much.  For the sake of this story, you can interpret its meaning as “a long time ago”. 

Inspired by: 

“Dati” by Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos and Quest. (I encourage you to listen to it OR read the English lyrics.) 

“If You Can Dream” by the Disney Princesses. (I would link both but my posts dont appear if I do that ;u;) 

Please enjoy!

PS: I realized about halfway that I accidentally crafted the narrative for a female reader instead of a more gender neutral one. I do apologize.  PSS: This got so long, apparently I’m over word limit so I had to split it into two parts xD. The next part will come soon! 

Other versions: ver i (this), ver ii (kalim, vil, idia, malleus)

--

"--as you already know. We held a school-wide meeting about the week long exchange program with the all-females private school, Garden Academy. Professors Divus Crewel and Mozus Trein accompanied our delegates to Garden Academy this morning,” Dire Crowley peered at his students through his black mask, “while Professor Mozus Trein stayed with our delegates, Professor Divus Crewel escorted the delegates from Garden Academy to Night Raven College.” 

Excited whispers broke out in the crowd. Crowley cleared his throat once, then again--before everyone settled down. The Headmaster huffed audibly at that. 

“I’ll be using this morning meeting to introduce the delegates,” Crowley turned to the left side of the stage. He motioned at Crewel who was standing back stage with a Garden Academy professor and her students. “Now then, please give a hand for--” 

In the crowd, his eyes widened. 

--

In turn, you were pretty excited too. You had held off telling your friend about you coming to his school because you wanted to surprise him. 

All you girls had been assigned to a particular dorm, not to sleep in--but rather, to experience. Each dorm in NRC (much like GA), had their own unique culture. So, to truly experience the college meant you all needed to immerse yourselves in the different dorms and their cultures. You had to sneakily reconfirm with him what his dorm was, to make sure you got assigned to the correct one. 

And now that you were here...

“Alright ladies,” Professor Radcliffe said kindly, “we will reconvene here at 5PM to return to the dorm Headmaster Crowley so generously set aside for us.” 

“Yes Professor.” Radcliffe eyed all of you girls, before she sighed with an exasperated smile. You were all very excited, and doing very little to hide that. 

“Okay, I know you want to go--but one last thing,” you all let out loud, false and very unladylike groans that Radcliffe ignored. “Remember to be beautiful--” 

“At heart.” you all recited, familiar with your school’s motto.

“Go on then,” Radcliffe finally said, “the dorm heads and their assistants should be waiting outside for all of you.” 

With a cheer, you all parted ways. 

“Trey!” 

Riddle watched with wide eyes, as he saw your familiar form--dressed in the yellow colors of House Cosmos, the House of Optimism--jump straight into Trey’s arms. 

“Hey there.” Trey laughed, and he raised a hand to mess with your hair. 

“Ow! Hey!” you grumbled up at Trey. “If Professor Radcliffe saw me...” you muttered, as you raised a hand to fix your hair. The girls who had followed behind giggled at your expression. 

Riddle could only stare in surprise. 

Oh he remembered you. 

You had been introduced to him through Chenya and Trey during one of the last times he had managed to escape his house during his free time. 

“Chenya! Trey! There you are!” your cheerful voice had rung loud and sweet in the Clover’s Bakery. “I thought we were meeting up at the park--?” you had paused in surprise as you took in the sight of an additional boy with your friends. He flinched, his shoulders rose as he ducked into himself. Were you going to get mad at him for stealing your friends?

“Oh--um, hello!” your surprised expression quickly melted into a friendly smile and you hopped over to sit next to Riddle. He flinched again, and Chenya snickered. 

“Don’t scare him, [Name].” 

“I’m not trying too.” you pouted at Chenya, who only laughed louder in response. 

“Ah [Name]. This is Riddle Rosehearts.” Trey jumped in, “he lives in the house with the roses you like.” 

“Oh!” you brightened up, and he flushed red as you drew even closer to him. “Hi! My name is [Name]. Let’s be friends!”

“I--we just met?” he said, weakly. Chenya laughed again.

“I think you just got rejected, [Name]!” 

“Oh shut it Chenya!” you turned back to him, and beamed. “Silly Riddle, there are no rules when it comes to making friends, you know?” you offered your hand, palms up, to him.

He looked up at Trey, who gave him an encouraging smile. He slowly placed his hand in yours, and mumbled a soft--

“Okay.”  

Riddle never forgot you. 

He never forgot the words you had spoke to him that day. 

He remembered clearly how hurt he was when his mother grew even more strict and didn’t allow him to see his first friends. He remembered being angry at you too--you told him there were no rules when it came to making friends--

‘Then why had mother been so mad at me?’ He remembered thinking. “Was [Name] lying? Maybe there really are rules in making friends?” 

Looking back on it--his anger was misplaced. He had just been sad--caught up in his mother’s expectations. He had suffered so much for her ideals, that a part of him wanted to believe it was real or...

He would’ve given up on Chenya... Trey... and you... for nothing. 

While he had eventually reunited with Trey in Night Raven College, and Chenya (ever the sneaky type) had met him again during breaks in the school year--he had never seen you again. 

He never asked about you. 

Trey or Chenya never mentioned you either. 

He wondered if you had just slipped away from them. 

‘Or maybe you just didn’t want to see me.’ 

He shouldn’t be surprised.

He should’ve expected it.

After all, he’s pretty sure friends can’t be friends if they don’t see each other in years. (His friendships with Trey and Chenya--these were things he felt that he had just recreated.)

“Wait... Riddle?” He flinched as he heard you call his name. He looked up, only to give you a weak smile. 

“Hi [Name].” your eyes widened, you looked up at Trey then back at him before a smile spread across your face. “Riddle!” you cheered happily, as you wrapped your arms around him. He sputtered, and Trey smirked in response.

“It’s been a really long time! How are you?” you pulled back and cupped his cheeks in your soft hands. Riddle immediately felt his face heat up in response to your attention. 

You had always been affectionate--and Riddle, who had been so starved of social connections--never got used to it. He never had the chance to.  

“I’m... okay.” he managed, and he didn’t know how you did it--but your smile somehow brightened even further. 

It was that same sweet smile you would give him when you were children. A smile that made his heart beat fast. 

“That’s good!” you easily laced your fingers together with his, and he felt himself blush harder. 

“You--you aren’t mad?” he stuttered out in response, and you tilted your head at that.

“Why... would I be mad?” 

“Because... I just... stopped being a friend.” he hesitated, worried that if he brought it up--you would remember that he had never tried to contact you. 

“That’s silly Riddle.” you said, “It’s not your fault! My family moved away after you stopped coming to see us--so I wasn’t able to keep in contact with you. I was able to with Trey and Chenya but... neither of them told me they met up with you again.” you tilted your head in the opposite direction. “I’m partly to blame. I didn’t ask about you either, you know?” 

“That is...”

“And who says we stopped being friends? I told you right? There aren’t rules when it comes to making friends. So to me, I never stopped thinking of you as my dear friend.” 

Riddle was overcome with the desire to cry. 

“You don’t want our friendship to end right?” your smiled dimmed slightly. “Or... at least I hope so...”

“No...” his lower lip wobbled, and you leant forward to press your forehead against his. “I’m sorry about back then... it was because...” he hesitated, he wasn’t sure he was ready to tell you everything now--about his mother, about the overblot, about his resolve--

He began to panic, unsure how to go about this. 

“Take your time Riddle.” you told him, eyes soft with affection. “As your friend, I’ll wait until you’re ready to tell me.” 

“Thank you.” His eyes slid shut, and he moved to embrace you in full--which you gladly reciprocated. You let go after a few moments, and smiled at Riddle. The boy shot you a weak smile. You then chose to shoot a glare at your other childhood friend 

“Well then, Trey--you better explain yourself.” you threatened the third year, who raised his hands defensively. 

“I thought it would be a good surprise.” 

“Boo! So you knew I’d be coming here?” 

“I had an idea.” Trey smirked in response to that. You huffed, before you turned back to Riddle with a grin.

“Then, shall we catch up now? I want to know all about Heartslabyul, while I’m here! You’ll tell me, won’t you Riddle?” 

“Yes he will. After all Riddle is the dorm leader for Heartslabyul.” Trey chimed in, and you blinked before you turned back to him.

“Woah! That’s amazing! That’s so cool! As expected of Riddle!” you laughed happily, he blushed again. You easily kept your hand laced with his as he began to tell you more about Night Raven College and the Heartslabyul dorm.

Unconsciously, his hand tightened around yours. 

He was more than thrilled that you two had found each other again. He was determined to make sure that this time--

He would be a better friend to you. 

--

"Prince Leona!” Leona could barely stop the angry growl that came out of his mouth as you came to a stop in front of him. 

‘I should’ve known.’

“You.” he said, his lips curled downward. His ears and tail flicked in an irritated manner. 

“Me.” you leant forward, hand on your hips. “Why so hostile, Prince Leona?” 

“Stop calling me that.” He turned away, his ears twitched in annoyance. Beside him, Ruggie peered up at you curiously. You were a little taller than the hyena, dressed in the pale pink colors of House Peach Blossom--the House of Courage. He noticed that almost all students from Peach Blossom had their magic wands and sword at their waist--including you. 

“How do you know Leona?” Ruggie asked you, since he knew that Leona was likely not going to answer him.

“Oi, Ruggie--” Leona shot him a glare, but you didn’t seem to mind since you interrupted the prince. 

“That’s because he is my Prince.” you said with a grin. 

“What-!?” Ruggie sputtered, while Leona only groaned in response. 

-

“Prince Leona, you really should get up.” Leona’s visible ear twitched at the sound of your voice. He buried his head stubbornly into his pillow. “Come on, you have class soon!” 

Ever since you had arrived here, and essentially received permission to enter the Savanaclaw dorm--not even the dorm members could stop you from barging into Leona’s room. He had ordered them earlier to get in your way--not to beat you (he knew exactly how strong you were) but if there was one thing he could attempt to do--it was to delay you as much as possible. 

However...

“That’s because he is my Prince.” you had said with a grin. Ruggie sputtered, and Leona groaned.

“She’s a member of Afterglow Savanna’s Royal Guard.” Leona had to explain through gritted teeth. 

“Yes, hence why he is my Prince.” You say with such blind honesty and devotion that Leona could barely look. He chose to avert his gaze instead, his tail flickered in embarrassment. 

As someone who had trained to be a part of the Royal Guard since your youth--the students of Savanaclaw were no match for you. You had easily wrestled them all to defeat. Once his dorm members realized that there was simply no beating you, they had all given up (their prides were badly bruised at it was already)--and Leona had mourned the fact that none of them were willing to buy him time to sleep in. 

‘What a bunch of dorm members really...’ he grumbled to himself. ‘Not willing to help their dorm leader...’ he thought, sarcastically. 

“Come on my Prince,” you said in a soft tone, despite the fact you were basically engaging Leona in a tug of war with his blanket. “You have to go to class.” 

“Do you have any idea how surprised my classmates and professors are, now that I’m actually coming to class?” he grumbled. 

“Then I’m doing my job right.” you said in a very matter-of-fact tone. He lifted his head to shoot a glare at you. “You are a Prince of Afterglow Savanna! You must--” 

“Don’t talk to me about crap like that.” he hissed. “Did the King and Queen put you up to his? Perhaps the First Prince? Is my position in the school making trouble for the royal family? So much so they sent you--?” 

“Prince Leona, that is not true!” You frowned, “your family is just concerned--”   

“And where was this concern when they could hear the people talk about me behind my back?” he growled as he grabbed your arm, and you yelped in surprise. “Back then they weren’t there but--” 

‘I had you. You were the only who saw me and now you--’

‘Are you choosing them over me?’ 

‘Are you... just going to chose them... like everyone else?’ 

Leona’s heart twisted, and he ignored it to focus on his anger instead.

“Le--my Prince that’s--” 

“Stop calling me that!” He snarled, “You’re just doing this for Farena, aren’t you? If you do your task well, maybe he’ll notice you and make you his second wife? Wouldn’t you--” 

Smack.

“You... you think I chose to be a part of the Royal Guard... for Prince Farena?” 

He turned back to you, alarmed. In all the time he had known you--you had never sounded like that.

Your lips were twisted downward in a frown, the hand that had slapped him was now tenderly holding onto the forearm that he had squeezed earlier in his own hand. He could see that your skin had reddened from his tight hold. 

“A... are you an idiot?” you moved your hand onto your chest as your lower lip trembled. “I joined the guard for you, Leona. I joined because I believed in you, in Leona Kingscholar. Whatever role you might yet play—I believed in you! In your intelligence, in your capacity to understand people! I wanted to be there with you! I wanted to fight for what you believe in—because I believed in you.” You stepped back, and his mouth parted open in surprise.

“How could you say that? How could you even think that?” you asked him in a hoarse voice, “There’s no one I wanted to support as much as--as much as I wanted to support you. I--I always knew you were amazing Leona. I was only ever looking at you.” you sniffed, your eyes wet with tears. 

Leona realized that he was just about to loose the one person who ever acknowledged him.

“[Name]--” when he reached a hand out, you flinched, and he felt himself pale. 

When everyone else had flinched away from his powers...

You had always been the one who had--unfailingly--grabbed onto his hand without fear. 

“[Name]... I’m...” 

‘Come on--set your pride aside and apologize.’ he couldn’t help but hiss at himself. 

“I’m...” 

“You don’t have to say it Prince Leona.” you said, voice thick with emotions. “Your tail is giving it away.” At that statement, he shot you a weak glare as he stilled his tail. 

“How’d you know?” he asked. You looked up at him with an incredulous stare. 

“You were never good at saying sorry.” you muttered underneath your breath. “So I just figured it out from the way you acted around me.” you inhaled sharply, “just give me a moment... and I’ll be okay.” 

‘You... why...’ his fist clenched unconsciously. ‘Why do you have to understand me so well?’ He studied the way you ducked your head, the way you steadied your breath. ‘All that time you watched me... I... I know that what you’ve always wanted was an apology but--but I’ve always just taken all your forgiveness without trying harder.’

‘I don’t deserve you, do I? What have I done? That you--powerful, strong, fierce as you are--why have I let you think you don’t deserve an apology? Why have I let you think that it was okay for me to--not apologize?’ 

‘This is why I’m going to lose you.’ 

You always came to me... I--’

‘I never met you halfway.’ 

“I’m sorry.” your head shot up in response, and though you could tell from Leona’s expression that he’d rather be doing anything but this--he opened his mouth again. “I’m sorry [Name]... you got stuck with a selfish friend.” 

He began to panic inwardly when the sniffling that you had managed to calm down--rose again. 

However--you weren’t crying because you were sad--you were crying because you were happy.

All this time--a cruel whisper in the back of your head insisted you were the only one who cared about your relationship. Around you--people doubted your friendship with Leona. 

You tried--you did your best to ignore it, but sometimes in your lowest moments--it consumed you.

And Leona--unknowing, but effortlessly good and perfect as he was to you--always kept you afloat. 

He had been watching you too. 

Keeping an eye out. 

Looking on at you with some form of care--and dare you hope--love.

Because he had known that even if you told him you were okay--that you actually weren’t. That you wanted him to say sorry even if you pretended that you were used to it. 

“[Name]?” Leona was knelt in front of you--and you belatedly realized that you had slid to the ground. He studied your face, and hesitated to touch you after earlier. 

Kind. Understanding. Smart.

If people would just acknowledge Leona--they would see what you could see.

This is the king I know he is, the king I see inside. 

“Yeah, I’ll be okay. Give me a minute.” 

“When you get emotional, it doesn’t take you a minute.” he grumbled, but it was gentle, and your heart warmed as you recognized once more how much he knew you.

“Acting like a know-it-all already, huh, Prince Leona?” he winced at that.

“Why do you keep calling me that anyways?” he moved a hand to rub the back of his neck. “I don’t... like it.” 

“Because you are one, and my position in the guard...” 

“But not... not when it’s just the two of us.” he mumbled, and you blinked in surprise. “I want... I want you to remember that--when I’m with you I’m... I’m just Leona. To you I--I shouldn’t be a royal or a prince first I’m... I’m your friend.” You could feel your cheeks heat up at his statement. 

“Have you gotten sappy, my Prince?” you said--suddenly as you tried to change the mood. It was embarrassing. He bristled in response.  

“[Name].” he growled low, and you giggled. His heart eased at the sight of your smiling visage.

‘Good. I never want to see you cry again. If you were to cry then--let them be happy tears only.’ 

“Alright then... my friend... Leona.” your smile widened.

‘I have a lot to do. I have a lot to make up.’ he thought, but as he sees you smile at him--he knew that you were always going to be worth the effort. 

‘And perhaps one day you can simply be mine... and I can be solely just yours.’ 

--

“Azul!” you waved happily as the octopus mermaid groaned, and held his temples in his hands. A step behind him, Jade chuckled. 

“Why... why are you here?”

“Aww, did you not want to see me?” you peered at him. You were dressed in the brilliant orange colors of House Hibiscus--the House of Tenacity--which, to his mind, suited you very well. 

“You’re just here to embarrass me.” Azul groaned, and you smirked. 

“I can’t help it, especially when you pretend to act so cool.” 

“I hate you. I want my octopus pot.” He groaned into his hand. 

“I love you too~” His face flushed red at that, and your heart skipped a beat at how adorable he was. 

-

You remembered it like it was yesterday. 

You had gone out to the beach, your toes dipped into the water as you gazed out toward the expanse of the ocean as the morning sky cleared. You sighed--there was nothing more beautiful that the ocean at sunrise. (You didn’t know how your younger self did it, but you were often able to wake up early just to see the sight.) 

Then, all of a sudden, one of your toes was nibbled on. You blinked in surprise then looked down to see a little fish nibble on your toe. When it noticed it had your attention, it began to swim around in a circle, before going off into a certain direction. You just stared at it for awhile, until it suddenly came back and bit your toe as hard as it could--before attempting to pull you off into a certain direction.

“Oh! Ah--but my grandmother isn’t with me.” you told the fish sadly, “I can’t just use my magic to explore without her...” The fish only became more panicked, and you quickly got the gist of what she might be worried about.

“What? There’s a merman stuck in some nets?” you hesitated for a moment. It wasn’t the first time it had happened, and you had a dagger with you for moments like this--but you really shouldn’t be going swimming unsupervised...

“Alright, I’ll come, but we can’t spend too much time or I might blot...” you stood up, and closed your eyes. 

“[I am the Ocean].” You whispered, and in the next second you dove deep into the water. 

Your affinity with water magic was obvious because of your lineage. Your unique magic was different in that it allowed you to turn your whole body into water. At a young age, it was impressed upon you how important it was that you learnt your limits and refined your control. Not only were you battling against overblot, but you were also battling with the possibility that you might accidentally disperse yourself into the water, and be unable to turn back. 

You trained as much as you can, so at that point you had been able to maintain your magic for a couple of minutes.

Because your whole body turned into water, you were nearly invisible underwater--the only clue that you were there was because your clothes were still on you. 

You followed after the fish, and she took you past the reef, into a deeper part of the ocean that you hadn’t explored before. 

“--Hngh!” you heard a loud, crying sound and you immediately began to swim faster. 

“Admit it Azul,” the voice seemed to be talking to himself. “no one is going to come save you. Even the fish from earlier just turned on it’s tail and swam away...” As you turned the corner, you caught sight of an octopus mermaid--who looked about your age--caught up in a large net. 

“Huh? You’re back?” the octopus mermaid moved underneath the netting once he caught sight of the fish, then he scampered back once he saw your floating clothes. “Wha--what the? Did you bring a ghost to kill me?” the mermaid wailed, and you would’ve giggled if you could. You swam closer, and pulled the knife from your thigh. The octopus mermaid screamed in response, and moved away in a frantic manner--only to get tangled in the nets further. 

“You really want me dead?” the mermaid cried. 

You shot a desperate look at the fish, who began to chirp at the merman. 

“Huh? It’s a person?” the mermaid turned his head, his violet eyes squinted. “she can turn into water...?” you moved your hands into an ‘okay’ sign, but judging from the way his gaze didn’t move meant that he probably couldn’t see it. “So she’s going to use the dagger to cut me out...?”

You decided to reach forward for one of his hands. He originally flinched, but he let you lace your fingers around his. You tightened your hold briefly, and hoped that it was enough. 

‘I won’t hurt you. Not now, not ever.’ 

“T-Thank you.” he mumbled out, and you couldn’t help but smile. You then let go of his hand and began to cut through the rope. 

‘I hope I have enough magic to last...’ 

As you cut through the last of the ropes, you could feel the way your magic flickered. There’s a sudden gasp from the mermaid, and you realized that your hands were now visible. You clenched your jaw tightly, one of the ropes was particularly difficult, and the mermaid called out worriedly.

“Hey--will you be okay?” you ignored him as you worked through the last ropes, even if your vision dimmed. As you finally freed him, your hands shook, and your mouth slipped open. You gulped in a lot of water, and began to panic--and so does the mermaid.

“Oh no! Why--?” the mermaid cried, “what do I do?” you hear him ask the fish as you lose your consciousness. You felt his arms wrapped around yours as he tried to propel himself up to the surface.

“Come on Azul, you need to be fast for once!” 

-

"So, I definitely get a free meal, right?” you peered at Azul. “Best friend perks, right?” 

“... Fine.” Azul grudgingly said. You were--perhaps--one of the only people who Azul couldn’t say no to. You cheered happily in response, as your classmates called you out for being unfair. 

He couldn’t help the fond smile that grows on his face as you laughed happily. 

That day that you saved him--almost at the cost of your life too!--despite not knowing who he was...

Then the way you stuck around and befriended him, long before he had found any confidence in himself...

That you had seen him--at what he considered--was his most terrible state and thought nothing of it...

‘My debt to you is greater than even the ocean.’ he thought, however unlike any other time when thinking of his debts made him feel terrible--he was only filled with the desire to make sure he paid you back properly for all your kindness.

He had once told you about how much he owed you, but you dismissed it immediately.

‘Azul, you’re my oldest and best friend.’ you had told him, sincerity shimmered in the depths of your eyes. ‘You don’t owe me anything--besides back then, you saved me too, yeah?’  

You would have to agree to disagree.

Even if he had saved your life too--it could not compare to how you saved him.

You had no idea how much you actually saved him... how much your friendship meant to him.

-

Azul could feel his tears stream down his face as managed to get you onto the beach of the island that the fish said was your home.

“Stupid Azul.” he frantically murmured to himself, “of course you managed to hurt the one person who cared to save you.” When he leant closer, he couldn’t tell if you were breathing or not and he was beginning to panic. 

“Oh no, oh no oh no.” He sobbed loudly. “Please don’t die. Please don’t die. I don’t even know your name. I want to be your friend. I’ve never had a friend before--what do I do?” he cried. He heard irritated chirps, and when he turned his head, he noticed that the fish from earlier had followed him. 

“Shake her.” the fish said. He did so, but you didn’t respond. “Tilt her chin and head back.” He did, and he heard you sputter, as water escape your mouth. You began to cough roughly, and you wearily opened your eyes to meet Azul’s. 

“You... saved me...” you wheezed.

“Of course I did!” Azul wailed, “you saved me!” 

You let out a laugh, before you began to cough again. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, give... me a moment...” you wheezed. He gave you a moment to breath, his tentacles curled around him nervously. 

“Well, that was an experience.”

“Please don’t shake it off just like that.” he whimpered, “that was traumatizing.” 

“Yeah sorry. I didn’t mean it.” you said with a wince. “... So what do we do now?” 

“I... I don’t know.” Azul confessed. 

“Then... shall we be friends?”

“R-really? You want to be friends with a useless octopus?”

“I’d love to be friends with you.” you frowned at him, “and you’re not useless. You saved my life. You couldn’t have done that if you were useless.” Azul wanted to argue, but you quickly moved on. 

“So what’s your name?” you asked him.

“A-Azul... Azul Ashengrotto.” 

“I’m [Name] [Surname].” you smiled as you stuck your hand out, pinky extended. “Let’s be friends for life Azul!” 

He looked at your hand then back up at your face. 

“What am I supposed to do?” he asked.

“You stick your pinky out, and...” you twisted your pinky with his, and his face flushed red at the sensation of your skin against his. Earlier, it had just felt like holding hands with a current moving the opposite way of the ocean...but your hand was warm. “Like this. We make a promise we can’t break!” 

“What promise?” he gulped, and you only giggled. His face reddened in response. Your giggle was cute.

“That we’ll be friends for life Azul!” 

“I... I’d like that...” he giggled too, and you beamed brightly.

“Azul, you’re finally smiling!” 

-

You leant your cheek against your palm as you watch Azul run Mostro Lounge. 

“Oh? You look deep in thought.” Your eyes flickered up to meet Jade’s eyes. 

“Hm. Just thinking about how much Azul has changed.” you said, a proud smile spread on your face. “I’m... really happy for him. I think he’s found the pace he should go at...and look at him do so well.” Jade turned to Azul, and saw him bark orders at a huffing Floyd. His lips curled up in response.

“Yes. He truly has changed a lot.” Azul turned his head to see the two of you eyeing him with identical smiles. His brow twitched lightly, before he approached you two.

“Jade, I need you on Table Eight.” Jade bowed elegantly, and shot you a quick wink before he walked off. 

“What were you talking about?”

“Just how amazing you are.” you said so nonchalantly, and gleefully watched his face turn red. 

“Y--you!” He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Please do not lie.” You giggled in response, before you gestured for him. to sit beside you. Azul did so and as he turned to you--you gave him a gentle smile. This time when he blushed, it reached his ears.

“I wasn’t lying Azul... I’m really happy for you. As someone whose watched you for a long time... I’m happy for how much you’ve grown. It makes me proud of you.” you sighed as you laced your fingers, “it makes me feel like you don’t need to rely on me anymore... It’s a little sad.”

“No.” he replied quickly, and you looked up surprised. Azul wasn’t meeting your gaze, but you could see his pale skin turn a bright crimson. 

“I will always rely on you.” he met your gaze, “knowing that your eyes are on me... It makes me want to keep improving.” Your eyes widened, before they softened once more.

“Mhm. Then I’ll keep on being someone you can rely on.” You raise your pinky, and with a soft laugh he raised his hand to link his pinky with yours. 

“Promise?”

“Promise.” 

--

Extra A/N:

So... I had fun with this. I thought it would be much more interesting if I mixed and matched up the princesses and villains. 

Honestly, I genuinely got super into making the Garden Academy. I debated whether or not to include Alice, Nala, Megara, Anna and Elsa--but I chose not to. THOUGH I did end up giving them House Names and values haha. In the end, I settled with the Twelve Disney Princesses. Here’s a link to some notes I have for the Garden Academy and it’s houses!