Chapter Text
Sebek Zigvolt knew he was on the verge of death.
He lies trapped beneath a huge chunk of rubble that had fallen on top of him during the overblot of his beloved master, Malleus Draconia. It was a fast thing and felt like a slow agonizing loop of pain. He could feel his bones poking out of his skin, the way his limbs were scattered and how hard it was to breath. He could feel hands on his head, voices trying to talk to him but he couldn't think clearly enough to hear what they were saying.
He could barely see the color of a bright pink and silver in his blurry vision. He wanted to speak but every time he tried, he felt himself cough out something slimy to which one of the hands just stroked his hair. Sebek couldn't help but lean into this comfort one last time, he could only start reflecting on his life.
Is this what they call a self-reflection? Is it... really the end?
Was he a good guard to Malleus? Did he do a good job like he was told to? Sebek may never know the answers to his questions. All he knows is that death is an ending that he is experiencing.
But, death didn't seem that bad in person. In fact, it felt peaceful without the pain at least. The only thing he felt was regret. He regretted not getting closer to the others. Especially his so-called friend group now.
The first-years, and how he felt like he had actual people to call friends, hang out with, create fun memories and to just be a kid. But Sebek wouldn't get to do that again, not anymore. The pain was getting harder to ignore as his whole head was muffling sounds. He knew there were other's trying to get him out from whatever was crushing his bones but he knew it was hopeless.
But... if he was given one last wish, he would wish to turn back time and fix all the mistakes he made to help the others. He wants to live again, seeing everyone else live their lives with him.
But, he's sorry for not being able to tell Malleus he was like a big brother to him.
He’s sorry for not telling Lilia that his cooking was getting better.
He’s… sorry, that he never got to tell Silver how much he appreciated him. For his words, actions, and memories.
The pain was getting unbearable, Sebek could hardly breathe anymore but one more color joined the pile, a dark black but with bright green piercing through each color, he can feel another hand join in as he laid there. He could feel warmth slowly envelope him as his breaths start to get shorter.
Next thing he knew, he felt himself close his eyes for the last time.
Then suddenly his eyes flew right open to bright blue and the sound of roaring flames.
It took a second before Sebek realized where he was. The ceremonial orientation at the beginning of the year. He was brought out from his thoughts when he heard the screams of other students running away from something in the middle of the room. It was Grim spewing out flames left and right, almost burning someone in the process.
I... What's going on? Wasn't I supposed to be dead? Why am I experience this again?
He couldn't think any more till a fire ball came barreling at him, Sebek didn't try to duck but instead stared at it coming towards him when he was pushed to the ground.
"AGH!" Sebek groaned as his body hit the ground hard, he could feel someone on his back and as he peeked over his shoulder his eyes widened.
“Sebek! Didn't you see that fire coming at you? Why didn't you dodge?!"
Sebek knew that voice so well. From childhood to his death, he knew who it belonged to and he felt his eyes start to water. He turned his body around. As he looked over his shoulder it was Silver. His face was clean from any blood or bruises, he wasn't wearing that armor when defeating Malleus. And that facial expression, he hasn't seen that face since the day he had gotten hurt from training alone in the woods during his childhood.
“...Silver?” Sebek softly says. Silver heard him and turned his face towards him. His eyes still blurry with sleep but his furrowed brows gave off the feeling of worry.
“Are you alright? You aren't hurt are you?"
“No. I’m fine, but… what is happening right now? Also can you get off me?" Sebek asks. Silver eyes widen a little but he got off quickly as Sebek picked himself up. He could feel Silver's gaze on him but Sebek's attention was watching Grim running away from two House wardens.
This is exactly what happened during the orientation. But then how did I get back here? I know this isn't that type of dream but it's still confusing... wait isn't Grim going to get Riddle's unique magic right now-
“OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!”
That loud voice was Riddle Rosehearts. Sebek watched as Grim tried to get the collar off only to realize its not coming off and saw Azul Ashengretto standing right next to Riddle. He didn't get to watch the whole scene when Silver caught his attention.
“Come on Sebek, let’s try to find fa-Lilia right now.” Silver says and walks away from Sebek.
Sebek takes a few more moments looking around and notice the others in the crowd. Ace was chatting with other people from the dorm, Deuce was following his own Dorm leader, Jack was fixing his hood on his robes, Epel was yelling at someone, and lastly, Yuu and Grim was dragged away by the Headmaster.
This is a chance... I was given another chance again! Sebek thought. His hands were shaking a bit so he grabbed onto his sleeve as he looked at Yuu.
A plain stature but a strong will to protect the things they loved made Sebek feel a bit jealous towards them but ultimately, respected them so much over the time he had spent with them. They were the one the change things in the school, their influence was something Sebek wanted to seek as well.
Everyone... I want to protect you.
“Come on Sebek, Lilia already called the new freshman to follow along and that includes you.” Silver says as Sebek turns and spots him next to Lilia who was busy guiding new freshmen.
"Of course!" Sebek responds and follows the others as he tunes out Lilia's speech. He kept clenching his fists to make sure he was still alive. His lungs were healthy and his hands weren't filled with calluses from horse-riding or magic training.
If this is a dream… Sebek looks around and spots Lilia chatting with a few other freshmen. He makes eye contact with him and waves at Sebek happily.
Then I want to make everything right this time.
And that starts with the Overblots.