Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“The old guy’s back.”

“Mash, that’s the Headmaster!”

“I know.”

“You two, stop bickering. If he’s come back from the Bureau then his news will be important.”

“Why are you here again?”

The first conversation of the day when the more noteworthy students (plus Finn) woke up this day. Daut was taken from his far-away fantasy of marrying Lemon and Lemon was kidnapped from her purely innocent dream of becoming a cream puff and then marrying Mash. Mash then eats her or at least was about to if she hadn’t been woken up. Lance was already up looking at the picture of his sister in his locket, which did not mean he had a sibling complex! And finally, the only student that actually matters in this story-I mean the main characte-oh, uh I mean the savior of Adler Dorm! Mash Burnedead was rudely awoken from his dream of a creampuff coffin, the most delicious way to go.

Oh yeah, Finn was here too. I guess.

Finn looked around his room that was for some reason being used as their group’s hang-out spot. When he asked about this Mash only said, “Because yours is the cleanest, and it has a kitchen.” Even though Mash also shares this room with Finn.

Finn then looked to the ceiling parting his yellow and white hair, wearing his red and black tie and cloak befitting of the Adler dorm. “Why do I get the feeling I’m being looked down upon?”

Daut frowned at his friend, from the comfy chair that he bought from Finn with some of his herbal tea collection. Seriously, it’s more extensive than you might think. “Ain't God supposed to be looking down on all of us?” His jagged mark under his eye wrinkling with his left eye.

Mash, who was busy munching on a creampuff, noticed this discussion and thought to give his two cents. “Isn’t God dead though?” Wearing the same uniform, Mash sported a sleek bowl cut with a lightning-shaped mark under his left eye.

Lance, who had been contemplating the grapevine he’d heard from the students recently, (He still can’t believe how much he’d missed from the time he was away) glared at Mash. “Where in this world did you get that conclusion?” With a somewhat scraggly light-blue haircut and two straight marks perpendicular to each other under his right eye.

Mash looked seriously over to Lance, “I could feel it in my muscles.”

As Lance refused to even exercise that answer, this let Finn respond instead. “Did Kevin tell you?”

“Nah, it was Koji.”

“I thought your brain would’ve told you that.”

“Mash?”

“You named your brain after yourself?”

“Well, my brain is my mind and personality so might as well.”

“I’m disturbed at how much sense that makes.”

“Wait…” Daut was confused. “You name your muscles?”

Even Mash looked unimpressed, “Well… duh, are you surprised?”

Daut raised his finger… and then put it back down. “Ya makes too much sense.”

Lance rolled his eyes at the trio’s idiotic behavior. The fact that he continues to hang out with them is a mystery he chooses not to dwell on. Not at all.

Big brother! Why do you always pick fights?

Damn him and his bleeding heart! Oh well, he planned on filling in the others with the information he gathered, but he supposes if they’re just going to goof off then he might as well let them be.

Because they picked on you.

He had better things to do anyway, like practicing his poetry!

I’m a big girl! I can handle some bad words!

He still had his greatest inspiration after all. “O, ‘tis unworthy ears and monstrous heart soften at thy gentle words~”

And he’d be damned before anything took her away.

MSHL

With his almost two decades of muscle building, Mash also developed his senses out of boredom. Those senses include his hearing so, unfortunately, he had to hear his friend recite poetry about his little sister. He didn’t know what he was saying exactly, but he had an idea. With some new-found wisdom, Mash ignored Lance and instead looked for something else to distract himself.

“Daut?”

Pausing to finish his tea, Daut looked at Mash. “Ya, man?”

“You look different.”

The so-called ‘main character’ preened, “Finally, took ya long enough to notice.”

Mash nodded, “Did you get a new headband?”

Daut stopped, in all honesty, he was wearing a new headband since his old one got destroyed. But that was what Mash noticed about him? What about the fact he finally got out of his full-body cast!? “Dude, my cast is gone! How did ya not notice that!?”

Mash furrowed his brows, “You had a cast on?”

Daut stared at Mash, “OF COURSE I DID! DID YA NOT SEE ME AT DINNER A FEW DAYS AGO!?”

Eyes minutely widening, Mash’s brain (otherwise known as Mash) finally caught up to him. “Oh yeah, that was you? Huh, you were so quiet I couldn’t tell.”

Silently fuming, Daut calmed his nerves. Mash was always slow on the intellectual side of things. He thankfully made up for it in his willingness to learn, but it was still much to be desired. Breathing a deep sigh, Daut relaxed. Those self-help books on anger-management aren’t as stupid as I thought! “Whatever yes, I did get a new headband. Ya like it?”

Mash nodded, “I think it suits you.” It fit his demeanor more than the black and white headband he had before. The dark blue contrasted his bright red hair, making it stand out more and also fit with the red tie of the Adler uniform.

Then Mash got confused, “Wait, if you had a full-body cast on then who took care of you?”

Daut conveniently looked away from Mash, trying futility to hide his now hair-matching face. “I uh, got some help from that Magia Lupus lady.”

“Who?”

“You wouldn’t know her; she goes to a different dorm. Wait, she was also at the dinner! How do you keep forgetting who was there?”

“I was distracted by Abyss and Lemon, anyway did you have fun?”

Daut ignored the unfairness of the world that was Mash getting to hang out with Lemon and instead answered his question. “I mean, I’m grateful she helped me out but you don’t know the things I’ve seen thanks to her!” Daut’s voice took on a haunted undertone.

That got Mash’s mild attention, “You're right, I don’t. What happened?”

Hey strong man, wanna be my body pillow?

Daut shivered head to toe, “Things I thought I wanted, but not actually thought through. I would totally do it again of course… man, this explains some of the crap I’m into.”

Finn, who was silently listening in on this conversation also shivered. “Can we just get going, I think the headmaster’s already back.”

Writing down the last of his new lines, Lance nodded. “You’re right, we should make haste.”

The group strode out of Finn and Mash’s room, out of the newly replaced door, and into the extravagant hallways. Think Hogwarts if the castle makers were pretentious jackasses, then you get Easton Academy, one of the most historical and prestigious magical academies.

The gang spotted long blonde hair rushing towards them, waving frantically with a sickle-shaped mark under her right eye. “Hey guys, wait up. Don’t leave me behind!”

“Hi, Lemon.”

“Good morning, Lemon.”

“H-Hey.”

“How was your morning?”

Brightening up, Lemon caught up to them. “It’s going alright, I was having a pretty good dream though…” She sighed.

“Yeah…” Daut and Mash both wistfully agreed.

However, Lemon took Mash’s agreement in the wrong way. Oh my god! He was dreaming about me, wasn’t he! Oh, Mash, you don’t need to hide your feelings from me~

Giggling away at her thoughts, she followed the others to the main hall for some breakfast.

Finn asked the question some of them were thinking about. “I wonder what’s the big announcement? Do you think it’ll be about that Cell War guy?”

Lance put a hand on his chin, “Most likely, maybe even some more information about this Innocent Zero group that’s supposedly so dangerous. If Mash could make one of their members run away, then I don’t think they’ll be too much of a problem.”

Daut looked dubious, “Yeah, but he’s Mash. Compared to us, they're probably pretty powerful.”

Lance glanced sharply at Daut, “Do not underestimate my power, and don’t compare me to you.”

Daut pulled out his spiked wand, already steaming. “Oh yeah, show me your power then! I’ll only have to kill your stupidly handsome face once before you shut up!”

In response to his posturing, Lance readied his magnolia wand. “If you wish to die, then allow me.”

“The lines are getting long, let’s hurry up.” Spotting the line to the food, and more importantly his desserts, Mash grabbed his friends and leaped over to the next in line.

While in mid-air, Daut put his wand away. “Tch great, now the moods gone.”

Lance responded in kind, “Next time then.”

Daut smirked, “Yeah sure, kill ya next time!”

“I can’t believe you people are my friends,” Finn replied while contemplating the life choices that got him to this moment. It all started… when I was born…

MSHL 

Having finished with a hearty breakfast, in which Daut might’ve accidentally set a world record for speed eating (I missed out on some meals okay?), they all gathered in the main hall with the headmaster looking over all of them.

Headmaster Wahlberg was a very gaunt and well-groomed man. With a white beard almost as long as him and rounded spectacles, he looked every bit an old and wise mentor-figure, in his own weird way he was a good teacher. It just so happened that his teachings sometimes included extreme mental, and physical stress to get a point across. Even though he was the most powerful wizard among them all, he only sported a single curved mark under his left eye.

He cleared his throat, “Thank you all for the warm welcome back, my students! It makes an old man like me so joyful to see the younger generation so up and about.”

Mash looked confused, again. “But we’ve been just sitting here?”

Finn answered the best he could, “I guess that’s warm to him?”

“Weird.”

“I suppose.”

As they quieted down, the headmaster continued. “But, enough about me and my ramblings. I believe I have some grave news to share with you all.”

The entire student leaned forward in anticipation. There had been many rumors going around the kingdom and academy about death row inmates escaping and important meetings being discussed in secret with all of the Divine Visionaries attending. Now they can finally get some concrete details.

“The criminal organization known as Innocent Zero has resurfaced.”

A shocked gasp.

“One of them infiltrated the basement of this very school.”

Even more shock emanated from the crowd

“And finally, a dangerous individual calling himself the ‘Portal Master’ has been running across the kingdom.”

A few students passed out.

“But, do not worry!”

Wahlberg pointed to a certain student in the crowd, “Because this one first-year student managed to repel the intruder, and it just so happens that he is the best candidate for a Divine Visionary in the entire school year!”

Heads swiveled over to the direction the Headmaster was pointing to, revealing Mash eating a creampuff. Not paying attention to any of this.

“What?”

Outrage soon followed.

MSHL

“I can’t believe that Wahlberg guy! I helped fight too, almost died even! Why do you get all the credit!?”

Mash shrugged, “You can have it.” He didn’t really care about this stuff; the coins were all that mattered. And his creampuffs but that was a given, they’re simply a way of life.

Daut stopped in his pacing, “Oh really? Thanks, man.” He relaxed into his chair in the dorm room. Man, this chair was worth the hefty price! Goodbye Ruby Blaze tea, I’ll miss your exotic, somehow spicy flavors...

Lance stepped in to stop Mash from making a big mistake, “No, don’t. This is perfect for my plan.”

Launching out of his chair and twisting over to Lance, Daut whined. “Aww come on, you weren’t there! I was a total badass back there!”

“That doesn’t matter, if Mash gets enough recognition then we by extension get noticed as well since we’re all in Alder, come next year we could become the new Divine Visionary candidates! Then we all get the chance to accomplish our goals.”

Finn chimed in with his concerns from the kitchen where he was helping Mash, “Isn’t that like we're just using Mash for his social status at school?”

Daut nodded from his reclined position, “Yeah, and besides it’s not as cool unless I accomplish my dream myself. If I’m not the one killing all the pretty boys in this world, then what’s the point?”

“You disturb me…” Lance rubbed his face and let out a tired sigh, “Stop being an idiot, most of us want to be Divine Visionaries anyway. If we help him out, it’d just be the same as us if we got the coins ourselves.”

Finn gave a dubious nod, “I guess that’s a little better.”

Daut just crossed his arms, “Whatever, Mash! Get ready! You’re not the only one trying out for Divine Visionary, you got that!?”

“Okay.” A little friendly competition is good to get the blood pumping. Mash is glad Daut isn’t just sulking in the corner.

“Mash, are the cream puffs done yet?” Lemon, who was completely ignoring the conversation, asked. Since the Headmaster is trying to make Mash into a sort-of celebrity, they might as well celebrate!

Mash only nodded at Finn, who nodded back and began the process of finishing up the cream puffs. “Here you guys go, my first batch of cream puffs ever!”

Now seated down, everyone tried the homemade delicacy. “Wow, not bad Finn.”

Finn sheepishly scratched the back of his head, chuckling all the while. “Well, I guess I learned from the best.”

“Mash is still way better.”

Even though Finn knew it was true, it still hurt a little inside.

Mash finished his treat and softly smiled at his pupil, “I’m proud of you, this was good.”

…with his eyes feeling wet, Finn only nodded while wiping at his eyes. Finally, he has a skill completely unrelated to magic! Granted it was making cream puffs, but baby steps were always needed. Taking one of his own creations for himself, he made to sit down until he heard a knock at the door.

Opening the thankfully still intact door, Finn was met with white cloaks and a hungry look. Magia Lupus… “Oh, welcome. I just made cream puffs; would you like some?”

Love was already moving when he said creampuffs, reaching out she tried to take the one in his hand. A slow hand raises from Lord Abel stopped her in her tracks. Dang it, not fair! As befitting of a Magia Lupus member, she sported a mark under each eye.

Wordlessly, Abel slowly took the offered treat. Blankly staring at Finn, the whole exchange with his crossed pupils. His three marked eye never leaving him.

Abyss put a hand on his new blade, her blade? Who can really tell? “I assume it hasn’t been poisoned?” If this weakling even dares harm Lord Abel, then his sword will remove his head from his body. As all of his peers have, he also had two marks.

Shaking his head rapidly, Finn quickly responded. “N-No, Mash would kill me if I ever messed with a creampuff!”

“Ah.” Abyss awkwardly put his hand down, “A fair point.”

Still blankly staring, Abel nodded. “Why thank you, I will enjoy this confectionary even if the quality is lesser to those of greater skill.”

“Trust me, this is the best ya gonna get from him in terms of niceness.” Love ever so helpfully chimed in with a cutesy grin that would’ve made Finn a stuttering mess if it wasn’t the same grin she used when trying to kill him and Daut a few days ago. Instead, he simply paled.

MSHL

“Oh, hey puppet dude, you haven’t kidnapped anyone, have you?” Whether the greeting was Mash’s idea of a joke or not, is a mystery.

“Not right now, I’m a bit busy with the whole restructuring of Lang at the moment.”

“Ah, that’s good.” Mash then gave a small smile to Abyss. “Hey, Abyss.”

Abyss gave a smile back at him, always pleased to see him. “Hello, again Mash, greetings everyone, g-good d-d-day Lem-Lemon.” Unfortunately, the presence of a girl still ceased his motor functions. Love didn’t count since she does her best to avoid him. It stings a little less these days. But only by a little bit.

“I saw what happened this morning. It seems you have the Headmaster himself in your corner Mash.” Abel stated as he took a seat. It was impressive how much closer to becoming a Divine Visionary Mash had gotten in his first few months. Abel supposed he would’ve been envious if Mash hadn’t saved their lives from Cell War.

“Yeah, he really wants me to become one for some reason.”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“Probably, I wasn’t listening.”

As Mash and Abel caught up, the two groups sat across from each other. Daut was looking in any direction other than Love, Finn was sweating but not shaking this time, Lance was staring at them, assessing them in case they ever became a threat again. Love noticed none of this, as she was busy stuffing her face with creampuffs and occasionally winking at Daut. Abyss was doing his best to act natural across from Lemon, who was making eyes at Mash next to her.

Mash you lucky bastard! Both Daut and Abyss thought at the same time. Forming a strange connection when doing so. Weird, but what do I know right? I’ve never been in a relationship and neither have you! I'm not projecting, you are!

Getting back to the conversation, Abel was asking Mash what he knew about the Portal Master.

“Who?”

“That one fugitive the Headmaster mentioned.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t listening.”

Giving off a deep sigh, Abel did his best to push past his frustration. “He is a more recent criminal making a name for himself in smuggling rings and as an expert robber. His Portal magic is said to be extremely versatile and powerful.”

“Are you reading off a script?”

“Mash, do be careful. Even you cannot punch portals.”

“Like that one over there?” Mash pointed to a shimmering blue portal behind Abel.

Abel followed his finger, “Yes, that would be about accurate.”

“Ah, gotcha.”

“...”

“...”

“-Hold on a minute!?”

“Knock knock…” Said the floating magic portal.

“Who’s there?” Said the oblivious Mash.

“Chell.”

“Chell who?”

Out the portal a figure leaped out, “It is I, Chellington Cube II!” Wearing an orange suit and pants, with the only to contrast being white hair and a white undershirt. Chellington wore a wide smile on his face as he stared the students down. His two jagged marks are crinkling as his smile literally met his eyes.

“Who?”

Abel gained a few sweat drops, the closest thing to him getting dumbfounded. Besides that, one time in the basement when Mash pile drove him. “I just told you.”

“I know, just joking.” Mash nodded to himself at his great joke, all thanks to How to be the Comic Relief for Dummies, it taught him how to break dramatic tension like no other.

“I see.” No, I don’t.

Lance and the others, now noticing the threat, all pulled out their wands. Except for Abyss, who instead unsheathed his broadsword. Newly-made thanks to Mash breaking his old one.

Chellington just looked confused, “That’s strange, this isn’t the Lang dorm is it?” He began to look around until he lost control of his body. Moving his eyes around, he saw that weird white-haired kid with a creepy baby doll in the crook of his arm outstretching his free hand towards him. Some kind of body-control magic? Then he noticed the almost invisible puppet strings keeping him in place. Oh? So, he is here.

“What could you possibly want with my dorm?” Abel lazily kept him under his control, perhaps the ‘Portal Master’ was a bit too overhyped. Oh well, the reward for capturing a wanted fugitive would make up for his disappointment.

“I don’t care about your dorm, I want you!” Chellington smiled, just his luck! He’s got his target right where he wants him. Just a little longer…

“You're too old for him. He’s only attracted to puppets anyway.” Mash backed up his new acquaintance, raising one ready fist. First that weird rock-licking guy, now a peeping tom? This whole school was cursed with bad luck.

“They’re my primary source of magic power, not a part of my personal fantasies.” That’s not how people saw him, right?

“What’re they even talking about?” Daut whispered over to Finn, who was cowering behind him.

“Something dangerous and weird, I’m sure.”

Chellington chuckled deep inside his throat, these little brats were pretty funny! Too bad he had to cut this exchange short. “While you were talking about who sticks what in what, I was readying another spell.”

Before he could even blink, Abel found himself falling towards the floor. Looking down, he saw a similar simmering portal beneath, swallowing him whole. This… is not ideal.

While his legs were already inside the portal he was suddenly across the room in an instant. “Well, that was embarrassing. Thank you for the assist, Abyss.”

Said savior nodded beside him, glaring poison at Chellington. “Of course, Lord Abel, allow me to make him pay with his life!”

“Oh? Is the boy-girl angry at me for trying to take away his owner? Isn’t that just adorable!” Now free from his strings, the Portal Master grinned wildly at his future victims. Without even looking, he side-stepped the enraged fist aimed at his delicate face. Smirking at the mushroom head, he leaped backward bowing deeply. “Aww, come on! Is everyone here tryna ruin all the fun?”

“I’ll show ya fun! In fact, I’ll show it to ya twice! Explom!” Out of his wand, two identical suspended explosions rocketed out of Daut’s wand towards that smiling jerk.

“Hah! Is that the best you got!?” Still smirking, Chellington leaped forward avoiding the resulting double explosion behind him. When he felt a crushing magical force above him, he quickly dodged sideways.

“Damn, it’s like he can sense our magic.” Lance was admittedly miffed, his Gravioli was never avoided before.

“Oooh, not bad Crown! You’re getting closer to the tru-Woah!” A little too close for his comfort, Chellington ducked and rolled away from another insanely fast fist. Damn, it's like he has no magic. I can't even sense him! This is so not fair!

Blinking, he got himself an idea. It was so obvious! “Hey, mushroom head! Was your mom or dad the human?”

“Huh, who’s that weird mushroom head guy?”

What? “I’m talkin’ about you, ya idiot!” He screamed as he simultaneously dodged multiple explosions, strings, and gravity itself!

“I don’t look like a mushroom, do I?” Is that why Finn keeps telling him to change his hairstyle? Nah, it can’t be. His hair was a bowl-shape, not a mushroom-shape. “I think you need your eyes checked; my head doesn’t look like a mushroom.”

Oh, for god’s sake! “Whatever, your mom banged a mushroom!”

“I don’t have a mom.”

“Your dad stuck his tiny dick in a mushroom!”

Instantaneously, Mash appeared right in front of him, his fist already cocked. “That was pretty mean.”

“Finally, sorry kid! You just lost!” He tried to summon a portal in front of him but found his magic suddenly gone. Out of the corner of his eye, he locked gazes with the boy-girl’s blood-red Evil Eye.

“Say you’re sorry.”

Oh, shi- BOOM!

MSHL

“Well, glad that's over.” Mash dropped the fist he used to smash that rude jerks face in, he wasn’t moving, but best to be sure. “Where can we bury him?”

“MASH! PLEASE TELL ME YOU DIDN’T KILL HIM!” Finn was slightly hysterical, becoming an accomplice in a murder wasn’t exactly in his life plans!

“He’s probably alive.”

“THAT’S NOT REASSURING!”

“If he still breaths, then I will finish the job.” Abyss, ever so vigilant, raises his blade.

“PLEASE DON’T KILL ANYBODY, I CAN’T HAVE THAT ON MY RECORD!”

Lance glanced over to his right, where Love, the Magia Lupus member was eating the leftovers of everyone’s plates. “Why didn’t you help protect your leader?”

Love shrugged; cheeks puffed out. “You guys had it covered.”

“I see.” No, I don’t.

“Um, hey guys?” Mash’s voice came from behind them.

“Yeah Mash?” Coming out of her hiding spot, Lemon poked her head out.

“His portals were blue right?”

“Uh, I think so?”

“Then why is this one red?”

When everyone craned their heads over to Mash, all their eyes widened when they saw a crimson portal starting to create a vortex inside poor Finn and Mash’s room. The vortex was trying to suck them inside the portal, leading to god knows where.

“Hold on everyone,” Abel said calmly as he wrapped himself in his strings to keep from moving.

“Wow, thanks genius!” Daut growled out as he hung onto the floor.

Everyone followed their leads, with them grasping the first thing they could find. Abyss stabbing his sword into the floor. Lemon hung onto the wall she was hiding behind. Lance increased the gravity where he was standing. Love kept sitting where she was, thankful that the table was bolted onto the floor.

Even though Mash was the closest, he kept still by simply digging his heels into the floor and keeping his center of balance low. That was until one of the creampuffs he was saving for later, and his charm inside his Adler cloak got sucked into the red portal. Eyes widening the slightest bit more than usual, Mash leaped after it without thinking. “My babies.”

Lance saw this and prepared to cast a reverse Gravioli to bring him back, only in his panic he lost his focus on the spell that was keeping him safe. Leaving him vulnerable to the rapid winds of the now crimson and unstable vortex. Grasping wildly, he grabbed the nearest object he could find. Unfortunately, that object happened to be a pissed off, Daut.

“I DON’T WANNA DIE A VIRG-” Was the last thing the remaining students heard before the trio was sucked through the disappearing portal.

Then, silence… for about a second.

“Oh, fuck.”

MSHL

The first thing Mash felt when he landed (besides the creampuff and charm that was safely tucked in his cloak once again) was the bundle of limbs on top of him. Next was the dirt staining his uniform, and the harsh sun in his eyes. Or at least it would’ve been harsh if Mash hadn’t trained his eyes by staring at the sun for long periods of time during his earlier youth. Those were the days.

Mash slowly got up, ignoring the groaning pile beneath him. Looking around, he saw they were somehow in a tent with a ripped hole in the ceiling. Stocked with books and papers filled with weird writing, a sharpening wheel next to a large neatly cleaned bed, and a bone-masked red and black wearing woman who was just standing there.

Mash took in the red eyes beneath the intricate and creepy bird mask, the extremely pale skin covered by cool looking red and black armor, and the dark mane coming out of her scalp. He only had one question;

“Are you a vampire?”

"..."

"Cause if you are, I kinda need my blood."

"..."

"Ya know? Cause blood keeps my heart pumping, which then leads to my muscles activating and then… I'm sure you know the rest since you drink it."

"The consumption of your blood is of no interest to me."

"Well good on you, realizing that drinking blood is bad."

"The spilling of your blood, however, does interest me."

"That's not much of a difference." The Vampire was circling him how, making Mash hover protectively over his still downed friends. The portal must've been a terrible trip if they were still unconscious.

"Friends of yours?" Her red eyes seemed amused, almost gleeful as she stared him down. What she saw in Mash, a part of him had an idea.

His blood of course.

"Yup, we had a bit of a tumble. Looks like it was weirder than we thought if a vampire was waiting for us." The bloodsucker's hand on her sword still hadn't moved. Mash, however, could see the way her body moved. Her posture was of a fighter, ready to try and cut him down.

She wouldn't have much success, but she's immortal. Mash wondered, could he punch out immortality?

She chuckled, "Tell me, where are they compared to you."

"The ground."

Sighing, she pulled an amused look with her eyes. "I can tell, you're strong. Can almost sense it even."

"Is that why we're here?" Great, another stalker. And here Mash thought that love magic chick was bad. This one seems to be able to actually fight.

"Would you believe me that was merely happenstance?"

"So, this was an accident?"

The vampire craned her neck, "Accident… destiny, whatever you want to call it. Doesn't change the fact you're all trespassing."

"Sorry, we can leave right now if you want."

Tsking, she shook her head. "I'm afraid, for you, that's not possible. I need something in return for all the time you've made me lose."

"Don't care, I'm an advocate for gender equality. I'll kick your ass if I have to." Mash said as he raised his fists. A sword is trickier than magic, something he had the first-hand experience in. Magic, he can resist and endure, but even the toughest of armor can be pierced or cut by a skilled hand and sharp blade.

"Let's hope so, otherwise your friends will not be able to wake up." She gestured behind him.

Looking behind him, he saw his friends missing. A flap in the tent twitched in the wind.

Turning back around, he gave the stupid demon a glare.

"That look…" She looked positively thrilled. "Looks like I was right. You are strong."

He readied his fist.

She held a hand out, "Not here, I'd rather not have my bed destroyed. You understand." She opened a familiar red portal behind her. "I'll be waiting for you outside. Where you may ask. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Best to not keep me waiting." Stepping into the portal, she smiled with her eyes. Vicious glee etched into her eyes.

Then she was gone. Leaving Mash alone.

He slowly lowered his fists with a sigh. This is getting repetitive… but she's got Lance and Daut, for their sake I need to be at my best. So, I'll just have to take my cream puff… and eat it.

…

Mhm, so good… 

MSHL

Making his way out of the tent after getting some nutrition, Mash spotted a bunch of rapscallions staring at him. And by staring, he meant anything ranging from dark amusement to a poor man’s pity. If looks could kill, he would be mildly annoyed. Still, these creeps either kept staring at him or trying to talk to him. He just brushed them off with a well-placed head turn or glare. Mash had to admit, their reactions were pretty funny.

All the tents looked the same, so he just walked around the place until he spotted the vampire. How she survives in the sun, Mash wasn’t sure. What Mash was sure of, however, was how much this place reminded Mash of home. Not those wannabe bandits or weapons lying around, but more of the rural placement. Growing up in the woods his whole life, something about the free air and birds chirping made him feel nostalgic.

Pops…

Mash knew his pops still believed he was in the school, trying to become a divine visionary to give them the peaceful life he always wanted. Especially for his only son.

Mash’s eyes grew hard, his pops needed him. His friends needed him; this wasn’t the time for old memories. Narrowing his eyes, he put his other superpowered sense to use. All the training he did to spot a specific acorn from miles away, and then aiming for said acorn was finally going to pay off. Mash leaped into the air; many times, higher than the tallest structure in the bandit camp.

He quickly looked for his friends or that vampire woman, only spotting a makeshift arena. Shrugging in mid-air, he changed trajectory and launched towards the arena. He’s bound to get some answers here, when in doubt, look for the biggest building.

As soon as he neared the ground, he twisted and landed on his feet with both knees spread out. Instead of trying to bounce off of the ground harmlessly, he made sure to make as much of an impact as possible. Something about these guys just screamed insecure to him, the need to flex their muscles as much as possible to prove they’re not worthless members of society. If there’s even a society here.

Plus, he also liked flexing his muscles sometimes.

Dusting off the dirt from his pants and cloak, he cracked his neck. The arena was bigger than he first thought, with a stone floor even. The floor even has pretty looking symbols and logos etched into it. Guess they thought it looked deep and cool. Surrounding the stone arena floor, the walls were made of wood but didn’t look cheap. These guys put a lot of time and effort into this thing. Too bad Mash will probably break it.

“Curious…” Behind him, he heard a familiar bloodsucking voice. “Your aura isn’t normal.”

“Maybe your ‘aura’ isn’t normal.” Are they talking about his non-magical status? If so, then Mash has to finish this quickly so they don’t report him to the bigwigs. If they do find out, he’ll have to make sure they never talk. Besides, what’re a few bodies in the forest? No one will find them anyway.

“Always have an answer, don’t you? Even when they're wrong or just ridiculous.” The vampire was shaking her head, chuckling with mirth. Mash noticed a lot of the creeps surrounding them, more so on her side. She’s probably the leader or something.

“Where are they?”

“Who?”

Mash stared.

“So dramatic… they’re inside the arena. Shall we join them?” She turned around. Mash followed. I kinda feel bad for her, being in the sun for so long must hurt.

“Why do I get the feeling you’re thinking something moronic?”

“You’re just projecting, that’s not a healthy way to live.”

When they got inside, Mash found himself staring at a suspended cage. A cage housing all of his friends. Well, two of them. The cage slowly got lifted by a wooden crane until it was high in the air above the arena, looking down on them all.

“Do you like it? I’ll admit it’s impractical, but it gets the point across.” Behind the mask, Mash could feel she was smirking. It was starting to annoy him.

“You really are a vampire.”

Her fingers twitched, “For the love of-My name is Raven Branwen. I am a human in case you can’t tell.” One of her eyes were twitching as well, Mash admitted it was a little satisfying seeing her so miffed.

“Are you sure? With your red eyes and pale skin, you could be.” It made sense really.

She answered in a snippy way, “Quite sure, now enough of this… just out of curiosity what did you think of the tribe?”

“Tribe?” He scratched his head, trying to recall his earlier thoughts. “Well, to be honest, it reminds me of home.”

“You grew up in a tribe?”

He shook his head, “No, but I lived in the woods with pops my whole life.”

She hummed, intrigued. “Is that so, is your father also like you?”

“Nah, he doesn’t like fighting.” That’s the main reason he wants to be a Divine Visionary, so he and his pops could live in peace.

Clicking her tongue, she shook her head in disappointment. “Such a tragedy, growing up with someone as cowardly as your father.”

“...huh?”

“Is that why you left him, you just couldn’t bear the sight of him anymore so you left without looking back?” She took off her mask, showing him her teeth.

“Look… I can tell you're really insecure and I kinda feel bad for you, but that’s the second time pops got made fun of today.” Mash took a step forward, leaving a small crater for a footprint. “It’s starting to make me mad.”

Raven was silent before she put her mask back on. “It seems I hit a chord; this banter has taken up too much of my time. Let us begin.”

Mash noticed her hand holding the hilt of her sword in a death grip, he wondered how close he came to her trying to bisect him.

He guessed it didn’t matter, she’s getting her chance soon anyway.

MSHL

Raven was giving introductions, playing up the fight between them. Grandstanding herself, and showing absolute confidence in her ability to win. Mash, on the other hand, was just standing there waiting for her to finish. Man, this is taking forever. Is she done yet? How long can you just talk about yourself?

Waiting for her to utter the words, ‘ready, ‘start’, or even ‘go’, Mash desperately wished he had some more cream puffs. The ones he ate in preparation weren't enough to sate his appetite. Was he addicted? Is this what addiction was like?

...Nah, can’t be. his passion was simply that, passion.

“Are you prepared, little boy?” With her finally finishing up her speech about strength, power, and or powder in that order, Mash nodded. Taking the time to neatly fold his dress shirt, tie, cloak, and dress pants off to the side, he got into a ready position. He also ignored the mocking laughter that met his ears.

Raven cocked her head to the side, “What a strange fighting style, did your weakling of a father teach you that?”

The floor broke under his heels as he rocketed towards Raven. She had barely enough time to roll her eyes as a portal appeared before her.

Right before reaching Raven, Mash stuck one foot into the ground, pivoted his hips avoiding the portal altogether, and drove his elbow into her face. Crack went her avian bone mask, as the shattered pieces clattered when they hit the floor. To her credit, Raven managed to right herself quickly after his elbow threw her away from him.

Spreading her stance, she unsheathed her blade. The dark crimson reflecting her damaged eye, revealing bloodshot rage. “Oh, sorry about the eye. I guess. We can stop if you want?” Growling, she stabbed towards him. The curved blade already aiming for Mash’s head intent on turning him into a shish kabob.

The ready Mash cocked his neck to the side to avoid the pointy stick. Unfortunately getting him in range of her knee. Exhaling some air, he got pushed back as he quickly dodged the sharp edges aimed at him. While Abyss was faster in his attacks, Raven’s were a lot more calculated. Perfectly calibrated to cause the most damage and pain.

Realizing this stalemate, he backed off and cracked a knuckle. The resulting shockwave surprised her, how a simple popping of a bone can causes enough air pressure to push her back she had no idea. Mash took advantage of this momentary lapse in concentration by following up with a fist aimed at her center mass while he himself stayed low to the ground.

The sheer power of that attack would’ve broken through her armor if her aura hadn’t protected her. Instead, she got thrown to the ground cratering it.

"Can we go now?"

Laughter met his words, even the downed Raven joined in. They're like a cult. Weird.

Still chuckling as she got up, Mash got a good look at her face for the first time. "You… could it be?"

Furrowing her eyebrows, she looked at him carefully.

"You don't have a mark."

"Mark?"

You don't know?"

"Speak quickly, we're in the middle of our match." Raven's tone suggested she wasn't the most patient person.

"Wow, you really are homeless." Raven bristled. "If you don't have a Mark, then you're not born with magic." Mash ignored the widening of her eyes as he discovered a revaluation.

Mash could finally understand why they lived like this, why they were so insecure about themselves. It seems so obvious now, the woods, the staring, the weird portal-

Wait a minute… portals are made of magic right? Then that means…

"Someone gave you your magic." Mash stared hard. Those inmate guys everyone keeps talking about can give artificial magic to people. They gave some to Abel, maybe they could've…

Raven schooled her expression, "Magic you say, you believe in such fairy tales?"

Mash ignored her, "You planned for this, didn't you.”?

Snorting, she shook her head. "Stop being an idiot, the only reason I'm even tolerating you is that you're strong."

"You should kick us out, we won't mind." The other two might be unconscious, but Mash was sure they'd agree with him.

"Oh, but I'm having such a good time!" In a glint of dark metal, Raven thrust her katana straight into his face with all her strength.

Creak Raven's blade clattered, stuck between his front and bottom front teeth. instinctively, before Raven could even think to pull it out, Mash bit down. Crack

Mash spat out shards of metal, "Ew, your sword tastes awful." He watched as Raven wordlessly sheathed her blade.

"It has been a while since anybody has made me experience a first."

"Um, 'kay?"

"If you want your friends, then you'll have to keep a secret." She said as she closed her eyes.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Mash wasn't really good at lying, whenever he tries to, he gets too nervous.

He went ignored as red flames started spewing from her eyes. Opening them, her eyes blazed with power. "Are you ready to stop holding back?"

Mash took a stance, fists at the ready and feet parallel to each other. Yellow eyes hard as diamonds. "I knew it."

Those critical thinking lessons really paid off. Lance would be so proud.

Chapter Text

The temperature of the arena steadily decreased, slowly but surely the entire area was frosting over.

“Ice magic, huh?” Mash took in the change and kept his breathing deep and steady, letting his breaths keep him warm. Already he could feel his muscles loosening up, heartbeat steadying, and blood flowing. “Shouldn’t be too hard. I can handle some snowballs.”

Raven grinned, “I’m sure you can.” Instantly in front of her floating form, several large ice spikes appeared and sharpened. Without a word, the spikes launched themselves towards Mash. Right before they could impale him, Mash breathed deep and exhaled just as he launched a punch of his own. The two forces, magic and muscle, met in the center.

The ice stopped, before getting thrown back by the air pressure caused by the sheer power of his fist. Raven remained undeterred, allowing her ice to get closer until she turned and redirected the ice shards around her form and back at Mash. This time, the ice was shaped into tiny dagger-like shards, allowing them to cut into Mash’s body.

Mash dodged and weaved the shards, but they moved in every single direction, seemed to follow him, and didn’t let him ready an attack. Thinking on his head, Mash thought of what ice was weak too. Ice melts, so a fire is its weakness. A tiny smirk appeared on Mash’s face, unseen by anyone except for Raven.

Still dodging the sharp shards, Mash rubbed his hands together. Rubbing so fast his hands were a blur, they eventually were aglow with an orange heat that melted any ice that came close to his hands.

Not enough. Taking his superheated hands and clapping them together, he ignited the chilled air around him. Causing an explosion of heat and wind that made anything cold to disappear in an instant. The resulting smoke and evaporated ice fogged the arena making it impossible to see both combatants.

“How’s that for a magic trick?” Mash got a pretty big surprise when Raven came out of the smoke unharmed. Waving her hands in fluid motions, the smoke was blown away by her own manifested wind.

“Nice trick, would you like to see mine?” Thrusting her hands out, concentrated beams of flame shot towards him. The flame struck the spot he was at and vaporized the floor. When Mash was nowhere to be seen Raven looked to the sky and charged one powerful jet of hell’s fire.

Mash noticed her charging her magic and had no interest in dodging. Instead, he inflated his lungs. An imposing pillar of fire approached Mash, set on cremating him. To match her attack, Mash blew as hard as he could, the chilled air from his exhaling breath clashing with an inferno. The two sides remained in their stalemate until Mash felt himself run out of air.

Purely on instinct, Mash rummaged through his pocket until he found a gold coin. It was his first gold coin, the only one he earned himself. Remembering his second encounter with Abel, Mash readied his next attack. As soon as his exhale finished, Mash threw his coin at the still approaching pillar of fire.

When he threw the coin, he made sure that right before he released it he twisted it to make it spiral. Doing this, he made sure that when the coin meets the fire pillar, it got torn apart by the unstoppable spiral and nails Raven right in her center mass.

As soon as the coin met the fire, it met no resistance as it tore the flame apart, resulting in Raven getting her aura almost completely broken by the coin slamming into her chest and causing her to cough up blood.

Mash finally landed on the ground, looking impassively at Raven’s coughing form. “Do you give up?” His words enraged Raven, causing her to look up and level her best bloodshot glare at him. Mash had to admit, she was kinda creepy when she did that. “Guess not.”

“It’s funny, I never got your name.”

“Oh, it’s Mash. Mash Burnedead.”

“Mash… where did you find such strength?” It was nothing like she's ever seen, even Tai couldn’t make as much damage as he could.

Mash gave Raven a tiny, amused smile. “My pops.”

She stared at him, face blank. Eye twitching, she let out a belly laugh. Wiping the blood from her mouth and tears from her eyes, she gave a smile to Mash. It wasn’t the darkly amused ones like before or even a bloodthirsty one. She gave him a genuine smile like she was enjoying this fight. “Mash Burnedead, you enlighten me.”

“Okay?”

“When you brought up your knowledge on magic I thought you were my enemy, someone looking to steal and use my power like all the others.”

“Huh.”

“I now realize you’re much more than that and much too stupid to be working for someone else.”

“I’m not that dumb.” He just wasn’t good with books, that’s all.

“You fight for your friends, is that your secret?” Raven questioned, honestly.

“Listen, lady, I just want a peaceful life with my pops and friends.”

“And to do that you need enough strength to protect them, is that right?”

“I guess so.”

Raven chuckled, “In that case, there’s something you should know about your friends.”

Mash got on guard, “What’s wrong?”

“Their heartbeats were irregular, and bodies spasming sometimes. If you don’t hurry up and end this quickly you might end up burying them in the woods.”

Eyes widening, Mash wasted no time jumping towards Raven with the intent to finish this. Raven felt her smile taking on a more cruel smirk as she sidestepped his charge and shot his face full of lightning.

MSHL

Mash felt every fiber of his being spasming, his muscles locking up and falling out of his control. He shakily got up, already getting used to the effect. Until he felt another shock course through his system, causing him to almost fall down. Grimacing from the pain, he glared at Raven.

“People tend to become stronger when their loved ones are in danger.” The electric arcs in her hands became more and more unstable, as the sky itself clouded over and thunder sounded out like divine music. As Raven’s eyes got more intense, so did her magic. Crazy powerful streams of light coalesced into one singular beam of lightning. “I want you at your absolute strongest!”

Mash breathed in deep as he closed his eyes, “Full Body Magic.” As soon as the beam of divine fury neared him, Mash opened his eyes and spun on his heel catching the lightning strike in his hands. Keeping to the end of his rotating arc, Mash stomped a heavy foot and hurled the lightning bolt back at Raven. “Retro Macto.”

Eyes wide, Raven moved quickly. Jumping to the side in order to avoid being cooked alive. As soon as she blinked, right before her was Mash putting a knife-hand to her chest. Muscles tensing, Mash put his whole body into this final attack. “Full Body: One Inch Punch.”

Driving his fist into her center, Mash knocked the wind, blood, and Maiden state out of her, launching her back out of the arena, slamming into the wooden wall behind her, and destroying it.

The victory was his.

Raven sputtered as the wood dust got into her lungs, blood soon joined as she once again coughed the red substance out. Limping her way back to the arena was an accomplishment in itself, but through sheer will, she kept herself upright and conscious.

Looking over in the direction of her opponent, she found him fully dressed in his cloak and tie once again. “After all I inflicted, you seem none too worse for wear.”

“You weren’t good enough to take me down, vampire lady. Now…” Mash pointed an impeccably strong finger to the ground. “Put my friends down.” The sound of doom boomed as Mash glared at her.

Raven smirked, “I can still fight… but you seem to be in a hurry.” She motioned with her hands and the suspended cage above them slowly descended. Looking inside, Lance and Daut were still unconscious but now they were spasming. “I wouldn’t want to keep you waiting, they need the help anyway.”

Mash looked on, wide-eyed. “What’s happening?” He checked their heartbeats and found they were pounding.

The vampire shrugged, “Best to be going now, they might not last much longer.”

As Mash got ready to do just that, Raven put up a hand. “Or… you could stay here a little longer. I think I know what’s wrong with them.”

“Help them.” It wasn’t a plea, it was an order.

She smiled, “Oh I will, but in return, I’ll need a favor. One day I’ll come for you. I’ll give you a request you can’t refuse, then we’ll be even.” She held out a hand. “Do we have a deal?”

Living steel almost crushed her hand, “Help them.”

Subtly, Raven cradled her hand. “Follow me.” She then turned around and walked off.

Picking up his friends, Mash followed. This is why you should never make a deal with a vampire.

Chapter Text

Mash’s brain (also known as Mash) was one of the only muscles he couldn’t seem to train as well as the rest of his body. Pectorals? Lifted. Quads? Shredded. Biceps? Ripped. Abs? Toned.

Mind? He could memorize helping guides on all the different muscle groups and the benefits of protein all he likes. But when it came to the more technical aspects of private education or just too much information in general, his brain fizzles out.

Even so, he still tries his best. Giving up on pumping iron, even mental ones, was not an option! This is why he’s doing everything in his power to keep from passing out as Raven the Vampire took him and his friends to their medical tent and started to explain how their magic system was totally not magic and was instead a gift from the bastard gods ( Isn’t that the same? ) and how the dust they use that controls the elements is also not magic and instead a natural phenomenon caused by… something to do with rocks? Mash doesn’t remember.

At the end of her long-winded explanation, Mash could only muster up all his will to say one response; “Okay, what does that have to do with helping my friends?”

Raven was taken aback, “You- I just got done telling you how I could heal them by unlocking their aura!”

“Oh,” Mash muttered. “Why didn’t you just do that then?”

The Vampire Lady took several deep calming breaths, “Fine, just don’t forget the favor you owe me.”

“Okie Dokie then.” 

Raven rolled her eyes and began the healing process, placing her hand on Lance’s chest and muttering some words. “For it is in passing that we achieve creampuffs. Through this, we become a creampuff of virtue and creampuff to rise above all creampuffs, infinite in creampuffs, and unbound by creampuffs. I release your creampuff and by my creampuff protect creampuff."

Mash felt his entire body heat up, slowly falling onto a golden bed of creampuffs. The wondrous scent and texture alluring him to stay forever. This truly is heaven…

He looked around and found new additions to his fantasy, Lemon baking his creampuffs, further adding on to this tantalizing cascade of a sweet and nutritious experience. Daut was sitting in a recliner made out of creampuffs, dunking his creampuff in his herbal tea. Strange, but who am I to decline his indulgence. Lance wasn’t eating any of the perfect cream-filled balls himself but was instead feeding them to his little sister who is the most important and precious thing in the world and whoever says otherwise can go straight to hell! Lance totally has a sister complex.

And finally, there was his father, good ol’ pops. Simply sitting by his side with a proud and content smile on his face that said everything.

Mash sighed, he never wanted to leave…

…

“...ash!”

“Mash, you buffoon! Snap out of it!”

“Huh?”

“Stop drooling and focus!” Raven pointed to his friends, all healthy and no longer spasming. 

“Whoopee, thanks Raypire!” 

“Don’t ever call me that.”

“`Kay, now what?”

“Now?” She chuckled. “You put them on your backs and leave. I’m tired of this.”

“That’s a little mean.”

“It’s simply the truth. Good luck in… life.” After smirking, she just turned around and walked out of the medical tent.

Finally left alone, Mash looked to his downed friends. He could just carry them out of here, but he was kinda hungry. Maybe he could ask for some creampuffs first?

Just then he got an idea, they must be hungry as well! They needed nourishment!

Mash tried slapping them awake, but they remained stubborn in their tight grip of the sleeping dust. Shaking them didn't work either. 

"I don't wanna punch them, they might get mad…"

Mash thought long and hard, wondering about what could jolt them awake. Mash then thought about what he would awake to. This then led to Mash thinking about creampuffs, then Mash starting feeling warm and he slowly lowered himself into his pile of crea-

Slap  

Shaking himself off, Mash refocused. "If the taste, smell, or even mention of creampuffs is enough to wake me up… what about them?" Remembering the times his Pop's woke him up using his favorite confectionary, back when Mash hadn't gotten used to his strict workout regimen, he came up with an idea.

Clearing his throat, Mash whispered into Lance's ear. "Hey, your sister's here to see you."

With a speed that left even Mash impressed, Lance opened his eyes and literally threw himself off the medical tarp and out of the tent shouting, "Anna, don't be scared! Big brothers here for you!"

Mash felt himself cringe.

He then turned to Daut's unconscious body and said, "Hey Daut, some really hot guy is bragging about how he's better than you."

Daut didn't wake up, he erupted ! Exploding out of the tent, he bellowed at the top of his lungs, "WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS?! I'LL KILL 'EM THREE-NO, FOUR TIMES!!"

Dusting his hands off, Mash nodded to himself for a job well done.

MSHL

Exiting the destroyed medical tent, Mash was greeted to quite a sight. The sight of Lance standing over a Graviolied woman was normal enough, but seeing Daut scream over a pile of soot-covered bandits was different from how he usually saw Daut after a fight. 

"Who is this scum that thought she could fight me?"

"WHO'S NEXT HUH!? I'LL KILL ALL YA HANDSOME BASTARDS!"

Mash watched as the bandits all brandished their weapons and prepared to charge. He sighed and cracked his neck; the sound ruminating throughout the entire camp. That caught his friend’s attention, momentarily forgetting their ‘opponents’.

“Mash, buddy! There ya are, don’t worry I’ve got these jerks!” 

“Hmph, after we’re finished you got some explaining to do.”

Lance heard a slight whoosh of the wind and by the time he turned his head the pointed tip of a blade was pointed directly at his head. The only thing keeping him alive was Mash’s tight grip on the blade itself. Eyes widening, his concentration slipped and his attacker below his feet suddenly slipped away from his dissipated Gravioli. He jumped back as her own wrist blades swung towards his face. 

“You piece of shit! You think you can just mess with the Branwen Tribe!?” His attacker accused him. Personally, she attacked him first when he had awoken. Everything after was simply self-defense.

“I was simply defending myself from you and your psychopathic ways.” 

She barked out a laugh, “Oh, really! That’s rich coming from you! What kind of psycho just crushes someone like that!?”

“It’s rather effective, is it not?”

“Why you little shit.”

Lance’s opponent twitched before pointing her weapons at him. He assumed she would come charging at him again, but instead her blades opened up and started firing tiny and extremely quick projectiles. While Lance was certainly surprised, that didn’t stop him from conjuring one of his lesser-used spells. “Graviaegis.” 

A purple magic circle appeared in front of him, her projectiles came to a complete stop as they neared him. “Feh, cool semblance I guess.”

Cocking his head, Lance reversed the gravity of the metal casings fired at him, allowing him to launch the casings back at her. Rippling through the air, the metal cylinders exploded towards their original user.

The tribeswoman effortlessly dodged his attack and continued rushing his location. Firing more of those things at him. Lance was on high alert, keeping his protective spell in the direction of her relentless onslaught.

Lance knew the longer this went on, his shield would fail. He’s never been in a fight like this, against an opponent as fast and as ruthless as her. Even Mash had held back against him, so did he. 

Meanwhile, his attacker was still running circles around him, Making Lance feel like he was going dizzy. Thinking on the spot, he sprayed all the metal he collected from her in a sphere of devastation, forcing her to stop firing and disengage. Mentally smirking, Lance pointed his wand to the earth. “Gravioli Torture Pillar.” 

Rising out of the earth like an obelisk of power, Lance’s Torture Pillar towered over both Lance and the tribeswoman, casting a shadow over them. A crystalline pillar with a magic ball standing on top, it pulled everything into itself. Since he created it himself with his gravity magic, The Torture Pillar had its own gravitational pull. 

To her credit, she was able to resist the pull until Lance simply upped its power. She yelled in outrage as her body was stuck to the side of the pillar unable to even move. “You gotta be kidding me!”

Lance walked up to her, confident in his every step. “I assure you, I am not.”

“You can’t keep this up forever! Once you run out of aura I’ll put a bullet right between your eyes!” She screamed in defiance, yet gravity’s hold on her was absolute. 

“I’m assuming you surrender?” He ignored her growl. “Very well then, would you mind telling me how you fought like that?” In fact, now that he can get a good look at her he can see that she does not have a mark. Looking around, he can see every other person besides his friends having no marks of their own.

If they’re anything like Mash, then they must be formidable opponents to anyone other than him.

“Seriously? Fuck off!”

Mentally slapping himself, Lance realized his mistake. “Ah, apologies. I’ve been rude. My name is Lance Crown, a pleasure to meet you.” He then bowed in greeting. 

During her struggles, she let out a surprised laugh. “You’ve gotta be kidding me… right?”

“I, again, assure you that I am not.”

“Ugh, fine… names Vernal! Remember it as the name of the badass that’ll kick your ass once I get out of here!”

He nodded in thanks, “I see, well Miss Vernal I’d like to ask you a question.”

If she could still move, she would’ve slapped her face. “Oh for god’s sake!”

“Since you don’t have a mark, am I correct in assuming you don’t have magic?”

“Wha…? Of course, I don’t have magic ya dumbass!” 

“In that case,  it would be logical if your entire tribe suffered the same fate, am I correct?” 

“Stop playing dumb! Nobody in this damn world has any magic!”

This world, huh? Curious. “It seems we are not of this world, thank you for informing me.” He once again bowed in thanks.

His captive sighed tiredly, “Please tell me you’re kidding…” She almost pleaded.

“...no.”

Lance then went deep into his thinking pose. If this world has no magic, then that means we are either in the past, which is unlikely given those strange contraptions she fought me with, or we are on a completely different world with different cultures and customs, due to magic not existing.

Lance assumed that this should be an extreme shock to him, stuck in a different world, away from his goals, away from Anna… why was he so calm? Perhaps the extreme conditions and adrenaline have prevented him from fully processing the situation. Lance nods to himself, he’ll have a panic attack later. 

“Oi!” Lance is broken out of his intense thinking and crisis management by Vernal calling out to him. “Can I get down now?”

“That depends, do you promise to not attack me?”

“Not a chance, bub!”

“Then it seems we’re at an impasse.”

“Oh, I’ll impasse you all right.”

Lance sighed, this was going to be a long day, He wonders how the others are doing.

Chapter Text

Daut Barret and the Explosion Devil

Daut didn’t know what was happening, didn’t know who these people were, or even where they are. What he did know was that these jerkoffs think they’re better than him!

“You losers better get outta my way! I’m confused, somewhat tired, thirsty, and extremely hormonal! SO I CAN’T BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU IF YOU DON’T LISTEN UP!!”

All the surrounding bandits cocked their weapons, adding to their defined and bandit-like appearances giving them a cool factor that Daut just couldn’t overlook. “Is that a threat, brat ?”

It made him hate them even more, who did they think they were!? Believing their pretty looks alone will get them places! HE’LL SHOW THOSE RAGGEDY ASS BASTARDS!! “Nah! It’s a warning!” Showing off a sharp smirk, Daut twirled his spiked wand, beckoning them to come forward. “Give it to me! GIVE ME ALL YA GOT!!”

Small booms resonated from those handsome pricks, striking his body and forcing him back a few steps. Daut groaned, whatever those things were they stung like a suicidal bee! “My turn!”

He thrust his trusty wand out and yelled “DIE A HUNDRED TIMES!! MACHINE GUN EXPLOM!!” 

Dozens of exploding balls made themselves known, hovering over the crowd of bandits. He dropped them all like a bombing run and carpet-bombed the entire area in front of him, leaving nothing but a pile of soot-covered schmucks.

"Serves ya right! Just a buncha losers with rugged looks. Well not anymore!" He flipped them off for good measure.

He stood on top of his pile of human agony and bellowed at the top of his lungs, "WHO'S NEXT HUH!? I'LL KILL ALL YA HANDSOME BASTARDS!"

Looking down from his victorious tower, Daut smirked over at Mash who was just walking out of a burnt-up tent looking confused but satisfied as ever. "Mash buddy! There ya are, don't worry I've got these jerks!" 

"You cocky git!"

Daut turned and blasted his way down his handmade pile of explosive suffering, nailing the angry bandits as they tried to near him. With every bandit brought to their blown up demise, two more took their place.

It's like these bastards are multiplying!

Snarling, Daut summoned more exploding balls behind him. Instead of firing them in front of him, he aimed below him.

BOOM 

Rocketing above those lame bandits Daut attacked from above, keeping him safe from their weapons. At least until he started getting pricked from midair. Whatever they were shooting out of those things packed a punch especially since he started getting juggled in midair. “Not goin’ according to plan!”

His original plan was to keep up his bombardment from above, raining karmic justice for all the unattractive people of the world. With that plan shot to hell, he had to resort to his last-ditch effort. His trump card! Run like he-Retreat! That’s right, a strategic retreat is the smartest move to make in this scenario.

It’s a damn shame that Daut isn’t the smartest tool in the shed.

Narrowing his eyes, Daut fought through the pain thinking hard about his next move. He was thinking so hard in fact that he didn’t realize he was falling until he was suddenly rolling in the dirt. He quickly tried to get up but was instead kicked to the ground. He growled, but the onslaught didn’t end.

“Not so tough are ya!?”

“That one’s for my friend you blasted to kingdom come!”

“You really think I’m handsome?”

“Nows not the time to validate your looks, Berry!”

“When is it the time then!?”

Daut could barely hear them, instead of focusing on anything besides the pain. Somehow, he held strong. Feeling hardier than ever before!

“You got some aura on you, kid! Wonder how long it’ll take to break!?”

Aura? Is that what the protections called? Too bad all it did was make his suffering last longer. Daut could only growl as they even tried stabbing him. He kept his grip on his wand, wishing he could Explom these fools! If he let off a spell in such close proximity, he’ll be blown to bits! At least that’s what his panicking brain told him. 

Daut was close to exploding anyway until his wand was snatched from his grip. His eyes frantically looked for the culprit, wishing nothing but explosive retribution on whoever’s responsible. He spotted his wand lying on the dirt and reached towards it, not even caring about the feet stomping on his outstretched limb. He was so close! Just a little bit-

Snap

He stopped, an inch away from his broken wand.

“Sorry about your stick! Things just happen you know?”

He clenched his bruised hand, fist-shaking. His forehead glowing.

“This all could’ve been avoided if you just kept napping like a good little boy and not think you can take on the Branwen Tribe!”

He growled once more, a much deeper baritone than before. Eyes brimming with such emotion they glowed.

His wand, given to him as a gift. From his… 

“Who the hell do you think you are!? Huh?” The piece of shit kicked him when Daut remained still. “Answer me!”

The only thing he had of her… 

Daut didn’t explode, he erupted. 

Giving a roar of absolute rage, Daut’s aura ignited and blew away all the bandits surrounding him. Standing up despite his injuries, he strode forward with red eyes unforgiving. Warding cross blazed onto his forehead, headband burnt off and forgotten.

Those pretty little bastards tried shooting. Their attacks became ash as he walked, undeterred by their boring resistance. His feet left scorched footprints on the earth, an eternal reminder of his rage.

Some brave idiots tried slicing at him. Their weapons heated and shattered as their blades came into contact with his blown up aura. Glowing eyes narrowed at their desperate flailing. Daut simply pushed out two palms and the bandits became acquainted with his close-range Explom. 

Daut scoffed at their smoking bodies embedded into the ground. They weren’t dead, they weren’t worth the effort. Daut breathed in deep, feeling somehow empty. As the cold air filled his lung, he almost gagged. This thin, tasteless air… it felt wrong. He looked around, there was no smoke, no ash, no inferno’s to bask himself in!

Floating orbs of unimaginable explosive power appeared in his outstretched hands. He grinned sharply, he could fix that! Daut tossed his concentrated Exploms around him. The air ignited and scarred the earth, bandits ran screaming. Running for their cowardly lives! He laughed as the air became darker, filled with the smoke he so much enjoyed!

He kept having the time of his life, causing boom after boom of destruction in the bandit camp. His grin turned maniacal, never having felt so alive! Daut knew something was wrong, this awesome power didn’t just come from nowhere. Something was wrong as he loved to inhale the burning earth and wood. 

He felt something similar once before, back when Love was their enemy. He defeated her soundly with his new-found power, but he was focused on the safety of his friend. But now?

Daut roared with power! He has no such reservations about this time! Nothing was holding him back! Nothing could stop his raging inferno! 

No! Something was still wrong. He felt choked, even with his strength. He felt like a hand was grasping him, making him move the way it wanted. Daut shook his head, growling. Nobody controlled Daut Barret, future Divine Visionary, and the main character!

But, if this hand made him so powerful. Feel so divine. Then was it so bad? He’d feel less muffled, less restrained if he just gave in. He could have all the power he wanted… the unholy might he needed to accomplish his dream. Daut just had to… give in.

He gasped, hands going to his throat. Coughing up the ash and smoke he previously inhaled. That hand grasped him tighter than before, almost like it was burning him. Daut went to his knees, trying desperately to breathe. 

Submit

Never! I can kill these handsome jerks myself!

Sweet little mortal… it must be so hard to breathe

Shut up! I’m doing just fine on my own!

You must be sick of being so pathetic, why not become so much more?

Daut’s body burned, his head aflame with thoughts that were not his own. He couldn’t move, trapped in this thing’s hand.

I don’t need your help!

But you need their help, why rely on the other mortals? They will throw you into hell if they were given this power

…

You are special… Daut Barret. I’m only giving this chance to you, I will grant you so much. Nothing will be a hindrance to you, you will truly become divine

Against his better judgment, Daut thought to all the times he lost. The Iron Fist’s that made him choke on his blood. The hateful glare’s from the people who took advantage of his infatuation. The wind that tore him apart, the stone maw that almost crushed him. The glance of utter annoyance from that rock-licker bastard! Like he was nothing but a bug to be stepped on.

He remembered the times he did succeed and how they were always taken away from him. When he completed Silva’s challenge and the insane mocking laugh that greeted him. The betrayal of the girl he took the beating for. When he defeated Love, only to almost die to the Fourth Fang. When Finn and Lemon praised Mash for saving them when he was the one that bled for them. 

He could remember Lance looking down on him, humoring him because Mash was his friend. Finn’s cowardice as he protected him with all his might. Mash forgetting about him. Love’s… usage of his injured state. He could remember it all.

So you understand… they will only use you. I promise I will not think so lowly of you. Whatever you want, I will give you the power to take it all. All I ask in return is your faith…

He almost considered it, almost submitted himself to the hand squeezing him so. 

But then he remembered… everything else. Mash standing up for him, getting angry on his behalf. Showing concern for him, picking him back up when he was unsure of himself. Lemon’s kind words, her worry towards him. How she and Lance accepted him even with all of his… quirks. He and Lance’s friendly competitive banter. 

Daut choked not on ash, but on his tears. He could remember Finn’s care for him, his friendship that he dearly wanted. The warm feeling of their dorm room, the easy smiles, the companionship he always craved. And finally, he could remember the tending to his wounds. How Lemon went out of her way to move him around in a wheelchair when he couldn’t walk.

He could still feel the way Love smothered him with her- AH, don’t think about that! Okay, moving on!

He could remember it all! As his tears stained the ground he so carelessly burnt he thought back to his most precious memory.

Stop cowering and start fightin’ back.

I can’t… if I do. They’ll just get worse. 

You give up too easily. But… that’s gonna be a problem. Once you get a real friend.

A real friend?

That’s right. Someone who’ll get sad or angry on your behalf. That kinda person comes along once in a lifetime. If you find that friend… never betray them.

This big bastard thinks he can just get him to betray his friend! The friend who… got angry on his behalf! The hand started to burn, even more, he didn’t care. The hand squeezed tighter, he didn’t care. His legs wobbled but he still stood up.

“GET OFFA ME YOU TEMPTING LITTLE PRICK!!” Even though he could almost smell charred flesh, he still resisted the hand that held him so tightly. The pressure was at an all-time high, he could feel his new-found power leaving him. Daut didn’t give two shits!

He roared as he forced the influence out of him, the seductive power being drained by sheer will alone. Slowly, ever so slowly the hand started to lose its grip on him. Daut pushed on last time and sprang free from the unholy clutches of his power, feeling drained yet… fulfilled. 

Perhaps I was wrong, you are not as pitiful as I thought

Go to hell you probably handsome bastard!

A cute choice of words, you still have much to learn…

With those parting words said, the voice and hand left. Their presence went as well. Daut could finally breathe. As the cool air filled his lungs, Daut laughed. What the hell just happened?

Finally getting his legs to move, he walked down the path of destruction he created. Wincing at the burning tents and scarred earth around him. He did however smirk at the bandits cowering in fear at the sight of him. Serves them right! Who just breaks someone’s wand-like that!?

Daut kept walking until he joined up with his friends, victorious as usual. Lance with a scowling girl stuck to a floating pillar, weird but he doesn’t judge, Much.

Mash looked a little cut up but he doubted the creampuff loving madman even felt it. 

Lance nodded to him, “Good to see you up and about. I didn’t know you were so competent.”

Mash lazily looked over to him, “Dunno what happened to make you blow up like that but it was pretty cool. Where’d your headband go?”

Daut blinked… then he showed off a toothy grin, “I guess you could say, I’m a man of many mysteries!”

They all chuckled as the bandit camp was destroyed around them. Bandits watching in an awed stupor. Just another day in their young lives.

Yup, he wouldn’t trade this for anything,

Chapter Text

Rayne Ames and the Hunting Season

The Divine Visionary of War strode onto the Adler Dorm of Easton Academy. Presenting an air of complete confidence and indifference.

His slightly hunched posture made him stalk the room, casting an image of a bird of prey. Ready to strike at any moment. 

Nobody dared bother the newly minted Divine Visionary on a mission, students and teachers alike practically throwing themselves out of his way. His two-toned hair of black and yellow makes him easy to spot.

It didn't matter that he was still technically a student himself, it didn't matter where he came from or his relatively young age. Everyone knew that when a Divine Visionary walks, you move out of their way.

Rayne Ames himself didn't have any strong feelings about his alumni. It was a place that helped him hone his skills, yes. But it was just that, a place. A place filled with superiority complexes as big as buildings, and egos as fragile as the ear of a bunny. 

An uninterested gaze fell upon his old dorm, compared to the two other dorms it was the least hostile to those less privileged. That wasn't saying much as the Lang Wolves and Orca Whales were more alike than they might think.

Lang may think themselves superior because of bloodline but Orca thought themselves superior because of intellect. Both of them had little time for those they thought were inferior.

The Adler Eagles at the very least didn't care about status since most of them were peasants themselves.

It certainly gives context to the look of the dorm, Rayne thought as he set his gaze upon the interior of his dorm. One could only describe it as home-like. It felt more like the interior of a large house than a prestigious academy.

Sofas, warm fireplaces, and modest kitchens certainly built a cozy image. 

It made Rayne almost sick, all the coziness of a bonfire with none of the warmth. It made Rayne think of home, and the brother he had to leave behind. 

Running a tired hand over his face, Rayne gave a quiet sigh. He wasn't here to relive memories, he had a missing student to find.

"It brings you back, huh Master Rayne." A spider lowered himself onto his shoulder. 

"It's been less than a year, there is no nostalgia." His cold yet soft voice carried itself throughout the empty dorm room, just next door was his next destination.

"Aw, don't be like that!" His companion swung around him, looking around the lavish walls covered in old paintings of dead people. "In spider years, that's a hell of a long time. It's been so long, I feel like a cobweb!" He cackled at his own spider pun.

"Not your best work."

"I'm just warming up my blood, oh wait, I don't have any!" 

Rayne let out a more good-natured sigh. If his puns were still terrible, then all was right with the world.

If only he could believe that.

MSHL

Finn Ames sat nervously on the recliner across from Daut's very own seat that was bought from him. Who knew Emerald Splash tea could smell so good… 

A faint smile graced his freckled features, before dropping. He sat in the seat Lance usually reclined in, sweeping his jittery gaze to the kitchen Mash loved to bake in. It was still unused since he last baked his very first batch of creampuffs. 

Unused and spotless, just like Mash taught him. Mash always cleaned up after himself dutifully, never missing a spot. Finn wondered if his friend would be proud of the way he kept his kitchen clean, just like how he was proud of him before he… left.

...pausing briefly to wipe the tears from his eyes Finn sat there, waiting. Surrounded by the memories of his friends. 

The clock ticked and tocked as Finn did his best to keep it together. It wouldn't do for him to give in to his sorrow, he's cried enough tears.

Besides, he couldn't answer questions while babbling like a cowed little lamb. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Keeping them shut and just focusing on his breathing. In and out, in and out.

It's been a while since he did this routine. He hadn't had an outburst in a while so he hadn't needed it. Now he was meditating to calm a different emotion this time.

Eventually, he centered himself enough to calm down. Opening his eyes, he came face to face with his older brother silently staring at him.

"AAAAAHHHHHHH!!" Jumping so high out of the place he was sitting, he swore he grazed the ceiling with his forehead. He began to fall back down, eyes wide with terror before stopping. 

Cold metal greeted him as he lied down in midair. An ornate sword broke his fall and caught him before he could hurt himself.

Gently lowering him down, Finn slowly peeled himself off the magic made weapon and gingerly sat back down. Head bowed in shame.

"I see you're keeping up with your meditation." His brother's calm and composed voice echoed through the quiet room. Only the light cinders and sparks of the fireplace answered him.

Rayne unknowingly sat in Daut's chair, folding his fingers and crossing his legs as he tried to get comfortable in the awkward atmosphere. 

"Aww, he's just adorable as always! I just wanna eat him up!" Finn twitched as the Arachnabus landed on his shoulder, sharp fangs jutting in a facsimile of a grin.

"H-Hello to you too." Finn really didn't want a giant spider on his shoulder but it would be rude to throw him off. "I can answer any questions you have."

His brother nodded, "Where were you at the scene of the crime?"

"I-I was hiding behind Daut, then the portal started to suck everyone in. I was hanging onto the floor near Daut before Lance grabbed him in a panic. They all disappeared into that portal…"

"I see, the portal stopped and disappeared as soon as those three entered?" 

Finn nodded shakily, "Yeah, they all just vanished at the same time… even that Portal Master." He closed his eyes and looked to the side, ashamed of himself. "If I was any closer, I can't help but think I could've been the one Lance grabbed. It should've been me, they all had a future! Why wasn't it, me!?"

"Enough." Rayne stood back up to his full height, looking down on his hysterical little brother. "It should've been no one, do you understand me?"

He said nothing, only the shaking of his shoulders gave away he was listening. 

Rayne stared before he hesitantly put a hand on Finn's shoulder. "The only one who did anything wrong was the Portal Master. I will find him, and I will make him regret being born. I promise."

"...okay. I can answer some more questions if you want."

Rayne was silent for a moment, before nodding and taking his hand off Finn's shoulder. He sat back down, "I apologize for making you relive these memories but I don't understand something."

"What?"

"I can see why they would take Mash and the Crown Scion, but why the Barrett kid? From what I understand he is nothing special." Rayne asked, not unkindly.

"I may be wrong, but back when we were fighting the Magia Lupus I saw Daut defeat a second-liner really easily."

Rayne nodded, “That’s impressive for a one-liner, first year, but not anything too noteworthy.”

“No, I know! But when he did it, I saw his forehead glowing!” Rayne’s eyebrow shot up, could it be? “I couldn’t see too well, but I could swear there was a cross on his head. Weird, right? It gave him a pretty big power boost though, his voice was weird too…”

“How weird?” Finn twitched, he forgot about the giant spider on his shoulder. “Was he putting on a voice? I know I can sound pretty dusty when my blood gets flowing, oh wait!” He cackled right in his ear.

“H-He sounded pretty deep, too deep. Like a… demon or something. That might just be the adrenaline talking.”

Rayne sat up abruptly once again, “Thank you for your time, that will be all.” He bowed at the waist once before making his way to the door.

“Brother!”

Stopping at the door, with his hand on the handle Rayne looked back. Finn bit his bottom lip and lowered the hand he raised. “It’s nothing.” He bowed his head. “Godspeed.”

Rayne paused, before closing his eyes. “Next time we meet, it will be with your friend in tow. Goodbye, brother.” With that said, he left closing the door behind him with a soft click.

Finn collapsed in Lance’s chair, bonelessly slumped. Tired beyond belief. “You better…” He sat surrounded by the memories of his friends, and the unspoken promise from his brother. 

Just one more to add to the pile.

MSHL

Rayne shook his head walking the streets of the kingdom, the bustling activity parting wherever he stepped. Honestly, it was a strange feeling going from getting ignored or ridiculed to having others metaphorically bowing at his feet, sometimes even literally.

"Those were some good talks, ya think so Master Rayne?" 

"They were informative, if strange." Finn gave him some useful information but seemed to be taking the events hard. It was why he made that promise to him, he needed some hope.

Lemon Irvine, was next on the list. When he got to her room she was nowhere to be seen, apparently, no one has seen her ever since her friends disappeared. That was both disappointing and concerning to hear.

The Magia Lupus members who were also witnesses weren't much help, but it helped to get a different perspective on things. Apparently, this 'Chellington' was after Abel the entire time. Mash, the Crown Scion, and the Ira Kreuz were simply collateral.

Love, the Tornado magic-user who recently joined Adler, was especially distraught when she found out that her favorite 'body pillow' was still missing. Rayne didn't need the wisdom of Athena to tell that he did not want to know.

Shuddering, he focused on his next stop. Since he was given charge of this case due to his previous job of keeping an eye on Mash, which he technically failed, Rayne received an owl-letter from Brad Coleman. He also happens to be the one who sponsored Mash for Easton in the first place. The letter stated they found one of the Portal Master’s lackeys and are currently holding him behind bars, apparently the man was just as confused as them on how Chellington made them disappear.

How lucky he was, getting a chance to interrogate some poor little bunny. Very lucky indeed, how he gets to claim his prize.

Striding onto the scene, forcefully opening the station's doors, the Sword Cane made his way to the prisoner cells. 

Getting there he was greeted by Brad Coleman, who looked as grim as him. Strange, why was he so invested in this? Ah yes, those who sponsor future Divine Visionary’s get prestige and recognition for ‘discovering’ divine talent. His ticket to success was missing, that was all.

Rayne still nodded, no words needing to be said. They both knew what was going to happen. Following Brad, as he gestured for him to follow him, Rayne prepared himself for his meeting with the prisoner.

Meanwhile, Brad lamented over his shattered ego as he had to bow his head to a kid who’s still in school. Brad forced himself to remember that the kid he was taking orders from was the Divine Visionary of War himself, a prodigy among prodigies. Who could skewer this building and everyone in it with a wave of his wand? So he swallowed his pride... and opened the interrogation room, bowing his head to his superior in both skill and God’s blessings. “The prisoner is just inside, Lord Rayne.”

Rayne once again nodded his head in gratitude, not that Brad could see, and walked in without a word. Brad shut the door as the Divine Visionary entered, breathing a sigh of relief. This was a long day, maybe now that they have some divine assistance they can actually get somewhere with the criminal, he was tough safe to crack.

Shaking off his thoughts Brad walked away from the interrogation room, knowing Lord Rayne would want his privacy. He ran a tired hand through his face… “Hope the brat is alright.”

The prey didn’t need to look up from where he was taking a nap to know someone entered the room, looking up he saw a famous two-toned hairstyle attached to the scalp of an uncaring face. He chuckled humorlessly, “Do my eyes deceive me? I should be honored that a DV came to visit little ol’ me.” 

Rayne took in the prisoner, chained to a cool, metal table, and dressed in a stained lab coat? “Apologizes for interrupting your nap, I need some information and when you give it, you can get on with your day.”

The prisoner slapped his hand against the table, laughing all the while. “Apology accepted! You know, I can’t believe I’m still alive. Word on the street is that...” He snapped his finger towards me. “You sir are very, what the kids say ‘trigger-happy’ against criminals.”

“You’re already in front of me, there is no need for me to unleash this ‘trigger’.”

“Good luck, you little mutt. Hope they don’t take away your treats when you come back empty-handed.”

Rayne chuckled, a single chilling breath that was grim and without any humor. “Oh? Well, this mutt happens to be on a hunt.” He slowly approached his prize. “And you are the trapped little bunny I’ve been looking to play with…”

The prisoner growled, “I’m right here, give it your best shot you unholy dog!”

“Oh, you poor thing. I think you’ll find…” The hunter summoned a sword in his outstretched palm, pointed straight at his head. Glimmering with divine retribution.

“That I never miss, little bunny.”

His screams went unheard of, echoing uselessly in his blood-soaked ears. 

Chapter Text

Mash Burnedead and the Non-Magic

“Ya should’ve seen those pricks! They just snapped my wand! Just like that, I mean who does that!?” 

“Hot-blooded barbarians. In fact, they remind me of you.” 

“Wanna say that to my face!?”

“I just did."

“OH YA WANNA GO, SMART MOUTH!?”

“It wouldn’t take too long, things are quite confusing these days.”

“Huh?”

Mash’s eyeballs ping-ponged themselves over to each of his friends since they began their trek back to civilization after their brief skirmish with the bandit tribe, barely caring about their newest argument. It was always something about these two, whether it was Daut complaining about Lance’s ‘stupid mug’ or how Lance keeps complaining about how Daut barely keeps his grades up. Daut usually responds with how he’s a specialist in combat and that, “I do the bare minimum with my brain, and leave the rest to the flick of the wrist!”

Whatever that means…

“God, I know you’re dead. But can you please give me a creampuff?” Mash pleaded, his kingdom for a cream stuffed golden confectionary of pure deliciousness! He doesn’t have a kingdom, but he’ll take one over if he has to!

Maybe he really was addicted to creampuffs? Nah, if anyone else was in his position they would do the same.

“After careful analysis and thorough investigation, I’ve come to the conclusion that we are no longer in the kingdom.”

Daut stared at Lance, eyebrow raised. “Oh wow, I never could’ve guessed that myself.”

Lance scoffed, “Let me finish, the tribeswoman I interrogated confirmed some of my theories. These people don’t believe in magic, and they all don’t have lines. A large population of lack-magics wouldn’t be possible at home.”

“Don’t say lack-magics, Mash might find it offensive.” 

“I doubt it.”

Mash was indeed not focusing on the terminology of Lance’s words. He was instead focusing on the fact that the Vampire Lady told him to keep her magic a secret. She also tried to kill them, so Mash didn’t feel inclined to listen to her. 

He remembered their last conversation,

“Keep my magic a secret, it would be in your best interest.”

“You’re kinda shady, I don’t know if I should. What if you’re a criminal?”

“I technically am.”

“In that case, I’m calling the police.”

Raven laughed, a sickly amused sound that reverberated in her throat. “Good lick with that. However, if you tell anyone else of my secret then be prepared to put the pieces of your friends back together.”

Mash got right up in her grill, bearing down on her with his merciless presence. “Now you’re just being mean, stop that or get punched.”

Raven shivered. In fear? No, something else. “I’d love to see you try.”

Mash shivered, not in fear but something else. He didn’t want to know why. Didn’t matter anyway, it’ll probably be the last time he’ll ever see her since he already fulfilled his one favor that he owed her by keeping her secret. Mash nodded happily to himself, it was nice to tie up loose ends. “Goodbye Raven, you were pretty cool for a blood-thirsty vampire.”

Daut noticed Mash talking to himself, especially when he mentioned Raven. “Raven, huh? So that’s her name… she was pretty hot.” Wait, no! Resist those temptations, Daut! You’re already planning on engaging Lemon! ARGH, but I love assertive women! Especially if they can step on me! Oh god… I need help!

While Daut was having a meltdown, Mash nodded. “Yeah, she was pretty hot-” By the time he covered his mouth, it was too late. Mash has just indirectly referenced her fire magic! If he’s not careful, he could reveal her entire secret, and then his favor will go unfulfilled! 

Daut, of course, was not privy to this. So he stopped himself in the middle of his meltdown to scuttle up to Mash, smirking all the while. “This is new… I never knew you’d be the one to two-time.” He beats his chest while walking beside Mash. “Honestly, Lemon deserves someone way better than you! Like me! I never betrayed her trust, unlike you!”

While Daut was waving his hands wildly, ranting at nothing but the air, Mash whispered over to Lance. “What’s he talking about?”

“You don’t want to know.” Lance was quite sure Mash wasn’t dating Lemon, especially since the only thing he’s attracted to is a creampuff. Daut was simply jumping to conclusions. Though, I never expected Mash to be interested in older women.

Daut’s raving was put to an end when he realized that, oh yeah, Lemon wasn’t with Mash in the first place! “In that case, all is forgiven, Mash ol’ buddy ol’ pal!”

“`Kay?” He was just glad that the Vampire’s secret is safe for now. Then he felt an arm wrap around his shoulders, “Come on Mash you can tell me, what is it about Raven that you’re into? Her hateful glare, the way she sneers at you as if you belong at the bottom of her heel? Or is it the fact that she keeps fingering her blade-like she’s itching to separate our heads from our bodies!?” 

Both Mash and Lance pause their stride to stare at Daut, wondering how much of a degenerate their friend is.

Daut shrank under their gaze, unable to look them in the eye. “I’m just… curious ya know?”

Mash shook his head, “It’s ok, we all like weird stuff, I’m passionate about creampuffs, you really like girls for some reason, and Lance has a sister-complex.”

Lance subtly ground his teeth, “How many times do I have to tell you, it’s not like that!”

They both shrugged, whether they believed him or not, it was fun to see their extremely high-strung friend get flustered. 

“Hooray for sibling love.” 

“Don’t make me kill you.”

MSHL

When dusk approached their long walk to civilization, Mash and the gang settled down for the night. When they realized they had nothing but the clothes on their back, they had interesting reactions.

Daut nodded, “Well then, we’re dead. It’s the end for us, we had a good run all things considered.” 

Lance shook his head, whether that was from the cold or just his usual disagreement with Daut, Mash didn’t know. “You give up much too easily, we simply start a campfire to stay warm.”

“Oh yeah! Good idea, hey Mash can ya get some firewood? Ya know Lance, for a pretty boy… you’re okay in my book.”

“Oh, joy…”

“Got it.”

Daut and Lance looked over to see Mash carrying an entire tree plus root like an aluminum bat while getting flanked by an entire pack of squirrels, they blinked, then pointed to each other. “Called it.” “Obviously.”

“Um guys, where do I put this? All these squirrels keep biting me.” Indeed they were nibbling their little teeth all over Mash’s uniform and exposed skin, he couldn’t even shake them off without hurting them. 

Taking a moment to laugh at his friend’s misery, Daut answered, “Just make it into a stump and we’ll use that!”

Mash looked confused for a moment, but after a moment nodded. “`Kay.” Turning the uprooted tree over in his hands, Mash karate chopped the bottom of the tree clean off. He threw the rest of the tree behind him, crashing down with a dull thump. “Here you go.”

Lance nodded in thanks before pointing to Daut, “Now it’s your turn, make yourself useful and light the campfire.”

Daut frowned, “And what the hell will you do!” Is this guy just gonna boss them around!?

Lance rolled his eyes, “You’ll see after you light this thing up.”

Scoffing, Daut raised his palms to the stump. Doing his best to will the smallest firecrackers that his magic can produce to light the fire. Daut closed his eyes sweating, he prayed they all make it out of this alive. Preferably with all their limbs attached and not blown off.

Crackle

Cracking his eyes open just a tad, they soon flew open when he saw the stump burning with a small, healthy flame. “Haha! I did it, I did a wandless spell!” Relief coursed through Daut as he figured out how to control his magic without a focus tool like a wand.

Strange, Lance thought, he seemed to be throwing giant explosions around just fine back at the bandit camp. He told me his wand was broken in the middle of the skirmish, why would he lie? He shook his head, it was none of his business. Daut could still take care of himself, he wasn’t like Finn. Not that he had anything against the younger Ames brother, in fact, he reminded him of Anna given his situation. Lance sighed, enough reminiscing, back to the task at hand.

Lance nodded to Daut, “Thank you, that wasn’t so hard now was it?”

“I will blow you up.” Daut reminded him.

“Next time, for now, watch me do my part.”

He aimed his wand at the thin flame and cast a light Graviole on top of it. Suddenly, as if it was blown on with a chimney fan, the flame burst into a warm, and cozy campfire.

Daut’s jaw dropped, “Did you just… gravitate the air to produce more flames? Is that even possible?”

Lance smirked, “Don’t question it.”

Shrugging, Daut found himself snuggling up to the fire. Rubbing his cold hands, he let out a shiver as his body relaxed. “Ahhh, now that’s the ticket. Nice work team!”

“What are you doing?”

Turning, Daut found a confused Mash looking at him weirdly. “Uh, not freezing to death.”

He shook his head, “A campfire is not complete without somewhere to sit.” Mash stated as if complete fact.

Daut raised a jagged eyebrow, “Who the hell said that?”

“The camp guide I got when I was a kid.”

“What,” Daut laughed. “Never had a camping trip before.”

Mash shook his head while looking down, “I never hung out with friends before.”

Grk! Daut gripped his bleeding heart, tears spilling from his eyes. “I’m so sorry Mash! I’m honored to be your friend!” 

Mash looked up, “Really?”

“Yup, ain’t that right Lance?” Daut looked pointedly at his fellow magic-user as if trying to say ‘don’t you dare hurt his feelings!’.

Lance shrugged, “You’re my friend.”

Giving a small smile, Mash felt happy. “Thanks, guys. To celebrate our first hang-out I’ll get us something to sit on.” His piece said Mash disappeared from sight.

“Wait, Mash-!” His warning came too late as Mash hovered in the air slashing a knife-hand to the top of three perfectly lined up trees. The tips fell off like they were simply erased from their wooden homes. 

Landing silently onto the earth, Mash launched another air-blade to the bottoms of the same topless trees. Like magic, the slash lifted the gigantic trunks and made them land onto Mash’s outstretched arms. All three of them.

Turning to his friends, Mash threw the wooden handmade chairs to the ground around the stump campfire. He spread his arms as if to say ‘Tada!’

Daut and Lance looked at each other and nodded. “I shouldn’t be surprised.” “It should be expected.”

Chapter Text

Lance Crown and the True Friend

Mash blinked tiredly as the cool light of the moon blanketed him, like a blanket of creampuffs…

It’s been a long time since he’s been this tired, and he knew exactly why. For the first time in his life, he’s run out of creampuffs.

Now, Mash wouldn’t call himself an addict, but if he didn’t sink his teeth onto a baked ball of happiness he might not make it to the morning! 

Mash didn’t feel like he was going through withdrawal, not that he would know what that was like. Instead, he felt a little drowsy as he stared into the slowly dying light of their makeshift camp. The embers of a once great fire fascinated him and thankfully got his mind off the rumbling in his stomach. Just the way they lit up and died down made him unable to look away. The heat reminded him of the heat of the oven as he took out a fresh batch of cream-

Slap "I think I'm dying."

Daut looked over from the log he was lounging on, "What makes ya say that?"

"I feel light-headed, my stomach feels weird, and my mouth keeps leaking."

Both Daut and Lance looked at each other, then nodded. "He ran out of creampuffs didn't he?" "I do believe you're right."

Mash groaned, "What do I do?"

"Here's an idea." Daut rose from his tree trunk seat, making his way over to Mash.

Outstretching his palm towards the sky Daut told Mash to, "Focus on the pretty lights." And out from his palm came sparkles, reminiscent of the ones that came from fireworks.

"Ooooh!" Mash was instantly mesmerized, the campfire had nothing on this!

Unbeknownst to Mash, Lance came from behind and started massaging Mash's scalp. "It's been a long day, why don't you take a rest?"

Despite the tenderness of the act and the relaxing effect it had on him, Mash was instantly suspicious. "W-what is this, some kind of plan to steal all my creampuffs?"

Both of Mash's friends looked at each other and shrugged. They continued their assault of kindness and lulled Mash to sleep. 

Right as he was about to pass out, Mash slurred in his sleep. "I never… sleep… without… cre-"

"Shh, just dream about the creampuffs."

"Allow me." Lance pulled out his wand and started to massage Mash using small gravity waves.

Daut saw this and found it bullshit! "How the hell…?"

"Don't ask."

MSHL

Minutes passed, Mash’s breathing seemed to be subtle and stable. His head comfortably resting on a nearby log with his student uniform covering his sleeping body.

The two students with opposite hair colors breathed soft sighs of relief, they were worried they would’ve had to deal with a Mash on creampuff-withdrawal. Thankfully Mash seemed to not be as addicted as they previously thought. Hopefully, probably.

Daut shook off his hands, using his palms as makeshift sparklers was surprisingly painful. What kind of idiot doesn’t know that setting off hot, miniature explosions in their bare hands would hurt? It was Daut, he was the idiot. “Man, that took way too long. I give my full respect to Mash’s dad, how he put him to sleep every night is a secret I wanna know!”

Lance shushed Daut, “Be quiet! You can gush about Mr. Burnedead later.”

Daut, in response to this, acted with the utmost maturity and stuck his tongue out.

Of course, Lance rolled his eyes at his childish behavior, before continuing on. “One of us needs to keep watch, who knows what kinds of magical creatures exist in this world.” 

Daut raised an eyebrow, “‘This world’?

“It’s just a theory of mine.”

“Oh c’mon, do ya ever listen to yourself? How the hell did some random magic portal send us to another world, nobody’s that powerful.”

“That portal also changed color and became increasingly unstable, something tampered with it.”

“I don’t know, those bandit bastards were pretty surprised to see us.”

Lance shrugged, “It’s only a theory, I’ll work on it.”

Daut nodded, still finding the other world theory hard to believe. Honestly, stating bullshit like that without evidence is just stupid. And here I thought Lance was supposed to be the smart one! Hah!... wait a minute, that weird magic barrier I had earlier. I never used that before! No basic magic could conjure passive protection as strong as that, I only got it after we woke up at that bandit camp. Could it be…?

Shaking his head, Daut pushed all those thoughts away. He wasn’t enough of a nerd to figure all that stuff out. He’ll leave the critical thinking to Lance. “You do that, I’ll take the first shift.”

Lance frowned, he had planned on taking the ‘burden’ of keeping watch. Asking Daut was nothing more than a formality. This way, he can work on his poetry some more! It’s been approximately 24 hours since he last wrote something in his poem book, his longest time ever being away from his papers. “No, don’t bother yourself. I’ll take it.”

Daut scowled, what was with this guy? Shouldn’t he be glad that Daut’s taking such a selfless action to help him? This wasn’t good, Daut planned on using the alone time to take care of his wand. It’s been a while since he’d given it a good-!

Oh yeah, it’s broken…

Damnit! His perfect excuse, ruined! Hmm, he still has some other stuff to sort out. Might as well stick to his original plan, just with some changes. “Didn’t ya hear me? I said I’ll do it.”

“I heard you just fine, I just didn’t listen. I’m more than happy to take the night watch off of your shoulders”

“Oh, I bet ya would be!” Daut growled, “What’s got ya so impatient anyway? What’re ya plannin’?”

“I’ll retort using the correct way of saying sentences; what are you planning on doing?”

Daut looked away, “Just taking care of some stuff.”

“What a coincidence, so am I.”

“Whatever! I don’t need your permission!” Daut roared as the campfire’s kindling reached another turning point, launching a higher than normal flame into the air. Illuminating Daut and Lance’s stubborn faces. “I’m taking the night shift, try and stop me!”

Lance felt his eye twitching at the sight of the stubborn, beat-red ox in front of him. “Fine then, we’ll both stay awake. Making the two of us sleep deprived!”

“Well good! ‘Cause sleep is for the weak anyway.”

“Hmph.”

“Harumph.”

The two contrasting boys turned away from each other, crossing their arms in mutual indignation for each other. Lance got busy by opening up his jacket cloak and taking out his personal poem book. While Daut angrily got his pocket-sized wand cleaning kit out and quickly opened it up to inspect the two broken pieces of his wand.

Eyes softening at the sight of his beloved prized possession now defiled in such a way, Daut waived a hefty sigh as he began to brush off the dirt in between the spikes. It may be broken beyond repair, but that was no reason for it to be filthy. Say what you will about Daut Barret, but he is surprisingly domestically competent. He might also be bored, whichever answer is the best.

Humming a soft tune to himself, Daut gingerly turned the top half of his wand around as he got the dirt in the little curves of the spikes. Lance looked over from his poems to see that Daut has his own wand cleaning kit? Where in the nine-hells did he get that? Did he bring it with him? Is that something people like him do?

Daut noticed Lance staring at him with those creepy half-lidded eyes of his and barked out, “What?”

Lance jerked back, “Nothing, I just noticed your wand kit.”

Daut looked down at his little box filled with miniature cleaning accessories, brow furrowed in confusion. “Yeah, what about it?”

“Could I…” Lance swallowed, forcing himself to also swallow his pride. “...borrow it after you’re finished using it?”

...Daut smirked, "What was that?"

Lance looked away, knowing where he was going with this. "You heard me."

"I have bad hearing, say it again."

Lance took a deep breath, calling upon all the etiquette lessons the ones he disowned made him attend. "Would you please , grant me permission to use your wand-cleaning kit?"

Cupping his ear in his hands, Daut delivered the final blow. "Who're ya talkin' to?"

"...please, Daut?"

Daut paused, taken aback by his sincerity. The stuck-up pretty boy never said his name before without it being an insult.

"Ya sure, in a minute." 

Lance nodded in thanks, not trusting his voice to not ruin the goodwill in an instinctual high-class insult.

A moment later, Daut set his tiny tools down to inspect his work. The wood was oiled and freshly shined, his spikes brushed and immaculate, and the tip was sharpened. You never know when you need to establish dominance by shanking the biggest guy around with a wand. 

Not that he's speaking from experience, but in the very unlikely case he'll need to establish his dominance, Daut will be ready.

He packed up his kit and passed it over to the patiently waiting Lance. "Many thanks."

"Yeah, yeah…"

Dutifully getting to work, Lance got set on oiling his Magnolia wand. He frowned at the number of marks and scratches that littered the once pristine item. He might have to sand it off, which is a double-edged sword in of itself.

If the scars on the wood are shallow enough, then sanding them down is a simple affair with no structural damage being done. However, if you haven't cleaned your wand in a long time, the damage builds up to the point where sanding it does even more damage. One might even damage the core of a wand with enough sanding, causing the entire stave to become useless.

Growling in frustration, Lance wiped his wand down. He can't risk losing his wand, he doubts he'll be able to get a replacement if his theory proves to have merit.

The night continued, both in comfortable silence. Until Daut opened his mouth.

"Is it important?"

Lance looked up from his work, "Hmm?"

Daut looked down at the two pieces of his once-great wand, "Is that wand important?"

Lance was silent, he didn't want to explain everything. Keeping to himself has done him good ever since he left that place. Sharing his life story would only prompt a pity party, something he's had enough of.

Even so…"Yes, it is."

Daut nodded, "I get ya."

Thinking the conversation is over, Lance went to keep working-

"My big-sis gave it to me."

"What?"

"For my 11th birthday, said it'll fit me," Daut smirked, if only for a second. "After that she got sick."

Lance swallowed, "I understand."

"She was always stubborn, more than anyone I knew." 

"Daut, you don't have to."

"Too bad, I want to. Now, where was I…? Oh yeah, took like five years for her body to give out. But her mind was as sharp as ever, enough to give me a verbal ass-kicking whenever I messed up." 

Lance stayed silent throughout all of his remembrances, he had a feeling he needed this. 

"I came home every day to tell her my day, even the most boring bits. After I finished, she would always ask me if I got a friend. Someone who would get angry for me. I hated always saying no, her face just kept falling every time. Tried lying, never worked. Always pissed my pants when she got mad." He chuckled, wiping his manly tears before continuing.

"She never stopped fighting, it was so cool and terrifying at the same time. Why the hell did she have to get hurt? I hugged her all the time, just wishing she could hug me back… last year, I hugged her for the last time." 

He sniffled, holding back. He knew he wouldn't be able to stop once he started.

"Damn, it's been a while since I talked this much." Daut's voice kept getting rougher as he talked, "Lance, I just want ya to know that I don't really hate ya. Just your looks."

"I've been meaning to ask, why do you hate handsome people?"

Daut chuckled, "I didn't really have much to do before Easton, just kept walking around town. Did some people-watching, probably shouldn't have. Always seeing those happy bastards just pissed me off! Them, with their happy families and stupid pretty faces, hugging without a care in the world. Why did they get to be happy? I was the same as them, why couldn't I have the same things? I just-" His voice cracked, "I wanted to hug my family too! I wanted to smile at them, and give them gifts! I-I wanted to…" 

"I wanted to be happy…"

Panting for breath, Daut held his chest. Feeling his heart thumping, filled with adrenaline. He forced himself to calm down, he continued.

"Over time, I started to get the stupid idea that the only way to be happy was to have a family. So, like the idiot I was, I went off to find myself a girlfriend." He smirked at Lance, "Ya can guess how well that went."

"My sis told me to never doubt because even in a world of deceit, there will always be someone who won't betray your trust. That once in a lifetime friend."

He smiled at Lance, momentarily blinding him by the sheer happiness of Daut's smile. "I just never thought I'd get four once-in-a-lifetime friends! Oh! If only sis can see me now!" Daut threw his head up and laughed, full of cheer and victory. Lance never heard any forced laughter or false jubilancy, Daut was simply happy.

Is this how much he cherishes us, even me? Lance simply studied the content look on Daut's face, there was no tensed muscle, barely contained rage or even a scowl. Stuck in another world, and he's only glad he's here with his friends.

Lance looked away, unable to look anymore. "Idiot, I never wanted your life story."

"Well ya got it, whatcha gonna do about it?"

"Simple." He held up his Magnolia wand, "This was part of a set, I've had this one since I was a child. My sister got the other one, she was never the greatest at magic."

"Okay? I can see why that wand would be important if you've had it since childhood."

"That's not all, soon this wand will be the only one left of the set."

Daut looked confused until it dawned on him. "Oh… oh crap I- What was she like?"

"Not like that!" Lance snapped, "She'll live, just without her magic." 

"Oh thank god, wait? How will she live in peace? The Bureau will… oh."

Lance nodded, "It's why I'm so driven to become the next Divine Visionary, the sooner I win, the sooner her safety is guaranteed."

"So all this time, you didn’t just have a sister-complex?"

"Don't make me kill you."

MSHL

Having shared their respective backstories, Daut and Lance fell into a much more comfortable state of being. It felt like a weight being lifted off of their shoulders, leaving them to breathe easier.

Laying on their backs, the cool grass offered them comfort along with the fading fireplace. Looking up at the clear sky, they saw something completely unexpected; the moon. Only it wasn't the same moon they were accustomed to, this moon had a large chunk missing from its celestial body. 

Basically, the moon looked like a giant creampuff with a bite taken out of it. 

"It sucks that Mash is missing out on this. Think he would've laughed when he saw this?"

"I feel he would be jealous that someone beat him to the punch."

"Heh, punch. Didn't know you could make jokes."

"It was purely a coincidence."

"This is why you're boring."

"I prefer that."

"...Looks like you were right."

"I'm not surprised."

"Tch, smug bastard."

"Blub…"

"The hell did ya say?"

"That wasn't me."

They both looked at each other, before slowly turning to look at the sleeping body of Mash. "Blah blah, hmm?"

"Looks like our resident musclehead is waking up."

Daut clicked his tongue, "Damn it, it's too early."

"Quickly, we must return him back to his eternal slumber."

"How the hell are we gonna do that?"

"I have a feeling our previous tricks won't work like last time."

"I'll ask again, what's the plan?" 

Lance, for once in his life, looked out of his depth. "I… suppose we can try to lull him back to sleep?"

"Really?" Daut deadpanned, "Does he look like a baby to you?"

"I used to do the same for my little sister, do you have a better idea?"

"Fine, fine." To Lance's surprise, Daut pulled out a violin from his cloak. It showed signs of wear and his hands were extremely comfortable and familiar with their placement on the instrument. "Let's start."

"Where in the…?"

"Don't ask."

Lance shook his head, questions later. He could hear Mash stirring, and he didn't want to deal with a hungry casual building destroyer. "Give me a low note."

Nodding, Daut started playing a long and continuous low tune. 

Lance cleared his throat, getting his voice ready. He hasn't sung for his sister in a long time, but he tends to vocalize his poems when he's sure he's alone. He could do this with his two friends listening in.

" Oh, how your kind words move this frigid heart~ "

" I only wish to know how this could all start~ "

" Before you came, I wished to tear it all apart~ "

" I remember your smile every time we part~ "

They continued the supposed lullaby, keeping up their crescendo, reaching higher and higher peaks until the highest point of the song was reached.

Daut's violin thrummed with passion, perfectly complimenting the low and slow vocals of Lance. 

Their eyes were closed, focused solely on their sound. Strums and vocals mixing into a peaceful lullaby.

With a softly smiling Mash as their only audience, the pair allowed their creativity to flow long into the night. 

They all passed out when the final note was sung when the last string was strummed. Content in their lives and friendship.

All was quiet in the forest, the gentle crickets following them into the good night.

Until Lance woke up screaming.

MSHL

I split this up into two parts. Enjoy!

Chapter Text

Mash, Lance, Daut, and the Grimm Tales

Lance felt the lightest of touches as he laid on the clouds. Comfort surrounded him like an all-encompassing blanket of warmth.

He needed to get out.

His movements were sluggish, his muscles felt atrophied to the point of uselessness, and his head was a slush of pure instinct as he clawed his way out of the warmth and made it to the surface.

The realm he came to was a heavenly wasteland, nothing but sun and pure white clouds on the surface. 

"What…? Where am I?"

His voice sounded submerged and slurred, already ready to quit and lay down. The energy was being drained from his body faster than he could even think.

Every step was sluggish, Lance's will being the only thing keeping him walking. Why was he walking? Lance didn't know, but his instincts were making him move so he followed.

Vision blurring the closer he got to wherever the hell he was going, Lance knew something didn't want him near. It only made him walk the slightest bit faster, straining his legs and breath even more. 

The air was getting thinner and thinner, all he could see was a mob of blue hair. What little oxygen in his throat caught as he saw her.

"A… Ann-!" He coughed his lungs out, unable to reach her. Thankfully she turned around anyway.

When their eyes met Lance lit up, but as he searched for the familiar kindness and unconditional love her eyes were always filled with, he saw nothing.

Nothing but contempt and betrayal permeated within her soul, making Lance sick at the sheer sight of it. 

"Why?" She asked him, he had no answer, confused beyond belief.

"Why did you leave me?" Her chilling and empty voice froze him to the core, despite all the warmth of their surroundings.

"You promised you'd stay with me, you promised you wouldn't leave me like mom and dad!" Her once sweet voice drove up in volume, rage consuming her vocals.

Lance tried to speak up, to reassure her that he was still here, that he still loved her. But every word he wanted to say was stuck in his head, the thin air not allowing him to voice those thoughts.

"I waited for you to save me, why did you leave!? I loved you, why didn’t you love me!? Why didn't you SAVE ME!!?" Her voice could no longer be considered human, her face contorting into vitriolic hate. 

'No! I'm still trying!' That is what he wanted to say. No sound escaped him.

Eventually, she stopped with her hate, returning to utter emptiness. Her features were blank as she turned away. Away from her brother, forever.

'Anna, I'll make this right! Please! I can't live without you!' Sluggishly moving his legs, he struggled to meet her. To hug her and show her everything's okay. 

Every single step was a mountainous effort against whatever divine influence forcing him away. Slowly reaching out towards her, Lance gave a desperate plea as he watched her walk away.

Edges of his vision darkened, steps slowed, and his heartbeat got louder and louder. Drowning out his begs and pleads for her to come back.

He could only watch as his sister disappeared into the distance before his heart gave out. Turning her back on him, the only family he had left.

MSHL

Lance woke up screaming.

Sparks emitted around him as Daut was startled awake and instinctually started blasting away.

Mash punched the nearest thing to him which ended up being the ground and caused a miniature earthquake. Lifting their campsite and themselves a few feet off of the ground.

Lance felt sick, resisting the urge to throw up the emptiness in his stomach he made to stand up after being launched into the air by Mash’s accidental tremor-causing fist. “Never do that again.”

“Ah! That’s rich coming from ya, Crown !” Daut made his displeasure at Lance known, he didn’t have to, he already knew about Daut’s volatile emotions. “What the hell was that anyway?”

“N-Nothing. Just had a bad dream.”

“Bullcrap! That was a nightmare and you know it!”

“What does it matter? It’s over now anyway, I don't even remember what it was about."

Daut narrowed his eyes, his jagged line wrinkling with his skin. "Oh really…?"

Lance narrowed his eyes back, "I'm not sure I appreciate your interest in my silly little dreams."

Looking around, Daut made sure Mash wasn't listening in. Sure enough, Mash was beginning his morning workout. 

The sun was just starting to peek through the horizon, orange light shining from behind the trees. A particularly large ray of light centered on a motivated Mash stripped of his school tie and cloak. Now donning his signature tight workout shirt and white sports shorts.

Lance raised an eyebrow at the dramatic showing of Mash's muscles but he could respect keeping to a disciplined regimen. Now, what was Barret doing?

Daut was rummaging in his cloak, dirtied and wrinkled due to him using it as a pillow the night before. The tip of his tongue poked out of his upturned lips as he concentrated on his digging for gold.

Finally, Lance couldn't help but ask, "What in the world has gotten into you?"

"I'm lookin' for something that'll help ya out!" With his actions explained he went back to his rummaging. He pulled out his wand-cleaning kit before stuffing it back into his cloak, grumbling all the while. His face lit up as he thought he had found what he was looking for, but it only turned out to be his emergency supply of violin strings. 

This went on for some time with Daut pulling out what he thought was the item but then turning out to be something else entirely. He pulled out his violin, one of his month-long supplies of herbal tea, private journals, magazines of handsome men with their faces crossed out with red ink, and even cans of various goods. Enough to last them for weeks if rationed carefully.

Lance saw this display of random and increasingly ridiculous rummaging and had about enough of it! "Does this comedic episode have a point to it!? Mash is almost done with his workout!" Seriously, it's only been two minutes but he's already almost done with his 5000 10-ton squats. 

Daut ignored him as he eventually emerged triumphant in his search and popped the item out in a victorious flourish. "I've got it! You can praise me now!" 

Daut held up the thing he'd been looking for, a solid three minutes were spent to find it. Lance leaned in to get a closer look at the item, which looked to be a… 

"My patented, one of a kind, 'Dreamcatcher'! Capable of catching and preventing even the worst nightmares from entering that blueberry head of yours. Leaving only the dreams you could stay in forever."

"For your information, my head is a light blue, not even close to the dark shade of blueberry. And second of all, why would I need a homemade chandelier?"

Daut scowled, he worked hard on this damnit! It did not look like a chandelier! "I guarantee this will help ya with your little night terrors."

"I could just go to a therapist with memory magic, they could remove the memory of the dream. Problem solved."

"Those hacks wouldn't know what a brain is even if I ripped it from their scalps!"

Lance leaned back in surprise at the intimate hate brewing from the hotheaded boy in front of him, he's never seen such stewing anger rise off of him.

He's seen Daut explode plenty of times, but never with such subtlety and emotion buried deep. 

Daut aggressively shoved his finger in Lance's face, "I went to a place like that once, ya wanna know what they told me?"

"That you're beyond help?"

Barking a bitter laugh, Daut continued. "I wish! That would've been better than what they actually did! They looked me in the eye and told me that I'd be better off forgetting 'such a useless deadweight'."

"...wow."

"I know right!"

"I'm almost afraid to ask, but are they still alive?" 

Daut shrugged, "Probably."

Lance raised a rigid eyebrow, "That doesn't fill me with confidence."

"It just so happened that their workplaces spontaneously combusted due to mysterious circumstances."

"And were they still in those buildings when they, for some reason, blew up?"

Daut checked his nails, "We may never know, it's one of life's greatest mysteries."

"You disturb me."

Daut only gave a sharp-toothed grin, looking proud of himself for some reason.

Shaking his head, Lance looked at the strange contraption gifted to him. This 'dreamcatcher' was a wooden craft resembling a flat chandelier. Little bobs and trinkets decorated the ends and sides of the wooden strings. It looked handmade all right, but if this thing is supposed to catch his nightmares then he can't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Lance nodded in thanks to the dumbly smiling redhead right in front of him, no words were needed.

Daut preened, "Yer welcome, I made it for myself after sis went away. The thing worked like a charm! I've had no nightmares for months now!"

"I see," Lance said as he tucked the contraption in his cloak.

"Hey guys, are we comparing what we have in our cloaks?"

The duo startled in surprise when they heard the curious yet apathetic voice of Mash behind them. Seems like he finished with his workout.

When Mash came up to them, they could see his muscular body was once again hidden by his school cloak and tie. The Golden Adler proudly displayed on his back. Currently, Mash was digging into his cloak not dissimilar to how Daut did so a while ago. His face was of perfect neutrality, betraying none of the complete concentration used by the mushroom head. 

In reality, it took Mash only zero-point-two seconds to locate and get out all of his items stuffed in the deep reaches of his somehow still intact cloak. Setting the sparingly few items down the trio looked down at what Mash keeps in his pockets.

They saw the solid black pipe he got from the Wand Shop and the creampuff charm Lemon made for him before their whole scramble with the Magia Lupus. Appropriately named ‘Creamy’.

“That’s it?”

“I suppose it fits Mash to a T.”

The aforementioned Mash slumped over, “I’m sorry.”

Shaking his head so fast he almost got whiplash, Daut apologized to the slumped-over fungus hair right in front of him. “Oh no no no, Mash! Lance, the bastard, didn’t mean to insult you. We just see you like a simple guy!”

Lance, the bastard, nodded. “It only makes sense, Daut has an absolute explosion of random hogwash in his rumpled old cloak. While you only have what’s important. Simple.”

Daut frowned at his emergency cloak supplies being called ‘hogwash’, “And what the hell do you keep in your pockets? Eh, Crown?”

Lance placed a hand in front of his heart, staring haughtily at the loudmouthed Daut. “Me? Only the bare essentials of course.” He then reached into his smooth cloak and pulled out a few pocket textbooks, an ink and quill box, and a poem book. “As you can see, only what I need to go on with my day.”

The two spectators nodded along, with Daut being the one to speak up. “Okay the textbooks I understand, but what’s with the ink and poem book?”

“How else am I going to deal with my thoughts and feelings?”

“Wait… don’t tell me! Is that where you keep your poems about your little sister!?”

“Who else would I be writing about!? Who else is my inspiration? My reason for being?”

“Do you have any idea how weird you sound right now?”

“And you don’t feel similar about your sister?”

“I love her more than anything in the world! But I’m not obsessed with her!”

“My little sister is the most precious person in this whole realm! If she was your sister you’d be doing the same!”

“Well, obviously you’re wrong because my sister is the best.”

“You dare speak your heresy against me?”

“I’ll show you heresy!”

As the two bickered back and forth once again, Mash heard the slightest sounds of grass parting around them. Drowning out the white noise of the duo alongside him, Mash focused on where the sounds were coming from. 

Multiple sources of sounds, grass lightly being stepped on, countless steps being made all around them. Mash realized it, “We’re surrounded.” 

Mash’s calm and straightforward delivery put a stop to the unknowing rivals’ argument about who has the best sister and instead on the stillness of the woods around them. “We are not alone.”

Ever so slowly Lance got out his polished wand, steadying it near his chest. Keeping it ready for action. Daut scowled at the now silent forest, raising his hands up with his palms outstretched. “I dare some unlucky punk to come at us! I’ll kill you thrice!”

Mash rolled his shoulders, letting out some tension in them as he relaxed his whole body. He could deny it all he wanted, but nothing gets his blood pumping like a good punch out. Ever since magical society had discovered his status as a Lack-magic he’s been in scrap after scrap. Curb-stomping everyone who dared to stand in his way towards peace.

The experiences helped in awakening a new side of him, the ruthless beast who punched first and asked questions while his fist was caving someone’s skull in. With the promise of many combatants before them, Mash squared up. His fight with Raven was a great one, barring her weird psychopathic ways, but he was just getting started.

The trio had their backs to each other, every single one of them believing in the other’s ability to defend themselves. 

The first growl sounded out, followed by an unholy cacophony of growls, snarls, and howls. They were treated to the grim sight of dozens and dozens of creatures surrounding them. With fur as black as the night, in ivory armor as white as snow. The beasts made their presence known.

Lance broke the silence, “What form of Dark Magic is this?”

Daut rolled his wrists, “The kind we can kill! ”

Mash cracked his neck, “Let’s enroll them into the dirt.”

The dark creature took offense to their pray’s nonchalance and roared! Wolves, bears, scorpions, and giant two-headed snakes joined in the earthshaking cry of primal instinct, charging into a bloodbath.

Only the blood will be their own.

The trio shouted a battle cry of their own, leaping into the fray! 

Muscles and magic met the Grimm.

MSHL

The Alpha Beowolf snarled at its prey, its sheer bulk, and skin-rending claws causing anyone with half a mind to pray for a savior. The only problem was that it was facing Mash.

One lazy backhand later, and the mighty Alpha Beowolf disintegrated from the might of his muscles. Multiple of the fallen’s pack rushed forward to avenge their leader, only for Mash to stomp the earth.

The entire pack of beowolves floated in mid-air for a brief moment, their eyes wide in fear and confusion. A shadow covered them, looking up only revealed a meteoric Mash blazing down onto one poor Grimm.

The beowolf’s bone mask shattered under the fist, caving in its skull. His fist continued through the beowolf until Mash shifted in the air, aiming his unstoppable fist into another falling Grimm.

Another monster extinguished, Mash moved onto the next ones. He spotted the highest floating Grimm and stepped on the other falling Grimm without a second thought. Using their bodies as a platform to reach the top of the beowolf storm. The uppermost Grimm snarled at the approaching Mash, ripping its jaw wide open primed to rend the enemy’s flesh. The beowolf chomped down, expecting to taste the prime meat and blood of its dead morsel. Only to feel immeasurable pain, its teeth didn’t even pierce the unbreakable skin of Mash, only shattering.

He grabbed the pitiful creature by its throat, facing the ground below. The wolf whined in his unshakable grip, clawing for purchase but it was all for naught. Mash chucked it as hard as he could to the still falling pack below him. Causing a chain reaction as the broken bodies of the beowolves collided with one another. Howls of pain ensued, dark corpses exploding into black dust. Leaving a large section of the forest cracked and darkened.

In only five seconds Mash had extinguished almost every single beowolf in the battle. Reducing the forces of the Grimm by a substantial amount.

Lance scoffed at the unnecessarily flashy display of Mash and focused on his own battle. Large bears greeted him, roaring their bloodlust for his feeble human body.

“Harumph.” With that being said, Lance removed his gravity causing him to float into the air. The Ursa Major’s scrambled to reach the smug human glaring down at them. Claws digging into their own kin to fill the emptiness inside themselves with his delicious flesh. 

“Pathetic. Graviole .” With his wand pointed down Lance increased the gravity below him. The crushing pressure caused the tower of Ursa to crumble back down into the cold dirt. The creatures screaming in pain as he effortlessly crushed their large but useless bodies.

Lance crushed more Grimm as he roamed around the battlefield. He barely dodged in time before he was skewered by the giant feathers of a nevermore. 

Narrowing his eyes up at the sky, Lance grumbled at the aerial support. He could only keep his magic up as he maneuvered over and around the razor-sharp attacks aimed right for him. “Since when are feathers so dangerous!?”

One particular feather found itself aimed right at his core, and Lance braced for impact. When he thought he would die, it turned out to only ruin his flight path. He padded his chest, amazed at the fact there was no blood or death. The faint light blue glow surrounding his core answered his unasked questions about his survival. He gasped in surprise, “How in the nine hells…?”

A loud squawk ripped him from his distraction. Causing the annoyed teen to float higher into the air. Directly in the way of a divebombing nevermore with a giant beak ready to swallow him whole. Lance pointed to the large bird of prey, then down at the ground. “ Graviole .”

Like a large weight settled on the nevermore’s back, the giant bird slammed to the earth at high speeds. The bird could only look at the tree it was furiously approaching before getting impaled by the pointy pine. Dying in a shower of black.

Lance celebrated his victory for a few moments before countless more squawks echoed behind him. There they were, an entire murder of crows. Giant, bloodthirsty crows with infinite projectiles. 

Cursing under his breath, Lance prepared for another hard-fought battle. 

“Hmph!” 

Pausing, he looked around for the strange noise before being knocked back by the air pressure of one black blur, a mushroom-headed blur. 

Mash tore through one of the nevermore’s like paper, before jumping to another one and grabbing its head. Lance could only spectate as Mash threatened the nevermore with words he couldn’t make out. Whatever he said must’ve worked as Mash then proceeded to pilot the murderous bird. Firing its feathers at its own kin, bringing pleasure to Lance as he got to see something else suffer under the constant barrage of sword-like writing supplies.

Daut whistled as another big bird got shredded by Mash’s new commandeered friend, internally cheering at the pure genius of it all. Hisses and shrieks reminded him of where he was and so he shouted, “Bring it ya buncha red-eyed cowards!” 

They all rushed him, expiring under the constant barrage of flying explosions from the overactive teen’s outstretched palms. He hissed at the heat but powered on as his enemies died around him. Ducking around a scorpion tail (the tip was the size of his head!) Daut punched forward with all of his strength into the gaping maw of the screeching Grimm. “ Explomb! ” Daut roared in triumph as its head caved in and imploded around his smoking red fist. Coated in the red glow of his weird new magic and the Explomb he attached. This improvising thing was pretty cool!

Daut raised his fists up similar to the way he’s seen Mash do and started jabbing at the giant two-headed snake slithering its way into his personal space. It shrieked as it unhinged its jaws, showing off the two oversized fangs it had in there. Daut shrieked, jumping away from the terrifying sight. 

On instinct, Daut clapped his hand together in a flash. The resounding bang of light and sound blinded and disoriented the two-headed monster, giving Daut the opportunity to deliver a vicious uppercut to one of the heads.

The lifetime he had to get accustomed to his explosions finally paid off!

The resounding boom shot up and through the unsuspecting head, leaving a trail of combusted red, white, and black. 

“Hah! I’m the king of the world, baby!” Daut’s victory was short-lived however when he forgot about the other head. He opened his eyes to see a large shadow descend upon him, barely able to scream as the gooey insides of the snakehead engulfed him. “Ah, shi-

It swallowed him whole, leaving him to suffocate in the stomach. Or at least he thought it was the stomach, snakes weren’t really his area of expertise. But if there was one thing he did know, it was how to blow stuff up! 

Remembering how he blew through the first head, Daut willed a Machinegun Explomb to cover his entire body, using his passive protection to shield him from the upcoming explosion.

“I really hope I survive this,” Daut mumbled, voice muffled by the insides of the large snake.

“ Machinegun Explomb!!! ” 

MSHL

“You look ridiculous.”

“I don’t see you blowing your way through the belly of a giant snake!”

“That’s because that would never happen.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“I’m hungry.”

“Ya know, Mash is right. I haven’t eaten in a while now.”

“Well then, you can make yourself useful and give us some of the canned goods you have in that glorified sack of yours.”

“What d’ya just say to me?”

“...please?”

“...”

“Hey Daut, got any creampuffs?”

“...”

“Daut!?”

“When did I become the responsible one of the group?”

And so they ate, surrounded by the broken remains of a red forest. The signs of a battle hard fought scar the earth deep, but there were no corpses to be found. No dark beasts of pure malice and bloodlust. For that is the nature of Grimm, to disappear in a show of black smoke. Leaving no evidence of their gruesome tales. 

Mash radiated depression as he was forced to eat peaches out of the can, he didn’t even like peaches!

Daut groaned happily as he finally had a bite to eat for what feels like forever.

Lance gave no comment of the grub he gulped down, it was better than nothing.

“I want creampuffs.”

“Will you be quiet about that!?” 

“Decent people are enjoying their meals here!”

“Sorry…”

Chapter Text

Mash Burnedead and the meeting of the Beauty and the Beast 

“Y’all see what I’m seeing?” 

“Yes, a long-going metal walkway of some sort?”

“...a ladder on the ground?”

“Maybe, like a tower used to be here? But then, boom! The tower disappeared into myth and all that was left was the ladder, but because of your stupid personal magic, the ladder could only fall to its doom!”

“You act as if I control this entire realm’s gravitational pull! That’s Jabberwock on the highest level.”

"Don't taint that beloved book series with your silver tongue, ya devil!"

"My tongue is not that wealthy!"

"How's I supposed to know?"

“Maybe we should climb it?”

Daut and Lance looked to the side of the red cliff they were standing on to gaze at Mash. The mushroom-headed boy didn’t notice any of this as he sat on his feet with his arms wrapped around his knees. Cans of red sap made from recycled tin cans that used to be their rations sat near them.

The fallen ladder could lead to civilization or even just a way out of the woods they’ve been stuck in for weeks now. First, it was the green forest they met the bandits in, next it was giant trees that Mash and Daut kept climbing. Lance had to physically scrape them off the sides of the mighty oaks so they could continue their journey. But now, they were lost in some red forest with its colors so saturated that it made it hard to see where one was going! 

It’s been weeks since Mash had a creampuff! The only reason he wasn’t dealing with withdrawal was because of the extremely sticky yet filling tree sap. The sweetness of said treat was enough to keep him preoccupied, for now.

It didn’t help matters, however, when more of those dark beasts kept showing up. Especially when some of them seemed to be attracted to the scent of the red sap. They weren’t hard to deal with, for the most part, just an utter nuisance that wouldn’t go away. 

Shadow bees! And Wasps and ghosts and boars, so many monsters were constantly attacking them that the Adler boys wondered if anyone besides the bandits were still alive in this hellhole. 

Daut leaned over to Lance, “We’re running out of sap, should we get some more?”

"We're heading out to the ground below, not many trees there it seems. We should collect as much as we can for the road."

"So… that's a yes?"

Lance sighed, "What do you think?"

"...I'ma take that as a 'sure'."

Daut turned to collect more sap with Lance right behind him. As the two approached a nearby red leaf tree they prepared for the harvest. Daut readied two empty cans as Lance raised his wand.

Gentle manipulation of the world's gravitational field led to Lance slowly squeezing the tree, careful not to permanently damage said tree, it would be rude to just destroy a forest.

Chugga Chugga...

Chugga Chugga...

Choo Choo!

In surprise at the unfamiliar noise and the rumbling, it startled Lance and his concentration on the gentle spell slipped. 

Spurt!

Daut said nothing as his entire frame was drenched in the squirted-out juices of the red sap tree he was kneeled against. Face blank, he looked at the jars and saw they were full. “Well, at least we have our sap.” A large glob of red sap splattered onto the red grass. “And some extra.”

Lance had the decency to at the very least look apologetic, “I’m… very sorry. We haven’t slept much due to the constant attacks and I-

“Ya still have my dreamcatcher?”

“Of course, it works wonders.”

“Thanks, now take a nap soon so I don’t blow you up next time this happens.”

“Noted.”

MSHL

Mash perked up at the rumbling coming closer, peering into the trench to see a large metal machine speeding towards him.

Leaning over in interest and child-like excitement, Mash watched in earnest as two dark shapes jumped onto the speeding contraption. 

Both of the shapes were wearing black, one with long black hair and the other had a long coat fluttering in the wind behind them. It was also black.

Golly, they really loved black huh?

The dark duo seemed to hop into one of the big boxes on the machine. What were they doing in there? 

Wait, could they be… 

...sitting down!? 

Yes! They're catching a ride to the next town over. The two of them might've even been as lost as them. Hopefully, they won't mind an extra 27… no wait three! Yes, three passengers.

Mash turned around to call for his friends, then blinked at the sight of Daut. 

"..."

"..."

"Can I-

"No, ya can't eat me."

"Aww…"

"What is infernal noise?"

Mash perked up, now was their chance to get out of this gods-forsaken forest. "Oh, the ladder on the ground has a big machine riding on it. I saw some guy and a girl hitch a ride.”

Lance pounded a fist into his open palm, eyes shining. “Then we should make haste if we want to follow their example.”

Daut, on the other hand, was already leaping onto the contraption when Mash first said ‘big machine’. “Woohoo! Get me outta here!”

Lance was quick to rush after him, “Don’t you dare leave without me!”

Seeing his chance, Mash did a maneuver he’s always wanted to do. “Cannonball!”

Timing his jump just right so that he smoothly slipped into the hole in the ceiling of one of the boxes, Mash found himself in a dark room with a bunch of red squiggly lines.

No wait, those lines are moving around? The two dark shapes from earlier were expertly cutting the red squiggly metal people into coleslaw. Cold, metallic coleslaw. 

Daut and Lance were facing their own metal knights? People? Eh, didn't matter since they were getting absolutely destroyed by the combined might of Explomb and Graviole magic. 

Smoking armored arms and legs flew into the cramped walls of the metal box they were in, sending out loud clunks and clanks into their ears.

Mash stepped on a few flattened bodies and wide swords as he made his way to the black duo. Even Mash could make an educated guess where the flat parts came from.

As the red and black haired swordsman swiftly cut a knight in half, he felt a soft tap on his shoulder. On instinct, he twisted his hips and swung in a large arc behind him. Crimson sword ringing in the air, as if announcing its next claim of a victim.

Two fingers delicately caught his blade mid-swing. 

The swordsman's eyes behind his bone mask widened in shock, did a mushroom just catch his blade with his fingers?

Mash nodded his head to the still in shock sword-guy, "Hello, I'm Mash. You look familiar, do I know you?"

Chapter Text

Sorry, I took so long.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Finn Ames and the Lost Lemon

“Where could she be?” Finn asked himself for the umpteenth time, he’d been around this exact corridor twelve times just today. Lemon hasn’t answered his calls or even shown up to class in weeks, if it wasn’t for the absolute fact that he knew she exited her dorm room every once in a while he would’ve assumed she disappeared with-

-with his friends.

Finn shook himself, he'd been over this! Lance isn't here right now, Daut isn't here right now, Mash. Wasn't. Here.

But Lemon was, she was still here, still kicking and he needed some comfort in the fact that at least one of his friends still walked with him. 

He talked with Tom over the weeks but he was more of Mash's friend than Finn's. The friendly jock was much too energetic and enthusiastic about his passion. Where did he even get the bamboo to make his room into a forest? 

Finn preferred the quiet but comforting presence of the tough and sweet Mash than the outrageous claims on the beauty of the stars and how they can spell victory in his dreams.

And Abel? Abyss? For the gods’ sake, Love? His fear of losing his friends outweighed the fear of being turned into a puppet, sliced up, or thrown into a tornado. So he approached Magia Lupus in hopes of gaining some information on Lemon's well-being. It didn't help matters much but Abel, at the very least, assured Finn that Lemon was spotted leaving for Marquette Street a few times. 

That's why he waited here, pacing outside Lemon's room on the off chance she'll open her door and… Finn didn't know what he would do but he hoped to at least talk to her before the day was done. He desperately wanted to see his friend alive and well. 

So, he waited. 

And waited.

And waited some more…

It was only when Finn could see the golden sunset out of the big window that overlooked Adler Dorm that he had enough! He didn’t wish to be a bother, but he knew Lemon was in there! He could swear he heard some snipping sounds, muffled grunts, and quiet breathing coming from beyond the closed door of her room. 

"Hah, bugger all." Finn knocked on the fine oak door, the sound reverberating throughout the empty room. 

Nothing happened. The snipping sounds didn't stop.

Finn breathed in deeply, and let out a slow breath. "Lemon, are you alright in there?"

Silence, nothing but his faint breathing was audible. He frowned and tried knocking again.

As his fist barely scraped the wood, the door slowly opened up on its own with a high-pitched squeaking sound.

Finn gulped, his nerves lit like a jumble of magically enhanced wires. Sending signals to the wrong parts of his body because instead of backing away as he is supposed to when faced with creepy shenanigans such as this, he instead crept in shakily with his head in a panic.

"What am I doing!?" He harshly mumbled to himself. 

His body just wouldn't stop moving forward, only shaking slightly as he delicately stepped into the darkness of Lemon's room.

As he walked in, Finn didn't know what to expect from the spooky atmosphere the room shrouded itself in. In fact, he really did not want to know. 

From what he could tell near the entrance of her room, Finn made out bottles of black dye and eyeliner? He didn’t take Lemon as a makeup-using gal, he always just expected her to look the same every day. Is that rude? It definitely feels rude of him to assume that.

The dim light of their dormitory coming into her room wasn’t enough for Finn to see anything else of note, aside from the red-eyed vampire staring into his soul. 

…hold on a moment.

As soon as Finn processed the fact that this strange raven-haired woman really did exist, and that yes, she currently is looking straight at him, he yelped. In fact, he might’ve screamed for a good few minutes before finally quieting down. Not because he wasn’t still scared of her, even though he felt quite unnerved at how she hadn’t moved at all since he started freaking out. No, he stopped screaming simply because his throat gave out at about the four-minute mark. A new record for sure, last time he could only scream for three minutes and forty seconds.

As he panted and coughed out his aching throat, the creepy girl still only stared down at him, due to him being hunched over. He noticed, from his terrifying angle, that she looked a little familiar. Wait, that wasn’t important right now. What Finn really wanted to know was why this girl was taking up his friend’s room!?

“W-Who,” He rasped with a sore throat, “Who are you? Why are you in Lemon’s room?”

The creepy girl didn’t reply. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted her right hand, which had its nails painted black, flicking a black wand. 

Finn tried to backpedal out of the spooky, and sticky, situation. Tried to, being the key phrase.

Materializing out of the potent magic aura of the academy grounds, metal chains sprouted from thin air and wrapped themselves around the too slow Finn. He gasped as those cold chains squeezed tightly around his thin, fragile form.

He desperately wriggled in her magical grip, but his bonds were literally ironclad. His frantic flailing only made the links of metal squish him more. “He-Hey! I don’t know who you are, but this room isn’t yours!” He grunted as she pointed her wand to the floor, a move that unfortunately reminded him of Lance. 

His chains slammed him to the carpeted floor, driving the breath from his lungs. Now that he thought about it, these chains were similar to Lemon’s personal magic. And that move she just did looked eerily like Lance’s Graviole . 

Straining his neck to look up at the red-eyed magic-user, Finn gasped as she had a red ribbon tied around her head. Just like Lemon.

In his head, Finn replaced the creepy girl’s black hair with blond hair and her red eyes with blue. His breath caught at just what the image entailed;

This menace was Lemon!

“Lemon! Why are you so creepy now!?” 

With an eye twitch, Lemon jerked her wand back towards her. Launching the chained-up Finn up and right up in front of her. “That’s not my name.” She spoke for the first time.

A chill went through Finn’s entire body, goosebumps ran up his skinny arms and he swallowed involuntarily. Her voice was cold and as sharp as Abyss Razor’s sword. “Wha-?

She gently grasped the side of his freckled face, caressing it almost. Finn shivered, her hands were cold as well. Moving her hand back around, she grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him closer. To the point where their noses almost touched. 

“Finn…” She breathed, “You’re a smart boy, tell me… who do you see in front of you?”

…Finn blinked, he felt plenty of things at this moment in time. Fear, confusion, terror, and other emotions he never thought he’d feel towards his friend. “I see… my friend? Looking like a vampire?”

Lemon giggled, a sound so like Lemon yet still so unlike her. It freaked him out beyond measure. 

She kept giggling for a moment before settling with a sharp smile, “I’ll take that as a compliment, you sure have a way with words.” By the gods, she was practically purring those lines! Who is this… this creep and what did she do with the real Lemon!?

“Listen, Lemon you’re starting to freak me out!” He hissed as soon he finished speaking, the freezing hand wrapped around the back of his neck dug its crimson nails into his soft pale flesh. 

“The Lemon you know is gone.” She half-hissed, half-growled. “Who stands before you in her place is who I should’ve been long ago.”

She finally let go of him, allowing him a moment to breathe a sigh of relief. Grasping the side of her sneering face, Lemon spoke again, “I am the wrongs of Lemon righted, her weakness executed without mercy.” She gestured with both hands as she raised them to the ceiling of her dorm room, “I am everything, the full potential of myself finally unlocked! No longer will I cower behind the strong, muscular back of my beloved late fiance.”

Lemon shoved her mad face into Finn’s, squishing his panicking face between her icy fingers as they looked into each other’s eyes. Did Lemon hold her hands out the window or something? How in the many hells were her hands so cold?

Jerking back to the crazed smile of Lemon, Finn heard the rest of her impassioned speech, “Never again will I lower myself to care for those simpering fools beneath me, what good will that do for me? Bring me to ruin once again? Force me to watch my dear Mash be taken away from me again? Never! Never again will I be weak !”

Her eyes softened as she looked into Finn’s yellow eyes, “Don’t worry, you’re different from the others. I can see this… curdling mire of deep, dark desire within you.” Her smile turned sinister, “You feel the same way don’t you? I know you want to be strong, to not be so helpless anymore. I understand, I was just like you just a little while ago.” 

Finn’s heart began to race, she was dangerously close to suggesting things he didn’t want to think about. Things he thought he left behind. She was bluffing, she had to be bluffing. He didn’t feel those things anymore. He made sure of it!

Ignorant to Finn’s internal hysteria, Lemon continued. “I won’t let you go down my path, my path of worthlessness.” She stroked his black and yellow hair as one would do to a pet. “You’re all I have left.”

“L-Lemon-!

Finn yelped as she yanked on his hair, silencing him. Lemon glared at him with barely restrained rage, her jaw shook as the seconds ticked by. It was a tense moment when Finn thought she’d finally lost her patience. He closed his eyes and braced for an attack, but soon opened them when he felt the harsh grip on his hair vanish.

Lemon backed away, forcing a whimsical smile onto her face. A far cry from how natural those smiles came to her back before her precious love disappeared. “How silly of me, I forgot to introduce myself!”

She twirled around in her Adler uniform, which she somehow managed to make the black uniform look even darker, and gave a cheery pose. “My name…” She pulled her gaze towards a dark unseen corner of the ceiling, “...is Passion.”

Finn regretted getting out of bed this morning.

Chapter Text

Abel Walker and the One He Didn’t Deserve 

Abel, or Lord Abel as Abyss so affectionately called him, was facing a crisis. A subtle feeling that kept building in his core, almost itching with the way he keeps trying not to jitter. He’d been dealing with it for a long time, only starting when he first lost his mother. His kind, sweet, wonderful mother, who died in his little arms so long ago. Taken from him, by that bottom-feeding wretch-

He’s getting ahead of himself. Abel always thought the hollow feeling in his chest would go away one day, just like everything else in his life. His mother, his title, his wealth, Abyss… 

He almost wished it was that easy, after all, if he lost everything then he could simply take it back, just like he did with his mother’s estate. For a long time, he believed the closest time he’d ever be to smiling would be the moment he made those bloodsucking sycophants into his puppets. The moment when he forced them to watch as he took back everything they took from him. Their Lons, power, and influence that was handed to them on a silver platter. The same silver he would gladly throw away if only his mother would come back-

All because they dared to take from his mother ! The moment she had died, the very moment her funeral concluded, those two-faced mongrels who the day his mother hired them pledged their loyalty to her and her family… they dared to forge her will, dared to leave a grieving child in the very mud his mother’s blood spilled upon. They dared to rob from her legacy. 

Ah, he got caught up in the past once again. He couldn’t help himself, his memories were always so very vivid still. Abel calmly stirred his tea, a gift from that Barret boy. What were his words? “No hard feelings, but try that again and I’ll kill ya!” That sounds about right.

He took a slow sip of the heavenly drink and let out a small sigh, Lavender Meadow its name would be. How ironic, his preferred drink symbolized purity when he was anything but. Any purity he once had, tainted forever when that man smiled at him and said it was his mother’s fault he killed her. That it was because of her birthright she had to be ripped away from her son. Abel further tainted himself the moment he gave in to his beastly nature, the wolf he created to hide his pain from the world. The false strength he gained from the devil that reached out his hand. 

Speaking of purity, Abel noticed his ever so loyal Abyss sitting across from him, enjoying his own brew. Hm, there was that feeling again, deep within himself. Was it guilt? Pain? He’d forgotten what it felt like.

Abyss noticed his Lord staring at him and he flushed at his intense, unblinking stare. One would think he’d be used to the stares of a Lord who never blinks but life had a way of surprising him.

Abel noticed his flustered state and could only think one thing, beautiful, absolutely perfect. His Abyss had a fair complexion, kind eyes, the same that his mother had, and a gentle smile saved for only those who earned his sacred trust. He still didn’t know how he managed. 

At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to reach out and caress his dutiful Abyss, and make him experience the love he always wanted. But he stopped himself, because of one simple fact.

Abel didn’t deserve Abyss. He didn’t deserve his passionate words, the quiet strength he exuded, nor did he deserve the blood Abyss gladly shed, all for his sake . No, he wasn’t worthy of such devotion. He was a sinner, a corrupter, a being capable of looking at a broken and desperate boy and only thinking one thing, he would make a useful tool . 

A man who saw himself as the world's better, he who believed he held the right to do whatever he wanted with those he clutched in his strings. If Abel were to be a devil, then Abyss could only be an angel fallen from grace. An angel he tainted, molded into a weapon, and forced into a mask to hide such purity. Abel turned Abyss into a being capable of cutting down his enemies with an inhuman visage, and in the very next moment offer a sincere smile to the one who’d chained him.

Abel felt that feeling again, felt it agonize his black soul. Good , he thought. Let him pay with his penance. He wanted to cry, for the first time in forever. He wanted to beg for Abyss’s forgiveness, to show him a greater kindness than anything he could offer him. But he didn’t, wouldn’t. Abel would suffer alone, just like he’d always have, and Abyss would one day leave him as well. Leave onto greener pastures, to live a life worthy of such a noble spirit. He will die alone, cradling his mother’s doll in his lifeless hands, and finally, face the wrath of the mother he’d failed. That is the only fate worthy of a despicable being such as hi-

“Lord Abel… is something wrong?” A gentle voice broke him out of his thoughts, a bittersweet reminder of who he didn’t deserve . 

“Nothing’s wrong, I am simply attending to my idle musing. That is all.” Taking another sip of his now cold tea, Abel closed his eyes. 

Abyss put down his cup, delicate brows furrowing at his Lord’s response. Something felt wrong, a rancid feeling permeated the air around his beloved Lord. Abyss blinked at his words, before hiding his utterly red face within his white hood. He quietly squeals to himself, soaking in the fact that he called Lord Abel his beloved. He could never be presumptuous! Believing he is worthy of his Lord’s affections is the height of arrogance!

Abyss spared a look at Lord Abel, watching his serene expression from within his hood. The way his jaw unconsciously moved every so often, as if he were talking in his head and his mouth couldn’t help but follow. His regal looks and attire are befitting a man of his stature. Abyss couldn’t help but trace his strong jawline with an imaginary finger. Putting himself right in front of his Lord, and caressing his hawkish features. Uneducated ingrates might call his face too sharp, too aristocratic, and snobbish, but Abyss saw it as just… pretty, handsome even. 

He wondered, what would he feel like? Would his skin be soft and creamy? Would he twitch as Abyss rubbed himself against him? Or would his Lord force him onto his back and make him watch as he took him right then and-

“Abyss, why are you drooling?”

Shocked out of his steamy thoughts, Abyss shook his head and gave Lord Abel his full attention. His face burned, his head still in a fritz, and above all else, he felt ashamed. He couldn’t be having these thoughts about the man who had given him everything, who’d given him purpose, a reason for being. How dare he just desecrate the memory of that sacred man by imagining himself fornicating with him! Even if Lord Abel himself would be a generous love-

Steady yourself Abyss! Your Lord is expecting an answer from you! 

“A-Ah, I am merely… being silly.”

“Silly? You? Mash must be rubbing off on you.”

The only person I want rubbing off on me is yo- Ah! Why are you so thirsty Abyss!? 

“Yes! I’m imitating what Mash would do if he was still here. That is the reason I am drooling… yes, of course.”

Humming, Lord Abel set down his cup of tea and continued to cradle his mother's doll, the white void of her eyes staring into the unknown. He unconsciously stroked her head, a telling tik that spoke plenty of his working mind. Abyss couldn’t help but be amused at the expressiveness of a man with the body language of an actual doll. 

Still stroking the smooth, bald head of his doll Lord Abel asked, “Truly? Is that what you were thinking about?”

Abyss nodded, his pink ponytail swaying with the motion. “Yes, Lord Abel! That man loves his creampuffs. The eyes that Mash makes to his treats, I wonder what kind of person would be able to catch those same eyes.” 

“You mean love?”

“Hm? I would suppose, but I don’t know how one could love a perishable food?”

Lord Abel tilts his head, “Are we not perishable? If anything it speaks of Mash’s affection to be able to love an object that will be gone so soon. Is that not what love is, to be vulnerable enough to open your heart and risk the chance of it being ripped out?”

Oh, Gods, Lord Abel is so cute whenever he tilts his head! 

“Well, Mash doesn’t seem too broken up about it when he devours his creampuffs.”

“And what about the times they get ruined, or knocked out of his hand, or even whenever someone wastes a creampuff? The poor boy gets positively heartbroken.”

Abyss gasped, putting a hand to his mouth. “I never knew… To be able to love so much, and risk the pain of losing that which he loves again and again. It’s inspiring!”

Abel nodded, “Yes, one could learn plenty from a man such as Mash Burnedead.” 

“...”

Noticing Abyss’s silence, Abel thought about calling out to him before he sat up straight and asked him a surprising question. 

“Could I… do that?”

Abel looked inquisitive, “What do you mean?” 

“Could I love someone the way Mash loves, to open my heart to someone and give them the key?”

Abel didn’t hesitate, Abyss deserved everything he could conceivably give to him. If he asked him for the world, he would find a way to gift wrap the entire planet. 

“You cannot be serious… you are the most loving and thoughtful person I have ever had the pleasure of being with. Every gesture, every move, and every smile you do brings light to this savage and diseased world. If I had to describe you in only two words, those words would be Kind, and Noble. I wake up, happy to still be living because I know someone like you exists. If there was anybody who deserved to be loved and cared for unconditionally, it would undoubtedly be you.”

Abel and Abyss forgot to breathe, both for different reasons. Abel had never spoken so many words before in a single burst of emotion, he stopped and caught his breath, not noticing the way Abyss trembled. 

Abyss couldn’t breathe, because he knew that if he did, he would spend that breath rushing over to his Lord and showing him the love he always wanted to give. But there’s still one thing he needs to know, one final nail in the coffin for Abyss’s self-control.

Trembling, Abyss lowered his head into the darkness of his hood. Hiding his face from Lord Abel. He let out a barely audible whisper, “Don’t… say things you don’t mean. You’re just saying that.”

Abel clicks his jaw and contorts his face into the closest approximation of a frown he could do, “I do not speak my words, only to just take them back. Everything I say, I say it from the very depths of my being, my soul . Especially my words pertaining to you , Abyss Razor.”

Lifting his head, Abyss found himself unable to tear himself away from the hard, confident, and absolute gaze of the Lord who had given him everything, the Lord who he had given his entire being to. Almost everything, anyway.

It’s time for Abyss to rectify that. 

In the amount of the time it took for Abel to blink, Abyss set his teacup down, dove over the long stone table separating them, and captured his Lord's lips with his own. 

Grasping the wonderfully soft and creamy skin of his Lord, Abyss finally let the love he kept hidden away, pour out of his every being to give Lord Abel exactly what he deserved.

Chapter Text

Mash Burnedead and the Dark Meeting

Mash held onto the blood-red blade of the masked swordsman in front of him, keeping it in place despite him only using two fingers. Sword-Guy tried to pull out of this vice grip, but like all who went up against Mash, his efforts were futile. 

“Sorry about bumping into you guys, but we kinda need to hitch a ride.” 

Sword-Guy only growled in response. Oh wait, he’s starting to glow red. “Is this some kind of joke?” He snarled, which is a little different from a growl.

Mash shook his head, his bowl-cut swaying with the movement. “No joking or mockery intended, all humor is unintentional I assure you.” 

The red swordsman gave a sharp nod before his mouth twitched open showing off his teeth. Is he trying to smile? “In that case, could you kindly let go of my sword?”

Mash raised his eyebrow exactly one centimeter above his other one, “Are you going to stab me again?” He hoped not. After all, Mash only wanted to talk.

Adam breathed in deeply, trying his best to calm his nerves and the burning within his heart. Whoever this idiot is, he’s strong. Enough to overpower him with just two of his fingers. He needed to apply a delicate touch… hmm, he might be in trouble. 

His eyes drifted to Blake behind his mask, ensuring she was okay. Besides those damned Schnee-tech security bots, she was unharmed. He didn’t like the look of those two humans wearing the same cloak and tie as the mushroom head; they were standing near his Blake, which made his blood boil.

One of them had blue hair, in contrast to the redhead next to him, and a stern look directed to both of them. Adam didn’t like the look of that one, but he was much more tolerable compared to the human practically drooling over his comrade. Despite him trying to incinerate the dump-looking redhead with his eyes, he still looked to be in a trance. Thankfully his rage didn’t get the chance to boil over as the blue-haired human elbowed the filthy human next to him, knocking him out of his perverted trance. 

Blake gave a subtle look at him, conveying her worry and confusion over the situation they seemed to be stuck in. Adam did his best to provide a reassuring look back to her, but his desired effect didn’t seem to land given the way she pursed her lips at him.

Adam supposed he didn’t look the most reassuring given the fact that he was stuck between a mushroom and a hard place. But how was that his fault!?

Speaking of mushrooms, Adam turned back to the unholy strength still trapping his sword between its fingers. Somehow the idiot is still waiting patiently for his answer.

Adam forced himself to swallow his immense pride, all for the future of the White Fang. “Of course,” He lied through his bared teeth, “I won’t stab you as soon as you turn around, why would I do that?”

The mushroom head nodded, still showing that same dumb face he’s had on the entire conversation. Wait, did he just wipe the drool leaking from his mouth? He wasn’t even paying attention to the highly dangerous (In Adam’s superior opinion) and armed swordsman in front of him!?

Deep breaths, deep breaths Adam. You and Blake are in a tough situation, but you’ll pull through. You always have.

Nodding his head, Mash released the swordsman. “Fair enough, are you guys heading somewhere too? We’re kinda lost right now.”

As soon as his blade was released, Adam swiftly sheathed it. Keeping his hand in position, however, just in case. “No, we’re merely on a business venture. That’s why we’re dressed in all black, fighting against Schnee security on a train full of dust…” Adam replied back, injecting his words with as much bite and sarcasm as he could muster.

“Ah ok, that makes sense.” Mash agreed.

Adam’s eye twitched, “No, it doesn’t. Are you an idiot?” 

“Yes.”

“...”

Taking a deep breath, Adam chose to ignore that answer. He frowned just then, a horrifying thought coming to him. It’s entirely possible these three are merely stalling for time, waiting for the real security to arrive. The security on this train was surprisingly lax, something was not adding up here. 

Adam’s hand tightened on Blush as he considered the facts. The three were dressed in some kind of professional uniform, a dress shirt, a red tie, and a black cloak of some kind. That speaks of some kind of organization. But those outfits were dirty, battered, and even had small cuts, speaking of battle and the lack of chance to change into something better, given the fact that the clothes looked well-worn. Even the disgusting redhead seemed to be covered in… red sap?

Were they Huntsman? Lost and forced to survive, hitching a ride on a train illegally. They looked too young to be professional, Huntsman in training perhaps? Those uniforms could be from a Hunstman Academy. As far as Adam knows, no Huntsman Academy uses a black cloak as part of their uniform. 

He shook his head, whatever they were, they were enemies. The mission was compromised, and he highly doubted that the three humans would allow them to simply blow up a train. That means Blake and him had two options, to simply retreat and lose this opportunity to deal a blow into Schnee’s business, or the messier option; Get rid of the humans.

Adam knew from the bottom of his heart which option he liked more.

As Adam schemed, Lance took it upon himself to deescalate the tense situation. He’d been watching the entire time and had deduced the best way to calm everyone down, with his admittedly limited information. 

The swordsman kept his center low, his hand on his blade, and his face unreadable. Lance’s instincts screamed at him to be wary of him. His partner, on the other hand, seemed to be too difficult to get a read on. Her posture looked relaxed, her hands down at her sides and weapons sheathed. But Lance could recognize her blank expression for what it truly was, an enemy ready for anything.

Both of them had a plan it seems, and if they came to fruition then Lance’s attempt at keeping the delicate balance alive would be all for naught. He had to act quickly.

Slowly stepping forward, keeping his hands open and at his sides, Lance gave a shallow bow. “Excuse us for the intrusion, we’re only trying to find our way back to our home. Rest assured that we will not stay for long.” He glanced at the destroyed automatons littering the floor of the metal box they were in. “Nor will we report this to the local authorities, you have my word.”

Lance knew that whoever these people were, they were dangerous and most likely criminals. Letting them know that their crimes, assuming the law was the same here, will not be noticed should convince them to not attack.

Adam and Blake exchanged a subtle look. Adam gave a sharp smile to his partner while Blake desperately tried to signal to him that whatever he was thinking, it wouldn’t end well. 

Adam showed his teeth to Mash, “Of course, sorry for the aggression. Why don’t you just turn around and introduce me to your friends?” 

Mash nodded happily, “K.” With his response said, he turned around.

All the others in the room realized too late what was about to happen. Lance, Dot, and surprisingly Blake all rushed forward to try and stop it.

As soon as Mash had turned around, Adam unsheathed his sword.

Suddenly, the room exploded and a giant mechanical spider appeared.

Chapter Text

Mash Burnedead and the Out of Context Escape

A giant mechanical spider burst through the walls of the train. To anyone who wasn't a White Fang specialist or Divine Visionary-to-be, it would've been terrifying, intimidating, and slightly concerning.

Its massive mechanical chassis, spider-like legs, and singular red eye made the machine look like it meant business. Wait, is that spider? Isn’t a spider supposed to have eight legs? I mean I’m not the only one thinking this right?

"Hey, isn't a spider supposed to have eight legs?" Yeah see, Mash has the right idea!

"Also why is it a metal spider? Why choose a spider out of all the things? Why not like a gorilla, or an orc, or even a dragon?" Okay, Daut now you're just talking semantics. 

"Does that really matter right now!?" Not really, Blake. But it's important to them.

Adam got into an iaido stance, muscles tensed for his attack. "Stay out of my way, I've got this."

He said this to Mash, who was in front of them. He needed the mushroom head to move so he could grind that waste of taxpayers' money into dust, but if he gets caught in his attack range… accidents happen. 

Mash still hasn't moved, his back to the mecha spider getting ready to blast its enemies away. Blake was about to shout for him to get out of the way, but then she noticed his associates. Their faces were unconcerned, in fact, it was almost like they were impatient for something to happen. 

Did they not care about their friend? Or was there something else she was missing?

Adam on the other hand was growing tired of the human in front of him, he can't kill the Schnee spider without him moving first! He'll kill him after of course but not right now.

Adam growled, "Move damn it! Do you want to die?"

Rushing forward, the lumbering machine broke the floor of the train with every step. Weapon systems activated, glowing red. Its path was extermination, and nothing could stand in its way!

"Excuse me." A hand stopped its path, and by stopped, I mean the hand casually broke through its armor plating, lifted its titanic metal frame up into the air, and launched it into the clouds above them. Leaving a visible spider-shaped hole in the white cosmic fluff. 

Mash didn't look at where the hulking machine used to be, he already knew what happened, "We're busy."

Two jaws dropped at the sheer spectacle they had just witnessed. Blake's jaw was hanging open, seeming to take a step back from the physical beast before her.

Adam's jaw hung low, but he managed to keep himself steady. He would have defeated the robot easily enough as well, but not that easily. Perhaps he couldn't get rid of the mushroom threat just yet.

Lance and Daut simply rolled their eyes. Other people's reactions to Mash's Mashness never got old, but they were tired and hungry. Getting to civilization was their priority and the display they were watching was only taking up time. 

Clearing his throat, Adam tried to salvage this situation. "It seems you don't need our help, we'll be on our way then." If they could just make it to the other cabin and plant the bomb, then the explosion will ignite the dust on board and eliminate the three humans. And all the crewmembers but who cares about them. 

Daut, however, had a different idea. "Ya right! You tried to cut Mash down as soon as he turned around, what makes ya think we'll just let you go?"

Lance also chimed in, "He may be brash, but I agree. You're not particularly trustworthy right now."

" We're not trustworthy? You came here, destroyed the Schnee drones with us, and are clearly looking to get away from somewhere. You wouldn't need to hitch a ride on a moving train unless you've got a reason why you can't enter Vale legally." Adam made it clear he wasn't buying the whole innocent act these three were trying to give out. They were up to something, and he wanted no part in it.

Blake could see the situation getting worse, "Adam, that's not important. We have to go, now." The plan was a bust, and it was clear their objective wasn't possible. Getting out while they could was their only option. 

"I'm trying!" Adam snapped.

"We only came here to find some semblance of civilization, but you came prepared for combat." Lance stepped closer to the fuming Adam, "What would you have done here if we hadn't interrupted?"

"Why do you care? We're not gonna do anything now obviously." Blake tried to interject.

"I don't see how that's any of your concern, stay on this train all you like, we are leaving." Adam pushed past the blue haired boy and motioned for Blake to follow him. After a moment of uncertainty she did. 

The dark duo left the Easton trio behind, leaving them alone in the destroyed train carriage while the two of them went to the other cabin.

Blake rounded on him the second they entered and closed the door, "What are we still doing here? The mission is compromised and we need to leave!"

"We will." Adam said nothing else as he opened up a case full of red fire dust and nodded, satisfied about something.

"We can't steal that now, you know this."

"No, we can't," he agreed, "But we can take care of both our problems." He showed her a device retrieved from her pocket. 

Blake's enhanced eyes easily made out thr black device and when she recognized it, she went pale in the dark of the cabin. "You can't…"

"It's the only way, those three are witnesses and we can strike fear into the hearts of the humans." He said it as if it was the easiest thing in the world. 

"There's always another way! This isn't what we wanted!"

"You sound just like your parents! Remember them? The ones too weak to keep fighting. The ones that gave up !"

She jerked back, as if struck. Her face went completely blank. "We'll talk about this at the base."

Adam rolled his eyes, thankful for the coverage his mask offers, so she doesn't have to see what he thinks about her little talks. 

He turned around, assuming the conversation was done, and began the work to activate the bomb. 

He didn't hear the quiet sounds of Blake walking away from him, or the slow opening of the cabin door. The train made enough noise to cover her tracks.

MSHL

"So, where do you think we're going?" Daut asked. He was busy checking his cloak for anything missing when he asked this question.

"Hopefully somewhere with cream puffs and protein too, I think I'm losing muscle mass." Came the apathetic response from Mash, somehow sounding bored even when expressing concern.

"I highly doubt that." Answered Lance who then turned to Daut, "Wherever we're going, I can only hope they have a way to bring us back. If those powers displayed by Raven were any indication, we're dealing with strange and unusual magic." 

The sound of a metal door being opened alerted them to the sudden arrival of the darked haired girl from earlier. Blake, they believed her name was. 

"Where are you headed?" She asked them urgently, as if impatient.

The three of them looked at each other for a moment, looking confused and wondering if they could even trust her but eventually shrugged. They could defeat her if she tried anything.

"Anywhere really, maybe a city? That'd be nice." Said Mash.

She nodded quickly, "Great, so am I. Follow me." She jumped backward onto the top of the train cabin she just emerged from, her landing soft and practically ninja-like. She waved for them to hurry up.

"Pfft, show off." 

"I don't see you doing the same." 

"Watch me, pretty boy."

Daut rubbed his hands before taking a running start and leaping up to the roof. He actually made a fair and respectable distance up the wall, but gravity was still a thing in this world. He started to fall, then flail in a panic, however before he slammed into the wall he felt one of his arms be grabbed by Blake. 

She pulled him up as if he weighed nothing. Setting him down on the roof next to her, Daut tried to say thanks but she already turned away and beckoned Lance over.

"Aw man, that sucked." He whispered to himself, not knowing of Blake's enhanced hearing. 

Lance snorted at Daut's attempt. He himself simply used his gravity magic to float to the top, landing gently near Daut, giving him an unimpressed eyebrow raise. Daut gave him the finger.

Blake looked at Lance strangely, "Was that your semblance?"

Lance nodded, "Of course, what else would it be?"

Daut whispered in Lance's ear, "Semblance of what?"

"I have no idea." Lance whispered back.

Blake's ears twitched.

She tried to look for the black-haired boy with these cloak wearing people, but he was nowhere to be seen. Where did he…?

"Hello." A voice said from her side.

Jumping up in the air, not unlike a cat, Blake rounded towards Mash. Staring wide-eyed at the bored-looking boy that appeared right beside her. 

"How the… you know what, sure." Blake shook off the absurdity of the bowl-cut guy and softly walked away, nodding towards the front of the train. 

The students followed, not like they had much of a choice, and they made their way to the other side of the train. They were about to ask Blake just what was going on, but they stopped when they saw the look on her face.

She looked sad, not just that, she looked resigned. As if she always knew what to do, she just hoped she didn't have to. 

She went to the edge of the carriage, and raised her blade. Her hands shook, but her face hardened and she slashed at the metal connection keeping the cabin they just walked over attached. 

After that she watched the cabin get farther and farther away, eventually the masked guy came bursting out of the cabin, almost falling out of it entirely.

The two of them looked at each other, his body frozen with shock while hers stood resolute. After a while, he became just a black dot on the horizon, hidden behind the red leaves and sun.

The moment he left their line of sight, Blake collapsed onto her knees. Breathing heavily, her whole body twitching. She cursed under her breath, muttering obscenities, presumably at the masked guy she just abandoned. 

Lance and Daut didn't dare approach her, recognizing the situation for what it was…

Mash however!

He kneeled down next to her, folding his hands together. "You alright?"

"I'm fine," she turned away from him, hiding her tears and the fact that her voice sounded wet. "You said you wanted to go to a city right? Well, you're in luck. This train's going to Vale. After we arrive we'll all leave there and hopefully never see each other again."

"Oh, kay."

They all stood or sat in silence for an uncomfortable amount of time, fidgeting quietly or discreetly clearing their throats. Man, this is awkward. If only there was someone who has no social awareness and can break the silence. 

"Is that a city?"

"What do you think!" 

Ah, Mash. Never change.