Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Another day of my parents not picking me up. Why do I even bother waiting? Now it’s dark and I’m walking home alone. Again.

My birthday was just a couple of days ago. I guess it’s too selfish of me to expect kindness for a whole week.

I sighed.

I better hurry, I have a hamster and some late night toonies to get to.

With my head hung low I crossed the street, that’s when I heard the sound of…..galloping?

I looked to see where it was coming from. It came so fast I didn’t have any time to react. Was I about to be hit by a car again? A very horse like car?

It came extremely close and then….

I blacked out.

….

…..

……..

Man, I feel woozy. Woozier than usual. Why is it so dark?

I yawned and tried to stretch and felt incredibly cramped for some reason.

“Ugh, this lid weighs a ton!”

…Okay that wasn’t my voice. Now that I think about it, I thought I heard something earlier. Suddenly, I felt a huge gust of heat.

“WAH FIRE!?”

“Time to grab th-HUH YOU AIN'T SUPPOSED TO BE AWAKE.”

“Wait a minute, are you a walking talking fire breathing cat?” Oh my god, I must be dreaming. Siiiick.

“Cat!? HOW DARE YOU HUMAN! I am no cat! I’m Grim! Sorcerer extraordinaire! Whatever, just gimme that uniform!”

Uniform?

I looked down and I was wearing some fancy looking robe. Okay, this was definitely not mine but still…

“Wha!?”

“Gimme is a rude word. If you want something, you should ask politely!”

“I don’t need to ask when I can just burn ya to a crisp!”

“Still being rude.” Getting roasted alive by a talking cat? To be honest, I’ve had weirder dreams.

“I need to figure out where I am…” I started to wander off.

“HEY! DIDN'T YA HEAR ME!? GET BACK HERE!!!”

A please would’ve been nice. Eh, whatevs. It started to chase me. Guess we’re playing tag now. Wasn’t in the mood to run but who knew what this thing was capable of.

I breathed heavily and stopped. I think I’ve ended up in a library of some kind. Why is everything so gloomy? My dreams are usually waaay more colorful than this.

“I am not done with you human! I said gimme that-WHA HEY!!!”

I turned back to see what happened. I saw some man with a bird mask and snazzy clothes.

“Ah, I’ve found you at last. I’m guessing you’re one of this year’s new students? An eager one are you? But I hope you know bringing this poorly trained familiar of yours here is strictly against the rules.”

“Ah he’s not-”

The cat kicked around, “Like I’d ever serve some lowly human! Now put me down!”
Still not saying please.

“Oh quiet down will you! Typical rebellious familiar…”

Still wondering what the heck a familiar is.

“You may be a troublemaker yourself. I’ve dealt with many students but not one of them lacked the patience to open their own gate and step out of it. No matter the case, your orientation has just begun. We shall return to the Mirror Chamber.”

“Hold on bird man sir, gates? Students? What’s going on?”

“You seem rather confused. Have you not fully regained consciousness? I’m guessing the timespace teleportation has-”

“Teleportation!?”

“-addled your memories. While we walk I shall explain it all to you.”

Please don’t be a long walk, I’m woozy enough as is.

We walked outside of the library as the bird man started to explain this weird place I was in.

He cleared his throat, “So this is Night Raven College. An academy that welcomes students from all over to demonstrate their skills regarding magic.”

“Hold on, magic?”

“Indeed, only those the dark mirror perceives as having a talent for magic attend this college. Selected students are summoned to the campus by those “gates” which can appear anywhere. A black carriage carrying one of those gates in question should have come to pick you up.”

“A carriage? Like the ones with horsies and stuff?”

“Yes.”

Ah, so now that I think about it, I thought I was hit by a car that looked like a horse. Turns out it wasn’t a car at all. Hm!

“So wait, was I kidnapped or something?”

“Of course not!” The fire cat struggled in his grasp again.

“You don’t sound too sure…”

“Anywho! Off to your orientation!”

Okay so I’m going to school now? What type of dream is this exactly!? Is this even a dream anymore? Am I high? I might be high.

Chapter Text

Along with the snazzy bird man and the wild fire cat in his grasp, we made our way into some dark room filled with mirrors. There were a couple of other people there too, wearing the same robes I was.

“Hey, does anyone know where the headmage went? He left midway through the ceremony…”

“Some Headmage he is.”

“Maybe he has a tummy ache?”

So many unique voices and faces around. All eyes soon turned to us as the bird man spoke.

“I most certainly do not!

“Ah, speak of the devil.” A person with pretty red hair spoke.

“For those who questioned my whereabouts, I have been searching for the new student who failed to show up earlier.”

He gestured to me and I gave everyone in the room a peace sign.

“You are the only one who has yet to be assigned a dorm. Step to the dark mirror, I’ll take care of the weasel.”

“Cat.”

“Hm?”

“Pretty sure it’s a cat.”

The cat growled.

“Oh move along now!”

I shrugged and stepped up to the freaky mirror. Then, it spoke to me,

“State your name.”

“Oh uuuuuuh Vee?” Not like anyone calls me that but….

“The nature of your soul is……….unclear to me.”

“Huh?”

“What did you just say?” Snazzy bird man said, confused.

“I sense no magical power from this one. Soundless. Colorless. Shapeless. Utterly vacant.”

I should feel hurt but I still have no idea what’s happening here.

“Therefore, no dorm would be appropriate.”
Snazzy bird man held on tight to the fire cat still,

“So what you are telling me, is that the black carriage went to receive a person with no magic whatsoever? Absurd! There has not been an error in the student selection process once of its existence! How could of this-”

“Mmmph!!! NNNGHH!!” The fire cat managed to break free, “ME! Let ME have this student’s place! I have magic so let ME be a student here!”

The bird man tried to grab hold of the fire cat, “Not so fast you hyperactive weasel!”

Still think it’s a cat but whatever.

The cat in question started spewing more and more fire everywhere

“Everybody get down!” The red headed person yelled out.

One of the fireballs ended up on the robes of another student with red eyes. “AH! I’M ON FIRE OVER HERE.”

“STOP DROP AND ROLL DUDE! STOP DROP AND ROLL!!!” I yelled as the red eyed dude flailed about.

I stood there stunned as I watched the chaos unfold. It was kind of funny to be honest. Everyone freaking out while this adorable little cat is causing mayhem. It was like watching a cartoon sketch live!

The bird man panicked, “Someone catch that weasel before this school gets set ablaze!”

“Allow me to handle this, Headmage Crowley.” A boy with glasses stepped up, “If none of you are up to the task of catching such a small animal, then I shall accept the responsibility.”

“WTG Azul. Rackin in those participation points!” I heard a voice from a tablet speak.

“Will someone just catch that weasel!?”

“It’s a cat!” I corrected him.

“I AM NEITHER! I am Grim! Spellcaster extraordinaire!”

“Aren't you a spunky little fellow?” The guy with glasses spoke again, “Riddle, would you be so kind?”

The redhead he called Riddle spoke clear and concise, “Furry miscreant. I will abide no rule-breaking. You will be judged by my hand.”

“WAH!” The fire cat dashed around the room while the two students chased it.

It was a funny sight to be honest. Seeing two people trying to catch this cute little creature. It’s literally Tom and Jerry in real life!

I noticed that the students were blasting some spells at the cat. Ah that’s right, this is a magic school. With wizards and junk.

The little fire cat ended up running into a corner and came face to face with the students.

“MAN! A DEAD END!?”

“Poor soul, ran straight into a corner.”

“It’s best to surrender now.”

“NUH UH! I’m going to this school no matter what you guys do!”

The boy named Riddle sighed “Stand aside, Azul.”

“WAH!?”

Chapter Text

“OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!” Riddle said with a loud and heavy tone.

A very strange collar thingie appeared around the creatures neck.

“WHAT THE Urrggh.” It tried to pry the collar off with zero luck, “What is…”

Riddle cleared his throat, “The Queen of Heart's Rule 23: "One must never bring a cat to a formal affair."”

“Finally! Someone who sees that that’s a cat!”

Riddle looked back at me then back to the fire cat, “ Your very presence here is a violation of order. You will vacate these premises immediately.”

“But I ain't a cat either! Don't try to collar me! I'll burn it right off!” He tried to spit out fire again but, “Huh...? What gives!? My fire ain't workin'!”

“Exactly. Until that collar is removed, you will not be using any magic. You are nothing but a little house cat now.”

“Housecat!? I AIN’T NO HOUSECAT!!!”

“No magic and you’re still rowdy. Worry not, the collar will come off once you’re removed from campus.”

The boy with glasses, who I think was called Azul, let out a small laugh, “A spectacular show, as always Riddle. You have quite the handy unique magic. Being able to lock down others magic. I have GOT to have i-Ah, have respect for it. Heh…”

Bird man crossed his arms, “Vee! Was I not clear that you are expected to take responsibility for your familiar? Now discipline your-”

“It’s not mine…”

“Huh?”

“I tried to tell you, I haven’t seen that cat before in my life.”

“Oh…well, ahem, Then I shall have it expelled from campus. I shall even spare it from being served as dinner.”

“Wha-”

“My, but I AM kind. ...Someone take this away, please.”

Some students grabbed hold of it “NOOOO LET ME GOOO! You will regret this! You’ll see! I will go down as a legend in magic history!”

I feel kind of bad for him to be honest. Never seen someone, or something, being so extra when it comes to going to school. Even if he was really rude and made a mess of things, I wonder why he was so desperate to stay here.

“Well!” Bird man turned to the students, “I hear by declare this orientation, concluded! House wardens, please escort your students back to their dorms! Ah, where is Housewarden Draconia?”

A boy(?) with cute lion ears spoke, “That guys is a total recluse. Ain’t a shock he didn’t show up.”

The red eyed boy, who fortunately got the fire off of his butt, spoke “Wait a minute, did no one invite him?”

“You could have.” Some gorgeous person said with a delicate tone.

“Ah well, I don’t know him that well.”

The room started to fill with talks about this Draconia person. I guess they’re really intimidated by him. Makes you wonder what type of person he is.

“Ah. Just as I'd expected.” A deep voice cut through the banter. It looked like it belonged to someone VERY young looking, “I figured I'd come down and see for myself whether Malleus had made an appearance. But once again, he was left out of the loop.”

Riddle spoke up again, “Well, you must admit, he's not exactly the easiest person to strike up a conversation with….”

“I get that. Now worries! All those who were assigned to Diasomnia may follow me. Let’s hope your housewarden won’t be sulking about this.” The young looking boy with the deep voice led some students out the room.

Soon, all that was left was the bird man and me.

“Well Vee, this was an unfortunate turn of events. Since you lack magic, you cannot attend this school. Worry not! The dark mirror will send you back home. Now step up, and visualize where you came from.”

This is the longest and yet not the weirdest dream I have ever had.

I did as told.

“O Dark Mirror! Return this soul to where it belongs!”

“…..”

“Ahem, L-let us, er...try this again. O Dark Mirror! Return this soul—“

“There is no such place.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

“There is no place in this world where this soul belongs. None.”

……Well then.

“How can this be? Today is just a day for near impossible scenarios to happen.”

“…”

Bird man let out a groan and turned to me, “I must confess that I am at something of a loss.
Tell me young Vee: From what land do you hail?”

“Eh, land? I live in the US. If ya need specifics then I’m from a small town in Georgia.”

“…..Dear me. I am unfamiliar with such places.”

“Eh?”

“I’m familiar with the places every student here comes from. But yours is nothing but a mystery to me.”

“Whaaa?”

“Let’s see if we can look up this place of yours in the library. Come along now!” He gestured for me to walk with him and so I did.

Chapter Text

Bird man and I searched through book after book. Map after map. And yet…

“Vee, are you absolutely sure that’s the place you come from. Because I’m not seeing anything about it. You’re not lying are you?”

“Bird man I assure you I am no liar. Lying is no good!”

“Well if you’re not lying, the only other explanation is that you come from some other planet or dimension.”

“Woooooah, siiick.”

“….Not sure what you mean by that. You have anything in you that we can use for identification? An ID? At least a shoe?”

I patted myself down. I woke up with these weird robes. I didn’t even process all my stuff is gone, “Ah, I got nothin’.”

“What a predicament. I cannot have someone with no aptitude for magic bumbling about my magic academy. And yet, I cannot just expel you when you lack a home or even a guardian to contact. Ah how thoughtful I am.”

Talk about tooting your own horn.

“Hmmm, aha! There is a vacant building on this campus. It was, in fact, used as a dorm a long time ago. With a proper cleaning, it should be habitable enough. Out of the kindness of my heart, I’ll allow you to live there!”

“Really? A place all to myself? I’m not even eighteen yet.”

“No need to fret. I’ll check in from time to time and we shall investigate for ways to send you home! Aren’t I so compassionate.”

“Oh yeah, thanks bird man!”

“Ah, you can just call me Crowley.”

“Hmmm, I like bird man better!”

“Please call me Crowley…”

“What about SNAZZY bird man?”

“Hm, I do like snazzy. Very well then!”

Yay!

“Well then, I shall take you to your dorm straight away. It is an older building, but it has plenty of...character, one might say.”

“Okie dokie, snazzy bird man!”

He made a gleeful smile at the name and gestured for me to walk with him again.

With all this walking, I need to lay down for a LONG time.

Chapter Text

I came face to face with the rundown dorm in question. WOW, rundown was an understatement.

“So, this is the place?”

“Indeed! Isn’t it wonderful?”

I shrugged.

“Come on, scoot scoot inside.”

He shuffled me in, “Okay okay sheesh.”

We made it in and damn.

The curtains and blinds were torn, furniture was destroyed, trash was everywhere, and I think I saw a couple of rats.

“I’m gonna live here?”

“Just until I find you a way home. It shouldn’t take that long, I work tirelessly when it comes to my students. That’s how generous I am! Anywho, I should be heading out to do my research. Feel free and try to entertain yourself. I better not catch you roaming around campus though.” He laughed and left out. Leaving me all alone.

Great. Guess I can’t complain too much, although it would’ve been nice to have a clean place to sit.

I just sat down on the staircase, and carrying my head with my hands. This may not be a dream after all. I’m actually stuck in a new world. A world with magic no less.

….

Sick.

I mean, I want to get back home soon. I have a hamster to feed. But, other than that. This world could be sort of fun! Despite it being all dark and gloomy, it reminds me of places you’ll see in cartoons.

And I’m living by myself. Sure this dorm is a bit of a fixer upper but nothing a little crafting can’t do.

I jolted a bit when I felt a drop of water hit my face. Ah, looks like it’s raining. The ceiling is all raggedy. Add that to the many things I need to fix.

“GWAH ITS POURING OUT THERE!!!” I heard a familiar voice say.

“Oh hey, it’s you.”

“And you’re not shocked? Obviously I’d find a way to sneak back on campus! I ain’t giving up just because you guys tried to get rid of me! You all will know what I’m capable of!”

“You really want to go to this school huh?”

“Of course I do! I was born to do this! I'm a magical prodigy who's got the makin's to become one of the greatest mages who ever lived! So I've been waitin' for that black carriage to come for me. And yet...Hrmph! That Dark Mirror's got no eye for talent!”

“Aww, that’s kinda sad…”

“That’s why I came here my own self! You humans don't understand what a mistake you're makin'! Not lettin' me in is a great loss to the world! Now scotch over! I’m getting rained on over here!”

I moved out of the way and he jolted at another splash of water. “MRAH ANOTHER HOLE IN THE ROOF!”

“Yeah, there’s a bunch of them. Some buckets might help….”

“Ya can’t just magic em away or something?”

“….”

“Oh wait you have no magic. Myahaha you’re useless then!”

“No need to be so mean…”

“Give me a can of tuna and just maybe I’d care!”

I blinked a walked away for the buckets.

“Hey get back here!”

I moved through the hallway and jumped when I heard a slight sound.

“What is it now human?”

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear wh-”

“Yee hee hee... Bwa ha ha ha ha ha.” The haunting laugh scared both Grim and I.

Then a spooky figure appeared.

“A…”

“GHOST!?”

More ghosts appeared and started flying around us. Laughing hauntingly.

I picked up Grim and squeezed him, “You think they’re going to kill us?”

“MRAH! Let go of me! I’m a master sorcerer!I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.” He jumped out of my grasps and faced off against the ghosts. “Taaake THIS!”

He tried to spit fire at one of them but it they disappeared.

“HEY!” He kept at it but all of them kept flying around and disappearing.

One of them yet out yet another haunting laugh, “What a fun game!”

“Dude, you’re not winning this battle with your eyes closed.”

“Don’t get me lip huma-MRAH.” He jumped back as a ghostie appeared behind him.

“Grim behind you!”

“I see it!” He blasted fire at it. “Ah, human! Tell me where the ghosts pop up!”

“Okie dokie artichoke!”

The ghosts kept appearing and reappearing. Grim used his fire where I instructed him to. It got kind of messy since I confused my left and rights. But we got the hang of it.

“OW OW”

“THAT BURNS!!”

“THIS ISN’T FUN ANYMORE!”

“Nice! That actually worked! Hey, human! What should I do next?”

“Go nuts!”

“Myahaha I GOT IT!”

Chapter Text

“MWAAAAH, We gotta get outta here! Before we disappear for good!”

And just like that, the ghosts disappeared.

“H-huh, did we win?”

“I think we did! That was so sick little dude! Thanks for the help.” I patted Grim on the head and I could’ve sworn I heard him purr.

“I was scared outta my- I mean, that was easy! Those ghosties didn’t stand a chance!”

“That’s right little dude!”

I heard the door opened and checked who entered, “Hello again. In another gesture of my immense kindness, I have brought you din-” It was the snazzy bird man again and he seemed surprised at Grim being here, “Wait. That's the creature we ejected for causing trouble at orientation! What is it doing here?!”

“Takin' care of yer ghost problem, that's what. You're welcome, by the way!”

“Ghost problem? Oh, I do seem to recall that this dorm had a mischievous ghost problem.That's why it was abandoned, in fact. The ghosts scared away all the students. You two drove them away?”

“More like I drove them away. The human was scared out of their mind! I only did it for some tuna, which I am STILL waitin for!”

“Hm, might you two demonstrate how you eradicated those ghosts for me?”

“One, no, 'cause I already wiped 'em all out. And two, no, 'cause where's my tuna?!”

“How about I get you tuna after the demonstration? Oh I am so generous! Now to chug this potion…” He chugged a vile he took from his pocket.

“Ah, you gotta be kiddin' me. I gotta work together with the human again?”

I patted Grim yet again, “Do it for the tuna, oh great sorcerer!”

“Hmph! Alright alright! But this is the last time! And the tuna better be delicious!”

Chapter Text

Crowley had turned into a funny looking ghost. It was nearly hard to take the battle seriously but we managed through it.

Grim panted and nearly passed out, “…Well?”

“Incredible... I've never seen anyone bend a monster to their will quite the way you have.”

“Well it wasn’t really…”

“I have to say, my educator's intuition did sense something about you after the whole fiasco at orientation, young Vee. I could tell you had a certain animal trainer-y quality to you.”

“Well, I DID take care of a hamster for a couple of days. And large dogs liked to chase me around.”

“Interesting…” He started muttering something incoherent.

I looked back at Grim for a bit, “Hey, what if Grim stayed with me here?”

“You mean this little beast?”

“Yeah! He really wants to go here!”

Grim blinked up at me, “Did you just…”

“What if there’s more ghosties? I need a super talented beast like him around! Please sir…”

“Hmmm... I suppose I cannot deny your plea. Very well.”

“MRAH!? Really?”

“Let me be clear!” Snazzy bird man held his hand up, “Under no circumstances would I admit anyone to Night Raven College who has not been selected by the Dark Mirror - especially not a monster!”

Kind of mean ya know…

“Nor do I intend to allow you, Vee, to freeload until you're able to return home.”

Grim slumped over beside me, “Got my hopes up for nothin….”

“Let me explain. Since it is the dark mirror’s fault you’re here, the school does bear some responsibility for your well-being. So you can remain in this dorm, free of charge!”

Sounds like a plan to me. Again, just need to put my crafting abilities to good use here.

“However, you will need to pay for your own food, clothing, and incidentals.”

“…..Huh”

“As to how you will do so, penniless as you are...Ah. Ah ha. Yes, a fine plan.”

“…..So what am I gonna have to do?”

“Don’t be so alarmed, I’ll just need you to do a few odd jobs. From what you've done here, Vee, I can tell you know your way around a broom.”

He’s not wrong…

“If you agree to that, I will make a special exception and allow you to remain on campus. I'll also allow you use of the library, so that you may study, and research ways to return home. But only after your work is over. Ah I’m so charitable!”

I mean, not a bad deal. He’s being quite nice to a student who has no reason to be here. I guess you get what you get and don’t pick a fit.

“Whaaat? What kinda deal is that?! I wanna put on one of those sweet uniforms and be a student, not sweep up people's junk!”

Grim hasn’t heard that phrase I can tell.

“I could in fact have you thrown off campus.”

Grim huffed, “Fine, let’s do it.”

I shrugged, “I’m game.”

“Great! I can tell you both will do very well as the newest members of the Night Raven College's janitorial staff! I hope you have a great rest of your night. I shall see you tomorrow!” He waved and walked out.

Grim collapsed on the ground, “So much for going to this school.” He made a big yawn.

“Tired buddy?”

“Yeah, all that ghost fightin tuckered me out…”

I picked him up and started to walk up the stairs, “There should be a bedroom or two up here…”

I opened the first door I spotted and I was right. There was a bedroom but it looked pretty trashed. Eh, at least the bed was intact. I sat Grim down on it. “I’m feeling tired too, maybe there’s some jam jams in here?”

I checked in what seemed to be a wardrobe and yet again I was right. There was some really old time pajamas inside it. I took it out and waved it around to get any dust and dirt off of it. “Guess I could wear this…”

“Hehehehe…”

“Hm!?”

I looked around the room for the source of the child like laugh.

“Grim did you hear-”

I glanced at the bed and Grim was sound asleep. Wow he even sleeps like a cat.

I shrugged and put on the old and dirty pajamas. Afterwards, I made myself comfy on the old bed. “Night night Grim.” I patted him, laid down, and slowly went to sleep.

…..

……

…….

“Hehehhehehe”

Chapter Text

“Hee hee hee... Aren't the two of you supposed to be off cleaning the school today?”

I yawned and rubbed my eyes.

“Mmmmm... Nngh... Five more minutes…”

“Go ahead, sleep the day away. And you might not eeever hafta wake up again.”

“Just like us! Ah ha ha ha ha ha!!”

“Myah?! The ghosts are back! Hey, Vee, up and at 'em!” Grim pawed at my face.

“Uuuugh, okay okay sheesh….”

Half exhausted, we did the good ol ghostbusters routine again. The ghosts seemed to be having more fun though…

“So I hear you'll be living here from now on? Hope you like pranks as much as we do! Hya ha ha!“ They disappeared yet again.

“We gotta get rid of those things for good…”

I nodded and stretched. A bunch of springs were poking my back and junk. Add that to the checklist of things needing to be fixed. Straight to the top.

I got dressed and headed down the stairs, where Crowley was waiting for us.

“Ah good morning you two, sleep well?”

“Not at all!” Grim exclaimed, “The mattress fell right through the frame when we got on it. Not to mention we got woken up by ghosts!”

I stretched again, “Meh, better than an alarm clock. But yeah, I had better sleep…”

“Well, it's understandable you'd be anxious after being pulled into such an unfamiliar place. But the world can be cruel sometimes. So suck it up and move on!”

Well sheesh dude.

“Speaking of moving on, about your assignment for today. Your job today is to clean the campus.“

“…..The whole campus?”

“I understand, the campus is vast and the lack of magic makes this job even more complicated for you. That’s why, today I'll have you focus on the area spanning from the front gates to the library. Now, young Vee...” He looked at Grim, “I do expect that you'll keep a close eye on Grim, lest he cause another incident like yesterday.”

“Can’t promise too much, but aye aye captain.”

“Do not fail me. You may take your lunch in the cafeteria. I eagerly await the fruits of your labor.” And just like that, he left yet again.

Grim huffed, “HMPH! I don’t wanna clean anythin’ I wanna study magic so I can be blastin' off spells left and right! Like BAM! POW! FWOOM!“

“After we’re done, we can head to the library! They’re should be a bunch of books that can teach you how to BAM! POW! FWOOM!“

“Hmph!”

“Let's just head to the front gate for now okay?”

“Fiiiine…”

I picked Grim up and sat him comfortably on my head, “Great mages shouldn’t need to walk!”

“MYAHAHA, you’re smarter than you look human!”

I guess that was a compliment. Whatever, Grim and I started to head out.

*CRACK*

“Huh?” I turned around and noticed a broken vase on the ground. Now how the heck did that happen.

“Must’ve been one of the ghosts I’m guessin’. Now hurry human! The faster we get this done the better!”

“Okay Grim the sorcerer extraordinaire!” We both left out and I closed the door behind me.

….

……

…….

“Hehehehehehhe”

Chapter Text

We made it to what we thought was main street. Both of us looked in awe at the bunch of stoned statues there.

“What's the deal with these seven statues? All their faces look pretty scary. Like, this lady here looks like she's got some reeeal anger management issues.”

“Grim, it’s rude to make judgments on people you don’t know!”

“You guys don’t know the Queen of Hearts?” Grim and I looked to where the voice came from and we saw a boy with a heart by his eye.

“Queen of Hearts? Is she some kinda big deal?”

“She was a queen who lived in a mazelike garden of roses long, long ago.” Heart boy walked in front of the statue, “She was a strict woman who prized order above all. She wouldn't tolerate a rose being off-color, or her playing-card soldiers being out of step.She basically ruled over a kingdom of madness, if one of her subjects dared to defy her, their punishment was immediate decapitation!”

“Wah! That is seriously messed up!”

“Pretty cool, right? I'm a big fan. I mean, who would bother to obey a queen that was kind all the time?”

I subconsciously raised my hand, “I mean I would. If she said please and thank you all the time, I would always listen to what she has to say. Kindness should be rewarded!”

The boy blinked at me confused.

“Who’re are you anyways?” Grim asked.

“Name's Ace. I'm a first year student here, as of... today! Pleased to meetcha!” He reached out his hand and I shook it. He seems like a chill and fun dude to be around. Like those super cool and popular guys that everyone wants to invite to parties and stuff. Putting it like that, it’s so weird I’m shaking hands with him now! “Um, this is the part where you let go…”

Ah, I was still shaking his hand. I quickly let go.

“Sorry. I’m Vee!”

“Vee? Hm, simple name. Not bad.”

“And I’m Grim! I'm a prodigy who's plannin' to be, like, the greatest mage who ever lived. Vee here is my hench human!”

Hench human? Hm, not a bad title.

“So tell me, Ace. Is that lion with a scar on his eye a famous ruler too?”

“Of course!” Ace stood in front of the Lion statue again, “That's the King of Beasts who ruled the savanna. But he wasn't born into the throne - he had to earn it through hard work and some elaborate schemes. When he became king, he decreed that the hyenas would be pariahs no more, and should live among his subjects as equals.”

“You think he’d pet his cute little ears?”

“…..That’s a lion.”

“And?”

“….”

“Whatever whatever!” Grim jumped off my head and moved to another statue, “Who's the lady with the octopus legs?”

“So, that’s the Sea Witch who lived in an underwater grotto. She devoted her life to helping troubled merfolk. If they were willing to pay the price, she'd help them change their appearance, find love, whatever!

Aww, that’s nice of her.

“They say she was so good, there was no wish she couldn't grant. They also say the price was a tad steep, though. But she was granting wishes! Of course it was!”

“Myaha! So you're sayin' that once I'm a great mage, gettin' rich off folks will be a total cinch?! Oh, oh! Do the dude with the big hat next!”

Ace went to explain each of the statues before us. To be honest he’s a really cool story teller, his energy is infectious. I started to think the stories sounded sort of familiar but I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

“And finally, here we have the Thorn Fairy who lived on a mythical mountain. She was noble and elegant, and a master of magic and curses - even by the standards of these seven! She commanded storms, covered the kingdom with thorns... She could use magic on a massive scale! She could even turn herself into a giant dragon!”

“Ooh. a dragon! What all monsters yearn to be!”

“Pretty cool huh?” I was taken aback when I say that Ace’s carefree smile turned into a cocky grin,

“Not like some piddling weasel.”

Chapter Text

“Myah!?”

“Piddling weasel?”

“Pfft-” Ace doubled down in laughter as Grim and I watched, “I can't hold it back anymore! Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!”

“What’s so funny?”

“Come on, you're the ones who turned orientation into such a fiasco, right? The one summoned by the Dark Mirror who can't even use magic, and the monster no one summoned at all.” There was practically tears in his eyes as he kept laughing “It took everything I had not to burst into laughter right in the middle of the ceremony!”

“H-hey! You don't gotta be a jerk about it!”

“Yeah!” Grim and I both crossed our arms in sync.

“So in the end, neither of you got admitted, and now you're janitors? Ah ha ha! SO lame!”

Okay, so I thought Ace was this super chill and fun guy. The type of guy everyone likes. But the way he’s acting now, he’s just a huge bully!

“And you're both so clueless you don't even know who the Great Seven are. Not a one of them! Maybe before you try getting into the academy again, you ought to take a second crack at kindergarten?” He started to laugh again.

“Ya know you’re being a real meanie, you know that?”

“Pfft, meanie!? What are you five!?”

Okay now he’s a straight up asshole, “You’re being a bitch right now, how’s that?”

He paused and his eye twitched for a sec, “Ah whatever, I spent too much time with you guys anyways. I actually have classes to go to, so I’ll let you continue picking up trash. Buh-bye!” He snickered and tried to leave.

Unfortunately Grim was NOT having any of this, “Myuh-uh! You ain't walkin' away from me! It's too late for that!” He shot a gust of fire near Ace.

“HEY WHAT THE”

“No one makes fun of Grim, Master of Fire! I'm gonna make that explodey-head of yours explode all over again!”

“Explodey-head!?” Okay so NOW he was pissed, “You wanna throw down with me, shorty? You got some guts. You wanna talk hair, huh? I'm gonna shave you like a toy poodle!” He waved his little wand thingie at Grim, making him be pushed back a ton.

“MYAAAAH!”

“Oho! How do you like that!?”

“H-hey! His magic winds are blowin' my fireballs off course! No fair!”

More students started to crowd around us, being interested in the fight happening. First time being in a fight circle and I’m not even the one fighting!

“Aw, can’t hit me with your little fireballs?”

“Imma bout to!”

Several thoughts are saying that this is not going to end well. But at the same time, Ace is the bad guy here right? Bad guys need their comeuppance. Not saying Grim should burn him to a crisp buuuut…

“Go Grim! Show him what’s what!”

Grim and Ace kept at it. Grim kept getting pretty close at hitting Ace but I do have to admit, that guy does have some major skills. He’s deflecting that fire like he’s playing tennis.

“TAKE THIS!” Grim made a pretty big flame blast at Ace.

“WAH!” Ace slightly panicked and made his wind push it to the side.

I can tell he greatly regretted that decision.

“NO DAMMIT.”

The fire hit the Queen of Hearts statue, which made everyone around panic.

“Now the Queen of Hearts's statue looks like it's been flame-broiled!”

“That's your fault for tryin' to divert it! You shoulda just let it burn you to a crisp!”

“Who in their right mind would ever do that?!”

Crowley appeared by my side, “What is going on here?”

“Crap! The headmage!”

“NOPE! I’m outta here!” Grim tried to escape but Crowley used a spell to keep him in place.

“Not so fast. Did I not just warn you, "no more incidents"? And now you've charred one of my statues?! It's almost as though you WANT to be expelled!”

“Wait! No please!” Ace begged. At least he said please…

“And you, Vee. You were specifically told to keep Grim under control!”

“Sorry, sir…” I looked down to my feet in shame.

“This will not do. And you!” He pointed at Ace, “State your name and grade.”

“Ace Trappola... Freshman.”

“Then listen well, Trappola. As well as you two, Grim and Vee. As punishment, you three are hereby ordered to wash a hundred windows!”

“Myah?!” Grim puffed at Ace, “That's what you get for makin' fun of me! This is all your fault!”

“Like hell is this fair! What do you mean I have to do it too?”

“I suggest you watch your tone before you make your punishment worse young man…”

Ace sighed, “Fine…”

“You will meet in the cafeteria after class. Are we clear?”

“Yes sir…” Ace and I said simultaneously.

Man, am I feeling a wave of emotions. Been in this world for less than a day and I’m already causing problems.

I patted Grim in the head since he was still pouty.

Please let this be the only mess I’m apart of…

Chapter Text

Grim and I worked tirelessly and cleaned window after window.

Well, more like I did. Grim just sat around waiting for Ace to show up.

“Ugggh, Ace still ain’t here?”

“He’s probably running late. It’s better to get a head start so we won’t waste the rest of the day away.”

“There’s no way I’m starting until Ace gets here. It’s his fault we’re in this mess in the first place!”

“I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” It’d be very rude to miss out on a punishment for something you did. Most of this is my fault and I don’t mind doing most of the work. But he was the one who egged on Grim, he should at least take accountability for that!

I scrubbed more windows as times passed. Ace was still not a no show.

….

“Ace isn’t coming huh?”

“Told ya! What a flake!”

“Maybe something came up?”

“Or he’s ditching!”

“Either way, let’s go find him and see what’s up…”

“Yeah! Ain't no way am I doin' his punishment for him! C'mon, Vee, I don't care if we gotta drag him kickin' and screamin', he's washin' those windows!”

I threw the wet rag in its bucket as I picked up Grim. I put him on my head again and we went to search for Ace.

Haven’t been in this school for too long so I have no clue what I’m doing. I’m not even sure if I’m going in a circle or not.

We opened a door to an empty classroom with no sight of Ace.

“Aw come on! Where is he!? There’s no one in sight!”

“Oh ho ho, I wouldn’t say that…” We looked around for where that voice came from, “Over here!”

“MRAH!? That painting just talked!

“Yes, and...? Is a talking painting really such an oddity at this school?

“Uuuuum…”

“The lady in the portrait on that wall talks too. As does the gentleman in the portrait on this one.
As long as a painting has a mouth, why wouldn't it be able to talk? Is that really so strange?”

“Well this the first time I’m seeing,” or rather hearing, “a painting talk.”

“Well there’s a first time for everything! Now, you seem to be looking for someone…”

“Yuppers! There’s this guy named Ace who looks cool but is really a jerk! His hair is like all messy and he has a heart on his face!”

“Oh that kid. A new student, I believe? Today was his first day at school. I think he went back to his dorm a while ago.”

……Asshole.

“Myaaah! So it's true! He's tryin' to ditch us! Do you know which way he went?”

“The door to the dorms is in the eastern building.”

“Gotcha! Let’s go get him, Vee!”

“Alright! Thank you mysterious talking painting!”

“See you around!”

Not only does this guy like to be rude to people for fun, but he lets others take the punishment he’s also apart of.

Absolutely the worst kind of person.

Chapter Text

There’s been way too much moving around. I dashed with Grim in tow in hopes of catching Ace.

“Like hell am I gonna wash a hundred windows. Those two can do it themsel-”

“AHA! GOTCHA, PUNK!”

“SHIT!” He made a dash another way.

“HEY WAIT!”

“Who in their right mind would ever wait?! Seeya!”

“No way are you gettin' out of this! You think I WANNA wash windows?”

I ended up falling out of breath.

“VEE! Quit your slackin! We gotta catch him!”

Ace laughed as he looked at us, “You guys make this too eas-HEY WATCH IT!” He ended up bumping into another boy while passing.

“Hey! What gives?”

I panted, “Please help!”

“Hm?”

“That guy is ditching his cleaning duty!”

“What? That's not right! But how to stop him? Like, freeze his legs? Or bind them with a rope? Or maybe I could...”

“Do anything! Please?”

“Anything?! Anything, huh...All right!” He pulled out his wand thingie “Here goes anything!”

I watched as he turned to Ace with his eyes closed. He waved his wand thing around, “I summon thee... something heavy!”

What I think was a cauldron appeared and fell right on top of Ace.

“OW WHAT!?”

“TOO HEAVY! SORRY!”

“Ah ha ha ha ha! Look, Vee, look! That Ace guy got crushed beneath a giant cauldron! It squashed him flat! Aha ha ha! That's what you get!”

I couldn’t help but laugh myself. Talk about slapstick!

Ace managed to push the heavy thing off of himself, “Owwww! What are you bothering me for? You guys coulda just banged out the work yourself!”

“It’s your punishment too ya know!”

“What did you guys even do?”

I glared at Ace.

“All I did was mess around with some annoying furball. ……And maaaybe the Queen of Hearts statue got charred in the process….”

“You damaged a statue of the Great Seven?! That’s serious man! And after you managed to get into THIS school, how could you get in trouble on the very first day?!”

“Oh shut up, I don’t need back talk from you. I don’t even know who you are!”

“….It’s Deuce. Deuce Spade.”

“Was I supposed to know that?”

“We’re from the same dorm! And class! How could you not remember your own classmates name uh…..um…”

“SEE! You don’t even know mine!”

I sighed, “Hey Deuce, the name’s Vee. Thanks for helping us! And Ace…” I turned to the boy in question, “How about this, you do ten windows, Grim does ten windows, and I do eighty!”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yeah, if you’re not gonna do a lot at least do SOMETHING. I don’t mind doing most of the work since Grim was my responsibility. But it’s still not good for you to ditch when you’re at fault too!”

“Wow, talk about about a goodie two shoes…”

“I’d rather be a goodie two shoes than a bully no shoes!”

“….”

“….”

Deuce snickered which earned a glare from Ace. “Fine! Okay sheesh!”

“Yay, sounds good to your Grim? Hm?” I looked around.

“The heck did that furball go!?”

“MYAHAHAA!” We looked ahead and Grim was making a break for it.

“Grim!”

“I'll let you two handle the rest! See ya, suckers!”

Oh come on!

“Oh HELL nah, uh, Juice!”

“Deuce! With a D! How is it that hard?”

“Yeah yeah who cares. You’re helping me catch that furball.”

“Why me?”

“That useless goody two-shoes over there can’t use any magic. So we gotta catch him!”

That useless part was unnecessary….

Deuce sighed, “Fine…”

“Okay, follow me!”

Both of them made a run for Grim.

“Hey wait for me guys!”

I know I don’t have magic but leaving me alone is just plain mean.

“Better stop right there furball!”

“Make me, explodey hair!”

“You asked for it, come on Juice!”

“It’s ugh, nevermind!”

I was way behind them, if you couldn’t tell already, running isn’t something I’m good at.

They stop for a bit as Grim was backed into a corner. However he managed to slip away as the two started to bicker.

I tried to jump and grab him but missed.

“Sorry hench human! But a great mage like me has no place being a janitor!”

I pouted, “You guys gotta work together. You’ll never catch him like this!”

Ace huffed, “This guy just can’t keep up.”

“I SO CAN!”

I made another sigh as we chased after Grim yet again.

Chapter Text

Grim kept moving around Ace and Deuce seamlessly. Even starting to jump up to higher places.

“HEY GET DOWN HERE!”

“Not a chance!”

He kept going higher and higher and made his way onto the chandelier.

Deuce grunted, “No fair climbing up onto the chandelier, you coward! Ugh, not too confident about trying flight magic. But, what could I summon to hold onto him...? Hmmm...”

I watched Deuce look down at his pen, look up, and slowly turn his head to Ace.

“What?”

“I got it.”

“WOAH! Who are you pointing that pen at?”

“I’m going to launch you.”

“HUH!? That is a horrible idea!” He turned to me desperately, “Tell him that’s a horrible idea!”

…..

“Do it.”

“HUH!?”

“Make yourself useful, please.”

“Wha-HEY!” He started to float up as Deuce pointed his pen at him, “Put me down! DO NOT LAUNCH ME.”

Deuce aimed Ace at the chandelier Grim was on, “Just make sure to grab him tight. I've got him in my sights, and...” Ge finally propelled Ace at the chandelier, “GO!”

Ace screamed as he hit the chandelier. For a split second I realized that man this was a terrible idea.

I was soon proven right when Ace hit the chandelier, causing it to fall from the ceiling.

“…..”

“….Well that happened…”

Ace groaned and slowly stood up, “Oh my, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?”

“Oh, right! I probably should have come up with a way to soften your landing after you caught him...”

Ace’s eye twitch and he looked as if he was on the verge of strangling Deuce,“You complete and total dumbass! We got Grim, but we broke the chandelier! If the headmage finds out about this-”

“If I find out about... what, dear Ace?”, You can guess who appeared.

“AH! HEADMAGE Um…”

Crowley eyed the chandelier that was on the ground broken in pieces. Along with a Grim who was knocked out. Then he slowly glared at us, “How!?”

“Well-”

“Nope don’t want to hear it. Burning a statue wasn't enough for you? Now you've destroyed a chandelier?! Enough. All of you are expelled.”

“WHAT!?” We all said at the same time.

This was the first time I ever been expelled. I feel absolutely horrible. Mama and Papa aren’t here but if they were…I wonder…

“Headmage, please! Give me a second chance! I can't get expelled from this school! I need to be here!” Deuce practically begged.

“Then blame yourself for your own foolish behavior.”

“I'll pay for the damages! However much it costs!”

“It is magical chandelier. Its candles are powered by a magical energy source, enchanted so that they will burn for eternity. It has been here since the school was established, and considering its historical value, I would estimate its worth to be no less than a billion thaumarks.”

“…..”

Thaumarks?

“You intend to repay that sum?”

“I um….”

“Exactly what I thought.”

“Buuut, with your amazing talent I’m sure you could fix the chandelier with a snap of your fingers right?” Ace put on his cool and charming tone again.

“Magic has its limits. Furthermore, its magestone - the figurative heart of any magical artifact - is cracked. A magestone cannot easily be replaced. It’s sad to say that the candles of this majestic chandelier will never burn again.”

“Yikes….”

“How am I supposed to tell my mom…”

For a minute, a twinge of guilt hit me again. Me not handling Grim when he was throwing fireballs at Ace started this. Not to mention me losing sight of Grim yet again ended us up here.

I was about to suggest a punishment for me and me only when,

“Ah...! But there may be one way. One tiny sliver of chance to repair this chandelier.”

“There is!?”

Crowley nodded, “The magestone that powered this chandelier was mined from the Dwarfs' Mine. If you can acquire a magestone with the same properties, it may be possible to repair it.”

“Then I’ll go get it! With your permission of course!” Talk about a mood change.

I raised my hand, “I’ll help too, sir.”

“I cannot promise there yet remain magestones to find. The mines were closed quite some time ago. It is quite likely that all of the magestones have already been mined.”

“We will still try, sir!”

“Very well, then. I will suspend your expulsion for a single night. But if you fail to return with a magestone by morning, then all of you are expelled.”

“Understood!” Both Deuce and I saluted. Meanwhile Ace had made a big sigh.

“Yeah yeah, let’s hurry and get this over with.”

“You should be able to reach the Dwarfs' Mine instantly by using one of the gates in the Mirror Chamber.”

“Yes sir!”

Grim finally managed to wake up from the ground, “Mraaah, Wh-? Where am I?!“

I looked down at him with a disappointed look, “Things got even more complicated.”

Chapter Text

Traveling by mirror sure is….unique to say the least. I nervously stuck my hand through then pulled it out. Hm, it felt normal.

I then put my whole foot through and walked into the mirror.

I opened my eyes and we were outside of the school. However, it didn’t take long for me to trip face first among arrival.

Ace let out a laugh which made me pout. Luckily Deuce was decent enough to help me up.

“You okay there?”

“Yeah…happens a lot…” I dusted myself off and looked around, “Soooo, this the place?”

“Should be. The dwarf’s mine was said to be flourishing with magestones in the past.”

I looked at the entrance, boy did it look gloomy.

Grim spoke up, “We’re supposed to find stones in there?

“Looks like there’s a house over there,” Ace casually walked ahead ”Let’s see if the people in there know anything!”

Grim, Deuce, and I followed behind. The house on the outside looked cozy but looked pretty rundown. We eventually knocked on the door and opened it after there was no answer.

“Hello?”

The whole place looked trashed. I coughed because of all the dust particles.

“Blegh, all of these cobwebs!” Grim pawed at his face in an attempt to clear off the cobwebs he just walked through.

“Doesn’t look like anyone’s here.”

“Well I’ll say, no offense but this place looks like a total dump!”

Ace was right of course. Windows were shattered, floorboards out of place, spiderwebs everywhere. I doubt anyone has been here for years.

Our eyes drifted towards the dining table.

“Was this for kids? Why’s the table and chairs so small?”

“One, two…” Ace counted the chairs, “Seven!? What is this, a clown car!?”

“I guess this place belonged to a big family of some kind.”

A big small family more like.

“Whatevs, we’re not gonna find any stones here ya know.”

“Right, back to the mine!”

We left the rundown house and came face to face with the entrance of the mine again.

“Looks even spookier up close.” I held Grim as he shook in place.

Ace wore a cheeky grin and poked Grim, “What, someone scaaaared?”

“Mrah!? Me!? Never! I’ll show you scared. Come on henchhuman, we’ll lead!”

“Okie dokie.” Grim and I stepped forward into the mine with Deuce and Ace behind us.

We didn’t get too far until we heard something odd.

“Hee hee”

We all jolted up at the haunted laughter, “Uh what was tha-”

“Visitors! The first in ten years!”

“Do make yourselves at home…You can stay fooreeeeever!”

Here we go again….

Chapter Text

Just like that, we all had the same idea in mind to absolutely book it from the ghosts. Well, Grim did so first.

They chased us pretty far. The other three managed to hold them back a little with their magic.

“VEE HURRY UP!”

I kept panting as I struggled to run with the others. Couldn’t this be a simple adventure with light jogging?

We managed to get far enough from the ghosts behind us and dove behind a couple of rocks.

Ace peaked his head out from the rocks and looked back and forth, “Shit, there’s more of them ahead of us…”

We all looked ahead and Ace was right, there was another pair of ghosties up ahead

“We can’t just stay here, let’s move!” Deuce stood up triumphantly.

I was about to follow him when Ace spoke up

“Yeah yeah, don’t go acting like the leader here! It’s your fault we’re even in this mess!”

“Huh!? My fault?”

“Don’t you remember that oh so bright idea of yours to launch me into the chandelier? Tell me how that turned out again.”

“W-well, you shouldn’t have been running away from your punishment!”

“If you wanna play it like that then its that furball’s fault! His fireballs wrecked the statue!”

“MRAH!? Well, you shouldn’t have insulted me!”

All three of them started to bicker yet again. Which left me to cover my ears. I’d walk away if it wasn’t for the fact I agreed to help. Instead I turned away, although the sight of two teenage boys arguing with a walking talking fire breathing cat that's like two feet tall was pretty funny.

When I looked ahead, the ghosts were no longer there. I uncovered my ears and yelled, “Guys!”

The three were still occupied. I tried to get their attention again when I heard a faint groaning sound,

“Oooooones…..”

Hm?

I slowly looked behind me and a silhouette of some weird thing that was like several feet tall was slowly trudging its way forward.

“Stooooooooooooones”, It came from the shadows and oh my god I could’ve sworn it got taller. It had like a glass head spilling ink out of it.

At least the three behind me weren’t fighting anymore. I turned to look at them and all three of them were terrified.

The monster was now right in front of me. I was practically frozen in place. Come on legs, work with me!

I started to back away slowly when the monster let out a mighty roar.

“NO STEAL STOOOOOOOONES”

Okay, that was my cue to skedaddle.

Chapter Text

“VEE COME ON”

And just like an idiot from any horror movie, I ended up tripping and falling. Things were beginning to look REALLY bad when the monster swung up its pickaxe.

Welp, I had an…..okay-ish life.

Before I could accept my fate, a blast of magic hit the monster and I was lifted up over someone’s shoulder.

“GOT YA!” Apparently it was Deuce. He held me and made a run from the monster.

The monster was huge but fairly slow so it wasn’t closing in anytime soon. Behind it, I noticed a sort of sparkle. Could it be a-

“Magestone?”

“Huh?” Deuce slowed his tracks and turned around.

“See that sparkle? Maybe that’s what the monster is protecting!”

“A magestone! So there are ones here!”

There was no time to celebrate cause the monster was getting closer.

“IF YOU TWO DON’T HURRY UP!” We could hear Ace and Grim from the outside which made Deuce pick up his pace.

Finally we both made it outside, where Deuce lightly put me down.

“Ah thanks for saving me.”

“No problem. Sheesh what was that thing anyways?”

Ace rolled his eyes, “Who cares? All I know is, I’m not going back in.”

“But, Vee and I found a magestone in there, all we gotta do is-”

“Nope! We should just pack it up and go.”

“What!? Heck no! I’d rather die than get expelled from Night Raven College.” I looked down and saw how Deuce clenched his fist at that, “How can you just give up when the key to getting out of expulsion is so close?”

“Talking a LITTLE too big for someone not even half the mage I am.”

Oh lord.

Calm and normal Deuce switched up really quick. “Oh YEAH!? Well why don’t ya run back to your coop then, CHICKEN?”

“HEY! Who the hell are you calling chicken!?”

Grim looked up at me, “Is it just me or did Deuce have a whole different personality right there.”

And like a flash, Deuce went back to his normal self, “Sorry about that….”

Weird but okay, “Wait a minute, can’t you guys just BOOM! BAM! POW the monster with you know, magic?”

In sync, both Ace and Deuce had shook their heads, “It’s not that easy. Like the headmage said, magic has its limits. It’s about visualizing what you want to do.”

“You need to train a whole bunch before you can just turn ANYTHING into magic. Which is why academies like Night Raven College exist. The more flustered you are, the more likely you are to mess up.”

“Ah, so it’d be super duper hard to concentrate on blasting a raging monster like that away huh?”

Deuce promptly rolled up his sleeves, “We are getting sidetracked! We need to go back in there a-“

“wE NeEd tO Go bAck.” Ace annoyingly mocked, “Do you even hear yourself?”

“We-we have to find a way to defeat that monster and get that stone!”

“Like how you “found a way” in getting Grim down from that chandelier?”

“You keep bringing that up…”

“Cause that’s the reason we’re all in this mess in the first place!”

Oh geez.

I covered my ears again in hopes it would depart me from the tension. It did not work at all.

I could still hear Ace’s voice which was beyond irritated, “That thing practically obliterated us, so tell me, what was your plan again? Because I have ZERO trust that you’re able improvise one for us.”

“Okay that’s so unfair, you’re here complaining and yet you’re not even TRYING to do anything to help here. Do you WANT to get expelled?”

I looked down at Grim who also seemed to be just as fed up as I was. I made a deep breath and “CUT IT OUT ALREADY!”

The two boys stopped their feud to look at me in surprise. To be honest, I was surprised at myself too. When was the last time I got to yell out like that? “Sorry was that too loud…”

“Yeah, where’d that come from?”, Grim asked below me.

All eyes were on me now and all I could do was look at my shoes, “You guys been arguing a lot and it’s been driving me nuts. What’s so hard about working together?”

“Me? Work with this guy? Funny.” Ace let out a laugh and turned his back to Deuce.

“Oh like it’s a treat working with you, hmph!” He also turned his back to Ace.

These guys truly are a piece of work, “If we can just put our heads together, I’m sure it’ll work out.”

Ace scoffed, “Put our heads together? I swear you keep saying the lamest things with the straightest face, Vee.”

Seriously what is this guy’s problem. “….Fair.”

Deuce nodded, “Unfortunately, I gotta agree with Ace on this one. We clash way too much to work together.”

I looked down at my feet and lightly kicked a rock.

To my surprise, Grim spoke up next, “But….getting expelled on the first day of school….pretty lame too….”

Both Ace and Deuce froze again like Grim hit a sour spot. For that, I lightly patted Grim’s head., “See, that’s not cool at all…”

The two boys stayed silent.

“I barely know you guys but what I do know, each of you have some pretty cool magic. Grim can make some pretty sick fire and Ace can make some very cool wind. And Deuce can summon a cauldron like a boss.” I watched them a light up at the small praises, “If we can find a way to use all that together, we’ll be sure to win.”

Ace, Deuce, and Grim looked at each other, then back at me.

“Did that sound dumb? Sorry…”

Ace made a deep sigh, “Nah, we get it. What’s your plan, Vee.”

“Um, plan?”

“Oh come on, don’t tell me you went on that yap fest just to not have a plan!”

“Well.” I thought for a bit. “I do have ONE idea in mind.”

Chapter Text

“Hey monster! Over here!”

The monster turned its head around in a flash as it spotted Grim and I.

“Nevaaaaaaar giiiiiive STOOOOONES!”

It started to thrash around for us.

Time to make a run for it!

“If it lands one of those punches, we’re so screwed!”

Man this is too much running for one day, “We gotta get him as far away from the cave as we can!”

Grim nodded and we ran at our full speed until we got a pretty good distance away from the mine.

“This is our chance! Show it what you got!”

A huge gust of wind came from the side and I saw Ace make a salute, “One gust of wind coming right up!”

It was then Grim’s turn to make a huge blast of fire, “With flames from a powerful mage on the side!”

The monster yelled out a huge groan. You could say that their attack was super effective.

“Ha! With my strong winds, even Grim’s feeble flames can turn into straight inferno!”

“Feeble!? You don’t know when to shut your yap down ya!?”

“No time to argue remember. Looks like the monster is taken aback by your mega tornado. Come on and bring it home Deuce!”

“Right!” He calmed himself and closed his eyes, “Something heavy…something heavy…taaaake THIS!”

He summoned a cauldron right ontop of the monster.

Grim let out a triumphant laugh, “The plans working! And look Vee, that monster totally got squashed like Ace did with that cauldron!”

“Woooow, thank you so much for the reminder. Why am I the one getting dragged?”

A light snicker came out of me as Ace pouted.

“Alright, after that magestone!”

The squashed monster let out a roar, “NOOOOOOO”

Deuce and I ran past the monster and pried the stone out of the wall, “Got it!”

“Uh guys, the monster is getting loose!”

“Deuce you gotta add more weight!”

I held the stone in my hands as Deuce waved his pen wand around.

“Something heavier, how about another cauldron! Maybe another one! TAKE ALL THE CAULDRONS!”

Just like that, a bunch of cauldrons collapsed ontop of the monster.

Ace checked if the monster was completely out of it, “Seriously, are cauldrons the only you know how to summon?”

“Oh shut up, it worked didn’t it?”

I delicately held the stone in my hands. It looked so different from regular gems I’ve seen back in my world. It looked magical, well, it practically was.

“We got the stone so let’s scram!” Grim said as he was the first one to make a run for it.

We all agreed and followed suit as the monster yelled out muffled groans from the pile of cauldrons.

Chapter Text

We thought we officially escaped but somehow,

“Giiiiiive baaaaaack…”

“The hell!? It pushed off all that weight!”

Honestly, gotta admire the monsters dedication.

“Crap it’s even faster, we’re gonna get caught!”

“But we weakened it a lot! A huge it should be enough to knock it out!”

Ace, Deuce, and Grim stopped in their tracks and turned to the monster.

“Alright, try not to piss your pants, Loosey Deucey!”

“Same to you Ace!”

“I’m gonna show you all why they call me Grim the Great!”

I don’t know who calls him that exactly but seeing them all face off against this monster is so cool. I’m still wondering if I’m dreaming. I shouldn’t be right?

I stayed back and held the magestone close.

Deuce had summoned another cauldron which was engulfed with Grim’s flames. Then Ace’s winds sent that firey cauldron right to the monster’s head. Its whole inky head shattered as it fell to the ground, not a sound was made.

All three of them looked down at the monster dazed and simultaneously fell to the ground.

“Wah! You guys okay?”

“We…we did it….” Ace said looking up.

“We won….”

Things were silent for awhile until they suddenly bursted into a cheerful laughing fit.

“I can’t believe we did it!”

“I thought we’d never be able to! HA!”

“High five!”

They promptly jumped up and high fives as a trio.

What a fuzzy feeling, “You guys are a really good team huh?”

The mood shift as they slightly moved away from each other.

“A good team? I wouldn’t say that…”

“Spare us the cliches, Vee…”

Grim crossed his arms, “Please, I carried everyone here! I’m the magical genius!”

Well that ruined the mood. I sighed and looked at the ground again.

“But…as much as I hate to admit it…..” I perked up slightly at the sound of Ace, “We couldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for your plan, Vee.”

I picked up my head and looked back at the three.

Deuce lightly punched my shoulder, “Ace is right. We wouldn’t have gotten the magestone if you hadn’t kept a cool head ya know? Now we won’t get expelled!”

“I….helped…” I helped! I helped! I did something good! If I was alone, I would’ve been kicking my feet and jumping for joy right now. I felt like crying as well, although that’s kind of even more embarrassing.

“Okay okay, lessons were learned, blah blah blah. Can we go home now? I’m exhausted!” Ace slumped over dramatically.

“Yeah and I’m starving! Usin all that magic worked up my apeti-hm? What’s that smell?” Grim sniffed around near the, technically, dead monster. He picked up this dark black rock from it. “Now what’s this?”

“Probably a piece of that monster. It looks like a magestone, but I’ve never seen any as black as coal before.”

“It smells…amazing! What if it tastes as good at it smells hm…” Grim chomped on the rock with one swift bite.

I can tell that Ace, Deuce, and I were making the same confused yet concerned expression. We got even more concerned as he suddenly yelled out.

“You okay there?”

“This is what you get for eating weird rocks on the ground.”

Grim slumped over and held his mouth. I patted him on his back in case he was choking but was taken aback when he jumped like five feet in the air with the look of wonder on his face.

“That…was SO DELICIOUS!!!”

“What!?” The three of us questioned in sync.

“So rich in flavor. Like nothing I’ve ever tasted before, I need more in my life. MORE!” Grim twirled around a bunch in delusion while the rest of us looked even more concerned.

“Monsters must have different tastes than humans huh?”

“No doubt about that….”

I picked Grim up from his delusional state. “We gotta get this stone back to the headmage remember?”

“Right, we’re losing daylight here! Let’s go get our expulsion removed!”

With a slight pep in our step, we moved away from the dwarf’s mine.

Chapter Text

“So, you all actually went to the dwarf’s mine?” Crowley examined the magestone in his hands.

We were standing in snazzy bird man’s office, who seemed weirdly surprised to see us.

“Yeeees?”

“Oh, oh my. Wasn’t expecting you’d seriously do it. Returning with a magestone was even more of a shock. Yet here I was, spending my evening preparing all of your expulsion documents.”

Grim huffed, “So while we were blasting some crazy monster away, you were expelling us?”

Crowley looked up from the stone, “Monster?”

“Yup, monster. We could’ve died you know!”

“Oh my!” Crowley muttered, “Mind letting me here a summary of this encounter?”

“Uuuuuh sure…” I made a slight ahem as I started, “So when we went inside the cave and junk, some weird monster with like an inky head and junk popped out and was all like “Yooooou’lll neveeeer geeeet stoooones”” I gestured up to show how tall the monster was, “and it was like super duper hard to beat. These three kept arguing and arguing and I had to get them to work together so we could defeat it. We distracted and got the stone but then it got back up. So they made this super mega fire wind cauldron combo and took that monster out! Then they cheered and it was sooooo siiiick.”

“What a detailed summary Vee….” Ace said in which I was 90% certain was sarcasm.

“That…was….so BEAUTIFUL!” Crowley was practically crying. Which just confused all of us, “You all…working together…”

The boys stammered.

“We wouldn’t call it that…”

“We just all had the same goal in mind so…”

Crowley was STILL sobbing. I felt bad for him so I lightly patted him on the back.

“Burstin in tears right in public? At his age? What is up with this guy?”

“Hey, even old bird guys can cry too!” I corrected Grim.

Crowley sort of came out of his crying fit, “In all of the decades I have worked at this school, I never thought there would be the day when students of Night Raven College would come together and join hands to defeat a common foe!”

“Woah! Hey hey, there was NO joining hands here! Gross.”

Both Ace and Deuce made a fake gag noise and I promptly rolled my eyes.

Meanwhile, Crowley patted my shoulder, “Vee, this incident here has proven my hopes for you justified!”

…..He had hopes for me?

“You, young Vee, possess the true talent of a beast tamer!”

“A beast tamer? Talents? Whaaaaaaat?”

“You see, students selected by the dark mirror for their exceptional talent and potential. But great talent can come at the price of big egos. Most students are too prideful and self reliant to even see working with others in the realm of possibility.”

Is that really true?

I was going to ask when Grim interrupted, “You’re making that sound like it’s a bad thing.”

Okay, maybe snazzy bird man is onto something.

Crowley continued, “But you, young Vee, have no magic whatsoever. In spite of it, or maybe because of it, you were able to get those who can use magic to work together! Your simple mind and everyday mundanity is precisely what this school needs!”

So being not special at all, had a benefit?

“Why is he acting like those words are good things?” Ace questioned before Crowley continued on.

“Vee, people like you are a necessity to the future of this school. My educator’s intuition tells me as such.” Crowley turned on his heel directly to Ace and Deuce, “Trappola, Spade, I revoke you of your expulsions!”

The two boys, especially Deuce, lit up with glee. I gave them a smile and thumbs up.

“And Vee,” Crowley looked back at me, “I am granting you the qualifications necessary to attend this school.”

All of made a surprise “What!?”

“Wait like a real student? But I don’t have any magic…”

“I am aware, which is why I have one condition. While you lack the necessary magic to adequately pursue this academy’s curriculum, Grim here has proven to possess sufficient enough talent to become a mage! So, I declare that you and Grim shall share a single enrollment at night raven college!”

Grim jumped, “MYAH!? So I get to go to this school too? Not as some janitor.”

“Indeed! But I will say, there shall be no more incidents like the ones earlier today, got that?”

Grim looked up to me all starry eyed, “Veeeeeeee!”

“Congrats ol Grim the great!”

He happily jumped into my arms and I twirled him around.

Crowley made a loud ahem which made Grim and I stop in our tracks, “Accordingly, I’ll assign Grim a magestone that is issued to every student here.”

“Magestone?” Suddenly, a gem had poofed onto Grim’s collar, “Woooooah!”

“The magestone are usually attached to students pens here, but with Grim’s paws, holding a pen may be….complicated to say the least. Fortunately, as you can see, I made the perfect solution. Ah my generosity is so profound!”

And of course, Grim wasn’t paying attention to a word Crowley said, just gushing on and on about his new collar, “I look so awesome now! A magestone collar only fit for the legendary mage, Grim! HAHA!!!”

A sigh was let out by Crowley as he looked to me, “As you see, Grim is oblivious to the customs of an average human. Which is why I need you to have a good eye on him. Can you handle that?”

I quickly nodded and made a salute. Then Ace lightly bumped my shoulder.

“What a promotion. From Janitor to student to a prefect all in one day!”

“Prefect?”

“Oh I see, since it’s just the two of you and the headmage is putting you in charge of Grim, that basically makes you you the dorm prefect!”

“Ooooooh?”

“A magicless prefect huh? That’s a first.”

Prefect…sounds like an important title of sorts. Someone like me giving a title like that? I pumped my fist up, “I’ll do my best!”

“I love your enthusiasm, young Vee. I just so happen to have another job for you.” Just like that, Crowley poofed a sort of camera thing in his hands, “This is called a ghost camera.”

“Ghost….camera?”

Ace peered over my shoulder, “Oh hey, my grandma told me about those! It’s like a super old magical artifact right?”

“I prefer the term ancient. Not only that, it’s a camera enchanted with a special kind of magic. It allows the user to not just photograph the subjects physical form, but parts of their soul itself.”

Their soul?

“Sounds…sketchy.”

“They’re called memories. When the soul bound between the photographer and its subject deepens, the memories in the photographs practically come jumping out.”

“I’m getting even more confused.” I scratched my head.

Crowley groaned and kept explaining the ghost camera in a simpler way. I looked down at it and the lens had this strange symbol where two small circles connected ontop of one big circle. Reminded me of a mouse of sorts.

“Are you even listening Vee?”

“Uuuuuh…”

“Judging by your answer I will have to say that’s a no. I’ll say it again, I would like you to photograph Grim and the other students with this camera and start to make a record of your campus life.”

“So like a photo album?”

Grim jumped up proudly, “Myahaha! The perfect way to immortalize all of my proudest moments!”

Crowley leaned into whisper, “Feel free to
Also capture any mischief you spot on campus as well.”

I nodded. Getting such important tasks to do. I could never imagine.

“Ah how generous I am. Supplying you a magical artifact that you with no magic capabilities can use!”

I gave him a quick hug which made him make a little yelp sound.

“Thank you snazzy bird man, this really means a lot.”

He awkwardly patted my head, “There’s not that much excitement in your voice but I’ll just chalk that up to it being your manner of speech. Now, the hour is getting quite late. I suggest you all go back to your respective dorms. I shall expand on further details tomorrow.”

We all nodded and left out with a, “Good night, Headmage.”

I had to restrain myself from bouncing with every step. The adults at my old school never put me in charge of something important. Or saw me as anything great. Apparently now I serve a purpose.

I think I’m gonna like it here.

Chapter Text

Ace, Deuce, Grim and I walked through the halls. Ace and Deuce were clearly exhausted.

“Phew, we managed to avoid expulsion. That was a close one.”

“Yeah no kidding.”

Grim however was far more upbeat, singing a cheerful tune.

“La La la~ I’m a student at night raven college! La la la~ I’m gonna be top mage on campus in no time! Enjoy eating my dust boys!”

Ace promptly rolled his eyes, “Yeah yeah, big talk for a pile of lint who’s basically only half a student.” However he bent down slightly and patted Grim’s head, “Still…good for you.”

“Oh right, guess we’re schoolmates now huh? Vee, Grim, welcome to Night Raven!” Deuce stuck out his hand for me to shake.

I shook it with a slight bow, “Pleasure’s all mine.”

“Guess that means we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other then.”

Oh right. We are. The thought of that makes me sort of nervous but they don’t seem too disappointed about that.

“I gotta be stuck with Ace a lot unfortunately.”

“Unfortunately? Hey I’m not exactly jazzed to see your lame face everyday either.”

Deuce’s eye twitched at the comment, “Lame? Why you-”

“Also, what’s with you doing a whole 180 on personality anyways?”

“180? Ha! I have no idea what you’re talking about!” Deuce’s eye twitched and he nervously adjusted his tie while Ace and I looked at each other and shrugged.

“Nevermind. We better go back to the dorm. I do NOT need a curfew violation added to the list of shit I’ve been put through today.”

“Oh yeah, Grim and Vee, Ace and I are from Heartslabyul, where are you two from?”

Grim and I made a slight groan before Grim spoke up, “In a very rundown and broken abandoned dorm. Vee and I’ve been calling it ramshackle. The dump is full of ghosts that like to mess with us.”

Ace snickered, “Well, I’d prefer ghosts over this guys smug, self important scowl everyday.”

Deuce pouted, “Like it’s gonna be a picnic to see your lazy dopey grin each day.”

“Keep whining crybaby. Not gonna forget how you nearly wept when you thought we were gonna get expelled.”

“SO NOT TRUE!”

“Whatevs, catch ya later Vee!” Ace made a peace sign and walked a way as Deuce followed behind clearly pissed off.

“Those guys…”

Grim shook his head, “Man those two are a piece of work aren’t they.”

Grim was right. They really were. But to be honest, never in a million years did I ever think that someone like me could be around guys like those.

An upbeat and extroverted guy with a cool demeanor,

A pretty diligent guy who seems to be a bit of a tryhard,

Yeah no chance I could’ve ever talked to them back in my world. But in a place like this, maybe there’s a chance. I mean, I’ll be seeing a lot more of them. And Ace did say he’d catch us later. I dunno if we can be friends yet but hanging out with those guys a bit more doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

Grim pawed at my leg, “Henchhuman, quit ya spacing out already!”

I jolted, “Ah sorry…”

“It’s fine. Look alive! Tomorrow we will no longer be janitors! Finally finally, my glorious education as a real Night Raven student is about to begin!” Grim triumphantly laughed as I placed him on my head, “To our dorm!”

With a skip in my step, I walked down the halls back to our dorm with Grim.

I was excited, like actually excited, to go to school. I was sort of surprised. I can’t remember the last time that was the case. I guess that proves it,

I’m really gonna like it here.