𝟎𝟎
૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡
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Another school year is about to begin. It's already your second year here at NRC... how time flies.
"M/n-chan~~ The ceremony is about to start. Aren't you coming with us?" A low, playful voice pulls you out of your reverie. You wave a hand dismissively, tilting your head as you nuzzle into the soft fabric of your robe.
"Go ahead. I'll follow shortly," you reply in a flat tone. As you speak, the sofa dips beside you. Lilia settles in, leaning close enough that his nose nearly brushes your cheek.
"What's wrong? You seem more tired than usual today," he observes, poking your cheek with a playful, concerned glint in his eyes.
Doesn't this guy understand personal space? you wonder. "Hmm... I'm just not feeling my best," you say, gently nudging his hand away. "I'll head over with Idia-senpai later."
"Idia? I doubt he'll even show up; he loathes crowds," Lilia notes, rubbing his chin. He glances toward the antique pendulum clock nearby. "Ah, we're running short on time."
"You should get going. I'm not even sure Malleus was invited."
"Right you are. I've been searching everywhere, but he's nowhere to be found." Lilia sighs, standing up to smooth out his ruffled robe. "But before I depart, let me brew you some tea!" he beams.
"Huh?" You tilt your head, bewildered.
"Since you insist on arriving late, the dorm will be deserted. You'll be lonely, so let me make a pot to help you relax," he insists, reaching out to pinch your cheek.
"Uh... no, thanks," you decline. You certainly don't want him in the kitchen. If you let him in there, who knows what would happen? An explosion? A fire? Food poisoning for the entire student body?
"The kitchen is no place for you, Lilia-senpai."
"Oh my, are you questioning my culinary prowess?" he chuckles.
"Besides, the ceremony starts in ten minutes. You really should go."
Lilia sighs softly. He's hesitant to leave you behind, but it should be fine, Malleus is likely lurking somewhere nearby. "I'm off then. Make sure to find me as soon as you arrive."
"...Yeah..."
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Twenty minutes pass.
You remain alone in the dorm lounge, sprawled across the sofa. Outside, the wind rattles the window frame, a mournful whistling slipping through the gaps. You glance at the pendulum clock, your foot tapping against the floor, a rhythmic sound that echoes through the room. Finally, you stand up, pulling on your black robe with its gold and purple patterns.
Your gut tells you something is wrong.
You wander the school grounds. Finding the area deserted, you pluck an apple from a tree, admire it briefly, and tuck it into your pocket. Eventually, your feet lead you to the Mirror Chamber.
What on earth... Your eyes widen. Blue flames erupt everywhere, filling the air with a cacophony of screams, hissing fire, and a familiar, sharp voice—Riddle's.
He's using his Unique Magic... What is happening? You rush toward the chaos. Students are evacuating in a panic while Headmaster Crowley squawks uselessly. In the distance, you spot Riddle and Azul chasing... a cat? A creature with flame-tipped ears and a trident-like tail. It looks almost cute... but who is that oddly dressed person nearby?
Wait, where is Lilia? You scan the crowd, searching for him, but he's nowhere to be found.
"M/n!" A voice startles you.
"I thought you weren't joining the ceremony!" It's Kalim, the Scarabia Housewarden. His cheerful, innocent demeanor stands in stark contrast to the surrounding disaster.
"No, I'm just late. What's going on? It's complete mayhem." You pull Kalim toward a safer spot.
"The ceremony got interrupted! A magicless student showed up, then that gray cat started a rampage, and boom! Everything was engulfed in blue flames! Now Riddle and Azul are handling it." Kalim explains patiently. You frown. "A magicless student?" You glance at the tall figure near the Headmaster.
"Isn't it weird? How did they even get into this school?" Kalim chirps, his red eyes fixed on the spectacle.
"By the way, have you seen Lilia?"
"Lilia-senpai? I saw him helping evacuate the students, but then he just vanished."
"I see..." So Lilia is out there somewhere, perhaps hunting for Malleus. "Aren't you supposed to be with Jamil? If he sees you wandering alone, he'll be worried sick."
"What are you talking about? I'm with you, and Jamil trusts you!" Kalim giggles. You sigh inwardly. He would definitely kill you if Kalim got even a scratch.
"OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!!"
"Looks like Riddle made his move. It should be settled now," Kalim says, folding his arms. "Though, I still get shivers every time he says that."
"You aren't the only one," you murmur.
"Nyaaghh!! What is this?!" The cat shrieks, clawing at the heart-shaped collar around its neck in terror.
"Queen of Hearts' Rule 23: 'One must never bring a cat to a festival.' Since you're a cat, you've broken the law!" Riddle declares, stepping closer. "I shall have you removed at once!"
"What?! I'm not a cat! I'll burn this collar to—...!! Huh? I can't... I can't use my fire!" The creature screams, struggling in vain to incinerate the collar.
Riddle glares. "Don't bother. You won't be able to use magic until I remove that collar. While you wear it, you're no different from an ordinary cat."
"What?!! I am not a cat, and I'm definitely not a pet!!" The creature yells, making Riddle's scowl deepen.
"Don't worry. I would never keep a pet like you. I'll remove it once you're kicked out."
You watch the debate. "Hey, Kalim, do you know the cat's name?"
"Huh? Oh... I recall it mentioning something about being the strongest... Grim, I think?" Kalim muses.
"Grim? Sounds odd," you remark.
"Regardless, he is pretty cute!" Kalim beams.
"With an entrance ceremony as chaotic as this... this is definitely front-page news!" You chuckle, missing the soft, dazed smile Kalim casts in your direction.
"Let me go! I'm going to be the greatest magician ever!!" Grim yells as the doors slam shut, cutting off his protest. The magicless student stares blankly at the barrier.
"We've had a bit of trouble, but all is well. The ceremony has concluded. Will all Housewardens please escort your freshmen back to their dorms?" Crowley announces, scanning the room before noticing the void. "Come to think of it... I haven't seen the Diasomnia Housewarden at all. Where is Mr. Draconia? Is he even here?"
"So, nobody invited him... again?" you voice your thoughts.
Leona scowls at the mention, groaning, "Nothing out of the ordinary, is it?"
Kalim scans the room, hoping to spot those signature horns. "Did no one tell him?"
Vil sighs, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "If you have such a problem with his absence, perhaps you should have informed him yourself."
"Well... yeah..." Kalim scratches his head, "I don't actually know anything about him..." You stand beside him, nodding in silent agreement.
Murmurs ripple through the crowd. You feel a pang of sympathy for Malleus, left out despite his high status. Soon, the Vice Housewarden enters, disappointment etched onto his face.
Lilia approaches. "Lilia..." you whisper.
"I was right. I thought he might come, but he didn't. It seems that 'never invited' excuse still holds up." Lilia sighs, standing close enough that your shoulders touch. "Lilia, where have you been? I tried to find you in this massive room!" you complain. He chuckles softly, "My apologies, I was just out searching for Malleus one last time."
Azul steps forward with a practiced, fake smile. "I am truly sorry. We had no intention of leaving Malleus behind."
Riddle sighs. "His overwhelming presence does make it difficult to approach him."
"Don't worry, the Diasomnia students can accompany me. I hope this doesn't inconvenience him," the Vice Housewarden says before turning to you. "Come on, M/n, let's go."
"Right... You go ahead. I'll bring up the rear to ensure no one gets left behind," you say, pulling your hood down as the room feels stiflingly hot.
"Very well," Lilia says, leading the group out.
You steal one last glance at the magicless student.
"M/n."
"I thought you were going to miss the ceremony," Riddle says, fidgeting with his fingers.
"I was just late..."
"Riddle, are you hurt...?"
"No...Even with the interference of that furry creature, it wasn't capable of laying a finger on me."
"I knew you were strong," you chuckle as you depart together, leaving the Headmaster and the magicless student behind.
'Looks like those two are good friends', Yuu murmurs to himself. The other one can actually make that redhead named Riddle smile—a far cry from his previous scowl.
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૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡
15.06.26
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