Chapter Text
How long has it been?
Since this has all started?
What had truly changed since the beginning?
What stayed the same?
The air was cold, freezing even as it blew on Yuu's skin. There, upon the roof of her new home, sat Yuu as she stared out into the cold, dark night. She wasn't wearing much, just a large baggy t-shirt given to her by Crowley and a pair of shorts. It was her pajamas yet she felt no desire to go to sleep yet. Grim had long gone to sleep as did most of the students within the school, though the urge to sleep had not overcome her. She found herself restless tonight as ruthless and persistent thoughts clawed away at her mind for her attention. She found herself feeling rather... desolate as she finally gave way to these thoughts.
She crossed her arms and placed her hands on either side of her growing trembling body. She needed something to keep her grounded while she pondered these thoughts, and she decided the icy wind would do the trick. It was either that or she sit under the shower and pray Crowley doesn't make her pay the water bill. So, naturally, she chose the wind to be her grounding. She had recently found a way to the roof though she didn't dare to venture further; at least until now. It was hard climbing up here, especially with slippers, but she was happy she decided to come out here. High above the ground, she felt weightless here. She could just close her eyes and feel the wind pierce her skin with its coldness in a sense of aggression and comfort. Truth be told, she needed this- a moment to escape from it all and be alone with just herself.
When was the last time she was truly alone?
This may be the first time.
She really hoped it wouldn't be the last time.
She closed her eyes with a bit of tightness, finally deciding to face those pressing questions for once and for all.
First one,
What happened to my family? Are they looking for me?
Have they noticed I am no longer there?
Ah... of course, the first ones had to hit close to home. She tried to avoid thinking about it but she couldn't deny how many times she laid awake thinking about her family. With each passing day, their faces and names slowly became a hazy memory that was gone with the sands of time. She could make out the basics of them, the number of people in her immediate family, their height, hair color, the general colors of the last piece of clothing she saw them in, and where they sat at the dinner table. But their faces were blurs- their names were no longer a luxury she could afford to know.
And it pained her.
Did this mean she was forgetting them? Did this mean they were forgetting her as well?
Since her arrival, and the slow erasure of her memories, she had bought a journal and wrote down each and every memory of them within the pages. She wrote endlessly about each member and described them as much as she could. She tried to write their name, sketch out what they looked like, and whatever else she could remember. There was a page dedicated to each member that was created out of fear; fear of forgetting them. The pages that soon followed were followed with memories and scenes that would occasionally flash within her mind. She'd write about how she and her siblings would playfully fight or how they would cheer her up after a horrible day. Pages were often filled with meaningless everyday interactions, and yet, they never failed to make her tear up. Because at the end of those scribbles, she'd write about how much she missed them.
A part of her didn't feel whole. She was missing a part of herself that was disappearing each day. None of the students had ever asked her about her transition into this new, lonely world. So blind and unaware they remain while Yuu crumbled silently. None of them knew about the nights she spent crying silently, the nights where she and Grim would stay up for hours talking about a past neither of them could barely remember, or the nights were the ghosts had to calm Yuu after waking up and immediately looking for someone who wasn't there.
No one knew that Yuu hadn't adjusted at all, it only seemed like she did because she never complained about it.
She thought about them a lot; her family and friends.
She wondered if to them she went missing one day and never came back. Were they distraught? Angry? How did her parents feel with each passing day knowing that it was yet another day having to be spent without one of their children?
The thought of causing them pain made her stomach churn horribly.
Yuu's hands gripped the rotting roof tiles, cold and numb fingers digging into the sharp and rough material that had long since decayed due to the unforgiving weather.
Next question,
Can I even trust my friends?
This one hurt to think about. She had created a little circle of friends within this school, although in the beginning, it was entirely unintentional. Yuu was always flanked by the Adeuce combo and as of late Epel and Jack had begun to join their little circle. She still remembers how the other day Deuce suggested they try having Sebek and Ortho join their little group as well- this wasn't received all that well as they heard Sebek's booming voice praising Malleus's name and legacy down the hall. But she had to hand it to her newfound friends, they were determined to create a group of reckoning. It wasn't a secret that their group was a bit infamous, known for causing havoc in one place but also be the ones to save the day in another.
It didn't help that each respective Dorm Leader for the corresponding student was acutely aware of this group and kept their eyes on them in their own ways.
They were a force to be messed with.
Ace,
the cunning liar who'd dance a web of lies around you with that smirk of his. Leaving you ever unaware of what he said was reality or the 5th fable he spun that day.
Deuce,
The ex-delinquent who was on a path of redemption, although his violent past makes guest appearances every now and then.
Jack,
The lonesome and intimidating wolf whose sense of justice knows no bounds.
Epel,
The poison apple of the group, sweet and beautiful on the outside; yet deadly if consumed.
And maybe, one day Sebek and Ortho could join their little circle. The circle of first-years who were taking this school by storm, whose loyalty to each other knows no bounds.
But as much as Yuu loved their circle, their faults and ways of how they all met still hung heavy in her head.
Especially when it came to someone like Ace.
She remembered how on the first day of school Ace acted so rudely to her and Grim by tricking them and soon belittling them. It bothered her then and still remains on her mind to this day; the image of the grin he wore when he belittled them. He seemed so genuinely happy in their ignorance as he had a big laugh. He took pleasure in their faults, and this was something Yuu never forgot about. She also never forgot how he tried to skip out of his detention duties in the beginning, not giving a single thought about the responsibilities he had.
It made her wonder; what happened to that side of him? Even if he had 'changed', what did his previous actions say about his personality? How did he treat those who weren't his friends when the group wasn't with him?
Even if he had become a better person within their circle, had he really changed? The banter between him and Deuce could be seen as stupid and playful at best, but concerning at worst. Always quick to make stinging remarks, Ace is the first to say any negative feedback to Deuce knowing it would get a rise out of him. And that didn't settle well with her. Ace knew what he was doing, he knew how his words affect people, he knew how to get what he wanted out of people. With such high emotional and people intelligence, Yuu found herself doubting the sincerity of her relationship with him.
However, as much as she wanted to muse the thought of him only being friends with her and the others for ulterior motives, there was one thing she could not deny. Had he truly wanted something out of her and the rest then he would have never stayed after the overblots. He wouldn't have remained by her side for all the trouble and overblots she faced in a row. There was nothing to gain from fighting the overblots with her, nor was there hanging out with her whenever they had free time.
He was confusing to figure out because every negative had an equal positive counterpart that left inconsistencies in his behavior. A small defeated sigh left Yuu. Confusing or not, Ace is someone she can rely on and she felt confident in that fact. Maybe he really had changed for the better, ignoring how he gets in trouble every other day of course. A small part of her liked to think that he was trying to make up for his past mistakes and actions by becoming friends with her. He showed his care for her and the group in different ways. As stupid as it was, Yuu felt more comfortable in taking the role of a fool possibly being deceived than having to face the possible truth that Ace wasn't truly who she thought he was.
She'd rather be ignorant than left alone again.
Deuce felt like the one she could trust the most.
Since the beginning, he'd been adamant about his desire to change and become an honor student for his mother. He'd fuck up and lash out but quickly apologize for doing so. He was always so quick to notice his flaws; he was very self-aware. And Yuu greatly admired that about him. He knew that he fucked up a lot yet his desire to change for the better was admirable; if not inspiring.
He had been the one to help her out since the beginning, her well-being always being one of the things he was concerned about. Since the first day of school, he'd offer to help her even when the problem did not concern her. Even if he was impulsive and not the brightest with his ideas, he tried his hardest to help where he could. A small smile crept onto her face as she thought about his recent title; The Fixer. As of late, students would walk up to him asking for his help with all things tech, even despite his claims that he knew nothing about it. It was endearing to her to see how he would help anyways and it would always luckily work out in the end.
Deuce's past served as a reminder that no matter how bad you're start was, there will always be room for improvement and bettering yourself. Whether it's through trial and error and constantly messing up, Deuce proved that you can do good. His caring and friendly behavior only proved this furthermore as he continues to do his best.
He was easy to read and was open to anything and anyone.
Though it may be his downfall one day; Yuu appreciated it.
She trusted him because of it.
Next was Jack.
At first, he wanted nothing to do with her and the idiot duo (a term she uses very affectionately). Despite being aware of what Leona had been plotting, he chose to stay to the side and watch it all go down in the beginning. Though Yuu had been wary about that it soon became clear that it wasn't what he wanted to do. He wanted to right the wrongs as Leona's plans didn't sit well with him. His sense of justice was what made him join them in the end, it was what made him help Yuu during her adventure with Octavinelle. At times Jack came off as aloof and difficult to approach but he really was a sweetheart.
Yuu knew he cared about his friends and those close to him despite how much he denied it to their faces. He'd do little caring acts or accompany them during their antics with the excuse of "making sure no one dies". Even during lunch now he had begun to sit with the duo and Yuu without being asked to anymore. Playful banter would now ensue being him and the others, though he always remained as the voice of reason when Yuu was too tired or busy to. As much as he tried to come off as uncaring and not interested in friendship with the circle, Jack showed his care for them in various ways.
He was dependable and reliable. If not the tank of the group due to his physical strength. Yuu had almost lost the number of times she counted Jack separating Ace and Deuce from tearing into each other over something stupid. It was kinda fun seeing if he could pick all four of the other members at once despite all of them falling down after a few seconds because Deuce kept squirming so much. Yuu really enjoyed the moments when he'd let loose and laugh freely with them. Especially during their sleepovers at Ramshackle dorm (often with Adeuce and Epel sneaking out to the sleepover to add "suspense" as they put it) where they'd fight each other to the death with pillows. Or played the floor is lava, a game which they apparently did not know about; guess it was an Earth thing. It certainly paid off, in the end, watching Jack jump onto the small table in the middle of her living room only for it to break due to age. The wheezing that ensued after will always have a fond place in her head, even if Jack was profusely apologizing the whole time.
Finally was Epel.
A small smile grew on her face as she began to think about the wild package that was Epel. Despite how he presented himself to be delicate and meek, Epel was a raging sea that was just waiting to sink any ships who dared to sail its waters. Yuu remembered how the very first time she met Epel was when Deuce had bumped into him by accident, prompting the petite boy to cry soon after. Whether it was forced or not, Epel had played into this role of being delicate, feminine, and gentle. She remembered her first memories of him consisted of Epel trying his hardest to appease Vil during the VDC and how Epel had been pushed past his limit at one point. She still doesn't know what went down with him and Deuce but was rest assured knowing they came back determined and ready to give it another shot.
It was in the following moments spent together that Yuu realized Epel was the exact opposite of how he presented himself. He was a feisty firecracker who was more up to picking out fights than any other member of their group. Epel was constantly faced with the desire of being stronger, taller, and manlier. He was impulsive and quick-witted and tended to resort to curses easier than any of the other members (of course he only did this when Vil and Rook weren't anywhere near). He was definitely the chaotic evil of the group for he was always so quick to do any daring mission or prank. Yuu honestly feared he was taking after Ace in how he would flip his personality and revert back to a precious angel whenever he was caught red-handed for something.
But she knew Epel was someone who could be counted on, especially in times of need. Whether it was in the form of an awkward shoulder to cry on or in the form of him offering to fight any student who crossed her; Epel shows time and time again that he protects those he cares about.
Without realizing it, Yuu's sour mood had begun to lift. Sure she had some doubts about some things about her friends, but the more she thought about them the only things that flashed in her mind as the memories they'd spent together.
The happy memories of them laughing loudly together no matter who might hear them. The memories of them running away from Riddle collectively as if their legs could save them from the pen-raised in their direction, even if the situation didn't involve all of them. Or the way they would all try to fight off Floyd when he was bored, only to scatter in panic when he wanted to play tag. And especially the memories of all of them laying in the yard in front of Ramshackle dorm, telling the tales of their lives and hopes for the future.
The lonely feeling from before felt smaller now; it was replaced with a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
Yuu looked down at the phone that Crowley "graciously" gifted her before her adventure at Scarabia as she quickly checked the time.
11:48 PM, it read.
She furrowed her brows in thought. It was a Friday... and it wasn't too late into the night. She couldn't help but desire the company of the first years suddenly. Though she questioned if she could trust them, she had come to realize she could. Her fear and stress of the transition to this world were making her nervous and doubtful. And the more she thought about it, the more she realized how unfair it was to her friends. Truth be told, without them, Yuu was sure she would have caved into all these vicious thoughts a long time ago. They had helped and trusted her and the least she could do is return the favor.
Quickly, her fingers unlocked her phone and searched through her contacts before clicking on a name.
She sucked in a small breath, hearing the ring of her phone fill in the silence around her.
Ring . . .
Ring . . .
Ring . . .
Ri-
"Hello?" asked a sleepy voice as Yuu grinned.
"I know you weren't actually sleeping Deuce. You can drop the act," Yuu chided playfully as the other line went silent.
"Okay fine... you got me. Ace is awake too." Deuce replied in a hushed tone as Yuu lightly rolled her eyes.
"Of course he is, I knew you both would be awake right now."
A slight rustle could be heard from the other end of the line as a cheeky voice soon spoke up.
"Missed us already Prefect?~ Aww, it's only been a few hours since we last hung out! Cmon, this is a bit too much-" Ace said in that ever-taunting voice of his as Deuce muttered something in the background along the lines of 'If he missed you then he would have called you instead'. Something that was not missed by Ace, thus causing them to whisper argue among themselves.
Yuu let out a small laugh as she shook her head at their antics.
"Okay okay, listen you two. Since you're already awake and it's the weekend... how about a last-minute sleepover? We could break out each other if we need to." Yuu said with a grin as the other end went silent.
A small sinking feeling filled her stomach at their lack of response as she spoke once more,
"...guys?"
The line was silent for one more second before Deuce's voice was heard whispering,
"Sorry for the silence- we were sneaking out of the room. We're going through the halls now, we had to be silent in case Riddle-senpai heard us. We'll be there in a few minutes!" Deuce exclaimed in whispers, Yuu could hear the smile in his words.
"Ace says to call Jack and wake him up. We'll call Epel when we make it out."
"Got it. Hey Ace?" Yuu asked suddenly, waiting until she heard the phone being handed to someone before continuing,
"You still have the phone numbers of Ortho and Sebek, right?"
"Yeah, I do. I'm still wondering if it was worth getting Sebek's though. I had to go to that weird black and pink-haired guy for it. He was really weird about it, he kept saying something about Sebek "finally" making friends and kept giggling." Ace muttered with an exasperated sigh. "At least Ortho was chill about it, even though he kept asking if I wanted his brother's number too."
"Great! How about we invite them too? Sure it's a bit sudden but who knows, this could be a fun way to introduce them to the circle. A sleepover could be a great way for us to bond with them."
"I don't know Prefect... what if they're just awkward the whole time?" Deuce's voice chimed in with a hint of hesitance.
"Well, then we just gotta have them warm up to us! Cmon, this could really get them outta their shell. We could play games and stay up watching movies and eating all the brand new snacks I bought. Grim hasn't eaten any of them yetttt~" Yuu said in a drawn-out tone in an attempt to persuade them.
"Fine. You better know what you're getting us into Prefect." Ace muttered as Yuu broke out in a grin.
"Perfect! I'll call Jack now, try your best to get those two to come, alright? Talk to you in a bit." Yuu said happily as the duo said a quick goodbye before cutting the call.
Yuu looked out to the yard of Ramshackle dorm as she sighed. A large weight was taken off of her chest now. Because she knew even with her worries and insecurities, at least she had her friends right there by her side.
Turning in the direction of the hatch to get back inside, she carefully climbed down from the roof and entered back inside.
She quietly closed the hatch as she walked silently down the hallway and made her way to the stairs to head downstairs.
Her hands were already clicking on the next contact as she pressed the phone to her ear.
It took quite a few rings until it was answered, making Yuu sigh in relief.
"Yes, hello? Jack?"
"Yeah aha, I know it's late but... wanna come over? The boys are heading over right now."
"Wait before you hang up-- I have your favorite snack stocked up. It'll be worth it, I promise-"
.
.
.
"Perfect, see you in a few!"
Soon Ramshackle dorm was filled with the first years, including the two newcomers despite the late hour of the night.
Ortho had been more than excited to come over. He kept explaining how easy it was for him to slip out since Idia was too busy playing his video games to realize.
Sebek was... a different story. He seemed rather grumpy about the whole ordeal as he kept complaining over how "stupid" it is that he is here. And how he could be spending his time watching over his master than spending time here.
Yet he never made any move to the door to leave.
Yuu greeted them all as the snacks were prepared prior to their arrival; aka Yuu took them out of the cupboards and dumped them into bowls.
As an ice breaker, Yuu suggested the only sensible thing they could do for everyone to start getting along.
A nice and friendly game of The Floor is Lava.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Maybe being stuck here won't be so bad after all.