Chapter Text
"Hmm… the Main Resonator is in the right spot now so… just need to adjust this one… perfect! Alright. This should work…"
Lilia would float down from the ceiling, and tap at the crystal ball at the center of the room. "Hmmmm… hm hmmmm…? C'mon…" he would squint and turn the ball to get the fog within moving… "aha! Finally! That should do it.
This room, the Tele-Crystal chamber, used to be prevalent in all the dorms. But in the same way as the dinosaurs and telephone booths, it had been phased out for innovation and wi-fi hot spots. Very few people under the ages of 100 knew how to work such a set up. Diasomnia kept this one around mostly in case Malleus was unable to contact his grandmother through other means.
Lilia had set up the proper channels for a visual and audio link to the Ink Cap Mountains, a feat that most magicians could not hope to parse out. It had a lot to do with the proper alignment of crystals placed at strategic points in the room, as well as bypassing the Miasmatic Interference set out all those centuries ago… but he had been taught well, and hopefully he would be able to teach Sebek and Silver should the need arise.
The former general would check and double check the connections, before stepping out of the room.
"Alright, Tusya. It's ready. Your grandfather is expecting you."
=
Another day, another handful of lessons to completely dominate.
Azul was in fine form, as per usual. Life in Night Raven College was good, and thus far there had been no further Overblot incidents after his own. Which, ultimately, was a stain on his otherwise immaculate record, but it did not matter! He was a changed octopus, and he would do everything in his power to make everyone see how wonderful he could be. It was a fresh start, after venting such dreadful emotions-
"Oiiii. Azuuuul."
"Yes, Floyd what is it, you're interrupting my afternoon pep talk."
Azul would look over his shoulder and see a rather glum looking Floyd Leech. He was sat in the courtyard gazebo, soaking up the sun and just reflecting on today's lessons… Azul would frown back at the saddened moray merman, and huff. "Seriously, Floyd. What is it you need? You need not just stand there staring at me like a depressurized blobfish."
"Have you seen Frogfish anywhere? I haven't seen them all week." Floyd would ask. "I miss 'em."
Ah yes, Frogfish. Floyd's recent chewtoy. The little freshman was admittedly useful and overall entertaining to be around, but they were ALSO like Floyd but smaller.
That is, loud, obnoxious, and easy to goad into violence.
"Oh goodness, I don't know, Floyd. Aren't they YOUR friend? You'd think it would be easier to keep track of them, seeing as how you both are such GOOD friends." Azul replied, as he turned away from Floyd. He would not easily forgive Floyd for daring to try and stand between himself and getting information from a potential money making source.
"You don't have to be so crabby. I just wanted to know if you saw them recently." Floyd would reply, grumbling.
"I have not. Why?"
"I haven't seen them, and I kinda miss them. I get our schedules are different but they haven't even said hi to me since two weeks ago. It sucks."
"Oh my. Seems you aren't as close as you thought, hmm?" Azul grinned to himself as he said that.
"Hey. Don't be that way, or I might feel inclined to squeeze ya…" Floyd would get closer, towering over Azul as the Housewarden turned and yelped at the sudden shift in distance.
"Easy now, Floyd I was just joking-" he sputtered, and looked off to the side as something caught his eye. "Why look, there they are now."
Floyd would look and see he was right. The familiar blue haired freshman was scuttling across the courtyard at a rapid pace, not even taking notice as they dashed past the pair. They were even clutching a few thick manilla folders to their chest as they ran...
"Oh! Wow you're right. I thought you were just trying to distract me." Floyd would laugh, disengaging and hopping over the railing to start running after them. "Frogfishie! Wait for me!"
"Phew…" Azul would sigh, watching Floyd run off… before making chase. The freshman and Floyd were great friends, and it was unusual for them to pass their best friend up without so much as a hello. Clearly, they were in a rush to do something, but what?
Now if only they'd slow down so he could catch up.
-
Floyd had no trouble following after the freshman, their long hair swishing like a banner as they ran. Even if he called to them, they wouldn't even look over at him. That only made him frown and pick up the pace to try and catch up. Leave it to the lil brat to be able to outpace him when motivated!
He would easily weave through the crowds, as they made their way up to the Headmage's office… they didn't even knock as they burst in and shut the door.
Floyd would skid to a halt, squinting as he looked around… he crept over, seeing that they hadn't actually shut the door properly. There was a conversation happening in there… he would very carefully open the door a crack and peek in…
Tusya was standing there before the Headmage, talking about something? Headmage Crowley was looking at some papers, eyes narrowed.
"So yeah, grandpa wants you to sign these papers. That sound okay, sir?"
"Hmmm… interesting. Release forms? Permission slips…? I'm surprised he went through you instead of sending these through to me directly." The Headmage would comment. "You said you needed these for visitor passes and such?"
"Yup. Said I did good and that I was capable of doing this errand. He needs to have the Octavinelle guys and Rook Whats his face inspected so my Aunties wants to come over and do some investigating."
Crowley tilted his head. "Inspected for…?"
"Oh just to see if they're suspect or anything. I'm sure you're aware of the Awakening taking place at the tail end of the year?" Tusya would say. "Well, I was thinking they could go, have some fun, learn about new cultures. And maybe, if this goes well, we can start having exchange student type deals going on with the college. AND it's totally safe! I mean Malleus goes there every year, and he always comes back okay. You've got nothing to lose!"
"Interesting proposal. Frankly, if it keeps mister Ashengrotto and those Leech boys out of my hair for a while, all the better."
Floyd would look up as he heard wheezing from behind him. Azul was coming up the stairs, panting and clinging to the railing. Before the irate housewarden could start to berate Floyd, he would cover his mouth, shushing him and dragging him to the door.
"I suppose that makes sense. This whole song and dance DOES need to take place so that border security doesn't go completely berserk. Very well. How long will these visitor passes need to be good for?" Crowley would pull out a quill pen.
"Ehhh until winter break maybe? Whenever the Aunties deem the guys suitable for passage into Mt Barren."
Azul's eyes would widen. Was Tusya serious? They actually WERE invited to that rousing party back in their home city? He could feel his heartbeat quicken as his mind raced. The fact that this freshman had been so trusting, allowing them to simply be inspected before being granted entry…!
"Mmm, very well. You ARE going to have to explain what this is all about to the boys, you realize."
"It's fine, it's fine, I'm totally on top of it!" Tusya would laugh. "Besides, it might be good for student morale to see two pretty ladies around campus."
"Hmhm, alright. Ah, and do thank your grandfather for the GENEROUS donation to the potionology department. Really, I've never seen such a large shipment of such rare plantlife and philters…" Crowley added as he scribbled some signatures onto the papers presented to him.
"Oh? Really…? If you say so. I'll send my regards to Dedko. He's so excited for this, I really hope this works out!"
"Hmm, I do as well, mister Illborne. It'll be quite a lucrative- I MEAN, fortuitous experience for everyone involved, ahaha…"
Azul had calmed down now, exchanging glances with Floyd. "Are you hearing this, Floyd? Your little frogfish friend is inviting us to their home…!"
"Yeah…! Oh my gosh, do you think there'll be dancing and singing and lots of food?" Floyd would ask, eyes sparkling with delight at the prospect.
"Shh! Yes obviously. But we need to keep our heads on straight...wait, they're coming back…!"
Both of them would scramble back, pressing their backs to the wall as the door swung outward to hide them.
"Okay, mister Crowley! I'll be sure to let Dedko know you say hi! And to call you back with more information!" Tusya would wave goodbye as they trotted back into the hall.
Once the door was fully closed, Floyd's grin would only get bigger. "Frogfishie!" He yelled, scooping them up into a hug from behind. "We heard everything! Are we really gonna be allowed to go to that huge party?"
"AH?! Geez, Floyd you scared the crap out of me!" Tusya had squealed, nearly dropping the small stack of envelopes full of paperwork. They'd frown upon seeing a smirking Azul emerge from behind Floyd. "Oh great, now you AND Azul know. I was gonna make this be a surprise!" They pouted, but still hugged Floyd. "Sorry, buddy. I know I've been creeping around, but if I had seen you, I'd have blurted out the whole thing. Can ya ever forgive me?"
"Hah, maybe." Floyd would give Tusya a squeeze and set them down.
"I see you've been busy, Illborne." Azul would comment. "I take it that you know that we know about all of this now?"
"Yeahhhh I know you know." The freshman grumbled. "But I'll save the explanation for when I can talk to all four of you. Rook included. I'll also need to talk to Malleus and Lilia, since they're also gonna need to know that you'll be joining the caravan this year…" Tusya would smooth out their long hair, grumbling. "So yeah. Sorry, Floyd, I still can't wrestle or hang out right now. But we'll have plenty of time once we get all this paperwork out of the way and we're back at my place, pinky promise."
"Awwww. I get it. It still stinks though." Floyd would complain. "You better make good on that promise though."
"Of course! I would never willingly bail on my bestie!" The freshman would put their paperwork in their bag. "Anyway, meet me in the Monstro Lounge once everyone's shifts are over, I'll explain what's happening then. I got a couple other things to do today, so I'll see you then." They'd turn to leave before pausing. "Ah, we. Might need to use the VIP lounge. Because the things we gotta discuss need to be discussed in private."
=
"I cannot BELIEVE you sometimes, Rook."
Vil had found out about Rook's little deal with Jade. The Pomefiore housewarden was now sat at a table near the back of the lounge, with a nervously smiling Rook attending to him. "I know you have your projects outside of Pomefiore life but REALLY. Doing THIS? And making a deal with JADE LEECH, of all people?" He would scoff. "I am capable of handling the freshmen on my own, but it WOULD be nice to have you to assist me in my endeavors."
"Now now, Roi de Poison, we all do what we must for our passions…"
"I am well aware, but STILL. Ugh...you really should tell me these things ahead of time. What if I need you and you aren't there?" Vil would massage the bridge of his nose. All this frowning would do him no favors…
"I... suppose I cannot promise all my time to you." Rook would reply, averting his gaze. "Even if they aren't in your favor, it would not do for me to shirk my promises. What kind of Vice-housewarden would I be if I did that?"
"The worst kind." Vil would sigh, setting his menu down. "If you would, I'll take a Summer salad with Feta crumbles. And an iced latte, no sugar."
"Of course, Roi d'Poison~ Right away."
He would walk into the back … and sigh deeply once he was out of line of sight. He did feel bad, but he had made his deals…
"Trouble in paradise?" Rook would look up, as Jade approached with that pleasantly vague amile of his.
"Ahaha, non, non. It's all perfectly fine." Rook would say. "Vil simply prefers I be there to assist in handling the freshmen. But I have made my proverbial bed and now I'll lie in it." He would hand the order slip to Jade, doing his best to seem as graceful and unruffled as he normally was.
"And that is why you are Vice Housewarden." Jade would chuckle. "I'll get this order to the kitchen. You… go have a five minute break. Maybe ten."
Jade wasn't stupid. While he did calculate and weigh his choices, he wasn't completely heartless. Especially now that their partnership was technically no longer needed. Illborne had come to them a lot more willingly than he had expected. Hell, he had prepared for a much longer chase. But it seemed the freshman was more unpredictable than he had anticipated… regardless. Jade knew the strain that was being fostered between Vil and Rook. It was no secret that there was a chemistry between the two. Profesional, romantic, platonic, it did not matter. They were good for each other. And Jade knew better than to completely ruin that.
Even if a part of him really, truly wanted to. For his own sadistic reasons.
There would be a time when that connection would be needed. He did not know when or where it would be, but it would be needed. And Jade intended to keep the lines of communication maintained.
And...he had to admit. Rook was GOOD at what he did. Jade could respect it. It would prove wise to keep Rook in good spirits.
"Ah! Merci, merci~. I need a moment, I suppose..." Rook would walk past him, leaving Jade smiling to himself as he exited onto the dining room floor.
He did his rounds, checking on tables, refilling water glasses, bringing out dishes… eventually he would come across Azul and Floyd, coming back from who knows where.
"Ah? Azul, you look flushed." Jade would say, eyes narrow as he dabbled the other's forehead with a kerchief. "What's gotten you so excited?"
"Hah… apologies, Jade. I was busy rushing after your brother. It seems that Illborne has an announcement for the three of us… and Rook." He would explain, letting Jade tend to him.
"Yeah! Frogfishie's got some big plans today!" Floyd would pipe up. "We're all gonna talk about it in the VIP Room once you guys are off the clock!"
"I see… Well. I suppose I should let Rook know. Keep him in the loop, and all~" Jade would say. "He should be in the back, taking a short break. Seems he and Vil are not getting along thanks to our little… agreement."
"Hah! That'll teach him to be careful about making deals." Azul would say, shaking his head. "Anyway. I will be in my office if you need me. Floyd, if you have nothing else to do, that's fine. But be back here in time to hear what Illborne has to say to us, alright?"
"Okay~" Floyd didn't always let people tell him what to do. But if it had to do with that big party? He'd listen and wait.