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Ace woke up to feeling pain all over his body.
Ace groaned. That couldn’t mean anything good for himself and for the school.
“You’re finally awake!” Ace turned around and reluctantly opened his eyes and was greeted to the sight of Deuce sitting up on his own bed looking at him with relief in his eyes. Ace distantly thought that this scene reminded him from one of a video game but he couldn’t recall which one.
“How long have you been awake?” Ace asked, wincing at the slight pain that came from the effort of sitting up.
“For a while now, Jack came in a rush and told me that he was looking for Yuu and Epel and then quickly left when I said they weren’t here so I didn’t get to ask about the situation.” Ace felt a strange feeling of irritation that came from being the last one to wake. “ Even though this isn’t a competition” he thought to himself.
“Do you remember what happened? You were hit pretty hard.”
“Says you! If I remember correctly you were knocked out first.” Deuce frowned at Ace’s answer, he was only trying to make sure Ace was okay.
Ace sighed at the sight of Deuce’s pout “But yeah I do. God, we were so close to Grim.” A lie they weren't close to getting him at all but he felt the need to reassure Deuce ( and himself). After a pause Ace added “We really need to talk to Yuu.”
“You know how long we’ve been out?”
“About a day, I believe.” Ace could only nod and a comfortable silence followed suit. Ace used this time to gather his thoughts. A day was a pretty long time to be out. By now NRC should have already assembled a plan and things were probably calming down. Perhaps, everything has already been solved seeing how there was no one in this section of the infirmary. A part of Ace lamented he missed all the action but honestly after all the shit he’s seen this year maybe it’s for the best he missed everything. He couldn’t help but feel bad for Yuu who has seen every crazy incident this school has to offer this past year.
“Well well well, looks like the sleepy freshies are finally awake.” Ace and Deuce snapped out of their thoughts to see Cater enter the infirmary.
“Let’s take a picture to celebrate your awakening!” Cater said, positioning himself between Ace and Deuce's beds to take a selfie.
“Ughh Cater not now, I feel disgusting.” Ace quickly turned his head away from the camera. He was not in the mood to take a picture. Deuce shot him a concerned look.
Cater chuckled sadly and put his phone down. “Sorry sorry, you’re right. Fighting all those soldiers and killer robots was pretty scary wasn’t it.”
“That’s not it.” Ace refuted. “What happened to Riddle? He never answered the phone when I called him during the fight.”
“You guys really slept through everything huh. Well leave it up to Cater-senpai to catch you up!” At this Cater received a scowl from Ace and a look of worry from Deuce. “Ok ok I’ll stop but I suppose I should start with our dorm leader. He along with all of the previous overblot victims have been taken.”
“He was defeated as well!?”
“Taken by who? Who are the soldiers?!”
“Woah guys one at a time! Yes Deuce, our dorm leader was defeated and Ace the soldiers were from an organization called Styx.”
“Styx?” Both Ace and Deuce harmonized. Cater would’ve found it adorable if it weren’t for the circumstances. Oh what was he kidding he still found it adorable.
“According to Professor Trein, they’re an organization focusing on researching blot. They’re pretty secretive and well they often take overblot victims to run tests on them. The reason they’re so forceful is because they’re not used to taking people that are quite lucid.”
“To think an organization like that actually exists…” Deuce mumbled.
“I mean I guess it makes sense. I just wished they talked to us before they utterly trashed the place.” Ace groaned “What are they? Cavemen?”
“Although~ I do have a question for you guys.” Cater’s voice lilted up. “Do you happen to know who all the overblot victims are?” Both Ace and Deuce refused to look at Cater’s eyes. Their faces told Cater everything. “I see. Seeing how Yuu and Grim were the common denominator in all these incidents, I'm assuming they just told you or were you involved in all of them?”
“We were involved in all but one and that was Jamil’s.” Deuce hesitantly answered, he still refused to look at Cater.
“You freshies really have seen a lot. A lot more than someone your age should.” Cater’s eyes conveyed pity and only helped to make Ace feel worse.
“You make it seem like we’re like 10 years younger than you.” Ace grumbled. He didn’t like this feeling. The one where he felt like he was a kid crying in the playground and the adults were trying to comfort him to no avail. He needed to change the subject. “And anyway who was the one who tipped them about the overblots? Like why now and not like when Riddle first overblotted.”
“Yeah Ace has a point, why now?” Ace felt a sense of relief from Deuce backing his question up.
“It might have something to do with the Headmaster, he apparently went willingly along with Idia and Ortho so now Professor Trien is in charge of the school.”
“Wait, wait hold up. The headmaster and those two third years went with them too!” Deuce shouted in surprise. They really missed so much while they were sleeping.
“Yep. Idia’s family is in charge of Styx soooo..”
Ace groaned “Anyone else that’s missing that we don't know about.” Suddenly Cater grew uneasy. By the way those two were acting, it seems like they didn’t know about you know who leaving campus and joining Epel and Rook on a goose chase.
“Cater..”
“Alright alright don’t say my name with such a menacing tone, Ace-chan!” Cater took a deep breath. Well, someone was going to have to break it to them. “The full list of who were “taken” are the dorm leaders minus Malleus and Kalim, Jamil, Ortho, Grim and the Headmaster.” Cater paused. “After that three people left campus, most likely to go after them. Apparently, they had a lead but they didn’t tell anyone about it so we can’t chase them down.”
“Who are they?” Deuce asked tentatively, somewhere deep inside knew that he wouldn’t like the answer.
“Epel, Rook and…”
“Yuu.”
At that moment, Ace and Deuce felt their hearts drop. “YUU’S MISSING!?”
“I thought Jack came in earlier to tell you guys.” Cater said with a rueful smile.
“4 hours ago! And he was looking for them so he probably didn’t know!”
“4 HOURS YOU SAID IT WAS A WHILE AGO!” Ace yelled at Deuce in disbelief. Yuu has been missing for more than 4 hours. No, if they’ve been out for a day then that most likely means that Yuu has been missing for almost as long as that. This was suddenly giving him horrible Halloween flashbacks.
“4 HOURS IS A WHILE AGO!”
“PUPPIES ENOUGH!” Professor Crewel appeared and slammed his pointer onto a nearby bed frame causing Ace and Deuce to yelp in surprise. “You mutts are too loud and are disturbing the other residents. While they are not as horribly injured as you and therefore not in this section of the infirmary that doesn’t mean you can be as loud as you want!”
“Sorry Professor Crewel.” Ace and Deuce mumbled.
“If it makes you feel any better they definitely went after Grim. And they aren't alone, most likely Epel and Rook are with them, so they're not really missing if you know what I mean.”
“It doesn’t actually.” Ace deadpanned.
“Cater a word.” Crewel motioned at Cater to follow him “And you puppies better not leave the infirmary or else.”
Ace and Deuce shivered “Yes Professor.” With that Cater and Crewel closed the door and left the infirmary.
“Is that why he was in a rush? I guess he found out earlier today that they weren't on campus.” Deuce muttered. Ace had long gotten used to Deuce’s mutterings and he didn’t really mind it, in fact he liked the fact that it filled the occasional silences while studying and in class but right now for some reason it just felt like a bee buzzing around his head.
“Can you shut up for a bit?” Ace spat out.
“Huh I wasn't even being that loud?”
“Just be quiet.” Deuce bit back his instinct to argue back and instead forced himself to be silent. Since he woke up Ace has been strangely moody. He wanted to ask what’s wrong but maybe space is what Ace needed. For now, all he could do was stare at his rival and hope that whatever was bothering him would be dealt with on its own.
Ace by god knew he was being a jerk towards Deuce but his chest felt so heavy, like a whirlpool was swirling in his chest that he couldn't even summon the mental capacity to be guilty for his actions.
Because in the end, he was left behind again…
First it started with all those Overblots and having to be carried by his upperclassmen during the fights then Halloween happened and then Deuce got his unique magic.
But he shouldn’t care. He didn’t care…right?
Now that he thought about it, everyone has a future to work towards whether it be Deuce wanting to be a magical enforcement officer, Grim a great magician or Epel working towards getting his town’s name out there.
Even Yuu, they were working to find a way back home even through Crowley’s uselessness. Them going back home was another can of worms that Ace didn’t want to think about right now though.
Maybe that’s what’s holding him back. His inability to look towards the future. He didn’t have anything to work for…he was just here drifting through life. Slowly but surely being left behind.
It never bothered him before. He was content with going at his own pace but now…
There was so much at stake like Yuu’s and Grim’s lives and the overblot victims and the school.
He had people to protect now, didn’t he?
Yet Yuu couldn’t even depend on him so much so they left before he could wake up. Not to mention, they were probably worried sick about him and Deuce, weren’t they?
Maybe Crowley wasn’t the useless one. Maybe it was him all along.
All he was doing was worrying the people he cares about.
That feeling he felt back in Halloween grew tenfold. His friends were taken. The fear he felt for them and for himself. The worry along with his heart that threatened to jump right out of his chest. The tears he held back when he saw what he thought was possessed Malleus and the tears that once more almost came back at the sight of Yuu, Grim and Deuce being safe and sound at arms reach.
Now Yuu and Grim are gone again. Deuce has his unique magic this time. He was behind again.
He felt.
He felt…
“CAN YOU STOP STARING AT ME!” Ace snapped, finally getting tired of Deuce’s not so subtle observing.
This entire time while Ace was struggling to make sense of the emotions inside him, he could feel Deuce’s gaze on him. He could at least do it more discreetly but then again being low-key was never Deuce’s strong suit.
Deuce jumped at Ace’s sudden loud voice and was about to yell back over how strange Ace has been acting today but then he turned to look at Ace’s eyes and saw…
Frustration and vulnerability.
He had seen that same look in his eyes in the mirror a couple times, be it after a frightening overblot experience or a failed exam. But to think that Ace would feel the same way. Did this situation make him feel anxious to the point that he doesn't know how to express it without snapping?
In that case, he had to reassure him. To let him know he wasn’t alone. He wasn’t good with words but he had to try, for Ace.
“I know how you feel…”
“It’s this feeling of frustration towards yourself and letting everyone down, knowing you’re not there with Yuu and Grim it makes you feel…”
“Helpless.”
A few seconds of quietness ensued. When the spell was broken Ace responded with how he usually did, with a quick and prickled retort “Don’t assume that you know what I’m thinking.” he grunted.
Deuce was dismayed. What would Yuu say in this situation. God he really missed them right now. They always knew what to say in any given situation even if they were a bit blunt. “ Just like Ace.” Deuce mused. Still, Yuu did seem to have more tact and care for people’s feelings than Ace ever did. A higher emotional intelligence is what Yuu would call it. Ace would then pout in response and Grim and Deuce would laugh in turn.
Deuce felt a pang of pain in his chest. He couldn’t believe he actually missed having a regular school life. Although it could be argued that they never really had a regular school life with all those overblots.
Seriously, wasn't this situation way too big for them? Cater was right they were just kids they shouldn’t be dealing with overblots and killer robots. Ace shouldn’t be forced to hide what he’s feeling either. Can he help him open up at least a little bit?
“You have a tendency to run into things headfirst without thinking.” Yuu once said during VDC practice. It was something that he heard from Ace and Grim countless times before so he inwardly prepared for the usual ‘on what you need to work on’ speech. But Yuu surprised him. They are always full of surprises.
“And while that’s usually a recipe for trouble, that sort of straightforwardness is something that can be appreciated.”
“Have more confidence in yourself, listen to your instincts, usually they aren’t wrong.” Yuu smiled. “And with that Deuce, I’m sure your message will be received.”
Yes that’s right, Ace was no longer yelling. Did that mean that on some level his words reached him?
With that Deuce made up his mind and proceeded to look Ace straight in the eye and pleaded “Ace I’m trying to help so please…”
“Don’t shut me out again.”
A long silence ensued until Ace finally murmured “You’ve changed for the better huh.”
“Huh?”
“Everyone’s growing, everyone’s changing, everyone’s getting stronger but yet here I am…” Ace let out a low chuckle “Same old Ace with nothing to show and only slightly better at magic compared to the beginning of the school year.”
“An asshole who can’t even be happy that his friend got his unique magic before him and utterly failed to be at the side of another one who needs him right now.”
“That’s not…”
Ace gritted his teeth “That’s not true, is that what you’re gonna say. Deuce, I say whatever the fuck I want and I have no dreams or hopes for the future. You guys are all growing whether it be through bettering your magic or just in general. Even Grim has changed, other than this incident it’s been awhile since Grim has gotten himself into trouble. And don’t even get me started on Yuu who has no magic, has dealt with every single bullshit this school has to offer, has dealt with us and yet is still smiling at the end of the day. Meanwhile, I’m…” Ace’s passionate speech sputtered out. Deuce felt the unspoken ‘you’re leaving me behind’ echo through the room.
Deuce sat there in shock. How long has Ace felt this way? In Deuce’s eyes it has always been the other way around even recently. He instantly picked up the dance that they were supposed to learn for VDC and he had way better control of his magic than Deuce. How did him having his unique magic change that? Maybe it was true that Deuce had grown but Ace had too. At least around him, Yuu and Grim did Ace let down his snarky attitude for one still teasing by nature but more friendly and loose.
Deuce took a minute to collect his thoughts. He had to get this right. “Yeah you’re an asshole.” Deuce agreed. “What you said back when training for VDC really hurt me and your blunt honesty fails to account for people’s feelings. You also like to flaunt that you are better than me in academics.”
“Thanks.” Ace muttered.
“You didn’t let me finish.” Deuce huffed. “Your words even if they were tactless helped me access my unique magic and I like the fact that you say what’s on your mind. It’s refreshing compared to all the sly and underhanded people you meet here.”
Deuce took a deep breath. He hoped his words would get across to Ace. “Ace trust me when I say this but I worked this hard to catch up to you . You’re not falling behind. If anything I think we both have a lot to work on so we can truly become good card soldiers to protect the ones we care about. I think from what I’ve learned it’s ok to feel this way.” Deuce grinned. “That just means we have to work as hard as we can together so that way we never have to feel like this again!”
Deuce grin turned into a shy smile, blush evident on his cheeks. “Plus if it counts…the usual group wouldn’t feel the same without you, at least I think so.”
How? How in the world did Deuce comfort him and validate his feelings in one straight swoop? But he’s right, we could grow together to protect them.
Ace felt like crying “You idiot, you just proved me right. The Deuce from the beginning of the school year would be a stuttering mess right now.”
“Oh uh well uh..”
Ace let out a small laugh at Deuce’s stammering “You’re so dumb. But you know what fine, I need that positivity and stupidness from you right now so I’ll take it!” Something about the way Deuce said it made him compelled to listen to him. He couldn’t keep wallowing in self-pity, at least not right now. He’s aware that there’s so much he needs to work on but for now they need to concentrate on finding Yuu and Grim. Maybe once everything is over and Grim and Yuu are back in safe hands can he dwell on these feelings. Not that he’s looking forward to that.
He had to get stronger; that could be his wish for the future.
“Hey! It was super hard putting all that into words you know!”
“Oh I know. I bet you used up your one singular brain cell for this one conversation.”
“Oi!” By now Ace was bursting with laughter and it sounded like music to Deuce’s ears. He did it, Ace was successfully feeling better. He didn’t mess it up. He wonders what reaction Yuu would give at seeing the two of them get along and talking about feelings nonetheless.
“You called me your friend.” Deuce smiled after Ace calmed down from laughing too hard.
“Oh shut up. You should’ve known I considered you a friend. I mean why would I hang out with someone I hate.” Ace added.
“Oh I know, it still feels nice to hear it though.” Deuce acknowledged.
“Nice to hear huh?” Maybe he should say it more often. I mean they were friends, it was the truth.
“I should tell Grim and Yuu as well when I see them again.” Ace added as an afterthought. “Of course with none of the cheesy stuff that just happened, I’ll say it casually. Ah but first we gotta scold them for leaving us behind. Sheesh, was Yuu really that impatient.” Ace was back to his old self and while that made Deuce happy there was still something that stuck out to him. It was this incident with Yuu and Grim that made Ace feel this way and he couldn’t blame him. Admittedly Deuce too was filled with worry and with feelings of inadequacy.
“When we see them again…” Deuce mumbled.
Ace immediately noted the change in Deuce’s tone. The lingering anxiety of this situation was still on Ace’s mind. Every second they were away from Yuu and Grim was another second they could be injured and hurt. Ace had a sick feeling that this anxiety wasn’t going to go away even when Yuu and Grim were confirmed safe and at NRC. Deuce most likely felt the same way. Although lucky for him he didn’t experience the hell that was Halloween. Being separated like that and now this occurring again like it was some sort of nightmare. It was…
Ace’s heart began to race. ‘ Calm down me, I can’t think about that sort of stuff. Focus on Deuce.’
“Deuce, I know you have something on your mind, spit it out.” Ace asserted.
“Do you think this helplessness is what they feel?” Deuce asked.
“That’s stupid.” Ace scoffed, “They should know they got us.”
“Do they know?” Deuce pointed out. “I mean you said it yourself they’re magicless at a magic school having to bear witness to countless overblots. You’d have to rely on your friends to fight your battles. If I were them I would feel incredibly guilty.. especially if your friends got injured. Knowing them they probably feel at fault. I’m worried they’ll stop relying on us if that’s the case.”
Ace sighed “I guess not…” Why did all the shit they went through have to make everything so complicated?
“We should tell them when they get back.” Deuce affirmed. Tell them how much they mean to us in our own way.
“We won’t have to wait.”
“Yeah.” Their minds were already made up.
“We’re going after them after all.”