Work Text:
"Where… am I? This is not my room." Riddle stood up in panic, and that panic added the moment he felt his short legs even got shorter.
"What is the name of the great seven? What is happening?" He tried to walk to the table with a mirror but as he reached the table, he noticed how it's way taller than he is. He rolled his eyes and tried to cast magic, but to no avail.
"Did someone sealed my magic?" He tried to check his body but he didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Well, except for one thing.
"White hair? Since when? What happened to my red hair?! Mother would be mad." He clicked his tongue before trying to finally reach the mirror on the table.
At last he finally reached it. But before he even got to look at his reflection the door opened and was so shocked he almost dropped the mirror.
"What's wrong? Did you really not expect me that much?" The man on the door giggled.
"Lilia-senpai…" He whispered. Lilia looked at him, looking like he didn't hear anything.
"Sorry boy, your old man's starting to not hear things." He chuckled again. "Anyway, what do you want for dinner tonight, hm?" Riddle just stared at him.
"I… uh…" Lilia sighed.
"Silver I know you hate my cooking for some reason-"
"Silver?!" Riddle went back to look at the mirror and oh boy he really does look like a miniature Silver. The Silver he knew in class, somehow he ended up becoming him.
"Something wrong? You know you can always talk to me about it. I'm still your father." And like Silver's hair, Riddle's face got all white.
—
"Do you need anything my lord?" Silver looked away. He really isn't used to this.
"No… thank you. You may leave now." He sighed and after the servants left, he stared at Kalim's photos on his room.
There's a lot of people in most of Kalim's photos, but pf course Jamil still has the most photo with Kalim. And expected of Kalim's clinginess to Jamil.
That's right, Jamil. Even though he's only 6 by this time, he assumes he might be able to handle this situation well.
He stood up from Kalim's bed and walked through the mansion. The place is so big, so confused whether this is even larger than Malleus' mansion.
"Ah, Kalim-sama, good morning." The people who he walked pass through greeted him, and trying Kalim's big and bright smile isn't really his strong suit. He still tried nonetheless.
"GOOD! MORNING!" He just shouted in a monotonous tone. The other people just smiled at 'Kalim's' loud voice. Silver sighed even though he wasn't sure if people bought it.
Whatever, his mission right now is to find Jamil then maybe he can help him in his predicament. If he's here, high chance Kalim is at Briar Valley. And even though he never really understood why, no one in school must know that Lilia is his father.
While walking down the stairs he heard some mutters that caught his attention.
"That very useful young boy? Jamil Viper was his name, right? Man, I would like to have that kid as my servant but it seems like someone is already trying to get a hold of him."
A hold of Jamil? Silver knows Jamil is really capable but can they really just take Jamil away from Kalim? Knowing Kalim, he wouldn't want Jamil to get farther away from him.
He's confused yet he just walked to the two adults talking about Jamil.
"Excuse me, you know where Jamil is right now? I need to speak with him." The two adults lightly jumped due to the shock of 2 things, Kalim suddenly appearing in front of them, and Kalim talking so formally.
"Kalim-sama! O-oh… we're sorry we don't know. Maybe he's attending other duties. You know how busy our servants are." The first guy smiled at the other like there was something sinister in their message.
"Huh. I see. Thank you." Silver bowed and went away. The two adults were in shock once more.
Silver decided to aimlessly walk around the mansion, so exhausted with how many people greeted 'Kalim' and how he always had to force a smile. He doesn't have much time left, he thinks. He doesn't have time to deal with other people. He just needs to get out of whatever the hell is happening and immediately go by Malleus' side again.
"Please let me go!" Silver heard a voice from a door he literally just passed through. He was shocked because he didn't meet anyone around the area so he just thought no one was here.
"Do you really want to serve Kalim for the rest of your life? When you can serve me?"
"Let… go…" Silver was sure it was Jamil the moment Kalim's name was mentioned. He knocked on the door.
"Jamil? Are you in there? I need you." There was muffled whispering. He wasn't sure what was going on.
"Hello? Jamil?" That's odd. He is so sure he really is here. Or at least someone should have answered.
"Jamil answer me or else-"
"Blah yes Jamil is here but he got some business with me so scram!" Silver flinched a little when someone just yelled behind the door.
He knows Jamil's duties as a servant is important but he thinks, for Jamil, Kalim is more important. And Kalim might be in danger, if he's not with his father right now.
"I need to speak with Jamil."
"Did you not hear me?! You stupid little-!" The guy finally opened to be shocked that it was Kalim who was looking for him.
"K-kalim-sama, I never thought it was you because of your speech patterns, hehe…" Silver looked behind the old man to see Jamil shaking, and when he saw Kalim, Jamil did the unexpected thing.
"Jamil- wait- I can't breathe." Jamil ran into his arms and hugged him tightly, still shaking. He stared at the old man.
"I don't know what you did but the next time you make Jamil this scared," he glared, "I'll make you regret everything."
"Y-y-yes my lord!" The old man immediately zoomed out of the room.
"I never thought he was going through something like this." Jamil tried to compose himself before looking into Silver's eyes.
"Jamil, are you alright?" Silver rubbed his hands on Jamil's back.
"Y-yeah, but before we go through that I want to make something clear."
"What is it?"
"You're not Kalim-san, right?"
—
Kalim himself knew he had no choice but to cry in the corner, or maybe the octopus pot he somehow found on his way home, to be precise, to Azul's home.
"They're so mean." All Kalim could hear were sobs, Azul's cute little sobs.
"Why are they like that just because Azul's fat?! He's so cute this way though! Waaaaaaaaah!!"
He wanted to hug someone. He wanted someone to comfort him. But how can he find someone like that when everyone around him is basically disgusted with Azul?
He cried and cried until somehow he got sleepy with all the crying.
"Do I sleep here? Maybe Azul will.. be.. mad that I… slept here-"
"WAKE UP!" Kalim's consciousness immediately went up the moment someone screamed at his ears.
Although, he immediately went from sad to very very very happy.
"FLOYD! WAAAAAAAAAH!!" He immediately embraced the eel in front of him.
"Ow ow ow ow!! Azul please I didn't know you are this fat and!! Aaaahhh!! You're gonna crush this body!" Kalim finally let go of Floyd.
"Floyd, I'm so happy to see you! You are Azul's friend, right?! That means you are my friend too! Hehe!"
"Why the- oh I get it." Floyd sighed.
"Hate to break it to you, but I'm not Floyd. I'm Ruggie. And I somehow ended up here. Well, with your tone and the way you speak 'uee Jamil! Ueee Jamil!' I assume you're Kalim." Kalim cried again and hugged Ruggie.
“Waaaaaah!! Ruggie!! They’re so mean to Azul!! He’s really cute when he’s this fat and chubby!! Why are they so mean?! Waaaaah!!” Ruggie just laughed awkwardly. He knows Azul will just get mad if he even heard this.
After Ruggie got Kalim calmed down, Kalim asked him, “Where’s Jade?”
“Ah about that, I think the Jade I was with earlier isn’t the same Jade we know. Though before I can even get an answer from him, he immediately stormed off.” Ruggie sighed. “Let’s get you home first. I’ll rub your face off of tears, except I can’t really tell when we’re below the sea.” Ruggie chuckled and held Kalim’s hand as they swam to their homes.
“Ah right, do you know where Azul lives? If not, I’ll bring you home with me first, then let’s contact his parents.” Kalim just nodded and clung into Ruggie even more.
Ruggie honestly wants to laugh hard. I mean he knows it’s Kalim but the thought of seeing Azul clung into Floyd sure is a funny sight.
“I wonder where Jamil is. He’s probably worried about you.” Ruggie asked and he could feel Kalim shaking his head.
“No, I-uh, think Jamil is happy. He’s fine, I’m finally away.” Ruggie doesn’t really understand their situation but he just patted Kalim’s head.
‘Dammit, I think my instincts as the basically guardian of those slum kids are kicking in on me again, especially with Kalim’s personality and Azul’s small face’
“Don’t talk like that. Maybe he’s really worried.” Kalim looked at him.
“Y-you really think so…?” Ruggie finally couldn’t stop himself and pinched Azul’s cheeks. ‘Well that was really fluffy’, was what he thought.
“Yeah yeah. So let’s find a way to get you back to normal okay?”
“Where?”
“Eh?”
“Where are you going to find a way?”
And there was silence.
—
“Was I that obvious?” Silver sighed as he looked at Jamil.
“You’re not Jamil either, right? I’ve never heard him call Kalim like that.” Jamil sighed.
“Yeah, it’s me, Azul.”
“Ah, then we’re good. I need someone really smart to get out of this situation fast. I need to go back to Briar Valley. I got tons of secrets I’m not allowed to tell anyone, though, I think it’s too late.” Azul nodded.
“Yeah, I’ve already seen stuff I shouldn’t have.” Azul bit his lower lip.
“What’s wrong?” Silver reached for Azul’s hand.
“Ah! Ah, sorry. Nothing. Besides, I want to keep what I saw between me and Jamil-san.” Silver just hesitantly nodded.
“You need to go back to Briar Valley, right? I think we could go, we just need a little more preparation before we could go. We can’t leave this place unarmed, especially since we don’t have magic at this age.” He sighed. “I can’t believe I’m back at the time of my life when I’m this vulnerable.” Silver just looked at Azul and then took his hand.
“I think you need food. Whenever Sebek was sad when we were kids, Father just kept stuffing him food. Might work for you.” Azul took his hand back from Silver.
“I… don’t really like eating.” He sighed. “I’m fine, let’s go plan our way. I need to get back to the Coral Sea as well.” He walked first and then Silver followed him.
They were a few walks away when Azul stopped.
“I think it would be bad for Jalim-san if I walked first. You go first.” Silver just nodded.
He sighed lightly, not enough for Azul to hear. Just like he thought, he’ll never be used to being the one being bowed down to, being followed, and being looked up. It’s way too uncomfortable for him. This wasn’t how he was raised.
“You know how to use weapons, am I right?” He stopped when Azul spoke. He looked at him, and he saw Azul staring at a room so full of weapons.
“I know how to, but with Kalim’s body, I’m not sure if I can wield one right now.” They both entered the room, surprised to find no one despite the room being so open.
“I’ll have to tell Kalim this later, they shouldn’t keep a room so dangerous open.” Silver said and yet he still continued to explore the room.
“Ah. This sword is small and light, I could probably use this.” Azul looked at him and thought, “Should you really call it a sword? It looks like a knife to me.”
“Azul, you should bring at least a long range weapon.” Azul nodded and reached for the bow. They both went silent.
“I think that’s too big for you.”
“I-i know I know! Tsk.” He dropped the bow with force and went to look for more long range weapons.
“I think this slingshot would suffice.” Silver reached for the slingshot except he really is so short to even reach for it. Azul walked towards him and crunched down.
“Hop on my back. We can probably reach it if we’re together.” Silver shook his head.
“I should carry you.” Azul sighed.
“Silver-san, how many times do I have to mention this, at this state of the two of us, I need to serve you. If other people saw Jamil-san stepping on Kalim-san, could you imagine what they might do to me? Or worse, to him in case they never let this go even if we switched back? I’m sure he’s been super careful, and I don’t want the two of us to ruin his hard work.”
“Y-you’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just not really used to this. All my life, my Father raised me to serve Malleus-sama. Being someone people serve to feel so wrong. I feel like I’m slacking off.”
“I get what you feel but endure it for a moment. We’ll be free the moment we gather anyone who were victims of this swap.”
—
“Where is it?!” Jamil, who’s in Jade’s body, has been rummaging through the whole library.
“The book to change into a human, where is it?! I’m running out of time.”
The first thing Jamil did when he woke up beside Floyd (who he thinks is not Floyd at all) was look for a way to be a human again.
“I’m sorry Jade, you’re the only way.”
He’s finally free. Sure, he isn’t inside his own body right now, but whoever’s inside it has his problems now, not his. Who cares who’s suffering in the hands of the Asims right now, what matters is he now has a way to be free.
The moment he found out Azul had been crying for his name, he knew he was doomed. Kalim is with him in the Coral Sea, the worst thing to happen right now.
“Ah! Here!” He flipped through the pages. He immediately memorized the ingredients and where he could possibly find them. He swam fast to his destination.
“His fast tail finally is in good use for me huh.” Remembering how his plan failed because of the same tails, he can’t help but release a laugh.
“Finally caught up to you.” Jamil immediately stopped when Floyd suddenly appeared in front of him.
“Floyd! Not now! I have no time to play with you!” He pushed Floyd but Floyd grabbed him.
“Enough! Jade it’s not Floyd, it’s Ruggie! And I know you’re not Jade! Who are you?!” Jamil smirked.
“Good, you have no idea who I was.” Jamil swam fast again, but to his luck, Floyd’s body really is just as fast as Jade, probably even faster.
“Jade! Seriously! Stop! I need to go back! So does Kalim! I need more brains for this!” Jamil still ignored Ruggie.
“Stop following me, Ruggie! I don’t have time for both of you!”
“Fine! I’ll stop chasing you if you tell me who you are!” Jamil clicked his tongue.
“Jamil! Happy?! Now leave me alone-!” Jamil then passed out suddenly.
Ruggie was in a state of shock before laughing hysterically.
“I CAN’T BELIEVE THERE WAS AN ANCHOR! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!” He wiped his (he’s not entirely sure) tears of laughter and checked the passed out Jamil.
“Ah, you’re bleeding. Hold on, we can’t let this body die.” He took Jade’s body and swam to the nearest shipwreck he saw.
“Ah good, there is some cloth left, Shehehehe there are tons of treasures as well.” He patched Jamil up and stared at his sleeping body and sighed.
“Well now, I definitely can’t tell this to Kalim or he’ll start bawling his eyes out again.”
—
“Oya, looks like Ruggie-san’s gluttony is left in this small body.” Jade chuckled as he stared at the corner, a little farther from the shops. He does remember Ruggie saying he had stolen a lot of food. And knowing that, he knew the right approach is to be out of people’s attention.
He carefully planned a way to steal food, at least two potatoes or so, since Ruggie also mentioned having a grandmother. And Jade isn’t as bad as people think he is. He doesn’t plan to leave the poor old woman starving.
“20 seconds. 10 for food, 10 for running away. Anything I can gather. 1, 2, 3, let’s go.” He sprinted like there was no tomorrow.
- 2. 3
He grabbed an apple
- 5
He grabbed a set of bananas
- 7. 8
He grabbed some small meat
- 10.
He grabbed a lettuce
- 12. 13. 14. 15
He secured his route and running towards it
- 17.
One last turn
- 19
“THERE IS THAT BRAT AGAIN!”
“Oh no.”
20.
He felt someone grabbing him.
‘Is this the end? I’m so sorry Ruggie-san-’
“Ah, you’re the brat that people have been saying, a thief.” He felt a finger flicking on his forehead.
“My apologies but-” Jade was so shocked to see whoever saved him.
“Leona Kingscholar-san…”
“That’s -sama for you.” He flicked his forehead again.
“Ouch.”
“Heh. Deserve.”
“What are you even doing here, Your Highness?” Jade asked while rubbing the place Leona hitted him. He can feel Ruggie’s ears going down.
“Nothing. Just a walk.” Leona then handed him a bag.
“There. I don’t need it anyway.” Leona then left. He opened the bag to see a lot of food. Jade chuckled.
“The Beast King really has a soft side, huh? I didn’t expect to see that while I’m having my own predicament. Ruggie-san should have been the one to witness this.” He chuckled again and went back to Ruggie’s home.
“Where were you- Oh My Great Seven did you steal again?” This was the first thing Ruggie’s grandmother said. Jade just left a ‘hehehe’ before walking towards the kitchen.
“Are there mushrooms somewhere in the forest? I’ll stop if they do.”
“Yeah they do. Now cook and gather some mushrooms you brat!” Jade laughed.
He knows Ruggie’s life isn’t an enjoyable one but for some reason he’s enjoying it. Too bad, Floyd isn’t here.
—
“Riddle! Come out this instant!” Floyd sighed and hid even further in the bushes.
“Uwa, goldfishie’s mom is really scary.”
He hates everything Riddle has to live by. All the rules, the strictness, and now he has to experience his mom? He hates this. Where’s Jade? Where’s his twin brother just when he really needed him?
He isn’t sure if this is just Riddle’s kid body, but tears are starting to form.
“Jade… *hic* Where are you Jade… *sob* Take me away from here…”
“Riddle?” Floyd looked up full of fear at first, but he calmed down and ran to hug Trey immediately.
“I don’t like it here! Sea turtle-senpai! Take me away from here!” Trey and Chenya looked at each other before they decided to take Riddle a little farther from the Rosehearts household.
“Okay Riddle, I need you to know that whatever happens, your mom really loves you, okay?” Floyd looked at Trey.
“Are you stupid?” Chenya laughed while Trey just stared at Riddle, shocked.
“Love? Pfft, the old woman doesn’t love goldfishie at all. No wonder he grew up so nagging, and small.”
“Uh… Riddle?” Trey is so confused right now.
“I’m not goldfishie! I’m Floyd!!!” Trey and Chenya looked at each other again.
“I dunno, maybe his mother hit him in the head too much this time.”
“ARG shut up you weird cat!” Floyd shook Trey’s arms.
“Sea Turtle-senpai, I’m telling you I’m Floooooyd!!”
“I-I’m sorry, I don’t… know any Floyd?” Trey just got even more confused.
“Hhggnn… UWAAAAAH JADE WHERE ARE YOU!??!?!” Trey tried to calm Riddle(?) down but to no avail. So he just rubbed his back until he finally stopped crying.
“Now that you’ve calmed down, can you please fill me up Riddle– ah no, Floyd…?”
“I’m Floyd Leech. I swapped bodies with goldfishie- I mean Riddle. And I dunno why we swapped in our 6 year old selves instead of the 17 year old version. Now bring me back to Jade!!”
“O-okay, I kinda get it now… Maybe…? Anyway, where is the Jade you are talking about anyway.”
“The sea!”
“Eh?”
“I dunno goldfishie might be swimming down there as me. Don’t you wanna save him?” Trey sighed.
“Well, honestly I’d love too, but-”
“Is it his mom? Psh, ignore that! Bring me to Jade.”
“F-fine fine! Stop pulling!”
—
“Ah, you finally got it!” Lilia chuckled as he rubbed Riddle’s head. They were outside, Lilia is training Silver.
“Thank you Li- Father…” Riddle smiled.
Somehow, being with Lilia feels a little more rewarding. He knows it’s wrong to feel like this, but he hopes he’ll be just Silver forever and spend a lot of time with Lilia- Silver’s dad.
“Here, let’s take a bath together.” Lilia chunked Silver’s small body to the bathroom.
“W-wha-?! Wait a minute! Please let me go!” Well having Lilia as a father is good, but he never never never even hoped to see Lilia in the bath.
“Oya? Silver, you’re only 6, don’t tell me you’re already going through your rebellious phase?” Lilia laughed.
“I need to get you nice and clean. We’re going to Malleus, and Sebek and his family are already on their way there.” Lilia placed Silver down and raised his hand.
“Alright raise up raise up!” Riddle, still blushing, raised his arms up and Lilia immediately stripped him down and carried him to his arms.
“The water should be warm enough.” He splashed water down Silver’s body. Riddle flinched a bit which made Lilia laugh again.
“Oh my cute son!” He pinched Silver’s cheeks.
“O-owch… fawher…”
Riddle is feeling a lot of warm feelings. He never had a family this loving, his mother was never this loving. He never thought he’ll experience that said love on his senpai of all people.
“There, all set.” After Lilia fixed him up, he extended his hand.
“C’mon, c’mon, Malleus may have a lot of patience but Sebek surely doesn’t.” Riddle took Lilia’s hand as they walked through their way to the mansion.
While walking, they were suddenly attacked by a creature Riddle saw for the first time. He tried to draw his pen, except he forgot he doesn’t have magic right now. Riddle was about to accept his fate and closed his eyes, when he suddenly felt a very powerful magic. And a warm body enveloping his.
“Silver! Are you alright?!” Lilia asked him while he was being carried. Riddle nodded and Lilia sighed.
“I think I need to teach you again not to close your eyes in battle- wait, why are you crying? Were you in pain after all?” Riddle just shook his head.
He never longed for this love, he never even really thought of asking for it. But experiencing it himself, he just wished he’ll be Silver forever. He never experienced being so jealous of someone.
‘I’m sorry Silver for feeling this way, but if things stayed the way they are right now-’
“Father…” Riddle looked down to who was talking.
It was a small Kalim and Jamil. He isn’t entirely sure but hearing those words, he felt that everything he just wished for now is over.
—
“Honestly, it really helps that Ruggie-san has such a small and agile body. I can easily steal things. Hehehe.” Jade checked the place once again. He’s in a prestigious school in Afterglow Savannah. He didn’t trespass, it’s just that the school is open for visitors right now. What he will do next will be a crime though.
He was with the other visitors at first before he sneaked up to the science laboratory. Good thing, no one was inside. He quickly gathered the ingredients to make different potions, created them, and quietly left the place.
The one potion was so that he can make Ruggie’s body breathe on water, the others were, he thinks, for whoever might be in Floyd, Azul, and his body. He hopes Ruggie himself is just on his body, otherwise he thinks things will be so much more complicated to get back in place if there were actually more people involved in this.
Honestly, he thinks more people really were involved in this, if his memory serves him right.
“I would check the Briar Valley right after seeing Floyd and Azul, and of course Ruggie-san.” He muttered to himself as he left Afterglow Savannah and went to the nearest beach to the Coral Sea.
He sipped the potion as he went to the water, and swam down the place.
He was nostalgic with the cold and darkness of the ocean.
“Exactly where I belong.” He giggled and swam deeper. He then stopped when he saw a familiar face.
“Azul!” He tried to swim faster, luckily Azul spotted him and flashed a bright smile.
He knew it, more people really were involved in this incident.
“RUGGIEEEEEEE!!” Azul tried to swim faster (of course he couldn’t) and hugged Ruggie.
“I was with Ruggie earlier so you must not be Ruggie but- WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!” Jade patted Azul’s(?) head.
“There, there. So Ruggie-san really was here. Good to know.” Azul let go and stared at Jade.
“Oh! Right, I am Kalim here! And Ruggie was in Floyd’s body. I dunno about Jade though, Ruggie said he’s trying to catch up to him.”
“Ah. I see, so Floyd is not here either. Anyway, please bring me to Ruggie-san first, then I’ll search for Floyd. Our age decrease probably affects our emotional stability as well, and Floyd doesn’t like to be separated from me at this age.” Kalim pouted.
“Sorry, I dunno where Ruggie ran off to. He just left me at your house earlier.”
“Oh. Well then, let’s search for them. After talking to Ruggie-san and looking for Floyd, I should bring you to Jamil-san as well. Then we should go to Briar Valley.” Azul’s head tilted.
“Eh? Why would we go there?” Jade looked at him in shock.
“Oya, you don’t remember? The swap must have been in shock for you. I’ll explain it to you,” Jade looked down a little bit, “After talking to those two.”
Kalim looked below as well, it was Floyd (Ruggie) chasing after Jade. Kalim immediately swam down with Jade. At first Ruggie and [Jade?] didn’t notice them until Kalim shouted. Whoever was in Jade’s body turned paler than before and before he could swim away, Ruggie gripped his arms.
“You are not going anywhere, Jamil.”
“When did you even care about these things, Ruggie? Let me go!”
“Have you seen Kalim in Azul’s face, crying?! No! How can you say no to that?!”
“No one can say no to Kalim whatever happens! That’s why I never wanted to see him again! And I hate Azul’s face so try again!”
“Jamil…? Is that you…?” Jamil and Ruggie immediately stopped fighting when they heard a voice above.
“Kalim…” Ruggie glared at Jamil the moment he felt a slight movement. Jamil felt it and sighs. He glanced over Kalim, and Ruggie finally let him go. He swam towards Kalim.
“I-i know you want to get away from me… but,” Kalim let out cute small sobs, “don’t involve Jade’s body, he wants to get home to Floyd and his family…” Jamil sighed and rubbed Kalim’s head.
“Fine, fine. I won’t run away with Jade’s body.” He looked up.
“Ruggie-”
“Actually, I’m Jade.” Jamil rolled his eyes. What great fate. Jade just chuckled.
“Don’t worry. I did something bad with Ruggie-san’s body as well.” Floyd’s face went pale.
“OI JADE what the hell did you do?!” Ruggie swam towards his body and shook it hard. Jade just laughed.
“I had to steal some food and potion, if you don’t mind.” Ruggie sighed.
“It’s like what I normally do anyway, what’s new?”
“Also, I bumped into Leona Kingscholar-san. Fufu, how kind he is to give me more food, so you don’t have to worry about an empty stomach when you get home.” The others look at Jade.
“You did? What did he say?” Jamil asked him.
“He doesn’t seem to remember Ruggie-san from what I can conclude from our conversation.” Kalim looked from Jade to Jamil.
“What happened? I really don’t understand?” Kalim asked.
“Ah right, you don’t remember.” Jade started. “I’ll explain on the way, let’s go first.”
“Where?” Ruggie asked.
“Upshore. I need to look for Floyd. Honestly, I can’t bear the thought of being this far away from him right now.” Jade went closer to Ruggie and his instinct was to back off.
“J-jade?” Jade stopped himself and sighed.
“Like I thought. My emotions were affected by this swap, especially at this age. I’ve never yearned for Floyd this much in years.” Ruggie looked at Jamil and Jamil smugged. Ruggie sighed because he doesn’t really think he has a choice when someone like Jade is actually letting his guard down.
Ruggie opened up his arms, and when Jade looked to him, he could feel Ruggie’s tail wag as he swam towards Ruggie’s arms.
“Floyd…”
Ruggie chuckled and patted Jade’s head, which feels weird considering it’s his head.
Jade immediately composed himself and signaled the others that it’s time to swim up to the shore.
—
All Silver could hear now were heavy breathing coming from him and Azul.
“Did… we finally… lost it?” Azul asked him. He tried to scout the area if there were no other creatures now besides them.
“I think we did.” Azul sighed beside him.
“Let’s take a break. This body can’t handle long adventures yet.” Silver whipped out the food he and Azul prepared before leaving the place. But literally before the both of them could even take a bite, Silver felt a very familiar magic.
“Azul, let’s eat later. I felt Father’s magic.” He immediately fixed his stuff and went to the path he felt Lilia was on. Azul stuffed the food on his mouth before following Silver.
Silver easily defeated the smaller enemies while rushing to where he thinks Lilia is. Azul was amazed with Silver’s strength even though he is on Kalim’s very young body. Maybe it was the technique? He wasn’t entirely sure, he’s just glad Silver already defeated them before he could catch up.
“Father…” Azul stopped the moment he catched up to Silver. He looked at his father, and of course he was surprised.
“Eh?! Lilia-senpai?!” Lilia looked at them with a very confused look.
“I’m sorry you had to find out this way, Azul.” Azul looks at Silver while Silver still locks his eyes to Lilia and whoever is in his body.
“N-no… I think I’m not supposed to know this, but, huh…” Azul will think about how he will use this information later.
“Wait… Silver…? Then who-” the young Silver in Lilia’s arms pushed himself from Lilia and jumped away from them.
“Ah! Wait!” Silver and Azul chased after him. Lilia sighed in confusion and yet he still chased the three kids, fearing they might encounter something unpleasant.
“Silver, stop chasing me!” Riddle shouted.
“I can’t do that! I need to give this body back to you Kalim!” Silver shouted back.
“I’m not Kalim!” Riddle tried to run faster except he was suddenly caught and lifted up.
“Arg!! Let me go!!” Silver and Azul could only stare in shock. Riddle also stopped squirming the moment he realized who picked him up.
“M-malleus-senpai/-sama…” The three of them uttered.
“I’m not really sure what’s going on, but I assume something must have occurred to Silver.” Malleus raised the young Silver to his eye level. The young boy went red from embarrassment.
“Uhm, can you please let me go? I promise I won’t run away. There’s no point anyway.” Malleus lightly dropped him to the ground and he walked towards Kalim and Jamil.
“Silver… and uh…?” Riddle started.
“Azul.”
“Right. Uh, Silver, I’m sorry for running away. It’s just…” Tears started to form again. He hates how everything makes him emotional when he should have been able to hold all his emotions.
“I never felt love the way Lilia-senpai showered you with one. I was so jealous, so envious. My mother never loved me like this, she was on the very tough love side. I hoped you wouldn’t return. Right after I understood my own feelings, you suddenly appeared. I really didn’t know what to do…” Riddle explained between his sobs.
Silver understood what happened. “Riddle,” he took Riddle’s (his) hand.
“Eh? How did you-”
“I just had a feeling from our conversations in the past. Anyway, Riddle, I’m sorry I don’t really know what we should do here. I want you to have a happy life and of course a happy childhood memory. But I need to return Kalim his body, so it means I have to go back to mine. Besides, didn’t you have Trey-senpai by your side? I’m sure he’ll be really worried if he finds out you’re not really on your own body.” Silver wiped Riddle’s tears as Riddle tried to calm himself down.
“Right. I’m sorry Silver. I shouldn’t have been like this.”
“Hey, it’s fine if you feel like that. It’s something unavoidable, no need to apologize.” Silver took Riddle’s hand and Riddle nodded.
“So…” Lilia started, “Care to join us to the conversation? Seems like your friends know me, Silver.” Lilia then patted both his and Riddle’s head.
“I don’t really remember how we exactly got here. I apologize. But I do remember that we are all attending Night Raven College, including father, Malleus-sama, and Sebek. We should all have been 17 year olds, but for some reason we swapped bodies and went back in time.” Silver explained.
“Ah, I think I get it.” Malleus said. “There’s a fairy who is very mischievous and has a power over time who’s also friends with a fairy with a power over exchanging souls. Perhaps those two were the perpetrators.”
“Maybe? I don’t remember running into one.” Azul said. Then his face lit up.
“Wait, maybe I think I know who might know.”
“Really? Who?” Riddle and Silver asked.
“The others who were tangled up in this might know. Like for example, the one who is in my body right now.”
“I see. Then we should look for your friends. Azul, is your name from what I hear? Lead the way.” Malleus told Azul and all he could do was nod.
—
“We don’t even have the potion, how are we supposed to swim all the way down the sea?” Trey asked as he looked over the sea. Floyd sighed.
“The shore really is so pretty when no one is here. No noisy and annoying people. Would have been better if I was with Jade.” He then pouted, and then breathed very hard.
“JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADE!!! WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUU?!!! TAKE MEEEEEE!!!” Trey and Chenya were shocked when Floyd shouted because they haven’t even heard Riddle shout that loud before.
“D-do you really have to shout like that? Besides, would he hear you?” Trey asked Floyd. Floyd looked at him like he was stupid.
“Of course he would. That’s Jade.”
“I think you are overestimating your sibling a little bit…” Trey sighed.
They all then got alarmed the moment they heard shuffling somewhere.
“Who’s there?!” Trey shouted.
“Oya. Didn’t expect to see Trey-san and Riddle-san.” Ruggie suddenly appeared in front of Floyd.
“AH! JADE!!” He immediately embraced him.
“Fufu. I’m so glad you were able to recognize me, Floyd.” Jade patted Floyd’s head.
“Eerr… Somehow seeing myself patting Riddle’s hair feels so wrong.” Ruggie said as he shuddered.
“Where’s Riddle?” Trey walked to the others. They all looked at each other and then answered Trey. “Sorry senpai, we dunno where he is as well.” Trey then looked dejected.
“I-i see…”
“Maybe we should check who’s inside mine and Kalim’s body. Maybe Riddle’s there.” Trey looked at Jamil and smiled.
“Ah, I see. Then let’s go-” Kali cut Trey off.
“Jamil, Jamil.”
“What, Kailm? And stop shaking my arms.”
“I think I see Malleus.”
“What?” Jamil squinted his eyes. And then he really did see Malleus, who is carrying small Jamil and Kalim.
“Okay how come he’s literally the same- wait, is that Lilia-senpai too?!” Jamil asked in shock. Lilia, who is carrying a little Silver in his arms, must have heard them so he and Malleus rushed a bit to them.
“Trey! Chenya! You’re both here!” Lilia let Silver go as he rushed towards the two of them.
“Riddle? Is that you?” Trey’s face lit up as Riddle nodded. Trey then hugged him.
“Honestly I thought I won’t see you again.” Riddle got red while Chenya rubbed his head. He then turned his head towards Silver. And Silver smiled at him warmly and mouthed “told you”.
Jamil and Kalim then walked towards their bodies.
“Who?” Jamil asked immediately as Malleus placed the two kids down.
“Silver, Azul.” Jamil’s face went blank.
“Seriously. Anyone and it had to be you?” Jamil then tugged Azul closer to him. “You didn’t see anything, did you?” Azul looked away and Jamil clicked his tongue.
“Anyway, Malleus-sama said something about fairies who have the power of time and swapping souls. Do any of you remember that?” Silver asked them. Jade then raised his hand.
“Ah yes about that. Two fairies went to our school in secret. The eight of us tried to make them leave- ah, although to be honest that was just Riddle-san at first and both Silver-san and Kalim-san were trying to stop us all when we all joined in. Then that was all I remember.” Jade explained.
“Really? I don’t remember any of that.” Kalim laughed. The others just nodded.
“Huh. Really strange how I remember that.” Jade looked at Malleus.
“So you know them I presume, Malleus-senpai?” Malleus nodded.
“I’ll lead you to them. Although don’t expect things to go easily.”
—
“Huh? Sure.” Everyone was so shocked with the fairies' answers.
“Wait, really? That’s it?” Jamil asked, still in shock.
“Yeah. I mean, it’s kinda our fault for sneaking in.” The fairy with power over time said.
“And also your fault for fighting us so maybe apologize.” The fairy with power over swapping souls said. They all rolled their eyes and apologized. Lilia giggled and Malleus just smiled.
“Well, I suggest holding each others’ hands as we do the spell.” The others cringed (specifically Jamil) while the others smiled.
The fairies did the spell while the others that are not involved just watched, hoping that everything would go back to normal.
And as for the eight people involved, their surroundings all went black.
.
.
.
.
“-senpai….”
.
.
“dle-senpai!”
.
.
.
.
“Riddle-senpai! Dorm Head! Wake up!” Riddle immediately stood up, and of course he went dizzy.
“Easy there, Riddle.” Trey said as he slowly led Riddle back to his bed.
“Wha-...” Riddle asked.
“We just saw you and the others passed out. We were so worried.” Ace told him, Riddle also realized it was him who was waking him up.
Riddle looked around the room. The other students tending to the ones he was with earlier.
“Oh right… Fairies, body swapping, time traveling.” He held his head again.
“That is what the others were mumbling too earlier. What happened?” Trey asked him, and then Riddle told him everything that happened, although he left some details untold.
“I would have said you’ve gone crazy but I guess that’s what the others said too.” Ace told him, Riddle just nodded.
He then stood up slowly when he noticed a certain group of people.
“Silver, I want to apologize again for my behavior.” Riddle started. Silver just smiled.
“I told you, I already forgave you.” Silver reached out for Riddle’s head and patted it. Riddle just looked away and blushed.
“Ah, that’s right. I’m so sorry too, Lilia-senpai. Don’t worry, your secrets are safe with us.” Lilia chuckled.
“It’s fine, Silver told me everything too.” Riddle just smiled. He excused himself and went back to his bed.
“Trey.”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you, for being with me.” Trey was confused yet all he just said is, “Yeah, of course.”
Riddle tilted his head and saw Azul and Jamil speaking on the other side of the room.
“Do not breathe a thing, especially to Kalim.” Jamil gripped Azul’s arms harder.
“Ouch. How many times do I have to tell you, I won’t. Exploiting someone’s weakness is so different from exploiting someone’s trauma, okay? I won’t do that. Not especially when you went through that as a kid.” Jamil still glared at him then let his arms go and went to Kalim. Azul just sighed.
“Everything good, Azul?” Jade walked towards him. Azul nodded.
“Haha! Of course why won’t everything be good? We just experienced an amazing thing!”
“That was not amazing.” Floyd rebutted, who is now hugging Jade like a koala. “I have never been so lonely without Jade. I don’t want that again. Also goldfishie’s mommy is so scary.” Floyd hugged Jade even tighter. You can tell Jade can’t breathe properly anymore but oh well anything for Floyd.
“How was your experience as Ruggie?” Azul asked Jade.
“I would say it was amazing but that was like telling poverty is amazing and I don’t want to appear bad. Fufu.” Azul just rolled his eyes at Jade. Jade looked at Leona, who’s almost sharing Ruggie’s bed, and smiled. Leona felt Jade’s gaze and glared at him.
“Tell that weirdass classmate of yours to stop staring at me.” Leona said as he tried to squeeze himself on the bed again.
“Stop pushing me! And who, Jade? Like I can stop them from that. Hell, he even added my crimes when we swapped bodies.” Ruggie then stood up when he realized something.
“Jade told me you gave him bags of food when you caught him stealing. Do you remember that?” Leona’s eyebrow rose.
“That was supposed to be almost 11 years ago right? How the hell am I supposed to remember that?” Ruggie just rolled his eyes and tried to lay in bed again. Jack then entered the room.
“Ruggie-senpai, time to eat.” Ruggie stood up again which pushed Leona off the bed.
“Yey! Thanks Jack-kun!” Leona rubbed his hips as he rolled his eyes.
“Lucky for you, you’re hospitalized.” He rolled his eyes and went to bed again.
“Silver, how are you feeling?” Lilia asked him.
“I’m feeling better now. Thank you for asking Father.” Lilia just smiled, then they both looked at Riddle who’s fighting with Ace right now.
“I never thought there would be a day where someone would be jealous of me. I mean, I’m so lucky to have you as my father, but…” Silver lowered his head.
“Maybe his life was just tough, you’ll never really know.” Lilia added. “We all went through a different past, some too tough you’ll just hope you were born differently.” Lilia placed his hand on Silver’s hair.
“I wouldn’t wish for another life besides being your son, Father.” Lilia smiled.
“Oya, look how sweet you are. Hehe.” Lilia then ruffled Silver’s hair.
“Heeeeey! Azuuuul!” Kalim ran towards Azul and hugged him. Azul gulped, thinking he already knew what would happen next. He looks at Jamil and Jamil just smugged at him.
“W-what is it, Kalim-san-”
“DON’T MIND THE KIDS OKAY?? YOU ARE CHUBBY AND CUTE AND FLUFFY, YOU ARE THE BEST!!!” Kalim pinched Azul’s cheeks.
“I-i-i-i I AM NOT CHUBBY AND FAT!!!!!!!”
– end