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This is the sequence that fuels my dreams and makes my time awake a living nightmare. I have a soulmate. I know that I do… Why can’t I find any proof, though? The name “Idia Shroud” has never popped up in the worldwide database as a result. There’s no record that there has ever been someone with that name in history, either.
Some people love to taunt me and say that I’m meant to be alone in this life so I can find them in the next go ‘round. Others are meaner. There’s no proof of anyone having that last name, ever. It’s possible someone could change their name to “Shroud”, but only a loser hopes on the chance of a maybe.
Since I’ve been in Twisted Wonderland, I’ve decided I need a fresh start. I’m going to focus on what makes me happy. I don’t need anyone to complete me. I can be happy on my own. I have wonderful friends, and have made an abundance of memories in my short time here.
If they’re here by some miracle, they can find me. The entire student body knows who I am, so if the one I’m “destined” to be with is a student here, they haven’t approached me. Their loss.
Do they even have soulmates here?
“Prefect, you’re zoning out.” Ace elbows me with no real force.
“Oh… Sorry. What’s going on?” I jump, startled.
“You just look troubled. Lunch will be over in about fifteen minutes. Anything you wanna talk about?” Deuce tilts his head at me.
“Are soulmates a thing here?” I blurt.
“Yeah. Why? Is yours waiting for you back in your world?” Epel asks, not looking up from his carving.
“No.” I leave it at that.
“Sore spot?” Ace drums his fingers on the table.
“You could say that. Anyway, Crewel’s assigning our project partners today, right?” I change the subject.
The boys look between each other before Jack responds with, “Yeah. Apparently the when he let us choose last time, it was a disaster.”
I shoot up from my seat. “I’m going to head over early. Beat the crowd, you know?”
“Take Grim with you. He can protect you if you get yourself into trouble.” Sebek commands me.
“Let’s go, Grim.” I give him a tight-lipped smile.
He looks me up and down. “Okay. Wouldn’t want my henchman to get gobbled up, nye heh heh.”
We get to the classroom quickly with the halls being so empty.
“What do we do now? We’ll be waiting forever since you wanted to run away.” Grim rolls his eyes.
“I didn’t run away.” I glare at him. “We’re going to study.”
Soon enough, the rest of the class files in. It’s relatively uneventful, some groans at the partner assignments. The rest of our group is assigned together minus me. Great. Who the hell am I stuck with now?
A boy quite literally floats into the room, just before the period ends. I’m not sure what’s more striking, the blue flame that is his hair, or that he’s clearly at least part robot. Well, he’s definitely an Ignihyde student.
“MC, you’re with Ortho. I understand that a two person group may feel unfair, but with this pup, you have the largest advantage out of everyone.” Crewel smiles at me.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” I’m confused, but it’s best to be polite.
“Alright, class dismissed.” Crewel waves the class off.
The fire boy, Ortho, came over to me.
“Hello, MC. Is there somewhere you’d prefer to go to work on the assignment?” His eyes crinkle in a smile.
“Can we go to Ramshackle? I’ve had enough of people for the day, if that’s alright.” I pack up my stuff.
“That’s fine!” He gives me a double thumbs-up.
The walk to the dorm is mostly quiet. Grim went with the others, as I was the only one singled out. I hope he behaves himself for once.
“Are you going to be alright without anything to take notes on? I think I have a spare notebook, if you need one.” I ask him, placing my bag next to the couch in the lounge.
“I have the equivalent of a photographic memory, so please don’t worry about me!” Ortho waves his hands at me, dismissing the thought.
“Okay… Let’s get started?” I line the table with my notes, colored pens and textbook.
Within a half hour, the entire report portion of the project is completely outlined. Ortho is freakin’ amazing.
“Since we’re through this part, we should take a break.” He suggests.
“Sure! What would you like to do?” I smile.
“I want to get to know you a bit. Have you found any music you like here?” He tilts his head, fist pressed to his chin area.
“I like Deuce’s music more than I like Ace’s, that’s for sure. Deuce listens to edgier music.” I respond.
“What do you like to do for fun, when you get the chance?” He continues.
“I loved playing video games in my world! I only really get to play board games with the guys, though. Board games rule, but I really miss video games.” I tell him, wistfully.
“My dorm has a lot of gamers in it. If my brother Idia doesn’t have anything you like, I’m sure someone else does.” Ortho looks at me for a moment too long.
“Idia? Say, what’s your last name, Ortho?” My body goes rigid as hope fills me.
“Shroud.” He immediately answers.
“YOUR BROTHER’S NAME IS IDIA SHROUD?!” I shriek.
“Are you freaking out because he’s your soulmate?” Ortho winks at me.
“Did you know?!” My eyes remain wide as saucers.
“Your name matches the one said by his heartbeat. I had to meet you to see if yours said his name, too. It does. Want to meet him? He’s in his room, right now.” He gestures wildly.
“Meet him…. Now?” My jaw drops. I can really meet my soulmate after all this time? I found him after I lost hope? Cruel joke, universe.
“Yes. Let’s head over.” He holds a hand out to me, fans whirring with excitement when I take it.
The trip to Ignihyde is the longest journey I’ve ever taken. The Hobbits from The Shire have nothing on me. Too soon, and not soon enough, we arrive in front of a door.
Ortho knocks a pattern, then lets us into the room without waiting for a reponse.
“Welcome back Ortho. Where-” The most handsome man I’ve ever seen cuts himself off to gape at me.
“I want you to meet someone. This is MC LN, your soulmate. Congratulations!” Ortho claps.
Idia and I just stare at each other until Ortho laughs. We both turn to him.
“MC loves edgier music and video games. They also don’t care for people. We went to Ramshackle to work on a project for Crewel’s class, because they didn’t want to be around people anymore.” Ortho rattles off.
I take the time to rake my eyes over Idia. “Oh no…. He’s hot…” I internally panic.
“What?” Idia’s jaw about hits the floor.
“Did I say that out loud?!” I panic. “I’m going back to Ramshackle until I can go back to my world…. Sorry to disturb you!”
Before I can reach the door, Ortho grabs my shirt.
“No.” Ortho reprimands me.
“But-” I’m cut off.
“No, MC.” I’m told, firmly.
“Okay…” I accept my fate, turning back around to face them both.
“First meeting are almost always awkward. You’re soulmates, get over it.” He releases my shirt.
“Ortho!” Idia gasps.
“What, Idia?” Ortho crosses his arms.
“Nothing…” Idia looks away.
“That’s what I thought. Now get to know each other. Make yourself comfortable, MC. I’m sure this room will see a lot of you. Just remember that you two should go outside sometimes, too.” The cute sadist buzzes with excitement.
“Do we have to?” Idia and I both ask.
“I will drag you both through the courtyard, if I have to. Now, if you’ll excuse me, you two have plenty to talk about. I’m going to spread the news.” Ortho huffs, seeing himself out the door.
“WAIT!” We both shout, to be met with the door slamming.
A few awkward moments go by before, Idia speaks. “...So, you like gaming?”
“Yeah… What multiplayer games do you have? I haven’t played anything from this world, yet.” I slowly walk over to him.
He blushes, eyes shooting open in disbelief.
“WHAT? We have to fix that!” He starts typing at his computer, pulling up what is essentially a Steam library.
“I’d like that.”