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Classes had just finished and you weren’t keen on watching your friends have fun at their after school clubs. Instead, you wished to spend some time walking the grounds and enjoying the scenery. After having spent so much time in Night Raven College, you had become more than accustomed to the ins and outs of the prestigious high school, but there were days when you discovered new shortcuts and hidden alcoves previously unknown to you. It wasn’t that surprising, however, Night Raven College was expansive and so were the areas surrounding the institution.
Curiosity, forever your greatest strength and eventual downfall, dictated that you cut through the fields where physical education was held. It had been a while since you’ve observed the fields with leisure. More often than not, you were often relegated to either stretching with your fellow classmates or watching your peers fly high into the sky. Coach Vargas was melancholic when he realized that you couldn’t participate in his flight lessons because of your lack of magic, but he made up for it with his enthusiasm to train your muscles to be as firm and as bulky as they can be.
As you traipsed onto the grass, you saw that there was one lone student there, someone still wearing their PE uniform and huffing and puffing like one of those wolves from your homeland’s fairy tales. Surprised and all too willing to back away and give this student a modicum of privacy, you started to walk towards the wooded area when you realized just who you had been staring at.
The instant you saw his glasses glinting in the late afternoon sun and the shock of white curls messily gathered over his scalp, you knew who it was: the Housewarden of Octavinelle.
Now, what were you to do with such a discovery?
Should you be like any other NRC student and derive entertainment and blackmail from Azul trying his hardest to mount and fly a broom?
Or should you be a decent human being and leave right away?
As you pondered the question, your fingers on the trigger mechanism of the camera that hung around your neck, your decision was made for you.
Before you could say so much as a hello, Azul strode over to you, businessman persona in all of its scummy, capitalistic glory. When he was only a few feet away, you noticed that not only was his hair mussed up out of its usual style, but that it was also matted with sweat and his cheeks were flushed a light shade of blue. At first you were surprised, but you quickly remembered that he was technically an octopus and you had seen weirder from the various other beastfolk and of course, the Leech twins.
“Hello, Prefect!” His voice, as always, commanded a sort of presence that more often than not was accompanied by a proposition of some sort. And more often than not, when Azul got his way, he usually ended up with the better half a deal. However, just like his disheveled appearance, his voice wavered and his fingers trembled as he swiped his fingers through his hair. Nervous? Or was he simply tired from physical exertion? “What brings you over to the training fields, today?”
You shrugged. “I like wandering around campus when I have nothing better to do.”
Azul hummed. It seemed that the longer he stayed still and focused on something other than practicing his flying skills, he was regaining the bravado and composure that made him who he was. “You should talk to Jade sometime. He would appreciate a partner when going on his hiking trips.”
A corner of your mouth turned up at that. While the variety of mushrooms Jade foraged for in his travels were questionable, you could not deny that his fondness for fungi was rather endearing. Now, if only he could be as kind and as considerate when coordinating with the other students on other matters outside of poisonous flora…
“I’ll be sure to talk to him the next time I see him.” Your fingers drummed against your thigh before you asked, offhandedly and without ill intent, “Are you trying to fly?”
If it were any other student, you would have regarded the pompous and derisive act that he was putting on as nothing more than his true feelings. Many of the NRC students didn’t like that you were attending their prestigious school because you weren’t supposed to be there, you had landed yourself in a position comparable to the other Housewardens, and your one lone ward was known to be a nuisance at times. However, the light blue blush on his smooth cheeks refused to abate and the tremble of his hand against his chest did little to dissuade you from the notion that Azul was nervous.
You had seen Azul at his lowest, which had contributed to his Overblot, but you had never seen him break a sweat in normal affairs such as this.
Then again, you had never seen Azul sweat before.
“My word! Trying? I must tell you right now that I have flown and have managed to complete the required twenty meters for my first year!” Azul grinned, the manic look in his eyes somewhat amusing, but disheartening when you realized that he was trying to show off and market himself as something he was not.
You shook your head before lifting up both your hands in a placating motion. “I think everyone knows that you’re not one of the best flyers, Azul. Besides, aren’t you supposed to make it fifty meters for second year?”
You weren’t trying to antagonize him, but with the way he tried his hardest to stand his ground and not deflate, made you feel bad. Having to learn how to walk on land barely a year ago and then having to embrace the wonders and experiences of the sky? For someone more adventurous and daring like Floyd, it was a challenge that could be easily overcome with brute force determination. For someone like Azul… and by extension, Jade… Well, you weren’t all too surprised when Coach Vargas said that they valued their hard work and effort rather than their successes.
During your contemplation, you saw that the blue hue of his skin was rapidly darkening.
After having seen a number of Riddle’s breakdowns, you knew that could never be a good sign, differences in color notwithstanding.
“Hey! I have an idea,” you kept your voice an octave above a chipper tone, but with enough sincerity in it to make Azul think over your impending proposal, “why don’t I help you?”
The flush on his cheeks dissipated—thank goodness—but that didn’t stop the young man from massaging his temples in what you assumed was either in irritation or in awe of your audacity.
“How?” He narrowed his eyes at you through his half rimmed glasses, his arms crossed over his chest. “Last time I checked, you had no magic and had never flown a broom before. To be frank, I don’t think I can entertain a deal such as yours.”
Ugh.
Even when you were sure that there was no way you could possibly profit off of Azul, it seemed that he thought everything had to be a transaction.
“Look, I’ve listened to Coach Vargas’ speech about flight, determination, focus, etc. I’ve memorized it. Furthermore, I’ve also had my fair share of encouraging my peers whenever they needed help with flying. I’m practically his assistant when out on the field!” Among other things. Like an errand runner. Or a secretary. Or a school therapist. “The worst that can happen is that you don’t improve and I waste my time out here.”
You hadn’t planned on doing anything beneficial anyway, so there was nothing lost.
“I see.” He cupped his chin with his hand and asked, “What happens if I do improve? What do you want in return?”
“Honestly? Nothing.”
Azul’s eyes gave you an unimpressed look.
“You of all people should know how I work. You help me and I’ll help you out in return. So,” he leaned in close and you couldn’t help but think that even though he was much shorter compared to most threats you faced in Twisted Wonderland, he could be threatening when he wanted to be. “What will it be?”
You thought for a moment, considering.
“How about we negotiate terms after we’ve seen an improvement? I’ll promise to make my offer as painless and as reasonable as possible if that is the case.”
“Sounds fair.” And then his eyes—ironically a striking hue of sky blue—became mischievous. “However, if I see no improvement in my flying abilities, then you’ll have to go out hiking with Jade.”
A scream that sounded more like a bird squawking erupted from your throat. “What? Why?”
Azul shrugged, his gaze far away and distant. “I need someone to keep him on a tight leash… I’m worried that the mushrooms he hides in his room are flowering and spreading their spores around the dorm.”
Ah.
“Wait, if you think it’s such a health concern, shouldn’t you be talking to the Headmage about this?”
Azul shrugged again. “To be fair, when was the last time the Headmage has actually done his job as a caretaker and protector of this school?”
“Point taken.”
The next few hours were surreal.
You and most of the Night Raven College population would happily agree that having the only magicless student in the entire school tutor one of the Housewardens was something that not many could ever see happening. Riddle would never hear the end of it, Leona would have surely bit your head off for suggesting such a thing or ignoring you entirely, and the others would surely take offense to your offer of aid. Not that you would blame any of them, reputation was near and dear to most of the students.
As for Azul, you knew that he had his pride—just like the rest of your peers. However, he was also hard working, shrewd, and willing to go to great lengths in order to accomplish his goals. If that meant that he had to swallow his pride and listen to a student who barely knew the ins and outs of Twisted Wonderland, then so be it. At the very least, he had something to gain at the very end.
It was with a heavy heart that the surrealness of the experience was only because Azul agreed.
And it was that same surreality that faded after the first few minutes of instruction because you finally realized why Azul was so bad at flying.
It wasn’t like he didn’t want to fly.
It was the fact that he was desperate—almost too desperate—to fly.
Ruggie was right. When you observed Azul slowly ascend into the sky, his forehead glistening with sweat and his face fixed into a determined scowl, you saw that his flying technique was desperate. His legs wrapped too tightly around the length of the wood, his hands grasped the handle with something akin to a grip that you would often associate with prisoners on death row, and every second he tried to fly, you could have sworn that he looked like he was only seconds from crying.
After he made his hasty, but stuttering descent back to the ground, you realized why Coach Vargas had a somewhat hard time with Azul.
For all of his determination and willingness to study and plan ahead… It was certainly a let down to know that even after almost a year or so of attending physical education class, he had quite a ways to go concerning flying. Not that you could blame him, however. Walking was already a different beast when compared to swimming and flying was another hurdle that could appear to be insurmountable, even to the likes of those like Azul.
“It’s certainly not the best, but I don’t think you’re the worst.” Azul sent you a withering look. “Don’t believe me? I’ve been watching a few of the first years and there are a few who can barely get off the ground. I think you’ve done a splendid job so far!”
His lips curled into a sneer.
You backtracked, almost instantly knowing that flattery wouldn’t get you far in the presence of a businessman like Azul. “Okay, your form is too rigid.” You pointed at how his elbows were unnaturally too straight and that his back was hunched over in a manner that looked like the fetal position, except he was stuck gripping his broom. “You have to relax your elbow and gently curve your back. Instead of a full ninety degrees, try… I don’t know one hundred thirty five degrees?”
This time, Azul couldn’t help but snark at you, his facade as a cool thinking conman quickly dissolving like sugar in hot water.
“Prefect, I am not a protractor.” His glare would have been debilitating, but his glasses were slightly askew and he was still trembling from his flight.
“Yes, but I recall that you have arms. Furthermore, your back should be slightly straightened. It’s good that you’re leaning forward, but you should still relax your posture.”
Azul pursed his lips.
“Now would be a good time as any, Housewarden Ashengrotto, to actually take my advice." You thought for a moment, a little confused as a thought occurred to you. "Didn't Coach Vargas teach you this already?"
His cheeks colored a more vibrant blue than what you were used to seeing.
"Yes, but his instruction and bluster leaves a lot to be desired."
"And my instruction?"
He huffed. "Adequate."
After you coached him and helpfully adjusted his stance when you noticed that his starting position didn't have a solid stance underneath his broom to aid in a successful takeoff, you advised that he kick off again. This time, when he flew, his flight was markedly more stable, almost like those beginner first years after their first flight lesson. Not bad, but improvement was always necessary.
Furthermore, you noticed that Azul had gotten higher, almost to the point where you thought that if he had stayed in the air longer, had held onto that confidence for only at least a dozen meters more, he would have cleared the fifty meter requirement.
Progress.
Slow going, but steady progress.
At this point, the sky had become darker, the first twinkling stars began to peak out behind the clouds. The sun was gently setting as the hues of pink and violet began to playfully chase gold and orange away. Perhaps it would have been advantageous to let Azul rest and meet up for another day if he was willing, but you wanted to make sure that Azul could pass his flight requirement. While you had started out with mostly pure intentions regarding your private tutoring, a part of you wanted to prove to him that you were an adequate flight instructor. Pride had won you over and you wanted to ride that high of finally making Azul relax and acquiesce to your whims for as long as possible.
Even if that high was to last only a few more minutes, you would gladly accept it.
"Congrats! There was a lot of improvement!" You clapped, the sound pleasant but harsh on the ears in such a quiet environment. "If you would like, you can rest for five minutes before going again."
Panting slightly, Azul regarded you with eyes that flashed with the same sort of predatory gaze that you would often associate with his two best friends. Was it out of place on his disheveled figure? Perhaps. However, you were at ease. You had helped him out and even if you would stand by your words—that you did not seek out payment—you knew that Azul was going to pay you back somehow. He may twist the benefit to his whims, but he wouldn't hurt you outright.
"Prefect, I believe that this level of instruction is more than enough. I think that I can handle my next flight exam without further assistance." He pushed his glasses, which had begun to slip, up the slope of his nose. "Now, it appears that since you've been more than helpful—surprisingly—"
You refused to rise to the bait.
The insult, as subtle as it was, was more than customary within the walls of Night Raven College.
"—I would like to reward you for your efforts." His glasses glinted in the light under the rising moon. "What would you wish for?"
You thought for a moment before a thought rushed to the forefront of your mind.
You chewed the inside of your mouth to stop yourself from smiling too broadly.
"I wish for you to fly one more time tonight with the goal of reaching the standard flight requirement while also utilizing the tips that I gave you."
Normally, Azul would have been too proud and shrewd to even think about cracking his facade at the slightest demand, but it was late. And Azul had put his body through the ringer. Not only that, but you were the insignificant Prefect from Ramshackle Dorm. Even if word did get out that you had seen him in such a state, who would believe you? He was, after all, one of the more formidable students that Night Raven College had to offer.
He let out a shaky breath before nodding slightly.
"It's a deal."
He mounted his broom once again and sailed off into the night.
It seemed that although the conversation had taken his breath away, his posture resembled that of novice fliers instead of the desperate grip that he was employing from before. It wasn't perfect, but you were sure that Coach Vargas and most of the students in Azul's class would be surprised by how well he was taking to flight.
Up and up, Azul's broom went.
At the twenty meter mark, you silently urged him on.
At thirty meters, you saw Azul was slowing, almost hesitant to move on.
Forty meters in, Azul was stalling, idling in the air before stuttering forwards.
Finally, at fifty meters, Azul let his broom soar upwards one meter above your required payment as if to show that he was capable, before zooming back down.
You beamed up at his approaching figure, but you quickly noticed that something was off. For one, Azul was going faster than what was recommended. For two, you realized that there was a shrill scream in the air coming from Azul. And three—a very important observation—you realized that if you did not move out of the way, Azul was going to crash into you.
Instincts honed after dealing with more Overblots than what was healthy, you ducked out of the way, rolling on the freshly cut grass. Not a moment later, you were all too aware of the sound of someone thudding on the ground and a pained whine.
Rushing to stand, you nearly fell over your feet before stumbling towards Azul. There, you were greeted with a foreign sight.
There, on the ground, Azul was curled into a tight ball, his breaths low and shallow. His glasses had fallen off and lay near his head. As your eyes scanned him for any injuries, you noticed that his eyes were screwed shut and his hands were clenched between his legs.
Wait...
You knelt near his head and in a voice that was barely audible, asked, "Hey, ummm... Stupid question, I know, but did you get hit? Like in the... you know..."
Thank the Seven that the moon only gave enough light that you knew Azul was glaring up at you, but not enough that you could feel guilty over the part you played in this predicament.
"I think that's a yes." You hesitated, your hand reaching out to him before you stopped yourself from making contact. It did not help at all that Azul's eyes were watching your every move. "You know, I could help you with the landing next time?"
Azul huffed in pain.
"I'll take that as a yes as well."