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The Diasomnia dorm was as gloomy as it always is, with its ominous lightning rumbling all over the dorm. For many, this is a terrifying place to be, but for those in the Diasomnia dorm, it was music to their ears, and a lullaby to sleep to, just ask Silver he is known to sleep with just about any kind of noise. For the housewarden of Diasomnia, the future king of darkness, Malleus, this was a gloomy night. No amount of thunderstorms can lift his spirits.
The same scenario played in Malleus’s mind over and over again. That day when everyone who was kidnapped by S.T.Y.X returned, Malleus saw Vil, the man who called himself the fairest of them all, lose his vitality and magic. Malleus was well aware of how fragile humans are and how short their life expectancy was compared to fae, but he never thought he would experience such a difference. When Vil described how he dived deep into the underworld to save Idia and Grim, and that was the reason why he looked like an old man, this worried Malleus. If it was his child of man, Yuu, who jumped in to save their friend and roommate Grim, Malleus worried that Yuu would end up just like Vil or worse. Malleus shook that thought away.
Malleus knew something had to be done to preserve Yuu’s vitality, but what? He decided to go to the library in hopes to gather ideas for something, anything to secure Yuu’s vitality. A few ideas came to mind after some research. Malleus’s first idea was to create a potion that will slow the natural aging process of a human, but that did come with side effects Malleus was displeased with. The second idea was to preserve Yuu inside a glass casket. Maybe by using a sleeping curse, Yuu will never age and wither away, but the downside with this plan was that Malleus would never again be able to interact with Yuu. It would be the equivalent of Yuu being dead. Malleus was frustrated, he wants to preserve Yuu but he doesn’t want the negative side effects of tinkering with the human anatomy. He doesn’t want to see his child of man behind a glass casket for eternity. What can Malleus do? What can he do to obtain the results he wants?
The door of the library suddenly opened. Malleus’s eyes widened, he was certain he would be completely alone without any interruptions. He assumed it must be Sebek and Silver who finally found Malleus. Malleus let out a disappointed sigh, he won’t be able to come up with a plan before the night ends. To Malleus’s surprise, Sebek’s thundering voice never came. When Malleus took a peek to see who entered the library, he noticed that it was just an ordinary student wearing the Octavinelle dorm uniform. Malleus reminisced about the Octavinelle housewarden, Azul. Azul was a peculiar man – octo-merman to be precise. It was fascinating to see how he, a mere sea creature, managed to blend in with humans.
If only humans could do the same with fae . Malleus thought to himself.
A new idea emerged. Instead of forcing Yuu’s human, fragile body to live much longer than it naturally can, why not transform them into a being that can? Of course it will take time for Yuu to be accustomed to their new form, but that is what Malleus is here for. He will be by Yuu’s side just like he always wanted. Finally! Malleus found the perfect plan before the night ends. Now all he has to do is prepare everything and put his plan in motion. Once all the preparations are complete, he will pay a visit to his child of man.
Ramshackle dorm looked a lot different. The renovations truly paid off, The architecture was well made and the dorm gave off an air of royalty. It truly was a work of art, but Malleus felt disappointed that the dorm he loved changed. No matter, maybe change can be for the best. Malleus scanned his surroundings looking for Yuu. It didn’t take him that long to find them, Yuu was running straight towards Malleus.
“Hornton/Tsunataro! I’m so happy to see you again!” Yuu said.
The hug caught Malleus off-guard. No living being would ever dare touch him, but his child of man, Yuu, was always a bag full of surprises. So many surprises he cherished and kept deep in his heart. The nickname, Hornton/Tsunataro, is an example of one. Who in their right mind would ever give that nickname to the future king of darkness?
“As am I child of man.” Malleus returned the hug, a small smile painted his face.
Malleus felt butterflies in his stomach. He could feel his body grow warmer and his heartbeat increase. This was so new to Malleus, but it felt just right. He remembered Lilia once told him that humans gave hugs to those they love as a form of affection. Malleus wondered if that’s what Yuu felt for him.
“Love,” Malleus muttered to himself.
“Did you say something Hornton/Tsunataro?” Yuu asked.
“No, it’s nothing.” Malleus reassured Yuu.
Malleus and Yuu were still holding each other in an embrace. Unfortunately for Malleus, he didn’t know how to convey his feelings towards Yuu in a way they would understand. After all, humans and fae are completely different creatures and thus have different mating rituals. That, however, isn't going to stop Malleus from his true objective. The two of them broke their embrace.
“Have you looked at the stars Hornton/Tsunataro?” Yuu asked, looking up at them.
“Of course, I have looked at those stars in particular.” Malleus answered as he pointed to nine stars that were perfectly aligned in the sky. “Did you know that you could make a wish to those stars and it will come true?”
“Really? If that’s the case then I’ll make my wish.” Yuu said determined.
Yuu looked up to the stars and closed their eyes, concentrating on their wish. The moon painted Yuu’s features beautifully, otherworldly even. Malleus stared in awe. He could see it, their vitality shining through just like the most beautiful ruby red rose. Malleus admired Yuu like he does a gargoyle. Yuu truly is the closest thing to a gargoyle, always watching over everyone. Malleus let out a soft chuckle, Yuu would make a cute gargoyle if they wanted to.
“Done!” Yuu exclaimed as they turned to face Malleus.
“Oh? Will you indulge me and tell me your wish?” Malleus asked curiously.
“Nope!~” Yuu responded, “If I did then it won’t come true.”
“Hahahaha!” Malleus let out a boisterous laugh, “Have you forgotten who I am child of man?” Malleus said with an impish look. “Perhaps if you tell me, I may be able to grant it.” Malleus suggested.
“Really? Anything I wish?” Yuu asked skeptically.
“Are you doubting my magic capabilities child of man?” Malleus asked teasingly.
“Oh no no no no no,” Yuu said, shaking their head, “The thing is that not even headmage Crowley can grant my wish and he promised it ever since I got here.”
“A wish not even Crowley can grant…” Malleus pondered, “You have intrigued me child of man” Malleus said. “I shall wish upon the stars to grant me my wish of wanting to know yours.” Malleus said impishly.
“You can’t just wish for wanting to know other people’s wishes Hornton/Tsunataro!” Yuu exclaimed.
“I already did, now all I have to do is wait.” Malleus said coyly.
“Alright, Hornton/Tsunataro, I’ll tell you my wish, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Yuu said, Malleus listened attentively, “ My wish is to go home” Yuu confessed.
Malleus’s eyes widened. He expected a much more complicated wish than that. This wish is something Malleus is very capable of fulfilling. If Yuu wanted to visit their home, he could simply take them there. This could be very interesting. Malleus will finally see Yuu’s hometown.
“If that was your wish, you could have told me from the start, I can easily take you to your place of origin and bring you back here in a blink of an eye.” Malleus said.
“Really?!” Yuu exclaimed, they couldn’t believe Malleus’s words, “But my home is not in Twisted Wonderland though, will you still be able to take me home?” Yuu asked, uncertain.
Malleus flinched. “What do you mean you are not from Twisted Wonderland?” Malleus questioned Yuu.
“It’s as I’m telling you, I’m not from Twisted Wonderland, I’m from a completely different world that doesn’t exist here.” Yuu explained.
Malleus couldn’t believe his ears. Not a single soul, not even Lilia told him that Yuu came from a different world. That, however, explained so many things. For starters, it explained why Yuu wasn’t afraid of Malleus or aware of his status. That also explains why Yuu is magicless, but then again there are magicless civilians in Twisted Wonderland.
“Forgive me child of man, I forced you to tell me your wish, and now it will never come true.” Malleus said with deep sorrow.
“Don’t worry about it Hornton/Tsunataro, what I said about wishes not coming if you say them is a lie, I was only joking,” Yuu said, Malleus lifted his head and looked at Yuu, “I still have hope that my wish will come true, like what everyone says in my world, ‘hope is the last thing that dies.’” Yuu said with a reassuring smile.
Malleus still felt sorrow in his heart. He cherishes Yuu deeply, but he came to Ramshackle Dorm to fulfill his plan. If Yuu’s hope to return to their word has to die in order for them to preserve their vitality, so be it. Malleus needed to act on his plan now before regret starts crawling in his heart.
“Child of man, allow me to make it up to you,” Malleus said, “Will you assist me with learning how to use a spinning wheel?” Malleus suggested.
“A spinning wheel?” Yuu asked, “Is that the big wheel that has a needle at the end? Also, aren’t those things ancient relics now, who uses them anyways?”
“Why yes it is as the name suggests.” Malleus answered Yuu’s question,“It is an important symbol for the Diasomnia dorm so I kindly ask you to not call it an ancient relic.” Malleus said with a pout.
“Oops my bad,” Yuu said embarrassed, “I’ve only ever seen spinning wheels on old images or history books, so I have no idea how to use one.” Yuu said.
“How interesting, how about we learn together, would it not intrigue you to see a spinning wheel in person?” Malleus suggested.
“Well, I guess I can give it a try,” Yuu said. “But let’s not take too long; we both need sleep since we have class tomorrow.” Yuu added.
“Do not fret child of man, I will make sure you receive plenty of sleep,” Malleus said.
Malleus smiled triumphantly, the first part of his plan was a success. Yuu had fallen for his little trap. Malleus extended his hand towards Yuu, and they took it without a second thought. Oh dearest Yuu, if you only knew what you got yourself into.
Malleus transported Yuu to his room. It was a grand bedroom fit for royalty. Yuu was in awe of Malleus’s bedroom. They slowly walked around the room exploring every nook and cranny. Malleus watched in amusement. He was giddy by the fact that he finally invited the human he cherished most to his most intimate place.
Yuu spotted the spinning wheel and was in awe of it. The spinning wheel was much larger than an ordinary spinning wheel. Malleus walked towards Yuu and placed his hands on their shoulders.
“Do not let its size intimidate you dearest, I will guide you.” Malleus whispered in Yuu’s ear.
“Okay.” Yuu whispered back.
Malleus guided Yuu to the stool. He guided Yuu’s hand towards the sharp needle. Yuu unwittingly retreated their hand. The size of the needle was too terrifying for Yuu. Malleus did not approve of their response. A part of him wanted to force Yuu to prick their finger with it, but on the other he didn’t want Yuu to fear him.
“Is something the matter dearest?” Malleus asked.
“Sorry, the needle looks super sharp and I’m afraid to prick my finger,” Yuu confessed.
Malleus let out a laugh. It was as if Yuu knew exactly what he was planning and they are delaying the outcome. That, however, is not the case. If Yuu fell for Malleus’s trap, then they surely couldn’t figure out his plan. Malleus held Yuu’s hand and gave it a caress with his thumb. He then gave Yuu’s hand a reverent kiss.
“My dearest, I would never do anything to hurt you.” Malleus reassured. “The ‘sharp needle’ is called a spindle and I assure you that it is far from sharp, you can touch the tip and test for yourself” Malleus suggested as he handed the spindle to Yuu.
Uncertainty still painted Yuu’s face. Malleus worried that he may have done something wrong to provoke it. Yuu’s gaze was still on the spindle. Gingerly, with one hand, Yuu grabbed the spindle. Malleus watched in anticipation. Yuu then moved their other hand towards the tip of the spindle. With one finger, they touched the tip.
“Agh!” Yuu yelped in pain. They dropped the spindle, now stunned from the prick.
“Are you alright dearest?” Malleus asked, feigning concern.
“No!” Yuu yelled, “You told me that the spindle didn’t have a sharp tip but it did and it hurt!”
“Forgive me dearest, but it was the best I could do” Malleus said.
Yuu jumped on their feet, breaking away from Malleus. The rejection wounded Malleus, but he knew that Yuu will forgive him in the end.
“What do you mean by that?!” Yuu exclaimed, “I demand an explanation!”
Malleus said nothing. He tried to approach Yuu, but they kept backing away. Malleus for the first time saw fear in Yuu’s eyes. He has finally done it, he made Yuu become afraid of him. The two of them kept going back and forth until Yuu’s legs started to give up on them. This was the opportunity Malleus was waiting for. He approached Yuu once more and this time, Yuu couldn’t get away. He picked Yuu up and embraced them.
“Hornton/Tsunataro, wh-what have you done to me?” Yuu said weakly.
“Shhhhhh dearest, I will explain everything in a thousand years.” Malleus cooed.
“A-a thousand years?!” Yuu muttered. “I- I can’t…” Yuu whimpered.
“Shhhhh, a thousand years is nothing if you’re asleep,” Malleus reassured Yuu, “Now sleep dearest when you wake all will be revealed.”
Malleus held Yuu’s face. He wanted to kiss their lips, but refrained from doing so lest he risk his curse to be broken so soon. Yuu’s eyes finally closed, their body grew limb. Malleus saw a single tear run down their cheek. Even Yuu’s tears were beautiful. Malleus kissed their tear and whispered…
“I’ll show you the true happy end”
***
Not a single soul has heard of Yuu. They disappeared just like they arrived. Lilia suspected that Malleus had something to do with it, but he would feign ignorance. After Malleus graduated from Night Raven College, he felt relieved. He could finally devote time to his dearest child of man.
The plan Malleus carefully planned was worth the wait. For a human a thousand years may seem like an eternity, for a fae, it’s just a couple of years. The first two parts of Malleus’s plan worked perfectly. Yuu was now resting peacefully inside a glass casket. The real challenge was the last part of his plan, to turn Yuu into a fae.
The first couple of years were challenging for Malleus. The ingredients he needed to craft the perfect transformation potion were extremely rare. They were much rarer than the ingredients merpeople used to transform into humans. Malleus had to wait a couple of years to obtain such rare ingredients, but it was worth it. That was what he always told himself, afterall, ‘hope is the last thing that dies’.
More years passed and with a heavy heart Malleus had to part from Lilia. Malleus’s overseer, the closest thing Malleus had to a father, passed away. SIlver was devastated at losing his father. Malleus could feel his heart become empty, but he reassured himself that when Yuu wakes, they will fill that empty void.
Nearing a thousand years, Malleus finally crafted the perfect fae transformation potion. The effects of this potion are meant to be permanent. Malleus couldn’t wait any longer and started Yuu’s transformation process. There weren’t many changes the first few months. After a year, Malleus noticed Yuu’s nails started to become sharper, like a dragon’s nail. He took it upon himself to trim and treat Yuu’s nails. A few more years pass and Yuu’s ears have become more elf-like. Malleus also noticed Yuu’s fangs started to grow. Even more years have passed and Malleus noticed small bumps growing on Yuu’s head. He knew what those bumps were, Yuu’s horns were finally coming out. That also means that soon Yuu’s tail will grow. Finally, a thousand years have passed and Yuu’s transformation is complete.
Malleus has waited for this moment, the moment when Yuu finally wakes from their curse. Malleus lifts the lid of the casket one final time. He then lowers his head to kiss his beloved. Slowly, Yuu opened their eyes. When Yuu was a human, Malleus believed they were the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, but now he saw something more beautiful. A beautiful Briar rose.
“Hornton/Tsunataro?” Yuu asks hazily.
“Yes dearest, it is me.” Malleus responds as he holds Yuu’s hand.
Yuu slowly pulls away, still analyzing the situation. Oh, Malleus should’ve realized that to Yuu, everything stayed the same since the last time they had consciousness.
“Remember when I told you I would give you an explanation after a thousand years?” Malleus asked.
Yuu nodded their head. They looked so confused as to what was going on.
“Hornton/Tsunataro, my head hurts” Yuu said, as their hand reached to touch their head.
Yuu’s eyes went wide as saucers. Malleus saw their distressed face as Yuu’s hand kept traveling up their new horns.
“Dearest look at me, I..” Malleus was about to explain the situation, but Yuu broke into a panic.
“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!” Yuu screamed.
Yuu’s hands started to travel all over their body searching for anything else that was odd. Immediately, they noticed their new tail. Yuu tried to get off the bed, but their legs were too weak. They crawled with all their strength to the nearest mirror, but couldn’t get too far. It hurt Malleus seeing his beloved act like this.
“Dearest, let me help.” Malleus offered.
Yuu broke away, not wanting to feel Malleus’s touch.
“GET AWAY FROM ME!” Yuu screamed.
Malleus ignored Yuu’s screams and sat them on the casket. He waited for Yuu to calm down a bit so he could finally explain everything to Yuu.
“Forgive me dearest,” Malleus said, “I know I hurt you and that is something I will never forgive myself for doing, but believe me that I did this for you.”
“So transforming me into this was for me?! I never asked you to do this Hornton/Tsunataro!” Yuu cried, “Why Hornton/Tsunataro, why did you do this to me?” Yuu sobbed.
“I could not bear the thought of losing you,” Malleus answered, “You are too precious to me, I didn’t want to see you lose your vitality like Schoenheit, or pass away like Lilia, please dearest understand me” Malleus pleaded.
“Wait, Lilia died?” Yuu asked, confused, “Since when!”
“It has been a few years.” Malleus responded. “Over 100 years”
“OVER 100 YEARS?!” Yuu screamed. “How long have you kept me here?!”
“Did you not listen to me, over a thousand years,” Malleus answered, “Everyone you ever knew has passed, just like Lilia.” Malleus said with vile. “You are the only thing I have left dearest, my little Briar rose.”
Tears ran down Malleus’s cheeks, the pain he held within has finally released. Malleus covered his face with his hands, he didn’t want his beloved to see him like this. A pair of hands pried Malleus’s hands away from his face. Malleus looked up and saw Yuu holding his hands. They gave Malleus’s hands a reverent kiss, then Yuu released their hold of Malleus’s hands. Yuu’s hands then cupped Malleus’s face. Malleus stood frozen. He didn’t know what Yuu was going to do. If Yuu slapped him, he would understand, so he closed his eyes waiting for impact. What Malleus received instead was another reverent kiss, this time on his cheek. Malleus opened his eyes and saw Yuu’s face. They had a convoluted face. Malleus assumes it must be because Yuu can’t decide if they are angry at Malleus or pity him. Either or, the two of them are well aware of their circumstances. They have no one else but each other regardless of what methods were used to get there. Malleus promised Yuu a happily ever after, but now he wasn’t so sure he could achieve it.