Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

On a cold night, a little girl sat at a curb, crying. Nothing welcomed her except for the chilling air and quiet streets. She was alone, or so she thought.

The little girl heard something in the distance.

Clip-clop…

Clip-clop…

Clip-clop…

The noise stopped her crying as her gaze turned to the horses with feathered tops emerging from the darkness, whining and snorting as they trotted down the street. Such fascinating creatures made the little girl’s tears run dry. She slowly stood as the horses stopped in front of her, revealing a black carriage behind them. Her feet staggered as she walked up to the horses. They breathed heavily. One of the horses lowered their head towards the little girl. Hesitant at first, the little girl gently petted the creature’s soft coat. It made her smile.

Then, her gaze shot towards the sound of squeaked hinges from the carriage door, expecting someone to come out, but nothing. The horse snorted and gently swayed its head towards the door. The little girl looked towards the horse and then back at the door. Fear shook her heart, but so did curiosity. Her feet slowly carried her towards the door, stopping her at the steps. She stayed still for a moment. Her mind raced with thoughts on what to do next, but the longer she stood there, the more she felt compelled to walk in.

And so, she did. She entered the carriage, and its door closed upon her arrival.

Chapter Text

“Welcome to Orientation, students of Night Raven! I am your most gracious Headmage, Dire Crowley!” Crowley smiled as he stood with grace and flair. Whispers and murmurs spread within the crowd of students, excited about their journey through the most prestigious school in all of Twisted Wonderland.

“You have all been selected for your great aptitude for magic and skill. Here, at Night Raven College, you will hone the great potential that lies within you to become great mages of the future!” His words stirred more excitement, but before Crowley could continue, he heard banging from one of the closed coffins.

‘Hm? Did I miss one?’ Crowley wondered as he walked towards the coffin. It was quiet before three more knocks came from inside. ‘Oh dear, it seems I have.’ With a quick snap of his fingers, the coffin door opened to reveal…

“A child?!”

A little girl who looked no more than five years old. Black hair tangled and frizzy, clothes tattered and dirty, shoes worn down and riddled with holes. The little girl looked terrified, especially with Crowley towering over her like a giant. ‘Perhaps, she is a young prodigy?’ Crowley thought and reached his hand out to the child. “Easy there young one, you are- Ack!” Crowley held his shin and jumped back. Indistinct noises in the crowd ensued.

She kicked him?!

“Hey! Get back here!” Crowley tried to reach again for the child, but she was too fast as she ran past him. The little girl stopped in her tracks when she saw she was surrounded by strange men in hoods. Her eyes searched for a way out until she saw a door just down the aisle. “Stop her!” Crowley ordered, prompting the little girl to bolt for it, but was blocked by students left and right. The little girl dodged and weaved, but there were too many. Tears started to build in her eyes, and she quickly ran towards the curtains, hiding behind them, too afraid to go out.

“This has certainly been a turn of events…”

“How curious that the Dark Mirror would bring a child here of all places…”

“Guys, she looks really scared. Maybe we should help her!”

“Pass. I’m not interested in babysitting a tiny herbivore.”

“I think you would just scare her more if anything.”

Crowley huffed as he straightened his coat and walked towards the little girl. “Now, to get some answers.” Crowley was about to open the curtains but was stopped by one of his Housewarden students. “Wait Headmage! If I can, I can talk to her!” A young boy with red eyes and tufts of white hair peeking out of his hood stood up from his seat.

“Are you sure about that, Mr. Asim?” Crowley asked. The young boy nodded.

“Don’t worry, I can handle kids!” He chuckled with a bright smile.

“Very well…” Crowley bowed his head and backed away from the little girl's hiding spot while the young boy walked towards it. He could hear quiet cries coming from behind the curtain, which made his heart ache. The young Housewarden took a step further and kneeled, slowly unveiling the curtains. The little girl was hugging her knees. She looked frail and pale. The young Housewarden was almost afraid to touch her, afraid he might accidentally bruise her and break her feeble-looking body. “Hey, it’s okay. We’re not here to hurt you.” the boy said, but she didn’t dare look up.

His gaze softened, and he sat down on the ground with her, “You woke up in a pretty scary place, didn’t you? Sorry about that, I don’t think the Dark Mirror knew,” he chuckled. His soft and cheerful tone slowly seemed to get to the little girl as she slowly rose her head, revealing her tear-stained cheeks. The young boy smiled, “My name is Kalim, what’s yours?”

The little girl’s gaze turned down again. Her lips pressed shut.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me now,” Kalim said and his eyes brightened when he got an idea. “Are you hungry? I got a little snack saved up. My best friend always packs me some since these ceremonies tend to get long.” Kalim said as he started to rummage through his pockets, pulling out bread wrapped in plastic wrap. “It’s still pretty warm, how ‘bout we try it, hm?” Unwrapping the bread made the fresh scent of it compel the young girl, making her slowly inch closer to Kalim.

“You know, my friend made this too. He makes all my food. It’s pretty good! He’s honestly the best.” Kalim chuckled through his nose and broke off a piece, offering it to the little girl, “Here, try it.”

The little girl was hesitant, but the smell of food made her stomach growl. She pressed her lips together as she held her stomach to cease the noise. No longer able to hold back her hunger, she took the piece. It felt warm and soft in her hand. She didn't even eat it yet and was already in awe. The little girl took a bite, and her eyes gleamed. She scarfed it down, and Kalim couldn’t help but chuckle. “See? I told you it's good.” He said while offering another piece, which she took with no hesitation this time. She ate and he offered until there was no more. The little girl seemed less scared now.

Crowley saw this as an opportunity to question the girl, “Good, now Mr. Asim, bring her here so that we may figure out where exactly this child came from.” The little girl immediately recognized his voice and tackled Kalim, wrapping her arms around him tightly. She didn’t want to go with Crowley.

“Oh! Uh…” Kalim slowly brought his hand to her back and gently rubbed it. Her grip tightened. Kalim’s eyebrows wrinkled and his smile frowned. “I don’t think we can Headmage. She doesn’t want to budge.”

Crowley huffed in annoyance, “Well if she is to be a student here, you can at least take her to the Dark Mirror. Perhaps it will clear things up.”

Kalim nodded, “Alright." He patted the girl's back to get her attention, "Hey, do you want to see something cool?” He asked, making her look up at him. “There’s this really cool mirror that can talk, wanna see?” He asked, but the young girl seemed hesitant. “Don’t worry, I’ll be right there with you, okay?” Kalim’s reassurance seemed to work on her as she nodded. Kalim carried the young girl in his arms, “Alright, don’t be scared okay? It’ll seem a little spooky, but the Dark Mirror won’t hurt you.” he added, to which the young girl nodded.

As Kalim walked to the Dark Mirror, the little girl couldn’t help but feel eyes on her. She hugged Kalim and buried her face into his shoulder. When Kalim stopped in front of the Dark Mirror, he gently nudged the little girl, “Here, this is the Dark Mirror.”

The little girl turned her head and saw nothing until an evil face with a frown emerged from the dark. Green smoke and flame surrounded it, making the little girl quickly turn away and hide her face again. “No, no, it’s okay. It won’t hurt you, just wants to show you something.” Kalim patted her back, but she didn’t look back. Kalim’s eyebrows furrowed slightly and decided to let her hide her face. His gaze turned to the dark and regal mirror, “I’ll hold onto her.”

“Very well.” Crowley cleared his throat, standing on the steps to the Dark Mirror. “Oh, Dark Mirror, tell us where this soul belongs,” he said.

The Dark Mirror’s flames grew as its eyes narrowed, analyzing the young girl. “The shape of thy soul is….unknown to me.”

“Come again??” Crowley asked, which sent a stir in the crowd.

“I sense not a spark of magic from this one. The color, the shape, all are nothing. Therefore, they are suited for no dorm.” The Dark Mirror said.

“What?! A mistake?! That’s not possible! Night Raven has never made a mistake before! Surely, if this child does not possess any magic abilities, then she can go home, no??” Crowley walked towards the mirror and held onto its framing. Kalim backed away slightly. “How do we send her home?!” Crowley asked.

The Dark Mirror hummed, “That is nowhere. The place she belongs to is nowhere in this world. Therefore, I cannot send her away to a place that does not exist.” and just like that, the Dark Mirror’s face disappeared into the abyss. Its words sent whispers across the crowd.

“This is unheard of! If she doesn’t belong anywhere, then how did she get here?!” Crowley snapped his head towards Kalim and the little girl. “What country do you hail from?!” His yelling only made the little girl whimper and squeeze tighter onto Kalim.

“Headmage, please, if you yell at her, you’ll only scare her more,” Kalim said as he noticed.

Crowley would have protested, but seeing the little girl, he refrained from saying anymore. He only sighed in frustration, “Well, we can’t let her go out to the elements. It would be inhumane.” Crowley held his chin, “But it doesn’t look like she trusts me either…”

“...I can take her.” Kalim offered.

Crowley blinked a few times, “Are you sure, Mr. Asim? It is quite a responsibility.” and Kalim nodded. “Yeah, like you said, she doesn’t trust anyone, and we can’t just kick her out, so why not let her stay with me!” Kalim smiled and looked at the young girl. “She’ll be safe in Scarabia, plus, I have younger siblings, so taking care of kids is a sitch! Not to mention, I got Jamil to help me too!” The little girl looks over at Kalim with a curious and innocent look in her eyes. It made Kalim smile more, “She’ll be safe with us.”

Crowley closed his eyes and hummed. It wasn’t ideal, but the little girl did seem to be attached to Kalim. If he forcefully took the young girl, it wouldn’t look good for his image. He then opened his eyes, “Very well, I will allow it, just until the young one calms down. If you can, Mr. Asim, do try to see where this young lady came from so we can send her back.”

Kalim nodded and saluted to Crowley, “Yes Headmage!”

Chapter Text

“Oh, you’re gonna love it! We have a whole band, a banquet, elephants, golden camels, peacocks! Everything you can imagine for a great party! Oh, and you can even meet Jamil too! I’m sure he’ll welcome you with open arms!” Kalim smiled at the little girl. Behind him, the young fresh-men were following to the Hall of Mirrors. “Do you like cake? Maybe ice cream? Oh! What about shaved ice?? Those are good!!” Kalim exclaimed and ranted about his favorite desserts, but the little girl seemed confused about half the things he mentioned. Mostly because she didn’t know what half the things he was talking about were, but she didn't say anything. She just listened to the young Housewarden rant and seemed to like it.

However, her attention shifted when they entered the Hall of Mirrors. There, she saw students crowding in. “Everyone in a single file line! Don’t push!” A Housewarden yelled among the crowd. As the crowd slowly dissipated in numbers, the little girl looked curiously at her surroundings. The Hall of Mirrors was a dome-like building, simple yet regal, and had what looked like symbols on the wall. Seven symbols, to be exact. Under them were mirrors, all with their intricate frame design. The little girl couldn't see all of them, but a glimpse was enough to put her in awe, even more so when she saw students walking through the mirrors and disappearing without a trace. She let out a quiet gasp and grabbed Kalim’s robe, pointing at the mirror as she looked at him.

“Huh?” Kalim stopped to look at where she was pointing. He chuckled, “Oh, that? Yeah, the mirrors take you to different dorms! We're gonna go through one right now actually!” Kalim said as he stopped in front of Scarabia’s mirror door.

The little girl turned her gaze towards the mirror. Awe still held her face. The mirror had a detailed frame with a snake wrapping around the mirror. Kalim could only chuckle again. The expression on the little girl’s face was just so cute! Things that were normal for Kalim were a wonder to this young girl. It made a part of Kalim wonder that maybe…

Kalim shook his head and turned to the freshmen with a bright smile, “Everyone! The party is just ahead! Watch your step!” He turned to the mirror and looked at the young girl, “Ready? We’re going through!”

The little girl’s eyes widened. She couldn't even protest in time as Kalim ran through the mirror. The little girl held her breath and covered her closed eyes. There was silence at first before Kalim spoke, “You can open your eyes now.”

The little girl shakily put her hands down. She slowly opened her right eye before the other. Her awe returned. The very breath that she held was gone at the grand view of Scarabia’s dorm. A palace of red, gold, and white stood under the starry night sky. The dimly lit lights from inside the building glowed through the windows and entrances. A fountain with a marbled peacock stood in the courtyard, glowing softly. The water rushed down to the bottom. Palm trees and desert flowers colored the marble courtyard.

Kalim laughed at how far her jaw dropped, “Pretty cool, right?? That’s where we’ll be staying! And where the party is!” He watched as the freshmen walked through the mirror one by one. When everyone was present and accounted for, Kalim smiled and said, “Alright! Let’s go!” before walking down the stairs to the grand courtyard. There were ‘ooh's and ‘ahh’s coming from the freshmen, all taking in the pretty sight of their new home.

When they entered, upperclassmen greeted them with joyful music. Confetti and lights flashed in the air, with a banner that said “Welcome Freshmen!” with streamers and balloons. The little girl covered her ears and shut her eyes. It felt like everything was right in her face, and unfortunately, she didn’t like that. Kalim noticed when he felt the little girl hide her face in his robe again. His eyebrows furrowed, and his smile was replaced with a frown, “Hey, what’s wrong? You don’t like the party?”

“Kalim!”

Kalim looked up with a relieved smile when he saw a familiar face, “Jamil!”

Jamil, Vice Housewarden of Scarabia, usually carried a stoic face, but not this time. His eyebrows wrinkled and matched the frown on his face. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Kalim tilted his head slightly.

“Kalim, you-!” Jamil stopped himself. A groan rumbled in his throat before he took a deep breath, “Kalim, care to explain why you have a child in your arms?” he sounded calm this time.

“Oh!” Kalim chuckled, “This little flower? She appeared during the ceremony. Turns out, she doesn’t have any magic or a home to go to, so I took her in!”

His words made Jamil’s jaw drop, “Kalim, you can’t just-” He tried to restrain himself from another outburst. “Ugh, never mind. It is already done… unfortunately,” he muttered the last part.

“Oh, come on Jamil! She won’t be a problem, honest! Besides, it’s only until the Headmage finds a way back home for her, so it's not like it’s forever! We’ll take good care of her until then!” Kalim said.

‘More like I’ll be the one taking care of her…’ The thought only made Jamil sigh. “Fine. Let me take her then.” Jamil put his arms out, but Kalim quickly recoiled. “What?? Why??”

“Kalim, she is dirty, and you still have your duty as Housewarden. Tend to the freshmen, while I get her cleaned up.” Jamil said.

“Aww, but I wanted to hold her a bit longer!” Kalim whined.

“Kalim.” Jamil's voice and stare grew stern, which made Kalim cave in, “Aww, alright. But let me tell her first, she gets scared with new people.”

“Very well…” The two walked down a hallway that led to the bedrooms, away from the party. When the little girl noticed the reduced noise, she raised her head and looked around. Kalim smiled at her, “Hey, it's okay now.” the little girl uncovered her ears. “Little flower, this is Jamil. He’s the friend I was talking about earlier. You know, the one who made the bread?” Kalim turned his gaze towards Jamil, who stood across from him. The little girl’s gaze followed, and she gripped a bit onto Kalim’s robe. “It’s okay, he’s really nice. He’ll get you cleaned up and then you can join me at the party!”

The little girl gave pleading eyes to Kalim. Dear Seven, Kalim wanted to smother and protect her. “Jamil is my best friend, and I trust him with my life. He won’t do anything to hurt you, I promise.” Kalim smiled softly. His words felt genuine, and the little girl seemed to trust these words as she slowly let go of Kalim’s robe. “You’re in good hands,” Kalim said as his gaze turned to Jamil.

The little girl turned back to Jamil, who remained stoic at first before he gave a small smile to her. Caution weighed heavily in the girl’s heart. Kalim slowly transferred her into Jamil’s arms, “Take care of her Jamil.”

“I will.” Jamil soon walked away. The little girl looked behind, watching Kalim smile and wave to her. She wanted to be back in Kalim’s arms again. Kalim soon walked in the opposite direction, towards the party. He felt a weary ache when parting with the little flower. 'She'll be fine...' Kalim told himself.

“You will see him soon, don’t worry,” Jamil spoke, prompting the young girl to look at him. “Once we get you cleaned up, you can join him.” Jamil looked at the girl from the corner of his eye. The girl didn’t say anything and just looked back at the direction Kalim went.

‘She’s not much of a talker…’ Jamil thought and sighed, ‘Well, that’s a plus…’ he took a glance at her again. ‘She’s filthy head to toe, and her clothes are ragged. I probably need to tailor some. I’m sure I have some I’m not using anymore.’ Jamil was already formulating a plan in his head as he walked down the quiet hallway. He stopped in front of his door, opening it and flipping the light switch. He walked to another door that led to the bathroom.

It was simple. The floor and wall were tiled, made from a tan marble, though a design of flowers and shapes circled around the bathroom along with the rest of the necessities you would find in a bathroom. “Alright, let's get your bath ready.” Jamil placed the little girl down and turned the water on. He made sure the water was at a fair temperature and watched it fill up the bathtub. He mostly based it on the bath preps he would do for Kalim. After he finished, Jamil turned back to the little girl and she seemed immersed in the interior design of his own bathroom. ‘Strange…’ Jamil didn’t think much of it since children are always curious about new things. He walked up to her and kneeled in front of the girl, “Your bath is ready. Do you need help taking off your clothes?” he asked.

The girl shook her head and started to undress.

A shaken gasp left Jamil’s lips. ‘Bruises? And are those…scars?’ the child’s body was basically covered in them, and her frailty was prominent. She was nothing but skin and bones. Jamil pulled himself out of his thoughts when he realized he was staring too much, ‘Focus, Jamil.’ he cleared his throat. “Let me help you.” He carried the girl into the tub and gently placed her in. As he washed her up, Jamil would ask her if she could wash herself or tell her exactly what he was doing since reaching out for something like a shampoo bottle was enough to make the child recoil in slight fear. The bruises, the scars, the fear, it was enough to put two and two together for Jamil. While he washed her hair and she washed her arms, Jamil’s gaze saddened as he saw the bruises on her back. ‘Kalim would cry for her…’ he thought.

Once she was all clean, Jamil grabbed a towel and hung it on his shoulder. He grabbed the little girl out of the tub and placed her on the floor, kneeling down to her level. “I’ll dry you up, okay?” Jamil said. The little girl nodded, giving permission. Jamil nodded back and started to dry her head to toe. “Now, let's make you some clothes.” Jamil carried the little girl back to his bedroom and placed her on a chair. He rummaged through his closet, looking for old clothes he doesn’t wear or doesn’t mind giving away. Luckily, he found a shirt that could pose as a dress. All he had to do was make a few adjustments. Taking out his magic pen, he waved it up in the air. The jewel of his magic pen glowed and items floated in the air. A few drawers opened here and there, a sash belt, some thread and needle, and scissors. His craftsmanship and threading weren’t the best, but Kalim and his sister gave him enough practice over the years to make him decent.

Jamil was so focused on his work that he didn’t realize the girl was staring. She was in awe, watching how everything flowed around them. How effortless it was.

With his magic, Jamil had finished ten minutes tops. “Here, how does this look?” He turned to the girl with a scarlet red dress with a golden sash and sewn-in patterns of gold at the edge of the dress and sleeves. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen! Her expression made Jamil smile softly, “I’m glad you like it. Here, let me help put it on.” he walked up to her and dressed her. After, he dried her hair with the towel before combing it. “After this, you can go back to the party with Kalim.”

The little girl didn’t say anything, though she looked nervous to go. Jamil noticed, “Do you not want to go?”

She nodded.

Jamil’s gaze softened, “Is it a lot for you?”

She nodded.

“I see.” Jamil could understand that. The loud noises and flashing lights could make any child overwhelmed if they are not used to it. “Would you like to stay here then? Just for a little bit, at least.” he offered. The little girl thought about it. Jamil could see the little cogs in her head turning to make a decision until she finally nodded. Jamil smiled softly, “That’s alright. You can stay here. I’ve never been much for parties either.” he said as he continued to comb her hair.

“You must be hungry. After I fix your hair, how ‘bout I get you something to eat?” The girl nodded.

“Do you have a name?” The girl didn’t say anything.

“Hm…would it be better if you wrote your name?” She nodded.

“Okay.” Jamil stopped brushing and walked to his desk, grabbing a pencil, paper, and clipboard to write. He placed the items on the girl’s lap and kneeled down to her level. “Just write your name right here.” he pointed at the middle, “Here, I’ll even demonstrate. This is how you spell my name.” Jamil grabbed the pencil and turned the clipboard to him. He wrote his name on the side corner before spinning the clipboard back to the little girl. “There, just like that.”

The little girl seemed in awe of his handwriting. She traced his name with her finger. ‘Even something as small as this is fascinating to her?’ Jamil thought. “Here, try to write your name.” he offered the pencil to her. The little girl carefully grabbed it with her small hands and placed the tip of the pencil on the paper. She stared at the paper for a while before writing. Her handwriting wasn’t as nice, but what do you expect from a child?

Jamil reads out the letters, “Y…U…U...” he turns his gaze back to the child, “Yuu, is that it?”

She nods.

Jamil chuckles through his nose and smiles softly, “What a beautiful name.”