Chapter Text
Malleus had not yet been given the word to destroy the book, which was just as well, because he had waited a few more minutes after The Headmaster left to begin plans of his own.
He had been looking at Leona's casket debating what the best course of action might be, but he had finally decided. He had to free him before the headmaster gave him the word to destroy the book. He wanted to avoid taking advice from the sea serpent, but he had no other ideas or choices at this point and respected Leona enough to at least give him a warning before the emotional shock of severing his shock with the hunter.
Malleus kicked Leona's casket once to try and assess how much magical force it might need to open. He was pleasantly surprised when he discovered…it would be an easy task. This was a classic instance of Malleus not grasping his own power scale compared to anyone else, most students wouldn't have been able to touch the container without a powerful backlash, yet here he was, assessing it intuitively and without repercussions. Also, most students would be terrified of ruining school property, but for Malleus, that fact was completely unimportant. Though he spared a little thought for Leona inside, so rather than punishing fire, or choking vines, he used water inside the casket to fill it to the brim and then continued to add more and more and more. As predicted, he eventually forced it open, the damage would be repairable and he literally flushed the hunter out of his confinement. A rather reasonable compromise by his own reckoning.
And the hunter did indeed, come spilling out, along with an excessive amount of water as the door came off its hinges. He was soaking wet but seemed highly amused by the technique. "Well, that's one way of doing it," he smirked to himself arrogantly as he stood himself up and tried to flick the water off his hands. "Thanks, sweetheart."
Malleus was amused too. He glared at the hunter dangerously but said nothing.
"Awwww, you're looking so annoyed, what's the matter?" The hunter began to wring Leona's hair and teased Malleus vindictively. "Still missing Leona?"
"Oh yes, but…I think I've realised something." Malleus clicked his fingers, it seemed the hunter could not read Malleus quite as well as he'd given himself credit for. They were no longer in the coffin room, they were in Leona's bedroom.
The hunter was impressed by his deviousness (apparently this was a direct byproduct of it...according to himself). This was a dramatic change to Malleus' frustration and visible heartache. He wondered, had the dragon finally caved into his physical desires rather than his fleeting flurries of emotional weaknesses? A trip straight to the bedroom indicated as much. Finally, a success, well...that's what the hunter thought it was.
"Oh, I like the look of this." The hunter smirked as he lay down and awaited Malleus to join him, he barked arrogantly. "Come here and lie down."
But the Draconic Fae sat on Leona's bed, right on the edge of it and asked simply, "Did I do something wrong, Leona?"
"Why are you asking Leona?" The hunter frowned, unhappy that he had been subtly stood up. "It's pretty obvious that he isn't here. Now stop being so contrary and come to me. You didn't bring me here for any other reason, did you?"
Malleus had brought the hunter here for one reason, to destroy him, to bury him in Leona's subconscious and then set that cursed book alight, to never have it plague him again. "My approach to waking you has been all wrong," Malleus smiled to himself.
"Don't talk to him…talk to me." The hunter protested again. He put one leg over the other and flexed his long legs in the air. "You think I don't know you're being coy? I've got it all sussed. I'm not an idiot.*
Malleus ignored this and continued, deliberately not talking to the hunter. "I've been thinking...Do I add to your dissatisfaction with this world, Leona?" Malleus sensed how much this riled the hunter and took immense pleasure from it. "I know sincerity is not a strong suit in our relationship, but if my lack of public displays of affection leaves you so unhappy, then I will pander to you like a small child…I didn't realise you needed to be doted upon, it is so adorable and… cute. "
The hunter winced, as if in conflict with himself, he held his mouth firmly closed. But felt a misplaced rage due to being treated so patronisingly. The word 'cute' riled him more than anything else.
Malleus sensed the internal conflict and finally understood what he needed to do, the serpent had been right, Malleus needed to ignite Leona's fierce competitive nature, to wound his pride and convince him to come back out of sheer stubbornness. Malleus would goad Leona to the point where his ego would force him to awaken.
"To think you have been hiding the fact that you are such a delicate soul all this time. It is most endearing." Malleus turned on the bed and opened his arms out arrogantly. "Come to me, and I will coo over you like a mewling kitten. I will smother you in affection."
The hunter felt a strange pang of…something, surface, it was like an indignation. His face contorted a little and he subtly clutched at his chest.
Malleus' approach was working, he just needed to continue pushing. This was no longer distressing, but very enjoyable, revenge on the hunter would be sweet. "I know it is not becoming of a Prince to be too emotional, but perhaps you are someone who needs constant reassurance that you're worthy to fulfil my needs." Malleus came close and held Leona's hand patronisingly. "I shall have to whisper some sweet nothings to make you feel special. So here they are…Here is your tender praise."
The hunter found himself turning away as if he was humiliated by the whole experience. He didn't want to do this anymore, he wanted to flee, but he found himself disabled by Malleus' touch.
"You have been a worthy adversary and…wise counsel…I value the time we spend together." Malleus ruffled the hunter's hair. "If feelings of inadequacy are adding to your anxiety to return to this realm…be assured that we are all tolerant of your shortcomings."
The hunter snarled. Shortcomings? How dare Malleus bring up Leona's…shortcomings. No…this was…bad, the hunter didn't want to care about Leona or even remotely resonate with him. But he could feel the rage of a lion welling within him. It was becoming difficult to hold back.
"If I'd realised how emotionally fragile you were, I would have lashed you with my displays of affection," Malleus smirked a little as he watched the hunter's expression fill with conflict. "I can do it now if needed."
The hunter winced, the anger was rising at an alarming speed, and he struggled against a force he couldn't control. "What…what's the point of this?!"
"I'll be more considerate of your delicate ego in the future," Malleus leant in and pinned the hunter to the bed. "For now though, let me shower you in affection, to cheer your ailing spirit.*
"Damnit-" the hunter was finally beginning to lose grip. He had a desire to…stop this conversation, but he didn't know why. The romance angle was no longer something he wanted to explore, but he was beginning to realise that he could not con Malleus as he had conned the dragon of his world.
"You want me to make you feel special, what a surprisingly precious nature you have! I will spoil and cuddle you, let me ravish you with-" Malleus went to kiss Leona on the cheek, but was slapped away.
"DON'T TALK DOWN TO ME LIKE SOME BABY, I'M NOT A WEAK FIRST YEAR!!!" Leona snarled, and then the hunter stopped him from speaking. "No…you…monster… SHUT UP!"
Malleus knew that had been Leona, he was reeling in pride that 'Kingscholar' was so close to the surface now, just a little more.
"Oh? What is this? You treated Kingscholar like a monster?!"
The hunter was breathing heavily as he struggled to control himself.
Malleus continued. "That explains a few things. He could not come forward because you had a contract holding him back." The Fae dorm leader held back his fury at this treatment of Leona, but only because he knew what he was doing now distressed the hunter even more than rage did. Malleus' grip on the hunter's shoulders was so strong that he couldn't move, no matter how he thrashed about.
"If not Leona, then how about you? Shall I prey upon you? Little hunter? Would you like that?!" Malleus leant in closer and found that the hunter was desperately trying to get away. Malleus was practically on top of him, as he restrained him with ease.
"Get off!" The hunter scrambled hopelessly but made no impact on Malleus, who beamed at him.
"Oh no! I can't let you go! Because you have done all manner of silly things lately, threatening to throw yourself off buildings, allying with people from a dangerous place. So I have finally decided the best way to care is to be with you at all times."
"What?!" The hunter squeaked, he was getting more than he had bargained for with Malleus, this was a total shift from the stoic dragon he'd been talking to since he arrived.
"Yes, my love is Leona, but you are such a threat to his health. If I don't lock you up in this very room…which I am most tempted to do, I must stalk your every moment. I will ensure you never hurt him again. Isn't that wonderful news for you? You can have my love, as you so desperately wanted!" Malleus stroked the hunter's face repeatedly and rhythmically. "We can always be together. So I can welcome Leona home with open arms, I can coddle him all day and night, and everyone in the school will see him for what he really is. A little lion who needs spoiling."
The hunter was finally becoming disconcerted, neither the alchemist nor viper had come to him, he was entirely alone. "You…you can't do that!"
"Oh, I must! Because Leona is so weak against your seal, I must do something to protect him." Malleus kissed the hunter on the lips intensely, forcing himself on the hunter on purpose. The hunter was powerless, he tried to kick Malleus off, but it made no difference. Malleus did not stop, he locked lips and even dug his teeth into Leona's lips a little.
Then, a change happened, Malleus sensed it in an instant, he wasn't pushed away, he was pulled in, by the tie. He was a little surprised but found himself pushed onto one side, rather than pinning Leona down. The kiss lasted a little longer, brimming with sultry intent. Malleus closed his eyes, he knew this wasn't the hunter. Leona was never pinned down, they always lay on their side.
Then, he was unceremonially pushed onto the floor and off the bed altogether. Malleus was a little stunned, but he watched Leona wipe his mouth as if he'd just drank a pint of beer. He knew it was him, he was back.
Leona meanwhile, (rather ungraciously) stood up, but then became uneven on his feet, having to stop to regain his balance. "That was the plan that took you so long to figure out?! You're useless." Despite the harsh words, the Savannaclaw dorm leader was teasing pleasantly. He tried to disguise his lack of balance, but it was obvious. He looked at his scarred hands, "What an absolute idiot of a character." he grumbled gruffly. He felt the ears on the side (not the top) of his head and saw Malleus' incredibly smug smile, Leona had returned to himself, finally, but his body was not as it should have been. "It's that damn book isn't it?"
Malleus laughed, genuinely, for the first time in days. "Yes. It certainly was," he was endeared as he watched his lover appear incredibly unsteady on his feet, looking around to try and regain his bearings.
"No tail." Leona held onto the wall to steady himself. The Savannaclaw dorm leader was incredibly sour as he made a few deliberate steps to the mirror, saw his reflection, tutted and then looked away. "When I find out which snivelling little wretch opened that book they'll be sorry." He then noticed Malleus was admiring him. "What are you staring at?"
"I missed you," Malleus replied softly, for the first time in a few days, there was a genuine tenderness in his voice.
"Stop. I'm not in a sentimental mood right now…I'm annoyed with you moping around-" Leona grunted and added. "Look at these ears, the state of them." he was concentrating intensely, trying to maintain his balance.
"You were in a sentimental mood a moment ago. Or was it entirely necessary for us to have a passionate moment before you threw me on the floor?" Malleus took him by the shoulders.
"You're moody most of the time, don't get showers of affection like that every day, even if they're entirely designed and insincere, I take what I can get." Leona sneered to himself as he carefully leant against the wall.
Malleus finally stood up to aid Leona and help him sit down back on the bed. "Are you alright?"
"Nope." Leona deliberately let his guard down a little and conceded, he took his glove off and revealed a scar on his right hand, it was the hunter's brand. "I'm in a magic parasite paradox."
Malleus was amazed by Leona's astuteness, impressed that he had understood the situation he was in. The words, of course, troubled him.
"I'm the hunter who made this brand, I'm also the one subject to it…physically speaking. I'm using magic and casting it, doubling down." Leona sounded incredibly weary, but at least he was himself again. "It's going to eat my magic up so fast if I don't sleep through it."
"How long can you retain control?" Malleus urged Leona for an estimate, he was desperate to know just how little time he had.
"No idea, why do you think I was staying in the background?" Leona didn't make eye contact which caused Malleus to doubt the authenticity of his words. "I didn't want to make it worse."
"Oh? Was it maybe not because you couldn't overpower him?" Malleus couldn't resist making the point.
Leona's arrogant laugh wouldn't usually charm Malleus, but on this occasion, it did. "Pft, of course, I could have, at any time, but that won't change anything. As long as this is here and its magic is still in play, he won't leave,"
Malleus didn't know if Leona was being honest about whether he could have bested the hunter, but Leona was correct about the seal on his hand, nothing would change until the mark lost its power. "I had a plan to destroy the book."
Leona looked a little surprised. "Well that'd do it, the magic source would disappear, and the parasites would try and latch onto those of us left," Leona had a lazy but brilliant approach to scheming, he lay back and looked at the ceiling as if stewing on his thoughts. "If the tyrant used his unique magic then...I couldn't use my magic and the parasite would starve to death." he looked at his hand and frowned. "Before we even get to that point, the shock of your magic is going to hurt the average magician."
"I could do it for you, at least," Malleus replied. "You could endure it."
"Pretty sure that book is valuable." Leona raised an eyebrow. "You can't just destroy it."
"It's a Fae book, and I intend to have every copy burnt." Malleus pouted angrily. "As is my right."
"Oh stop being a brat. You can't erase history because of one minor inconvenience." Leona made a valid point. "Mistakes get repeated unless there is evidence. So keep the book in circulation, just put warnings in it. Don't be so overdramatic."
Ahhh yes, Malleus had forgotten how Leona could oscillate between entirely childish and mature with ease.
"Well I am destroying this copy and you shall have to bear it." Malleus narrowed his eyes, a little displeased. "You can bear the discomfort, can't you?"
Leona glared indignantly but sneered. "Ha, as if I'm the problem here. What about the radish and the little tyrant? They're not in great shape. The snake's got massive problems too, that viper is no joke, I could tell he was scheming the second I met him."
"Perceptive." Malleus nodded. "He was a powerful sea serpent from the novel."
"Ahhhh, yeah, I figured so. It was obvious he was playing games. The hunter was such an idiot." he then tutted. "Well, whatever, I'm so done with this whole nonsense, if you want to be petty because you got bested by some fictional dolt, then that's fine by me." Leona's not-so-subtle reverse psychology still seemed to catch Malleus out sometimes, he saw the Fae Prince scowl indignantly. He continued, "I don't care too much what you do so long as it ends." Leona folded his arms and shook his head. "But my point still stands, those herbivores are going to struggle."
"Riddle Rosehearts will endure out of sheer stubbornness, it is his best quality. As for Idia Shroud… he will persist. He is cursed to continue his family legacy." Malleus' lack of interest was almost comical, he justified his actions in such a preprepared fashion, that Leona wondered if he had rehearsed the answers.
"Well, yeah, but…come on, have a heart. Or have they annoyed you and you feel this is fair? Don't punish them on my account." Leona smirked, Malleus was so transparent when he was angry. His face darkened at the slightest critical comment.
"The headmaster has said he wants me to destroy the book, so my hands are tied." Malleus snapped. "Do not think me so petty."
"You are, but I guess it's one of your best qualities." Leona very slowly went back over to the bed and sat down unsteadily. "They've got a long road to recovery…and I've got some pesky dragon who won't leave me to rest in peace." Leona wore a surprisingly easy smile. "Didn't expect anyone to be so damn persistent...even if you riled me up to bring me back."
Malleus sat beside him. "The hunter was even more insufferable than you are. If push came to shove, I would consider you the better option."
"I could have sworn you were trying to say ' I miss you' and the words got mixed up in your head." Leona eyed Malleus and continued, "Well, at least it was you who woke me up…anyone else would ha-"
Malleus leant forward and kissed Leona firmly on the lips, then with a note of surprise, he stroked Leona's face fondly. "There's some draconic energy within you."
"Ngh, get rid of that, we don't need another one of you running around." Leona teased as he felt his teeth. "These seem like more trouble than they're worth."
Malleus nodded. "I agree with one thing…I like you more as you're meant to be." He kissed Leona again and closed his eyes, allowing his magical energy to infiltrate Leona, and within a few moments, he was a beast man again... However the mark did not fade, even though Malleus had tried to remove it.
With an audible sigh of relief, Leona smirked. "So cliche…cured by a kiss, it has fairytale written all over it. Still, you did me a favour, so I guess I owe you." he grasped Malleus' face and then returned the gesture of a kiss with gusto.
The passion of the pair ignited. Their reunion made Malleus hot with desire, he was relieved and enticed by the return of the one he loved, he felt Leona hold his face firmly as if he didn't want to let go.
This was hardly the time for such a moment, but still, common sense took a backseat as Malleus wrapped his arms around the Savannaclaw dorm lead and committed himself by using his magic to lock Leona's door. His hand then ran down the beast man's back and was overjoyed as Leona gently pushed him into a lying position.
"Now I'm myself, I don't see the need to rush to Crowley…let's make the most of this rare moment, shall we?" Leona delicately caressed Malleus' shoulder.
"Indeed," The Diasomnia dorm leader answered as he pulled Leona down.
—-------------
After the intimate encounter passed in ecstasy and intense passion. Malleus stood at the window, Leona was fast asleep. Malleus could tell that despite all of his posturing, the beastman had been exhausted and not long after their heated kisses, blacked out, leaving Malleus just a little dissatisfied that things had to end prematurely. He was relieved to see a raven pass by his window, that was all the sign he required.
It did not require much concentration, he closed his eyes and uttered. "Do not fail me, strike that wicked book."
His aim was confirmed as Leona immediately awoke, gasping for breath. He clasped onto his right hand, which was flooding in green light where the hunter's mark had been. Malleus had anticipated this and went to his side and held both of Leona's hands in his. "Shhhhh. Hush now." he kissed where the hunter's mark was. "Bear with it for a few days."
Whilst it still smarted intensely, Leona couldn't deny it felt a little less stabbing and more dull after the kiss. "A few days, are you kidding me? Can't you make it any faster? Thought you were one of the top 5?"
How typical of Leona to be impatient rather than grateful. Malleus was amused but answered in a flat tone. "I'm purging you of an ancient magical parasite. Do you think that is an easy task?"
"Well no." Leona tutted angrily. "But in reality, we know you shouldn't be responsible for it." Malleus stroked Leona's twitching fingers. Leona pulled his hands away. "Stop coddling me …you’ve gotten soft since I was gone. It’s just a cut. I’ll live."
“It’s a magical burn,” Malleus corrected Leona and immediately continued. "This…situation has been handled so poorly. I feel I should tend to you personally."
"Not complaining of the idea in principle - just keep your distance a little bit. To be honest, the thought of sitting in the medical wing with those insufferable weedeaters would have sent me into a second illness."
Malleus chuckled at Leona's disagreeableness. "Oh goodness me, such a temper."
Leona looked out of the window, raised an eyebrow and wryly answered. "Really? You've got some nerve to accuse me of a temper tantrum. How many lightning storms since I've been gone?"
Malleus unknowingly pulled a face of displeasure, which caused Leona to laugh. "Don't dish it out if you can't take it." Leona then leant back, left a long enough pause to change the subject and astutely added. "The hunter and I made a point of being different from one another. We never got confused about who was who. I hated his guts, he was holding me back because we couldn't stand each other. I feel like…that isn't going to be the case for some of the others."
Malleus agreed. "I have a personal interest in your recovery. I assure you it will be smooth. The others do not have that luxury and I care not for their needs as deeply as I care for yours."
"It wasn't a criticism don’t be so tetchy,” Leona replied indignantly. “...It's every man for himself." Leona shrugged. "I'm not asking you to change your plans. Like you said, Shroud and Rosehearts will bounce back purely out of spite, they'll be fine, and I'm sure the sunshine boy can afford a therapist for his pet snake if he wants to."
"Oh, I’m glad we can agree on something." Malleus was pleased by Leona's disinterest in the others, the last thing he'd wanted was a lecture.
"Look, if those dorm leads are worth their salt, they'll get over this. I don't know who else is in the picture aside from Viper, but you're not the only powerful mage here. The Headmaster needs to clean up his own mess for a change." Leona continued to murmur. “I think he’s up to something. I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.”
“...” Malleus said nothing for a short while, he then admitted. “I feel a little for Deuce Spade.”
“Spade? Huh? Why? And how did he get involved?” Leona replied.
“He became involved by accident and…well…I do not think he is particularly skilled with magic.”
“Sounds like you want to check up on him.” Leona took a breath, considered his words carefully and answered. “Magic isn’t everything, you know? He’s got guts and he isn’t a quitter. Don’t think you need to be too concerned.”
“He helped fix a precious memento of mine, and I wonder if my previous payment to him was sufficient.” Malleus pondered as he returned to the bed. “But…my prior stance remains. It is not my job to resolve every conflict in this school.”
“Oh, that dumb toy thing Lilia gave you?” Leona smirked as he ruffled Malleus’ hair. “Didn’t think your favours came so cheap.” Malleus was about to shout angrily, but Leona shook his head and let out a small amused breath. “Kidding, I’m kidding, don’t get so wound up about every little thing.” He then looked at his hand, which pulsated with a bright light, he almost growled with displeasure and then shook his head.
“Are you-” Malleus moved urgently, but was given the cold shoulder.
“I’m alright.” Leona rubbed the mark, uttered ancient words and saw the light in the seal ebb a little. “You’re not the only one with a decent grade in curses, you know? I’m going to make that hunter…parasite…whatever it is squirm until there’s nothing left of it.”
Malleus was relieved to have someone in the vicinity who was capable of taking care of their own needs for once.
“I don’t want you looking after Crowley’s messes, but I don’t want you throwing your toys out of the pram because you’re stressed about Spade and I definitely don’t want to hear you pontificating about what you’d do if it were you. So, go sort him out, get over yourself and then come back. You're full of contradictions. Make your mind up about what you're doing and do it, stop angsting and wasting your breath. Make your little departure worth my while when you get back, alright?”
This was Leona's only form of encouragement, but it was his style, and Malleus cherished that more than anything. Malleus smiled, delighted as he whispered before he left. "Welcome home, Leona."