Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Of course, the life of a monitor assistant isn’t easy. But the great Matilda could manage, for it has become a habit at this point. Of course, that never meant that she was free from problems.

The problem that seemed to always persist was...Loneliness.

Matilda never really had any friends, outside of her "rival" and the timekeeper: Matilda never really found it easy or necessary to befriend people.

Besides, so what if they don't like her? W̶h̶a̶t̶ ̶r̶e̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ ̶m̶a̶t̶t̶e̶r̶s̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶s̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶ ̶f̶i̶n̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ ̶m̶a̶k̶e̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶p̶a̶r̶e̶n̶t̶s̶ ̶p̶r̶o̶u̶d̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶o̶n̶c̶e̶.

But that's besides the point. Matilda is feeling lonely, and she isn't quite sure on how to make friends. Of course, the most logical thing to do is ask people. But that would not do for someone as prideful as The Great Matilda.

"Hmm, I've never faced such a dilemma before..." The blonde said, walking around her room somewhat anxiously.

She wasn't sure what caused it, but she was feeling very out of it today. Sonetto and Vertin are busy on some mission, therefore she had no one to talk to.

Matilda sat down on her bed, sighing in annoyance. She shouldn't have this problem, a genius like her shouldn't need the company or approval of others. O̶h̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶i̶r̶o̶n̶y̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶i̶t̶ ̶a̶l̶l̶.

She stared out the window, the moonlight piercing into her room. It truly was a beautiful sight, and even better for divinations...

Just like that, she had an idea. "Ah ha! That could work! Heh, they don't call me a genius for nothing!" And with that, she began to look around her room, searching for the items she would need for her divination.

"Bougies parfumées, thym, sauge... Vert. Décoration terminée" The girl muttered quietly, as she finally finished setting up everything she needed

She carefully placed her hands on her crystal ball, closing her eyes and focusing her arcanum into it.

"Oh boule de cristal, guide-moi hors de ma solitude"

They say that if you have faith in the stars, then they shall answer your calls.

After a bit, she opens her eyes and catches a glimpse of something...or rather someone from the darkness.

"Who's there!" She quickly picks up her crystal ball, readying it. A figure steps out of the darkness.

The first thing that catches Matilda's eyes are her hair. Her long blue hair, the way they flow, and the way they reflect the moonlight: causing a sort of glow. Eyes which looked like they contained stars within them. Star shaped accessories in her hair, which nearly shine in the moonlight. And white frills near the top, perfecting the look.

"W-who are you! And what are you doing in my room?!" Matilda yelled, pointing her crystal ball at the figure.

The mysterious girl puts her hands up, seemingly trying to get Matilda to drop her guard. She just stands there, waiting for Matilda to make the first move.

"I- answer my question! Who are you?"

“...”

“Oh wait! I think I’ve seen you before! Voyager was it?” The girl nodded. “I see, what are you doing in my room?” Matilda asks. Voyager points at the crystal ball. “My divination?”

Matilda looks down at the ball, suddenly seeing the girl in it. Looks like the stars really did answer her calls, ̶J̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶t̶i̶m̶e̶s̶ ̶i̶t̶ ̶h̶a̶d̶ ̶s̶h̶o̶w̶e̶d̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶a̶ ̶c̶e̶r̶t̶a̶i̶n̶ ̶g̶i̶n̶g̶e̶r̶ ̶h̶a̶i̶r̶e̶d̶ ̶I̶t̶a̶l̶i̶a̶n̶,̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶e̶y̶e̶s̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶t̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶e̶m̶b̶l̶e̶s̶ ̶j̶a̶d̶e̶s̶.

"Wait- so does that mean you're here right now, to be my friend?" Matilda asks, seemingly puzzled by how fast the situation is going.

Voyager smiles and nods.

"Ah well- I should introduce myself first! Ah, where are my manners?" Matilda takes a deep breath and regains her confidence.

"I am the Great Matilda! As bright as the sun! And I shall become the foundation's best on-site investigator ever!"

Right after Matilda finished, she could hear applause. Voyager was clapping her hands for Matilda. Usually people would just awkwardly agree with her, smile, or just not say anything, which was usually just awkward. This had been the first time someone has reacted in this way. Matilda felt a lot happier than she expected to feel tonight.

"Thank you, thank you" she chuckled, Matilda hasn't felt this good around someone for a while. Well ever since Sonetto and Vertin had to leave on a mission at least.

"Wait, how did you even get in here?" Matilda clearly remembers locking the door, and she didn't hear anything when she was doing the divination.

Voyager simply puts her index finger against her lips "shhh" Matilda, after a little bit of looking confused, just decides to drop it.

"So Voyager, what do you usually do in your free time?" Matilda asks curiously, she might not be the best at social interactions. But in comparison to others from the foundation? She's better than most.

Voyager summons her violin from thin air. While it may not be the best, it has been carefully maintained. Voyager seems to put a lot of time and effort into taking good care of it.

Matilda looks at her, fascinated. "That violin, it looks like you have had it in your possession for a while. Yet there is not a sign of damage!" Matilda praises. Seeing an instrument this well maintained is very rare, it was nearly completely spotless.

Voyager began to play the violin. Matilda could hear the way the notes circle around her, it's awfully comforting. Almost as if it was creating a barrier around her. Matilda continued to listen, mesmerized by both Voyager's hair, glowing ever so slightly brighter each note she plays: and the way Voyager pours her emotions into her violin, the result of which being a piece that is able to fully emerge one into a different world.

Matilda just watched Voyager as she played, she was stunned into silence. The piece itself was oddly comforting.

After a while, Voyager finally finished her piece. "That was truly a masterful play!" Matilda praised. Voyager smiled and blushed at the compliment. "You must've been practicing for a while, correct?" Voyager nods, seemingly pleased at the compliment. "The great Matilda highly recognizes your talent! And you can be really proud of that!" Voyager smiles, and quietly thanked Matilda.

Matilda quickly grabbed a seat for Voyager to sit in. Matilda began to talk to her about various things, and Voyager mostly listened. If Matilda's being honest, it was nice to have someone listen to her.

"Say, next time you visit, use the door will you? It's horrible manners to just appear!" Matilda scolds, Voyager nods, face red from embarrassment. "I'm only letting you go this time because- the great Matilda is feeling rather generous tonight!"

"..sorry"

"Ah-! Well it's all in the past isn't it? And besides, the great Matilda would never stoop low enough to hold grudges over such unimportant things!"

Voyager smiled, and thanked Matilda. "It's getting late now, I must be the first one to get to bed!" Matilda said with an unusual amount of urgency.

Voyager nodded, before beginning to head to the door and leave.

"Remember! Tomorrow! Understood?" A nod. "Alright, goodbye now!" And with that the blue haired girl leaves.

Matilda wasn't used to making friends. But she'd be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying it.

Right before Matilda had fallen asleep, she noticed something odd. Why had Voyager appeared in her divination, and how did she appear so fast?

That could only mean one thing. Matilda decided to deal with this revelation later, or else she would lose the claim of 'being the first one who gets in bed'

Chapter Text

The day of a monitor assistant is a boring one, but the day of a monitor assistant who’s on the top of the class? Whether it be studying to stay on top of her class, or just her duties as a monitor assistant, it was honestly more boring than she’d like to admit.

The only real memorable thing was that Sonetto and Vertin were back, and Matilda did chat with Sonetto. But even then the conversation somehow spiraled back to Vertin. Matilda is glad that they’re doing fine, and didn’t get injured.

That doesn't mean that she didn't scold Vertin or Sonetto though. But she can’t help but feel ever so slightly left out.

Sometimes she wishes she was closer to Sonetto, like how much closer Vertin was with her-

Matilda found it odd how everytime Vertin and Sonetto go out on a mission together, someone will get awfully close to death. S̶o̶m̶e̶b̶o̶d̶y̶ ̶d̶i̶d̶ ̶a̶f̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶a̶l̶l̶.

After a slow day, night had fallen. Matilda entered her room…And promptly fell on her bed, before hearing a knock on her door.

‘Who could be visiting me at a time like this?’ Matilda thought to herself, she decided to ignore the knocking for a bit and focus on doing her nightly divinations before changing, before going to bed.

Matilda got up and walked to her desk, but before she could set her crystal ball down she heard another knock. Matilda looked back annoyed, only to find Voyager quite literally phasing through her door. Voyager very calmly passed through her door, looked at Matilda, and waved at her.

This was gonna be a much longer night, wasn’t it?

After Voyager got settled down, Matilda began to ask her some questions “What…exactly are you? I know you must be connected to the stars, because of how fast my divinations respond to you” Voyager smiled. She placed her hand on her chest and-

A rip appeared, and there were stars. What looked like the void of space, lit up by dozens of stars, all of that right inside of Voyager.

Matilda was honestly terrified, but she couldn’t deny that she was very intrigued and interested. She was frozen in place, not sure if she wanted to take a step back or forward. That was when Voyager gently held her arm, it helped calm Matilda down. That was until-

Voyager gently took Matilda’s hand and placed it inside the void in her chest.

It was a surreal feeling. It was cold, but also warm? It felt very, awfully intimate for some reason. But I guess that’s just how it is when you put your arm inside someone’s chest. Voyager simply blushed a little, she seemed awfully pleased considering the things that were happening. Matilda just stared at her completely umbfounded.

Matilda could feel the stars inside of Voyager. They looked to be about the size of a grain of rice at least, and marbles at most. Surprisingly enough, Matilda could touch them. They weren't scaldingly hot, but just warm.

After some time, Matilda very carefully pulled her arm out of the void that is Voyager's chest. And after she did, the void vanished, and just like that it looked like nothing happened.

Voyager looked all too happy during the whole thing, which was odd. But Matilda would be lying if she said that she didn't enjoy it, it was a one in a lifetime experience anyway.

“Qu'est-ce qui vient de se passer” Matilda muttered to herself “Ah- right, thank you?” Matilda still had to thank Voyager. For how weird it was, the experience itself was enjoyable. Voyager smiled in return.

Matilda grabbed her crystal ball, it’s almost time for her nightly divinations. Voyager watches as Matilda prepares the things for her divination: as a ██████ Voyager can see Matilda’s divinations.

As Matilda begins her divination, Voyager can see a very familiar face within the crystal ball. An orange haired italian, and…Her door? Divinations aren’t known for being clear, but Matilda: she was made to decipher and understand the meaning behind divinations.

Matilda quickly got up and stored her crystal ball, she was…Blushing? How odd. “Sonetto! She’s going to come here!” Matilda tells Voyager, of course Voyager knows but she nods in understanding. Voyager helps Matilda store the rest of the herbs she uses.

After a very tense few minutes, a knock.

“Matilda? Are you there?” Sonetto calls out, “Ah-! Sonetto, come in!” Matilda replied, maybe a bit too quickly. Matilda quickly opens the door for her, letting her in.

“Oh? Miss Voyager?” Voyager smiles, and waves at Sonetto. “Are you two friends by any chance?” Sonetto asks “Indeed we are” Matilda says proudly, Voyager gives a thumbs up in agreement.

Sonetto looks at Matilda shocked but happy “I’m glad you’ve made a friend, Matilda” Matilda blushes in embarrassment “Do you mean that I am lonely? That I don’t make friends?” Matilda argues, trying to hide her face

“Ah-! No I didn’t mean it like that! You just seem to be having more and more free time, and seem more and more bored as a result. Having someone to accompany you would help you spend more of that time in an enjoyable way” Matilda looked away, blushing intensely and muttering something in French. Voyager and Sonetto look at eachother confused.

“I request help, from the both of you”

Matilda seems to finally be back to normal “Oh? With what?” she asks, curious but ready to help "Well, the foundation is planning to set up an event for our graduation. I believe it's called 'prom' " Sonetto explains.

"And how do you suppose we help?" Matilda asks back "Well, from the research I have conducted, prom will require musical elements. And the both of you are very talented in that regard" Sonetto finishes explaining.

After some discussion with Voyager, they come to an agreement "Well! The great Matilda shall lend her strength!" Voyager smiles and nodded in agreement, it looks like Sonetto had convinced the both of them. They began discussing the details. Tomorrow they were going to have practice, what they were gonna wear for prom, and more.

“And that should be the last of our discussions for tonight. Thank you both for your time” Sonetto thanked the both of them, and left. Matilda looked slightly upset at that. “It is quite late, the great Matilda has to catch up on her sleep!” Matilda states proudly, Voyager nods: looking out the window. Night had long since fallen by now.

Voyager walks towards the door, as she is about to leave she looks back “good night” she says quietly, but in the dead of night that was the only thing that Matilda could hear. Matilda smiles “Good night!” She replied before Voyager had left.

Matilda gazes at the piano, stored neatly in the corner of her room. She smiled, before looking away and slowly dozing off

Chapter Text

The monitor assistant's morning is nothing short of chaotic, and a lot more than usual.

First was breakfast, where she ran into a familiar changeling. They chatted and ate together, it wasn't everyday that Matilda got to see Jessica.

Matilda was barely finished with her breakfast before a certain blond arrived, dragging them to some other place.

"And where exactly are you taking the Great Matilda to?" The French asked, not seeming all that pleased about her situation. The only thing preventing her from thrashing or trying to break free was Jessica. "Oh! Right! Jennifer was told to call for you by Sonetto" the fawn answer.

A slight blush begins to creep onto Matilda's face, which only gets her an odd look from Blonney.

“Eh? By Sonetto‽ Why didn't you tell me earlier?” Asked Matilda “Well, I got a bit excited to see you again!” Jessica answered in return

"So where exactly are we going to practice?" Matilda asks, having regained her composure again. "Sonetto had gotten permission to use one of the music rooms" the other blond answered.

"Are you the Jennifer that Jessica talks about all the time-" "Please just refer to me as Blonney. But yes" Blonney said, her face turning suspiciously red.

Matilda raised an eyebrow at that.

Before any more questions could be asked, Matilda catches sight of a familiar figure…It's Voyager! Matilda ended up dragging Blonney instead.

"Did Sonetto call you as well?" Matilda asked the girl, Voyager nodded in return. Before opening the door revealing the music room and a familiar Italian inside.

"Ah! You've arrived" Sonetto smiles, before ushering them in. Matilda was struggling to keep her composure, the French was practically fighting for her life.

Blonney couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, while Voyager and Jessica just started at Matilda.

"Anyway, I've brought Ms. Wo- Blonney along for prom. As she has a lot of experience with human events, due to being with humans for most of her life" Sonetto explains.

“I gotta say, the foundation has put more effort into this prom event than most highschools. People here really do take human events seriously, maybe a bit too seriously some times” Blonney says.

“Well Sonetto did recruit the best pianist and violinist in the whole foundation” Matilda states proudly, Voyager blushes at the compliment. “Sure…” Blonney doesn’t sound convinced either way.

Voyager looked at Blonney, she seemed like she had a question. Matilda quickly noticed, and deduced the question Voyager might have in mind.

"So, Blonney. Do you play any instruments? And how about Jessica?" Voyager quietly thanked Matilda, and Matilda simply smiled brightly.

"Oh me? I'm more of a drummer than anything, and Jessica can't play any instruments." The room was awfully silent at that. "She just decided to come along I guess," Blonney said, breaking the awkward silence.

"Makes sense, a girl supporting her partner" Sonetto smiles, “You two make a fantastic couple” This leads to the drummer blushing furiously "Ah! So they are official. Congratulations!" Matilda congratulates the both of them.

The others watch Matilda whisper something to Jessica, which causes her to blush a little, nod, and whisper back.. Sonetto and Blonney simply look at the two of them suspiciously.

“You owe me lunch, Jessica!” Matilda states, garnering her more confused gazes from those two. “Oh, well Ms. Boua- I mean Matilda helped me gather the courage to confess” The deer girl explains.

Blonney seems to have mixed feelings about it, and Sonetto seems to have something on her mind. “Ah, Matilda, could you please help me ask the Timekeeper out for prom?”

Matilda couldn't believe what she was hearing. She knew Vertin was close to Sonetto, but she didn't expect them to be this close.

Matilda stood there frozen for a moment. She was beyond devastated. After a few more moments of awkward silence, she did her best to regain her composure, before swallowing her pride.

“Ah-! Asking help from the Great Matilda again are you? Well, lucky for you the Great Matilda is a kind soul!” She was just barely able to get that out without choking or stuttering

“Is that a yes-” “It Is!” That reply was far too quick.

Sonetto smiled brightly. Matilda didn't.

The fawn girl, the blond, and Voyager noticed the juxtaposed expressions of them. Before Blonney was able to say anything, a strum of a violin caught everyone's attention. Voyager smiled, before pointing at Blonney.

Blonney thanked Voyager before then clearing her throat “Well, how about you do that later? We have to practice for prom after all”

And with that they began practicing together, with Sonetto watching their practice. They had a lot to improve on.

Matilda, still shaken from what Sonetto had said and therefore being a bit late; Blonney being a bit too aggressive; Voyager seemingly not used to playing with other people either, and taking the approach of shying away instead.

This was going to take all day wasn't it?

Chapter Text

The monitor assistant isn't the type to toss and turn in bed, she usually just sleeps like a log!

The practice session earlier was horrid! She was just barely able to keep up. And even after the session, Sonetto’s words were still ringing in her head.

Why? Why couldn't she find anyone who can love her? She barely had any friends to appreciate her…And her parents? Well, it's hardly fair to call them parents.

After some debating with herself, Matilda decided to take a walk. Maybe that could clear her mind, and if not, then maybe some piano practice.

So she grabbed a blanket, slipped on her coat and headed out.

It was windy, but not overly so. Something more akin to a gentle breeze here and there. The perfect weather to unwind a little.

Matilda begins looking for somewhere nice to sit and clear her mind a little, she ends up stumbling upon a nice patch of grass.

“Ah, parfait!”

She places the blanket right on the grass, before collapsing on it.

“Ugh, même quand je suis aussi épuisé, je n'arrive toujours pas à dormir” she muttered, sounding annoyed.

The sky wasn't quite a full on starry night, but it also wasn't devoid of any stars. Just the right number of stars.

Matilda pulls out her crystal ball “Oh, if only I could divine sleep for myself…” Before closing her eyes in an attempt to get her thoughts in order.

‘is it my fault? What is and isn't my fault? Would I have even deserved her love-?’ She sighs. This wasn't going to work out. She quickly puts her crystal ball away, to keep it safe.

But when she opened her eyes, a very familiar violinist appeared before her.

“!!!!” Matilda nearly shot up from the blanket “Quoi?! Voyager?” The alien smiles, before humming in response.

“...I'm retrospect I should've expected you”

“Come, sit next to me, would you?” Voyager nods, before taking a seat right next to Matilda. She notices the tired look in Matilda's face, and gives a worried hum in response.

“I’m- I'm struggling to sleep tonight, thought I could get some fresh air y'know?” Voyager looks at her expectedly. As if wanting to tackle the elephant in the room.

“You see my divinations, right? You could probably understand why I'm so…stressed out over trying to help Sonetto” Matilda sighs wearily “I- can I ask you something, Voyager?”

A nod, “Be honest, do you think I'm deserving of love…? You don't have to be honest it's just- I've hardly experienced much love from anyone, well, aside from my grandfather of course”

Voyager looks at her curiously “...Grandfather?” she asks quietly. Matilda chuckles in response “Yeah, he was the only person who really cared about me back then”

Matilda begins to recall all of the time she's spent with her grandfather, all the things they did, and how much he cared for her. As if she was his own child.

All the times he played with her. Let her feel like she was a normal kid, let her be a kid. He never shamed her for any mistakes, he truly did love her for who she was.

Suddenly Voyager wiped something away…it was her tears? She was so caught up she didn't even notice the fact that she'd been crying.

That's when a question came to her.

Why does Voyager care so much? Why? What does Voyager see in her? But to be honest, she was finally starting to feel sleepy. Maybe crying helped tire her enough to let her sleep.

Voyager took notice of her drowsiness, and offered to let her lay her head on the violinist's thigh. “...Merci” Matilda gave Voyager a weak smile before laying her head on the other's lap.

Voyager smiles, and from her hand, stars can be seen. Matilda smiles, no matter how starless or starry the night may be, how difficult things may get, Voyager will always be there for her.

And with that comforting fact, she finally allows herself to fall asleep.

As the sun rose on the next day, Matilda was promptly woken up by her internal clock. Only to realize she was somehow back in her room.

“H-huh? Je suis de retour dans ma chambre?” She was still wearing her coat, but somebody must've tucked her into bed-

“Gah-! Why does that girl care so much?!” As much as Matilda would like to ponder, she doesn’t have time. Today was going to be a rough day.

‘Oh, right I still have to do…that’ She thought to herself. She quickly began her morning routine, taking a quick bath, washing her face, brushing her teeth, and changing into her very own monitor assistant uniform.

She headed to the cafeteria for breakfast, only to be greeted by a few familiar faces. Three to be exact.

Vertin, Sonetto, and Mesmer Jr. Now, there is no way Matilda is going to sit with Sonetto and Vertin at the same time, so her only option is, well Mesmer.

To say their relationship was strained would be selling it short, it's probably a lot worse. For both of their sakes, Matilda chose to keep quiet during the whole thing.

And besides, she had a lot on her mind right now. How was she going to help Sonetto confess? What's the game plan? What is she going to do after that? So much of her life has been centered around Sonetto, what is there left to do-

God Sonetto looks so happy with Vertin, and Vertin seems to be enjoying their conversation as well. Matilda isn't used to feeling envious or jealous of anyone. She shouldn't be feeling like this. It was wrong, oh so wrong. Her parents didn't raise their daughter to be like this, they never meant for her to be like this, what's wrong with her-

.
.
.
.
.

“Are you going to eat that or?” Mesmer asks. Turns out Matilda had been staring at her food for the past 3 minutes or so.

“Ah- R-right!” She hastily grabs the utensils and practically shovels the food into her mouth at breakneck speeds. Mesmer watches, her face only showing the slightest hint of worry.

Before Mesmer could continue to say much of anything, Matilda had finished her food. And as she went to put her tray away, she heard a familiar voice calling for her.

“Matilda! Let's go, I have something I want to…discuss with you!” Said the redhead, so Matilda gives a small goodbye wave to Mesmer as she and Sonetto go somewhere further away. Leaving Mesmer with Vertin.

After turning a corner to make sure that nobody's there, Sonetto begins to talk to her “So, any ideas on how I can ask the timekeeper out to prom?”

“Well, perhaps you could get some flowers and or flowers alongside a letter asking her to prom?” Matilda wishes she was the one who could dance with the redhead.

“I see…any suggestions?” Sonetto asks “Well, you're the one with the connections…Maybe you could ask that wand maker for help, she knows a lot about flowers, no?”

“Ah, good idea. I'll be sure to ask Miss Druvis about this. But what about the chocolates?” Sonetto isn't that crazy about chocolates herself, which makes this slightly more challenging.

“Well-! Because the great Matilda Bouanich is so kind, how about we buy some chocolates together this evening?” Matilda offers.

“Ah, of course! Wait, what do you need the chocolates for?” “I- no reason! I was just craving them!” Matilda retorts, getting defensive.

“I see…Let's meet up after the music rehearsal then, does that sound good?” Sonetto requests, which Matilda accepts.

Now all that's left is to get through rehearsals, which start in…5 more hours. Well, at least as the monitor assistant, so she'll at least have some tasks to keep her occupied for the next few hours.

Well, it gives her more than enough time to think and ponder about things… Especially on why that blue haired girl cares about her so much, and the lack of other people who do care about her.