Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Night Raven College, one of the most prestigious magic school that exist in the current era has been known for producing a lot of amazing people, be it in magic or other aspect. For obvious reason, being the magic school of course they only accept people with ability to use magic as their student. However, that changed as someone is currently left stranded in the school due to accident. That person is-

“Yuu! Come here, quick!”

“Alright alright, no need to be pushy my friend.”

Shima Yuuki, or people in NRC call him Yuu, is the only student who can’t use magic in the entire school. Despite lacking in magic, he still has relatively good time as a student in his new school. Of course he’s happy for that and right now he’s standing in front of the announcement board, trying to get a look at the information that just been posted.

“It’s been like 30 minutes only and people still flock here,” Yuu commented.

“Well, this particular announcement is about the upcoming student exchange program.” Ace told him while trying to get close to the board. “I can’t see anything damn it!”

Yuu frowns. “Exchange program?”

Deuce is nodding his head, a sign for yes. “I’ve heard many try to get into this program, but the headmaster always choose the students randomly for each year.”

“Whoaa, I hope I get to participate!” Grim chimed in.

Upon hearing that, Yuu quickly pull himself out of the crowd along with his two bestfriends. If the participants are being chosen randomly, there’s no need for them to look for who gets chosen now, right? Beside, he hates getting all sweaty unless it’s P.E. class. “Come on you two, we can check on it later. We have Sir Crewel’s class in 40 minutes.”

“Sir Crewel…”

Yuu glances toward Deuce and Ace, getting suspicious by their reaction.

“Crap I haven’t finish the assignment!” Both Ace and Deuce are now in full-blown panic mode, afraid of what punishment will befall on them.

Yuu and Grim only exchange stare before laughing.

“Don’t laugh!” Deuce cried.

“Well, I can certainly help you two. How about we finish it up at the empty space near the lab?”

Oh look, NRC’s savior is in action once again saving the Heartslabyul students from misery. Yuu being Yuu, instead of offering cheat sheet, he’d rather go all out in teaching. They all go to the empty bench near the lab, working on the unfinished homework before the bell rings. Unbeknownst to them, but Crowley is watching them from the distance.

The Headmaster of NRC is having a good look on how his extra student doing, somehow glad to see the child is able to adapt very well at the school. He then look again at the paper sent by the school they will be having exchange program with, smiling before he goes on his merry way. Just in the nick of time, the bell rang and now th students are currently having their Potion class. Lucky? Very.

   ---

“We… we did it…”

“Nyaaah! I thought I was going to die!”

“I certainly won’t let Ace be the leader again.”

“WHY ME?!”

The four of them survives the class, barely as there was an accident. They accidentally mixed wrong amount of potion which result in their project explode in front of them. Lucky, no major injuries. Yuu is too busy wiping down his lab coat, not noticing that Crowley is approaching him. Well, can't really blame him since the coat is coated with slimy liquid.

“How was the class?” He asked, startling the younger one.

“Geh! It’s the headmaster!” Yuu yelped. “Well, it was a bit chaotic sir, Were you planning to join?”

“Haha! Yes, but I think I’ll do it next time, as for now I have something important to ask.”

“What is it?”

Crowley then pulls out a paper from his coat, giving it to Yuu. “Congratulation, you’ll be participating in the exchange program for a month.”

The four students are silent for brief moment, then they yell at the same time. “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!”

Ace is the first one to actually get a look at the paper, checking on it with Deuce and Grim. “This is hella cool! Dude, you actually chosen?!”

“How am I supposed to know?!” Yuu yelled back at him, still confused. “But sir, why me? I mean-“

“Calm down Yuu, take a breath,” Grim tried to help him calm down, patting his paw against his shoulder.

“Whoo, okay. First is why and the second one is to which school?”

Crowley smiles, a smile that Yuu is sure he’s hiding something. Well, this person is way too suspicious in his eyes. “To Easton Magic School, you’ve read about them on the announcement boar right?”

Yuu shakes his head, “no, we were busy finishing our assignment sir. Easton? What school is that?”

“That’s one of the best school far from here! I’ve heard they got some hella good wizards there, so you’re lucky!” Deuce taps Yuu’s shoulder, smiling ear to ear as he’s happy to hear that news.

On one side Yuu is happy, but on the other side he’s worried and Crowley obviously notice that. Being the kind headmaster, he gives a thumb’s up as approval. “There’s no need for you to worry, you can start packing your bags later.”

“What about Grim? I can’t leave him alone in Ramshackle…”

Ace scoffs, putting his hand aroung Yuu’s shoulder as he tries to comfort him. “Relax, both Deuce and I will watch him.”

“Yeah, we will. Beside we need extra hand to paint the roses red.”

“I’M NOT A KID!”

The prefect of Ramshackle sweats at the words of reassurance. “That certainly makes me worried even more, not going to lie.”

A gentle headpat is given by Crowley to Yuu, joining the kids in reassuring him. “You’ll have a good time there, as for the money for this time I will cover for you entirely. Why? Because I’m so kind.”

After being saved so many times from danger, being given a place to live, not to mention the headmaster also taking care of him how come he refuses this offer? With a smile, he nods in agreement. Exchange program is something he always dream about after all, so this is a great chance.

“Thankyou, sir!”

Chapter Text

Four days has passed, now the chosen students are on their way to Easton. It was supposed to be a three hour trip, thanks to the carriage. There are six students in total who got to go, including Yuu himself. With that little people he knew, he was a bit nervous if he can say it out loud. However, that soon disappear as he fell asleep the entire trip.

A little nudge on his shoulder, Yuu is slowly opening his eyes. He can already feel that the carriage has fully stop and the first thing he see is Ace’s face. Yes, he too was chosen to go to the exchange program.

“Dude wake up, we’re here.”

“Hng? Oh, right.”

He quickly grab his school bag and follow the others out of the carriage. Looking at the school building, now he understands why Easton become their destination. Amazed? Beyond, he’s beyond amazed and he already love it!

“This is cool!” he loudly say.

“As expected of Easton,” Trey chimed in. “Lucky for us to be here.”

Suddenly a magic circle appear beneath them, then in a second they’re already in a different room. Confusion can be seen and heard from the students, but soon silenced as the light in the room lit up. There, they can see an old man sitting in front of them.

“Welcome to Easton, students of Night Raven. I’m the Headmaster of Easton Magic School, Wahlberg.”

Yuu remain silent as he watch the older man speaks. He already prepared himself for a long speech, but turns out it’s a quick one. A light welcome speech along with little gifts from him, which are nice.

“That’s all from me, but before I dismiss all of you,” Wahlberg’s gaze turns to Yuu, “are you the student who can’t use magic?”

Yuu nod to confirm. “Yes sir, is there a problem?”

“I’ve heard that you certainly have power that’s different from our magic, mind to tell us?”

He stares momentarily at his bandaged hands, then back at Wahlberg. “To be honest sir, I’m not sure if this can be called magic. Rather than magic, I prefer to call it ‘Inherited Power’. I’m sure Sir Crowley already told you about me, am I right?”

Wahlberg chuckles at the respond. “Yes, I just want to hear it from you to avoid any discomfort.” Waving his hand, another magic circle appears beneath the students to dismiss them. “I hope all of you will enjoy your time here.”

---

“Which dorm do you get?” Jamil stares at the paper that Yuu hold, trying to find which dorm he’s in.

“Seems I have to sleep in Adler, what about the rest of you?”

“Me and Ace got Lang.”

“Senior Vil?”

“Oh? I’ll be in the Orca dorm with Jade,” Vil answered as he point out at Jade, who in return wave his hand.

Yuu glances at Trey. “So that means me and Senior Trey will stay in Adler? Cool!”

Ace scoffs, seemingly a bit annoyed by their room arrangement. “Now I have to be separated from Yuu? That’s not fun.”

“Hahaha! I’m sure we can still see each other during school hour,” said Trey while his hand busy ruffling Ace’s hair. “By the way, let’s meet again during free hour.”

With all the seniors already on their way to their class, Yuu decided to drag Ace to their own class as well. Knowing Ace, he’s sure that his friend won’t like this particular class. Magic Mathematics, another horrible combination since numbers got mixed with letter. Yuu is confused when he look at the schedule, because why is a subject like that exist? Math is math, isn’t it?

As they walk, he notice that someone is quickly approaching them. Their school-guide, maybe?

“You two! Aren’t you two the exchange students?” He asked as he came to a stop.

“Yeah, who are you?” Ace stares at him from top to toe. “Our guide?”

“Kind of,” he smiles as he answer, “I’m Finn Ames, nice to meet you two. Come with me, our next class is about to start.”

“Thanks Finn, I’m Yuu and this ginger right here is Ace,” said Yuu which earn a light slap on his back from Ace.

“Don’t call me ginger!”

The three students walk to the classroom, which already buzzling with other students. Ace and Yuu sit right behind Finn’s desk. There’s nothing strange, except for the fact someone is eating creampuff right when the class about to start.

“Mash-kun, save the creampuff for later,” Finn said to the kid.

“Huh? Oh, okay,” and he, Mash, just put the creampuff inside his robe.

‘Why would he just casually put a half-eaten creampuff in his robe…?’ Yuu is confused by the sight, but again he has seen other people’s weird obsession in his own school. Grim and tuna, for example.

The teacher finally settles down her teaching equipment, then clap her hands once to gain the attention of the students. “Alright pay attention everyone! As you might already know, we have two exchange students from Night Raven College, which make us very lucky. You two, please come to the front of the class and give a little introduction to us.”

Yuu quickly stands up and walk to the front, followed by Ace behind him. He grab a chalk and write down their names, just to avoid confusion. “I’m the prefect of Ramshackle dorm, Shima Yuuki, but just call me Yuu. Pleased to meet everyone here!” He bows down just slightly.

“Ace Trappola and my dorm? Heartslabyul. Nice to meet you guys, hehe. Let’s play cards later!”

As soon as the introduction end and the two of them return to their seat, some wishering can be heard. Yuu decides to ignore the wishpering, paying attention to the teacher as she began to speak. Seeing letters being combined with numbers is already a pain, now with magic it’s even more a pain to his brain.

He wants to cry, silently.

---

Having survived the class, Yuu is currently on a school tour with Ace and Finn as Mash has something to do so he left them alone. Yuu, however, is pretty much still confused about Mash. It’s like when he first see someone and get a weird feeling.

Finn seems to notice that, so he tap him on his shoulder. “Yuu-kun, are you okay?”

“Ah yeah, it’s just that I’m confused. That Mash guy is your friend right? Is it really okay for us to leave him?”

“Ah Mash-kun? It’s fine, really! Beside he might just want to eat his creampuff in peace,” said Finn with slight awkwardness.

‘THAT’S EVEN WEIRDER!!!’

With their little school tour concluded, they now have to return to their dormitory to unpack things and rest. Yuu and Finn wave their hands as Ace walk away from them, following a Lang student who come to pick him up. Soon Yuu’s eyes caught the sight of Trey walking toward him.

“How was class?” Trey asked Yuu, then turn to Finn. “You’re Finn, right? I’m Trey Clover.”

“Nice to meet you Senior Trey! Let’s go to the dorm, we’re planning a little welcome party for you two.”

Yuu smiles ear to ear, happy to hear that there will be a small party. “Cool! After a long class, indeed we need a party!”

“Then I guess your class went pretty smoothly.”

The three of them walk to the dormitory area with Finn giving them another short tour about the dorm. “I really hope you two will feel comfortable with us Adler kids.”

Yuu laughs, trying to comfort his new friend. “We will for sure! Beside, having people to sleep together like in a real dormitory is fun!”

“Huh? You guys don’t do sharing room in NRC?”

“It’s not like that, Yuu’s condition is a bit… strange, he can explain it later during the party.”

Right now, they have arrived at room number 303. Trey opens the door to the room he’ll be sharing with Yuu. After he checks that all of their stuff are there, he exits the room and lock it. “Now we can enjoy the party, right?”

Finn and Yuu nods in agreement. The peaceful moment seems to end for them as they heard a sound of cracking from the room beside theirs. Finn screeches in shock, running to room 302 and find the door is snap in half.

Again.

“NOT THE DOOR AGAIN MASH-KUN?!”

Mash, still holding the broken door pieces, slumped on his bed. “I’m sorry, Finn-kun.”

Yuu wants to cry and all he can do now is hiding his face on Trey’s arm. This is too much for his first day at Easton, help.

Chapter Text

“NOT THE DOOR AAAAH!!”

Yuu and Trey can’t believe what they just witnessed, Finn full-blown screeching and Mash who’s holding their broken door. He knew some people are born with extra power, but this? He’s trying to convince himself that Mash didn’t just rip the door open.

“Finn calm down, okay?” Trey holds him by his shoulder, helping the younger one to sit down at an empty chair. “Take a breath and uh… who are you?” now his gaze is fully focused on Mash.

“Mash Burnedead, I’m sorry for the door,” said Mash, despite his lack of expression everyone can tell that he’s sorry.

“It’s okay, I can help you fix the door.” Yuu then pick the door pieces and put it aside. “Beside, did you make all of these?” He points out at the food on the table.

A stack of creampuffs and other food are present on the table, which impress both Yuu and Trey.

“The creampuff looks good, honestly if I’m allowed I’d like to bake for all of us one day haha!” Trey takes one of the creampuff and eat it. “Yup, it taste good.”

“Ahh, yes! I forgot about that! But we’re still waiting for our other friend-“

“WHY IS THE DOOR OPEN?!”

The conversation is being interrupted with the appearance of two people, a blond girl and a boy with red hair. They come inside the room, finally figuring out what just happened.

“Mash-kun… again?” The girl is baffled, to say the least.

“At this rate our dorm finance is going to your door…”

Finn sighs in defeat. He then walks to the other two. “Senior Trey, Yuu-kun, they’re Lemon and Dot.”

Lemon is first to greet them. “Nice to meet you Yuu-ku, Senior Trey! I think I was out for the toilet during your introduction in class, I’m really sorry.”

“It’s fine, but I didn’t see Dot during the entire period…” He’s now staring at Dot, confused by the sight. He swears his face was normal, but why is his face now red? “Dot? Are you okay?”

“Huh? Ah yeah yeah!” He quickly snaps. “Dot Barett, the protagonist! By any chance, can we exchange number Yuu? It’s kind of rare to see a girl as exchange student among boys.”

Everyone stare at Dot, confused. Did he just call Yuu a girl?

“Dot-kun…”

“Pfft ahahaha!!” Trey is laughing, so much that he needs to sit on the bed as he laugh. “This is hilarious!”

Yuu can feel a drop of sweat falls, confused on the sudden guess. Then he remember something, that he does look like a girl according to the other first year students. His shoulder-length ashy-purple hair tied to the back and the fact his face is on the feminine side despite his height, he can clearly see why Dot think he’s a girl.

“Dot-kun, are your eyes okay?” Mash asked, confused by his friend’s respond.

“Why? Yuu is a girl, right?”

“I’m a hundred percent a guy, Dot… but nice to meet you!”

Dot, in shock, raises his middle finger to Yuu. “YOU DECEIVED ME! AND THE FACT YOU GOT SOME PRETTY FACE MEANS YOU’RE POPULAR AMONG GIRLS!!”

“Not really…”

Trey and Finn are separating everyone, leading them to their seat for the small party. Yuu, on the other hand, is still trying to proceed all the weird thing that just happen. A student who was capable of ripping door open and someone who’s obsessed with popularity, it feels like a Déjà vu to him.

‘This is almost like my first day back in NRC, what the hell is this coincidence?!’

His attention shifts to Trey who give him a creampuff. He stares at him, smiling as he take and eat the pastry. “Thankyou.”

“Eat a lot, okay? You look pale,” he said. Well, he understands the reason why though. “By the way, there’s only one flavor right? Let me change that really quick.” Trey takes out his magic pen, casting his unique magic on the creampuffs. “Doodle Suit!”

“What was that?” Mash asked, taking the now spell-casted creampuff to taste it. “This… this tastes like curry.”

“Let me try it too!” Lemon eats one. “Mine tastes like strawberry, so good!”

“And mine taste like chocolate, that magic was so cool dude!” Dot too is happy, way too happy.

“Senior Trey, what was that?” Finn bites into one of the creampuffs. “Mine tastes like coffee!”

“My own magic, I can rewrite the component on anything I cast magic, so let’s eat!”

Everything is peaceful, everyone just talking to each other while eating. They all have a great time, at least Trey and Yuu who receive such kindness from the other four.

“It’s still a shame that Lance-kun can’t join us,” Finn said.

“That guy is probably busy giving out his sister’s merch at NRC,” Dot commented.

“Sister Complex is still unable to understand everyone got different priorities…”

Lemon sighs. “I wish I can apply for the program next year, I want to go too.”

Yuu takes another creampuff. “If that happens, I’ll make sure to prepare my dorm room for you guys! It’ll be fun for me, Grim, and The Ghosts to have more friends.”

“Your dorm is haunted?!” Finn asked loudly in shock, receiving a nod from Yuu. “That must be scary…”

“No, not at all! They just love to pull prank sometimes, not hostile at all.”

Dot seems to notice the strange thing of Yuu, so he asks, “How come you live in the dorm with a friend and Ghosts? Aren’t there other students?”

Finn gasps. “Right, I almost forgot about that.”

Yuu is slightly anxious, it’s visible to everyone’s eyes. He takes a deep breath as if he’s about to confess to a crime. “Well, I got into NRC by accident. I got hit by a horse carriage and when I came out of the coffin, I’m already at the sorting ceremony. As for now, you can say I’m stranded with no way back to my own world and the headmaster is currently my guardian.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that Yuu-kun…” Lemon said, feeling sympathetic toward him. “Not being able to go home is the worst thing.”

“Thankyou Lemon, I hope I can go back and see my family again. I miss going to the festival with my brother too.” Yuu laughs it off. “The headmaster is kind enough to let me become his student despite not being able to use magic, so he might be weird but I do owe him a lot.”

Mash who has been silent throughout the conversation seem to finally able to chime in. In fact, he looks like he just found something. “You too? Just like me.”

Yuu stares him dead in the eyes. “No way, you too?! Now I think I understand why Sir Crowley put me in the program.”

“Still, why didn’t he just put you in one of the dormitories like Heartslabyul?” Finn asked.

“Because I didn’t meet the criteria, my magic power is zero according to the sorting mirror.”

Trey put his hand on top of Yuu’s head, giving him a gentle headpat to comfort the younger one. “There’s nothing shameful in not being able to use magic, so don’t think so low of yourself, okay? You too Mash.”

“Thankyou Senior Trey, it’s nice to see another person who can accept that.”

“That is amazing, I mean people around NRC can accept something like that. Here they’ll treat you like crap, tch.” Dot shifts his attention to Yuu’s hands. “What happened to your hands?”

“These?” He raise both hands. “I’ve been covering my hands like this since I was a kid, kind of like a habit.” Yuu laughs, a bitter one. He can’t stop looking at both hands, thinking of his home and family.

It has been… how long? He lost count of the days he spent in NRC after the ceremony, living as if he has been here for years. It scares him to think of the possibility not being able to go home. He too wants to see his parents and brother, just like everyone else.

Mash, out of nowhere, put one creampuff and another food on Yuu’s plate. “Pops said that if you feel sad, you should eat. It might not solve your problem, but it gives you comfort. Eat up, Yuu-kun.”

Yuu is in shock, but he’s happy to receive that. He takes and eat the creampuff. “Thankyou, Mash. If one day you decide to open a bakery, I’ll pay you a visit.”

He nods. “I’ll give you discount then.”

“No free creampuff?”

“No, I’ll go bankrupt.”

"Oh..."

Chapter Text

A figure is seen walking on the street, humming a song as they walk past peoples. Their eyes gaze at the building of Easton, smiling eerily under the shadow of their hood. Their right hand reach out to the direction of the school, as if trying to grasp something.

“Finally you’re here…”

---

Yuu raises his hand, trying to get the teacher’s attention. He’s currently in the Potion Class with Ace, trying to make a healing potion according to the teacher’s instruction. It’s a complex one, which make Yuu not so sure about his potion’s result.

“Yes?” She quickly moves to Yuu’s side.

“Is this good enough?” Yuu then hands over the vial for the teacher to examine. “I apologize if this isn’t good enough, this one is more advance than what I’ve learned so far.”

Seeing the honesty of one of her students, she smiles as she takes a look at both Yuu and Ace’s work then test it on the test’s paper. “Both of your potion aren’t that effective, but good enough for wounds that aren’t too deep. Keep up the good work you two.”

“Thankyou!” Yuu exchanges stare with Ace, smiling as he gives a thumbs up. “You’re a life-saver, Ace!”

Ace is grinning, happy that he can help his friend. “That’s Ace for you, Yuu. Treat me lunch okay?”

“Yeah sure!” Yuu nods as he begin to gather his things, but soon it comes to a halt as a screech come from the teacher.

“WHY DID YOU CREATE A CREAMPUFF INSTEAD OF A POTION?!”

The culprit who make the teacher scream only lower his head. “I’m sorry,” said Mash.

The class is finally over, they all rush to the dining hall to get lunch. As expected, the dining hall is already packed with students from other grades. Yuu stands behind Dot, waiting for his turn to get his chosen food. While waiting, he can hear some people are talking about something that caught his attention.

“Why is everyone talking about this Innocent Zero thing?” he asked, confused.

“He attacked us few weeks ago, the most dangerous criminal to exist.” Dot grab trays and distribute it to the other before grabbing his meal. “One of his minions turned me and Lance into a baby! That jerk…!”

“I’d pay a lot to see that in picture,” Ace said jokingly. “I mean grumpy baby, who doesn’t want to see it?”

“I’ll kill you!”

“Because of that, the townsfolk found out about Mash-kun’s inability to use magic. They even threw rocks at us!” Lemon chimed in. “Of course, as his future wife I had to protect him!”

“Future… wife?”

“Yeah, I’ll become Mash-kun’s bride!”

The five of them walk to an empty spot to eat, only to have another guest sit along with them. Who? Vil, Jade, and another two Orca kids.

“Senior Vil, Senior Jade! You decided to eat with us?” Yuu asked, clearly happy to see both of his senior.

“Yeah, why not?”

“There are a lot of mushrooms in the dish, maybe I should go and ask what kind of mushroom they put in the dish. What do you think, Yuu?”

Yuu feels a sweat roll down on his cheek. “Well, you do you I guess?” Soon his attention shifts to the other two Orca students. “And you two…”

“Oh, the guy I beat with tennis racket and the music weird.”

All of the NRC students that present on the table shift their gaze at Mash. “You what?”

“I hope you don’t mind us join this table. I’m Margarette Macaron, pleased to meet all of you,” said Margarette with a smile. “And this one is Carpaccio, I hope you two can be good friends with him, Ace and Yuu.”

Yuu nods happily. “Sure Senior Margarette, Carpaccio!”

“Just call me Margarett is fine, haha!”

Ace, who seems to notice something’s off from Finn, decided to poke him. “Finn, you okay? You look really pale.”

“Can’t talk, I’m a bench.”

“…sorry.”

Everyone turn their attention to Carpaccio, who seems a bit regretful in terms of his expression. “I’m sorry for scaring you.”

“Right, you did stabs yourself to hurt Finn back then!” Both Lemon and Dot stands up, remembering what had happen weeks ago.

“He apologizes, so it should be all good,” Mash blurted while eating his food. “He already know what pain feels like and he apologize.”

“Right, don’t worry Carpaccio-kun I already forgive you,” Finn said with an awkward laugh. “But really, that was scary…”

They all spend their time eating and chatting about anything, from school to fashion topic. Yuu, seeing some of his friends being happy like this, also feel immense happiness in him. Making friends are truly wonderful.

“Eh? I don’t see Senior Trey and Senior Jamil,” said Ace as he look around for them.

“Oh them? Trey and Jamil decided to discuss something about food, I think.” Vil takes his tray and stand up. “I have to go with Margarette, we need to discuss some stuff.”

“What stuff?” Yuu frowns.

“Modelling stuff, that’s that.”

Carpaccio, who has been silent almost the entire time, also stands up. “I still have to do my research, goodbye.”

With everyone leave one by one, only the original five first year students remain there.

“Say, how about we go to the city tomorrow? Let’s hangout!”

Hearing Dot’s suggestion, Ace immediately yells in excitement. “Great idea! We should definitely have fun!”

“I want to try the new ice cream creampuff,” said Mash.

“Me too! I heard the strawberry ice cream taste really good!”

“It’s decided then,” Yuu smiled.

---

Today is their day off and all of them gathered near the koala dart stand, waiting for their turn to play the game while Dot explains how to play.

“So… we’re just sticking the tissue inside the nose and their snots will freeze? What a game.” Yuu keep his eyes focus on the stand while drinking his water. “Why snots though?”

“For funsies, it’ll fun I promise! Look at that guy, he’s kind of like a pro! Try it Yuu!”

With hesitation, Yuu kneels beside the koala and begin to tickle its nose.

ACHOO!

“Guhk!”

Loud gasp can be heard from Yuu and the rest of the party as one of the snot land on Ace’s forehead.

“I’M SORRY ACE AAAAA!!” Yuu panickly tries to stop the bleeding, covering the wound with a band-aid. “Seriously, I’m sorry!!”

“The hell?! This damn koala…!!” Ace being Ace, decided to try the game itself. Sort of to gain revenge, perhaps.

ACHOO!

“Gah!”

Now one of the snots land on Yuu’s head.

“Payback!”

“I’m going to shave your head bald Ace Trappola!!”

“Bring it on!”

The two of them are being separated, then dragged to the next shop. It’s a dessert shop, selling all kind of dessert including the ice cream creampuff. They all got one, so of course Yuu choose the strawberry ice cream one.

“We have to be careful eating this, the street is really packed for some reason,” said Lemon.

“Yeah, it’s usually not this crowded,” Finn agreed.

Yuu moves away to the empty seat, only to bump into someone. Lucky enough, the creampuff isn’t dirtying the other person’s clothes. “I’m so sorry!!”

“Reckless as usual, Little Snow?” The stranger chuckles as they leave.

Yuu is confused, no, more of shocked. He quickly put down his creampuff and runs after the stranger.

Everyone else is in shock, so of course they’re going after him.

“Yuu wait!”

“Damn it! Yuu! Don’t run away!!”

“It’s too crowded!!”

“Yuu-kun!”

Ignoring the voices of his friends, he chases down the stranger. Just a bit more, slightly closer-

“Wait! Please Wait!”

“There’s no need to yell, Little Snow.”

A hand reaches out to hold his, the stranger is now facing him. With a smile on his face, so gentle yet eerie at the same time.

“It’s been a long time, Yuuki.”

And Yuu stands still, frozen in shock.

Chapter Text

“It’s been a long time, Yuuki.”

Colors have never left his face so fast until now. Yuu swears he can feel his hands and legs are getting cold in shock. He’s at lost for words, seeing the figure in front of him instantly bring back his memories.

“Maki-nii…?”

The person who he called Maki embraces him. Yuu himself is unable to return the hug, too confused to even process what’s happening right now.

“Maki-nii?! How come you’re here?”

“Little Snow is confused why I’m here, right?” Despite his gentle pat on his little brother’s back, the expression hidden by his hood is eerie. “Don’t worry, nii-chan is going to take you home.”

“YUU!!”

The voices of his friends seem to be able to make him snap out. However, before he can even free himself, Maki put him unconscious. His body falls limp in his brother’s embrace.

“Shush, you’ll wake Little Snow up,” said Maki as he carry Yuu in his arms.

“You jerk, give him back!” Ace was about to charge at him, but Finn stops him. “Let me go, Finn!”

“No, Ace-kun. He’s…”

“A double-liner?”

Maki’s hood is being lifted, revealing his face. The older man smiles at the kids, a smile of disgust.

“No, wait a minute, what the heck?”

“Yuu-kun’s brother is a magic-user?”

With a heavy sigh, Maki’s expression changes instantly. “Pest, hiding my brother away from me…”

Within a single snap of his fingers, multiple creatures suddenly appear around the town. Chaos everywhere, way too chaotic for the other four to reach out to their unconscious friend.

“WAIT!” Ace tries to reach for Yuu’s hand, but Maki is faster. All he can do is watch Yuu get taken away by the stranger, disappearing into the fog. “We have to get him back!”

“Easy for you to say!” Dot yells as he continue to attack the demon-like creatures. “With this many enemies, we can’t even get out!”

“Levios Cuffus!” Lemon is now back on back with Dot, trying to restrain the enemies. “Mash-kun, please go to the bureau and notify the people there!”

“Okay!” In an instant, Mash is gone as he run from the scene. For obvious reason, many of the demon-like creatures are being knocked off due to his speed.

“Finn! You go back to the school and tell them that an asshole kidnapped Yuu!”

“Got it! Everyone please be safe!”

---

Mash feel that he has never been this fast when he run before, perhaps the fact someone like him is in danger drive him to move faster. No time to think, he runs to the office of Bureau of Magic. Those people who bullied him in the past, they must be there.

“I’m sorry!”

The door is being busted open, surprising everyone there. Normally Mash would’ve apologize, but this time he just straight up going to the person he knew. A certain blond man who he met the other week.

“What’s wrong Mushroom-kun?” Ryoh Grantz, The Light Cane, is confused to see the student in such panic.

“The town is being attacked as we speak, and—“

“Another Innocent Zero’s attack?!”

“No, it’s different. A stranger kidnapped one of the exchange students!”

Without thinking twice, Ryoh takes his broom and prepare to go to the city. “Mushroom-kun, you go with me. The rest of you inform the other Divine Visionary!”

Mash hops on the back side of the broom, going with Ryoh to the town.

---

Finn, not knowing where to go, decided to visit the Orca dormitory. He’s in rush, ignoring the whisper of some student as he try to find the other NRC’s students. When he sees Vil with Margarette, his legs immediately give up.

“Senior Vil, Senior Margarette!” He called out to them.

“Finn?” Margarette is quick to catch him, helping Finn to stand up. “What happen?”

“It’s Yuu! Someone kidnapped him and now the town is under attack!” Finn coughs as he’s trying to catch breath. His heart is beating too fast it hurts him.

Livid is an understatement. No matter how calm Vil looks, anyone can tell that he’s beyond livid. Same with Margarette, their expression is just as scary as Vil’s.

“Finn, go find Trey, Jamil, and Jade. Margarette, can you find Carpaccio?”

“I know what you’re thinking, Vil.”

“I’ll personally inform Principal Wahlberg and our school’s headmaster.”

“Okay!”

They’re in a race against time. Finn’s steps are getting faster despite the fact he’s exhausted. Knowing his friend is in danger, he can’t just slow down.

“Please please—!”

---

Ryoh and Mash have arrived, witnessing the chaos in front of their eyes. They immediately jump off the broom and join the fight.

“It’s the Divine Visionary!”

“Everyone that can still move evacuate the injured! Leave the rest to me and Mushroom-kun!”

Living up to his title, Ryoh is indeed capable of handling most of them. With the help of Mash, they both managed to clear the area. However, it’s not over yet in Ryoh’s eyes. He’s worried about the other part of the city.

“I’m going to—”

“There’s no need to do that.”

Jade appears with the rest of NRC students and few other Divine Visionary. His eyes are scanning the area, trying to find anything that’s suspicious to his eyes. Sadly, he just can’t.

“Senior… Yuu, someone took him,” Ace, who’s badly injured, is trying to get up. “I’m sorry I was useless…!”

“Ace-kun please don’t move!” Lemon had to push him down as she cast healing magic. “You too Dot-kun!”

Dot is barely conscious. With the remaining energy, he mutters something which he saw. “Double liner…”

Ryoh swears he can feel the incoming headache, watching all the magicless students become target of the bad guys. “Like I said earlier, anyone who can still move help evacuate!”

“Trey and Jamil, you two help organize emergency station for the injured. Jade, you go look for any possible survivor from the enemy and interrogate them.” Vil ties his hair back, lifting the arms of his shirt before helping Lemon heal the victims.

Ryoh is following Jade, voluntarily assisting him to find a hostage. He’s pleasantly amazed by NRC students’ ability to remain calm. His eyes soon caught the sight of another visionary, The Desert Cane himself.

“Fill me in with what just happened,” Orter demanded.

“Our friend got kidnapped by a double-liner wizard, that’s all we know for now.” Jade explained while his eyes keep scanning the area. “Those who encountered the enemy first hand are badly injured, it’ll take a while for them to heal.”

Orter wasn’t expecting that, to hear an exchange student really got kidnapped. Moreover, the double-liner part means someone who can use magic is their opponent. After Innocent Zero, now this person?

“SENIOR JADE!” Finn suddenly comes between them. “I found someone! Or uh, something, there’s still one alive!”

Jade smiles rather sadisticly, patting Finn on his head before he goes on his way.

“What are you doing? Interrogation is the Visionary’s duty.”

Jade stops on his track. Without turning his back, he’s answering Orter’s question.

“Orter-san, is it? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not doubting your method of interrogation. However,” the air suddenly becomes heavy with rage, “when it comes to extracting the truth, my magic is the most suitable for this case. Beside,”

— Then he glances from his shoulder, eyes burning with rage.

“When it comes to Yuu, we will do anything to retrieve him.”