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Chapter Text

The street lights flicker on and the faint hum of their fluorescent lights bounce in harmony with the sounds of squeaky tennis shoes. 

A teenage girl jumps as the screeching of her phone rings out, stumbling under the security of the park's gates. Sighing she tosses her long braid over her shoulder as she holds up her chunky phone to her ear. Her voice faked a cheerful voice that her face couldn’t match, “Hi Shima, yes, I’m on my way home.”

Now there’s a sly smile on her face, as she’s forced to hold the phone away from her ear to air out the concerned mom ranting from the speaker.

“Yanaha! My baby, my little one, my little sweetie, my 

only daughter. Where are you? How did you know it was me? What are you doing? Did you eat lunch? Who are you with? It’s already dark out why are you out so late when you know you have school tomorrow?”

Now there was a moment of pause as her mother caught back her breath, she follows her usual routine.

Lowering her voice to be calm and steady, “I’m at the bus stop outside of the park. Yes I ate lunch, and had the leftovers from last night. I was with Emily. Do you remember my Vietnamese friend who you like because she wants to be a doctor? The one you said was so short. Yeah, her, the one you want to hang out more with.  And I’m out late because I had practice for the upcoming competition, I reminded you this morning. The bus is coming within the next 3 minutes and yes my phone tracker is on mom.”

Walking away from the gates now, Yanaha shadow grows and stretches as she moves towards the dimly lit bus stop. The weight of her schoolwork digging into her right shoulder while her just as heavy gym back tugs down on her left makes her walk just a bit wobbly. Shifting her weight, she tucks her phone into her shoulder to free her right hand to shift through her pocket to fish out her bus pass. Her mother’s voice now even and even enough to hold to her ear, “Oh yes, yes, yes. I forgot, you know I am working 16-hour shifts. I am tired by the end of it all.”

Turning her back from the road to have some sense of privacy Yanaha mumbles, “Yes, I know momma, I’m tired too. I’ll be home soon so please keep my dinner hot for me.”

There’s a pause between mother and daughter, a standstill for words unspoken. 

“Please just get home safe and sound, baby, your brothers are already eating.”

A smile tucks at her corner, “I promise I’ll be home soon enough.”

Her smile drops as her ears perk from a strange sound, turning around expecting the bus to break down the street. Yanaha doesn’t even have time to scream out for her phone before a darkened horse-driven carriage descends upon her in seconds. Her last few moments of awareness are the sounds of her mother asking, “Baby? What was that sound?! Yuanaha!”

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The scent of pine awakes her, head pounding and tongue tasting of copper. Rolling her head to the right, a low groan escapes her throat. The faint fuzz of a dream burns out, a large gray cat-like beast facing off cloaked figures. But her focus is redrawn to the feeling of velvet underneath her fingertips and the darkness consuming the air around her face. In a matter of seconds her arms and legs are scrambling around. Met with a plush wall, a thin velvety back wall, and a smooth yet hardwood front. Yanaha becomes suddenly very aware of what she’s in, as the echoing of her mother's years of warnings wracks her bones. The ringing in her ears turns out to be her own rushed puffs of air.

The ringing was replaced with a loud clap and burning right cheek. Her voice faking the calm her brothers would be proud of, “Okay, so either I’m dead and they put me in a Costco coffin. Or I have to admit my mother was right and I will have to fight for my life. That’s all.”

Gritting her teeth she steels her nerves and left leg, a smile cracking, “Guess only one to find out which.”

The first kick is a thud, the second kick makes her jaw hurt, the third one brings tears to her eyes, the fourth one forces her to lean against the wood. The air starts to taste stale, the oxygen depleting. Nails digging into her palm and sweat gathering under her brow she drives a full attack. Throwing her full weight into a body rocking left kick and slamming both fists against the top of the coffin. But the lid stays closed. Panting now, a sinking pit grows in her heart. But the feeling sours when the sounds of scratching echoes down, a muffled pitch voice “Open up, and give me your place, stupid human.”

The Coffin jostles and with a whoosh of blue light and heat Yanaha, is released from the darkness. Arms raised above her chest and eyes squinting from the sudden light, ears assaulted by a now clear voice.

“Huh! Guuuh- Why? Why are you awake?!”

Eyes refocusing and aiming down, brows raising high at the sight of a strange cat creature standing on its hind legs glaring up. Her voice reflected back her own confusion, “What in the world are you…?”

Her question dies as her gaze shifts upwards, the space she finds herself in is nothing short of a horror. A darkened room only illuminated by dim candle lights, hues of blue, greens and scarlet dancing rich long tapestries and pearls streamers. And haunted by large floating black coffins that glow with a large green gem. Stumbling forwards, twisting her neck back to see her down coffin now falling to the floor lifeless. But her attention is forced back to the matters in front of her with another yell of, “On the orders of the Great Grim, you, give me your clothes!”

Looking back downwards, hands shaking as she clutches the extra fabric of her sweatshirt. Voice betraying her attempt of a controlled demeanor, “A talking animal?”

The cat creature’s blue eyes narrow and its ears raise back, “I am no dumb animal, I am Grim the greatest magician ever! Now taste my power!”

With a huff, a wave of blue flames shoot out from its mouth. Yanaha was able to save herself from being scorched like her coffin by leaping out of the way. Without another moment wasted, her legs are guided by the need to live out of the only door of the room. Eyes only focused on finding an escape from the screams and heat chasing after her heels, the spaces she runs through blur. A large marble hallway, a beautiful green courtyard, a dim hall with so many grand doors, and lastly a large hall with a grand staircase. After taking so many turns and fake outs, the voice chasing her fades. Jumping into an open doorway she shuts the door behind her, catching her breath for a moment and closing her eyes. Wiping the sweat from her brown, she slowly turns around, breathing stilling at the sight of countless rows of books, scrolls, large grand study tables, and books floating around some even flying upwards to the rooms second floor. Walking further into the room looking for a spot to hide mumbling, “Okay so definitely not a funeral. Maybe cult kidnapping?”

The creeping of the door opening followed by, “You thought you could get away from me?! I’m going to roast you whole and take those clothes by force then!”

Blood icing and teeth gritting, Yanaha raises her fist ready to go down fighting against the little demon cat.

Only for a crack in the air and a haughty, “My word, how unstable!”, to break the ice.

The creature is lassoed by a black whip, a figure stepping out from the darkness of the room. A pale man dressed in a richly elegant Raven dress, his face covered by a long beak mask, yellow eyes glowing underneath. His voice disappointed, “There you are,I have been looking for you.”

Yanaha steps back, a cold sweat drop rolling down her neck, but the raven man steps forwards. Yanking his right arm, his whip flying back dragging the cat demon thing to his eye level.

“As a first year student, you’re already causing trouble before even introducing yourself. This familiar of yours needs much more training if it’s chasing you around. And it's against rules here, it will cause damage to our great academy walls and decor.”

The cat demon wilding struggles against its confinement, hissing, “I am not a familiar!”

With a snap of his fingers the cat voice is muffled, “See an out of control familiar. For a student who wants to show off by popping out of his door before everyone else, you're making a fool of yourself with a familiar this wild.”

Yanaha lowers her arms to waistline but shifts on her heels ready to bolt. Voice winded but tone flat, “This is a school?”

The Raven man hmmm and coos, “Most strange, the improper opening of your door must have left you confused. That’s why you were supposed to have waited for me to open it. Running through the halls with a poorly trained familiar, skipping orientation, and not even dressed in your robes.”

He looks down at the oversized and poorly fitted sweatshirt and sweatpants before him. Tsk.

“By the seven, for a young man who has been accepted to the best institution of magic, you don’t act at all honored by this opportunity.”

Yanaha blinks in silence for a moment, opening her mouth to voice her utter confusion. But before she could even get out a gasp, the Raven man is out the library and she’s being dragged by some force behind him.

“Come along on, the entrance ceremony has already begun.”

Sensing there’s no way she could live if she struggled, Yanaha bites her lip and follows in silence. Instead taking the time to study her surroundings she had run through. All the while Grim “the greatest magician ever” struggles and cries.

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The Raven man traced back the path the two had stormed past, but instead coming back to a room full of coffins. Yanaha ears, eyes, and nerves are assaulted with the sounds of a room full of hooded figures. Silently gulping down nerves and the urge to stare back at all the eyes watching her move through the room. She steadies herself on the back of the Raven man’s head. Feet follows his path as he steps up to a platform which a large full body mirror floats opon. Her heart stops as her mother’s eyes stare back at her and shaking hands steady themselves by resting on the gray of her oldest brother’s sweatshirt. Yanaha attention is brought back to whatever nightmare she’s living in with the Raven man  clearing his throat next to her, “What is your name first year?”

Shifting on her heel facing him, voice steady “Call me… Yuu. I believe there has been a mistake made, I have not applied to attend this Academy.”

Her ears are quickly stuffed with the sounds of whispers, muffled conversations and outbursts of confusion from the crowd around the platform. But her eyes stay focused on the man, who stares down at her with a face of offense and confusion.

“Nonsense, the magic mirror brings only the best and qualified young men to our door to enroll as students of Night Raven College. Never in the hundreds of years of our history has there been a mistake. And certainly never during my time here as headmaster.”

She raises her chin higher, eyes set, “There has been a misunderstanding then, I have never heard of this college. Perhaps your admission system mixed me up with another person, but I am not supposed to be here. I am already a student at another school.”

The headmaster stared down at her, his silence contrasting loudly to the crowd behind them. The uncomfortable moment is broken by the cat demon fangs finally breaking through the leather of the headmaster’s whip. Yowling, “Then let me take his place! Let me enroll as a student! I, Grim, will become the greatest magician!”

Yanaha's eyes shift to Grim, whose fight for freedom is gaining momentum. But as her eyes are turned, she misses the Headmaster’s raising his left hand to his chin. And his eyes flickered to slits for just a moment.

“Another school? Impossible. What kingdom do you hail from?”

Yanaha attention returns, his question of what kingdom she is from makes her pause. Shifting her weight to her left leg before answering, “I’m not from a Kingdom, I am from the United States.”

More louder mutters and conversation echo. While the headmaster hums, “I have never heard of this kingdom or world. So you are from another world? An unknown world. Most very very strange. We must seek the mirror's guidance, perhaps it will be able to find your world.”

He pivots towards the floating mirror, outstretching his left arm wide and voice grandiose.

“Mirror help this poor boy find his home.”

The mirror shimmers for a moment, before a green face like mask reflection ripples into view, it’s voice gruff. A situation that felt familiar somehow.

“State your name”

“Call me Yuu.”

“The nature of your soul…. It is unclear to me.”

Chapter Text

The chattering reaches it’s peak now, the voices only hushing with the mirror ’s uttering s . 

“Your body holds no magic, not a drop. State the name of your land.”

She hesitates for a moment, “The United States of America”

“I have no information of such a land nor a path there.”

The silence of the room is meaningless for Yanaha, as is the diagnostic. Rather her eyes shift back to the raven-feathered Headmaster, whose shaking his head with his right clawed hand pressed to his chest. Before she can open her mouth, he’s wailing, “Oh poor boy! Magicless and clearly so far from home! If the magic mirror can not see your home then truly, you are hopeless!”

Yanaha, still blank faced just as she was when she walked into the room, simply pivots her stance to face him directly. Her voice cutting through his sobs, “As I said, I do believe your selection process made a mistake.”

The raven man stops mid wailing, “Eh? Uh well, that's uh eh-“

Chatter and yells return when Grim breaks free of his restraint, his little paws scuttling to take Yanaha place in front of the Headmaster. His pitch voice huffy from his labor intensive struggle, “The carriage was clearly meant for me then! This stupid human was just in the way and got mixed up for me?”

Crossing his little arms as his lips curl into a fang flashing smirk, “I want my robes-“

The Headmaster has already dropped his wailing in exchange for scowling down at the little cat demon with crossed arms, “You’re a mage?”

The cat puffs up his chest, hurt pride in his voice as he challenges, “Yes! I’ll show you all my power!”

Before her head could go into flames, Yanaha dunks down right in time to avoid Grim turning around and blowing a large blue flame.

“I’ll show all of you my power!”

The cat leaps, using the girl’s back as a springboard to begin his showcase. Taking off on all four paws and lips puckered as he blows large gusts of blue flame. The hooded figures around the room scream, shout, and scuttle trying to avoid the flames. Enraged, the Headmaster calls out, “End this shamelessness!”

When it’s clear the little demon fire cat is not going to answer his demand his beak snaps down at Yanaha. Whose slowly rising back to her feet, eyes focused on following the flames. His voice now curt, “Control your beast!”

The girl shakes her head as she rises back up, teeth grinding and eyes chasing after the cat, “He’s not my beast to control. I do not know that creature!”

One hooded figure leaps in the air screaming out, “Ah! I’m on fire!”

Grim cackles, running past the flaming rump right under the legs of a different figure who has braids peek out from under their hood, who rushes forward to aid the other, “Kalim! Hold still I’ll put it!”

The headmaster's yellow eyes narrow, turning towards the out of control beast with his whip raised. But before he can lash out, a smaller hooded figure steps forward, lowering their hood to reveal their face. A teenage boy with gray eyes and striking red hair that has two cowlick that are heart shaped. 

Yanaha eyes snap towards him, watching as he swings up his arms, his voice clear and loud over the chaos.

“As housewarden of Heartslabyul, I can not stand by this violation and disrespect of our traditional Robes Ceremony! No one who wishes to join our honored halls should so violently break the rules!”

A second hooded figure steps up to the right of him, dropping their hood to reveal another teenage boy. His hair white and dark blue eyes raise her eyebrows, definitely an interesting combination. This boy’s voice is more melodious in its smoothness, “As Housewarden of Octavinelle, I completely agree with Housewarden Riddle. Do not worry, Headmaster Crowley, we will handle this beast.”

The two raise up what appears to be jeweled pens then chase after the running Grim. Yanaha freezes as her blood goes cold, eyes chasing after the two boys who with each flick of their wrist send bursts of pure light from their pens. The light exploded in a flash of almost musical intensity at Grim’s easing feet. Although the shameless cat was giving the boys a run for their money, even with their power hot on his tail. 

Yanaha though, felt her the back of neck becoming itchy and her stomach felt empty. Her blood burning at her nerves and lips. Muttering underneath the chaos, “So got to be some weird cult, or one of those dreams Shima talked about.”

For the girl the display of light wasn’t computing fully yet. A talking cat that spits fire? Sure, whatever; not the weirdest thing she’s seen a cat do. But boys shooting magic from a bedazzled pen? Her mind was trying to rationalize, continuing to mutter, “Drugs? No, mom tests us every week. Drunk? No, I never have had a drop. Hallucination? Maybe. Dream? That’s got to be it. This is all some weird metaphorical dream I’m having.”

Crowley picks up on her final words and with a strill tone he snaps out, “Boy, this is no dream! Your beast is running amuck through my school!”

She hisses before snapping, “ That thing isn’t mine! ”

Crowley leans back, taken back by her tone and hiss. 

The shorter of the two running boys yells out, “Azul! Are you even trying to aim?! Match my spells!”

Azul huffs, “ You’re the one who needs to match my aim!”

Grim spins on his tail and leaps towards the two. They, in turn, scream out from the sudden change of form. Forced to duck down as the demon cat blows a large blue wave of flames directly towards their faces. Landing past behind the two boys and now free to run straight towards Yanaha and Crowley. He smirk widely, glee in his eyes, “See? Even two of your best current students are nothing to me! Grim, the greatest mage! I demand a spot here!”

Crowley steps in front of Yanaha, outstretching his arm, cloak billowing upwards as he shouts over all of the nonsense, “Never!”

Riddle charges past Azul, his face corrupted in a brow furrowed and his face a violent red tone brighter than his hair. His voice slicing over Crowley, “How dare you! This ends now, OFF WITH YOUR HEAD !”

Just as Grim leaps into the air, aiming for Crowley, Riddle flicks his right wrist and in a single spilt second of a flash of bright light a black and red, heart-shaped collar appears around the airborne cat’s neck. All his flame is extinguished at that moment. The cat dropping like a stone thrown into a river, Grim flops at the twos’ feet. 

Yanaha waits a moment, before sliding around Crowley, staring down at the struggling cat with narrow eyes. Grim pushes with his back paws against the collar and scratches with his front claws, meowing at the top of his lungs. If it wasn’t for her disgust, she would be covering her ears to block out the noise. 

The headmaster talons up to defend his ears, gritting his teeth, “ QUIET !”

Silence strangles the room, Yanaha's neck snaps up towards the gritting teeth of Crowley, eyes wide, and her right-hand swipes up to cover her mouth. Hiding a small smirk that’s not welcomed at the moment. The two boys step up to the base of the platform, Azul with a charming smile and Riddle with a straight lip. The headmaster dusts off the annoyance from his cape and snaps his fingers, the captured cat rising in the air, “Nicely done, Riddle. Your signature spell is truly magnificent. I am please have well you have honed it in our honor halls.”

Riddle smirks and his eyes almost seem to dim for a moment as he soaks in the praise, “Of course. As Housewarden of Heartslabyul it is my duty to see all students of Night Raven College follow our college rules and decorum.”

Azul raises his left hand to his chest, puffing up with pride, “I am happy I was able to help Riddle, Headmaster Crowley, to capture this small ferret that was causing such trouble for us all.”

The short redhead crosses his arms, his eyes shining now with a side-eye judgment, “And how did you help?”

But to both of their boy’s shame, Crowley's focus has shifted over to Yanaha. Glowing yellow eyes narrow as he stares the child down. 

Yanaha shifts back silently, hands resting at her side and face neutral. But the hair on the back of her neck stands at end, sensing this nightmare is far from over. Crowley sighs dramatically, his talons now resting on her shoulder as his voice returns back to his faux sympathetic tone.

“You poor boy, far from home and tormented by this feral ferret. As Headmaster of this proud and legendary Arcane Academy, I will see to it that you will be returned home. In the meantime, you will stay here under my watch and care.”

Yanaha’s shoulders are freed so Crowley can cross his arms and his voice now cheerful and lofty, “Am I not the most generous person?”

The girl nods and lowers her head, eyes dimming, “Right, like shimá sáni said, follow the Raven guides in dreams. Thank you for your kindness, I am honored to be under your watch.”

Crowley eyes then snap back to the pest whose back to struggling in his unseen binds, “As for you. Feral ferret, you are never to come to these grounds again.”

Grim bares his fangs hissing, “I will be a student! You’ll see just how amazing I am! All of you will see my greatness!”

But the cat disappears with a snap of the raven’s fingers, “That’s enough of making all of our ears ring. The rest of you are all dismissed, please follow your housewardens to your dorms!”

With a flick of his cape, Crowley draws in Yanaha guiding her with a steady hand on her back down from the mirror and platform. Her eyes flutter back for a moment, watching the rest of the hooded figures filter out of the room. But, her eyes narrow for a moment at Riddle and Azul, a judge and a business spirit, at least that’s what she sees in them. Shaking her head, she looks up to the raven, internally praying this dream will not end like her last one.

Chapter Text

Crowley’s gold-tipped heels are the only sounds that echo in the cobblestone hall. Yanaha takes full advantage of the moment of silence, now that she’s not surrounded by cultists or nearly being roasted alive by a cat, she can actually study this dream’s guide. Upon a closer calmer examination she can finally see the raven man is just a man, the beak and talons are accessories. Although his pointed ears are real, at least. Strange, yet wouldn’t be the first time it’s a metaphorical raven, she thinks to herself. What does take the girl off is his character. From the way he holds himself and the way he walks he screams pomp and show, yet it’s the curve of his lips and the way his eyes don’t even flick to hers for a moment. He’s done this all before, he’s walked other dreams…. Wonder if he walked with Anna-, she cuts her train of thoughts. Remembering her training to not think of the dead in dreams. The silence of the hall breaks when Crowley hums, “The United States is your homeland? In all my years I have never heard of such a place.” Yanaha bows her head, “Perhaps you know it by the name of Turtle island? Or Wááshindoon Bikéyah Ałhidadiidzooígíí?” Crowley turns his head down to her, voicing confusion in his tone, “Turtle Island? I don’t even know what that other string of sounds you made is? Clearly you are from some other unknown world, perhaps even another dimension?” Yanaha turns her head up, her voice reflecting back his confusion, “Wait? You don’t know of Turtle Island? “ Eyes narrowing now, she stops walking, arms twitching at her sides. Inquiring on, “With all respect Raven Spirit, I am growing concerned about the nature of this dream.” Crowley now stops, crossing his arms, annoyance in his voice, “I have already told you boy, this is not a dream. You are awake and very much far from home.” The girl repeats words already spoken by so many who came before, “Then where am I?” And the headmaster responds in kind, “You are in Twisted Wonderland, more specifically at the esteemed and legendary Night Raven College. One of the best Arcane Academy of magic in all the lands, where only the best and most talented young mages come to hone their craft.” A clock strikes 12.

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Crowley spies on the boy in the corner of his eyes, no shock or fear, not even joy. Strange. But the boy’s reaction doesn’t matter, rather what’s more important is his acceptance. He stops before the rusty gates of Ramshackle, snapping his fingers to summon a key ring that jingles the collection of the boy's new home. Turning the lock and lacing joy in his voice, “While I am sure you are processing everything, I am happy to present to you these marvelous grounds.” The gate slowly scratches against the cobblestone and the hinges scream. Looking down he guides the boy, right hand resting on the young one shoulder, up the path to the front door. Walking past the overgrown yard and under the watchful eyes of the building’s gargoyles. With a smile he hands over the key ring to the boy, “This is the front door key, go ahead, as a generous man. I am giving you the opportunity to open the door.” Eyes watching every micro reaction to him taking the keys, the boy’s face is illegible but his hands speak his truth. The shake ever so slightly as he turns the keys, his feet shifting inward ever so slight as the front door creepily creeks open. There is a pause in which Yuu looks up to him, nodding in reassurance as the two walk into the entrance. Dust clouds puff up as their feet dared to move further into the lounge. Dust, cobwebs, sunken furniture, creaky floorboards. Hands on his hips he smiles, “I will investigate how you came to this world and a way to get you back home, but that will take time. So you will stay here in the meantime, free of charge of course since I am so generous. These lovely four walls is Ramshackle Dormitory. You are free to keep these halls and grounds as you like, I only ask you not to destroy it. And I will be seeing to your basic needs are meet.” He laughs but the boy does not laugh too, rather his eyes look up to the ceiling. His voice flat, “There is mold.” Crowley shakes his head, “As I said the maintenance and upkeep is up to you, if something major is needed you can inform me.” Clacking his heels, he tilts it’s his head down at the boy, “However, I will say now, I do require something from you to balance out the school funds covering your living cost. So I will appoint you as our wonderful school’s janitor. Now I will allow you to settle in, while I see my students and start my investigation.” Before Yuu could ask any questions or concerns, he disappeared in a light sparkles.

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The keys fall to the floor as Yanaha's eyes attempt to focus in the dark damp room. Sweat sliding down her forehead and pooling on her palms. Vision blurs until she’s only able to perceive outlines. Ears thumping over her stilling heartbeat. As her stomach sinks into oblivion. “This place is a dump.” The whining voice breaks her decline, waist twisting as her feet skirt around to focus on the return of the very much real demon cat. Grim, the miniature menace, strolled past the girl on the brink of fading to black without a single shit given. Yanaha's eyes follow him, lips and fingers twitching. “He honestly expects anyone to be grateful to live amongst dust bunnies? Gross.” Her body relaxes, eyes dropping to a half lid and lips set into a low scowl, voice hallowed out. “Why are you here? Grim smirks, crossing his paws over his plump little belly, “Grim is here a great mage, so I am here to stake my claim over this place for my own-” “Get out.” His smirk drops as he turns back around, staring up at Yanaha, “Huh?” She steps forward, dust kicking up onto Grim’s paws, and the light of his flaming ears illuminating her face in shadow. “Get out. This dormitory and its grounds are under my control now. You are an unwanted pest not just here, but this school. Leave.” His ears curl back, Yanaha face’s only in the darkness now, stomping his left paw he whines up, “No! I’m not leaving until I am accepted here. You don’t even want to be a student so let me take your place-” She cuts through his noise, “I am not a student, I am now stuck here as cleaner.” The cat’s pride drops, arms flopping to his side and little shoulder slumping, voice now saddened. “Eh? But what do I do now? I followed you to take your place but you’re just a janitor? I have nowhere else to go.” The sound of faint rain drowns the silence between them. Only broken with the muffled shuffle of Yanaha feet’s pushing up dust as she steps around the sullen cat. Grim grabs onto her left ankle, sinking his nails in, “Eh? You’re seriously just walking right past me!” Ears perked up high illuminate her face fully, indifference. “You chased me down a hall screaming how you wanted me to strip and steal my place. Forgive me for not bowing down and taking you in my arms.” Somehow the cat monster pouts, “But Grim… I have to go to this school! It’s the only way for Grim to truly show the world his amazing magic and learn so many new spells! To live amongst-“ “This is a boarding school?”, Yanaha eyes burn down at the flaming cat. “Uh well, yes, only the best mages can live and study here. Which is why Grim has to be a student-“ The girl’s whole body starts to shake yet her voice is firm, “I am trapped at a boarding school with no idea of when I can ever return home.” Grim unlatches his claws, steps back and ear’s flames now dimming, the feline sensing something very wrong with the human before him. Yanaha's face slowly returns to the darkness of the room, the last of her Grim sees is her eyes brighten and corner right lip twitching. The soft sounds of muffled giggling compliments the rain tapping against the windows. “Uh human, what are you laughing about? Are you broken-“ Her voice is airy and a sickly kind, “I’ve decided, you may stay here Grim. In exchange for helping me tend to this dormitory and duties, you will tell me more about this school and this word.” “But-“ “Or you can fend for yourself with security tossing you out, again.” Grim gulps as the human steps towards him, her face now returning to the light. A soft gentle smile haunting her bright eyes, “So what do you say?” “I-I… Grim accepts.”

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The tap and drips of water in pots and buckets play as the music for the human and cat monster now cleaning the entrance and lounge of the dorm. And the faint flickering of one jumbo candle at the center of the room serves as a light source. Yanaha was able to find some basic supplies for dusting and a old wood broom to sweep with, but most importantly old kitchen towels that now served as face covering. Sure the dust was getting in their eyes but at least they weren’t breathing it in. Grim’s little cat paws were the perfect size to dust off the edges and corners of the room while Yanaha battled against the worst of floor dust. Groaning Grim tosses his dust rag on his floor, “There are so many cobwebs!” Yanaha sighs, leaning the broom against a large fabric chair and walking over, kneeling down next to Grim. “Perk your ears up, so I can see.” Carefully examining the web and slowly rising to see the many webs along the corner of the wall, “It’s abandoned, so we can dust it out.” “I’m tired of getting them in my eyes, forget it!” Yanaha had just enough time to turn away before Grim lowered his nose gaurd and huff out a small bust of flames. In a whoosh the dusty webs laced up the corner was gone. “Grim! You could have burn this place down-“ “Please, the Great Grim knows his flames best. And is able to control his aim.” “Is that so… in that case”, Yahana stands up, hands on her hips, “Let’s get rid of these cobwebs. It’s dim in this room so I’ll help you point in the correct directions to burn up the cobwebs.” Grim puffs up, crossing his arms, “The great Grim does not need your help, just witness greatness!” The demon begins to run around the room, short bursts of blue flames light the room making it slightly easier to see all the webs. But making it more difficult as the ash of the webs now float in the air. “Ah it’s getting in my eyes!” Grim rushes to the center of the room, attempting to get away from his mistakes. Yanhana narrows her eyes, raising her right hand to her mouth to ensure her face covering is on flush. Calling out, “Grim wait, I swept all the dust to-“ The poor cat stumbles right into the large dust pile, coughing and sneezing. “Ah it’s in my mouth!” Sighing, Yanhana walks over, gentle picking up the dusty kitty. Swatting his paws away from his eyes to wipe them herself, “See why I said, let me tell you how to do this?” Grim fur puffs and he wiggles against her grip, baring his fangs, “Put me down human!” “Ha, no, to make this go smoother and make sure you don’t get a gust bunny up your nose. I’ll hold you and you just turn your head to aim.” Grim puffs at being held up by his sides, his back paws dangling, “Eh! I am not some pet to-“ “Aim right up!” A flash of blue flame burns out a low hanging web right above them. Yanaha smirks, “See now you don’t get it in your eye and you don’t even have to run around.” Grim cross his arms, “This is more easy, fine human. I will allow you to continue.” The two now start a strange dance and song, on beat with the rain she calls out direction and he flooshes out his flame. “Right.” “Left.” “Left up.” “Right down.” With their teamwork it only takes a short time for the room to be cleaned of all abandoned cobwebs. Smiling now under her mask, Yanaha gentle places the winded kitty on her head. “And now, I just gotta sweep this all up, you did good Grim so just take it easy for a bit.” Grim carefully balances himself on her head, head held high in pride and enjoying being so tall. “Of course the great and all amazing Grim did a good job, human.” And while he rambles on about his greatness, Yanaha finishes sweeping away the dust and ash specks. Keeping her head and neck steady so Grim doesn’t fall off. Opening the windows at the end, please to see the rain has ended, allowing her to cycle in fresh air. Lowering her face mask she overlooks the overgrown yard of the dormitory. Sighing, “We definitely have a lot of work to do-“ A voice that isn’t from the cat on her head freezes her blood, “Ohoho you wish to change our dorm?” Grim yelps, dropping onto his tummy to cling onto his human’s head. As Yanaha sharply turns around to see three figures floating at the center of the clean room. A long thin one, a small one, and a large round one, all of them dressed in black capes and top hats. Grim shakes, shuttering out, “G-g-ghost!” Yanaha blinks once, twice, and on the third time she lowers her twinkling eyes. Thankfully these three ghost won’t require her to fight, they were the good type. Her voice steady and calm, this she was taught how to handle, “I am sorry for disturbing your rest and home, I was not aware of your presence. Please call me Yuu. I am here not to force you out of your home, rather I have been appointed as these grounds' current steward. Please educate me on how I can restore these grounds to reflect its glory and honor your presence here.” The ghosts look to each other, looking for the answer to her request from the other. But the two long thin one starts to chuckle in the way a tire leaks air after being stabbed. The small one giggles like a chipmunk chittering over stolen nuts. And the large round one winds out a deep chuckle like a drunk Santa. Yanaha keeps her eyes down, her eyes twinkle as a piece clicks. Her heart was saddened by the realization, they were students of this dorm. The large round ghost floats over to Yanaha, grinning down at the new steward, “I am Alvin, the long face is Burt and the tough bite is Casper. Nice to met ya’ Yuu.” Burt floats around the space, his long stretched arms dusting along the floor. A surprise in his tone, “He’s really actually cleaning up the place.” Casper flys around the room, dipping corner to corner, “I’ll say, this place is actually starting to look lively again.” The three gather in front of her, nodding, “Welcome to Ramshackle, our new House Warden.” Yanaha eyes snap up, keeping her voice even, “My apologies, I’m not a House Warden. I’m not a student here, rather I have been appointed as a janitor.” The ghost all lean in closer to her face, then pull back, shrugging in unison. “So you’re staff then.” Yanaha's left cheek twitches, as she nods her head, “Yes, I suppose I am nopales of the faculty.” It’s that moment the front door slams open, a becoming familiar dramatic voice calling out. “Oh dear poor Yuu, I have brought dinner and supplies for your first night so far from home! There was also good news, another student found what appears to be your bags. They must have been left behind in your coffin when you went running.” The sounds of claws replace footsteps before a beak comes around the corner, the headmaster holding up a bag. His voice is cheerful as he delivers, ”I do not know what food you eat in your homeland. So I brought bread and cheese as that is rather universal in all- Oh my, ghost!” Yanaha keeps her head lower, sweeping her leg backwards to stand now perpendicular to the Head Master and the trio of ghosts. Her voice was inviting and smoothing, “ Yes, I have introduced myself to them and it seems they have accepted my role here.” Grim makes his presence be remembered by leaping down in front of the headmaster, “I, the great Grim, brought the ghost to kneel with my great and mighty-“ Yanaha cuts him off with a smile, “And I convinced this little thing to act as my assistant janitor.” The Headmaster looks down at the now stuttering feline then to the ghost, “I must say this is most certainly impressive, it seems you have quite a grasp on things already. I am excited to see more of your results.”

////////////////

After being forced to demonstrate how she ordered Grim around, choked down the rather dry bread loaf and stinky cheese chunk for dinner, and watch the three ghosts fly away to their own “rooms”. Yanaha sent Grim off to find a bedroom that didn’t have mold or other major damage so the two could sleep. While she went outside to examine the state of the exterior, but mostly so she could have a moment to herself to just be. Eyes tracing over the cracks of the walkways and the concrete walls of the dormitory, her mind tried to paddle through her fears. Reflexively mulling over her current situation, I am in a world not my own. One of magic, possible witchcraft, that is nothing of the sort I have ever experienced or heard of and certainly dangerous. I am allowed to stay at this boarding school by the grace of a man who is clearly rather powerful and passive to my existence. Sweeping me away to an abandoned dormitory and into a staff role that will keep me out of sight so as to not cause him embarrassment. Not to mention this is clearly an all boys school and everyone assumes I am male. A cold shiver runs down her spine as her blood runs dry, For once I am grateful to Asta for forgetting to do laundry. These clothes are so baggy I pass off as a guy, or the men of this world are effeminate in a western fashion sense? Eh, either way, best to keep up their view of me as a guy. I do not want any chances of… She shakes her head not wanting to even think about the truths she heard during late fireside talks with her relatives and the elders of their days at the boarding school. Definitely keeping these grounds under lock and key. The soft dew of the rain made the air taste so nice to her lungs and helped calm the screaming in her heart. Walking around the dorm she was taking a mental list of the work needed. New paint Repair crack windows Take off wood planks from windows Fix falling siding Definitely going to have to patch or better yet replace roof Remove and replace the gutters, or patch job what she could Clean the statues? From the light of the full moon she was able to see clearly that the statues perched on the roof were in desperate need of cleaning up. Only issue is she has no clue about how to actually maintain such a thing as she wasn’t entirely sure what they even are... they look cool I guess. Stopping over the dorm's back patio she rested her hands on her hips, staring with narrow eyes at her new grounds. The sounds of crickets and fireflies bobbing act as a reminder of the weight of nature. Suddenly the hairs on the back of neck stand up and her blood feels like fire, immediately she turns around. Glaring at the shadows of the paito’s edge, “Show yourself, I know you’re there. I don’t take kindly to people spying on me.” The unseen presence now makes themselves known- A extremely tall and pastel pale figure steps forward from the darkness. Dressed in a black suit and green vest that match perfectly to his rather vibrant almost neon green eyes. His dark hair frames his rather handsome face and curls around what appear to be horns protruding from the top of his head. The curl of his lip and raising of his brow makes it clear he’s surprised she sensed him. His voice is like warm honey tea to her ears, “So I see this dorm is no longer abandoned, a pity I rather enjoyed admiring the gargoyles in the peace of the night-“ “You know how to clean a gargoyle?”, she asks while point up towards them with her left hand. Now both of his eyebrows are raised and his jaw goes slack, “Eh?” Yanaha sighs, crossing her arms she stares at the boy, “Look Ivanbito, I am this school’s new janitor and the new overseer of this dormitory. Which means you are not permitted to walk around here whenever you want. However, I am open to taking whatever help I can get so if you do know how to clean and maintain a gargoyle come back in another seven days. We’ll have some evening tea while we talk. Now get out.” The stranger just stood there with a rather stunned wide eyed expression, “You are inviting me? As a guest, to have tea with you in seven days? As in a proper invitation to a gathering? To speak of gargoyles?” Her voice is dry of any more humor, “Yes. Now please again, get out, I need to rest. I will see you in seven days if you are willing to come again.” She points towards the dormitory’s gate, but the stranger just stares at her unblinking. Only to suddenly start laughing, a deep chest echoing laugh, making her eyes narrow and lips curl downwards. “Yes! I will be back in seven days to meet you child of man, no other human has ever ask me such a request as such I must oblige.” Then the stranger disappeared in a bust of glittering lights. Leaving Yanaha standing again alone in the dark, sucking her teeth mumbling, “Why are heirs always so socially awkward outside of immediate social circles?” As she turns to make the walk back inside, faintly in the distance she hears the yells of “WAKA-SAMA!” and “Young Master!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Malleus was rather pleased with this surprise in events, not only is his favorite spot for gargoyles been taken over by a rather strange human. Said human clearly did not know who he is and is interested in studying gargoyles! He smiles, perhaps I should invite him to join the gargoyle club? Although I do not believe school faculty can join clubs. Pity. Still to have an official invitation to speak about gargoyles over tea! He mumbles to the fireflies that dance alongside him as he strolls down the many hidden paths of the school’s greenery, “Now what should I wear? This tea time is after school hours so I don’t need to be in uniform. But he is staff so perhaps I should maintain my school attire? I will consult with Lillia on the correct dress for such an occasion.” The Prince then remembers the strange phrase the child used when addressing him, Ivanbito… Perhaps it's a term of endearment? I have studied humans giving each other “nicknames” or a term for strangers from their homeland? Either way, this will be most exciting.

Chapter Text

The only bedroom not in a state of suspicious health, status,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                or outright unacceptable conditions was the one on the top floor in the far right corner. Overseeing the edge line of the dormitory grounds and then front entrance, so at least Yanaha and Grim had a good view. Well most likely a good view after she’ll clean up the dust and dirt covered windows. 

Grim yanks off the last of the white sheets covering the bedroom furniture, revealing a still intact and actually decent looking bed and mattress. Spitting out the sheet he leaps up in the air meowing out, “At last I can rest-“

Yanaha grabs him by the scruff of her neck, stopping his landing, “First we need to check for bedbugs before you go flying. Second, you're not sleeping on this bed.”

Grim struggles out of her grip, handing on the floor, “And why not?! I found this room, all of it should be the Great Grims-“

Yanaha again cuts him off again, “Because you’re covered in dirt and dust but mostly because I don’t share bed space with others, it doesn't matter species.”

She points to the large arm chair by the fireplace, “That will be your bed, it will be plenty warm and spacious for you.”

Grim shivers just looking at the abandoned chair, the empty fireplace just gives off a chill. He lowers his ears, pouting, “But… I don’t wanna sleep alone.”

The girl just deadpans, “And I don’t want to roll over and squish you in the middle of the night.”

With that settled Yanaha turns back around to the bed, checking the underside and corners for any pest. Thankfully it seems pest free but she does find strange cravings on the bottom right bedpost, like someone edging in lines to keep a tally. Well this is an all boys school, so good for the guy who was getting it I guess.

Looking over to the only wardrobe of the room, she mumbled some prayer to whatever force that be in this world there’s sheets or at least a pillow. Opening it she finds a thin sheet and an almost thread bare pillow, “Good enough, let’s get some rest.”

But rest did not come peacefully, rather the second her head touched the mattress the girl was thrown feet first into a nightmare.

////////////

Standing in a pool of water up to her ankles and the Milky Way stars dancing above her head, she immediately understood she was in a very dangerous situation. Stretching out her arms to maintain  balance she walks forward praying she will be blessed enough to have a guide. But, none came.

Instead voice from long gone trials of other wisdom keepers start to tear at her ears, 

“You are a lost child.”

“Auntie, come back!”

“Sister, where are you?!”

“Where are we?”

“Who are you?”

”Where am I?”

“Father I am sorry, I can not find home.”

“Momma please, forgive me, I promise I’ll be good”

She takes a deep breath, concentrating on just wading through the water and using the stars to guide her direction. There’s too much at stake if she gives up; her mother has dinner on the table for her, the powwow dances classes will start in another week and the little ones are depending on her teaching. She has training with the elders council this Saturday… Most importantly, her brother and cousin were taking her for lunch Sunday to talk to her about some ideas they have for the upcoming ceremony. She had to get back, there is no one else who can serve her role. 

Just then the water starts to rise rapidly, forcing herself to be calm she starts to run. The stars start to bleed, stretching out in long strips of gold and silver light, the back of the night shy swallowing their light. Picking one last steady star to guide her direction she shifts her gaze forward and picks up the pace. Knowing she just had to reach a point, whatever form it took, of standstill in the waters where she could reach out. 

The waters laps at her knees and the pricking of her lungs makes her run slow, but she keeps going. Driven by the need to live, the need to see them again. There is no other option . 

“ Tell them I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come home.”

Her blood run cold and her eyes burn, that voice, it was- she shakes off the tears and keeps going. That lost voice was the reason she had to keep going, she was born to make up for the lost of her . 

Up ahead she sees a small bolder jutting out of the waves that are up to her waist now, bitting her lip she keeps going. By the time she reaches it, only her shoulders are above water, dragging herself with only her arm strength left to rest on top of her salvation. Finally able to open her mouth panting and strained, “Please, give me refuge and guidance my kin.”

Staring up at the dimming light of her last star the tears flow, muddying her next words, “I need you more then ever, I find myself in a world not of us. I must return, you know I am the last of us left for our family.”

Closing her eyes doesn’t fight as the water envelopes her face. 

When she reopens them Yanaha finds herself in front of a small fire in what appears to be a wooden clearing. At least she believes it to be trees at the clearings if edge, but the moving shadows are not what draws her attention. Across from her, on the other side of the fire, sits a figure covered by thick hide of a bison and whose long hair covers most of their face. Their bony hands slowly toss pieces of tabacco and white sage into the fire. Smug rising from the flames serving as their translator through the eras. Their mouth stays still but their voice, a mixture of young and old, sings out.

“You called upon us child, yet we can not see you. But, we feel you, we can taste the fear in your heart.”

Yanaha bows her head, “I am told I am in a land called Twisted Wonderland, there are powers here that are different from us that keep me here. But if you can hear and taste me, I have hope.”

“Your tie is still strong, your fish still swims up the stream. Keep steady our daughter, you may return to us yet.”

A ghost of a smile twitches her lips, “Many thanks, please keep me well and guide me-“

“But we can not see if you come back, the river is splitting, it seems we may have to grow another branch.”

Panic sets in, “I will return home! Please, just wait for me, my brother and cousin are still young! There is time for me to return home before they’re forced to-“

“It is time for you to wake up little one”

Suddenly she is shoved from behind into the flames.

Yanaha eyes pop open and she practically leaps out of the old bed, sweat pooling on her brow and her chest heaving. Her hands frantically searching for light, feet stumbled until she reaches the wall and her hands find the curtains that keep her prisoner. She’s only a able to find air again when the window is open and the first rays of the sun kiss her lips.

It’s only then that she hears Grim’s yelling, “What’s the big idea?! I’m trying to sleep close the window!”

The girl doesn’t even turn around just pinches the sleep from her eyes, “It’s morning time, so get up we need to get ready.”

////

The bath situation wasn’t the best, she was happy the bedroom Grim found had its own bathroom but no way she trusted the water to drink. As it took two whole minutes for the shower water to stop running red from rust. But, at least it was hot. Yanaha didn’t have the energy to go through her gym bag just yet for clothes, so the dirty oversized sweats went back on with a mumbling of “It is what it is.”

Breakfast also left much to be desired, just the remaining chunk of smelly cheese and now a stale chunk of bread. Grim, of course, was bitching the entire time, making her reconsider taking him on as a helper. The sun’s edge was just fully over the horizon when the two stepped out of the front door, the dew of the morning wetting their noses. Stretching her arms, Yanaha looks down at Grim, “Well we have a lot of work to do, I say we start outside so we can have at least a walk way-“

A puff of glitter right in front of them scares them both, Grim screaming and jumping into the girls arms. 

“We’re under attack!”

In a grand sweep of his cape, Crowley stands before them, his golden eyes rather wide, “Oh my, I was expecting you to be up and about so early! Yet, here you are, the early bird does get the worm. You’re already meeting the high expectations of our school standard for staff!”

He raises his arms high, making his figure loom over the two more, “Amazing!”

Yanaha for her part just blinks up at the raven man, “Thank you.”

Her thanks rather flat lines as next thing she knows after a sudden bust of light. As Crowley with a snap of his hand sent them half way across the school’s ground to the Main Street. Yanaha finds herself standing in front of a row of what can only be though in her mind as, you have to be fucking kidding me .

Crowley steps forward and whips around with a whoosh of his cape stretched out like a pastor praying over his flock, “And here stands the very pillars of our school, the seven great mages!”

Yanaha feels her right hand gripping onto the broom she was given just a bit too tight as her eyes scan the mockery before her, fucking Disney villains? I’m stuck in a world that glorifies Disney villains. Of all fucking things, whoever cursed me here must have a wrapped sense of humor as not even the most cruel of the witches would sink this fucking low. 

She follows the raven’s wings to each of the statutes figures his voice bellowing a melody of praise, “These great mages are the foundation for each of our dorms and values here at our prestigious school. The Queen of Hearts, A queen who ruled over a maze of roses and brought the rule of law to a chaotic kingdom. Under her strict leadership, no rose was off-color, nor was any playing-card soldier out of step. The King of Beast, Through grit and determination, this king of beasts overcame his lesser claim of succession to rule over a vast savanna. He sought equality for all creatures—even those once banished from the realm. The Sea Witch, A compassionate sea witch who dwelled in a grotto deep beneath the waves. To repent for past misdeeds, she devoted herself to helping troubled souls, guiding even seemingly hopeless romances to a true happy ending. The Sorcerer of the Sands, A wise sorcerer of a desert kingdom who used his keen insight to obtain a magic lamp that granted him great power. He supported his king by regularly offering carefully considered words of advice. The Fairest Queen, The fairest queen of all, and one who was always diligently striving to better herself. She utilized the powerful magic at her command to tirelessly pursue her ideals. The King of the Underworld, The lord of the Underworld, and guide to the wandering souls of the dead. He carried out his fearsome duties with diligence and care, motivating even the defiant to offer their aid. And the most powerful mage in the world, the Thorn Fairy. A fairy who reigned over a mystical mountain, wielding magical powers that included mastery over storms and thorns. Proud and refined, she cherished solitude even as she commanded her countless minions.”

With each of their names and honors listed out Grim eyes grow wider in admiration and respect. While Yanaha maintains her blank face, but her eyes seem to almost sparkle with how much her eyes glimmering. Her toes curling in her shoes as the only way to lock in her pure disgust, so I’m trapped in a world of magic created by the likes of knockoff grim tales. Not only that, it’s a world that praises the wicked for their traits that made them stand out? Ancestors give me strength. The puffed with pride Raven, turns to face his crowd grin faltering ever so slightly at the sight of the girl’s blanked face. Yet, he still carries on with a bounce in his step, “A high honor indeed for you to live among the ways so careful cultivated in these great mages names and deeds. Every student here wishes to become a mage that can rival the Great Seven’s legacy, so keep that in mind as you clean their images. I’ll you two to it, see you later.”

In another bust of light he is finally gone. 

Yanaha takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly mumbling, “It is what it is.”

Picking up the only bucket she was given the girl takes a moment to ponder how she’s going to exactly clean all seven with just one bucket. Turning to Grim, “Okay so, I’m thinking you can get ontop of the heads and drop down some soap over them. Then I’ll wet the broom and start scrubbing, sounds good?”

Grim puffs, crossing his paws, “I don’t wanna do this, I want tuna.”

Her eyes narrow, “And I want to go back to bed but that’s too damn bad, now be a good aid and get on top of the statue.”

Yanaha jabs her thumb in the direction of the Queen of Hearts. The early morning sun finally giving enough light reveals the girl’s baggy eyes and frizzy hair, but it’s the twitching of her left eye quickly solidifying he should follow her orders. With a wide eyed, “Epp!”, the demon cat bites down on the soap jug and scales up the wide dressed statue. Grumbling of tuna and not wanting to work as he shakes down strains of goopy soap down. Yanaha rolls her eyes and sleeves, dunking the top of her broom into the bucket before heaving it over her head and starting to scrub the Red Hearts Queen’s dress. Her brow furrowed and upper lip curled, mind numbing into itself rather than focusing on the reality she’s found herself in.

By now my cousin will be waking up for his SAT practice. He's got one shot at a perfect score so can’t waste it. Bro would be on the subway to Berkeley, like always get the 8am class so he can be done with ten day before rush hour traffic. Mom would be already drinking her coffee on the bus to work. I should be in the bathroom, styling my hair for the day, maybe a bow or shake it up and do a clip for the end of my braid? Naw, I probably will be lazy and just toss it all up in a bun. Or extra lazy like I am now and just go to school in the braid I slept in, risk getting shamed by bro when he picks me up.

Grim’s annoying voice breaks her scrubbing concentration, “How are we supposed to clean all of these guys with only one bucket of water?”

Yanaha pauses, “There is most likely a water source nearby, so let’s just finish this one up and then we’ll refill for the next.”

///////

By the time the Queen of Hearts is actually fully scrubbed and washed down the morning sun is fully out beating on her back and her arms burn from reaching so high. Grim fur is soaked and was sticking up in all directions, as he got himself in the way of the broom splash zone, curled around the Queen’s tiny crown. Sighing, “I’m bored.”

Yanaha rolls up her soaked sleeves, mentally still going over what is her typical morning routine. To the irritation of the negligent Grim, “I said I’m bored, we finished one of these people can’t we just skip the others?”

His whiskers twitch as he watches her wordless pick up the water bucket, “Hello! I’m speaking to you, henchman!”

That final grabs her attention, dropping the bucket to glare up at the wet cat thing, “First off I’m not a henchman, especially given that you’re still on these school grounds by my mercy. Second off, yes we have to clean the rest of these mockeries to my sanity as that’s our job. The job that’s keeping a roof over both our heads. And third off, your voice is annoying me so if you’re going to keep meowing do so while dropping soap over the next one so you can at least be useful.”

But instead of following the order, Grim leaps down to stand off paws at his waist, stopping his right paw. Baring his teeth and ears slick back, “No, I came here to become the next great mage not to scrub long dead people.”

Yanaha’s eyes narrow but only for a moment, but they are over taken with a sigh and shake of her head. Rolling her shoulders before swiping the bucket back from the ground, turning her back to the pissy feline to make her way to the next of the “Great Seven”. Ears dimmed to the hiss fit occurring behind her, that is until a new voice irritates her ears.

“Hey, that’s no way to behave in front of a legend.”

She shifts her weight now, pivoting slowly to stare up at Ursula’s wide smile. The corner of her eye catching an lanky terra-cotta headed boy with a red heart painted over his left eye dressed in a suit similar to the strange horned boy from last night only his vest is red. A friendly lopsided smile on his face and his scarlet eyes clearly trying to find hers, but failing so shifting to Grim. Who's staring up at him with full attention.

Yanaha’s nostrils flare for just a moment, a fox type trickster, great just the type I need bothering me right now .

Grim puffs his chest, “It’s none of your business how I act.”

The boy shrugs, “Sure it does, especially when you’re talking like that in front of The Queen of Hearts. She’s my Dorm’s big inspiration and my own personal inspiration to become an amazing mage.”

And with that Yanaha ears dim out the two talking focused more on trying to figure out the best way to climb up Ursula since Grim was clearly not going to get the soap. She’s so big and round, which is ya cool for character design but fuck those animators cause how the hell am I supposed to clean her without getting my foot stabbed by one of her arms… or would her octopus arms be considered her legs? Eh, I’m thinking about this way to much I need to focus. Wait since she exists does that mean Drag Queens exist in this world since the artist were inspired by Drag Queen when making her? Fuck, focus!

It’s then that she turns her head to see the Heart boy laughing with a wide smirk and dimmed eyes over a fur puffed Grim. His voice dripping in mockery and venom, “Wow you really must be stupid to ever think you could be a great mage when you both are just janitors. At least you can be close to actually greatness when you pick up our trash-“

Yanaha cuts through his laughter, “You don’t have any friends here do you?”

The boy’s smirk immediately drops as he turns his full attention towards Yanaha, “What?”

She yawns, her sharp canines flashing for just a moment, “I said you don’t have any friends here. If you did, you wouldn’t be wasting your time laughing at a wet cat and the school’s janitor. You would be out actually doing something cool. Yet, here you are.”

Rolling her shoulder the teen girl turn back around to something more important at the moment. Grim points a claw up to the flabbergasted boy laughing hysterically. 

“Get your stone out now, we’re fighting!”

Yanaha right hand juts out to grab a hold of the broom, she had resting in the bucket. Tilting her head back to the boy tone hitting flat, “Eh?”

He stands firm, right hand now holding up one of those bejeweled pens she remembers seeing those boys use to do “magic”. His brows are furiously down and his eyes glaring in clear embarrassment, his voice cracking, “I said fight me! There’s no way I can let what you said slide!”

Yanaha turns back to face him again, this actually giving the boy her full attention. Voice as flat as her expression, “You seriously want to fight me?”

He raises his pen, “Well duh.”

She sighs, “What’s you name?”

The boy looks stunned lowering his pen, “I told you my name is Ace Trappola you seriously weren’t paying attention to what I was saying earlier?”

Instead of answering Yanaha starts the fight.

In three steps Yanaha has the wet bristles of the broom jammed up his nose as she bends down to drag her right arm up. Closing the distance between them easily yet making sure to leave enough room he can’t grab her and pull close. Ace, taken off guard at the sudden soap in his face, can’t properly react. His mind flares just as bad as his hand, a gust of strong wind flys from his pen. Grim yelps and blows his own burst of blue flames out of a startled fright, the wind and flame mix to torching the Queen of Hearts. 

“What are you doing?!”

Yanaha jumps back, swinging the broom around her back and standing still head facing the enraged headmaster. While Ace is left coughing and sneezing out soap bubbles, “Argh! I can taste the soap, it's so gross!”

The headmaster flicks his wrist and now with a crack Grim, Ace, and the head of the broom is slashed at. Yanaha only spared as she was able to lower her head down fast enough, voice carrying over the wails of pain from the two others.

“My apologies Head Master, this boy suddenly pulled out his pen and threatened me and my aid. I was attempting to disarm him before damage could be done but…”, Yanaha turns her head to give the coughing up Ace the most unnerving side eye the boy’s ever felt.

Crowley rest his claws on his hips and glares down the three, “As faculty of our Academy you do have authority over students but not permission to attack them!”

His darkened gaze then cracks to the sweating boy, “You, state your name, year, and dorm.”

The teenage boy gulps, “Ace Trappola, first year, of Heartslabyul” 

Crowley hums while rubbing his chin, “Seeing as you have defaced one of the Great Seven, yet this is also your first day. I will show some mercy. Your punishment for both of you will be to clean all 100 windows of the school main building. Yes, see am I not a merciful man?!”

He ask with a wide open flounce in his wing like arms. Much to the shocked faces of the three in front of him, Ace stuttering out “100?”

Grim looks down defeated, “But it’s not even my fault.”

Yanaha realxes her face as to not show her displeasure but internal she was swear at Ace in every language she knew.

The Head Master smiles, “Yes, appear in the main building’s entrance in one hour to begin your assignment.”