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Chapter Text

☾𝕆𝕔 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟☽

First name: At'ok

Age: 15-16

Gender: male

Status: unmated, alive

Hair: almost like Neteyams, but longer

Hair Color: pitch black

Eyes Color: gold

Family: Mother: alive; Father: deceased; Blood Siblings: one elder sister - alive

Birthday: unknown

Height: 6'3ft; 182.88cm

Favorite food: spartan fruit; fungus soup; dawn fruit; hexapede meat

Occupation: bead maker; hunter; forager

Nicknames: baby brother; Taronyutsyìp; Paysyul

More will be revealed up ahead.....

⁂Info about him⁂

During the war with the sky people his father died, but he was still too young to remember him. Yet he does remember the hometree falling down. That memory will be with him forever. At'ok hates fights, he believes that a normal and calm conversation can solve all his problems when having an open mind. But that doesn't mean he won't fight if talking seems inevitable. He will use vulgar language but not all the time. The one thing he hates more are arrogant people, unless he knows he can beat them, he will not make a scene.

He is shy when speaking to others except his sister and mother. When in front of a crowd he is like a statue. He most definitely doesn't like so many eyes on him. The only exception was when he passed his right of passage. Although to everyone's surprise and amusement, he can be very sarcastic.

His mother is friends with Neytiri, and often have dinner together. When Neytiri and Jake go on date nights, At'ok is always asked to babysit their kids, to which he agrees. He loves the sully kids as if they were his own young siblings. Unknown to him, both Neteyam and Lo'ak find him to be pretty, and love to have his attention on them. Same with Kiri, but she isn't as obvious as the other two. Since he spends most of the time with the sully's At'ok can understand the bare minimum of english.

He loves fruit more than anything, his favorites are spartan fruit. One of his favorite meals is fungus soup. He enjoys cooking, bead making, and his most favorite, flying his Ikran. He named his Ikran vawm which means dark, since his Ikran is the color of the night sky. His Ikran is female. With permission, he takes Lo'ak and Neteyam on flights with him. Kiri only goes when her brothers don't.

Chapter Text

At'ok P.O.V.

"At'ok! Where have you been!? You know we are not allowed to be out for long after eclipse!!" Nanti, my older sister, yelled. She is older than me by ten years, and is like a second mother to me. She is still looking for a mate, but I believe she doesn't need one. Ever since the sky-people have arrived on our home planet our mother has forbidden us to be out pass eclipse, even when the war has ended, she still insisted we do not stay out for long. Which is unfair because even if I am still a kid in their eyes, and despite not being at the age to mate, I am still old enough to take care of myself. "I know my sister, but it has been ten years since then. Not to mention I have already finished my Rites of Passage and I have completed 𝚄𝚗𝚒𝚕𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚗. I am now an adult by tradition." I said, trying to reassure my sister. She had this look in her eyes that I could not describe, but I know she understands what I am trying to say. I looked away from her, my gaze fixed on the forest.

I sensed Nanti walking up to me, before she embraced me from behind, "I know baby brother, but there is still a chance that not all went back. Even if Toruk Makto confirmed that they have all left, mother  still wants us to be back soon," she spoke softly, caressing my hair. "Now come, we are having dinner with Neytiri and her family." I stare at her as she heads back to the clan. Sighing, I look back at the forest before trailing after her.

Since the war is now over there has been peace. Toruk Makto and Neytiri have two sons, and have adopted a daughter, who I babysit most of the time. It is not so bad, if they didn't fight for my attention. They get along with everything else, but when I'm around they fight over who I hang out with. I do get some information on the sky-people from Toruk Makto.

In truth, I have always been curious about these sky-people, but I'll never state my curiosity aloud. Despite there being good sky-people among us, I'm a bit shy and nervous to talk and ask them about their mother planet. I was able to gather bits and pieces of information aside from what Toruk Makto had told me, not because I was eavesdropping or anything.

⋘↫short time-skip↬⋙

We just got back from having dinner with the Sully's, it was pleasant as always. Minus Neteyam and Lo'ak trying to steal my food, only Lo'ak got caught though. "Nanti, mother, I will head off to bed now." I informed. Nanti simply nodded. "Not yet, my little hunter," my mother called out. Her name is Leyra and she is a mighty hunter and fighter, but she did not participate in the fight since she had to take care of me.

She walks over to me, and starts to inspect me of any injuries I might have acquired without her knowledge. Mother does this every night to make sure we are healthy and not in pain. "Mother, there is no need for these inspections. I am perfectly fine. There is no need to treat me like a child anymore." I pleaded with my mother to let me go. 

Mother just hit the back of my head lightly, "A child you may not be, despite how you act like one, but you are still my son, At'ok." she spoked. I just know Nanti is holding in her chuckle. "Nanti! Do not make fun of your brother. You too are like a child." mother chided, lightly glaring at her. Nanti immediately stopped, standing straighter with her tail lowering. Mother can be very scary.

Sighing, mother turned to me, "Now you can sleep. May Eywa bless you with sweet dreams." she stated, before giving me a peck on the forehead. I nodded to her. Then I nodded to my sister, who nudged me slightly on the shoulders. "Sweet dreams baby brother." she grinned, while I rolled my eyes.

Climbing up, I reached my hammock. I gently got in so that I wouldn't accidentally make it turn. Touching the side of it, I got into a comfortable position as it closed. Onced it closed, I too closed my eyes, and entered the dream world of mine. Expecting to still be in my hammock by morning.

Chapter Text

𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 𝕛𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕘 ℕ𝕒'𝕧𝕚. ℍ𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟 𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕜𝕪-𝕡𝕖𝕠𝕡𝕝𝕖, 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞.

Chapter Text

*rattle**rattle* "Huh? What is that noise?" I open my eyes only to find that I am surrounded by darkness, and... wood? 'Why am I surrounded by wood!? Last I checked I was in my hammock!?!' I'm panicking, this thing was so small I could barely move. I then heard a voice outside, "I better hurry and find that uniform before someone spots me..." 'Uniform? I wonder what that could be?' "Urgggh... This lid weighs a ton! Try this on for size! Mya-ah!" The next thing I know, I'm surrounded by blue 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙. "BWAAAH?!" I jumped out as fast as I could from that wooden box. Quickly I taped myself to make sure I was not on 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙.

"Now to grab the goods..." I looked at where that voice came from, only to see this small creature I have never seen before. We stared at each other for a few seconds, before it let out this sort of screech. "What?! You ain't supposed to be awake!" he yelled out. It hurt my ears at how loud he was, so I hissed at him to shut up. "Oh-ho! you got a lot of nerve to hiss at me human!" 'Human? Was he talking about me?' "The names Grim. Believe me, you won't forget it!" Well at least I can now put a name to this creature's face. This creature reminds me of a Palulukan, only smaller.

It was only then that I realized that I am in a room with... floating boxes? I also took notice of my clothing, I was wearing what I believe the sky-people called robes, and in black, with purple, if I remember. 'This feels wrong on so many levels.' This thing was covering my ears and tail, while my neural queue was in front, still braided, fortunately. Yet my weapon is missing. '𝚃𝚎𝚖.'

"Now gimme your uniform, and be quick about it!" the creature, Grim started, "Cause if you don't... you're gonna regret it!" as he was saying that he summoned 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙, which shocked me since I have never heard any of the sky-people talk about this. "𝙺𝚎 𝚏𝚒̀𝚝𝚛𝚛." I shouted in my native tongue, running away. It is disgraceful for a hunter like me to run away, but this is an enemy that I know little to none. It is best to retreat for now.

Grim then started to summon more 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙, "Hey, come on! I'm on a tight schedule here!" he yelled. I ran and ran not knowing where I am going or what these rooms were, but where I ended up was the library. It is the only place I know since scientists have one on their base. "Oh, Great Mother. If this is a dream, I am ready to wake up." I pray to Eywa that this is a dream. As I calmed down a bit, there was suddenly a burst of blue fire, shooting right past me. 'Shit, I forgot to take into account his tracking abilities. Mother would be so disappointed.' "Foolish human!" 'Do I look like a human to you!?' "Did you really think you could slip away from ME?" 'I could if I wanted to!' "Now, unless you wanna get burned to a crisp, take off that-" The 𝙿𝚊𝚕𝚞𝚕𝚞𝚔𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜𝚢𝚒̀𝚙 was cut out by this form of whip... 'or is it a leash?' Either way it looks like it hurts a lot. "Me-YEOW! That hurt! What gives?" he cried out.

"Consider it tough love." A man, with some sort of ornament on his face, appeared. As he had his leash(?) on grim, I observed the man from my place, and came to a conclusion. 'He looks funny.' I thought to myself. He also seems to be shorter than me by a few, not including that hat of his. 'At least I am still taller than most. Yet... I am still the shortest Na'vi for my age.' I mentally cried.

The funny man then turns to me. "Ah, I've found you at last. Splendid." 'Huh? Why was he looking for me? Does he know me somehow?' "I trust you're one of this year's new students?" I look around, making sure if there is anyone here, but it is just me, Grim, and him. 'Student? for what? I have already learned everything that I need to know.' The funny man begins to speak again, "My, were you ever eager to make your debut. And bringing a poorly trained familiar with you? That is a clear violation of the school rules." 'Familiar? School?' I have no idea on what a familiar is, but I believe it is another way of saying the animal I have bonded with, if so then he is not! And school? Like the one Neytiri mentioned when she spoke of Dr. Augustine?

"As if I'd serve some lowly human! Now lemme go!" Grim yelled. His voice sounded as if he had no water in days. "Yes, yes. Rebellious familiars always say that. Do be quiet for a bit, won't you?" the man says in a bored tone. He walks over to Grim, as he gagged him. 'Poor grim. May Eywa help him.' I thought.

"Dear me. Of all the students I've dealt with, you're the first with temerity enough to open their own gate and step out of it."  he remarked. I cannot help but feel offended by what he said. 'He judged the situation before even asking the cause.' I thought before he continued. "Does the very notion of patience elude you?"

"Apologies, sir. You see–" I began, before being interrupted by the funny man. "No matter. Your orientation has already begun. Let us return to the mirror chamber." I looked at him annoyed at interrupting me, but I couldn't help but be curious by what he said. "Gate...? What is that?" 'It can not be the same as Hell's Gate? Can it?' I thought. I tilt my head in confusion, waiting for him to answer my question. "You awakened in a room full of gates, did you not? All of the students here at the campus arrived by passing through such gates. Although typically the students have enough restraint to wait until I open them before waking up." he finishes. I start to think back from the moment I awoke. 'So the room with the floating boxes... are gates then. If that is the case then...'

"Forgive me sir, but I did not open my gate, I believe something blew it off..." I explained. Funny man begins to speak, "The culprit appears to be that familiar of yours." 'Excuse me? He can not really believe that he belongs to me, after he tried to burn me?' "Actually sir, he is–" I tried to explain, keyword, tried. "You're the one who insisted on bringing it, so curtailing its behavior is your responsibility! But now is not the time for suh prattle. You've a student orientation to attend." "But sir–" again, cut off by the funny man. 'Forget funny! He is irritating!' "Go on, now. Make haste." he stated, pushing me in a direction I know not where. "𝙵𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚐!" I yelled, turning to face him with my hands up. He seemed to have this look of shock, probably from me using my native tongue... or from seeing my hands. "First, tell me: Where am I?"

"Hm? Oh but of course, I will! But we really must make haste." he started, before walking away with grim still being carried by the collar. "I shall explain it to you while we walk. Truly, my magnanimity is boundless." He praised himself. I can already feel a headache coming, 'Oh, Great Mother, give me strength...'

⋘↫short time-skip↬⋙

We are now walking outside, from what the man said, the courtyard. Examined my surroundings, looking for similarities from home, but it seems the sky is the only similarity it has. *ahem* "This is Night Raven College," he started, "It is an institution for students the world over who demonstrate a rare aptitude for magic. It is the most prestigious academy of its sort in all of Twisted Wonderland." he explains motioning to the structure in front of us, "And I am Dire Crowley. Having been entrusted with its care by the chairman, I serve as headmage."

I look at him confused. 'Magic? I have heard the scientists speak of it, but when asked, they say it is not real. And I have never heard any of the them speak of this... Twisted Wonderland.' The man, or headmage, seems to be waiting for me to process this information, since he is looking at me intently. I gave him a nod to continue, making him smile. "Only those who the Dark Mirror perceives as having a talent for magic are admitted to the college. Those who are selected are summoned to the campus through those 'gates,' which can appear anywhere," he continues. "A black carriage bearing one such gate should have come to meet you." the headmage explains. Bringing a hand to my chin, I went deep in thought. 'If that is the way to be here, then why am I here?' It definitely is not because of this magic he speaks of. Although I did hear his emphasis when he said "should", almost as if he knew...

'Wait... Does he know I am Na'vi?' My eyes widen at this possibility, if this is true I must keep my guard up. "I do remember walking through the forest after dark..." I lied. I do not know why, but I feel he does not buy it. Nevertheless, he shook his head and continued on.

"That black carriage serves to receive a student by the Dark Mirror. It too bears a gate that connects to this campus. And sending a carriage to meet someone on a special day is a time-honored tradition." I felt my ears perk up when he said honored tradition. 'So they too have traditions that are of great honor, but if that is the truth, then how did I end up here if this carriage did not bring me here... Ah! Now is not the time.'

"So this carriage brought me here without my consent?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. He was about to respond but was interrupted by Grims muffles. 'Forgot he was here with us.' I feel so bad right now. "Nevermind that. Now, let us attend to your orientation." he brushed off my question, and started to lead me. 'Well, things cannot be worse from now... can it? ...Oh Great Mother, give me patience.'

Chapter Text

We were nearing this Mirror Chamber, I could hear chattering from behind the door. I couldn't see much but since it was open just a smidge, I could see who were speaking and who were not. They all appear to wear what I am. 'Is uniform the same form of clothing to others?'

"We're done with orientation and dorm assignments?" a boy with red hair questioned. "All right, new students—let me be clear. At Heartslabyul house, I am the law. Break the rules, and it's off with your head!" He seems to be a strict one, from what I could tell from his words.

I was examining the red head, when I heard another voice. "*Yawn* Well, that ceremony was as boring as ever. I'm going back to the dorm. If you're in Savanaclaw house, follow me." It belonged to a boy with ears, like me only different, but something about him seemed off to me. 'He seems to be older than me... probably starting out to be an adult by age...'

My thoughts were cut off by another voice. This one seems to be more of excitement, but it ran chills down my spine. "New students! Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your achievement." a boy with these weird frames cheered. "As dorm leader of Octavinelle house, I am honored to have the opportunity to support you in what I hope will be a fulfilling campus experience." His words sounded full of praise, but my instincts say otherwise. 'Best to stay alert with this one.' I thought cautiously looking at him.

"Hey, does anyone know where the headmage went? He disappeared midway through the ceremony." a boy with a handsome face asked. I couldn't help but admire his features. He was quite beautiful, for a human. "Some headmage he is." came a voice from a floating... tablet. 'I did not know tablets could float? How interesting.' I could tell that Crowley was getting irritated beside me, from the commentary said about him. A boy with red eyes then spoke next. "Maybe he had a tummy ache?" He seemed to be the only positive thinker there.

Next thing I know, the door was now wide open. The headmage had slammed it open dramatically. "I most certainly did not!" he yelled out. Since he was beside me, it hurt my ears. 'This 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐!' I tried not to hiss at him, as I covered my ears, since there are now many eyes on us. So I ought to lightly growl in annoyance. This seemed to have caught the attention of the one with ears, because he had his eyes narrowed at me. I just stare back at him, unwilling to back down.

"Ah, speak of the devil." I heard one of the humans remark. I was then pulled away from my staring match, which I saw him smirk as if he won. "If you must know, I was searching for the new student who'd failed to show up for orientation." the headmage explained, before pushing me towards this circular object that held... a green face? Or is it what the sky-people called a mask? "You are the only one who  has yet to be assigned a dorm. Step up to the Dark mirror, and be quick about it. I'll watch the weasel." Said weasel tried to protest, "Grrrrr!" 'Is that what he is? A weasel?' I thought to myself as I turned to face the mirror.

Walking closer, it began to speak. "State your name." "...At'ok..." I whispered, unsure of what is to come next. "At'ok..." it begins, "the nature of your soul is..." it trailed off. Hearing no other words from it, I am beginning to get anxious. I could hear my heartbeat through my ears. Feel my tail fidgeting underneath these garments. Until it finally spoke, but not with the words everyone was expecting, "...unclear to me."

"I expected as much..." I heard the headmage mumble, before the mirror continued. "There is this energy within them to be able to connect with their surroundings. A connection that is profound. One that is divine. However, I sense no magical power from this one. Soundless. Colorless. Shapeless. Utterly vacant." This has made all the other humans in the room to speak amongst themselves. All the noise is making my ears twitch in trying to catch what each one is saying. "Therefore, no dorm would be appropriate." It announced, before disappearing.

"I knew the Dark Mirror would have said that you acquired no magic, but I still had hoped you'd be placed in one of the dorms," so he did knew I was not human, "If that had happened, it would have been the first in this school century of existence where your kind attended." he sighed, confusing some onlookers, except for the one who had a staring match with me. 

My attention though, was soon on Grim, who was making a lot of noise. "Mmmph! Nnnrgggh... *GASP * ME! Let ME have this student's seat!" he yowled, moving away from Crowley. 'Probably not to be gagged again.' "Not so fast, you hyperactive weasel!" the headmage yelled. "Unlike that human, I can actually use magic! So let me be a student here!" Grim proposed, still referring to me as a human. 'Is it because of the robes?' I questioned, before Grim continued arrogantly, "Look, I'll show you! My spells're the cat's meow!" 'A what meow?' I then feel my senses tell me to duck. So I did, just as the human with red hair spoke, "Everyone, get down!"

Then there was 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙, everywhere. "AHHHHH! HELP! I'm on fire over here!" the boy with red eyes screams. Wasting no time, I rushed to help him, "𝙼𝚊𝚠𝚎𝚢, 𝚖𝚊𝚠𝚎𝚢." I say, trying to calm him, which received a weird look from him, "Drop to the ground and roll around, that will stop the 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙." I instructed. As he did what I told him, I kept an ear out for others.

"Someone catch that blasted animal before it sets the entire school ablaze!" I heard the headmage cry in outrage. Not so far from him were the young man, and next to him was the boy with beautiful features. "Ugh. Can I go now, or...?" the one with ears groaned. "Oh? I thought you fancied yourself a hunter. Go and help yourself to that plump little morsel!" the pretty boy mocked. 'Hunter? As my mother and I?' I wondered. "Too much effort. Do it yourself."

"Allow me to handle this, headmage Crowley." the boy with weird frames offered. The way he speaks is making my gut say "stay away". "If none of you are up to the task of catching a small animal, I will accept the responsibility." he finished. That was when the floating tablet started to speak, "WTG Azul." 'Oh, is that what he is called?' "Rackin' up those participation credits." 

I too would have participated in the hunt, but I know not how to capture a creature like Grim. "Hey, umm... At'ok was it?" a voice beside me asked. Oh it was the boy I helped. "Yes, that is my name. Is something the matter?" I replied. He shook his head, "No, not at all. I just wanted to say thank you!" he smiled, and I swear I saw the sun. 'How did he do that?'

I then heard the headmage yell, "I'm sorry, were my instructions unclear?!" Which earned a sigh from the young eared man, "*sigh*  Pretty sure you can handle catching mangy weasels all on your lonesome there, headmage," he started, "Or better yet, have him do it." he finished, pointing his head in my direction, making the pretty boy beside him confused. 'It seems I will be found out sooner than later.' I glared at the man with ears.

"How many times do I gotta say it?" Grim angrily shouts, "I'm Grim, spellcaster extraordinaire! I am NOT a weasel!" he exclaims arrogantly. '... you know what, I will join the hunt.' If there is anything I can not stand, it is those that believe that they are better. I made my way to the back, where I could not be seen, as I discarded the robes. Fortunately, I was not completely bare, I still had my loincloth, necklace and my chest band. 

"Aren't you a spunky little fellow?" Azul, I believe, remarked, "Riddle, would you be so kind...?" he requested, looking at the red headed boy. To which he replied by addressing Grim, "Furry miscreant. I will abide no rule-breaking. You will be judged by my hand." With that, they started to chase Grim around, with these little sticks firing bright lights from them, while I was making myself blend into my surroundings. 'Let the hunt begin.'

Chapter Text

The two sky-people, Azul and Riddle, were not bad, but could not cooperate with each other. When one shoots the bright light, it clashes with the other. 'This is going nowhere.' Seeing as everyone was distracted in putting the 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙 out, I carefully snuck up near grim, the only obstacle was a patch of 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙. "𝙵𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚒̀𝚔𝚎𝚖!" I yelled as I jumped through the 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙, and pounced on him. "𝙻𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚠𝚎𝚢, 𝚔𝚎𝚖 𝚜𝚒 𝚔𝚎 '𝚊̈𝚛𝚒̀𝚙! 𝚅𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚔!" I hissed in his ear.

As I had him pinned, I could feel the human's eyes on me, but I did not look up from Grim. For distractions, could lead to failure in the hunt. Or in this case, Grims capture. "𝙼𝚊𝚠𝚎𝚢, 𝚖𝚊𝚠𝚎𝚢." I repeated in his ear trying to calm him, but I just received a confused look from him. Oh, right, he does not understand Na'vi.

Third P.O.V.

Everyone was looking at At'ok in shock, for now they see him clearly without the robes. 'A Na'vi!?' is what they are all thinking. Except for Crowley and the young man with ears. 'Oh dear me, this will surely be problematic.' the headmage thought, mentally shaking his head. 'So I was right, he is a Na'vi.' the one with ears thought, praising himself.

'Hmm... he does not seem to be like the other potatoes... if only he was sorted in Pomefiore.' the boy with handsome features sadly sighed. The boy with red eyes was confused when he saw At'ok without the robes on, 'Why is he blue? Oh! Is that a tail?! Is he a beastman? Wait... does he have four fingers?' The poor boy's mind was going to overload with all these questions. 

Riddle stared in amazement, he has always read books and has studied the culture of the Na'vi, but since there is a limited knowledge about them, this could be his chance to learn more. 'Mother would be pleased to know about this.' Beside him, Azul was also starring in amazement. He too had studied the Na'vi, but there are not many photographs of them so this is truly remarkable, 'This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'll be sure to invite them over and discuss their homeland in the near future.' 

Meanwhile, on the other side of the floating tablet, a boy with flaming blue hair can't help but be excited by what he is witnessing. "OMG! OMG! OMG! Am I dreaming!? Please tell me I'm not dreaming!" He's a fan for sure. Always cooped up in his room doing some studying and rewatching the only video recordings that were ever taken of the Na'vi.

At'ok P.O.V.

As much as I say to be calm to Grim, he still shoots 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙 out. "*sigh* Is there someone who can make him stop?!" I shouted at both Azul and Riddle. This has seemed to break whatever trance they were in. "Huh? Oh, right. My apologies." Riddle said, as he pointed his stick at, I quickly got out of the way. "OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!" He yelled.

"MYAH?! What are you doing?!" Grim shrieks. He now had this weird necklace on, or maybe it was a collar? "The Queen of Heart's Rule 23: "One must never bring a cat to a formal affair."" Riddle stated, "Your very presence here is a violation of order. You will vacate these premises immediately." 'Oh, so he is a cat.' "But I ain't a cat either!" Grim shouted, "Don't you try'n collar me! I'll burn it right off!" At his words I prepared myself to pounce at him once again, but nothing came out of him. "Huh...? Wha-what gives? My fire ain't workin'!" he exclaimed, panic being shown in his eyes, from what I can tell. 

"Until I deign to remove that collar, you won't be using any magic." Riddle explained, smirking at Grim, "You're naught but a pet cat now." I cannot help but stare in awe. To think that magic truly exists, but it confuses me as well. 'If magic is but a myth from what the scientists say...and the humans here use it ... then is it possible that I am not on their mother?' I was pulled out of my thoughts by Grims shouting. "M-meoWHAT?! I ain't nobody's pet-NOTHING!" He screeched. I covered my ears with how loud he is, glaring at him. Even an Ikran is quieter than him. "𝙵𝚢𝚊𝚙𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚑𝚊𝚠𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚖..." I mumbled completely annoyed. It seems that the one with ears heard it, same with Azul - who I did not know was right next to me - because it appears like they are holding back a chuckle before recomposing themselves.  

"Oh, you've nothing to worry about there. I certainly have no interest in having you as a pet." he states, briefly taking a glance at me. I tilt my head to the side, confused on why. 'This whole place is confusing.' I remarked to myself. "The collar will disappear once you're removed from campus." he continued, before Azul spoke next from my side. "Ha-HA! Good show as always, Riddle. Your signature spells locks down any magic. It's quite handy." he starts, "I've just GOT to have it–-ah, I mean, i've just got to have respect for it." He corrected himself, as I stepped away from him. Alarm bells ringing, telling me to be cautious with him.

"At'ok!" the headmage yelled. '...Oh Great Mother, please give me the patience to not pluck the eyes of this man!!' I prayed as Crowley approached me. "Was I not clear that you are expected to take responsibility for your familiar? Even when you're from a different planet—" "𝙵𝚗𝚞!!! 𝙽𝚐𝚊 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐!!!" I yelled out, pissed for being blamed. This got him to stop speaking, but received a few weary looks, and some looks of awe from others. "He is not mine, sir. I have never seen such creature as him in my life." I explained as calmly as possible. "Oh... right... My apologies." He apologized. 'This must be embarrassing for him... I will not speak of this matter if it does him any good.' "*Ahem* then I shall have it expelled from the campus. I shall even spare it from being served as dinner." he happily said, creeping me out, before he praised himself again, "My, but I AM kind." 'Does he ever not praise himself?' "...Someone take this away, please."

At his words two humans came and dragged Grim away from here. I cannot help but feel pity, he seemed to have this look in his eyes but I cannot name it. "Nooooo! Let me gooooo! You fools better remember my name!" he yelled as he was being dragged away, "Cause I'm gonna go down in the annals of magic history! Just you wait!"

I stare after them, my ears falling slightly. "Well, that was quite the unexpected fracas," the headmage began, "I hereby declare that orientation has concluded. Housewardens, please escort your students back to the dorms." he announced. He then starts to look around, as if searching for someone.  "...Hm? Come to think of it, I don't see Housewarden Draconia of House Diasomnia anywhere." 'Draconia? Who is that?' "And that surprises you?" the man with ears remarked, "Dude's a total recluse." Then the boy with red eyes began to speak, "Wait a sec... Did anyone even invite him?"

"If you're that worried about him missing out, maybe you should have told him yourself." the pretty boy suggested. "Maybe, but I don't know him too well either..." the red eyed boy replied. 'That is not a reason not to invite him to such an important event.' I thought looking at them disappointingly. 

"Draconia..." I heard one of the humans whisper, "Like, Malleus Draconia? THAT Draconia?" "So it's true? He really does go to school here?" I heard another. That was when I noticed a boy walk through the doors. "Ah. Just as I'd expected." he spoke. Despite how young he looked, his voice was very deep, much to my surprise. "I figured I'd come down and see for myself whether Malleus had made an appearance. But once again. He was evidently not informed that his presence was required at an official ceremony." he states, his eyes roaming around until it landed on me. I could see his eyes widening before going into a big smile. 

The boy with a deep voice P.O.V.

'Oh? Why this is interesting. A Na'vi in Twisted Wonderland. This will surely put him in high spirits. He always speaks of the Na'vi in high regards and respect, as do I. Yea... he will be pleased by this revelation.' The boy thought gazing at At'ok.

Chapter Text

"You have my sincere apologies. I assure you, this oversight was in no way intended as a snub." Azul then spoke, but I can tell it was not genuine. "I mean, you must admit, he's not exactly the easiest person to strike up a conversation with." Riddle followed after Azul. "Even so... this is not right. Such important event requires everyone's presence. No excuses." I muttered, shaking my head in disapproval. This has caught the attention of others, especially the boy with the deep voice. 

He gave me a small nod, while the others at least have the decency to look ashamed. "No matter. All who were assigned to House Diasomnia, follow me. I just hope he doesn't sulk about this..." the boy with the deep voice said. Before he left he turned back to me. He brought his hand up to his forehead and brought it back down, extending it to me. "𝙾𝚎𝚕 𝚗𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚒 𝚔𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚒𝚎." He said. My eyes widened. I did not know these humans speak Na'vi. Or even understand what that means. It took me a moment to get out of my shock, before reciprocating the gesture, "𝙾𝚎𝚕 𝚗𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚒 𝚔𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚒𝚎." He smiled brightly before leaving.

Soon one by one everyone started to leave. The boy with red eyes waved at me smiling, and spoke how I should visit. The floating tablet seemed to circle around me, like a pack of viperwolfs, before floating away. I then noticed the pretty boy studying me from afar, he seemed to have a pleased look before walking off with his group behind him. The man with ears just walked past me, this is when I noticed he too had a tail, which flicked my nose. I growled in response, glaring at his retreating figure.

Riddle then walked up to me, as well as Azul, both at the same time, they momentarily glared at each other before Riddle allowed Azul to speak first. "It is my pleasure to welcome you to Night Raven College, At'ok. I do hope the headmage will find some way for you to stay. If he does, just know that Octavinelle will always be here to help you with any accommodations you might have, for a small price of course." He states, smiling, but not the friendly kind. 

Nevertheless, I nodded at him as a sign of understanding. This actually seems to brighten him up but not completely genuine. He then gestured for Riddle to speak with me, before walking away. "If I were you," Riddle started once Azul was out of earshot, "I'd be cautious with him. Up to not even interacting with him." "I understand. 𝙸𝚛𝚊𝚢𝚘." I replied, giving a small smile. His face turned a light shade of pink, before he shook his head. "Anyway, there will be this party in a few days, and I was hoping that if you were to stay here, would you consider in attending this celebration?" He asked. I thought hard on his proposition, before responding. "Hmm... It seems to be an important occasion..." I muttered. "In the end it is up to the headmage if I stay or leave." I replied, this seems to have upset him, "However, if he does permit me, then I will attend." This quickly brought up his mood, "I shall be awaiting your response then." He said before leaving.

Now it was just me and the headmage. "Well, At'ok. This is a most unfortunate turn of events." he began, "I'm afraid that you will not be attending Night Raven College after all. Truly unfortunate." he mellowed, "Despite how wonderful it would have been for you to attend, I cannot very well admit a student with no magical ability to my academy. If you were assigned a dorm then that's a different case, but worry not. The Dark Mirror will see you safely home. Though no one has personally traveled to your home planet, I have complete faith in the Dark Mirror. After all, if it can bring you here surely it can take you back!" He said full of confidence, "Now, step into a gate, and visualize the place from whence you came."

Walking forward, I started to imagine my mother, sister, the sully's, and my home. How my sister would always mix the spices even when mother has asked her not to and how she has to eat the awful dishes. I remember when my mother would take me with her on her hunts, then she would ask me to replicate her action. "O Dark Mirror! Return this soul to where it belongs!" the headmage exclaimed. I waited for something to happen but nothing. The mirror just blankly stared at me. 

"*Ahem* L-let us, er... try this again." he stammered, "O Dark Mirror! Return this soul—""There is no such way." '𝙿𝙴𝙻𝙸̀'𝚄?!' "There is no form of transportation, to return where this soul belongs. None." So many questions that will be unanswered. 'If I am unable to return then who will take care of my mother and sister? What will they think when they find out I am missing?' "How can that be?" the headmage questioned, "My, but today is a veritable cavalcade of impossible phenomenal!" The mirror said nothing, it just continued to stare at me, paying no mind to Crowley's words. "This has never happened throughout my long tenure. I must confess that I am at something of a loss. To be able to bring you here, but not be able to take you back..." he confessed.

"It is alright, headmage. I too am confused with all this. I am more worried about how my mother and sister will be when they have noticed I am missing." I assured him. "I understand..." he seems to be deep in thought over something. "Perhaps this was just a one time thing, where the Dark Mirror could either bring or send someone to your home planet... however the Dark Mirror probably did not take into account how to do the opposite." he added. 'This could be a possibility...' I start to think of what would have happened if it sent someone to my home. 'Probably be killed immediately. Question is how though.' "Then it is fortunate that it has brought me, instead of sending one of your own." I uttered. "Yes, yes, quite fortunate."

One thing that has been bugging me, is how they know about my home and people, when he confessed how they never been to my home planet? Just as I was about to open my mouth, the headmage began to speak, "Let us go to the library and look it up, shall we?" "The library? Whatever for?" "You will know." Is all he said as he dragged me in the direction we came from before all this.

Chapter Text

The two of us are now in the library. Crowley was grabbing a few books, while I was admiring my surroundings. 'I have never seen so many, and some are even flying! How!?' I see from the corner of my eye Crowley heading back to me. "I don't know how well your English is, despite you speaking it so well, so here are some books that might help. You might not be a student here, but I believe you should at least learn to interact with your peers. I'll even assign someone to tutor you. Ah, aren't I gracious." He praised himself once again. "𝙸𝚛𝚊𝚢𝚘, headmage. I usually accompany this family back home, who are friends with the scientist. From them, I learned how to speak english." I explained. 

"Ah, yes I have heard of scientists that have decided to stay on your home planet. How fortunate for them..." he uttered. 'Hmm? What does he mean by that?' "Now that we have this all sorted out, we need to find you a place to stay. Hmm... Oh, that's right, how could I simply forget!" he chuckled to himself. He then went back further into the library, while I waited for him. 'I wonder what most of these books are about?' I continued scanning the books, when I heard something fall. "Ouch! Oh curse whoever put these books up high!!" The voice continued to spew a few more curses, but it was still in a low voice. Peeking around the corner I see a very short boy. He had ears similar to the one I saw earlier, only this one was slightly larger, and his tail... '...It's so cute.' I looked at his tail in awe. 'I have never seen a tail so small.' 

It appears he needs help though. I crept up behind him, and tapped him on his shoulder, "Pardon me, do you—" "AHHH!!!" I jumped back because of how loud he was. "𝙻𝚞 𝚏𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚘 𝚏𝚒̀𝚝𝚡𝚊𝚗 𝚕𝚎𝚑𝚊𝚠𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚖..." I muttered. 

"Well excuse me, it's a reasonable reaction when spooked! Don't you think!?" The boy yelled. 'He can understand Na'vi? How interesting.' "Oh, right... I apologize for that. It was not my attempt to startle you... I heard a thud, so I came over to see if someone might need any help." I explained. The small eared boy appears to not be affected that I am a Na'vi like the others were. 

"Yeah, well... I wanted to get a book that's up there, but I can't find a stool or ladder. So I thought that maybe I could climb the shelfs to get it, and, well, as you can see...," he gestured to the books that are on the ground, "it didn't go as planned... oh curse my height." he expressed. "Hmm... perhaps I could be of assistance." I offered, "Simply point to the book, and I'll grab it." 

He seemed to think about it for a while, before pointing up, "Sure, it's the dark brown one in the middle of the red one, and the one that is the color of your skin." I look at where he's pointing and see the book. "Here you go." I smiled, giving him the book. "Thanks. Oh, by the way, the name's Ruggie. You?" "I am At'ok. It is nice to meet you, Ruggie." I replied, smiling. Ruggie did not say anything, he simply stared at me. "Is there anything else you require my assistance with?" I asked, taking him out of whatever trance he was in. "Huh? Oh! No, I'm good. I'll be heading to my dorm now." He responded, backing away, "I'll see you around, I guess..." he mumbled, before sprinting away towards the door.

Just as he left, the headmage returned with another book. "I apologize if I've been gone for long. I simply couldn't have you go around without knowing at least the history of the school, and the legend of the Great Seven. Oh, aren't I gracious?" He praised himself once more. 'This will surely grow annoying in time, however I will put up with it since he is being kind enough to give me shelter.' "Now, where you will be staying... hmmmmm... Ah!" he exclaimed happily, "There is a vacant building on this campus. It was, in fact, used as a dorm a long time ago. With proper cleaning, it should be habitable enough." he cheerily explained, his smile getting even bigger each time he speaks. "Out of the profound kindness of my heart, I will allow you to live there for the time being. In the meantime, I will investigate other ways to send you home." 'Let me guess, he is going to say how kind and gracious he is?' "Dear me, but I am a gracious man indeed! A model educator, one might say." 'Called it.' 

He starts to lead me towards the door, "Well then, I shall take you to your dorm straight away. It is an older building, but it has plenty of... character, one might say. It might not feel like home, but not to worry. We can always fix it to make it seem like your home planet." he boasted. '*sigh* This man may be a 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐, but he does seem to care.'

Chapter Text

"You want me to stay..." I tried to control myself, as I felt my eyes twitch, "...here?" the facility -or dorm as the headmage referred to- appeared to have been unused since the first songs. 'The headmage truly understated how long the building has been unused for... I pray to the Great Mother that I do not become ill simply for sitting in this place.' "Isn't it delightful?" he asked, looking in my direction, yet ignoring my reaction, "Right, scoot inside now. There you go." he ushered me in.

We now entered the dorm, and if I believed the outside was horrible, then the inside was even worse. 'Mother would have a fit if she saw this place.' It will take me many days to fix this place. 'I wonder, if permitted, if I could transform this place to appear as home...' I shake my head from that thought, since this will only be temporary. Although, even if I do stay here temporarily, it will be best if this place is still safe to live in. "This should keep the elements at bay for the time being. Now, I should return to my research. Do try to find some way to keep yourself busy." I turned to see him already exiting the dorm, "But don't let me catch you wandering the campus! Ta!" 

'Busy myself? With what? And if there is an emergency? How will I be able to contact you?' Questions popped into my head, but were all left unsaid. Sighing, I placed the books I was given on an unoccupied surface. 'Despite falling asleep before coming here, I am tired.' Looking around I see no place to sit. "There is no place to sit... I do not mind if it is clean or not but even this is ridiculous." 

I began to clean the room I was in. Mother would be very disappointed if I did not. Most of these objects are strange to me, however I've seen scientists own these in their huts. So I am aware of their use and purpose.

⋘↫short timeskip↬⋙

*pit* *pat* "Hmm?" I have finished cleaning the rooms down here, when my ears started to twitch from hearing the noise outside, "𝚂𝚘𝚜𝚞𝚕..." I have always enjoyed listening to the rain when I was back home. The sound, the smell, and the way it felt, it has always made me feel at peace, and it brings me comfort for when I feel lonely. 'Not even a day, and I already miss home.' "GWAH! It's pouring out there." A sudden shout brought me out of my peace. "𝙿𝚎𝚜𝚞 𝚔𝚘𝚖 𝚏𝚖𝚒 𝚗𝚎..." I did not finish my sentence when I see it was the 𝙿𝚊𝚕𝚞𝚕𝚞𝚔𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜𝚢𝚒̀𝚙, or cat from what I heard "Oh? It is only you."

"Bwahaha! As if I wouldn't just sneak back onto campus the second I escaped pryin' eyes. You all got no idea what I'm capable of!" Grim arrogantly says, annoying me to the core, "I ain't givin' up on goin' here just 'cause I got kicked out one measly ol' time. And if you think otherwise, you don't know Grim!" 'Well you are correct. I do not know you... though, he reminds me of the children who follow the adults.' 

"Why do you wish to attend this... school? I hardly find it in any way useful to survive." I ask, sitting down on the couch, if my memory serves me right. "Isn't it obvious ?" '𝙺𝚎𝚑𝚎. 𝙻𝚞 𝚔𝚎.' "I was born to do this! I'm a magical prodigy who's got the makin's to become one of the greatest mages who ever lived!" I start to tune him out, and begin to think. 'Mage... I keep hearing this word. I'll ask about it with the Headmage when he arrives.' It is a word I keep hearing from a few of the humans. "You human don't understand what a mistake you're makin'!" 'Ugh! Again with this calling me a human! 𝚃𝚊𝚠𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎 𝚘𝚎 𝚕𝚞 𝚔𝚎!' I glared at him, but it seems he paid me no mind. "Not lettin' me in is a great loss to the world!" "I believe it is best that way, and I am no human!" Grim looks confused at what I said. "Eh? You're not a human? Then what—" *pat* A 𝚝𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚒̀𝚟𝚊 landed on him. "Mrrao! C'mon, scoot over! I'm gettin' dripped on here!" He jumps onto the couch, slightly pushing me. It was a weak push, but I moved either way.

*pat* "Bwah! Another hole in the roof! These flamin' ears are like my trademark, y'know? I can't let 'em be doused!" I do not know what a trademark is. Is it to identify someone? "I dunno why ya don't just magic those holes away. You could have it fixed in a jiff." I rolled my eyes, knowing where this was going. "Ahhh, right. You can't use magic at all. Pffft. Man, you're usele—" I cut him off, by pinning him down by his neck. "If I recall correctly, it was I who had you pinned with no chance of escape." I hissed, glaring down at him.

I might have scared him a bit too much, for his ears were lowered. "*sigh* I do not wish to harm you. However, I will not hesitate to do so if you continue to make a mockery of me. You are permitted to stay, only until the rain has stopped." I explained, slowly releasing him. "You stay here. I'll go look for a way to collect the water." 

I walk down the hallway when I start to feel like I'm being watched. Looking around, I see no one. 'Must have been my imagination.' Facing forward, I was face to face three 𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚊. I have never seen this before, they do not look human at all. 

"Yee hee hee... Bwa ha ha ha ha ha." One of them began to laugh, but this one sent shivers down my spine. The one who laughed began speak, "We haven't had visitors in ages!" "Oh, I'm just itching' for new friends!" another one said, as the rounder one laughed. From the way they spoke, I knew they were not friendly. I hissed at them as I searched for something to use as a weapon.

"Hey, keep it down over— AAAAAH! GHOSTS! GHOOOOOSTS!" I heard Grim shriek behind me. Normally I would have laughed at a shriek like his, but this was a serious situation. There must be no distractions. The smaller one was the one to speak, "All the people who used ta live here got scared of us and ran away." 'I wonder why.' "We just want a new ghost to play with! What do you say, buddy?" the rounder one suggested. I did not respond, only glare. I am at a draw. I would never harm a 𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚊, no matter what, but with these three, I just might need to make an exception. "Eeeeep!" Grim shrieked for the second time, "I'm a master sorcerer! I ain't afraid of any dumb ghost! Myahaaa!"

With that, he summoned fire and shot it at the 𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚊, or ghost as Grim called them. 'I guess I will not be the one to get rid of them.' Unfortunately, the ghost evaded. "Nuh-uh. Not even close." the skinniest taunted. The rounder one then came into view, mocking Grim as well, "Over here! Over here! Ah ha ha ha!" It seems no matter how many times he spits out fire, the ghosts evade each blast. I turn to glare at Grim, only to see he has his eyes shut. 'No wonder they escape each blast, that 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐.'

"Argh! They keep disappearing and reappearing!" I face palmed at his own idiocy. "What if you aim with your eyes open, you would be able to aim correctly!" I advised, glaring at him. "Shaddup!" he shouted, "I don't need any lip from you, human!" My glare hardened. 'Does he wish for death this early on in life?' "I have already said, I am no human! I am a Na'vi!" I yelled at him. "Is that really important right now?!" he yells back at me, still spitting fire and missing. I just rolled my eyes.

It appears he is not motivated to defeat these ghosts. 'What could I say that will motivate him?' I begin to think of what he has said in the past hours. 'Hmm... the only thing that stands out is about enrolling here... 𝚃𝚡𝚊𝚝𝚡 𝚜𝚊̈𝚏𝚙𝚒̀𝚕!' I turn to him, smirking. "Myah...?! Hmph... I'm Grim, Master Sorcerer! How come I can't even hit one of these little–" "Perhaps the headmage will allow you to enroll if you get rid of them?" I suggested cutting him off. With the small amount of time I know him, he is most definitely someone to fall for a little bribery. He seems to consider my idea, just when the ghost circle around us, laughing.    

"Hrmph! Ganging up on us... yer a buncha cowards!" 'On the contrary, it is a smart strategy, cornering your prey like this.' I applaud them for thinking like hunters instead of working solo. 'Oh, right now is not the time for that.' "Maybe I could be of some assistance?" "Myaaaah... You, human– uhh, Na'vi! You tell which way the ghosts are!" he demanded. "Congratulations. You are no longer calling me human." I smirked. 

I see two of the ghosts sneaking up from his 𝚏𝚝𝚊̈𝚛𝚙𝚊. "To your left!" I warned. He was able to hit the skinny one, yet the rounder one was able to evade it. '𝚃𝚎𝚖!' "Ha got one!" Grim cheered, "Keep it up just like that... And let's clear out the whole lot of 'em!" At least someone is having fun...

Chapter Text

"Right!" "Myaaah!" Grim blasted another shot of fire to where I instructed. "Hwaaahhh! We gotta get out of here! Before we get disappeared for good!" all three shouted, before disappearing. 'May Eywa forgive me for this sin.' I prayed. "H-huh? Did we... win?" "It appears we did." I turn look at him smirking, "Why? Afraid of failure?" I taunted halfheartedly. "Aw, geez I was scared outta my—" when he turned to face at me, he saw my smirking face. It seems to have ticked him off, as he tries to play it cool, "I mean, they didn't faze me one bit!" 'Hmm, whatever you say.' "Just a walk in the park for a mage of my caliber! Whaddaya got to say now, ghosties? That's right!" I roll my eyes. 'It seems my words only boosted his ego.' While lost in thought, I felt my stomach rumble.

I am 𝚘𝚑𝚊𝚔𝚡. While I was cleaning the kitchen, as I heard the scientists call it, there appeared to be no food in this facility. 'I might be able to find some 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚒, 𝚢𝚊𝚢𝚘, or even some 𝚝𝚎𝚢𝚕𝚞 around. Ohh... and 𝚢𝚊𝚢𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚒 is also delicious, but more difficult to find. Hmm... yes... I should be able to find some in the forest out back. Now I only need to make a 𝚝𝚜𝚔𝚘 𝚜𝚠𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚠, or a 𝚝𝚞𝚔𝚛𝚞.' I then hear footsteps approaching, "Good evening. In another gesture of my immense kindness, I have brought you dinner." the headmage greeted, with a closed eyed smile. It seems he hasn't noticed Grim yet, "Now, I am aware the Na'vi are exceptional hunters, however it would be mighty rude if I simply let you scavenge for food, if I say so myself. Oh! Aren't I mighty kind?" I felt my ears twitch with how he praised himself. 'Oh Great Mother, give me the patience to not harm him.' "Wait." Oh, so he finally noticed that Grim is here. "That's the creature we ejected for causing trouble at orientation! What is it doing here?!" he shouts, looking at me for an explanation. 

Before I could give him an explanation, Grim already beat me to it. "Takin' care of yer ghost problem, that's what. You're welcome, by the way!" 'Was that sincere? Or was it his ego?' Maybe he isn't as arrogant as I thought. Crowley turned to look at  me, "What is the meaning of this, At'ok?" I then began to give him a quick explanation of what had happened. "But you know, on that topic, I do seem to recall that this dorm had a mischievous ghost problem." He muttered, "Ah, yes... That's why it was abandoned, in fact. The ghosts scared away all the students." His words ticked me off. 'So you knew of this, yet refrained from informing me!!' I glared at him, growling. 

He just gave me a nervous chuckle, as if knowing what I was thinking. "Moving on, you said you two joined forces to drive them away?" Crowley asked, avoiding my glare. "'Joined forces' ain't exactly how I'd describe it," Grim began. "More like I drove 'em away, and the huma— I mean, Na'vi watched." When he finished giving his explanation, I then moved my glared towards him, "I did not only watched, you 𝚙𝚊𝚕𝚞𝚕𝚞𝚔𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜𝚢𝚒̀𝚙, I also directed you in where to shoot your flames. I did not get involved directly because I did not want to harm those 𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚊 directly." He glared at me, as I smirked down at him. The headmage then began to speak, interrupting our mini glaring competition, "Would you two be so kind as to demonstrate your ghost-eradication methods for me?" "𝙺𝚎𝚑𝚎. I am afraid not." I replied, my tail twitching, "I am 𝚘𝚑𝚊𝚔𝚡, so I am in no mood for this." I explained turning my head away in annoyance. "Yea, what they said! It's a no, 'cause I already wiped 'em all out. And I'm also hungry! I demand a can of tuna as compensation!" 

However, our words fell onto deaf ears, "I will play the part of the ghosts. As for the tuna, you'll receive it when you defeat me." he says looking directly at Grim, "Oh, what generosity, Crowley..." Again with these self praises. My eyes will be stuck inside my head, with how much I roll them. The headmage turns to look at me, "Oh, and not to worry At'ok. When finished I shall provide you your dinner. It may not be how you would have back on Pandora, but I can assure you it is delicious." he gleefully said. 'Well... it would be rude not to eat what is given or provided.' "Now to chug this transmutation potion!" 

The next thing I know, a bright light surrounds the headmage. 'Ugh! So bright. 𝙽𝚐𝚊 𝚔𝚞𝚛𝚔𝚞𝚗𝚐...' Opening my eyes, where the headmage was, is now a ghost. Yet this one had his hat and mask. "Ah, you gotta be kiddin' me." Grim dejectedly asked, "I gotta work together with the Na'vi again?" 'It is no fun for me either.' I thought bitterly, before I started to think of a way to motivate him. "This might be your chance to enroll in this 𝚗𝚞𝚖𝚝𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚐 or school, if you impress him enough." 

As I predicted, it did motivate him, bregrugendly, but still. "Hrmph. All right, but this is the last time," he scowled at me, before facing Crowley, "And I better be to my jowls in time afterwards!" 'Jowls?'

Chapter Text

"*pant* *pant*...Well?" Grim asks all out of breath. Since I only needed to direct him where to fire his flames, I did not need to move as much. "Incredible... I've never seen anyone bend a monster to their will quite the way you have." Crowley muttered, "As expected for a Na'vi." 'Uhh... 𝙸𝚛𝚊𝚢𝚘?' "I must confess, my educator's intuition did sense something about you with how you were able to pin him down at orientation, At'ok." I raised my non-existent eyebrow, as my tail swished in annoyance. Could you wrap it up, so I can eat then head to bed? "I could tell you had a certain animal trainer-y, beast master-ish quality to you. Especially with how the Na'vi tame their banshees, er, I mean Irkran. Oh, yes. That said, I..." he then began to mumble something under his breath.

My vision then fell onto Grim. '𝙾𝚎 𝚕𝚞 𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚘𝚖𝚞𝚖 𝚝𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚙𝚎...' Curious to where he might stay, it dawned on me that Grim might not have a place to stay. I began to think of when I bribed him in helping me get rid of the 𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚊. I then smiled when something came to mind. 'Oh, 𝚃𝚡𝚊𝚝𝚡 𝚜𝚊̈𝚏𝚙𝚒̀𝚕!!' "Headmage Crowley, would it be possible for Grim to stay here with me until I am sent back home?" I asked the headmage. Grim is in the same situation as me, afterall. We have no place to call home in this place, so we might as well stick together.     

"WHAT? A monster, stay HERE?" the headmage exclaimed. Even Grim looks at me in disbelief, "Whoa, did you just...?" "It is because the 𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚊 might return, and I am not accustomed to this world, so I will need someone to help me. Please sir..." I pleaded, "I am certain someone as gracious and kind as you would not allow me to struggle?" Saying that nearly made me vomit, but with how often he praises himself, this just might convince him to agree. Unsurprisingly, he agreed to my request. "Hmmm... I suppose I cannot deny your plea. Very well."

I nodded in thanks, while I mentally smirked in victory. "Myah?! Really?" Grim seemed the most happy about this. Until the headmage spoke, that is, "Let me be clear! Under no circumstances would I admit anyone to Night Raven College who has not been selected by the Dark Mirror—especially not a monster!" I rolled my eyes, '𝙺𝚘𝚊𝚔𝚝𝚊𝚗...' He then turned to face me. "Nor do I intend to allow you, At'ok, to freeload until you're able to return home." "I expected as much." I muttered, crossing my arms. Grim also seems very disappointed, "Hrmph. Never shoulda got my hopes up..."

"Now, allow me to explain. It was the Dark Mirror that transported you here." 'You have already said this. Although I would say kidnapping is more fitting.' "Therefore this school does bear some responsibility for your well-being." I narrowed my eyes on him. 'Some responsibility?!' I thought incredulously, my tail swishing violently. A low growl escaped my throat, but from the way Grim flinched, only he was the one to hear, since Crowley didn't even make a reaction.

"So I will allow you to remain in this dorm, free of charge." I stare at him in disbelief. 'Exactly what does he mean by that?' "However, you will need to pay for your own food," I would have liked to argue on this, but he did not leave room for argument, "And no, you cannot hunt in the forest all the time!" he chided. 'It feels like 𝚜𝚊'𝚗𝚘𝚔 was here herself...' "You will also need to pay for your own clothing and incidentals. I know that what you are wearing is a custom to the Na'vi. However, not many will be comfortable with it." This got me confused. The scientist do not seem to mind, so why should these 𝚝𝚊𝚠𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎  care, and what are incidentals? "I'll explain what incidentals are another day. For now it's to figure out how you will do so, penniless as you are..."

He goes into thought while I mentally cringe to the idea of wearing 𝚝𝚊𝚠𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎 clothing. I once tried them on from one of the 𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚕𝚝𝚒̀𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚞, simply out of curiosity, and I regretted it. 'I seriously do not understand how they move in those confining garments.' "Ah. Ah ha. Yes, a fine plan." the Headmage muttered, bringing me out of my own thoughts. From the way he smiled, I knew that I would not enjoy what he has in mind. "There is no need to be alarmed," he assured me, as if sensing my nervousness, "I'm simply going to ask you to do a few 𝚑𝚎𝚔 jobs around campus." '𝙷𝚎𝚔? How 𝚑𝚎𝚔?' "I'm informed that the Na'vi are quite hard working, and seeing how well you did here." He gestures around the area I cleaned, "I can tell you're no stranger to using a broom." I have a feeling I am not going to like this. "So what do you say to you working together as a janitorial team? If you agree to that, I will make a special exception and allow you to remain on campus." 'Is he referring to me or to Grim?' 

The more he spoke, the more pissed I became. "I'll also see what I can do about gaining you a tutor, so that you understand how our world works. Ah, but only when your work is over, along with your tutors' school activities, of course! How boundlessly charitable I am." Crowley said all too cheerfully. 

'Great, so it will be as if I never passed the Rites of Passage.' I am curious who will be my 𝚔𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚞, yet annoyed I'll be treated as a '𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚐 again. "Whaaat? What kinda deal is that?!" Grim whined, "I wanna put on one of those sweet uniforms and be a student, not sweep up people's junk!" "Patience, Grim, patience." I advise, patting his head.  'Advice I need myself.' "If you're not satisfied with my offer, I can arrange to have you thrown out again." "Myah?!" The headmages words seem to have really agitated Grim, "...All right, fine! Let's do it." 

Soon, both of them were now staring at me. It nerves me with how much I've been stared at today. My ears twitch in annoyance, along with my tail. Sighing, I nodded my head in agreement, "It is not like I have room for disagreement... I accept your terms headmage." He gave me his infamous close eyed smile, before speaking once more, "Wonderful. Then I beseech you both..." he paused dramatically, "To work hard as the newest members of Night Raven College's janitorial staff!" With that he began to headout, but when he was halfway through the door, he stopped. "Oh silly me!" he chuckled, "I completely forgot." 

He did a few motions with his hand as he re entered the dorm. *Poof* Clouds of smoke surrounded me and Grim, making us have a coughing fit. "Was that, *cough**cough* necessary!" Grim coughed. Once the smoke disappeared, there were a few bags in the middle of the room. "Huh?! This is my stuff!" I exclaimed grabbing my '𝚊𝚛𝚎 from one of the open bags. "I suspected. You see, once I left to bring you some food, one of the first years informed me of how there were these extra bags. Then another came up and mentioned how they look to be the craftsmanship of the Na'vi. So obviously I put two and two together and knew these belonged to you. Oh~ how mighty kind I am." Crowley explained. 

I sigh in relief as I continue to sculk through my belongings, for once not minding his self praise. "Of course as soon as one of the students picked up a bag, a hunting knife fell out. I'm afraid I will have to confiscate it until you return home sadly, along with a few of the other weapons I found." "𝙿𝚎𝚕𝚒̀'𝚞!?" I cried out, turning my head to face him. That 𝚝𝚒̀𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕 was one of my prized possessions for it was my father's. "Anyway, you tomorrow morning." Before I could say anything else, he bolted right out of here. 'I'm gonna kill that 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐!'

Chapter Text

I awoke before dawn. A habit all hunters pickup. Even if I am not permitted to hunt here, it does not mean I should get out of this habit. One never knows when this habit can be helpful. Although I do feel drowsy, more than usual. I blame the bed. The bed was terrible. Nowhere near as comfortable as my 𝚜𝚗𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚟𝚒, but I cannot be ungrateful right now. 

Entering the kitchen, I felt as if I'm being watched once more. 'Is it the 𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚊?' I decided to pretend not to have noticed them. If my mother knew anything about hunting or fighting, it is to always let your enemy believe they have the upper hand when they don't. 'Hmm... I never needed to make 𝚝𝚊𝚠𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎 food before. Tried some? Yes. Make it? Never.' Grabbing the ingredients I do know, I began to make a replica of my mothers food. Hopefully, it will turn out almost as good as hers. 

As I was preparing my breakfast, I felt a presence behind me. I did not need to turn to know who they were, watching their reflection from a few pots in front of me. "Why do you not wait for me to finish so we can get acquainted?" I asked, not even facing them. They seemed shocked at first before the shorter one chuckled. "Hee hee hee... you're quite observant, little hunter." he grinned, as the other two nodded in amusement.  

My eye twitched as I cut the carrot in front of me with more force. 'That nickname is going to stick, isn't it?' Sighing, the skinnier one spoke up, "Ya' know, we never seen anyone that looks like you before?" 'No, really?' I thought sarcastically. So they're more on the oblivious side of things... great. "We did, however, hear you refer to yourself as, oh... what was it...?" The rounder one answered, "I believe he said 'Na'vi'." "Ah, yes that was the word." "So... mind telling us what a Na'vi is doing so far from home?" They all asked in sync.

'...𝙺𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚖 𝚏𝚘 𝚕𝚞 𝚔𝚎 𝚗𝚊 𝚢𝚊𝚢𝚖𝚊𝚔 𝚗𝚊 𝚘𝚎 𝚜𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚙𝚒̀𝚕.' 

⋘↫short timeskip↬⋙

A few rays of sun flooded the kitchen by the time I was finished making breakfast. I haven't heard Grim wake up yet, and the headmage will be here any moment. "Tsuk," I called to the round ghost, "Could you and the others go wake Grim up?" "Sure thing. We could go give him a little scare." he grinned mischievously. Now I am regretting asking them. 

Not even a minute later, a high pitched scream came from my sleeping quarters. "MYAH?! The ghosts are back!" Grim yelled first, before I heard him shooting out his fire. 'Yep... I regret sending them to wake him up.' A few minutes went by, before Grim came running down the stairs. 

"Where were you?!" Grim shouts the moment he spotted me. 

"I have been up since before dawn. Oh, and you better not have burnt our room or you'll be the one to clean it alone." I remarked, giving him a stern glare before taking a bite from my breakfast. "We gotta get rid of those things for good!" Grim exclaimed. 

His words made me tense up. As a '𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚐 I would always eavesdrop on the 𝚏𝚢𝚎𝚢𝚗. They always mentioned how the mean humans or RDA wanted to get rid of their kind. 

Before I could even scold him, Crowley walked in, "Good morning, At'ok. Did you sleep well?" "Not at all!" Grim complained, "When I sprawled out on the bed, the mattress fell right through the frame!" 'So dramatic...' I thought, shaking my head. "Exactly how ramshackle IS this dorm?" he continued to complain, "And worse yet, I got woken up by the ghosts!" The headmage ignores him, probably waiting for me to respond. "It was very different from what I am used to." I replied, not wanting to sound ungrateful.

"I am delighted to hear that you've adjusted so well, despite being sent to another world!" he said cheerily, before looking serious. "Now speaking of moving on, let us discuss your assignment for today." he began, before guiding us to where the couch is. "Your job today is to clean the campus. That said, the campus is vast, and without magic, it'd be quite a Herculean task to clean it all. Therefore, today I'll have you focus on the area spanning from the front gates to the library." Crowley explained. 

"Now At'ok..." he gave me a stern look, one that brought shivers up my spine. '𝚂𝚊'𝚗𝚘𝚔? Is that you?' That is the same look 𝚜𝚊'𝚗𝚘𝚔 would always give me and my sister whenever we misbehaved. "I do expect that you'll keep a close eye on Grim, lest he causes another incident like yesterday." he reminded me, as if he was not the one holding Grim at the time. 

I held back my tongue from making any sort of remark. I nodded my head in agreement, "Understood sir." "Good. Do not fail me." he said all so seriously. 'Geez. 𝙺𝚎𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚒̀𝚝𝚡𝚊𝚙.' "You may take your lunch in the cafeteria. I eagerly await the fruits of your labor." the headmage grinned, before taking his leave. My tail twitched for how eerie that sounded, despite how cheery he seemed. Nevertheless, I remained composed.

Although it seems Grim has other ideas... 

"Hrmph. I ain't cleanin' nothin'!" he complained. '𝙵𝚒'𝚞 𝚑𝚒̀'𝚒 𝚟𝚛𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚙...' I groaned, placing my head in my hands. "I'm here to study magic so I can be blastin' off spells left and right! Like BAM! POW! FWOOM!" Grim exclaims happily. '𝙿𝚘 𝚗𝚊 '𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚐.' A bit cute, but a handful. "Nevermind that. We should head out now." My head already hurts, and the day has barely begun. "Who knows, perhaps we could finish early for you to study in the library?" I suggested picking him up to put him on my shoulder. "Hrmph"

Chapter Text

When we arrived at main street, I believe the place was called, we were immediately captivated by the sight in front of us. 'So this is how this place looks during the day.' My tail swayed in excitement for what I will learn. 'These figures... what were they called...? Oh! Statues!' I thought proudly, but that was short-lived. 

Now just because I am mesmerized by my new surroundings, does not mean I am oblivious of the stares I am receiving. 𝚂𝚊'𝚗𝚘𝚔 would be disappointed if I was. Some gave me looks of shock, others of awe. Their eyes followed my every movement. '𝙵𝚘 𝚏𝚝𝚡𝚊𝚗 𝚣𝚎𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚔 𝚔𝚕𝚕𝚙𝚡𝚒̀𝚕𝚝𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚒̀ 𝚘𝚎𝚢𝚊̈ 𝚝𝚘𝚔𝚡?' Sighing I rub my arms in comfort. 'Is it probably because I am simply wearing my 𝚝𝚎𝚠𝚗𝚐? Crowley mentioned he will ask one of the 𝚔𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚞 to make me some clothing.'  

Most would give me a glance then move on. Others pointed at me as they spoke with their companions. My ears twitched with all of their murmuring, I couldn't make out what they were saying exactly but they were loud enough to reach my ears. Not even a day in and I could already tell that this was going to give me a headache.

I noticed a few pull out a small, thin block. The scientist once showed me a photo of it. It's called a phone if I recall. 'If they still use those, then this place must be lacking in technology.' A flash came out of one of them, startling me. I nearly hissed at them before remembering the headmages words of "being on our best behavior". 

'Why waste their time gawking at me when they should head to 𝚗𝚞𝚖𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚡𝚊? I'll be staying here until Crowley finds a way to take me home, so they have plenty of time for that.'  Trying my best to ignore the passing stares, I grabbed a small brush from the bucket the headmage provided, jumped onto the nearest statue, and began to brush the dirt from the crevices. Best to start now then never, as my 𝚜𝚊'𝚗𝚘𝚔 says. Dusting the crevices, my nose picked up the dust. *Achoo* 'I hate 𝚏𝚠𝚘𝚙𝚡.'

Third P.O.V.

As At'ok jumped onto the statue closest to him, he failed to notice a few of the Housewardens from the previous night.

The first being Azul, and he was accompanied by two others. "Nee~ So it seems the headmage allowed him to stay." addressed a tall boy, with heterochromia eyes, and a dark-grey streak of hair framing his right side. He was intensely at At'ok, with a lazy grin on his face. "Look at  him, Jade. He isn't taller than Umiushi-senpai. He's so small~ he probably never experienced a good squeeze before~" 

Beside him was a boy identical to him, only he had a streak framing his left side, "It would appear so Floyd. Although it seems the headmage has him working as a cleaner. How unfortunate." Jade feigns sympathy. "Perhaps we should offer them a job at the Lounge." He suggested, glancing at Azul, "What do you suppose, Azul?" The said boy only stared at At'ok in silence, before moving on. "I might consider mentioning it to the headmage, but the choice still resides with him." he states walking into the school building, with Floyd and Jade following close behind him. 'He's the first Na'vi anyone has ever come into contact with. I have to be careful with how I proceed, unless I want to offend him and his people.'

Moving on from Azul, a pretty boy with sharp light-purple eyes was analysing At'oks every move. 'He'll need more clothing than that if he's to get accustomed here. Winter will not be kind to him, especially. I should mention this to Professor Crewel if the headmage hasn't already.' the boy considered. "Rook, see if you can gather the measurements on our visitor." he ordered a bob cut blonde behind him. "Oui, Roi du Poison."

Inside the school building, on the third floor, Riddle had his gaze locked on At'ok. He watched as he cleaned his dorm's statue. "So the headmage did permit him to stay. That's good. I should see if I can acquire an outfit for him for the party..." Riddle mutters walking away from the window heading towards Professor Crewel classroom. 'Now I just need to have it made by tomorrow. If all goes well, he'll be very impressed by our 𝚛𝚎𝚢𝚏𝚢𝚊.' 

At'ok P.O.V.

"Wow, so this is Main Street, huh? This is incredible!" Grim exclaimed, "I didn't get to see much of it yesterday." "Hmm. Neither did I... although that was because I was worried about other things." I mentioned, not even bothering to glance at him, scrubbing away what appeared to be 𝚙𝚛𝚛𝚠𝚕𝚕. "Yea, well, you don't really have a reason to take in the sights." he called out. '...𝙺𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚊𝚢.' 

"What's the deal with these seven statues? All their faces look pretty scary." Grim asked no one in particular. Grim walked over to me, taking in a closer look at the statue I was cleaning. "Like, this lady here looks like she's got some reeeal anger management issues." "And how would you know that?" I asked him, raising my non-existent eyebrow. 

Before he could speak, someone beat him to it, "You don't know the Queen of Hearts?" We both spun our heads and noticed a '𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚗 standing not so far behind us. He seems to be roughly my age. He has short fluffy looking 𝚝𝚞𝚗 𝚗𝚒𝚔𝚛𝚎 and a 𝚝𝚡𝚎'𝚕𝚊𝚗 '𝚘𝚗 mark on his face. Confused, I tilted my head. He gives me the same feeling as Azul did 𝚝𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚖, not as much, but the feeling is still there.

Grim was the first to respond to him, "Queen of Hearts? Is she some kinda big deal?" "She was a queen who lived in a maze-like garden of roses long, long ago." the '𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚗 replied. "Probably as long as the First Songs." he added, taking a glance at me. 

My eyes felt like popping out of my head. I did not know they heard about the First songs. 'Maybe they overheard some of the 𝚏𝚢𝚎𝚢𝚗𝚝𝚞 speak of it. The headmaster did mention they sent cameras, seeing as they couldn't send themselfs.'

"She was a strict woman who prized order above all. She wouldn't tolerate a rose being off color..." I stop paying attention to what he says, focusing more on cleaning the Queen of Hearts statue. 

However, I was listening every now and then. Making sure he didn't say something to set off Grim. Finishing up, I moved to the next one. This one looked like a 𝙿𝚊𝚕𝚞𝚔𝚊𝚗, only slightly more different. 'Is this the actual size of the creature?' From the size of the statue, I'd say he was a big kitty. 

"...but not one of her subjects dared to defy her." His statement made me pause in my cleaning. 'Was she truly a great Queen that even in a land of madness no one opposed her?' I got my answer just as I asked. "You wanna know why?" '𝚂𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚎.' This '𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚗 is dragging it out to be dramatic, I swear. "Because the punishment for breaking a rule was immediate decapitation!"

'... 𝙿𝙴𝙻𝙰'𝙰𝙽𝙶!!' My jaw dropped, along with the rag I was holding, with how calm he is about this. The most my people would do is to banish or name someone as an outcast, which is the worst punishment. Only on rare cases do we ever 𝚝𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚘. But even so!

"Wah! That is seriously messed up!" Grim exclaimed. 'You think.' I shake my head at him, 'Perhaps the rules here are different from home. But that does not mean I'll follow them blindly.' "Pretty cool, right?" the '𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚗, no, the 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐, asks with a smile on his face. I subtly glared as him, '𝙺𝚎𝚑𝚎, it is not.' "I'm a big fan." he looks in my direction, "I mean, who would bother to obey a queen that was kind all the time?" 

I give the 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐 an unimpressed look. "My people would... Our Great Mother is one who is kind to us." I hiss at him. He flinched, but quickly regained composure when I moved away from him. Grim spoke up, "Yeah, true. A leader needs to be strong. But puttin' that aside... Who're you, now?" 

'He's a 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐 who believes 𝚔𝚡𝚒𝚝𝚡 being a 𝚝𝚒̀𝚝𝚡𝚊𝚠 is acceptable.' I huffed, moving on from the statue of the 𝙿𝚊𝚕𝚞𝚔𝚊𝚗 to the next one. The 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐 rubs the back of his neck, before introducing himself to Grim, "Name's Ace. I'm a first-year student here, as of...today! Pleased to meetcha!" "I'm Grim! I'm a prodigy who's planning to be, like, the greatest mage who ever lived." Grim introduced as smug as ever. He then pointed to me, as I was on top of a 𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎́ 𝚑𝚞 𝚟𝚘𝚕 𝚏𝚢𝚒̀𝚙, "That there's my far less interesting hench-humaAAH–" he yelped as I threw a sponge at him, "I-I mean, hench-Na'vi." I narrow my eyes him, before glancing at the 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊– I mean, Ace. "𝙾𝚎𝚛𝚞 𝚜𝚢𝚊𝚠 𝙰𝚝'𝚘𝚔." I introduced myself.

With that I returned to cleaning the 𝚏𝚢𝚒̀𝚙 woman. ""At'ok"? Huh. Name's got an odd ring to it." he grinned. "So tell me, Ace." Grim began, as he pointed over the statue I just finished cleaning, "Is that lion with a scar in  the eye a famous ruler too?" "Of course!" Ace replied as if it was obvious. 'So the 𝙿𝚊𝚕𝚞𝚔𝚊𝚗 is called a lion.' I believe I saw a flashcard with that word on.  "That's the King of Beast who ruled the savanna. But he wasn't born into the throne..." 

I zoned out from reality for a moment. Thinking back to when Jake Sully and his 𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚕𝚝𝚒̀𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚞 '𝚎𝚢𝚕𝚊𝚗 would tell me stories from their home world. Finishing up with the 𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎́ 𝚑𝚞 𝚏𝚢𝚒̀𝚙, I walked pass ace and Grim to the guy with the 𝚝𝚜𝚊𝚠𝚕 𝚑𝚊𝚠𝚛𝚎'. This one was slightly more 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚠𝚖, but nothing I can't handle. 

"Sounds like a great guy! Not everyone's able to look past social status like that." Grim praised. He asked about the 𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎́ 𝚑𝚞 𝚏𝚢𝚒̀𝚙. Ace answers his question, "The Sea Witch who lived in an underwater grotto." 

 I perked up immediately at the mention of underwater. '𝙰̈𝚘 𝚙𝚊𝚢! Is it similar to the Metkayina 𝚛𝚎𝚢𝚏𝚢𝚊?' If there is anything else that piques my interest, besides 𝚝𝚊𝚠𝚝𝚞𝚝𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚢𝚏𝚢𝚊, it is the way the Metkayina live. My knowledge is limited, but I know their whole way of life revolves around water. 

"She basically devoted her life to helping troubled merfolk. If they were willing to pay the price, she'd help them change their appearance, find love, whatever!" Ace exclaims, "They say she was so good there was no wish she couldn't grant." 'Could she raise the dead?' I discreetly snorted, 'We should be fortunate with what we have. If it's the will of Eywa, then that is a different matter.' "They also say..." 

I stopped paying attention to their conversation, seeing as there was no mention of how the Sea Witch lived underwater. 'I'll see if I can find a 𝚙𝚞𝚔 on it.' Finishing up the statue I was on, I decided to take a 𝚝𝚒̀𝚜𝚢𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚜𝚢𝚒̀𝚙. Finding a nice shady spot that faces the two 𝚜𝚔𝚡𝚊𝚠𝚗𝚐, I lean against the 𝚞𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚔, 𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚡𝚊𝚜𝚞𝚗𝚞 𝚑𝚞𝚏𝚠𝚎𝚝𝚜𝚢𝚒̀𝚙. They both walk to the one I found 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚠𝚖. "That's the Sorcerer of the Sands." Ace began. So many 𝚝𝚜𝚝𝚡𝚘 to remember. I groaned, realizing the headmage will probably make me memorize them all. "Wow! Guess it's true that a mage needs to be an excellent judge of character, huh?" Grim exclaimed. 

Grim walked over to  one of the three statues I haven't cleaned yet, "And what about this beauty over here?" "She's a queen who was said to be the fairest in all the land." 'The fairest? What could beauty do, that everyone is obsessed over being the most beautiful?' Even back home some of the 𝚏𝚗𝚎𝚕𝚎, even a few of the 𝚏𝚗𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗 would be more interested in their looks. 

Shaking my head at the memory, I noticed that the majority of 𝚗𝚞𝚖𝚎𝚢𝚞 have entered the 𝚗𝚞𝚖𝚝𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚐. Taking note of my surroundings a bit more, I am encircled by dried up leaves. My tail slowly swished away a few that were in my area. "𝙾𝚎 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚢𝚕𝚞 𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚘 𝚏𝚒̀𝚔𝚎𝚖 𝚕𝚒𝚔..." I muttered. Strutting past Ace and Grim, I pick up the rake I left by the Queen of Hearts statue. "Now THAT guy looks scary!" Hearing Grims comment, I turned to see who he was referring to. Grim was pointing at a statue of a 𝚏𝚗𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗, with 𝚝𝚡𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚜𝚢𝚒̀𝚙 𝚗𝚒𝚔𝚛𝚎. "That's the King of the Underworld! Single-handedly ruling a kingdom packed with rambunctious spirits – that takes competence!" 

Just looking at him gives me the heebie-jeebies. Ace must have noticed this since he continued with his lecture, "He may look scary, but he was a straight shooter who worked tirelessly at a tough job he never asked for." "To never complain about an assignment that you do not want is impressive." I commented, returning to the task at hand. I began thinking about some of the '𝚎𝚟𝚒 back home. Especially myself from when I was a '𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚐. How none of us like to be told what to do. 

"Right! I mean, this is a guy who was ordering Cerberus, the Hydra, and the Titans into battle for him." Ace adds. Confused, I tilted my head. It must be something from here only. "Hmm. That IS something. T' think he could have that much power and let it go to his head!" Grim exclaims. And for once I agreed with him. Finishing up, I continued cleaning the rest of the statues.

"And that last one there, with the horns?" Glancing over, they were standing in front of the last statue of a tall lady with sharp horns holding a staff. Just by looking at her, I can sense great power from her. I was slightly intimidated, even more so than the flame head.

"That's the Thorn Fairy who lived on a mystical mountain." Ace began once more with his explanations, "She was noble and elegant, and a master of magic and curses—even by the standards of these seven! She commanded storms, covered the kingdom with thorns..." 'That is powerful.' "She could use magic on a massive scale! She could even turn into a giant dragon." 'Dragon? What is a dragon?' I have heard some 𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚕𝚝𝚒̀𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚞 mention dragons whenever they  fly their ikran. Could it be something like that? "Ooh, a dragon! What all monsters yearn to be!" Grim smiles. "Pretty cool, huh?" Ace grins, before it turned into a smirk, "Not like some piddling weasel." 'So he is a 𝚔𝚞𝚛𝚔𝚞𝚗𝚐.'