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Deuce woke up. I assure you this boring task shouldn’t be hard but for him it’s no trivial task. Especially since his alarm was missing. That meant, he was running low on time as class was to start in 15 minutes.
“Ah come on!” He exclaimed hastily opening the door “why didn’t Ace wake me up like he said he would?”
You see the day before, Ace told him that he would wake his dear friend up, so Deuce wasn’t late. Unfortunately, the ginger seemed to have forgotten about their deal and went to class, leaving Deuce trying to run to alchemy in record time.
“Hey Deuce, why are you so late?” Said Yuu. She gave him a confused look before looking at the half-done up buttons. “Ace didn’t wake you up did he.” They sighed with great passion
“Luckily I made it in time then.” Deuce said with an exasperated sigh. “I would’ve been done for if my personal alarm clock wasn’t so strict.”
As the two started talking Professer Crewl entered the classroom. “You pups need to quiet down even todlars could do better than you.” After that harsh comment was made, class started without a hitch.
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“Seriously! Why didn’t you wake me up Ace, that was your one job!”
“Sorry? I don’t remember anything about your alarm clock dissapearing.” Ace gave Deuce a weird look before continuing. “Besides you made it to class did you not?“
“That’s not the point Ace! The point is that I was almost late.” Deuce’s face was scrunched up to show his rage. He wasn’t about to risk his grade for his lousy friend. “How could you not wake me up anyways? When you woke up you should’ve known to do the same to me!”
“Sorry sorry, I apologize but I actually don’t remember the conversation you’re talking about.” Ace looked like he wanted to exit the current topic. Luckily he didn’t have to wait long. Yuu came walking by with a skip in they’re step. She saw the pair and ran up to them.
“Hiya you two, what’s got you down?” After a second of scanning the area she realized; the two were talking about the earlier scuttle from Deuce.
“Seriously though Ace, how could you forget?” She said while giving him a disappointing look. “You literally were boasting about how you always wake up on time and how waking up Deuce was easy.“ They had a flat tone when talking, obviously showing whose side they were on. “Was it all a lie? Everything you promised?” They said keeping the tone but acting shocked. It was a performance that Vil would be… less than happy with.
“Okay okay geez… I get it now, but that conversation is not in my memory.” The redhead mumbled the last bit but his resolve seemed true enough so Deuce accepted this outcome.
“Well I have to leave now.” Ace exclaimed “Riddle said I broke rule 65 and now must head back to the dorm.”
“I see Ace.” The other Heartslabyul student said.
“Oh slightly off topic,” Yuu began “The…”
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It was getting late now and Deuce was still wondering around campus. He wanted to stay at school for slightly longer but didn’t know why. It’s almost as if he felt compelled to wander around more. Suddenly he tripped over something and fell onto the ground.
“Oww, that hurt.” he exclaimed before looking behind him to see what doomed him to fall. That’s when he saw on the ground a bright gold pocket watch that gleamed in the night. Weird, Deuce swears he didn’t see that when walking, especially something so bright, but he picked up the watch and stored it in his pocket.
When he got back to form everyone was sleeping. He was careful not to wake anyone and took out the newly gained object. Its carvings were familiar in ways he couldn’t understand and had details that would’ve cost a fortune. The student wanted to return the watch but was unable to bring himself to do it.
“Weird,” he whispered quietly as he shuffled it between his hands “I could’ve sworn i’ve seen it before.” Deuce decided to keep the watch as it was too dark to return it now. He secretly knew he would keep the watch but didn’t want to admit it. On the side of the object there seemed to be some kind of noise making mechanism but Deuce was already sleeping before he could see it.
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Mafuyu woke up staring at the ceiling. Apparently Nightcord wanted to visit Phoenix Wonderland, specifically at the wonder stage, and Mafuyu didn’t know how to feel about it. She didn’t hate the idea of visiting Wonderland x Showtime but she didn’t particularly care either.
She got up to get ready and go outside before she got a text from Emu.
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Emu: WAHH MAFUYUUU!!!!!!!!
I heard you may be coming to phoenix wonderland today!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can’t wait to see you!!!!!!
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Well that was one way to start the day. Mafuyu, after leaving her house, decided to head over to the arranged meeting place. After walking for a bit she arrived at the park.
“Mafuyu, over here!” A familiar voice said. She looked closer and saw Mizuki excitedly waving. “We’re gonna head out in a bit so let’s get something to eat!” She spoke again
“Hey Mizuki don’t be so loud.” Ena grumbled from behind her friend. She gave her a quick nudge before turning to Mafuyu and giving her a smile. “Kanade already went to the cafe while we were waiting so let’s follow her.”The trio then went to the cafe.
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“The food was nice.” Kanade said in her soft tone as always. The group had finished their food and were now heading over to phoenix wonderland.
“I agree, it was good.” Mafuyu replied. It wasn’t anything special to her but it wasn’t bad either.
“We’re almost there! Can’t wait to see Tsukasa!” That’s when Mafuyu looked up to see the theme park a few paces away. While Mizuki was talking she quickened her pace to a run.
“Hey, Mizuki don’t leave us!” Ena then followed her friend leaving the other two to themselves.
“Those two seem to be having fun.” Kanade smiled. There was a sense of dread in her voice however, probably from thinking how she was going to catch up to the other two. “We don’t want to get left behind so let’s run.” She then tried to jog to the theme park but gave up about twenty steps in.
Mafuyu stared at the park before turning to Kanade. “I guess I’ll also run.” She said before sprinting over to the other two.
“Wait.. don’t… leave… me…” Kanade’s voice panted although it was too late as the other girl had already left.
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“Look! It’s the wonder stage!” Mizuki pointed and said. “It’s so cool! I wonder what the show is going to be like!” The group took their seats and started waiting
“Woah look it’s Mafuyu and the others!” An energetic voice said. Mafuyu turned around to see Emu and Tsukasa watching them, trying not to be caught by the crowd.
“Hi Emu-san!” Ena said while waving. She gave a quick smile too.
“HELLO MIZUKI AND OTHERS!” A loud voice spoke. This was definitely Tsukasa.
“Hello Tsukasa-san it’s been awhile.” The purple-haired girl said cheerfully. “I’m excited to see your show.”
“HELLO ASAHINA-SAN!” He replied, still awfully loud.
“What are you two doing here?” Kanade spoke up quietly “Isn’t the show starting in a few minutes?”
“Yep it is! But we wanted to ask you guys something!” Emu smiled. “The show needs audience participation and we wanted you four specifically to be able to volunteer!”
“Really? I suppose we could do that.” Ena jumped in.
“Then it’s decided!” She said smiling profusely. “Be ready to be on stage!” Emu looked at Mafuyu while saying that last line. However she didn’t pay much attention to it.
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“Wahhh!? You’re the villain Vegetable-san!!??” Mizuki cried on stage. She was armed with a plastic sword and a dream. Opposing her was the villain Vegtable-san, who was armed with a potato launcher. Rui was the person playing this role and knowing him the launcher probably worked and could harm anyone who hated potatoes.
“Mafuyu!” Emu said backstage while the show was ongoing “we’re missing a microphone! Can you search around for it?” Nightcord near the beginning of the show was ushered backstage to help the hero’s journey into defeating the not so-mysterious villain.
“Sure thing Ootori-san.” Mafuyu responded while getting up to look for it.
“We probably dropped it while moving the equipment! So it may not be near the Wonder Stage!”
“Thanks for telling me, I’ll be sure to look all around for it.” She gave the pink hair a fake smile which she seemed to get scared at before heading off. She didn’t realize Emu’s eyes still lingering on her.
After searching the nearby area without a microphone in sight Mafuyu decided to go through some out of place bushes. They were dense and probably out of park limits but that didn’t matter. All she needed to do was find the microphone.
Through a gap in the foliage she saw a lake. Mafuyu peered into her own reflection on the waters before looking around more. Fallen branches were surrounding the water which upon closer inspection was increasingly deep. She thought to herself for a bit on the time. By now if she didn’t return she’ll miss her cue on stage. She thought to herself how that if she wasn’t on stage then that would be worse than not having a mic. But a weird feeling kept her there. An obligation almost to find the microphone. But she tried her best to push it down. So alas, Mafuyu decided to go back to the others to perform. Besides, to counter the lack of microphone she could just speak louder.
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Deuce woke up. I assure you this time the task was easy for him. That’s because the pocket watch started ringing for him when it was time for him to wake up.
“What is that noise?” He said under his breath still waking up. He hazily rolled out of bed to the newfound alarm. After pressing a button on its side the ringing stopped. He was the only one in the room as it seems everyone else woke up already so he was all alone. Since no one was there class must be starting soon so he got ready and started to head over to class.
When he arrived Yuu was hanging out outside the classroom.
“Hi Deuce!” Yuu said. She had a slightly confused look on her face but continued to smile. “They told us at the dorms that today’s class was starting earlier at 6am but you were still at school when they notified us and Ace totally forgot to wake you up, in fact you just missed him.” they were still in shock Deuce woke up on time. “How did you wake up on time?”
“I j-just did.” He lied hoping they wouldn’t find out about the stolen pocket watch. Yuu probably wouldn’t care anyways but he still wanted to keep it a secret. “Anyways class is starting soon so let’s go inside.”
This class was a bit different as for some reason the professors decided to combine every single class and year together so they could work in groups. Deuce was with Malleus, Idia, Silver, Jamil and Ortho. The time was 6:15.
“I see so the goal is to fulfill as many of the tasks as possible. There are some extra tasks where if all completed the students who are in that group will get a significant grade boost in any subject. The coach being they all have to be completed in rapid succession but we get lots of preparation time. We can only use a select few items and are not allowed to use anything else” Jamil stated. All the groups were chosen randomly but altered a bit so everyone’s grades even out. Since Silver slept through lots of classes, Ortho relatively new, Jamil having suspiciously average grades and Deuce not having the best of scores they got two house wardens to even out the playing field.
“Thank you Viper.” A low booming voice said. Everyone but silver collectively shuddered at the noice. “Since we have the Shrouds and Spade who are quite competent in machinery maybe we should make a device to do all this.”
Slilence followed for a while slightly before Silver spoke up.
“I think that’s a great idea Malleus.” He said calmly. “Idia and Ortho, do you have any ideas?”
“I do!” Ortho spoke up “Most of the tasks we me and Idia can already make with a bit of help.” He looked at Idia who sunk in his seat in embarrassment. “The extra ones are a lot trickier so I want Malleus and Deuce to find something for me. A pocket watch to be exact.”
Deuce shot up. Why did Ortho group him with Malleus?
“I see smaller Shroud, I’ll take Spade with me to find one.” He looked down at Deuce and smiled.
“May I ask what the pocket watch it for?” Asked Jamil. “We have our phones don’t we? If we need to time something we can just use them.”
“Due to the item list we’ll have limited options for machinery so we’ll need to use our phones to make it work.” Ortho then turned to Deuce and Malleus “A pocket watch is on the list but I don’t know where to find the one so I’ll leave it to you two.”
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“So Spade so you know where a pocket watch is to be found?” He stared at the first year menacingly. “I always break most machinery given to me.”
Deuce nervously attempted to mumble a suggestion “We’re not allowed to got to Sam’s shop to buy anything so I would check the sports cupboard. It is the most likely place to have a stopwatch.” He paused at almost every word.
“So we must go there then, let us go Spade.”
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They weren’t the only ones who had that idea as Rook and Cater were standing outside the cupboard too.
“Hii Malleus and Deucy!~ Seems like you were also trying to find a stopwatch.” Cater look slightly deflated. “Some jerk took all of them and ran away. They don’t even need that many they just wanted to lock other groups from obtaining them!”
“Alas Monsieur Magicam there is nothing we can do about it now. We must make haste and go somewhere else.”
“Really Rook? Ah well it was nice seeing you Deucy.~” The two then wondered off.
“It seems that we can’t get a pocket watch from here so let’s look at other places to find them Spade.” Malleus than grabbed Deuce’a arm an led him somewhere else”
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In the next room they saw Lilia, Sebek, Epel, Vil, Jack and Leona. They seemed to be arguing over something but the pair couldn’t hear them. Malleus then opened the door
“I told you we have to find a new strategy. No one here is good for the job.” Leona looked at Vil in the eyes angry. “Everyone is rather too short or too tall.”
“This is the only good and best strategy we have Leona.” Vil shot an equally angry look at Leona. “We don’t have anything better.”
“I could try bending my knees a bit to be shorter.”
“I don’t think that’ll work Jack.” Epel blurted out.
“Sebek may I ask what’s going on?” Malleus said. Everyone turned their heads to see him and Deuce at the door.
“Ah, hi Malleus!” Lilia waved.
“Y-young master.” Sebek looked at him. “We were just-“
“YOU.” Vil cut in. He pointed at Deuce. “You are perfect for the job.”
“What do you mean?” Deuce stuttered
“You’re right Vil this guy is.” Leona was almost surprised. “Hey, Malleus don’t suppose we could borrow your friend for a bit?”
“No you cannot.” Malleus fought back “He is important to our mission so he may not join you.”
“If it’s about height Ace is about the same as me!” Deuce said before he was dragged away.
Malleus then quickly closed the door and left. The time was 6:55.
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The next sight they saw was quite peculiar. Practically everyone was in the courtyard. Yuu, Grim, Ace, Ruggie, Azul, Floyd, Jade, Kalim, Riddle and Trey.
“Oh hi Deuce! Over here.” Deuce waved back to them before realizing Malleus was talking to Riddle.
“Hello Deuce, Cater told me about your pocket watch problem.” Deuce turned to see Trey and Jade.
“H-hi Trey why are there so there people here?”
“There were no rules about only staying in groups and we decided to combine ours.” Jade said.
“Oh look it’s little mackerel!” Floyd appeared from behind Deuce. He turned around to see Azul also running after him
“Floyd don’t wander off.” The housewarden said slightly panting. “You were supposed to be helping Rook and Cater.”
Deuce slowly walked away, not wanting to be a part of one of Floyd’s outburst. Ruggie and Kalim seemed to be working on the tasks intently.
“What if we paint it yellow! And add a-“ Kalim was excitedly squeezing out ideas.
“No Kalim for the last time we need to focus on the tasks we already have!”
“Fine I understand but I still think the yellow is a good idea.”
Finally after wandering around enough he saw Riddle.
“Sorry Cater and Rook still haven’t found any pocket watch. We’ll be sure to tell you if we find one.”
Malleus turned to Deuce. “Spade, we should split up and meet back here at 9:00 to search the entire school for the watch. I will be searching the left side, you should search the right.” He then left without saying anything else.
Eventually it was 9:00 and no pocket watch was to be found. Malleus and Deuce were walking back to Ortho. Deuce felt slightly sad that they found nothing but he wouldn’t give up the golden one since it wasn’t his. That was when the golden pocket watch fell out of his pocket. It made a *plop* sound and Malleus’s eyes darted down to it.
“Spade.” Malleus boomed. This was it Deuce thought to himself. He messed up by taking it. Malleus was gonna kill him now.
“Spade… It’s a miracle!” Malleus seemed happy. “There’s a pocket watch right there!” He quickly ran to pick it up. “It’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before, it truly is magical.”
“Yeah, it really is…” Deuce could not believe his luck. It seems like Malleus didn’t notice the watch was from him. It was weird because he would have suspected him to know but he may as well take the win.
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They’ve been workings on the machine for a bit now the time was 9:50 and Deuce was tasked to go to the alchemy storage room to find some ingredients for a potion they wanted to put in the machine. He left albeit reluctantly as he was alone but eventually decided to go.
He had been walking for a while now. That’s when he realized he was holding the pocket watch. “I should give this back to them.” He mumbled and slowly made his way back. He eventually was outside to take a shortcut. Surprisingly no one was there. Normally you’d see a student or two doing their projects but that was not the case for this part of the building. It felt like someone was watching him though but no one was there. Deuce summed it up to paranoia and continued walking.
He was then stabbed. A knife pierced through his chest and his mouth was then covered so he couldn’t scream. He scrambled around to try see his attacker’s face to only see a black figure with a cloak and hood on with gold accents. It then raised its knife and stabbed him before everything went black
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Mafuyu woke up the next day staring at the ceiling and feeling apathetic as usual. The show yesterday was fun she guessed but not anything noteworthy. It ended with the vegetable villain turning good at the last second and everyone becoming friends. It was a classic troupe but good for children which is who the show was aimed at.
She then remembered the microphone. Although it didn’t cause too many problems with it being missing it still felt irritating that it wasn’t at its rightful place. Mafuyu thought to herself that technically the lake was off park limits so she could go back to see if it was there. She still felt obligated to find it, compelled to find it. Her body moved by itself to go back to where she was the day before.
After heading through the bushes again she was back at the body of water. It was still as deep and crystal clear as last time she checked up at it but that’s irrelevant. The sticks around the lake were quite obvious as so anyone who was near could see it. There was no one there which made sense as no one would go to anywhere this out of place but she almost felt another presence.
After looking for an hour or so she found nothing. Even after checking nearby areas there was nothing there. Nothing in sight but that compelling feeling was still lingering in her chest so she still continued.
Mafuyu’s eyes noticed a microphone on the ground. It was bright and obvious. She wondered how she didn’t see it earlier. She swore she passed that spot a dozen times but eventually brushed it off. She bent down to pick it up.
This was definitely professionally made if not better. Mafuyu wondered how WxS were able to afford something of this quality and how they would lose it. It was black like most mics but had a beautiful polish on it. It felt heavy but easy to carry at the same time and had slight gold accents on the handle. It also felt familiar in her hand even though this was her first time witnessing it. “This is probably it.” She said to herself.
Something was off. Mafuyu was about to head back but the presence there earlier has started to make itself more clear. She checked the time 9:58 not that late. But something was happening but she couldn’t place a finger on it.
Suddenly a hand was on her back and she was pushed into the lake. Immediately she scrambled about trying to fight her way out of the water but it was to no avail. She tried to turn around to get a look at the culprit’s face but only saw a black figure with its clothes lined with gold. She was deep in the lake and couldn’t leave. She felt herself get weaker and weaker until she saw the microphone glow before everything was black
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Deuce didn’t wake up. I can tell you for sure he didn’t. This was definitely a dream. The sky was a dark purple and he was sitting on one big pink cloud-like floor. He thought back to what he just experienced and wait, didn’t he die? He jumped up immediately at that thought and thought really hard. “Where am I?” He whispered before wandering off.
Mafuyu didn’t wake up and there was definitely no ceiling. Instead a purple sky and a pink cloud below her. She sat up and gasped for air. “I was drowning.” She said to herself “Why am I here?” She looked around a bit more before wandering off.
Deuce saw a purple-haired figure in the distance. They seemed to have long hair in a ponytail and a black dress. They also seemed to be walking towards him.
“Who… are you?” They said their voice was monotone and deflated.
“I could say the same thing to you.” Deuce tried to hide his scared feelings to no avail.
“Why are you here?” They said in the same tone. “Why am I here?”
“I… don’t know I just woke up here.” Deuce was properly frightened. The person now that they were closer had no light in their eyes.
“I woke up here too.” They spoke.
Suddenly, their watch and microphone respectively started to glow.
“You have one too?” Deuce whispered.
The two objects floated in the air and stopped in front of both of them. Words started to form and they read:
“To Mafuyu and Deuce,
I know you must be terribly confused. The two of you woke up after dying and are now here. I can’t send you too many messages so I’ll say this,
to escape you must not die at 10:00am”
“So you also died?” Deuce said looking at who he now knows is Mafuyu. “Like the note said my name is Deuce.”
“I’m Mafuyu.” She said unfeeling. Mafuyu had been slightly curious about Deuce. He had checkered patterns on his clothes and roses. Perhaps he was a performer at phoenix wonderland.
“Well uhh I go to Night Raven Collage, what about you?”
Huh. Night Raven Collage. She’s never heard of that school before. “I’m from Miyamizuka high. May I ask what is Night Raven Collage?”
“You haven’t heard of it?”
“No.”
“How weird everyone from where I’m from knows what it is. It’s one of the most prestigious magic schools.” Deuce smiled a bit, most likely from being proud.
“Magic?”
“Yes? What about it?
“What’s that?”
No way. How could this person not know about magic? It’s the staple of the world unless…
“Mafuyu… are you from a place called Japan?”
“Yes why?”
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“I see so Yuu is from Japan and you’re from Twisted Wonderland. In that school they teach you magic.”
“That’s right. I’d have never thought I’d meet another person from Japan!”
“It’s not anything noteworthy.”
“I’ve told you about where I’m from so can you do the same?”
“Sure.”
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“So you’re in a music group? That’s so cool!”
“All I do is write the lyrics.”
“Still that’s amazing.”
“Thanks. But I think we should address why we are here.”
“Oh, we should.”
Deuce swallows his fear and started to speak. “I was walking outside when a black figure with a cloak attacked me and that’s when I died. My pocket watch glowed before I woke up here.”
Mafuyu thought about it for a bit before speaking up “did your figure have gold linings on their cloak?”
“Yes, wait did we get attacked by the same person?”
“It seems so but I got pushed in a lake instead.”
“I see, well according to the note we need to survive until after 10:00 and I’ve personally got a plan.”
“That being?”
“I want to avoid the place I got attacked so I won’t die to them. I’ll go down the hallway again instead.”
“I see, that means I’ll avoid the lake so I won’t get pushed in.”
The watch and microphone glowed before both of them woke up again.
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Deuce woke up. This time I can tell you with a goal. He realized quickly that he woke up the say he was almost late for school and quickly ran to get ready.
“Hey Deuce, why are you so late?” Said Yuu. She gave him a confused look.
“Ace forgot to wake me up.” He said.
They sighed with a great passion. “At least you’re not late. That means we can go to class.
The rest of the day went as Deuce remembered. Nothing of note happened except something changed. Ace, this time around wanted to stay after school instead of going back. A bit weird he thought to himself. Why would Ace stay with him? Ah, well they had some nice conversations and Ace seemed to be really happy during that time so Deuce is sure it’s fine.
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Deuce woke up the next day to the alarm. I can confidently say he was ready for anything. He did the day as normal before heading to the early class “come to think of it I never saw Ace today.” He thought to himself. He was as usual put in the same group as the last time he experienced today and was tasked with finding a pocket watch.
“No worries Ortho have one!” He immediately gave his golden watch to the group.
“Wow Deuce you came prepared. This means you can help us work on the machine.”
Deuce was confused at what Idia and Ortho were talking about but eventually got the gist of what he was supposed to do. After a bit he checked the time 9:00 he was going to die in an hour. He thought back to the las time he died. He went to go get some potion ingredients to make a potion with but on the way got stabbed. “If I go now I’ll be with Ortho and the others when I die.” So Deuce made his journey onwards.
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Mafuyu woke up staring at the ceiling. She thought back to the day ahead of her. She saw the day and it was the day she was going to phoenix wonderland so she got up and ready. She didn’t notice how the text from Emu was missing.
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“Mafuyu, over here!” The same familiar voice said. She looked closer and saw Mizuki excitedly waving. “We’re gonna head out in a bit so let’s get something to eat!” She spoke again
“Hey Mizuki don’t be so loud.” Ena grumbled from behind her friend. She gave her a quick nudge before turning to Mafuyu and giving her a smile. “Kanade already went to the cafe while we were waiting so let’s follow her.”The trio then went to the cafe.
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Mafuyu like last time saw Tsukasa and Emu staring at her. They asked the group to come join them on stage to which Nightcord agreed. Mizuki acted surprised at vegetable’s surprise villain reveal while backstage Emu and Mafuyu were talking.
“Mafuyu!” Emu said backstage while the show was ongoing “we’re missing a microphone! Can you search around for it?” Nightcord near the beginning of the show was ushered backstage to help the hero’s journey into defeating the not so-mysterious villain.
“No worries Ootori-san. I have it” Mafuyu responded while cheerfully pulling it out.
“Wahhh Mafuyu-san you’re magical!” Emu went to hug Mafuyu “Thank you!”
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Mafuyu woke up staring at the ceiling. She thought that this time would be different. She can just avoid the lake entirely. In fact she could just stay at home.
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9:30
Deuce came back from the potion room with the ingredients
Mafuyu had breakfast and is studying in her room
9:45
Deuce is helping with the machinery with Idia and Ortho.
Mafuyu responds to some Nightcord messages
10:00
Deuce was stabbed by a flying knife
Mafuyu was stabbed by a flying knife
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“So we’re back here huh?” Deuce was slightly disappointed in himself.
“It seems so.” Mafuyu was more apathetic.
“My plan really didn’t work? I thought it was a good one too.”
“I guess our killer isn’t stationed at one spot so now we need to figure out a new strategy.”
“It was all so sudden, if only we could have been protected.”
“Your friends Deuce, they’re powerful right?”
“That they are why?”
“If you gather them at 10:00 then you’ll be protected.”
Deuce’s eyes lit up “And you can gather yours so you’ll be protected.”
“Although they don’t have magic I know that they are strong.”
“Is that our new plan?”
“That it is.”
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Deuce woke up. I think the first day is always uneventful but still important for his knee plan and Deuce knows that too.
After he got ready he headed to class where he saw Yuu.
“Hi Yuu! I’m not late!” He said smiling
They look at him for a few seconds before they spoke. “Hiya Deuce! Ace didn’t remind you did he?”
“Nope but I managed to wake up on time! Come on let’s head to class.”
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Deuce woke up the next day. I know you’ve seen these lines before but I’ll continue anyways. He got up and went to class but something was weird. This time he was grouped with Jack and Kalim instead of Jamil and Silver but it shouldn’t make a difference to his plans.
Again he was tasked to find a pocket watch with Malleus but he also had other intentions going into it. He didn’t reveal the watch straight away but kept it in his pocket.
“So Spade so you know where a pocket watch is to be found?” He stared at the first year menacingly. “I always break most machinery given to me.”
“Yes, the sports cupboard should have some let’s head over there.”
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Again, Cater and Rook were also there to find some pocket watches.
“Hii Malleus and Deucy!~ Seems like you were also trying to find a stopwatch.” Cater look slightly deflated. “Some jerk took all of them and ran away. They don’t even need that many they just wanted to lock other groups from obtaining them!”
“Alas Monsieur Magicam there is nothing we can do about it now. We must make haste and go somewhere else.”
“Wait.” Deuce cut in. “I think I see one over there.” He went in and quickly took the golden one out of his pocket.
“Monsieur Spade! You have found a diamond in the rough!”
“Wow Deucy! We’ll let you keep it then since you found it.”
“No worries Cater you can keep it for now. We can meet in the court yard at 9:50 so we can take it back.”
“We can go find another one Diamond, don’t worry.”
“Thanks you two! We’ll be going now.”
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In the next room they saw Lilia, Sebek, Epel, Vil, this time Jamil and Leona. They seemed to be arguing over something but the pair couldn’t hear them. Malleus then opened the door
“I told you we have to find a new strategy. No one here is good for the job.” Leona looked at Vil in the eyes angry. “Everyone is rather too short or too tall.”
“This is the only good and best strategy we have Leona.” Vil shot an equally angry look at Leona. “We don’t have anything better.”
“I could also do this job.”
“You’re most of the other important things Jamil so we need you working.” Epel blurted out.
Deuce opened the door. “Do you guys need someone with a certain height?”
“YOU.” Vil looked at Deuce and pointed. “You are perfect for the job.”
“What do you mean?” Deuce stuttered
“You’re right Vil this guy is.” Leona was almost surprised. “Hey, Malleus don’t suppose we could borrow your friend for a bit?”
“No you cannot.” Malleus fought back “He is important to our mission so he may not join you.”
“Well I’m meeting Cater and Rook in the courtyard at 9:50 so if you guys also come at 9:50 that would be good.” Deuce said before he was dragged away.
—————————
All the preparations had been set. Deuce looked at the time 9:47 it was time to head out. He got his group to follow him to the courtyard for “practice”but it was actually so they can be protection. The combined group was already located at the courtyard so the other two groups would join them there. He arrived at the courtyard to see everyone’s familiar faces it was 9:52 so he was a bit late but everyone he needed was in there.
The sight the group saw wasn’t as to Deuce as it was the first time peculiar. Practically everyone was in the courtyard. Yuu, Grim, Ace, Ruggie, Azul, Floyd, Jade, Silver, Riddle, Cater, Rook and Trey.
“Hi Deucey~ we’re here and I see you e brought your group along.”
“Yep we wanted to practice.”
Vil’s group arrived next.
“Deuce we needed you for our project.” Epel sheepishly said. “Can you do something for us?”
Before he could respond the black figure attempted to stab Deuce but luckily Riddle stopped it.
“Who are you and what are you doing with my card soldier.” Riddle shouted angrily while still remaining calm. Everyone now turned to look at the intruder. Malleus went up to it.
“Why are you attacking Spade?” It sounded like a statement instead of a question. It broke free from Riddle’s grip and immediately went for Deuce again. This time Azul and the twins stopped them.
Jade spoke “Look in to my left eye deeply. What are you doing here?” No response came. Deuce checked the time 9:58. It broke free agin and aimed for Deuce. All the first years in the courtyard then attacked the killer with various techniques they tried to stop it from touching Deuce but it was to no avail as when the clock hit 10:00 it was all over and the world turned black.
—————————
Mafuyu woke up staring at the ceiling. She knew this time to try and gather as many people in one place as possible so she opened her phone and sent a message.
————————
Mafuyu: Hello Honami-san
I want to plan a meetup
And I wanted to invite your band
And as many people as possible
Can we meet the park tomorrow?
9:30
Honami: Hi Mafuyu-senpai
We would be delighted to go
I know you’re also going to PW
and N25 VBS and MMJ are there
I’ll send them a message for you
Mafuyu: I see thank you
—————————
That was weird. Why are MMJ and VBS coming with Nightcord to Phoenix Wonderland? Well that only helps her so it shouldn’t matter. Now all Mafuyu needs to do is get Nightcord and Wonderlands x Showtime on board.
—————————
“Hi Mizuki-san.” Mafuyu greeted.
“Wah, Mafuyu-san you scared me!” Mizuki exclaimed. Ena peered over her shoulder.
“Akito, Airi, Kanade and the others are waiting for us at the cafe.” Said Ena. “Let’s go meet them.”
—————————
“The food was nice.” Kanade said in her soft voice.
“It was Yoisaki-san.” This was Toya speaking. “I like the coffee.”
“I don’t get how you like the bitter taste of black coffee.” Said Akito. “It’s so weird.”
“You making fun of Toya-san Akito? That’s not very nice of you.” An jumped. She gave Akito a nudge and giggled.
“I get where you’re coming from Shinonome-san. It can get a bit overwhelming.” Said Kohane she gave a small nod to him before looking back at An.
Airi looked at Mafuyu before speaking “Asahina-san hello it’s been awhile.”
“I believe our last trip together was our outing in Kyoto.” Shizuku spoke up.
“Indeed it was. I’m excited to see the show with you two.” Mafuyu smiled before continuing to Phoenix Wonderland.
—————————
This time all three groups were put up for volunteering. Haruka, Minori and Nene went up to Mafuyu.
“Hello Mafuyu-senpai.” Haruka spoke. “I believe we go up together to fight Minori and Kusanagi-san.”
“Woah, Haruka’s so organized I need to be like her.” Minori said.
“Rui’s edited the script a bit so here’s the updated version.” Nene handed Mafuyu the script before running off.
“Well then Haruka-san should we head on stage?”
“Yes, let’s.”
—————————
“Come with you to the park with everyone else? Of course we’re on board.” Rui smirked.
“How come you didn’t tell us about this earlier Mafuyu-Chan I would’ve loved to know.”
“Sorry Mizuki I’ll tell you next time.”
“Well I’m excited for tomorrow!”
—————————
Mafuyu woke up staring at the ceiling. Today was the day. Everyone should be at the park.
When she arrived Rui and Nene were already there talking. Not before long the trio heard a noise.
“HAHAHA IT IS I TSUKASA TENMA HERE ON YOU REQUEST MAFUYU.”
“Hi Asahina-senpai we’re here as you said.” Honami sounded happy and following was Shiho.
“This is one of the few times seeing you Asahina-senpai.” She said. Saki was really excited about this meeting.
“Hii Asahina-senpai~” Saki said. “Remember when we played dodgeball? Let’s do that again!”
Ichika was next. “Asahina-senpai hello it’s nice seeing you again.” She smiled before turning back to her friends.
Not long after MMJ then VBS then N25 followed. Now that everyone was here she could finally breathe. Maybe now she won’t get murdered. The time was 9:56.
The black figure jumped at Mafuyu. It weaved through the crowds before attempting to stab her. Akito managed to punch him before shouting, “WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?”
Honami and Rui held him down while Saki went to get the police. The figure lunged again for Mafuyu but didn’t manage to reach. Most people just stood and watched in horror. They were asking themselves if this was real. The time was 9:59. Nothing they did was good enough as when the clock hit 10:00 the figure threw a knife at her and everything went black.
—————————
“So that didn’t work on my end” Deuce said
“It didn’t work on mine either but we’re getting closer.” Mafuyu said still monotone
“We still haven’t figured out what this place is.”
“It reminds me of a SEKAI.”
“A Sekai? What’s that.”
“In my world people’s true feelings can blossom into a SEKAI which is a place made up of those feelings. Normally they are accessed through a song file in a playlist.”
“I see that’s really cool!”
“Mine is just empty though there’s nothing in it.”
“That sounds like you.”
“Something different happened in my loop.”
“Oh yeah now that I think about it mine too•
“Instead of just N25 going to PW, two other groups did too.”
“Weird in mine everyone mixed groups slightly. In fact on my first loop there was a change, Ace stayed with me after school. Wait, that makes me realize I haven’t seen Ace on the second day at all.”
“On my first loop Emu didn’t text me but she did hug me backstage. I haven’t seen her either on the second day.”
“Is this our next hint?”
“Most likely”
—————————
Loop #4:
“I attempted to find Ace but couldn’t. Everyone else says he just wandered off”
“Same for me with Emu.”
“Let’s try again.”
Loop #5:
“I went to Kanade’s house. She was sitting on a cup noodle throne with Mizuki.”
“Things just keep getting weirder huh?”
Loop #7:
“There’s now a Ferris wheel in my world.”
“That’s a big change.”
“Yep maybe I’ll ride on it one day.”
“Maybe.”
Loop #13:
“I think I can will things in with my mind.”
“What do you mean by that Mafuyu.”
“I wanted to light a candle and I just lit itself.”
“Really?”
“I got a bad headache afterwards.”
Loop #25:
Ace was leaning on Deuce’s shoulder. It was the first loop where Deuce went on the Ferris wheel. By now it started to become more theme park than a lone ferris wheel. He woke up but Ace convinced him to skip school so they could ride it together. Unfortunately Ace got tired midway through hence why he was leaning on his shoulder.
When they reached the top disaster struck and the Ferris wheel shut down.
“Ace, the Ferris wheel stopped moving.”
“Really? I’m tired can I just sleep on you then?”
“What? I-I mean if you want.”
“Okay then ‘night Deuce.”
He the slept on Deuce’s shoulder peacefully while the other person was panicking.
Loop #27:
Mafuyu was dragged into training by Emu. The pink-haired one excitedly waved around trying to aim her fire spell at a target but always missing.
Mafuyu having done archery before had no problems. She shot bullseye every single time without even hesitating.
“Asahina-senpai how are you so good at this?” Emu almost seemed angry but it was more like frustration welling up in her.
“No worries Ootori-san, I’ll help you.” She when behind the other girl and carried Emu’s hands in her own. She then oriented them towards the target.
“Now shoot.”
A perfect bullseye.
“Wahhh, you’re too good at this Asahina-senpai.”
“Thanks Ootori-san.”
Loop #31:
“Come to think of it the changes really are getting bigger.”
“We still haven’t found a way to survive past 10:00 but mine are big”
“Yeah, mine are getting to the point where entire shops have been made selling this penguin merch.”
“Penguin… merch?”
“Yeah, it’s this penguin with this jester hat thing. It’s pretty cute though.”
“Is… its name phenny?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I think our worlds are merging.”
Loop #32:
“Your theory was right I saw the wonder stage.”
“I think I saw who you would call Riddle.”
“YOU SAW RIDDLE?”
“He had red hair, roses around his white outfit and was on the shorter side too.
“Well I think our time is running out. And these are just warnings of something bigger.”
“You should stay in your room next loop. I’m going to talk to Riddle in mine.”
“Why should I stay in my room?”
“I want to test something.”
Loop #33:
“I died as my room collapsed on me.”
“As I thought.”
“What do you mean Mafuyu?”
“If you didn’t pick up that pocket watch you wouldn’t have woken up.”
“And that means I would still be sleeping. And that’s when my room would collapse on me.”
“So if you didn’t find the pocket watch you would’ve died without doing anything.”
“Huh you may be onto something, how’d your conversation with Riddle go?”
“He doesn’t seem to know about NRC yet.”
“Well we’ll never know until next loop.”
“Until next loop then.”
Loop #37:
Mafuyu approached the Riddle in this loop.
“Hello I’m Mafuyu I feel like I’ve seen you around here before have we crossed paths?”
“A few times yes. But we never spoke we only saw each other. I’m Riddle.”
“Nice to meet you Riddle what school do you go to?”
“I’m a sophomore in NRC in fact I’m the housewarden.”
“Housewarden what a prestigious title, say a friend of mine whose name is Deuce goes to NRC have you seen them around?”
“Ahh, he’s a freshman in Heartslabyul I know him.”
“That’s nice, sorry my mom’s calling me. I need to goto dinner in an hour.”
“I see, my mom’s used to push me around a lot. I’m only recently recovering from her manipulation with the help of friends.”
“Manipulation?”
“She restricted my diet and social life so I would be one the strongest magic user.”
“I… understand. I’ll see you around later.”
Loop #38:
“Riddle knew who I was?”
“He said you were a freshman in Heartslabyul.”
“Yep that’s right.”
“So all we know about the loops so far is: we always die at 10:00, our worlds are merging, the pocket watch and microphone allow us to loop and we seem to be on a timer of sorts. I estimate until loop 50 our worlds will stay separate almost.”
“We also know that Emu and Ace always disappear on the second day of the loop. Maybe if we find them this will all be over?”
“Let’s hope.”
—————————
Loop #50:
Deuce woke up. Trust me when I say this, he was stressed. Their worlds were one and the same at this point. It was a mix between Sage island and Shibuya. He thinks that this’ll be the last loop before something bad happens but doesn’t know why. “Let’s try to survive this loop.” He checked the time and somehow woke up on the second day at 7:00.
Mafuyu woke up starring at the ceiling. She knew the was the 50th loop and their worlds may fully be intertwined. She herself could use magic and people at NRC could sing. This was the last loop before impending doom she thought. “I’ll look around a bit.”She checked the time and it was the second day at 7:00.
—————————
“Deuce is that you?”
“Mafuyu! D-do you remember me? F-from the dream world or cloud thing?”
“It seems our worlds are so interconnected that we can talk to each other.”
“It seems so.”
“Let’s look around then.”
After searching the area for a bit they came to scramble crossing. It was a mix between stone walls and floating candles to glass panes and metal. Buildings were half and half of each world each unrecognizable. Some places had giant towers from castles others had roads, cars and traffic lights trying to fight for what was once their land.
“This place is not Shibuya.” Mafuyu said still monotone. “To think this all happened so quickly.”
“Let’s go to Phoenix wonderland.”
—————————
They arrived at Phoenix wonderland which looked relatively untouched. The park’s rides still operated perfectly and the only thing out of place was the giant NRC building next to it. They saw Ace running towards them and Emu doing the same but from Phoenix Wonderland.
“Hi Deuce,” Ace waved “you’re not gonna believe what I saw-”
“MAFUYU-SAN.” Emu squealed “It’s me Emu! Everyone was coming to watch our show on the wonder stage let’s go!”
“Hello Ootori-san.” Mafuyu said in her cheerful voice. Deuce almost recoiled when he heard that. “We’re in a bit of a rush and need to get going.”
“Yeah Ace sorry…” Deuce said regretfully.
“You should come with us though nothing bad will happen.” Ace smiled. “Just follow us.”
“Yeah! We’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“What do you mean by that Ootori-san.”
“Nothing with hurt you at all.” She said excitedly. “Nothing will lay a finger on you.”
“What do we do?” Deuce whispered to Mafuyu. “We’re not in a position to refuse.”
“Tell them.” Mafuyu whispered back.
“Tell them what?”
“That we know they’re connected to all of this.”
“Okay then I’ll do it.” Deuce breathed in. “Ace and uhh.. Ootori-san.”
“Yes?” They said in unison.
“We know that you’re connected to the time loop.”
They two froze. Then they looked at each other. After a moment of silence Emu spoke up.
“You know?”
“Yes Ootori-san we know.” Mafuyu said.
“And we want answers.” Deuce added.
They looked at each other again and then Ace stared at both of them in the eyes. He had a serious look on his face and said flatly. “Are you sure?”
“Yes we are sure.” Deuce said.
“Okay we’ll tell you.”
“We regained our memories of the time loop this loop. We didn’t remember before or appear on the second day due to a mistake in the alchemy. “ Ace said.
“Mafuyu, the day after I sent you to find the microphone you decided to go back to the lake to search for it again. That’s when you fell in and were found dead.” Emu’s voice was cracking at that last sentence.
“Deuce when I didn’t wake you up to go to class the room you were in caught on fire. You died that day due to my actions.” Ace couldn’t look him in the eye anymore. His shame was felt through his words.
“If we didn’t do what we did in those two days you would still have been alive.”
“I researched behind professor Crewl’s back on ways to turn back time but couldn’t find anything except on how to move an object back through time. Originally I was just going to send a pocket watch to save his life only but I needed a plane which was disconnected from the real world in my possession.”
“That was what the SEKAI was for. Our feelings of guilt and bringing you back were so strong it made a SEKAI that transcended universes.”
“All we had to do was lace the items we wanted to send back it a touch of gold but when we did we made a mistake.”
“Alchemy is unstable when used through universes and something caused our spell to glitch and made a time loop. It also caused us to disappear the day you die and lose our memories”
“Before the first loop started however we quickly made fake memories of us existing on the second day so you wouldn’t realize we were gone but we made the mistake of assuming your memories got wiped too.”
“We also accidentally sent something back with you. It’s the black figure that kills you in every loop. It remembers through our memories during which it gained during the alchemy that you died and thus thought its purpose was to kill you.”
“And that’s our story if there’s anymore questions we’ll answer them.”
“… I suppose your actions don’t have to be in vain.” Deuce spoke
“Huh?”
“Ace, if you can import memories from yourself into the past then you can remind your past self to wake me up.”
“You can also remind your past self Ootori-san to bring an extra microphone.”
“We can?”
“Yeah, you can!”
Deuce smiled at Ace who couldn’t look back at him.
“Ace, it’ll all be okay.” He rested a hand on his cheek before pulling him into a hug.
Mafuyu did the same with Emu.
“Ootori-san it’ll all be fine.”
Ace and Emu looked at each other. They then look at the other two.
“We’ll see you guys.” They said before the clock hit 10:01 and time turned to another world.
—————————
Deuce woke up. I promise you that he was not expecting Ace to wake him up. He was surprised his roommate actually remembered to wake him for the school day.
“Get on up Deuce or we’re gonna be late.”
Yuu was waiting for them outside the classroom.
“Hiya you two, how are you doing?”
“Good thanks.” Deuce responded.
He already knew today was going to be a good day.
—————————
Mafuyu woke up staring at the ceiling. She had a meeting with Nightcord as they wanted to visit Phoenix Wonderland.
She got up to get ready and go outside before she got a text from Emu.
—————————
Emu: WAHH MAFUYUUU!!!!!!!!
I heard you may be coming to phoenix wonderland today!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can’t wait to see you!!!!!!
—————————
Mafuyu, after leaving her house, decided to head over to the arranged meeting place. After walking for a bit she arrived at the park.
Night cord went to a cafe before going to the wonder stage. Peering at them from the bushes Tsukasa and Emu could be seen spying on them.
“We wanted you guys to volunteer!” Emu exclaimed.
“That sounds fun we’ll do it!” Mizuki said smiling.
Backstage Emu handed Mafuyu a microphone before saying
“You’ve got this Mafuyu don’t let anyone stop you.”
—————————
Mafuyu and Deuce always felt a connection to the other’s universe but couldn’t quite place a finger on why but even so,
They’ll keep on going as they’ve only got one shot