Chapter Text
Ah, my dear esteemed benefactor…
My proud, beautiful flower of evil.
You are truly the fairest one of all.
O magic mirror, thy wisdom I entreat…
Reveal unto me the visage I seek…
You, whose image the Dark Mirror did beckon forth…
If your heart bids it, take the hand of the one reflected in the mirror.
As flame reduces even the stars to ash
As ice seals away even time itself
As great trees swallow even the sky
Fear not the power of darkness.
Now—demonstrate your power.
To me. To them. To yourself.
The hour grows long, and time is scarce.
Keep steady your grip, no matter what may Come…
-Where... Where am I? Ulf asked himself.
Just a few minutes ago he had been looking at the night sky, marching on the snow covered ground. Following that lonesome star that he knew oh too well, judging by the temperature he wasn't outside, maybe a house? But he didn't remember passing by or seeing one in his vicinity, Ulf tried to recall anything that could explain his current situation despite the lingering and heavy drowsiness, he heard a noise, something that sounded like small steps hurrying to where he was located.
-I better hurry and find that uniform before someone spots me... A high pitched voice said, Ulf could hear them struggle with something. Urgggh... This lid weighs a ton! Try this on for size! Mya-ha!
Before Ulf could react extreme heat filled up the space he was in, he heard something gave out and open from whatever the source of heat was, light finally hit his eyes, taking away the drowsiness he had felt since he had awaken, he hadn't been ready for the light and brought his arm to shield them until they adapted to the sudden brightness.
-Now to grab the goods... A shadowed figure leaned over him, it looked like a cat. What?! You ain't supposed to be awake! The figure shrieked. Ulf sat up in whatever he was, bringing his arm down as he didn't need to shield his eyes anymore, he looked around taking in his surroundings, there was a number of wooden constructs floating in the room, Ulf remembered that these were coffins and were usually used to held dead bodies inside of them, looking at where he had been previously lying he saw that he was in those same construct, the lid that had been previously attached to it was laying beside it with burn marks on it.
-Hey don't ignore me, human! I'm– The creature started.
-Some sort of.... Talking cat? Ulf cut him off with a simple interrogative comment.
-What?! How dare you? I'm no cat! My name is Grim, sorcerer extraordinaire! Now give me those clothes! The cat that he now knew was named Grim demanded, Ulf looked at himself, finally noticing the strange clothing he was wearing, gone were the winter clothes and in their place was a black robe with intricate gold details, the inside of the robe was a deep purple as were the sort of belt that was securing it at the front, under the robe he was wearing a button up high neck black shirt and pants, he didn't remember getting changed into those clothes.
-You better hurry up you slow human, 'cause if you don't you're gonna regret it! Grim commanded, it was clear he was getting impatient with Ulf's lack of reaction.
Ulf saw the tiny flames sputtering from his mouth, connecting the dots with the sudden warmth there was before the coffin he had been in got open and the flames the cat was creating, not wanting to deal with whatever that was, he started to run to a random hallway, planning on putting distance with this weird cat thing and figure where the hell he was. He passed all sorts of rooms filled with desks and chairs. He ran until he arrived in a small courtyard where he could clearly see the sky, and it was clear, there were little to no clouds to be seen, and the stars shined bright against the black curtain of the sky, it almost made him forget about what he was running about, almost, he heard the pitter patter of paws against the stone, he barely dodged a fireball aimed at his feet, turning around to see Grim had caught up to him.
-Foolish human! Did you really think you could slip away from ME? Now, unless you wanna get burned to a crisp, take off that— Grim started, about to command Ulf again when he was whipped with something, black tendrils wrapping themselves around the cat. Me-YEOW! That hurt! What gives? The cat yowled in pain.
Ulf looked around to see who had done that when he heard the sound of heels clacking against the stone floor, a man wearing a bird themed outfit with a mask covering their eyes.
-Consider it though love. The man replied with a scowl, addressing Grim before turning to Ulf, his expression softened with relief. Ah, I've found you at last. Splendid. I trust you're one of this year's new students? He asked, Ulf didn't get time to answer before the man continued talking. 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's rules. The man continued, picking Grim up like a common misbehaving cat.
-As if I'd serve some lowly human! Now lemme go! Grim argued, struggling against his restraints.
-Yes, yes. Rebellious familiars always say that. Do be quiet for a bit, won't you? The man spoke, wrapping a dangling tendril around the cat's mouth, shutting him up for now.
-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. Does the very notion of patience elude you? No matter. Your orientation has already begun. Let us return to the Mirror Chamber. The man said, bringing an arm to Ulf's back and leading him somewhere while carrying Grim in the other as the cat kept struggling and flailing against his restraints.
-Student? Ulf asked, he was definitely lost on the turn things were taking.
-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. The bird man explained as if it was common knowledge.
-So that's why I felt so sleepy in there. Ulf mused, recalling the drowsiness he had felt in there.
-Yes, that is to make sure no new student gets lost before orientation. The man explained. Now let us haste to it, you have a student orientation to attend to. The man smiled as he said those words
Despite the kind explanations, Ulf did not feel less nervous and lost as before, this place was oh so different than what he knows, but he refrained from making a comment about it, he didn't know the man and couldn't tell what could set him off or how he would react if questioned further. They walked for a good half hours, Ulf had ended up succumbing to his curiosity and asked some questions to the man about the place they were, he had happily obliged and commented that gaps in knowledge were common from time space teleportation, after this conversation Ulf now knew that the man was named Crowley and that he was the headmage of Night Raven College, also known as NRC, it was a four year arcane academy where the magically gifted could hone their talent and become extrordinaire mages, the coffin in which he had awakened in was a gate and those gates were brought back to the school by the dark carriage. Before Ulf could ask another question or finish processing all these information they arrived at two large doors that looked quite heavy at first glance, Crowley opened them up with ease, there a large crowd of people whispering at the entrance, they were all wearing the same outfit that Ulf was with a few exceptions, some had holes in their hood that let through animal ears, a few people stand out, they seemed to be speaking to a part of the crowd, he could hear their voices but wasn't all that interested in what they saying, he was still processing all these new information and didn't want to add more as of now, preferring to look at the room, the intricate chandelier, the countless coffins floating in the air and the big windows that let the moonlight enter the room, giving it a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Crowley on the other hand was very much listening and was talking to the group of people that was standing out from the rest, Ulf stayed in retreat, not knowing what he was supposed to do with himself, then the headmage motioned for him to approach, which he did so.
-You are the only one who has yet to be assigned a dorm. He started, Step up to the Dark Mirror, and be quick about it. I'll watch your weasel. He urged, which made Grim struggle even more against his restraints.
Ulf marched to the grand mirror, he waited for a second before green flames came to life in the mirror, making him take a step back in shock, especially when a green mask with intricate black details around its eyes.
-State your name. The face in the mirror asked in a rather monotone voice.
-My name is Ulf. He answered, behind him a few students snickered about his odd name, and others whispered about his lack of a last name.
-The nature of your soul is… The mirror started, pondering his words, Ulf felt like it was staring right into his very being and very soul. Unclear to me. It continued with an almost perplexed expression. Whispers started up again, louder this time.
-What did you just say? Crowley asked, perplexed, he couldn’t believe what the mirror had said.
-I sense a coldness that cannot be tamed, therefore no dorm would be appropriate. The mirror stated
-Are you suggesting that the black carriage went to receive a person who cannot even use magic?
But that is absurd! The headmage exclaimed, his expression was hard to read due to his mask but it was easy to deduce the shock from his voice and body language. The student selection process has not erred once in its century of existence! How could this have happened? He asked the mirror.
The confusion of the headmage gave Grim the time to free himself from his restrains
-ME! Let ME have this student’s seat! Grim said with an assured pose, paws on his chest and wide grin on his face.
-Not so fast, you hyperactive weasel! Crowley exclaimed, but made no attempt to catch him.
-Unlike that human, I can actually use magic! Grim continued, ignoring Crowley’s words. So let me be a student here! Look, I’ll show you! My spells are the cat’s meow! Grim inhaled a large amount of air.
-Everyone, get down! A voice commanded, it was clear things were not going the way it was intended.
But no one had time to properly take cover before the cat exhaled and immense blue flames emerged and started engulfing the room. A stray ember landed on someone’s robe, setting it on fire and burning his butt.
-AHHHHH! HELP! I’m on fire over here! Cried the burning student, running around the room trying to flee the fire that was on him to no avail and everyone else was too busy trying to save themselves to help him.
In his surprise Ulf had taken a few steps back and ended up stumbling on the fountain looking thing under the Dark Mirror and falling into the green water thing. He could see fireballs flying over him as the cat kept sprouting fire spells not looking where they landed, if he hadn’t fall on this thing he would have received at least two or three fireballs to the face.
-Someone catch that blasted animal before it sets the entire school ablaze! Crowley shouted, stomping on the flames, smothering them, but it was to no avail as Grim created flames quicker than he could smother them.
Once he was sure he wouldn’t risk getting a fireball to the head Ulf sat up and looked around him, while the majority of people were trying to escape the room, and in the case of the flaming student he was just running around in flaming pain, two people were talking to each other in complete calm like the fire around them didn’t exist, another boy was talking to Crowley, behind them was a floating rectangle thing, a voice came from it but Ulf couldn’t identify what that object was.
-Hey, um, my butt’s still on fire… The flaming boy said as neared Crowley and the other boy. Could someone maybe put this out? He asked, continuing his run around the room.
When he was in close distance to him Ulf scooped up water from the fountain and splashed it onto the boy.
-Thanks, it was really starting to hurt. The boy thanked him, Ulf could finally see his features, the boy had white hair, deep red eyes and was wearing gold earrings.
-No… No problem. Ulf told him, he saw Grim run past the two of them, followed closely by two people until he was cornered with nowhere to run. The shortest of the chasing duo aimed what looked like a pen with a bright red gem adorned on top of it.
-Are you ready for your sentence? The verdict comes afterwards. Any last words? Off With Your Head! The boy shouted, it sounded like an incantation, but the last sentence made him shiver, he couldn’t let him behead a creature because it got carried away. Ulf practically launched himself from the fountain, trying to stop what he believed would be a massacre. His course was run short when the spell hit Grim and a heart shaped collar appeared around his neck.
-MYAH?! What is that? Gasped Grim, tugging and pushing the collar around his neck in an attempt to take it off.
-The Queen of Heart's Rule 23: "One must never bring a cat to a formal affair."
Your very presence here is a violation of order. You will vacate these premises immediately. The small one declared, giving Ulf a glare that could rival icebergs themselves, even he felt the chill down his bones.
-But I ain’t a cat either! You have no right to collar me! I’ll burn this thing right off! Grim cried out, trying to spew flames but nothing came out. Whu… What? What gives? My fire ain’t working! Grim blurted, pushing on the collar even more in result.
-Until I deign to remove that collar, you won’t be using magic. You’re naught but a pet cat now. The boy explained.
-M… MeoWHAT?! I ain’t nobody’s pet, NOTHING! Grim argued and thrashed against the metal around his neck.
-Oh, you’ve got nothing to worry about there. I certainly have no interest in having you as a pet, don’t worry the collar will disappear once you’re removed from campus. The short boy calmly said.
The other student that had also been chasing Grim approached the shorter one and grabbed his shoulders.
-Ha HA! Good show as always, Riddle. Your signature spell is quite handy, locking down any magic. I’ve just GOT to have it -ah, I mean, I’ve just just got to have respect for it. The boy praised who he now knew was named Riddle.
Ulf turned around at the sound of rapid footsteps behind him, seeing the headmage marching towards him in furious manner
-Ulf! Was I not clear that you are expected to take responsibility for your familiar? Crowley questioned Ulf. Now discipline your-
-He’s not my familiar! I’ve never seen him in my life before today. Ulf argued back, he wasn’t going to pay for the creatures actions, he was just a bystander in this whole thing.
-Oh… Is that so? Crowley asked just to be sure.
-Yes, I don’t know him, I shouldn’t have to pay for his actions. Ulf doubled down, hearing Ulf’s certainty Crowley calmed down with a small cough, clearing his throat before speaking up.
-Then I shall have it expelled from campus. I shall spare it from being served as dinner. My, but I AM kind… Someone take this away please. Crowley said, throwing flowers to himself as he picked up Grim by the collar, handing him over to a transparent floating figure as Grim was shouting about how he would go down in history or something.
Ulf still felt bad for him, despite the chaos he caused he seemed to have been genuine in his wish to enter this school and become a re known mage, but he couldn’t linger on this thoughts as Crowley spoke again now that peace had returned in the room, students filling up the space despite the tense atmosphere that lingered, four people and the weird rectangle thing gathered in front of the headmage, Riddle was still giving him an angry look as he passed next to him to join the headmage.
-Well that was quite the unexpected chaos. I hereby declare this orientation over. Housewardens, please escort the students assigned to you back to the dorms. Crowley declared, he was looking around as if he was searching for someone amidst the crowd… Hm? Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Housewarden Draconia of house Diasmonia anywhere. He pondered.
-And that surprises you? Dude’s a total recluse. A tall man questioned Crowley, Ulf noticed he had two small animal ears poking out of his head in the holes in the hood, his voice was deeper than what one might expect from a student.
-Wait a second… Did anyone even invite him? Asked the white haired boy, looking at the small committee.
-If you’re that worried about him missing out, maybe you should have told him yourself. Another boy suggested, he was tall compared to Ulf who at eye value was slightly taller than the boy named Riddle.
-Maybe, but I don’t know him too well either… The white haired boy confessed.
Whispers got louder in the crowd, whoever this Malleus Draconia, he must be famous and by the way people are whispering about him it wasn’t in admiration, Ulf caught movement in the corner of his eyes when a short boy walked to the small group.
-Ah. Just as I expected. The boy sighed, how could someone have such a deep voice? Things were making less and less sense for Ulf. 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 the ceremony.
-You have my sincerest apologies. I assure you, this oversight was in no way intended as a snub. The second boy that had chased Grim spoke, his manner of speaking with flowery terms and how he was buttering up others made Ulf bristled, all that sweetness was definitely hiding something.
-But you must admit that he is not exactly the easiest person to strike up a conversation with. Riddle pointed at.
-No matter. The deep voice boy sighed, then turned to a portion of the students. All those that were assigned to Diasmonia, follow me. He declared before muttering to himself. I just hope he won’t be too mad about it.
As every student followed their Housewarden Ulf stayed behind, he wasn’t assigned a house, what good would it be for him to follow a group at random and hope for the best, Crowley cleared his throat, catching Ulf’s attention before turning to him, his expression somber and almost sorry.
-I’m sorry, Ulf, but I’m afraid I cannot allow you to stay at Night Raven College. Crowley apologized. You must understand that since the Dark Mirror cannot assign you to a dorm that can only mean you do not possess the magical abilities needed to attend this establishment. But do not worry. The Dark Mirror will return you safely to your home. Crowley explained, he gestured to the floating mirror before continuing. Now, step into the gate and visualize the place from where you came.
Ulf marched to the mirror, closing his eyes and picturing the vast snowy landscape he has known, then a thought traversed his mind, if that mirror can send him anywhere, then it wasn’t a big stretch it could send him back there, from the landscape the images diverted and shifted until they formed a figure, most of the facial features were blurred in his mind but he could still picture her warm embrace and soothing words and hoped it would be enough to send him back.
-O Dark Mirror! Return this soul to where it belongs! Crowley demanded, lifting a hand to the mirror for theatrical emphasis.
But nothing happened, Ulf was still there, an awkward silence passed between the two before Crowley coughed in embarrassment.
-L… Let us, er… Try this again. Crowley muttered before moving his arm towards the mirror a second time. O Dark Mirror! Return this soul–
-There is no such place. The mirror stated, cutting the headmage off.
-What? Both Crowley and Ulf asked the mirror in surprise and disbelief.
-There is no place in this world where this soul belongs. None. The mirror stated a second time.
Ulf felt something in him die at those words, this small flicker of hope that he had kept alive for so long, letting it burn brighter when he had been told to imagine where he came from, it had been snuffed out cold by the Mirror’s words. He slumped forward in defeat, feeling a weight down his shoulder getting heavier. Only coming back to the world when he felt the sharp talons on Crowley’s hand on his shoulder.
-This has not happened in all my years in this establishment, I hate to admit I am in quite a loss. Tell me, what is the name of the land you hail? Crowley asked Ulf.
-I come from Armonia. Answered Ulf, he was really hoping there was a way to send him back home.