When Yuu/MC is kinda tired from using the nicer option of problems when doing counseling
TRIGGER WARNING FOR DARK THEMES AND INSENSITIVITY
This conversation happened (to me) lately and I imagined Yuu/Mc being sick of the BS pulled a 180 on the diplomatic approach they always had and I sincerely apologize for the insensitivity and I promise I don’t say these to my friends when they come to me for help. I took their problems seriously. Please don’t come for me. I’m aware of such mistake.
Yuu/MC listening to a student venting their unhealthy relationship: You’re scared to take responsibility when they resorted to suicide, hence you stayed in that relationship out of fear and pity despite the manipulation and gaslighting they have done. Is that right?
Random student:Yes.
Yuu/MC: You want my input and advices on what to do in this situation?
Random Student: ….Yes….
Yuu/MC: Here’s the 2 solutions I come up with………
Later on that day
Ace:Yo Mc~…. you good? another student counseling huh?
Yuu/Mc: Yeah, relationship problems.
Ace:Yikes, good thing I broke up with mine. I’m basically free~ Maybe I can help you with my wisdom. Tell ya best bud what it is~
Yuu/MC:*sighs* What would you do if you were forced yourself in a relationship where small misunderstandings become a blown out fight and your S/O plays the victim card- using suicide, to make you stay with them? You have the mindset to leave the relationship yet you feel trapped with pity, guilt and fear of the consequences. Wouldn’t the best choice is to leave the relationship after the chances you gave, deep conversations initiated, and help you provided if nothing worked? It’s your wellbeing the cost After all.
Ace:I’d say we kill that other person….KIDDING HAHAHA
Yuu/Mc:……..
Yuu/MC: … No need, they’re willing to do it themselves
Ace: Sweet! we’ll support them
Grim: ACE?! HENCHMAN IS POSSESSED?! WHAT?!
Deuce worried asfq: ACE! That’s immoral, and PREFECT! please don’t commit homicide. There’s always another way…I think…. We can ask Dorm head or any senpai if you’re troubled?
—note: tunacan fanfic for one of my favourite clowns! i kind of got carried away with writing this but i hope you like it ^__^ tysm for trusting me with this <3
Grim arched his back as he let out a groan, trying to cure his boredom by walking around the library – it was hardly a fitting place to relieve boredom especially when paper full of words, words, and more words were more often a trigger for falling asleep than keeping someone entertained. NRC’s library barely contained any entertaining books. Most of them were research literature and textbooks used for studying. It was expected from a prestigious school like Night Raven.
But, if there was one thing the library was good for, it was the hushed gossip that could easily be overheard by others because of the dead silent atmosphere it gave. So when Grim caught Yuulis’ name being mentioned behind a nearby shelf, he had little choice but to follow his growing curiosity – curiosity killing the cat meant nothing to him, he wasn’t a cat after all, or so he liked to claim.
Two voices – seemingly older than both Yuulis and he. One opened their mouth, a gruff voice coming out, “That kid, the Ramshackle prefect, they’re too full of themselves. they think they’re so great, but in reality, all they do is halve the headmaster’s paperwork. If I were Crewel or Trein, I’d kick them out of the class for sure.”
Grim froze, his hands forming fists as his nails dug into his skin – anger bubbling inside the pits of his stomach as he continued to listen in to their conversation. The other person replied, “right? Where have you ever heard of a case like that? They’re bound to tarnish our school’s prestige at this rate.”
It took Grim everything in him to stop himself from barging into the middle of their conversation and throwing a few punches here and there. But rationality pulled him back to reality when he realized that by doing that, he’d just be making things worse for the both of them – and he’s already had enough of the badmouthing from the students, what more when he found out that faculty also thought the same as them?
He felt terrible now. It was like the whole world was against them – being a special case meant that you were an outcast, and being an outcast meant that people will talk about you – good and bad. He decided to go out for fresh air to keep his mind out of the unpleasant chatter he subjected himself to. Ignorance was truly bliss in this case.
He found himself wandering into the botanical garden after recalling that Yuulis would be there after Professor Crewel gave them the task of looking after the plants that needed special attention during the summer in preparation for the next semester’s classes. Sure enough, he found them there in a lab coat covered in dirt and leaves as they dug up a fiery red plant and placed it in a cart.
Grim walked over casually – his ears perking up upon seeing the unusual plant. Though he’s had enough of curiosity for a while, especially when looking at Yuulis was enough for the conversation he eavesdropped on to remain fresh in his memory. He decided to give them a nudge with his foot, “Minioooon, let’s get some snacks or something from Heartslabyul or Octavinelle – Riddle was called to the faculty today so it would be easier to sneak in than usual!”
Yuulis glanced back at him, letting out a small sigh while they dusted the dirt off their gloves, “if you’re so bored, maybe you would be interested in helping me out instead – err, wait, I take that back. You can go on ahead without me. I’m busy doing tasks.”
“Haah!? What’s that supposed to mean!?” Grim stomped his foot against the ground, pouting at the prefect before declaring, “the Great Grim can take care of those stupid plants no problemo!”
“Wait– Grim, no!” Before Yuulis could stop Grim from touching the plant’s bud bare-handed, he leapt towards it and grabbed it in a manner that could be potentially disastrous for everyone. Once Grim wrapped his hand around the red bud, he let out a shriek that could shatter glass in a matter of seconds – Yuulis could only shake their head as they covered their ears.
“What the hell was that…!? Why was it so hot!?” Grim cried out, clutching his hand close to himself before Yuulis bent down to wrap a cold cloth over his burn.
“Igni Fatuus or simply a flaming flower. Its bud is extremely hot and should be handled with care, though once it blooms the heat transfers to the petals which set it aflame – earning it the title of the flaming flower. It requires experienced hands to grow it in a controlled climate or else everything might burn up if left to the wrong hands.”
“Why is there such a dangerous plant here in the botanical garden!?”
“The fire on its petals dies down when the plant itself suffocates and there are multiple remedies that include this plant as one of the key ingredients – so people often keep them inside a box until it dies and dries out. Its own fire kills itself. Ironic, isn’t it?”
Grim scurried about outside of Ramshackle, the light and haste footsteps managed to reach those who were inside the building thanks to the thin walls of the rickety building. The ghosts who nested in the dorm peeked through the window curiously, eyes darting to wherever little Grim went next with his hands full.
“Curious, curious – what is that little cat up to?”
“Didn’t both of you just finish up slaving away in the garden?”
Yuulis could only sigh as they closed the book in their hand. Their muscles are somewhat sore after a day of doing odd jobs around the school – “I’ll clean up after his mess tomorrow, I’m beat.” The two ghosts circled Yuulis, their gazes demanding answers until the third ghost came in and snickered to himself.
“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about anything, prefect.” Nosy as the ghosts were, the two immediately floated over towards the new arrival. Muttering to each other like housewives who got their hands on the juiciest gossip in town – Yuulis can’t help but overhear fragments of their conversation as they went on. “That little racoon… job as boss…”
It was hardly proper to eavesdrop on someone’s conversation, even if they were ghosts – Yuulis could only raise an inquisitive eyebrow, putting aside the suspicious feeling clawing on the pit of their stomach. “Suspicious…” they could only mutter as they glanced at the window where they watched Grim from.
Night fell and it was hardly the proper time for someone to barge into someone’s room whilst dragging them outside – but ’outsiders’ were a little strange in Night Raven College. Grim had little to no regard for whether or not Yuulis was preparing to go to bed early and dragged them out to the back of Ramshackle’s building. Where there laid a picnic blanket and a grill, something you’d see on special gatherings and occasions.
Vegetables lay on the small table beside the grill. It felt a bit strange to Yuulis especially when they think about how much Grim likes tuna – but there wasn’t a single piece of fish, much less meat. Grim grabbed a knife, his bandaged fingers wrapping themselves around the handle as he started chopping the vegetables one by one albeit a bit clumsily. “Sit down, sit down! The chef isn’t going to be done any time soon, you’ll get sore just standing like that.”
“Oh! Ah, y-yes. You’re right.” Grim snapped them out of their trance, unable to believe that Grim was indeed chopping vegetables without making a complete mess. His actions were messy yet endearing – as if watching a child do something for the very first time.
“When~ all the veggies are fried~ add water and then simmer~ over medium heat.” Grim hummed rhythmically as if he came up with an easy nursery rhyme to remember the steps to cooking a delicious meal – Yuulis could only muster a grin as they relished in the way Grim’s tail waved back and forth along with the beat. “Once the squash is cooked thoroughly~ add coconut milk~ and the rest of the veggies into the mix.”
“… Stir this in… and done!” Grim put a portion of his cooking into a plate – his measly attempt of making a fancy plating making it all the more adorable when it spills. He presented the dish in front of Yuulis who was waiting eagerly. “Behold! The great magician Grim’s summer vegetable curry!”
“Oh, how nice.”
“Is that all you have to say about it!?”
“Let me taste it first and then we’ll see.” Yuulis scooped a spoonful of curry – making sure to get enough of the broth and the vegetables into the spoon before putting it inside their mouth and swallowing. “Impressive, you actually managed to make it taste good!”
“Nyohoho… Who do you think you’re talking to? Of course, it’s only natural for someone as amazing as me!”
“Where did you manage to get the ingredients for this, though? You didn’t steal them, did you?”
“Well–! I got caught smuggling these veggies by the cafeteria ghosts, but they were nice enough to let me go and teach me how to make this curry. So… technically it wasn’t stealing?”
“Grim.”
“Relax~! The rest I dug up myself from the botanical garden, it’s no biggie.”
“Grim!”
“Ah-! No, wait! Don’t pull on my ears like that–I’m soooooosorry!”
The fire coming from the grill flickered until it eventually burned out and disappeared, the smoke it released into the cool night gradually disappearing. Yuulis sat on the picnic blanket alongside Grim – a half-eaten piece of grilled vegetable laid beside them on a clean plate.
Silence took over the atmosphere as Grim fiddled with his fingers awkwardly while Yuulis looked towards the sky – their golden eyes making out an expression that no one can really put a finger on. Grim followed their gaze as he stared at the sky, some stars shying behind the clouds as the moon shined brightly upon them. He sighed dreamily, “the stars look really beautiful tonight, don'tcha think so?
"There.” Yuulis points towards the sky, “those stars there are Deneb, Altair and Vega; they make up the summer triangle.”
“Huh, really?” Grim crossed his arms.
“Right next to it is Pegasus, and above it is Cassiopeia.”
“That really bright star is Spica. that means Virgo is somewhere nearby” Yuulis trailed off. “It’s a little hard to make out, but right over there is…”
Grim stared at the Ramshackle prefect, his mind wandering to the times he’s spent together with them – from the very first time they met, the time they got chased by a dwarf gnome along with Ace and Deuce, the first Halloween they spent together, and everything else that came along after it that lead them to where they are right now. It was peculiar how Grim felt like his whole life only started upon meeting them. It was as if it was a strange play of Fate that made him feel like his current world revolves around them.
His ears twitched – since when did this happen?
“Where did you learn the names of those stars, minion?” Grim asked after a moment of complete silence upon realizing they stopped talking a few moments ago. Yuulis could only sigh. Followed by a few short seconds of deafening silence accompanied by the crickets near the forest. Melancholy – their expression spoke volumes.
“… It’s what we call them back in my world.” Grim felt his ear twitch a little upon hearing those words fall from their lips. His lips were slightly agape at the mention of their world when they never really talked about or mentioned it before. It was an undeniable sign of trust between the two – a silent pact between the two halves. Yuulis looked down, and they sigh, “now that I look at them closer, they look a little different from the ones back at home. It seems not even our stars are the same, how pitiful.”
“Sometimes I still can’t believe that I’m in a different world,” Yuulis fiddled with their fingers – unable to look at Grim in the eye just yet as they glanced up to the sky once more, “the more I find little things like these that seem impossible, the more I feel lost… and the more I feel like I don’t belong here. I’m an anomaly in Twisted Wonderland, aren’t I?”
Grim’s ears drooped down, the fire flickering out slightly, the feeling of frustration and sadness finally making itself known. For once, he couldn’t bring himself to speak as he stopped eating his food –his mind wandering to the conversation he heard in the library earlier. He clenched his fist.
“Grim,” Yuulis called out his name and Grim’s tail drooped down completely as if it lost its life. “Compared to the hell I lived through I had back then, being here feels like a dream come true. But… someday, I’ll be gone. And when that time comes, nothing good will ever happen in my life again, and…”
“…You won’t be in it too.” Yuulis’ voice cracked ever so slightly – something that couldn’t be heard but felt instead. And Grim felt like the words lodged in his throat were thorns pricking him endlessly as he struggled to get them out. Yuulis rubbed their eyes like getting the dust out, and they finally managed to smile, “when that happens, you have to promise me you’ll be the greatest magician in the world, ‘kay?”
'Stop talking,’ he wanted to shout out. The fire in his ears fully went out and the atmosphere was dead silent as he felt the hole in his chest get bigger with every passing second with Yuulis staying silent. Tears pricked the corner of his eyes, trying to pull himself together as he finally managed to get words out. “Who… who says I’ll be gone?”
“Huh…?”
“Partners are supposed to stick together, right, Yuu? What kind of partner would I be if I just left my minion on my own?” He tried mustering out a laugh, his confident mask crumbling when he barely managed to hold in his sniffles. “If you choose to stay, then stay by my side 'til death parts us… But if you choose to go back,” he took their hands with his, his eyes pearly from the tears he was trying to hold back desperately. “I’m fine with leaving behind everything to follow you.”
Yuulis could barely hold in their shock, their mouth wide open as they tried to piece the jumbled pieces together. They looked at him sternly yet pleading, “Grim you… You shouldn’t leave your home… I’m not worth sacrificing your dreams for.”
He finally let out a small laugh for the first time tonight. “Who do you think you’re talking to?” Grim smiles, “when I’m with you, I feel like I can accomplish anything and so much more. That just means I’ll have to find a way to achieve that dream by your side.”
He paused, tightening his hold around their hand, a fond smile taking over his expression. “Home is when we’re together – where I can feel the warmth of your hands against mine… Just like this.”
'My home is with you,’ he wanted to say.
“That’s why,” he smiled cheekily, “you don’t have to feel alone anymore, okay? The great magician Grim will dispel all your troubles!”
Yuulis could barely let a word out. Their lips were parted from each other yet not a single coherent word could come out of their mouth. As if they were afraid that one more word from them would cause the already fragile Grim to break even further – his heart would shatter into a million pieces. Instead, they laughed. Laughed as they wrapped their arms around Grim as if they wanted to joke about anything and everything like it was any other day.
But laughs turn into silent sobs that they couldn’t hold back any longer – the warm droplets rolling down their cheeks as they hugged Grim even tighter, drowning in his embrace as they dug their face into his chest. 'Don’t leave me,’ they wanted to plea no matter how pathetic it might sound. It was a childish wish yet, to them, it was of importance that no one could really comprehend. For what right does anyone have to gauge someone’s endless loneliness?
Grim could only stay silent as he shed a few tears himself, telling himself he can’t break down right now or else they might feel worse. So he bit his lip, trying to comfort the downhearted prefect… his partner. He could only wish selfishly from the bottom of his heart that the time they have to go back to their world may never come – he was pretty sure of himself that they felt the same way. But what did Fate think of the two anomalies? That was the question that scared them to no end.
They sat there, embracing each other under the moonlit night with only the stars and the moon as their witnesses.
And on that night, for the very first time, Grim was the one to tuck them into bed. All while sending prayers to whoever listened up above:
Only 2 parts left after this I think I’ll post the final chapter after I watch MoM. There won’t be spoilers from the movie though. It’ll only be the storyline I wrote for Wanda. Before I watch MoM, I’m rewatching WandaVision. That show was lit! This chapter deals with Book 4 of twst. JFC, I planned a maximum of 2k but it became 3k lol
After the finals ended, the winter break came. Wanda told her friends about how she feels when there is chaos around her yet she didn’t know why. She decided to withhold some of the information until she was fully aware of who she was.
The unspoken tension between her and her friends eased a bit but it was still there. She assumed her powers freaked them out.
Between the time when she defeated Azul and winter break, she questioned Idia regarding Ortho and his body and Hades. He was reluctant to answer her questions about Ortho but he was over the moon to tell her everything about Hades, including his diet.
She noticed the similarity between the Hades she knew and the one in Twisted Wonderland. Both made deals in exchange for the soul of the person, were powerful beings, could take the shape of someone else and ruled the underworld. However, this Hades seemed to be stuck in one dimension. Her research on the matter ended there until she got her full memories.
Wanda knew she should respect people’s privacy but she had to learn how Ortho is still a living person despite the android body. It would be helpful for the person she longed for. So when she asked about Ortho again, she read Idia’s mind and learned the truth. Since her beloved didn’t have a soul like Ortho had, his android technology would be worthless for her.
Despite having ulterior motives, she felt sympathy for Idia’s loss for she knew the pain of losing a sibling. It felt like someone tore her heart out and crushed it in front of her. No...Pietroisalivenow! The Voice said. Given how she thought the Voice was speaking while she was actually speaking out loud, she now considered The Voice to be herself with full memories, helping Wanda to reclaim all of her powers and memories.
Recently, as more of her memories surfaced, some of them clashed with each other. In one of them, she was with Pietro in every step of her path but in the other, she lost Pietro. In one of her memories, her father controlled metal whilst in the other, he was an ordinary guy who brought sitcoms to cheer up his children. She decided to be patient with her memories and not rush them.
Whilst everyone was preparing for the winter break, including the principal, she was pestering Dire to explain the black stones after the overblot fight and her premonitions. He was acting elusive and saying he was busy.
She learned why he was busy at the start of the break. He went to a holiday resort. He only gave her a phone and assignment and then yeeted away. She bid her farewells to her friends and exchanged numbers. They all seemed happy to go back home which made her yearn for her home as well. Although, she still couldn’t understand which place was her home.
Her powers were improving daily. Now she was able to apparate to the other end of the NRC but she should know the layout to avoid apparating inside a tree or another object. She was easily making shield and attack practice targets now.
Things were boring until Grim and Wanda went to the kitchen of the cafeteria and met with Scarabia students. Jamil looked too nice for NRC which made her uneasy. He invited her and Grim to his dorm but she wanted to refuse until he used his magic.
Their eyes were locked when he said she would accept the invitation. She felt a familiar tug in her mind. Mindcontrol... Wanda smirked at the irony. Although she couldn’t mind-control directly, when she wished for something it happened, whether it was human or object. She was going to entertain his game since the things were boring and she needed a break from all the new information she learned recently.
They all went to Scarabia and met Kalim. Despite Wanda feeling gloomy recently, Kalim’s positive aura rubbed on Wanda’s mood. They ate together and played a game. They were also invited to stay the night which they accepted. However, the next day, Kalim’s personality shifted 180.
She didn’t like his new persona and thought he either had multiple personalities or his behaviour was changed by someone else. Hence, she took a peek inside his mind and saw an abnormality. His mind was shackled and something else was in charge as if that thing was the puppet master while Kalim was a marionette.
She thought Jamil was the one doing it since she felt him trying to command her mind. So she confronted him. He denied obviously. Given his attitude, she didn’t feel bad about reading his mind. It was harder than the others but his mind powers couldn’t hold a candle to hers.
She went to tell this to everyone but he tried to stop her. Seeing his unique magic not work on her pissed him off further. He reached to grab her. When she dodged, he attacked her with his magic. Wanda’s shield appeared in front of her even though she didn’t lift a finger. She took a risk like that but its result was rewarding.
She then blasted him back. While he was recovering, she reached where Kalim and the other students are. She began to tell them everything but Jamil soon appeared and used his unique magic on the rest of the students. She didn’t know how to break the mind control of the others yet, so she grabbed Grim and ran away. She could have easily handled the entire dorm but she didn’t want to harm them since they weren’t acting out of their free will.
She also didn’t know if she could apparate with Grim without hurting him so they had to leave physically. As many students surrounded them, she decided to use the Flying Carpet to escape. She was excellent at levitating objects but the Flying Carpet had its own consciousness so she wasn’t able to control it and they crashed into the Mostro Lounge. The trio was still there. Wanda and Grim were followed by Scarabia students. Not liking them invading their territory, the trio fought them. Despite Wanda’s warning about not going hard on them neither listened to her.
After the commotion calmed down, Wanda explained to them the situation. Azul seemed to want to get involved in it and the twins looked as willing as Azul. So the trio dragged them back to Scarabia, spewing some bullshit on how he didn’t mean to cause trouble for Scarabia, how lonely it was in the Octavinelle and why they want to spend time with the Scarabia. Despite Jamil suspecting them, the trio along with Wanda and Grim stayed in a Scarabia room even though they were 4 people and Grim in a small room.
Azul, Floyd, Jade and Grim were discussing what to do while Wanda was thinking of a way to break the mind-control. They agreed to record what Jamil would say and when his magic on the mind-controlled students was gone, they would show the video to them. She agreed with the plan but she wanted to have a backup plan. Plus, she would know if she could also control people like that, it’d be useful power for her.
She started to meditate in the room but since she was focusing on the mind, she couldn’t black out the thoughts of her roommates. She looked outside from the window and saw there was no one outside. She let them know that she was going to meditate and come back later on. She apparated onto the opening she saw and started to meditate.
Wanda’s memories were coming back gradually but they were jumbled. She couldn’t understand much of them. They sometimes popped up in her mind during the day and sometimes appeared in her nightmares. She didn’t get who was who in her memories. She just had gut feelings regarding them. On top of that, she had to continue her research.
While being overwhelmed by everything going on, the ghosts mentioned an annual game at the NRC. Hearing that Grim wanted to play and she joined him to distract herself.
During the game, she was able to attack the ghosts with what she did during her fight against Riddle despite her power being weaker now. She was confident at offence and didn’t even think of defending until one of the ghosts attacked her. She instinctively swang her hands in front of her while her fingers formed a sign and a magenta-coloured transparent shield formed in front of her, protecting her from the attack.
She was familiar with this magic too. After the game ended, she tried making it again but failed which made her consider that this was just done in panic mode. She decided to work on it as well.
Whilst Wanda was researching The God of Chaos along with many other topics, she started to have visions again and got interrupted by yet another situation at the NRC. Instead of doing something himself, dire told Wanda and Grim to investigate the series of mysterious accidents.
She told the situation to her friends and after Trey got injured, Riddle and Cater joined in their investigation. They visited other Spelldrive players who got hurt and potential targets. They learned that the ones who got hurt lost control of their bodies for a moment.
Wanda thought they were mind-controlled by someone as she saw faint images of a similar situation in her memories. She wanted to be more certain before she told her group so she didn’t say anything.
Riddle, Cater, Ace, Deuce and Grim were talking to the Leech twins. She wasn’t focusing on the conversation which seemed to get heated. The moment she saw them, she felt a familiarity.
“Iamatwin,” Wanda said abruptly. Her friends were bamboozled by the out of blue information reveal. “Wanda, we can talk about th-”
“Hisnamewas-no-isPietro.” The words left her mouth without realising it. “Okay…” They said before continuing to talk with the twins.
Wanda wasn’t paying any attention to them. The name Pietro was echoing in her mind. She was trying to recall how he looked and what else she recalled other than the name, getting lost in her own world.
“Axolotl didn’t run away hehe,” a voice came above her. She looked up to see the Leech twins smiling down at her.
“EvenifItellyoumyname,youwillcontinuetocallmebythenicknameyouchosesincethat’syourthing.Ihavenoreasontofearyouasyouwouldn’tbeabletodosomethingIdon’twant.” She looked into his eyes as she spoke monotonously. When she finished, Floyd let his arm down, opening his eyes and pouting “You are no fun."
She turned to the other one, ”Youbothknowwhat’sreallyhappening,don’tyou?That’swhyyoudrovemyfriendsoffandansweredelusively.“ The second one chuckled. Before he could comment, Wanda added, ”Ican’thearyourthoughtsfullybutIcansensethem.Iknowyouaren’ttherealculprit.Iwon’tpryintoyourprivacyaslongasyoudon’tstandinmyway.“ Hearing what she said, Jade’s eyes widened before he changed to his usual expression. She didn’t have to reveal information about her mind-reading abilities nor how she sensed the truth but it didn’t matter at the moment.
After the twins, they went to talk with the Savanaclaw student but he ran away after stealing Riddle and Cater’s pens. Following that student-led the gang to the Savanaclaw dormitory, they met Jack and the other dorm members caused a commotion.
Them acting strange made Wanda feel suspicious of them. While she was pondering if she should read their minds and invade their privacy to find the truth, the commotion led to the group being challenged to play the Spelldrive. Thankfully Cater was with them so he was more experienced.
Don’tshowyourpowers... Said The Voice. Listening to The Voice was always in her favour so she followed its command. She sat on the benches and observed the players. Suddenly, she noticed a familiarity with her premonitions. When Riddle was the problem, she had visions of Queen in their dorm based on. On top of that, Riddle’s personality was similar to the Queen. Now she noticed the lion and hyenas she saw in her premonition were similar to Leona and Ruggie. Thus, she thought they were the problem this time.
The game ended and the gang left the dorm. She told them about her suspicions and they agreed on the Savanaclaw acting shady. As it was too much for a day, they all went back to their dorms.
Wanda had a lot on her mind, preventing her from sleeping so she went outside for fresh air and to organise her thoughts but she saw another suspicious person. "A child of man, are you?” the guy with horns asked.
Youarenotahuman.Youareamutant...Said the Voice. She didn’t know what exactly mutant was but it was the second time the Voice mentioned and she felt in her bones that it was telling the truth.
She checked him out before shrugging in response. His horns and black and green themed clothes reminded her of someone she knew from her past but she couldn’t put a finger on it.
The horned boy and she talked some more before she asked his name which he gave an elusive answer. “AreyouafraidthatIwon’ttalktoyouifIknewyourname?Dopeoplefearyou?” Wanda asked after him not telling her his name. She sensed discomfort and fear from him but not from her. The more she looked at him, she heard faint whispers about him as if she was still reading his mind but it wasn’t as loud as reading minds.
“Youcan’tcontrolpeople’sfears,onlyyourown,Malleus.” The words left her mouth spontaneously which surprised her companion. “Idon’thavemanymemoriesbutIknowwhatit’sliketobefeared.” She added. She pondered if she should tell how she knew his name but he might think she invaded his privacy so she didn’t say anything. “Thank you, child of man,” Malleus said before apparating away. She thought she knew this magic too and decided to try it when she got more of her memories.
The days were passing fast while Wanda and her friends, joined by Jack, was investigating the case and she was getting more premonitions. And the day of the Spelldrive game came. The gang was able to piece things together and figured out Leona’s plan, making a plan to counter it. That’s how Wanda and her friends ended up in Savanaclaw, confronting Leona.
He made his dorm attack them. Her gang defeated them easily while she sat that one out. They revealed how his plan failed. That’s when things went south. Leona grew unstable and verbally degraded his dormmates, especially Ruggie. The atmosphere felt the same as when Riddle overblotted. “Bah, I’m so sick of this nonsense. Shut UP, you nobodies!” Leona shouted and the air felt dry suddenly.
The situation was going bad rapidly but the upcoming chaos was reliving Wanda. She didn’t care about sand hitting her in the face or the others panicking. Her ecstasy came to an end once Leona revealed his powers “That’d be my signature spell. The King’s Roar. Ironic, isn’t it? Nothin’ the savanna hates more than a drought. Yet its prince’s magic desiccates everything—reduces it to sand.”
This time he fought against her friends and got defeated again. Then the short guy with magenta-black hair started to provoke Leona. Meanwhile, Wanda was once again in panic mode upon seeing Leona’s unique magic. Tears started to fall down her cheeks and then to the ground when she thought of someone being able to make people and objects disintegrate made her feel so sorrowful to the point she wanted to cry out. She wasn’t able to focus on anything else until the chaos around her grew exponentially. She was physically and mentally feeling better in the chaos despite her mind being filled with thoughts of disintegration.
Wanda heard a roar coming from where her friends were and saw Leona’s overblot form and the wraith behind him. Her friends decided to hold him off while the rest went to get the principal or ran away.
She shook her head, trying to push disintegration thoughts back of her mind. The circumstances were dire and her friends needed her. She could feel the power flowing inside her growing stronger and stronger. She ran toward her friends and stood in front of them, between them and Leona.
Leona attacked them without a second thought. Deuce yelled at her “Wanda, step back!” followed by her other friends calling out to her. She didn’t even look back. With a stoic expression on her face, she moved her hands in front of her, her fingers making a sign. A huge magenta coloured transparent shield formed in front of her, shielding her and her friends. Her hands once again were covered with magenta mist.
She didn’t lose her composure while defending, after a few moments, her friends and Ruggie understood that she’d defend while they attacked.
They started to attack Leona. After a few hits, he staggered back. That’s when Wanda dropped the shield and sent energy blasts toward him. Her blasts were stronger than the ones she sent to Riddle. Leona tried to counter it but Wanda was faster. At last, she twisted her wrist. The pink energy ball in her hand shone brighter before she blasted him. Leona got knocked out and the environment went back to its original form.
The magenta mist surrounding her hands stayed longer this time. When things got resolved, Wanda spotted Grim finding the black stone. Before he could eat it, Wanda said “No,” and Grim stopped in his tracks. He tried to move but couldn’t budge a centimetre. She picked up the stone and with a flick of her wrist, Grim could move again. He insisted on eating the stone but she didn’t listen to him. She was going to show this to the principal and demand an explanation after the game ended.
After everything came to a resolution, Dire wanted Savaclaw out of the game but the once injured players convinced him otherwise. Wanda, Grim, Ace, Deuce and the ghosts of Ramshackle were going to play against Savanaclaw dorm as the initial unofficial match in the stadium. They all prepared for it before arriving at the stadium.
Iwanttoheartheirthoughts...People’s thoughts flocked into her mind the moment Wanda thought about herself. She wanted to win the game as a payback for what Leona and Ruggie did. She thought they could win if she could know their attacks.
The crowd was loud, cheering for their teams, the media was covering the match and Wanda was barely able to control her powers while focusing on others’ thoughts. She thought she could manage it but everything around her was starting to exhaust her.
She was making a shield to protect herself from incoming attacks while sending energy blasts when she saw an opening. She was so focused on her mission that she didn’t react fast enough when the Spelldrive disk flew towards her rapidly. She was about to make a shield but she was too late and it hit her on the forehead before she lost consciousness.
Epel, thank you very much for invited us to your hometown, Harveston. Idia’s achievement to visit locations in his favorite anime and meet Marya who is the inspiration for his fav heroines. Jade enjoyed the mountains and the mushrooms that grows here. Sebek seems to have been trained in cold weather. Grim and I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the foods here. Harveston is apple heaven! Please convey our warmest greetings to Marya.
nobody in twst understands proper lab safety and it bothers me— i say as i draw them wearing everything wrong ^_−☆ anyways the thing that sparked this,,mess is leona’s sr labwear story :’’)
I regret nothing in building that mirror. It looks so fucking pretty.
HE SIT !!!!! HE SITTING !!!!!!!!!
LOOK AT HEEEE AQHWHWQHHWHAHASHSJDND UEUEUEUEUUEUEUEEUHEUEUUEE THE LITTLE SMIRKY SMIRK THE BOI THE HE UWEHHHHHHHH HE’S SO CUTE
WHA- WHAT IS THIS OHHH WHAAAAT? PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISNT JUST AN EVENT AND WE GET TO DECORATE RAMSHACKLE! OH MY POOR INTERIOR DESIGNER HEART CANT TAKE IT! AND YOU CAN HAVE CHARACTERS JUST…. BE THERE! oh im in heaven and cant wait for whatever this is.
Ace: What’s up? Ohhh, were you worried and came to check up on us?
Riddle: That’s right. The two of you didn’t return for dinner, so I brought food for you.
Ace: Eh, seriously!? Thanks!! Man, you’re always so thoughtful!
Riddle: Your attitude is really temperamental, as always, isn’t it?
Grim: Funyaaa!? I smell some food! Must be comin’ from that basket Riddle’s carrying. What’s inside!?
Grim: Sniff, sniff… There’s some open sandwiches, boiled eggs, cheese tarts and fruit. Not bad!
Epel: Grim-kun, you’re really energetic all of a sudden! Just until a second ago, you were just sprawled out sleeping on the floor～!
Grim: Stop it, Epel! Don’t grab me by the neck like that!
Jack: Riddle-ryōchō, I apologize for the fuss. Thank you very much for coming.
Sebek:…
Riddle: …Oh, you were here too, Sebek?
Sebek: …Yes. That is, I heard from Silver that they were stuck, so I came to provide them encouragement.
Ortho: And after that, he provided many ideas and helped with tasks, so he’s been very supportive!
Riddle: Heh, that is a good attitude for him to have.
Riddle: There’s more people here than I thought… It was a good decision for me to bring extra. This way, everyone will be able to partake in the food.
Riddle: You should all take a break to eat.
Ace: Alright! Thank you very muuuuch!
Ortho:….
Ortho:(Oh, it’s true… When I just did a quick vital scan, everyone’s parasympathetic nervous system has activated.)
Ortho:(Everyone really was needing to take a break. I didn’t even take into account their mental and physical fatigue.)
Epel: Hey, Ortho-kun, you should come over and rest with us too.
Ortho: Don’t worry about me. I’m an AI, so there’s no need for me to eat…
Ortho: And besides, I haven’t gathered enough data to overload the data processing capabilities in this gear, anyway.
Ortho: While everyone is resting, I’ll keep working on a few things.
Epel: Okay… Well, don’t work too hard.
Ortho: Ehehe, I’ll be fine. But thanks, Epel Felmier-san.
Riddle:…
Grim: This cheese tart’s super amazing! I’ll nab the leftovers!
1: Grim, you were just sleeping through that whole thing, you know.
Grim: Nuh-huh! I also totally was walking down the runway all dashing-looking!
2: Save it for those who had been working hard.
Sebek: You understand properly, human. Which means this tart belongs to someone like me, who utilized both my brain and my muscles.
Jack: Not only have I been helping with these tasks, but I’ve also been practicing for the show. So I’m even hungrier than usual.
Jack: Besides, I’m not used to wearing high heels and being forced to walk and pose like this…
Riddle: I’m sure. You need to be able to grasp how to walk beautifully in heels. If you are trying to learn how in a short period of time, it’s no wonder you are struggling.
Riddle: However, from what little I was able to watch earlier, you seem to be getting the hang of it. You’ve all been working hard.
Ace: If you wanna praise someone for working hard, I’m the one who got everyone here together to work on this, you know.
Ace: Well, there’s also some people who just came on their own, though.
Deuce: Hey, don’t say that like you’re the only one doing stuff! We’re all working together to solve this situation.
Epel: Yeah. But the one who is working the hardest is…
Ortho: Hmm… Should I look over the drone’s tracking ability once more…?
Ortho: I’ll also adjust the automatic video streaming program as well. Also…
???:Do you have a moment?
Ortho: Riddle Rosehearts-san! What can I help you with?
Riddle: I heard from Ace and the others. So, you’ve been working by yourself to put together all of the equipment for the show, I see.
Riddle: You have a large quantity of machines here. If it were me, I’m sure I would be up all night reading through all of the basic operational manuals.
Riddle: Your skills are something to behold.
Ortho: Ehehe. I’m happy for the praise, but this is nothing.
Ortho: If I had more time to prepare, I could project these illusions all throughout campus, and not just be limited to inside the botanical gardens.
Riddle: All throughout campus? Really? That is amazing. I cannot fathom that at all.
Ortho: When you say things like that, it makes me want to show it off even more.
Ortho: It would be a little difficult to do right now, but… I’ll think up an illusion that will amaze you, Riddle-san, you can count on it.
Riddle: You’ve already amazed me enough.
Riddle: All of the first years gathered here have all been highly praising your abilities.
Ortho: All of them?
Riddle: Indeed. And they’re not only speaking of your skills, but also for the fact that you have been putting forth the greatest effort…
Ortho: I see… Everyone’s talking about me…
Ortho: Well, it’s only natural for me to do all I can. After all, this is a serious ordeal for the school.
Ortho: Ignihyde is basically a sauna, and because of that, the HP gauges of both my brother and the rest of my dormmates are all in the red…
Ortho: I’m sure everyone in the other dorms also have their hands full with their own unexpected issues as well, right?
Riddle: That’s true… The students in my dorm have also been taking turns to make sure our rose trees don’t wilt, and our animals don’t get sick.
Ortho: If I can solve all those problems, then I’ll basically be the hero of the school!
Ortho: And above all, Vil Schoenheit-san said that there was no other person that embodies the theme “evolution” other than me…
Ortho: When I got selected for a position like this, of course I couldn’t help but get excited.
Riddle: Unlike how Ace and Jack were reluctant when they were nominated for this position by their Dorm Leaders… Here you are, standing tall.
Ortho: Today’s groupwork was super fun. I’ve already uploaded the information to my memory, but…
Ortho: It really is fascinating to hear all the different views on the same topic. That’s something that can only happen through these kinds of interactions.
Ortho: Well, now… I wonder how I should spend today’s lunch break?
Ortho: Everyone else goes to the cafeteria, so it’s always a bit boring around this time…
[Interior Hallway]
???: Heeey, Ortho.
Ortho: Oh, this voice is…
Ortho: Ace Trappola-san, Deuce Spade-san, [Yuu]-san and Grim-san!
Ortho: Hello! Are you all heading to the cafeteria?
Deuce: Yeah. If you want, how about you join us? That really popular bakery from the town at the base of the mountain is coming today.
Ace: I mean, even if you mention that bakery… Unlike us, Ortho doesn’t eat anything, right?
Ortho: Thanks for inviting me! True, I don’t need to replenish my energy by consuming food, but…
Ortho: I’ve always wanted to spend lunch chatting with my classmates. So, can I come?
Grim: Fine, guess I’ll allow you to join us this time. ‘Cause even if you come, you won’t take any of my grub away!
Ortho: Hehe, thank you, Grim-san.
1. Have you gotten used to your class? 2. Are you having any difficulties?
Ortho: Everything’s going well. I had been going to classes with my brother anyway…
Ortho: And I do have some Ignihyde classmates in 1-C, too. So I haven’t had any issues so far.
Deuce: That’s good. We might be in different classes, but…if you ever find yourself in a pinch, you can always come to me.
Ortho: Heheh, you’re sounding just like a proper model student. Okay, if I ever need anything, I’ll ask you!
[Cafeteria]
Ace: It’s really crowded today, too. Uhhh, let’s find some open seats…
Ortho: The far-right hand side as you face it has a higher percentage of empty seats.
Deuce: The far-right side… Oh, he’s right. That table should sit the five of us.
Grim: Great job, Ortho.
Ortho: It’s nothing much. And, I can show you a map of the names and seats of all the students currently in the cafeteria, if you’d like?
Ortho: Oh, look at who’s at the next table over…
Ortho: Jack Howl-san, Epel Felmier-san, and Sebek Zigvolt-san!
Ace: Urgh, it’s the noisy one… No wonder the table next to them is empty.
Sebek: WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY!? YOU’RE THE ONE WHO IS ALWAYS MAKING A RACKET. HURRY AND SIT! THEN SHUT UP AND EAT!!
Jack: Ugh, both are just as annoying…
Epel: Fufu, looks like you’re fitting in already, Ortho-kun. From far away I couldn’t tell you apart from the other students.
Jack: True. Your school uniform’s also just like ours. You’ve completely become a proper Night Raven College student.
Deuce: Ah, that reminds me. Jack, once you finish eating, can I talk to you for a minute?
Deuce: There’s something I want to confirm about our club activities today.
Jack: Hm? Yeah, sure.
Ortho: Club activities, hm… Since I’ve finally been enrolled as a student here, maybe I should join one too.
Grim: Aren’t you already in the Boardgames Club? Back during the school festival, you were there.
Ortho: I was just helping out, I’m not a member of the club.
Ortho: I did go there sometimes with my brother, so I am familiar with the faces there, but…
Ortho: Even outside of that club, I often find myself playing boardgames with my brother or other dormmates anyway.
Ortho: I don’t really have any specific clubs in mind, but… Right now I think I’d like to challenge myself to something new.
Epel: Then, how about joining the Magift Club?
Epel: I bet someone like you could help us out by analyzing all the opposing teams and players!
Epel: You’d be like our secret weapon, perfectly able to pinpoint where every single player is as they dart across the large playing field! How’d that sound…?
Ace: No way, if we’re talking about clubs that Ortho would be the super star, that’d definitely be the Basketball Club!
Ace: He’d easily be able to shoot a three-pointer from the centerline, yeah? He’d totally be our top scorer.
Ace: If you became our shooting guard, Ortho, we’d win all our games easily.
Deuce: Then how about Track and Field?
Deuce: You could customize your gear to match the event you participate in… I’d totally love to see you run, Ortho.
Jack: I feel you, but, hm… Exercising is all about motivating yourself to grow, right?
Jack: I’m sure you’d be able to swap out your parts to get faster, or increase your jump distance, but…
Jack: If you’re not gaining muscle, or learning a new skill, won’t it feel like you’re not really accomplishing anything?
Sebek: Heh, then he should consider the Equestrian Club that I am proud to be a member of. Not only do we focus on physical training and cultivating new skills…
Sebek: But we also focus on building that sense of trust between ourselves and our horses. It is indeed a profound sport.
Ortho: Oh, I’m so happy that you all want me to join. All your clubs sound fun! But…
Ortho: I think that it’d be difficult for me to participate in any competitions because I wouldn’t be able to compete fairly as a “human.”
Epel: I see… And if you can’t compete, then I guess it could get boring, huh?
Ortho: Not really. I think I’d be able to enjoy the activities of whatever club I join.
Ortho: Like Deuce-san and Jack-san said, I could always try different kinds of customizations.
Ortho: But right now, instead of upgrading my abilities by customizing my parts, I’d rather have some new experiences.
Jack: I get you. Then why don’t you try something you’ve never done before?
Ortho: Hmm, when you say something I’ve never done…do you mean like something with nature, or fine arts…?
Ace: Oh, well, if you’re gonna say that, then why not pick a culture club? We’re all in athletic clubs here, so I don’t think we can really help though.
1. Yeah, this school has many culture clubs. 2. I wonder which will allow you to do something new…?
Ortho: I checked the information in the club activities guide, but there are too many clubs… This wouldn’t be enough to make a decision.
Ortho: Hey, [Yuu]-san. Are you free after school today?
Ortho: I’d like to actually go observe the clubs in person… Do you think you could come with me?
[nods]
Grim: Guess it can’t be helped, I’ll go with you too.
Grim: Along the way, I’ll also teach you about the activities of the Gastronomy Research Club that I started!
Epel: I hope you find a club you like!
Ortho: Thank you!
Ortho: Then, once classes end, I’ll come get the both of you at the 1-A classroom.
[Classroom]
Ortho: Sorry I kept you waiting, [Yuu]-san and Grim-san! Alright, let’s go check out the clubs!
Grim:Yeah!
Ortho:First…
Pop Culture Club
[Ortho chats with Cater, Kalim, and Lilia]
Gargoyle Research Club
[Ortho chats with Malleus]
Science Club
[Ortho chats with Trey and Rook]
Mountain Lover’s Club
[Ortho chats with Jade]
[Interior Hallway]
Grim: Siiiigh… I’m so tired already. And for some reason, my stomach’s making weird noises.
Ortho: Isn’t that because you were snacking while walking around…?
Ortho: Even if everything you picked up was just harmless grass or nuts… I don’t think any of them are that suitable for cat-like animals.
Grim: Funya!? I’m not a cat!
Grim: Also, I wasn’t snacking! I’m in the Gastronomy Research Club, so it makes sense that I’ll try to eat whatever looks edible!
Ortho: Is that right… I guess when it comes to activities where the main objective is to eat barely edible plants, it’s a little difficult for me to understand.
Grim: Grr… I thought that maybe if Ortho joined up, I’d find a bunch more delicious food, but… too bad.
Ortho: The last group to check out is… Oh, the Film Research Club.
Ortho: Heheh, I can’t wait.
1. Do you like movies? 2. Are you interested in acting?
Ortho: Hmmm… I’m not sure.
Ortho: When it comes to the movie’s story or acting, I don’t really know if I have any strong feelings one way or the other.
Ortho: But I wasn’t really capable of human-like responses or movements back when Nii-san had just finished making me.
Ortho: So, in order to learn how to express proper emotions, I started watching movies as reference.
Ortho: I still watch them often during my free time.
Ortho: It’s still difficult for me to express the impressions and emotions I gather from movies in my own words, but…
Ortho: I bet I’ve watched so many movies that I’d be just as astute as any movie critic!
Grim: Oh, movies, eh… Sometimes I’ll let [Yuu] watch some movies with me!
Grim: But I end up falling asleep a ton, 'cause I get bored… Ortho, you should show me some exciting movies!
Ortho: Sure. Next time you find one that’s interesting, let me know what it’s called.
Ortho: I’ll draw up a list for you that’ll suit your tastes, all based on the story, directing, and casting.
Grim: Awesome! I can’t wait.
Ortho: We need to finish up looking at clubs before it gets dark. It looks like they’re filming in the courtyard today. Let’s go!
Pomefiore Student A: Is there something wrong with my acting?
Pomefiore Student A: I thought I was able to perfectly capture the sorrow of a young man who had just lost a loved one…
Vil: Then, let me as you this. When you are truly saddened, do you cry loudly like that?
Pomefiore Student A:Eh…
Vil: You underestimate your audience. Everyone has had some sort of experience with pain and heartbreak.
Vil: There’s no need to overexaggerate your facial expressions or body language…
Vil: As long as the protagonist… As long as you are able to simply express what is in your heart, then it will definitely resonate with those who are watching you.
Pomefiore Student A: I-I apologize. I will be careful not to overdo it.
Grim: Vil’s being so strict, like he always is.
Ortho:…
Ortho:(Up until now,
Ortho:I’ve always watched movies from the perspective of learning how to perfect the more human-like emotional expressions…)
Ortho:(It seems like it’s difficult for real humans to properly express their feelings too…)
Ortho:(As long as you are able to simply express what is in your heart, then it will definitely resonate with those who are watching you…)
Ortho:(What could that possibly mean?)
FLASHBACK(To Chapter 6)
Idia: You now have self-awareness… as in, you have a “heart.”
Ortho: A… “heart”?
Idia: Yeah. From here on out, no one will ever be able to overwrite your memory or emotional programs as they please.
Idia: Of course, that includes me too, despite being your creator.
Idia:That’s why you can choose what you want to do… Choose with your “heart.”
Ortho:(This “heart” of mine was born from an alteration in my magical circuitry…)
Ortho:(Can feelings from the “heart" of a humanoid also resonate with the “heart” of some other human…?)
Ortho:(No one has ever attempted it ever before. I want to know… I want to test it!)
Vil: We will resume shooting in 10 minutes. Make sure to review all the advice that I have just given you.
Film Research Club Students: YESSIR!
Ortho: Vil Schoenheit-san!
Vil: Oh, if it isn’t Ortho. With [Yuu] and Grim, I see. What is going on?
Ortho: Please allow me to join the Film Research Club!
Vil: …I see.
Vil: If we were to utilize your skills, I’m sure we would be able to increase our directional abilities. Or, perhaps…are you hoping to be an actor?
Ortho: Yes! I would like to try to express my “heart” more.
Ortho: If I could experience another person’s life and feelings through the Film Research Club… I think I would be able to learn more about my “heart.”
Vil: Alright. If so, then I’ll need you to audition.
Vil: …Is what I would say, but I’ve already seen more than enough of your acting skills at the Island of Woe.
Vil: Perhaps you’d be able to perform as a villain that brings the world to the depths of despair.
Ortho: Does that mean…?
Vil: Welcome to the Film Research Club. We’re happy to have you, Ortho.
A little fun facts about grim in twisted love (I’m only doing this for grim)
grims uniform was messy like Floyd’s in chapter 1-3 before (player) beat him ass after chapter 3 he wears a more neat uniform
Grim is human
Tori has to redesign grim 12 times
Grim is 178 cm
Grim will be the first character to be your screen buddy and your first chibi
In the Yandere mode grim could be a soft yandere
Grim has the most clothes changes than the other boys
Grim stole his shoes from a random heartslabyul student
Grim is bad at walking
same personality ish
Grim like tuna sandwichs
(That’s it for now~~~ I’m working really hard lolol if I made it to an actual game would y'all play it or do you like the fake screen shots?… I’m only going to shade the neck and clothing because it’s easier and faster okie okie)
