Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“The weather’s acting up again…” Everyone looked up as lightning flashed across what was a sunny sky moments ago.

“Everyone, head to your next class. I’m afraid we can’t do anything about the weather.” Coach Vargas’ voice boomed as the students ran to the alchemy building to escape the thundering rainstorm suddenly hitting them.

“Pups!! What brings you here?” Crewel asked the dripping students suddenly coming in, shaking off their wet broomsticks.

“Professor, what are you and your students doing out in the hall?” Jade asked the equally large group in the hall.

“Lightning struck Mr. Draconia’s cauldron and made him change, Professor Crewel rushed everyone out immediately.” An Ignihyde student spoke up as Riddle pushed through the sea of students.

“Rosehearts!!! Stay!!” Crewel tried to stop him.

The students parted for the infamously short-tempered housewarden, who quickly arrived at the alchemy classroom and opened the door. A purple smoke filled his nostrils as he stepped inside the room, feeling the rage of dealing with disobedient students returning, his body changing to its overblot form as he approached the man with black and glowing green horns.

“Rosehearts…We must gather the others, the time has come.” A flash of green flames removes the two figures and the purple smoke disappears as well as the cauldron Malleus stood at.

“Pup!!!” Crewel rushed in soon after to see a broken window and an overcast sky outside that no longer poured rain outside but no sign of the two students
or the cauldron that caused the evacuation of the room.

“Pups! Go to your dorms immediately. There will be no further classes.” Crewel said in a tone that told the students there will be no arguments before hurrying out. Jade and other students quickly looked out of curiosity as to why their professor acted this way, not seeing anyone in the alchemy room and only the broken window as proof of any of this being real.

“Hm? The little imp has overblotted by a little alchemic accident? Well that won’t do at all…. Help me find the little imps.” Sam spoke to his friends, heading towards the main building since Crewel would obviously go to get the Headmage.

“Huh?!” “What’s going on?!” Leona, Vil, Jamil, Azul, and Idia suddenly found themselves in the Mirror Chamber where a pale Riddle with a black lace mask that had a red flame over his left eye that now burned red with his right eye sat at an elongated table, inky black gloves coated his folded hands as he smiled at the newcomers.

“Welcome to our lair…” the five ex-overblots look in shock as Malleus turned away from the Dark Mirror, a green flame coming from his left eye, ink floating around his purple and black cloak as he stepped towards them, a potion bottle containing a purple mist in his hand.

“What is going on lizard breath?! Did you bring us here?!” Leona shouted at the figure approaching them.

“Uh, Idiot alert?! That’s an overblotted Malleus Draconia, okay- THE MALLEUS DRACONIA HAS OVERBLOTTED!!!” Idia shouted at Leona and Malleus laughed.

“Indeed, now it’s time to set things right….” He tossed the bottle and it crashed at their feet.

“Headmage?! Oh for the love of the Great Seven, where has he gone?” Crewel looked around the vacant Headmage’s office, infuriated that the once again the Headmage could not be located in his office.

“I’m afraid he’s with the missing imps…” Crewel turned around to face Sam at the door of the Headmage’s office.

“He’s already found Draconia and Rosehearts?”

“Found….isn’t exactly the word I’d use… “summoned” is better. It seems the little accident in your class has our little imp behaving dangerously.”

“What do you mean?”

“According to my friends he’s made all the overblots overblot again….if we want to help the imps, we have to quickly gain their trust and return them to normal while keeping the other students away.”

“How do you suppose we do that?”

“Leave that to me and have the other teachers help you look after the other imps and keep them occupied.” Crewel nodded and split up with Sam to gather the faculty while Sam disappeared to try to help the Headmage and the overblots.

“Hm? Where am I?!” Headmage Crowley tried to move but found he couldn’t. “What a powerful paralysis spell…am I even speaking right now?”

“They say that endings are always happy…” Crowley couldn’t widen his eyes as he inwardly felt the shiver as he heard the dual and more unnatural version of Vil Schoenheit’s voice. “The truest of friendships will save the day….”

“Oh no….great sevens have you overblotted?!” Crowley saw Vil standing before him, the tattered deep blue cape swirling as he turned to face him with an equally deep blue flame over his left eye.

“But when it’s all taken from you, you’re left with nothing to do….but wait for the day to make someone pay….” The overblotted Vil approached the paralyzed Crowley, golden claw rings trailing along his suit.

“I was once the master of all that’s evil…”

“Oh sweet Twisted Wonderland, not you Mr. Draconia!!!” Crowley tried to undo the spell on him as the Overblotted Malleus Draconia approached him from a different side, spinning the Headmage around to look at the table of Overblots inside the Mirror Chamber, “They whispered my name and quivered with fear…”

“That battle was won, they thought that the story was done!!!” The overblown Riddle stood up from his seat, banging his fists against the table as he glared at the Headmage.

“Rosehearts!!!” Crowley inwardly panicked.

“Patience Rosehearts, I’ve only just begun….” Overblot Riddle seemed to calm as Malleus approached him and eased him back into his seat.

“An eye….for an eye….” Azul was overblotted into his merform as he looked at the overblotted form of Jamil who continued this bizarre sing-a-long.

“a wrong…for a wrong…. Never forgive.” Malleus sang and Vil joined in.“Never forget.”

“This is your last regret!!!” The overblotted Riddle shouted at the Headmage.

“Great Sevens, do you have the memory of what happened when you overblotted? Rosehearts, we acted in your own best interests….and the rest of you did it while I wasn’t present.” Crowley protested.

“What goes around….comes around.” Overblot Leona was leaning against the wall, pale arms folded and leg crossed as he looked at the Headmage disdainfully.

“I was once the most powerful being in Scarabia.” Jamil pointed out, “undone by Azul and a magicless mouse.”

“My entire life was RUINED!! All because of Neige LeBlanche…” Vil said furiously, “The time is now, they’ll get what’s coming to them….” Vil added in a more calm tone that still had that ominous feel.

“Can you boys not hear me?! I demand you undo this spell immediately and stop this!!!!” Crowley tried to speak to them.

“They say there are sides to every story..” Overblot Idia joined the singalong, his digital sharp teeth moving like it was his mouth doing the singing.

“Why won’t you listen to me?!?” Crowley tried to exclaim.

“The one that is BLACK and one that is white…..” Idia continued with no mind to the Headmage in their midst.

“We take it and break it, we pillage and plunder, we do what we like.” Leona straightened off the wall, his yellow flame burning brightly over his left eye, “we have a wrong we have to set riiighhhttt…..”

“Now….” The overblots looked as Sam appeared from the shadows, prepared to fight him as Crowley inwardly sighed with relief that some faculty were here to save him. Sam glanced around the room and put his hands up to show he wasn’t going to fight, “What if I told you there was a way to undo the moment your troubles began?”

The Overblots look became one of curiosity than hostility, “Speak.” Vil nodded to Sam.

“What if Neige never became famous? What if the Al Asims never had their money?…” He moved closer to the Overblots, trying to get them to lower their guard by bringing up the stories Yuu shared while venting at his shop. “What if Ortho never got attacked by the Phantom? What if Leona never had no big brother?”

Leona’s ears perked with interest,“How?”

“Why, with a little help from my friends on the other side….” He moved towards the cauldron that caused all this, the potion inside bubbling a green similar to Malleus eyes and flame, “An eye…. For an eye, a wrong…for a wrong.” He used the words he was hearing from the overblotted students.

“Never forgive, never forget.” Idia sang along.

“This is your last regret.” Azul added, “What goes around…comes around.”

“One thing more and all is done, to turn back time the moon and sun.” Malleus led the Overblots to the cauldron with Sam.

“undo fates by endings told” Idia joined in the spell, the cauldron glowing as it felt the Overblot power being added by the spellcasters.

“Tip the scales of the brave and bold.” Jamil also joined in casting the spell.

Vil pulled out a beautifully deep red apple from behind his golden, ornate corset and put it in the cauldron, “Fruit of the fairest.”

“Blots of the Phantom,” Idia held out his hand and dropped some of his own ink into the cauldron.

“Contracts of poor unfortunate souls littered with talent.” Azul conjured a golden, glowing contract and put it in the cauldron.

“Ow!!” Crowley felt the pain of blood drawn as Malleus held up a spindle and walked away from the Headmage.

“blood of the Headmage we add to the brew.” Malleus added and Crowley started to lose consciousness.

“Let heroes be silenced” Idia laughed and Riddle shouted, “The fault lies with you!!!!”

“An eye, for an eye….a wrong, for a wrong…” The seven Overblots sing and Sam joins in, glancing at the Headmage. “Never forgive, Never forget.”

“OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!” Riddle decreed.

“What goes around….comes around!!!!” The eerie chorus of the seven Overblots laughing would have sent shivers down Crowley’s spine except he had fallen to an enchanted sleep.

Chapter Text

“So the only ones unaccounted for are the overblots, Mr. Draconia, and Crowley….” Trein sighed as the current faculty members stood in the Hall of Mirrors.

“I can’t believe you let Sam take on overblotted students on his own. We should find them and help him immediately!!” Coach Vargas replied, his hands on his waist.

“I just couldn’t believe it when Sam said they overblotted…I saw for myself the change in Draconia when I rushed the students out, but….to think that potion would cause an overblot on the pups….” Each of the professors except Trein checked their phones as a message came in.

-The ones who do all the work-

The least trusted
This is a whole lot more problematic than I first thought

The young pup
What's happened Sam?

The least trusted
The little imps have not only over blotted, but seem to retain the memories of when they first over blotted

The young pup
Father Trein is asking how is that possible?

The least trusted
That cauldron seems to be fueling their overblot instead of they themselves.

Let's get physical!!
So we have to spill the cauldron?

The youngest pup
Don't be absurd. The potion was incomplete when the lightning struck it. We have to somehow reverse the potion in order to create a counter potion.

The least trusted
About that…..the imps have created their own spell. I’ll send you everything later, but our most powerful imp doesn't completely trust me and I would rather not end up in the Headmage’s situation.

The youngest pup
What's happened to Headmage Crowley?
Sam?
Sam?!

“He’s stopped responding.” The teachers sighed in frustration.

“The potion is controlling the blot? How unheard of…. Well, there's one person we can speak to to get the help we need.” Trein walked to the Ignihyde mirror and stepped through it and the other teachers followed.

The Ignihyde students were unusually talkative as all were gathered in Ignihyde’s Lounge, everyone questioning the incident in the Alchemy class that made two Housewardens disappear.

“Excuse us, where is Ortho Shroud?”

“I’m right here Professor Trein.” Ortho floated up to the professors. “Do you want to speak in my brother’s room?” The faculty nodded and followed Ortho through Ignihyde, the students asking more questions as the professors came through the dorm.

“Sorry about the mess, since I’ve become an official student, Idia’s been moving my machinery into my own room.”

The professors walked over the wires and machines, “That doesn’t explain the terrible toss of clothes lazily strewn about.” Crewel picked up the clothes laying on the floor.

“Ah…I’m sorry Professor Crewel….I’ve been telling him he has to clean up after himself more since I don’t have his schedule anymore.” Ortho took the clothes from his professor and put them into the hamper in the room.

“As teachers we shouldn’t pry into his private living affairs, but you seem to understand why we’re here.” Trein pointed out and Ortho nodded.

“Since what happened with S.T.Y.X., everyone now knows who we are…and I am programmed to detect blot levels.”

“Are you saying you detected high levels of blot?” Trein asked and Ortho nodded.

“Weather readings were infrequent and magically induced. Noticeable and dangerous levels of blot appeared suddenly in the Mirror Chamber. In a matter of seconds all ex-overblot energy signatures soon followed, presumably summoned and then their blot levels increased which is bizarre because my brother cannot accumulate on his own. He needed the Phantoms of S.T.Y.X. to feed on his magic energy to “overblot”.”

“Wait, all of them did this at the same time?!” The teachers asked dumbfounded.

“Yes. S.T.Y.X. has had some dangerously intelligent Phantoms before, but these particular blot readings are unusual. Their readings showed signs of surprise but after the blot spike, all readings were at normal rest. Then Crewel came in to talk to you Professor Trein and we were told to head to our dorms.”

“And you didn’t go to investigate? While we do appreciate you listening to your professors, you are a special case.” Trein spoke to Ortho.

“To be honest…. I thought if I went to Idia I would end up in the same condition.” Ortho looked down, “I was intending to access video footage of campus, but remembered the Mirror Chamber has no cameras to respect the Dark Mirror. What I was next planning on doing was contacting the students that helped my big brother and I and see if they could help with the current situation.”

“So you were planning on taking action.” Crewel stated.

“Of course!! He’s my big brother….and, after what happened I don’t want him to go back to that…”

“We’re trying to figure out ourselves what to do….but you haven’t reached out to your parents?” Trein asked Ortho.

“I considered it, but given S.T.Y.X.’s methods I don’t want to destroy the school twice. I also don’t want them to be treated like the Phantoms contained, they came back once so I’m 99% sure they can come back again.” Ortho spoke more cheerfully.

“99%? That’s quite the high odds. Are you for certain?” Crewel asked.

“Mhm. I’ve seen it for myself how the students brought back the overblots, if we can just gather the students that helped stop the overblots the first time…I’m confident we can get them back again.”

“Should we really let the students do this?” Vargas questioned and Trein nodded in agreement.

“It’s not safe to expose students to overblots if this is the case.”

“But if what Sam said is true about the students not trusting him, it may be for the best….especially since we still don’t know what’s happened to Crowley and why they took him.” Crewel said and Ortho took notice.

“Eh? Has something happened to the Headmage?”

“Sam’s last message said he was trying to make sure the pups weren’t suspicious he was trying to undo the spell and that he was trying to avoid ending up in the Headmage’s condition.”

“That sounds ominous…how are we going to help them if they have the Headmage and Sam?” Ortho asked

“……. I know it’s risky, but Ortho you are the one closest to your brother. Perhaps you could go and set up a camera in the Mirror Chamber so we could see what’s going on? In the meantime could you give us the names of the students who helped return them to normal?”

“Hmm….the common denominator with each overblot was Yuu and Grim, I suppose they would know best, but outside the overblots it was Yuu, Rook Hunt, and Epel Felmier who helped my brother and I. I can call Yuu right now and ask.”

Ortho dialed Yuu’s number and Yuu picked up, “Hello?”

“Hi Yuu. I was wondering who helped you with calming the previous overblots down.” Ortho said.

“Why? Is this for S.T.Y.X.?” Yuu answered a little defensively.

“Myahh!! Not that again!!” Grim’s voice came over Ortho’s speaker.

“Well, I don’t want to involve them but the overblots have overblotted again.” Ortho answered.

“…..what?”

“All known overblots plus Malleus Draconia have overblotted.” Ortho repeated to Yuu.

“NO!!! NO!!! Oh haaaaiilllll no!!!” Ortho and the other teachers hear the phone fall and Yuu walk away from it, still shouting out their feelings about having to deal with “overpowered temper tantrums”.

“Yuu, Grim, is anyone by the phone?” Ortho asked.

“Myah, I’m still here…. But what do you mean “they’ve all overblotted!?” Are you saying we gotta fight them again?!”

“We’re not too sure how to deal with them yet since they’re not trying to destroy anything immediately…The professors want me to infiltrate and hook up cameras in the Mirror chamber where they’ve all congregated and I agree. I wanted to ask Yuu to gather everyone who’s helped with the previous overblots and to talk to Diasomnia while I go back to the main building. If I also get affected by this occurrence I want to apologize in advance.”

Grim had run off with the phone to get Yuu, who only heard Ortho’s apology before Ortho hung up.

“Ughhh…..he’s too precious!!! Come on Grim, we’d better hurry over to the hall of mirrors…maybe we can stop Ortho from getting mixed up again.”

“Alright. I’m going to see my brother now. Hopefully all goes well. You can use Idia’s room to look at the camera system for the school and to see my camera.” Ortho offered the professors.

“We hate making you students do this but your bond with the cursed students is greater than ours. Just be careful.” Trein spoke and Ortho nodded before leaving.

Ortho traveled up to the Mirror Chamber, detecting all of the different signatures of the previous overblots but wanted to see why the Mirror Chamber was chosen and obtain research on Malleus before attempting to find his brother.

Malleus and Vil turned away from the Mirror as the door opened, “Young Shroud, just one of the people I wanted to see…have you come to find your brother?”

“Yes. What’s going on here? You look like overblots, but there’s no way Idia can overblot twice….” Ortho pretended to not understand as much as possible to make himself seem like a non-threat.

“Are you afraid of overblotting with your brother?” Vil spoke, “There’s no danger to this form, you two can be happy together with all the magical power that comes with it.”

“Really? Are you certain of that?” The two overblots nodded at Ortho’s question.

“Go see your brother for himself. Ah, but first…” Ortho felt nervous as Malleus spoke, wondering how dangerous he was. “Do you know Azul’s target of hatred? As my fellow overblots settle in, I wish to grant them their target.”

“I….don’t know, Azul and Idia never talked about their pasts… Idia and I were keeping our S.T.Y.X. relation secret and I don’t know about Azul….maybe someone who he doesn’t interact with much from his hometown?”

Malleus nodded and lifted his hand, green fire lighting up the chamber before a redhead in Royal Sword Academy suddenly appeared.

“Where am I-AAAAHHHH!!!!” He looked at the overblots with fear.

“Take him to Azul, then you may visit your brother.”

“Thanks Malleus!! Come on!!” Ortho quickly dragged the new boy out, leading him towards Azul and Idia’s health signature.

“What’s going on? Where’s Azul?” The redhead was scrambling to keep up with the blue flaming haired young boy.

“Shhh!!! I’m sure my big brother will explain everything but don’t say anything that will get Malleus mad.” Ortho watched his words until he was certain the fae wouldn’t hear them.

“THAT was Malleus Draconia!!!-“

“wait!! Let me just say that was Malleus Draconia overblotted, I don’t know what happened but if he summoned you then you are familiar with Azul’s past correct?”

“Ummm….well I knew OF Azul…wait, does this mean Malleus is trying to make Azul overblot?!”

“My brother and Azul aren’t that far, let’s hurry!!” The Royal Sword Academy student nodded and ran after Ortho.

Chapter Text

“So this is the power I release when I overblotted, it's not safe to stay like this but it would be certainly enjoyable if I could destroy those fools like this.” Azul's tentacles slithered into the saltwater of the giant hole made for him as a pool to keep him comfortable in the main building.

“So it's not just me.” Azul spun around, the force from his tentacles splashed water over the surface of the tiled school floor and Idia stepped back to make sure the water didn't touch his black boots, “Heyheyhey, watch the feet. Technology and fire don’t mix with water.”

“What are you doing here Idia?” Azul narrowed his eyes at the sudden guest.

“Look, I don't know what happened to us, but we just performed a seemingly choreographed villain plot musical and we're letting Malleus let us get what we wanted from our first overblot. I know you're smart enough to realize the situation and that we're actually in big trouble here Azul, I came to ask you help me get close to the cauldron and undo our own spell.” Azul laughed with the echoed overblot laugh of his laugh.

“Release us from this power…. naturally that is the best course of action, but what’s a little closure before we return to normal. After all, as you dealt with yourself, our emotional pain gets physically beaten out of us and we're left as fools who couldn't deal with the situation we were dealt with.” Azul spoke more harshly with each word, Idia looking at his club mate and realized an opportunity to learn the origin of Azul's overblot since the potion seemed to affect Azul's cognitive functions and make him more emotional.

“And who would be the focus of YOUR wrath…from what I learned you just went on a rampage sucking out magic of every student in Octavinelle.” Idia taunted the octopus merman in the crater and Azul's face hardened as Idia poked the right button.

“THEY ALL DESERVE IT!!! I AM NOT A WEAK LITTLE OCTO-TWERP!!!! I CAN TAKE EVERYTHING I DESIRE-THEIR VOICE, THEIR AGILITY…EVEN THEIR INSIGNIFICANT LIVES CAN BE MINE!!!” Azul took a deep breath and smiled at Idia.

“I always knew the sting of a stranger, their words felt like a razor, I tried not to care about it later.” Azul started to sing, turning away from Idia to look out the glass window at the thundering sky outside.

“All their little digs stopped mattering, they made me write a brand new chapter. Where I used their love fueled by anger.” Idia listened as Azul sang, glad he was able to coax Azul so easily with the spell on them, but he couldn’t deny that he was also affected and given how Azul was acting, Idia could accidentally be pulled into song as well.

“So lonely in my octopot, did breaking me make them feel good? Guess that they’ll finally understand-what goes around, comes around.” Azul turned around to face Idia, grinning maniacally.

“Don’tcha know that I’m stronger, can’t you see me in all black?” Azul gestured to his black, grey, and purple octopus body, covered with black ink. “I’ll make them cry like a baby, ehheheheh-hahaha. Who’s laughing now?”

“They’ll know that it’s over, know I won’t let them come back, I’ll see them cry like a baby- ehheheheh-hahaha. Who’s laughing now?”

“I’ve never seen you blue, never bleeding.” Idia stepped forward and began to sing with Azul. “I understand how you’re feeling, turned off like a dead phone to leave them.”

Azul narrowed his eyes as Idia took a verse from him, but listened to what he was saying, “we’ve been pushed to the edge, now it’s over. Using the hate to get closure. This can be our dust now that we’re older.”

“So lonely in my bed, I broke myself to make me feel good. Thanks to you I understand, what goes around, comes around.” Idia gestured to Azul, “I know that you’re stronger, I see you in all black, you don’t have to cry like a baby….wheeheeheehehe, we’ll be laughing now.”

“Know that it’s game over, know we won’t go back, we’ll have them cry like babies. Wheeheeheehehe/ehheheheh-hahaha, we’re laughing now.” Azul joined in to sing with Idia as he relaxed and let his friend help him in his plan, the two of them laughing together.

“It’s comical, hysterical….” Idia sang as Azul joined in, unaware Ortho came into the room with Prince Reille. “You think you can mess us up…” Lightning flashed and a loud thunderclap stopped the two overblots from hearing the newcomers cry out to them.

“Don’tcha know that we’re stronger? Can’t you see us all black? We’ll make you cry like a baby, Wheeheeheehehe/ehheheheh-hahaha, see us laughing now. Know that it’s game over, know we won’t go back. We’ll never cry like babies, Wheeheeheehehe/ehheheheh-hahaha -see us laughing now.”

“Idia!!!!” Idia turned and a robotic hand connected to the technological mouth covering on his cheek, making him fly across to the side and hit the wall. Azul and Rielle watched in shock as the little robotic boy with flaming hair floated over to the taller boy who picked himself up off the ground.

“We made a promise to not cause problems for everyone again!!! Wake up Idia!!!” Azul looked away from Idia trying to calm his little brother down to notice the redhead with the white uniform of a Royal Sword Academy. “How long were you both here?”

“It’s comical, hysterical, you think you can mess us up.” The redhead spoke softly, looking at the octopus merman with concern. “Azul, what happened to you?”

“This burst into singing thing is super annoying. I asked Azul to help me turn back everyone affected by Malleus’ spell.” Idia spoke, his digital teeth moving.

“So what you sang you didn’t mean?” Ortho asked, feeling bad for hitting his brother so hard.

“No, we meant it….when we consciously woke up in our overblotted forms, an overblotted Malleus began to sing and we all joined in, it was like a power compelled us to sing and add our own powers to the cauldron bubbling.” Idia clarified and Azul narrowed his eyes as the redhead’s eyes widened.

“So you’ve already overblotted?!” Idia looked at the new redhead who looked frightened and worried, “and who is the pampered uninvited guest?”

“Prince Rielle, he’s the youngest of Atlantica’s royal family…it would seem that Malleus Draconia deemed him to be my target.” Azul explained to the Shroud brothers.

“So that’s why Malleus let me see Idia and bring Rielle. I wasn’t sure what he meant, but it makes sense now. If you’re kept in your emotional state that the overblot causes by seeing the reason you overblotted in the first place, then you’re less likely to try to stop him from doing what he wants.” Ortho asked.

“Yeah, thank goodness he doesn’t have access to S.T.Y.X.’s information otherwise it would be more difficult for us to fight the emotional pull we’re feeling, but could you both kind of not tell anyone what we just did. Cuz that was absolutely cringe of us.” Idia sighed.

“Um….about that, I’m broadcasting live to the teachers and I called Yuu to get some help for knowing what to do about helping the overblots.” Idia and Azul looked like the life drained out of their faces.

“Yuu, Professors…possibly Grim, none of you are to discuss this whatsoever and tell that to Jade and Floyd if they are there as well.” Azul commanded, as Rielle looked confused.

“Wait, no…you’re dodging my questions, Azul, why have you overblotted?!” Rielle exclaimed.

“You can’t tell that he overblotted? We go through some pretty drastic changes overblotting, and you’re saying Azul looks pretty much the same?”

“Idia!!!” All three looked at the octopus merman as he clearly got upset, the tentacles moving in the water in an aggressive way.

“Uh-oh!! Azul’s vital signs are picking up…” Ortho pulled Rielle away from the two overblots.

“What are you doing?” Rielle looked at Ortho.

“The difference between them and normal overblots is that their vital signs are normal, but Azul’s vitals are spiking at Idia’s comment!” Ortho explained and Rielle looked at Azul before a lightbulb went off.

“Azul…..do you hate your body?” The splash of water that soaked Ortho and Rielle was large as Azul turned fiercely at the question.

“Silence!!!!” Rielle looked nervous but stepped closer at Azul’s command.

“No!!! I want to know!!!”

“Why should I speak with you? It’s none of your concern!!!” Azul’s voice was raised, his ethereal mystic blue eyes glaring fiercely as the purple flame around his left eye flares.

“BECAUSE I’M SORRY IF I SEEMED LIKE I DIDN’T CARE!!!” Rielle shouted back, “I saw you always away from everyone and hiding in an octopus pot at recess, and I never swam over to see how you were doing. I felt jealous seeing the Leech brothers with you because I never had the courage to approach you. I’m sorry for being a coward!!!”

The boys stared at Rielle as he clenched his fists, tearing up at Azul’s apparent condition, “You were always so clever, the teachers often talked about how impressive you were when you finally exerted yourself…Azul, I promise you I will never stop apologizing for being a coward and hurting you. Please, let me help in whatever way you need me to.”

“Don’t expect me to believe your lies Rielle, but it’s best that we keep this under wraps. Malleus is not one to make an enemy of and he’s as overblotted as the rest of us….just do as I tell you and we’ll be fine.” Azul replied.

Ortho nodded, “Malleus would definitely pick up on his magic signature if he left the building to go to the Hall of Mirrors.”

“That’s why our plan is to do this as subtly as possible.” Idia replied, “there’s no way we can fight him and win so we got to sneakily undo the potion while he’s focused elsewhere.”

“Unfortunately our actions aren’t entirely under our control. As it stands, if a single one of us breaks into song the rest of us in the room will join along.” Azul turned away from the others to look out the window at the storm raging outside. “It’s obvious to Idia and I that the level of consciousness to emotional outburst might be fluctuating. It probably won’t take much to render us incapable of undoing the spell.”

“What if we gathered the people Yuu brought together to snap the overblots out of it?” Ortho asked, “if we can distract Malleus and the other overblots, we could get close enough to the cauldron to undo it.”

“It could work.” Idia nodded, “Ortho, I hate to drag you into this but could you be the one to do the spell? I originally built you and you overblotted with me at S.T.Y.X. which is why you are your own person now. It’s possible you have the connection to the power in the cauldron without being affected by the singalong trap we’re under. You’ll just need the parts we contributed and do it in reverse order.”

“The most difficult part is trying to obtain a spindle from Malleus and pricking the Headmage again.” Azul said, swimming up to Ortho and summoning his golden contract.

“‘Contracts of poor unfortunate souls littered with talent.’ My contract was before Malleus’ spindle, the spell chanted was ‘One thing more and all is done, to turn back time the moon and sun. undo fates by endings told. Tip the scales of the brave and bold. Let heroes be silenced, The fault lies with you!!!!”

Azul gave Ortho the glowing contract and Idia stepped up to his little brother, “‘Blots of the Phantom’ was the second item, you’ll also need to obtain ‘Fruit of the Fairest’ from Vil. I’ll try to give you the blot after we find an opportunity to minimize contaminating you as well.”

Ortho nodded, “any ideas on how to obtain the other items?” He asked the two overblots.

“I would suggest talking to Vil immediately. We have all been given our rooms here in the main building, so finding each of us alone won’t be too difficult but it’s not that hard to guess Vil’s resentment stems from his career and his acting rival Neige LeBlanche. If Malleus summons him to Vil in his state, who knows how he’ll react…he most certainly wouldn’t be as benevolent as we are.”

Chapter Text

“ORTHO?!” Yuu had ran into Ignihyde’s dorm to stop the determined youngest Shroud.

“He just left. Why are you looking for him?” One of the Ignihyde students asked and Yuu stomped their foot.

“By the freaking Seven Idiots!!!!” Yuu screamed, making the nearby students move away nervously. “Has no one in this school any common sense?! Or a desire to NOT OVERBLOT?!”

Yuu left the dorm and headed over to Heartslaybul, “I AM DONE WITH THIS SCHOOL!!! I AM NOT BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SCHOOL’S DECISIONS!!!!”

The Heartslaybul students were startled, by the yelling they thought Riddle had finally joined them.

“Woah, woah Yuu!!! Calm down!!” Ace said, approaching the aggravated student with Deuce.

“What’s all the shouting?” Trey and Cater soon joined them.

“I….have had it up to HERE with these students not being able to handle their problems and now I hear they’ve gone and done it all over again!!!” Yuu shouted, holding their hand up to their head to get the point across.

“What?!” The four of them exclaimed.

“Mraah. Ortho called us over at Ramshackle and told us to gather the people who fought the Overblots cuz Malleus and everybody who overblotted have overblotted again.” Grim explained to the Heartslaybul students.

“Wait, so that means Riddle….” Trey said concerned.

“I’m messaging Epel right away!!!” Deuce said as he pulled out his phone.

“Wait!! Mal is overblotted too?!” Cater asked in shock. “Damn, we can’t get a break….I’ll message Lilia to get his help.” He pulled out his phone as well to get a hold of Lilia.

“EXCUSE ME!!!! I DEMAND TO SEE RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS!!!!” A loud voice came from behind as a door slammed.

“Yikes….I’ll bet Trey’s tart that’s the loudmouth freshman from Diasomnia.” Cater mumbled and Trey chuckled.

“Another one joins the club.” Trey said before two Diasomnia students came in. “I’m sorry, Riddle’s not in at the moment. Can we help you instead?”

“Sorry, we were hoping to talk to Riddle since he’s a housewarden and part of the Equestrian club with us.” Silver said apologetically. “But you’re in the Pop Music Club with Lilia right Cater? Do you know where he went to?”

“Huh? Lilia isn’t at your dorm?!” Cater asked.

“Well, he was…but then all of a sudden he disappeared.” Silver replied. “Granted it’s nothing unusual for Malleus and Lilia to disappear like that, but with the call for everyone to return to their dorms, we are somewhat concerned.”

“YOU MEAN EXTREMELY CONCERNED!!!!” Sebek shouted. “WE MUST LOCATE MASTER MALLEUS AND LILIA IMMEDIATELY!!!”

“Ughhh……Kalim’s not answering either…” Cater put up his phone. “This isn’t good… even if Lilia doesn’t answer Kalim always answers his phone.”

“Epel texted me back, Rook and him are on the way.” Deuce said

“Rook Hunt? Why is he coming?” Silver asked.

“About that….” Trey started to explain what was happening while Yuu continued the tirade in the background.

“MALLEUS DRACONIA HAS OVERBLOTTED?!?!” The silence was deafening as Trey, Cater, and Silver tried to shush Sebek.

“Are you trying to scare the whole school?!” Cater hissed. “Now everyone in Heartslaybul with a Magicam account is going to blow up their social medias!!! Brb, gotta damage control.”

Cater walked away and started to chat with the students to avoid the obvious fear bomb while Sebek looked traumatized.

“Looks like you also got the message Monsieur Crocodile.” Rook said as he entered with Epel. “We came over as quickly as possible.”

“We should probably take this somewhere else before we rile anyone else up.” Trey suggested.

“Right….I’ll stop over at Savannaclaw and talk to Jack.” Cater said.

“Right….why don’t we follow Grim to where we’re supposed to meet up….after we calm Yuu down.”
Trey walked over to the still screaming Yuu.

“Really? This many students have been involved in stopping the overblots?” Professor Crewel questioned.

“We have truly failed this school if so many overblotted and we weren’t there to help instead.” Professor Trein said with obvious disappointment in themselves as the faculty had so many students file into Idia’s room.

“Jack filled us in what was going on. I had no idea one could overblot twice.” Jade commented.

“Once we save the students, I’m asking our horned pup what he was doing that a lightning strike would cause him to overblot.” Professor Crewel said. “We cannot let such a dangerous mistake happen again.”

“Hey! It looks like the little Shroud has reached Ashengrotto.” Coach Vargas said and Professor Crewel turned up the volume as Idia and Azul started a duet.

~Time skip~
“….Um….about that, I’m broadcasting live to the teachers and I called Yuu to get some help for knowing what to do about helping the overblots.” Idia and Azul looked like the life drained out of their faces.

“Yuu, Professors…possibly Grim, none of you are to discuss this whatsoever and tell that to Jade and Floyd if they are there as well.” Azul commanded, as Rielle looked confused.

“Well that was certainly entertaining to watch.” Jade commented as they watched Azul, Idia, and Rielle through Ortho’s live broadcast.

“So….instead of being dangerous overblots they just break out into musical numbers about how miserable they find their lives?” Ace asked “I don’t know….That feels way less harmful than what we dealt with. I’m down for just letting them sing it out.”

“Yeah but…..if they’re doing musical numbers about their buried issues while in overblot forms, doesn’t that mean Vil’s going to have that poison cloud again and ranting about Neige?” Epel asked, making Ace, Deuce, Grim, and Yuu freeze.

“Possibly…” Rook said solemnly, “We must go and stop them immediately.”

“You can’t just run in without a plan.” Professor Crewel said. “It’s dangerous enough as is, and we won’t risk our pups unnecessarily.”

“Yeah, but….you’re kind of here because you can’t do anything.” Ruggie pointed out. “I mean….what are you going to do if Malleus puts all of you to sleep too?”

The faculty had a guilty, heavy silence because they knew he had a point.

“That being said, I don’t think we should send all of us in at once.” Jade said. “Perhaps if just a few students walk in, just being students with very valid reasons to look for their Housewardens, or in Scarabia’s case, both the Housewarden and Vice Housewarden…..students that won’t immediately upset the overblots further.”

“What is that supposed to mean?!” Ace asked irritably.

“It means we gotta tread carefully otherwise we might actually get the overblots we fought.” Cater said, rubbing his head. “So we gotta send a few people at a time starting with the people less likely to anger seven Overblots.”

“So we send in the yes men?” Ace said angrily. “How well did that go? Remind me.”

“It’s not that we’re being yes men.” Trey said. “We’re simply going in to make sure they remain stable enough to retain their normal thinking process. Look, I’ll be one of the ones that go first and if you think I’m being too “yes man” then you come in after to snap us both out of it, deal?”

Ace narrowed his eyes before grumbling, “Fine.”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea! Send in the Vices first.” Ruggie agreed with Trey.

“BUT MASTER LILIA ISN’T HERE!!!!!” Sebek protested.

“Yeah….the amount of Vices accounted for is Trey, Rook, and Jade.” Cater commented

“I agree with this plan.” Rook said, “as Vices we have been the closest to our Housewardens, and yet, could not help them when they reached their lowest points. It is only right we step in and show our support again. With our earnest and straightforward first years to act as backup, how could we not reach them again like we have been!”

“Rook….” Trey said softly before his look became serious. “You couldn’t be more right.”

“What are Ruggie, Silver, and I? Chopped liver?” Cater asked.

“It’s fine.” Ruggie said. “We can just head back to our dorms to keep them in line.”

“You just don’t wanna fight them.” Jack called Ruggie out.

“WHAT ABOUT DIASOMNIA!? WE DON’T HAVE MASTER LILIA OR MASTER MALLEUS!!!!!” Sebek protested.

“I agree with Sebek. Please allow one of us to join you as well, even if we do not share your title.” Silver said.

“Well…I don’t know how safe it will be trying to approach Malleus, but I suppose if it means that we have someone to help calm him down without forcing us to all fight him….” Trey pondered “Alright Silver, you’re a third year from Diasomnia. You can come with us to help save everyone.”

“WHAT!?! SILVER GOES ALONE!!!!” Sebek protested.

“It’s fine Sebek. You heard them. First years are back up.” Silver smiled at Sebek “Are you upset that if I went alone you wouldn’t have a chance to say you could help?”

“Hmph! Don’t be so smug….I’ll be here waiting for your SOS and then I shall brag to Master Malleus and Master Lilia that you cannot bear the title of Malleus’ bodyguard and you needed me to bail you out!!!”

“Very well then. Until we see each other.” Silver answered.

“Hmph!!! You better not fall asleep on the way there again!!” Sebek retorted

“How wonderful!!” Rook said “Now let us go and save our fellow students!”

Chapter Text

“Riddle, who is it you desire most to address?” Riddle turned to face Malleus in the room now overgrown with rose bushes and hedges.

“I beg your pardon?”

“I wish to gift each of you the cause of your anguish, what would satisfy you the most?” Malleus replied as Riddle turned away to look at the white roses in the room.

“The roses must be red…Mother always knows best…all I ever wanted was to play with Trey and Chen’ya. I followed every rule, did everything she asked….but what would it have to take to stop the ache? What rule should I follow to make friends?”

Malleus nodded, feeling the pain of Riddle’s loneliness. “You should confront her with these emotions. Release it all…I summon Mrs. Rosehearts to thee.”

Riddle turned his head to see Malleus gone, green flames dying out around his mother. “What just happened?! A summoning spell? Who would DARE summon someone as busy as I am?!”

“Mother…” Riddle said softly, feeling a burning anger as the woman who birthed and raised him continued to shout as she looked around, her gaze finally finding him.

“Riddle!!! How dare you summon your mother-“

“Silence!!! You will address me as ‘Your Majesty’!!” Riddle shouted at his mother whose jaw dropped at her son’s disobedience.

“Riddle Rosehearts!! How dare you address your mother this way?! What could have POSSIBLY been such a bad influence at this school to make you as disobedient as when you snuck out to be with THOSE children?!”

“I’ve lost my mind,” he began walking towards her, the black heeled boots clacking against the broken up, distorted tiled floor. “The skies are crashing around me. I’m left behind, ink obscures all I can see…”

“Ink?” She finally noticed the ink decorating the torn dress like apparel Riddle was wearing and saw the burning red eyes instead of her son’s bluish-gray eyes. “By the Great Seven….Riddle!!! How could you have foolishly overblotted?!?!-Aaahh!!!!”

Riddle had pulled out one of the rose bushes and swung it at his mother, “You lead me down a dark path, but I’m the one you blame for the aftermath. You’re screaming out.” He sang, much more calmly than when he first addressed her.

“You’ve broken me down and I am left alone here to cry, someone, can someone? Please someone save me now!” He swung again at his mother who dodged and then directed a magic attack back at him.

“Enough Riddle!!! I raised you better than this!!”

“You charred my heart into ash, I’ve become numb to the pain. You’ve driven us both to crash, and escaped without a scratch!” He uprooted another bush and threw it at his mother before throwing his first bush to distract her before casting his spell, “OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!!”

His mother grabbed at the heart-shaped collar around her neck, realizing he just cut off her magic.

“Riddle, stop this immediately!!! I am your mother, release me!!!”

Riddle laughed at her before grinning smugly, telling her more than singing, “oh look, you used up all your luck-it’s time that you get what you deserve.”

Riddle sent out a burst of fire magic, the magically adjusted room getting desks, chairs, hedges, and rose bushes on fire. Mrs. Rosehearts’ eyes widened in pure terror as her child seemed to actually be set on physically harming her.

“I’m holding out for karma, I’m holding out to watch you burn.” He sang eerily, beautifully and calmly with the echo in his voice, despite the violence he was displaying.

“Riddle, honey please….don’t you realize that I’m your mother…” She began to plead, trying to return him to normal. “You know everything I did was for you…remember what you accomplished? How quickly you achieved great things? That’s all because I raised you…You’re my child Riddle.”

“I shoot you down because you’re the sinful one here, but now I’ve found a reason to feel no fear.” Riddle throws a flaming rose bush at her again as she tries to get to the door, the bush blocking her escape as Riddle approaches her.

“You led me down a dark path, but I’m who you blame for the aftermath…We’re screaming out.”

“Of course I’m screaming!!! Riddle, why won’t you listen to your mother?!?” Mrs. Rosehearts cried out, the room filled with flaming rosebushes and hedges and Riddle laughed maniacally.

“You’ve broken me down and I. was left alone to cry. Someone,can someone…please someone end this now!”

“Riddle, why are you the one saying that?! You’re the one who is acting dangerously…*coughs*” She crouches down to get under the smoke filling the room.

“Oh Mother dearest…you still can’t hear me…” Riddle upturned his head and pulled out another flaming rosebush. “I didn’t want to be the type, to hold a grudge…. But. You’ve affected me… and now…I am nothing but rage.” He screamed before hurling the bush at her and she screamed because of the flames and thorns that scratched her leg because she was slowing down because of the smoke.

“You give what you take, you take what you give. What you have done to me, I will not forgive. You give what you take, you take what you give. What you have done to me, I will not forgive.” Riddle chanted before finally explaining to her his inner feelings.

“All I ever wanted, was to play with Trey and Che’nya Mother. Surely the evils of sugar was enough for one day if it meant I could be with them…but then…Why is it that I felt so lonely following all of your rules? What rule did I have to follow Mother….to fill the hole in my chest when you took me away from them?” She looked up and saw tears streaming down Riddle’s face, even with the red flame covering his now red eyes.

“Wait, you’re overblotting NOW because of those children? I SAVED you from them, they corrupted you Riddle…made you disobey your mother and eat that AWFUL sugar-“

“SILENCE!!!! You DO NOT ADDRESS ME THIS WAY!!! I’M THE QUEEN AND CORRECT so you must listen to ME!!!!” Riddle commanded and her jaw dropped.

“Riddle…You’ve become delusional…did you wait until you were Housewarden to tell me this?” She said dumbfounded before coughing again.

“You charred my heart into ash. I’ve become numb to the pain…You’ve driven us both to crash and escaped without a scratch!” Riddle said coldly as his mother coughed more, trying to crawl away and find somewhere with a ventilation system.

“Now you’ve used up all your luck, it’s time you get what you deserve. I’m holding out for karma, I’m holding out to watch you burn.” Riddle looked up as the sprinklers turned on to stop the fire and he felt a few drops of water, but because of the plants that were now on fire it spread so heavily that the sprinklers had almost no effect.

Chapter Text

“Huh? Where am I?” Neige looked around at the room full of coffins and a figure standing in front of a large mirror.

“I. Don't. Like your little games.” The figure before the Mirror sang, somehow the voice reminded Neige of his costar Vil, but also somehow not, the voice echoing like two were singing at once.

“Excuse me, could you tell me where I am?” Neige asked, approaching the figure. “I'm supposed to be in class at Royal Sword Academy.”

“Don't like your tilted stage.” The figure continued, seemingly not addressing Neige. “The role you made me play-the villain. No I don't like you.”

The figure turned around and Neige gasped. “Vil!? What happened to you?!” Neige couldn't help but admire and fear the torn and elegant deep blue dress and blue/black cape on Vil, black boots decorated with golden peacock feathers, ink looking gloves all up his fellow actor’s arms, even the golden, ornate corset and crown/s, crown plus golden headwear? fit the elegant and hardworking superstar but the most frightening thing to Neige was the blue flame over Vil’s left eye, and the cold, hateful glare he was looking at him with.

“I don't like your perfect crime.” Vil started walking towards him, every move purposeful, like the practiced actor he was, playing a part in a movie. “How, you laugh when you lie.”

“What crime? I have never lied to you Vi.” Neige spoke worriedly, “What's wrong Vi? Please, talk to me!!!”

“You, said the role was mine. Is it cool? No, I don't like you.”

“What do you mean you don't like me?” Neige asked, “I always thought we were good friends…what did I do wrong Vi?”

“But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time.” Vil raised his ink-covered arms in a grand gesture. “Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time.”

Vil lowered his arms, his gaze hardening more at Neige. “I’ve got a list of names and yours is in red underlined. I checked it once, then I checked it twice.”

“Aah!!!! What's that cloud behind you!?” Neige saw a deep purple cloud behind the Mirror, and noticed that it was purposely put there, seeing the cloud moving in from his peripheral vision. “Vil, what is this!?” He turned around to see the cloud had circled around them in a ring.

“Oh, ooh…Look what you made me do, look what you made me do, look what you just made me do, look what you just made me, ooh! Look what you made me do, look what you made me do, look what you just made me do, look what you just made me do!”

“Vil, I don't know what I did that made you so upset, but can you please talk to me?!” Neige pleaded, trying to figure out whether he should step closer to him or stay where he was.

“I don't like your kingdom keys, they once belonged to me. You, asked me for a place to stay, locked me out and threw a party.”

“What? I would never throw you out!!” Neige moved forward to talk to Vil. “Vil, I’m so confused….did something happen before you came to school here? Is that why you stopped acting? Please, tell me Vil, whatever happened I will help make it right!”

“The world moves on, another day, another drama, drama. But not for me, for me, all I think about is karma.” Vil turned away from Neige, waving his hand nonchalantly as he walked back towards the Mirror, reaching out as if wanting to gently caress the Mirror. “And then the world moves on, but one thing’s for….maybe I got mine, but you’ll all get yours!” Vil turned dramatically, lifting his left arm to point judgementally at Neige.

“I got smarter, I got stronger in the nick of time.” Vil outstretched his arms dramatically again, the ominous purple cloud closing in on them. “Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time. I've got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined. I checked it once, then I checked it twice.”

Neige started to cough as the fumes of the cloud began to invade his nostrils. “Vil, I know you work hard…it's the most amazing thing about you. It's what I admire most about you. Please Vil, whatever’s going on -tell me! Please, open up to me Vil!”

“Oh, ooh…Look what you made me do, look what you made me do, look what you just made me do, look what you just made me, ooh! Look what you made me do, look what you made me do, look what you just made me do, look what you just made me do!”

“Wait….these are your feelings aren't they Vil?” Neige said softly, coughing again and moving towards Vil. “Are you not happy as an actor Vil? You're so amazing and you do everything perfectly, or work at your role until you can….I can't see you doing anything else…. It's what I admire about you. Please don't give up Vil, you're meant to be on stage performing.”

“I don't trust nobody and nobody trusts me.” Vil stepped back as Neige got close and turned away from him again. “I’ll be the actor starring in your bad dreams.”

“I trust you Vil. I'm sure that *cough* *cough* your dorm trusts you too.” Neige tried to encourage his friend, even as the cloud surrounding them felt thick and made his brain dizzy.

“I don't trust nobody and nobody trusts me…. I'll be the actor starring in your bad dreams….” Vil sang with his head lifted high, the Dark Mirror watching the scene…it was so invocative of a queen long ago, beautiful and powerful but so concerned about losing the one thing she felt she could give to the world she pushed away the one closest to her that could help her reach the inner happiness and peace she desired.

“I don't trust nobody and nobody trusts me…” Vil’s composure was lost as Neige gripped him tight in a hug.

“Stop telling yourself that! I’ll always trust you Vil!” Neige cried.

Vil elbowed him in the sudden hug, pushing him away, causing Neige to fall into the cloud. “I’ll be the actor starring in your BAD DREAMS!!!!”

Vil turned and his eyes once cold turned to shock as he saw Neige coughing violently, grabbing his throat as he tried to sit up.

Vil approached him, bending down when Neige’s phone began to ring. Vil fished the phone out and pressed call.

“Hey little star, where oh where have you gone? You're not one for being late.” A voice came over the phone.

“I'm sorry, but Neige can't come to the phone right now….” Vil spoke as Neige looked at him with true fear.

“Eh? And why is that?” The voice went from teasing to serious.

“Because he's dead…” Vil answered chillingly.

“Che’...Nya….help….Vil…” Neige tried to speak before coughing again.

Vil hung up the phone and laid down in the cloud, pulling Neige in close. “I'm sorry Neige…..I thought….I had passed this ugly side of me….”

“Vil…” Neige coughed again, “What are you doing?”

“The Fairest One of All cannot be undone….but I won't let you suffer at my hands alone….forgive me Neige, for what I have done…” Vil laid down in his own cloud, draping his cape over Neige to stop the gas from reaching Neige anymore.

Chapter Text

“So they all have their own rooms…that doesn’t tell us much about where to find them….” Trey said as they entered the main school building.

“It is possible that they are on each floor.” Rook commented “What with Roi d’Effort’s physical appearance, he most likely is on the ground floor where it would easy to make a hole.”

“Yeah, but….wouldn’t that make Azul an exception, not the rule?” Trey asked.

“One moment Chevalier des Roses. Our freshmen are calling.” Rook answered his phone, placing it on speaker phone.

“Rook. Ortho sent out a fire alarm call for one of the classrooms.” Epel said over the phone.

“We’ll check it out.” Trey promised, he didn’t know much about the other overblots, but something in him told him that Riddle…or Malleus, would be the ones most likely to start a fire.

“You think it is the Roi des Roses?” Rook questioned.

“Well…to be honest, none of the overblots seemed like people who would reach that point….but somehow I feel if Malleus isn’t the one setting things on fire, it would be Riddle.” Trey admitted

“I concur. Riddle’s explosive personality, plus his skill in magic…I also believe Trey’s thinking is correct.” Silver said.

“I see. You would know as the Roi des Dragons dorm mate and as a fellow Equestrian Club member of the Roi des Roses.” Rook began.

“Focus Rook, now’s not the time for analytics.” Trey cut him off. “You two go looking for Vil and the others…Silver and I will put out the fire.”

“Very well then. I have no objections as long as we see Prince Rielle and Azul.” Jade answered.

“We must hurry Trey.” Silver said sternly and Trey nodded.

“Be careful.” Trey told them before heading down the hall with Silver.

“And to you Chevalier.” Rook said softly before heading up the stairs with Jade.

“Here’s the door.” Silver called out, banging against the door with smoke seeping out from below. “Something’s blocking it though.”

“What if Riddle or someone else has collapsed against the door?” Trey said, “Let’s Paint the Roses!”

The door disappeared and a pile of cloth lay on the ground as smoke billowed out of the room, setting off the sprinklers in the hallway.

“Let’s cover the sprinklers and wrap these around our mouths and for whoever’s in there.” Trey said, moving to grab one of the tables in the hall.

“You’d make a fantastic first responder Trey.” Silver commented, casting water magic on the burning bush in front of where the door once stood.

The two boys put on the wetted cloths and rushed into the burning room, unable to see much amongst the light of fire and the heavy smoke.

“Trey!!! I found someone!!!” Silver said after tripping over someone.

“WHO DARES ENTER WITHOUT THE QUEEN’S PERMISSION!?!?!” Trey recognized the agonized voice of his childhood friend and moved further into the burning room.

“RIDDLE!!!!!” Trey called out to him, holding his hand over his glasses to see through the haze.

Trey finally found Riddle in the center of the room, his overblot form even more terrifying lit up by flames and surrounded by smoke.

“Trey…..” Riddle looked surprised.

“”We’re getting you out of here!!!” Trey exclaimed, heading towards him and tried to wrap a wet cloth around him.

“Trey, what are you doing here!?” Riddle demanded.

“Getting you out of here. Don't fight me again Riddle!!!” Trey wrapped the cloth around Riddle's face and guided him out.

“Paint the Roses!” Trey made the tiny sprinklers disappear so more water poured out on the burning classroom.

“Trey!!!! I got her responsive!!!” Silver called out as Mrs. Rosehearts coughed.

“Why…. would you save her!?!” Riddle erupted, pulling off the cloth.

“Riddle!!! She's your mother!!!” Trey exclaimed, pulling off his cloth.

“But she-!!!”

“I’m responsible too Riddle!!! Will you kill me too!?” Trey shouted.

“Miss, are you alright!?” Silver asked the woman as he helped her sit up.

Riddle and Trey faced off each other. “Riddle, I promised you I would call you out and stop enabling your bad behavior. You promised to understand others, don’t make me fight you again!” Trey shouted.

“Riddle…Riddle!!!!” Mrs. Rosehearts got up from the floor.

“Stay BACK Mrs. Rosehearts!!!!” Trey turned to push her back.

“You…..You’re that boy that made my Riddle eat that disgusting tart!!!!” Mrs. Rosehearts shouted accusingly. “You’ve made him go bad again!!!!!”

“ENOUGH!!!!” Trey shouted, “Hasn’t Riddle shared anything with you?!?! Students actively avoided him because they were afraid of him, he has been ostracized and hated because of the way you raised him-the way I let you raise him!!!!!! Riddle and I aren’t afraid of you anymore Mrs. Rosehearts, he’s going to live in a way that makes him happiest!!”

Chapter Text

“What just happened?” “Did we….just get teleported somewhere?” The group were collectively shocked.

“That lizard breath really did summon my brother….” Leona murmured, leaning against a pillar, out of sight of the people there.

“Kalim’s here with his entire family and mine….” Jamil mentioned. “I can’t show myself like this….my life will be over once they see this side….but, the anger’s surfacing….it’s hard to fight…”

“Leona, Jamil!!!” The two turned to face the newcomer.

“Quiet little Sprout.” Leona growled lowly, his lion ears flattening “My brother could hear us….”

“Oh. Sorry, you’re not confronting them?” Ortho asked.

“I think my nephew’s the only reason I’m not losing it completely….” Leona commented, looking at the large group. “Could you get all these kids outta here?”

“If we’re making requests like that I would rather they all leave before I lose control…” Jamil said, “but at the same time….the anger is filling my being once again….”

“I’ll move quickly then.” Ortho promised before flying up to the group.

“Excuse me!” The group turned around to see the robotic looking boy flying in the air.

“What is going on here?!” A man that looked like an older version of Kalim demanded.

“Yeah Ortho, what’s going on?” Kalim asked.

“Robot!!!” The younger children gathered around him.

“My name’s Ortho.” Ortho giggled at the children. “If it’s alright with your family. Leona and Jamil would like me to entertain the children while the grownups talk.”

“What? Leona’s here?” Another grown man spoke, his orangish hair matched the little boy running up to Ortho, his face an older and gentler version of Leona’s.

“I wanna see Unca Leona!” The little lion beastman declared.

“You’ll see him later, right now, you’ll all get to play with a cool robot!!!” Ortho replied.

“Hey wait!!! You can’t just take the Al-Asim children!!” A man and woman spoke next, standing off to the side of the Al-Asims.

“It’s okay Mr. and Mrs. Viper.” Kalim said, “Ortho won’t do anything to harm them….Ortho, what’s going on?”

“We’re working to handle the problem….Please bear with Leona and Jamil, they’re….not entirely in control of themselves.” Ortho said before guiding the many children out and closing the door.

“What is that supposed to mean?” The group of adults questioned.

“Yeah, Jamil would never lose control of himself.” A young girl spoke up.

“Uhm….About that Najma….” Kalim said hesitantly…

“Is there nothing left to keep myself awake?” The group turned around again to see someone step out of the shadows.

“LEONA?!?” Kalim and the orangish haired lion beastman cried out.

“To keep the walls from caving in.” Another figure moved out of the shadows and stood beside Leona.

“JAMIL?!?” The others exploded with Kalim.

“Why are you overblotted again?!” Kalim asked.

“AGAIN?!?” The group looked at Kalim.

“Kalim, what is going on? What do you mean Jamil overblotted again?!” Kalim was interrogated by the four parents behind him.

“Um…well you see…” Kalim started to explain.

“When all they ever do is try to bend and break…” Jamil continued. “Is there forgiveness in the end?”

“Of course there is Jamil!!” Kalim turned around. “You never stopped apologizing and working hard to prove you didn’t mean to overblot!! We were both working together to prove to Scarabia we still belonged!!”

“I need…relief…” Leona started moving towards them again.

“A failure’s coming on.” Jamil sang, standing to the side and behind Leona.

“Just breathe, in deep.” Leona lifted his hand, a golden glow appearing as a wind started to pick up.

“It’s taking far too long.” Jamil walked forward to stand beside Leona, lifting up his own hand “I had you in my grip! But you’re starting to slip, bring out the worst in me!!!!”

“And now it’s come to end, I think I’m giving in. You set my demons free!!!!” Leona sang.

“Jamil!!! We agreed you weren’t going to keep secrets anymore!!!” Kalim scolded him. “If I started messing up again, you were supposed to talk to me, not overblot again!!!!”

“It seems no matter where I look, it’s always gone.” The two sang together, “With you I know I’ll never win.”

“Leona…” Kalim held out his arm to stop the lion beastman from approaching them.

“We have to listen to them.” Kalim said, “What they’re doing isn’t right, but it’s their inner pain finally coming out.”

The beastman looked at Kalim then at the overblots. “Inner pain….” He mumbled to himself.

“And it’s hard to say where it went so wrong….and failed me in the end….” The two overblots continued.

“I need relief.” Jamil sang.

“A failure’s coming on.” Leona echoed this time.

“Just breathe, in deep…”

“It’s taking far too long!!!” Leona shouted before breathing in deep.

“We need, relief….this weakness carries on.” They sang. “Please, be a dream, or was it all along?!”

“Jamil…” Najma went forward to her brother but Kalim grabbed her arm.

“We can’t get too close to them Najma….if they get dangerous, I need you behind me!!”

“Kalim, we can’t ask you to do that for us!” Mrs. Viper exclaimed “You’re the first born son of the Asim family…You’re-”

“I’m Jamil’s Master!!!” Kalim shouted over the Overblots singing, “I thought we were friends….but Jamil’s overblot showed me the feelings he never felt safe to share….Do you really think he wants to see our family cowering behind yours?! Jamil has always forced himself to be less than me…I knew he was talented, but I never realized how inadequate I am and how low Jamil had to become just because he wasn’t supposed to be better than me!!! It’s not his fault he’s more talented, it’s our fault for making him bury himself…. I have never worked harder to become better myself until after I saw who Jamil really is, and I won’t let him be suppressed ever again because Jamil is someone I should strive to beat!!!”

The room went silent, even overblots Jamil and Leona looked at Kalim before Jamil broke out laughing.

“It’s better when you’re with me, but that’s better left unsaid.” Jamil sang in a softer tone, approaching Kalim “It’s better when I’m empty, but I still let you in…..”

“Jamil?” Kalim was shocked as a blot covered hand reached out for him but stopped short as Jamil lowered his arm again.

“It’s better when you’re with me but that’s better left unsaid, it’s better when I’m empty but I still let you in.” Jamil stepped back to stand by Leona again “I had you in my grip, but you’re starting to slip. Bring out the worst in me… and now it’s come to end, I think I’m giving in. You set my demons free.”

Jamil sang purely alone now, Leona folding his arms as he watched. “I had you in my grip, but you’re starting to slip-bring out the worst in me. Please, won’t you stay for me, don’t ever let me be. You set my demons free!!!”

Kalim lit up in a bright smile “Jamil!!!” He ran towards him but missed as Jamil twisted to the side.

“Kalim, I’m overblotted. You can’t just touch me!! What if it infects you too?!” Jamil scolded him.

“Seriously? So cheesy…” Leona judged them.

“As Ruggie said, a lid for every kettle.” Jamil answered, “but, his words must have reached you too if you’re temporarily regained your senses.”

Leona scoffed as they were approached by all the others.

“Jamil? Was what Kalim said true?” Najma asked.

Jamil turned away from them. “I’m sorry I lost control once…and you’ve seen me like this…but this time it isn’t my fault, or Kalim’s.”

“What happened Jamil?” Kalim asked, “Why are you and Leona overblots?”

“Some spell Malleus Draconia was working on spelled all of us.” Leona explained. “It turned us into cheesy singing overblots and he summoned the people that made us angriest.”

“Angriest?” Leona’s brother asked.

“Wait, I can’t believe you’d be angry at your family.” Kalim interjected. “I know you’re angry at me and my family for your situation but you’d never blame your family.”

“Because I’m not.” Jamil said, “I think as the potion’s first victim, Malleus is acting like the potion’s carrier using his magic to bring a physical representation of our inner turmoil…which is why both of our families are here and why Leona’s nephew was here plus his brother.”

“Hey!! Leave me out of your analysis!” Leona growled.

“Is that why you skip events Leona?” His brother asked, “Why you don’t want to talk to me?”

“Look, this isn’t an ordinary overblot…We’re spelled, so unless you guys want to endanger yourselves, I suggest you skedaddle on out of here.” Leona retorted.

“Leona’s right. We can’t control ourselves right now…if we get another bout of anger, we can’t promise our actions…You should find Ortho, obviously he and his brother have found someway to deal with the potion we haven’t yet. They’ll be the safest to be around.”

“No!!! We can’t leave you like this!!!” Najma objected.

“Are you kidding?! He has endangered the firstborn of the Asim family!!!” Mr. and Mrs. Viper exclaimed.

“….I’m fine with not coming home if that makes things easier for you….” Jamil answered.

“What?!” Kalim and Najma exclaimed.

“I knew after my original overblot that if they found out, there would be no way I’d be allowed back on the grounds.” Jamil said solemnly “I wouldn’t let me back either…it’s basic protection Kalim.”

“But that’s where your family is!!” Kalim shouted, “You’ve been working hard for your second chance, you can’t just give up!!”

“Kalim!! You can’t honestly stay near someone who has overblotted!!! Mr. Asim spoke up.

“NO!!! If this is how you’re going to treat Jamil after one mistake, after everything he’s done for me, all he keeps doing for me….then I won’t be an Al-Asim anymore!!!!” Kalim declared.

“WHAT?!?” Everyone but the Kingscholars exclaimed.

“Maybe I’ll become a Viper, switch places with Jamil.” Kalim continued “Learn what it’s like to be the one serving instead of the one served.”

“Kalim, you can’t-” Jamil protested.

Leona laughed loudly, gathering everyone’s attention, “A power that only the first born can threaten with…. I underestimated you Asim.”

“Thanks?” Kalim asked confused.

“Stay out of this Prince Kingscholar. This does not concern you.” Mr. Al-Asim said

“On the contrary, can you really stop him?” Leona looked at them, his arms still folded “If that mass of kids are your only options, it’s going to be what? Another 5 to 10 years of schooling to get them even close to him?…if there’s one thing I learned on campus is that trying to get this guy to say no or change his mind is nigh on impossible….unless, of course you’re his one and only devoted lackey. If you don’t start catering to his demands to keep his babysitter, he might just follow me home to play servant.”

“Really?! You’d let me Leona?!” Kalim explained.

“Absolutely not!! What are you doing?!” Jamil exclaimed.

“You’d have to outdo Ruggie while we’re still in school….but I see Jamil easily beating you in that department…to be honest I’d rather take him if he’s getting thrown out.” Leona commented.

“This is not happening….” Jamil put his face into his blot-covered hand.

“You said it yourself Viper. Once our families found out we overblotted, it’s over for us…Obviously, just like you I can’t go home because I’ll be a “danger to the first-born”, so I’ll be looking up places I can disappear to.”

“What? What are you talking about Leona? There’s no way you won’t be welcomed home.” Leona’s brother spoke.

“Still as deaf as ever.” Leona said coldly. “I haven’t been welcome home for a long time.”

“That’s because you’re always so cold and disappear to your room.” Leona’s brother said “I’ve hosted so many welcome home parties for you!”

“Why would I hang out with a bunch of snobby kissups who don’t even try talking behind my back. We’re beastmen Falena….the fact you can’t hear what I hear-tch….never mind, nothing goes in past your ears.” Leona started to walk past the group.

“Leona. Wait!!” Falena grabbed Leona’s arm “Please….tell me what went wrong-”

“Leona!!!!” Jamil had already moved closer to the two brothers as Leona talked, recognizing the pain Leona was implying and pushed Falena back before Leona had a chance to grab Falena’s neck. “You said it yourself, you’re not stupid enough to do something so regrettable.”

“Ignore the fact we’re overblots now.” Leona scoffed before walking away.

“He didn’t hit you with King’s Roar did he?” Jamil asked.

Kalim ran over to help Falena up, “Are you okay?!”

“What? You don’t really think he’d do that?” Falena looked at Jamil.

“According to Diasomnia and Heartslaybul, he almost turned one of his own dorm mates into sand when he overblotted the first time….Brother or not, your ignorance really almost made you feel Ruggie’s situation.” Jamil answered.

“What?! I didn’t know about that!!” Kalim exclaimed.

“Because only the students who were affected by Leona’s plan and Heartslaybul and Diasomnia knew about the plan to stop Leona. You were busy helping everyone with the rescue from the stampede.” Jamil sighed.

“Wow….you’re really in the know Jamil….gosh, I feel so stupid not realizing it.” Kalim sighed.

“In your defense, you’re not the only one that didn’t notice.” Jamil looked pointedly at Falena, “So you have no idea why Leona feels unwelcome at home?”

“None at all.” Falena sighed. “He was such a sweet little brother when he was younger, playful and mischievous like how little kids are….but he became more withdrawn and reclusive…..and then he got his signature spell King’s Roar….it was really terrifying to everyone, how he could turn anything he touched into sand…..”

“So in other words, you noticed that something was wrong and didn’t ask him why he was growing distant and when he got his signature spell, not only did his older brother find him terrifying….but everyone in the palace treated a child as a literal monster to be feared and because of your own fear you grew distant allowing everyone in the palace to think it was okay to ostracize Leona?” Jamil summarized.

“What?! No!! That’s not what I wanted to happen!” Falena defended.

“But it’s what happened.” Jamil replied “If the Royal Family are avoiding the second born because he has a “terrifying power”, why should any servant attend to the monster except to only keep appearances. I bet any attendant you had taking care of Leona thought they were being punished or that they were even expected to die. The servants probably even complained to his face since with a beastman’s hearing, behind the back gossip would be quite difficult to do and he would hear it anyway.”

“Jamil….that’s a little harsh….” Kalim complained, still holding Falena’s arm. “But also sounds a lot like what Azul, Jade, and Floyd told me about your overblot.”

“Oh? What could those three possibly understand…” Jamil paused, he still didn’t know about Azul’s overblot, but he didn’t want to think that many of the overblots actually had a second best complex.

“Well, they said that I wasn’t paying attention to your sacrifices and because I was living a different and richer life I had lots of people to love me…and because of that I took everything for granted…especially you.” Kalim explained to Jamil who frowned and folded his arms in response. “Azul even said I was so grating and annoying to you because of my personality that it was like a chalkboard being scratched by nails.”

Jamil closed his eyes as he listened to Kalim’s recap, “Well…it’s probably more of Azul tries so hard to get close to me that he was able to tell so much…” Jamil finally said “but nails on a chalkboard? You’re irritating sure but you’re your best example…it’s more like when you try to help me but spill water so I have even more to deal with.”

“Ouch!” Kalim exclaimed.

“You cannot talk to Mr. Asim like that!” Mr. Viper scolded his son.

“I told him it was okay for him to be honest with me!!!” Kalim shouted back, “Has it always been this way? Is this the way you treat Jamil whenever I’m not looking? How can I possibly grow to be a good heir to my family’s business if you tell Jamil he’s not allowed to be better than me?! Shouldn’t I be learning instead of thinking I’m great when I’m actually terrible? You’re not helping either of us by forcing Jamil to be someone he’s not!!!”

Falena listened to Kalim’s defense, his face growing more solemn as Kalim questioned the actions he hadn’t seen before… “Have I also been so blind?….” Falena whispered as he thought back to Leona’s words and Jamil’s understanding… “You can’t hear what I hear….”

“Your Majesty!!!” Jamil called out as Falena took off.

“Where are you going?!” Kalim asked.

“I need to talk with Leona!!” Falena shouted.

“Kalim, stay out of it!!” Jamil started chasing after Kalim who ran after Leona.

“Jamil!!!” Najma ran after her brother.

“Kalim!!!” The four parents ran after the children.

Chapter Text

“Yuu!!!!” The students cried out as they watched their friend suddenly disappear in a cloud of magic.

“That was summoning magic.” Professor Crewel stated. “Right before our eyes…”

“We have to go after them!!! Sleep spell or not, we can’t just let our students disappear!!” Coach Vargas shouted.

“No. We have to stick to the plan. If we confronted the students and lost, then the rest of the school would suffer.” Professor Trein said solemnly. “The students seem to having this plan work so far, let’s let the boys run inside to let their upper classmen know what happened.”

“You better believe we’re heading in!!!” Ace said.

“Yeah, ain’t no way we’re standing idly by when Yuu’s been kidnapped!!!” Epel declared.

“Let’s go!!” Grim took off out of the room.

——————————————————————

“What in the Sevens’ name is going on?” Leona grumbled as he reached the stairs to the first floor and heard a bunch of shouting.

“ENOUGH!!!!” Trey shouted, “Hasn’t Riddle shared anything with you?!?! Students actively avoided him because they were afraid of him, he has been ostracized and hated because of the way you raised him-the way I let you raise him!!!!!! Riddle and I aren’t afraid of you anymore Mrs. Rosehearts, he’s going to live in a way that makes him happiest!!”

Leona reached the bottom floor to see a woman shakily stand up while Trey stood between her and Riddle, the woman practically shoving Silver away.

“A curious thing I would like to know as well.” A cat beastman suddenly revealed himself, Leona didn’t recognize the scent so he figured it was another person Malleus summoned wrongly.

“Che’Nya!” Trey called out, suddenly seeing his friend beside Leona.

The woman turned around and Leona saw a scowl that rivaled Vil’s whenever he was lecturing Leona about his appearance. “You!!!! You’re also one of those boys that ruined my son!!!!” She screeched.

Leona watched as the newcomer “disappeared” before appearing beside Trey. “Happily.” The cat beastman replied with a cheeky grin. “And it looks like they have both decided to overthrow the queen.”

“Not the time Che’Nya.” Trey said firmly. “We have to cool both Rosehearts before they literally kill each other.

“You soothe the Queen while I subdue his mother. I’m so proud of you, my little King of Hearts has finally stepped up and grown up.” Che’Nya teased more before disappearing again, popping up behind the woman and magicked her into a goofy dress of white and polka dots. “Over here Madam Attitude.”

Trey facepalmed as he watched his childhood friend prank Riddle’s mom, the cat beastman making sure her attention was on him and not what he was changing her to look like.

Riddle stood there in shock, his anger dissipating as his other childhood friend joined in fight his mother. Her usual formal dress and well-kept bob had been turned into a puffy red Afro and polka dotted dress-the well-renowned woman hardly recognizable.

“It wouldn’t do for a Royal Sword Academy student to not know attire magic.” Che’Nya spoke up suddenly next to Heartslaybul’s Housewarden and Vice-Housewarden. “What do you two think?”

Trey stared at the woman who made Riddle’s life miserable, so miserable that he had become who he is now and he grinned with a wicked smile as he got a plan. “You missed something Che’Nya….the final touch- Let’s Paint the Roses!!”

Riddle snickered as his mother suddenly gained a hooked nose painted red with a chalk white face that had two red circles on her cheeks.

Silver watched in shock as the cat beastman and Trey messed with the woman’s appearance, quickly moving away as a wretched smell started to admit from her.

“Trey, what is happening?!” Silver asked as he moved towards the three, covering his nose.

“That’s Riddle’s mother.” Trey said, “and I just made her smell as sweet as she treats others.”

“How awful does someone have to be to make you want to make someone smell that awful?!” Silver asked. “She smells like a wet cat that went through hot garbage.”

“She smells like what?” Riddle asked. “How do you even know what that smells like?”

“Ruggie asked to wash Lucius when I was at the stables…apparently Lucius was climbing trees again when a mother bird fought him away from her nest and he fell into the garbage.” Silver answered. “But if she’s your mother Riddle, why would Trey treat her this way?”

“Because she thought Trey was evil for letting me eat a tart.” Riddle answered coldly, staring at the woman whose glower lost all ferocity with the makeover. “I was never allowed to play, let alone with other children. She taught me that you have to follow rules or you could only suffer, that playing with others could only lead to your academic demise…”

“That you have to be the most correct and everyone should accept that way of thinking and obey the most correct.” Trey added, glaring at the clown woman before them. “But that’s not true, and we’re not kids anymore who can’t fight back. We got into Night Raven College and Royal Sword Academy despite how she viewed our parents choice of parenting. We’re going to fight for Riddle’s happiness like we should have from the start!”

Riddle stared at the two friends before him, a flashback to that day when his mother stormed in and yanked him from the table, the tart she threw to the floor as she reprimanded Trey’s parents for letting eat such “garbage”….and then he thought about Trey’s words. Trey hadn’t overblotted, but he keeps on apologizing for Mrs. Rosehearts actions, he kept trying to make things right when all Riddle and his mother only thought of themselves.

Riddle took a deep breath and placed a hand on Trey and Che’Nya, the two stepping aside as Riddle stepped forward to face his mother.

“I’m done sacrificing my happiness for you and making others suffer because that is how you taught me to love. I don’t want to have to have two lumps of sugar for every post-meal tea, I want to have a strawberry tart every year for my birthday, and I ESPECIALLY DON’T WANT TO LOSE MY FRIENDS EVER AGAIN!!!!!”

The woman gasped audibly as her authority was challenged by her own child. “I NEVER should have let you come to this school!!! I thought attending such a prestigious school would be good for your reputation and career prospects, but clearly I was wrong. As soon as I speak with the head of the school, I am pulling you out!!!!”

“Sevens Yeah!!!! Break those rules Riddle!!!!” Che’Nya cheered.

“I’m afraid Crowley isn’t in command right now.” Riddle answered. “We are. Now see what others REALLY THINK OF YOU!!!!” He pointed at the wall and turned his head to wink at Trey.

“Let’s Paint the Roses.” Trey turned the wall into a mirror.

“AAAAAAUUUUuuuGgggggGggHhhhhHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” A scream echoed through the halls as Mrs. Rosehearts saw the deplorable condition she was in. “CHANGE ME BACK!!!!!!!!!!”

“I’m sorry Riddle…. I had no idea you were in so much pain….and from your own mother…..” Silver apologized. “Parents should be thinking of their children’s happiness, and help them grow. You’re so accomplished Riddle, I had no idea it came at a cost….”

“Yeah, well…..we probably went overboard….” Trey said. “We could only blame her parenting for so long….and in the end, we didn’t stop her from raising Riddle the way she did.”

“You’re right. We can stop blaming her and accept our own actions for what they are.” Riddle said “I have already promised my students to be a more understanding Housewarden and to work on my temper. Trey, Che’Nya….thank you, but it’s time to return my mother, home and back to normal. She won’t change, but that doesn’t mean I can’t.”

“Fiiiiinnnneeeee…..but do you want me to send pictures of her in this outfit?” Che’Nya asked.

“Of course you took pictures.” Trey laughed before undoing his magic.

“Delete those pictures immediately. You can’t just go around embarrassing others like that.” Riddle chided before pausing. “Though I’m not entirely sure I would delete a picture if it somehow showed up in my messages.”

Che’Nya laughed and undid his own spells on her. “Good thing you undid the mirror first. Should we tell her she’s back to normal?”

“No. One must apologize for their wrongdoings.” Riddle answered, watching his mother still having her meltdown.

Chapter Text

Che’Nya linked hands with his friends and pulled Silver in, using his signature spell to make them disappear from Mrs. Rosehearts view and reappear by Leona.

“So why don’t you tell me what’s going on?” Che’Nya asked. “And what’s with the random people being dragged here and attacked?”

“What do you mean “random”?” Trey asked.

“Neige disappeared from school and I know he can’t do that unless I talk him into sneaking out of school.” Che’Nya said. “And when I called him, I got a weird voice that said Neige is dead.”

“That’s….not good….” Trey murmured.

“Miss? Are you alright?” The group turned to see a red head carrying Azul as Riddle’s mother screamed incoherently.

“Rielle?!” Che’Nya addressed the redhead.

“You too Che’Nya?!” Rielle carried Azul over to the group of students.

“Azul?” Trey questioned the merman on Rielle’s back.

“We do not talk about what’s happened unless it is blaming Malleus.” Azul replied.

“For once I agree with the octopunk.” Leona said with folded arms, “this is nothing but a hassle.”

“LEONA!!!!!!!!!” Leona sighed in frustration as the group looked up the stairs as a crowd chased him down.

“LEONA!!!!” The Lion beastman charged towards his little brother.

“Get too close and I will turn you to sand.” Leona growled a warning. “Did you forget I’m an overblot?”

“I’m so sorry brother!!!” Falena apologized, “I never knew that the servants were treating you poorly. I promise, I’ll listen and pay more attention to the palace affairs.”

“And I take it good ship lollipop behind you said something like that.” Leona cast a glare behind his brother.

“Your brother is a lot like me Leona.” Kalim said. “It took seeing Jamil overblot before I was able to learn I was oblivious and ignorant. He didn’t want to hurt you Leona!”

“I never could figure out why I didn’t like you, thanks for pointing out why.” Leona said sarcastically.

“Leona, shouldn’t we try to stop Malleus instead of bickering….We’re only going to break out in song again if we let our emotions get control again.” Jamil said.

“Not another song….” Azul groaned. “As soon as we find Malleus, we are locking this spell away as a forbidden spell that should never be replicated.”

“Uh guys!” Trey spoke up. “Shouldn’t our first priority be to find Neige? Che’Nya said that someone told him Neige was dead.”

“By the Queen of Hearts…..are we really that unstable right now?” Riddle murmured.

“Vil is most likely in the Mirror Chamber.” Azul said. “Hopefully Malleus isn’t there as well or the potion.”

Chapter Text

“Stay back Monsieur Prémédité!!!” Rook grabbed Jade and quickly pulled him back from the opened door as a purple mist flowed out.

“What is that cloud?” Jade asked.

“It’s the poison from Vil’s overblot.” Rook said solemnly. “We must find a way in that won’t let us touch it.”

“……You are a master archer Rook.” Jade said thoughtfully, “otherwise I have no idea why you would cart around a bow and arrow like you do…..but unfortunately, I don’t think arrows could support a climbing rope, let alone a person…. it's not a story of fiction after all.”

“Au contraire!!!! There might be something to your idea Monsieur Prémédité!!” Rook pulled out his pen as he looked at Jade.

“I cannot believe that we are attempting to climb into the Mirror Chamber via arrows and climbing rope…. I believe Vil will be quite proud of a cinematic feat, if only it were recorded.” Jade said as he tied said rope to two of Rook’s arrows.

“He must first thank you for the idea Monsieur Prémédité.” Rook took careful aim as he shot the arrows. “Please be safe when retrieving them and be careful.”

“I’ll be as careful as I can be provided my movements will be severely limited.” Jade answered as he lifted himself onto the rope, linking his legs around the rope before scooting himself into the Mirror Chamber.

“It’s not Fairest One of All, but I hope it works…” Rook said quietly as he moved to look inside the room, frowning deeply as he saw neither Vil or Neige standing above the poisonous cloud.

Jade moved carefully into the room looking down into the cloud as well as he could upside down, but not seeing anything. As exhilarating and exciting this was, he did not want to waste time when their spelled rope and arrows might not hold up and they still had to grab Neige.

“Neige? Neige LeBlanche?” Jade called out in a soft tone that maybe Neige could hear without alerting anyone else.

The poison cloud parted and Vil rose dramatically from the cloud. His glowing violet eyes widen then narrow in confusion. “What in Twisted Wonderland are you doing?”

“Trying to save you and Neige.” Jade chuckled, his face slightly nervous as he tried to figure out the best way to navigate the situation. “Since I’m taller than Rook I climbed in in case I needed to drop down to grab you.”

“There’s no saving us.” Vil said solemnly. “Even I cannot undo Fairest One of All once I set the conditions.”

“Can we still get you both out so we can bury you properly?” Jade tried. “Normally you’re not one to give up but are you so really not yourself that you would allow yourself and Neige to die in front of the Dark Mirror so unceremoniously?”

Vil stood there thoughtfully before carrying Neige out of the Mirror Chamber.

“Rook!!!” Rook moved away from the door as he turned to look at the owner of the voice.

“Roi du Roses, Roi d’Effort, Roi du Leon…..how beautifully tragic you look as well….My heart weeps that you all have wounds like the Roi du Poison….” Rook proclaimed.

“Where’s Neige?” Trey asked.

“Monsieur Prémédité is recovering the Roi des Neiges and Roi du Poison as we speak.” Rook said solemnly, folding his arms. “I saw with my own eyes my Fair Vil rise out of the poison cloud he created….He has killed them both…”

“Wait, if Vil can move around, doesn’t that mean that Neige has a chance?” Rielle asked.

“Who knows…” Rook said solemnly, “The cloud that is in that room is the same cloud of poison that trapped us when Vil overblotted….as much as he holds grief for always being second to Neige….what truly made Vil overblot was the guilt at taking his frustration out on Neige, who he knows doesn’t deserve his wrath….”

“That is absolutely no one’s business.” Vil said, carrying a pale Neige in his arms.

“Vil!! Oh!!! Oh are you both alright?! Look at how pale the Roi des Neiges has become!!” Rook approached them.

“I….pushed Neige back….” Vil said regretfully, “in my fit of rage….while he tried to calm me down I pushed him back and he fell into the mist….I’m sorry Rook…. I never wanted to go back to that ugly side from that time and yet….” Vil looked down at Neige’s limp form “I’ve destroyed us both….”

The group watched silently as the overblotted actor shed tears over his unconscious costar.

“But…it’s reversible right?” Rielle said softly, “We can still save him right?”

“Vil said that once he sets the conditions for Fairest One of All there is no way to reverse it.” Jade was scooting backwards on the rope and dropped down beside the Housewarden and Vice Housewarden of Pomefoire.

“Vil, what were the conditions for that poison?” Rook asked his Housewarden.

“I do not remember….perhaps I created it during that haze between when I was spelled and when I finally regained understanding of my surroundings.” Vil said, “We can’t save him….”

“It’s too bad Neige is the one affected by it…if anyone else had been cursed, Neige could save them.” Che’Nya commented.

“What do you mean?” Azul asked.

“That’s right!!!” Rielle gasped and looked up at Azul “Neige’s signature spell is True Love’s Kiss. He can heal any ailment with a kiss!!! He does it all the time at school whenever people injure themselves.”

“Do you think you could write the full details of his spell down?” Azul climbed down from Rielle. “The song ceases, the sun sets. I extend my benevolent hand to you poor unfortunate souls. Now, to business! It’s A Deal!”

“What’s that?” Che’Nya asked, pointing at the golden scroll that suddenly appeared.

“Azul’s signature spell can allow him to take magic from others as long as he has a complete understanding of the spell.” Jade said, “While Neige still breathes we can use his own magic to save him.”

“Can this really be possible?” Vil asked.

“Well, the only hiccup is that I would need to transfer Neige’s magic to someone else.” Azul said. “I’m a part of the Board Game Club, remember? Do you think I would have any knowledge in kissing someone? If the poison enters through his system via inhaling then the best place to kiss him to heal him would be on the lips since the digestive system and airways share the esophagus up to the lungs.”

“So you can transfer Neige’s magic to Vil?” Rook questioned.

“Now hold on!!” Vil protested, “You can’t just volunteer someone else to kiss someone! I thought you were better than that Rook!”

“But you want to save him still despite your words of hopelessness.” Rook countered. “I was there when you first overblotted, I have been by your side as your Vice…I know that in the time it took for us to reach you, your words about Neige’s death should have been true, and yet….we have this small window of hope because of your own desire for his forgiveness! That’s why you were under those clouds of poison…. You protected Neige LeBlanche with your own overblotted body, because you are more aware than that first time…. You remember your anguish, justifiable but not towards him, you know he doesn’t deserve your frustrations and that is what you walked away with before. You blame yourself with your words but your actions betray your hope for a reconciliation, you have already fought to save him…Keep fighting until you have truly banished your demons!”

Vil took a deep breath at Rook’s words before setting Neige on the ground. “How do we transfer spells?”

“First I need Neige’s signature on the first contract to obtain his spell.” Azul said as Rielle finished writing True Love’s Kiss’ details on the golden contract. “Then I need your signature on a second one signing off your signature spell for his.”

“How can Neige sign it when he’s hardly moving?” Silver asked.

“Allow me.” Vil knelt down and lifted Neige onto his lap, holding out Neige’s dominant hand.

Azul brought the contract over and despite having to move a limp hand, Vil was able to perfectly recreate Neige’s name. A burst of sparkles came from Neige’s increasingly pale body.

Azul then created a second contract and Vil signed it with his own, a burst of sparkles coming from his own body now.

“Now, according to Rielle, the chant is “A wish down the well, a duet complete. Our hearts bound together with True Love’s Kiss.” Azul recited from his contract.

Vil inhaled sharply but spared no hesitation in leaning towards Neige’s almost deathly pale face. “A wish down the well, a duet complete….Our hearts bound together with True Love’s Kiss.” Vil chuckled with a gentle smile, “How absolutely you Neige…. I couldn’t think of a more perfect spell for you.” Vil kissed him softly, a tender and gentle kiss that Neige always talked about wanting to do when he found his significant other. “I apologize for stealing the kiss you worked so hard to save…”

Vil laid Neige on the ground, watching for any sign that the spell worked.

Che’Nya and Rielle moved forward as Vil moved back, anxious for their friend to come back.

“I can’t believe it…the one thing I can beat Neige in is our signature spell.” Vil sighed defeatedly, turning away from the consequences of his actions.

“Vi…” Che’Nya’s ears perked at the gentle whisper.

“Neige!!!” Che’Nya cried out as color started to return to his cheeks.

Vil turned around as Neige’s RSA friends and Rook surrounded him, the deep ache of the weight of his actions still on him even though he audibly sighed with relief.

“Che’Nya? Rielle? What are you guys doing here?” Neige asked as he started to sit up.

“It’s a lot to explain. We’ll just share stories after it’s over.” Rielle said.

“Hey Rook! Your Housewarden’s trying to make an escape!” Trey called out, having moved in Vil’s path to stop him from running.

“Trey.” Vil narrowed his eyes at the human blockade, obviously infuriated at having his getaway stopped.

“It’s time for all of us to stop running.” Trey said firmly.

“Roi du Poison, where are you going?” Rook stood up to go to his Queen’s side, ignoring the tears running down his face.

Vil looked away, not wanting to meet his Vice’s gaze. “Just because I want it doesn’t mean I deserve it…” He said softly. “I can’t face him….So I must work to remove myself entirely from his life.”

“You don’t mean-!” Rook exclaimed, watching the guilt show in Vil’s entire body language. “But you love the stage, it’s where you belong!”

“Not if it turns me into a monster.” Vil said sharply.

Rook looked back towards Neige who was being helped up. “Shouldn’t you at least apologize for closure?” He fished for a way to get Vil to stay.

Vil looked down at the ink on his hands, looking like gloves for his arms… “This….is my true self…” he said, “in all its ugliness….”

Chapter Text

“Vil!!!” Vil froze momentarily at the familiar sound of Neige running to catch up to them before pushing Trey aside to start running.

“No you don’t, not when you’re so close…” Rook jumped onto the banister and ran down to get in front of Vil.

“Out of my way!!!” Vil cried.

“Non!!! What did I say about facing your demons?!” Rook cried out in return. “I won’t let you live in guilt and misery when you can achieve closure and happiness!!”

“Vil!! Stop running!!!” Neige cried out, still running to catch up to him.

Vil sighed in defeat and slowly turned to face Neige, his face hardening when Neige involuntarily took a step back.

“I’ve truly gone and terrified you.” Vil pointed out coldly. “You don’t even want to approach me now that you’ve seen my ugliness.” He scoffed. “You have nothing to fear now Neige….the ugly hag will soon take the tumble off the cliff.”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Neige asked innocently.

“Vil Schoenheit intends to leave the world of acting for good.” Rook said solemnly. “Though he saved you, he cannot bear the guilt of being the reason you needed saving.”

“Silence!!” Vil bellowed before turning to Rook, “I understood why you voted for Neige instead of us, you came for me at the Island of Woe….. I have trusted you inexplicably ever since you joined Pomefoire and you dare say things that shouldn’t be said?!”

“That’s where you’re wrong Vil.” Rook said sternly. “You have never run away from anything before….. I won’t let you tarnish yourself further by letting you do so now.”

“Rook’s right Vil.” Neige said, “You’ve never run from me before.”

“That’s because I never almost successfully killed you before.” Vil said, not turning around to face Neige. “After the first time I overblotted I swore to move past that ugliness…I knew you deserved the praise and love and the roles you got…but this is why I can never catch up to you….my heart can never hold the beauty yours has….I’m too ugly at my core to beat you….”

“Vil…” Neige approached him, albeit more hesitantly than when Vil was singing. “You’re so beautiful, you’re number one in the hearts of all your fans…”

“This is exactly what I mean.” Vil finally turned to face him, “even now, after I was the one killing you, you find good and beauty in me that isn’t there!”

“But it is there Vi.” Neige said, “Even when you told Che’Nya that I was dead…. You were immediately at my side, apologizing for pushing me…You hugged me for the first time since we’ve known each other…. You told me to rest and while I started to fade from consciousness you kept apologizing to me, for every jealous thought I didn’t know you had…I remembered every TV show and movie you mentioned and I never knew you had those thoughts because you were so good at being professional. Vil….You’re the most beautiful person in the world to me because you’re so hardworking and talented, but you never let any of it get to your head. You’re always working to improve yourself and others, you want only the best for yourself and your fans which is why they love you.”

Rook was sobbing uncontrollably as Neige spoke, blowing his nose on his handkerchief. “How beautiful….so true…..to think dreams can come true….”

“Rook.” Vil said flatly.

“Ah! My apologies Roi du Poison!! I shall leave immediately so you two can have your moment together.” Rook immediately moved to leave but Vil stopped him.

“Absolutely not. You’re not getting out of this so easily.” Vil said firmly. “How…..How can you stand by me so many times? I…. cannot get rid of the ugliness in my heart…I failed you and myself.”

“Non. Non. This was not entirely your fault.” Rook encouraged him, “You're working hard to overcome that ugliness you despise, that weak vulnerability that makes you human. You can overcome it Vil, my Roi du Poison…but not if you run away from reconciliation.”

Vil took a deep breath, turning to face Neige. “I apologize for my unprofessional behavior and unfair treatment. You deserve better than my petty jealousy.”

Neige walked forward and looked up at his fellow actor. “I’m just glad you’ve returned to your senses Vi. We’ll help you get back to normal, on one condition.”

“And what is that?” Vil asked, not expecting a condition.

“You keep on acting.” Neige said. “I don’t want you to stop doing what you love, and I can’t imagine never working with you again. Seeing you strive to do your best always makes me and everyone else want to do their best. We need you Vi, please….don’t give up.”

“Heh…..Hahahahahaha……” Vil laughed, “even now at my worst you still try to see what isn’t there…. I am nothing more than an ugly hag offering a poisoned apple and yet you still embrace me…. You do know you’re foolish right?”

“Call us foolish but we still feel responsible.” Trey spoke up “Growing up with each other and not noticing their pain….not being able to be the safe space needed for you….It may be falsely placed but we still feel that way, so you overblots need to accept that we’re going to stick around and fix this. We’re going to get you guys therapists and make sure you resolve your issues.”

“Hah. As if I would let more people know about this.” Vil scoffed, “Do you really think a celebrity like me can just open up to anyone? Certain therapists would absolutely love to leak information to the press if it meant the publicity….”

The group was silent.

“Well…..could you try to talk to me?” Neige ventured softly. “I really want to work with you again Vi….You know I won’t tell the press anything.”

“No offense Neige, but now that you’ve seen everything I won’t speak professionally. We have never been friends and I certainly don’t want you interfering in my career. We both know that if I truly talked to you about how I felt you would pull out of certain projects and insist I take them and I don’t want that pity!!!! I will earn my roles and stay on stage with my own merit!!!!!”

Neige stared at him with wide eyes before laughing, “so I’ll see you again on more sets. I’ll hold you to that Vi. I want to share the stage with you again.”

“Your purity is truly irritating.” Vil sighed.

“Yes, yes.” Rielle was carrying Azul again, Azul’s tentacles wrapped around his waist “Vil, we need your fruit of the fairest to undo this mess.”

“I’ll make one right away….in fact I’ll make two so I can show my appreciation for this mess Malleus has gotten us into.” Vil said ominously.

“Vil!!!!” Neige and Rook scolded him.

“Anyway, Azul….Can Neige and I switch back to our own signature spells?” Vil asked.

“Huh? What about our signature spells?” Neige asked.

“Very well.” Azul ripped up the contracts and Vil and Neige’s body sparkled as they got their spells back.

“We’ll go with Vil to make sure that he remains stable while making the apple.” Rook said and Neige nodded.

Chapter Text

“Look, on the stairs!!!” Epel pointed up.

“That’s an uncomfortable amount of overblots in one place.” Ace said.

“What’s going on?” Trey noticed the freshmen and immediately came to them.

“Yuu disappeared!!!” Deuce exclaimed.

“What?” The NRC students chorused.

“Who?” The RSA trio asked.

“Remember the student with the gray cat?” Trey asked. “You know, the one you told I had a history with Riddle?”

“Did I tell anyone anything about that?” Che’nya said with a goofy smile.

“And here I thought Floyd was rather unique in his behaviorism.” Azul grumbled.

“Right? I always wished that I could get close to you and the Leeches and when Che’nya turned the assembly room blue and pink to pin it on the dorm of the Sleeping Princess I just knew he was similar to Floyd and was worth getting to know.” Rielle said happily.

“HE DID WHAT?!?” Riddle raged.

“Anyway. I asked him for help to approach someone like him and that’s how we became friends.” Rielle finished.

“If you could ask Che’nya like that, how did you have difficulty talking to Floyd?” Trey asked.

“Who would summon Yuu is the more important question.” Azul said, “as far as I know Malleus has only summoned people from our past. Yuu only entered our world this year.”

“Ah! Speaking of, do you know where Lord Malleus is?” Silver asked.

“Not since the Mirror Chamber but I doubt he’s in there now.” Azul replied.

“You’re correct Azul.” Vil said. “He moved the potion and the Headmage to the Headmage’s office.”

“You’d better get started on that poisoned apple then Vil.” Azul replied “He may have already summoned the ones from our past but what about the ones who helped stopped our overblots? He may be moving on to trying to summon those we might be angry at for stopping our plans in the beginning.”

“If you put it that way, then it’s no wonder Yuu got summoned!!!” Ace exclaimed.

“Put it that way what about us Ace?!” Deuce exclaimed, “we fought Housewarden Riddle, Leona, Azul, and Vil!!!”

“We can’t let more students get dragged into this mess.” Riddle said.

“Could the potion really identify who helped us overblot? In that case I’m rather concerned if all of a sudden we start getting the urge to fight each other.”

“I’m perfectly fine fighting Idia again.” Vil said flatly.

“Ganging up on Idia aside…..wouldn’t it be problematic if you start being compelled by the potion to fight others while you’re making poisoned apples?” Azul reminded Vil.

“So, what happened to the Headmage?” Trey ventured.

“Malleus put him to sleep after he used the potion on us.” Vil said candidly.

“The Headmage is asleep?!?” The others cried out.

“Come on Rook, let’s hurry on that apple before anything else happens.” Vil said.

“Uh-what’s this about apples?” Epel asked.

“What have I said about ‘uh’s’ Epel?” Vil said, “We need another poisoned apple to undo the potion. You come too, you need to learn how to do these things as a student of Pomefoire.”

“Right sorry. I’m coming.” Epel followed his Housewarden and Vice Housewarden.

“Not to worry Monsieur Pommette, we have Monsieur Prémédité’s rope and my arrows in case we need to escape the Roi du Poison’s poison gas.” Rook said cheerily.

“Don’t ever do that again. I’m not going to unsee Jade hanging upside down so ridiculously for a while.” Vil replied.

“Well, I suppose the rest of us should check on Malleus.” Riddle said.

“Right, go up the stairs Rielle. I’ll guide you to the Headmage’s room.” Azul said.

“Okay Azul.” Rielle turned around to carry him back up.

“Hold on Azul, we can’t just bring other students with us, Malleus is very dangerous right now!!” Riddle cried out.

“Then he should have flooded the whole main building for my convenience, but no. We’re on land so my merform is the only one inconvenienced.” Azul shot back. “Malleus won’t do anything to my mode of transportation, especially if he thinks this makes me happy.”

“Is your school always this fun little Queen?” Che’nya asked.

“This isn’t fun Che’nya!!!!” Riddle raged.

“Now’s not the time!!!” Trey raised his voice. “Look, with this many students in the Main building, Malleus is going to have some questions….at the very least Riddle can go to Malleus and say he wanted his card soldiers, that will maybe get Ace, Deuce, and I safe.”

“What? I can’t play card soldier?” Che’nya whined.

“You can go look after my mother, make sure she doesn’t wander off.” Riddle said. “And Che’nya….we’ve already had our fun, we don’t need my mother overblotting as well.”

“Okay!” Che’nya disappeared.

Chapter Text

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Yuu said, suddenly finding themselves in the Headmage’s office.

“Hello Yuu.”

“Aahhhhh!!!!! Lilia?!?” Yuu jumped, “Now’s NOT the time to scare me.”

“Apologies but there’s no reason to not be frightened.” Lilia replied. “When I was first summoned here, I was in the Mirror chamber with an overblotted Malleus and Vil. I’m not sure if Vil noticed me, he seemed to have his attention focused on the unconscious Headmage and the boy Malleus summoned.”

“What’s this about the Headmage unconscious?” Yuu asked.

“It appears Malleus has put him to sleep.” Lilia gestured to the Headmage’s body.

“Oh. I forgot about him.” Yuu replied, “I thought he was just brushing everything off.”

“Some legends are told…”

Lilia and Yuu whirled around at the hauntingly deep and soft voice.

“Some turn to dust or to gold….” An overblotted Malleus stepped forward out of the shadows, raising his hand. “But you will remember me, remember me….for centuries.”

“Oh….Malleus…“ Lilia looked hurt at seeing the Crown Prince so deathly grey.

“Tsunotarou…” Yuu sighed disappointedly, “You were the only dorm untouched….now Kalim’s the only Housewarden who HASN’T overblotted!!!”

“And just one mistake….is all it will take…” Malleus walked forward. “We’ll go down in history…Remember me….for centuries.”

“I should be saying that to you Malleus.” Lilia replied, “Just because you can go down in history, doesn’t always mean it’ll be in a good way…overblotting is NOT a good way to go down in history!”

“Mummified my teenage dreams…no there’s nothing wrong with me,” Malleus sang.

“Have you looked in a mirror Tsunotarou?” Yuu asked.

“The kids are all wrong, the story’s all off,” Malleus lifted his hand to his heart, “Heavy metal broke my…heart.”

“WHY does he have such creepy and beautiful singing voice?!” Yuu asked, “It’s like I’m listening to a lullaby and yet the last song I hear before I die!!”

“Come on, come on, let me in” Malleus stretched out his hand and approached them, Lilia moving to stand in front of Yuu.

“Stand down Malleus!!” Lilia demanded, “You don’t want to hurt them!”

“Bruises on your thighs like my fingerprints.” Malleus sang.

“Oh my Sevens!!! I did not need to hear that in your voice!!” Yuu exclaimed, “Do you have some kinks you need discussed?!”

“To be honest I never gave him the talk yet.” Lilia admitted, “he just might.”

“Lilia!!” Yuu exclaimed.

The door opened as the five overblots entered the room along with Silver, Sebek, Ace, Deuce and Trey.

Malleus turned his focus to the intruders, the overblots in front of the others except for Rielle who was still holding Azul.

Malleus spread his arms out, “And this is supposed to match, the darkness that you felt,” he narrowed his eyes as he sang, a dragon Phantom appearing behind him, “I never meant for you to fix yourself.”

“Uh guys….” Idia said, “we were not prepared yet for this!!”

“They really have all overblotted again…” Yuu muttered.

“Some legends are told…” Malleus approached his fellow overblots, “some turn to dust or to gold…but you will remember me…remember me for centuries”

“I try to forget you within the hour, don’t even think about centuries.” Leona commented.

“Now’s NOT the time Leona!!” Azul hissed.

“Just one mistake….” Malleus lifted his hand next to his head, the forefinger sticking out among the other nearly curled up fingers. “Is all it will take….”

“I’m so sorry for him….but you’re used to this by now aren’t you?” Azul tried to calm Malleus, “You two always antagonize each other.”

“We’ll go down in history….” Malleus sang, “Remember me for centuries…”

“Malleus, you’re a fae AND the crown prince of Briar Valley,” Jamil stated, “We’ll be forgotten long before you are.”

“I can’t stop until the whole world knows my name,”

“Wasn’t that Leona’s overblot? And Jamil’s?-“ Azul asked.

“And yours.” Jamil retorted.

“Oh my Sevens…..You’re all attention-seekers!!! There!! I summed it up for you!!” Yuu shouted, “2nd best complexes the whole lot of you!!!”

“Because I was only born inside my dreams.” Malleus continued.

“Malleus..” Lilia moved forward.

“Lilia!! Get back!!” The other Overblots shouted.

“Until you die for me…” Malleus turned back around and Lilia jumped back to protect Yuu, “as long as there’s a light-my shadow’s over you. Because I am the opposite of amnesiaaaa…”

“Have we all been this bad?” Riddle asked.

“And you’re a cherry blossom, you’re about to bloom.” Malleus sang, staring deep into Yuu’s eyes, “You look so pretty but you’re gone so soon..”

“Welcome to the average lifespan.” Idia muttered.

“Could we not?!” Yuu exclaimed, “If he was addressing you he wouldn’t have turned to ME! How about you overblots do something instead of letting him sing!!”

“I can’t speak for the others but Idia and I seemed to regain consciousness by being startled by Ortho…Malleus obviously has not changed to more reachable mindset…but then again this mess started with him so we may have to try something different to wake him up.” Azul answered.

“Then start TRYING!!!!” Yuu shouted.

“We’ve…been here forever….” Malleus and the dragon behind him sang, the dragon had a raspier voice than Malleus’ but just as low and haunting.

The students froze in shock…

“Did that Phantom….” Idia asked.

“Just sing?!” Riddle exclaimed.

“And here’s the frozen proof…” Malleus and his dragon sang, the cauldron bubbling as blot climbed out, dripping down the sides to the floor as five Phantoms joined Malleus and his Phantom. A jar where the head would be sitting atop the Queen of Hearts dress with rose bushes in its hands, a lion with a similar jar head, a jar replacing the head of the Sea Witch with a trident clutched in her hands, a red genie also with a jar head, and a hunched over creature holding a basket of apples- the jar replacing the head that would have helped identify the hag further.

“Ortho’s not here….” Idia murmured, “Because the spell can’t interfere with where he is…it needs my signature spell…”

“Absolutely not!!” Idia was scolded by the other overblots and Yuu.

“I’m just observing!!!” Idia said, “I swear I wasn’t planning on doing it!!”

“We need to retreat and make up a new plan.” Azul said.

“I…..could scream forever….” Malleus sang.

“We are….the poisoned youth….” The eerie chorus of the Phantoms sent chills down everyone’s spine.

“Some legends are told….some turn to dust or to gold….” Malleus stepped back closer to the overblots. “But you will remember me…Remember me for centuries.”

“Just one mistake…is all it will take…” Sam started to sing, stepping out from the shadows of one of the Headmage’s curtains, behind the Phantoms and Malleus. “You will remember me, remember me, for centuries.”

Sam grinned before charging past the Phantoms, arms wrapping around Malleus as he pulled him away from the Phantoms and the cauldron to the others.

“We’ll go down in history…remember me for centuries.” Sam patted Malleus’ back.

Lilia grabbed Yuu and ran to the group, “Malleus!! Why did you overblot?!”

“It’s not the horned imp’s fault.” Sam said.

“Do you see what we are?” Leona asked, “How is it not his fault?”

“His only problem was with whatever potion before the lightning struck.” Sam said, “You can blame him for that…but I’ve been watching the cauldron and our Headmage while the horned imp took care of you….and the horned imp kept returning to the cauldron between rushing off to inhale the fumes…”

“What…what is going on?” Malleus asked.

“You see? Once the carrier is away from the fumes for a long enough time he’s returned to his senses,” Sam explained, “He had only just returned and thanks to you imps he was kept away from the fumes long enough to recover.”

“Uh….you’re making it sound like the stuff in the cauldron is alive.” Idia said.

“Tell me imps, do you remember what happened before ya’ll started your little sing-alongs…” Sam asked.

“Him.” Leona pointed at Malleus.

“Huh?” Malleus looked confused, “I don’t recall seeing you Kingscholar..”

“What about the rest of us?” Azul asked.

“No…nothing is enlightening me.” Malleus said, “I remember having a partner in Crewel’s class who was constantly shaking. I eventually asked them to let me see the spellbook since the ingredients they were tossing in weren’t relevant to the potion Crewel said we were making. It turns out my companion’s shaky disposition flipped five pages forward into another potion entirely and they fainted when I pointed out the problem. I saw a lightning flash and then everything went blank.”

“So someone was so afraid of Malleus that they screwed a potion so bad we’ve all overblotted?!” Idia asked, “What are we?! Anime characters?! That’s totally ridiculous!!!”

“Hey!!! Big boss!!” Yuu shouted at Idia, “worry less about the potion origins and how about you explain that?!?”