Mirror Mirror on the Wall...Please, Send them Back Home(Now Rewritten)

Ah, my lovely Lord,

The noble and beautiful flower of evil,

You are the most beautiful, number one in this world.

ーMirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most…

ーFor thee, guided by the Mirror of Darkness,

Follow thy heart and take the hand of the one reflected in the mirror.

Flames that turn even stars into ashes,

Ice that imprison even time,

Great tree that swallow even the sky,

Don’t be afraid of the power of darkness,

Come now, show your power.

Mine, theirs, and yours,

There’s only a little time left for us.

Do not let go of that hand, at all costs.

....

I didn’t, I don’t regret it because I truly love everything and everyone here.  

But…who are you? 

Yuu opened his eyes, blinking away the feeling of anxiousness and fear he had inside of him, rubbing his eyes as he sat up with a groan and looked around. 

What was that….? 

No, he shook his head thinking back about the day and everything around him at the moment. 

Right…he was in the Valley of Thorns right now, he had spent time with Malleus during the summer following his 11th birthday. Night Raven was going to have it’s mass repeat year starting in less than week because of the overblots and everything. 

He was going to head back soon…

But why was he so anxious? What was this feeling bubbling up inside of him right now?

KNOCK. KNOCK. 

“Sir. Fujimaru?” 

“Yes?” 

“Lady Maleficent is requesting your presence before your departure back to Night Raven.” 

“Right, give me half an hour?” 

“Of course. Will you require the maids?” 

``No, just have them bring my stuff to the foyer,” he called, getting out of his bed as the servant confirmed the request. 

He rushed to the closest where a myriad of clothing was inside. 

He had been given so many clothing items when he had lived in Night Raven and then Crewel had taken out on a shopping spree, then Vil, then Leona…then Lilia and Maleficent, then Cater, Kalim and a whole number of people really but in the end he couldn’t take most of it with him to Night Raven…

…But the thought still made him happy. 

Without another thought in his head he grabbed his go to of a distinctly english shirt with fitted sleeves that puffed out at the end, high waisted slim pants with a tri buckle on. He slipped into some of his training boots and grabbed the amulet that Lilia had given him. 

It matched and with the power in the castle it was better safe than sorry. 

He quickly brushed his hair, grabbing a hair tie before heading out the door into the very long and complex corridors of the castle; passing by guards and servants like who he waved to in greeting before he came to the dining room where two servants opened the door. 

Lilia, Maleficent and Malleus sat in their usual seats, all of them smiling at him as he smiled back, sitting across from Mallues on Maleficent’s left side as Lilia looked through the paper. 

‘Silver is still asleep?” 

‘He tries so hard to stay up in Night Raven for his classes. He deserves today at least,” Lilia smiled, Malleus nodding as he spooned his porridge with distaste. “Besides, no Sebek here to bother him.” 

‘Heh,’ both grandmother and grandson snorted. 

Yuu’s shoulder’s shook as he looked to Diaval who was seemingly thanking the gods and lightly touching his ears with a slight annoyance. 

“Went back to his family last week and the castle has never been quieter,” Lilia smiled as the main course was dolled out. “And he is no longer our problem.” He shrugged, smiling toothily as they all rolled their eyes. 

“So mean,” Yuu snickered into his hand as Malleus smiled and Maleficent rolled her eyes in response before cutting into her fish. “So, Dorm Leaders and Vice’s need to return a few days before everyone else, right?” 

“Yes, to go over everything that is needed for the dorms. It’s usually a week before, but given that we are not only repeating the year and that the entire school had to be rebuilt, it’s simply a formality this time,” Lilia informed him. 

“...Has Grim…Woken up?” 

“...No, Crowley hasn’t informed me of anything.” Lilia told Yuu solemnly, the boy’s face falling as Diaval glared at Lilia before rushing over to hand him a handkerchief. 

“Thanks,” he smiled, taking it and dabbing his eyes as Maleficent used her magic to pinch her old general who brushed it off with ease. 

“But given that Idia’s parents owe you big time, he should be receiving the best care and be transferred back to Ramshackle for you to oversee while their med-bots to take care of him,” Lilia smiled as Yuu nodded, grabbing his own utensils and digging in. 

“Yuu, I have heard the Association of Scripts wishes for you to join them during the winter break. Are you going to accept,” Maleficent asked, dabbing at her mouth as she grabbed her goblet of water. 

“I…I don’t know. I mean…I have no magic to speak of. I only joined the other societies because they have other non magical people doing research…but the Association of Scripture is all about looking at and doing magic based on the scripture before you and your interpretation,” he sighed. 

“You know that’s a lie.” Malleus pouted. “You can fly, make potions…do simple alchemy-” 

“You manifested a pen,” Lilia reminded the boy. 

‘I can’t even summon a cauldron,” Yuu snorted. 

“You want to be like Spade?” 

“Lilia, it’s an easy spell that someone like me should be able to do!” 

“So you want to be like Spade.” 

‘LILIA!” 

Maleficent laughed into her closed fist, looking to Diaval as the two continued to banter with Malleus pouting about Yuu not believing he has the capacity for magic, making points the whole time as her old general and her surrogate grandson continued to squabble. 

Ah, the castle hadn’t been this alive in many centuries. Not since Malleus was a baby. 

Silver was such a quiet child when he was brought into the palace that Maleficent often visited him in worry he was dead or ill, and Sebek hadn’t come into the Palace until his early preteens to begin training officially. 

Now…this was nice. 

But…

Maleficent eyed Yuu’s pen which was on his waist, the deep green staring back at her. 

He had magic, but something was stopping him from opening up his magic pathways. 

He could fly a broom, it takes minimal energy.

He could make potions, you allow the heat and ingredients to do the magic in the end really. 

He could do some Alchemy, simple transmutations barely require any magic in it; it’s all about chemical reactions in the end. 

So why wasn’t his magic opening up? 

“My Queen? The three of them are preparing to leave in half an hour,” Diaval whispered, Maleficent nodding as she snapped out of her musing and looking to the three of them as they left their seats, Maleficent raising her goblet as they looked to her. 

“I will see you all in the entrance of the castle,” she informed them, the three nodding as they headed out. 

Well…two of them did. 

“Yuu simply needs a push,” Lilia told her, the Queen raising her brow at the cheekiness of her old general. “He has magic and he will be powerful,” he nodded, winking at her. “I will inform you the moment I am sure of it.” 

“Thank you,” she sighed, placing a hand on her head. “I spent all summer but it seems like its something Yuu is doing, not the Mirror.” 

“I wouldn’t rule out the mirror,” Lilia admitted, looking contemplative as he looked around. “When the Mirror tried to drag him back through to his original world…Yuu’s magic fought back and crackled with intense lightning. The Mirror might have taken the chance to seal it when the two forces were fighting. You never know, especially since the Mirror has been…tight lipped about it so to say.” 

‘I see,” Maleficent nodded. “I will contact Crowley when I have time.” 

“I see. Oh and Divus also asks that we call ahead of time instead of stealing the boy from his bedroom and bringing him to the Valley,” Lilia grinned as Maleficent looked away as if she didn’t hear him. “Quite distressed he was. I mean..he is officially Yuu’s LEGAL GUARDIAN,” he reminded his queen who gave out a hum and looked at an old family portrait as if it was interesting. 

“It was only for two weeks. Besides, the Al Asim’s, Shroud’s, Kingscholar Family and Schoenheit had him for a time.” 

“Yes, yes. I know, just informing you,” he smiled, heading out as Maleficent gave a playful sneer at him. 

“Cheeky little bastard,” she snorted, Diaval smiling as she shrugged. “Besides, he has him for most of the year anyways…all of them,” she pouted. 

‘Well, he might be willing to come here for Winter Break…should his Guardian be allowed to come,” he reminded her. 

‘Yes, yes,” she brushed off. “Come now, we need to send them off for Night Raven.” 

“I say that Yuu will finish all the course work and we will be asked to send in a tutor,” Diaval sang , Maleficent humming as she thought about it. 

‘I better look into some of them as well and if I don’t receive a letter in two months, inquire and offer,” she nodded. “After all he is such a boy to not say anything and be bored out of his mind.” 

“Excellent idea!” 

The two continued chatting about Yuu as the servants sighed in melancholy. 

The castle had been alive for the first time in decades, and now it was going to go back to gloom for quite some time it seemed. 

But…Yuu was a friend and friends visit all the time! 

So they didn’t have to gloom around for long. 

A FEW DAYS LATER 

“Ah! Night Raven,” Yuu smiled, looking around at the familiar sights with a smile on his face. “Good to be back!” 

He stood before the entrance of the main road, hands on his hips as he looked up at the rebuilt castle with a grin, turning to look back at the two that were coming up behind him. Both were slouched over, having been forced to follow the younger in his desire to take the long road back to the school. 

Especially since he had told them to come during the last time slot to come to school and immediately hounded them the moment they entered through the mirror. 

“Hate that we gotta repeat,” Ace grunted, appearing beside the boy, Yuu turning to the other who scratched the back of his head. “Arrgh! I hate…hate…HATE this,” he whined, Deuce shaking his head as he walked up in his own dorm uniform. 

“We have too. The overblots last year…well the decimated the school and ruined the finals…not to mention Idia and Malleus-sama,” he coughed, Yuu nodding as he rolled back and forth on his heel, staring at the newly rebuilt Ramshackle with a hard stare. 

It was good to be back. 

Really good, despite all of last year's failings. 

“So,” Ace turned to Yuu who looked at the teen in confusion. “Any luck?” 

“Hmmm…Only a little,” Yuu sighed, the trio heading down the mainroad where they usually met the others. “Not enough though, but I was pretty busy all summer. The Alchemist Society and the Rune Society were very accommodating to me, they liked my theories and corrections to various processes.” 

“That’s good,” Deuce smiled. “Seems like you had fun,” he commented, Yuu humming. 

“They had various other people in the 2 societies without magic, it was great,” Yuu smiled, nodding to himself as Ace looked around confused. 

‘Where is Crewel?” 

“Trein sensei got upset with Crewel and they are in a screaming match at the moment,” Yuu snickered, the other two chuckling before they caught sight of a few other people. “Ah! Jack! Epel! Sebek!” 

The three looked up, each of their faces lighting up with a smile as they waved and rushed over, they all fist bumped and a few hugs here and there, before they all continued to the Main Entrance of the School. Various students laughed as they saw the infamous first year group, all of them in a little bubble that ignored everything around them, looking as if they hadn’t been away for months. 

“So! How was all your guy’s summer,” Ace asked, hands behind his head. “I mean, I saw his mug all summer,” he jerked his head to Yuu who pouted and kicked his shin in protest. “Oi! Its true!” 

“Just because Vil’s dad signed me to be a model doesn’t mean that my face is everywhere-” 

“It’s everywhere Yuu,” they deadpanned, Jack pulling up some photos from the promotional photos and billboards he had seen throughout the summer. And on his way to the mirror location to get back. 

He was featured along with Vil, both of them glammed up and actually smiling instead of model smiling. It was a fun day and they just happened to spend most of the day talking while the Photographers were trying to pose them, so their High School Photoshoots were credited with being so realistic when in fact they were. 

They couldn’t stop talking since Yuu had been traveling and Vil needed details. 

And he wasn’t going to wait any longer either, basically ignoring all modeling etiquette to the latest tea. 

“Not to mention Kalim couldn’t stop posting on Magicam about the week you spent with him,” Jack reminded him. “And Cheka got a hold of Leona-senpai’s phone and posted photos of your trip to Afterglow Savana.” He gave a smile at that, having been subjected multiple times last year to having to babysit the prince, to which he did without complaint and usually brought him to Ramshackle. 

It was fun. 

But heavily concerning how many times the young boy came to the school and SHOOK off his protection detail. 

He was skilled to say the least, it was impressive and even Ruggie was proud, tailing him once to see how he did it. 

“Magicam was swarming about Vil and you, not to mention that Vil’s dad was gushing about how he was living out his dream of spending time in the mountain he owned with two children that he felt where his own…by the way you go there,” Epel asked Jack who shrugged. 

“We were neighbors for a long time. He likes my mom’s cooking, neighborhood potlucks and all, so when me and Vil became friends he saw an opportunity to capitalize on it and invite my family to Yule Dinner,” he sounded nonchalant, but that was most likely because he had an older phone and hadn’t seen the absolute thirst comments people have been doing for him. 

They were…pretty dirty actually, some much so they made Lilia blush; though he had a shit eating grin the whole time and called Maleficent to read them and gossip like the old ninnes they were about the younger generation and how they missed their prime. 

It was weird, but expected for someone like Lilia…Maleficent was a surprise but I guess she too misses the ‘good ole days’...or whatever. 

Yuu, on the other hand had left and went back to scrolling through the comments about Jack as they laughed about one thing or another; the comments all about what package Jack must have and how it would be a fan girl's dream to have a wolf beastman boyfriend for the…whatever they griped about. 

They were dirty and gross, but oh so hilarious that he was sending the memes to the groupchat…minus Jack of course.m

Vill didn't like that at all. 

Vil got on Magicam and basically told people to fuck off from his innocent best friend and if they tried to go to his mother’s business to snap a photo of them or Jack he would have them arrested for stalking. Didn’t stop people trying to find Jack’s nonexistent magicam account through which Cater ran for him at Vil’s request. 

His mom did talk to him about an upgrade though and they were a bit scared for when Cater found out. 

It was going to be fun though. 

For the first year group, Vil might pop a blood vessel and pass out. 

Epel would like it.  

“The Shroud’s hosted a public event in hopes to help their image and you absolutely wrecked them by ignoring their attempts to apologize,” Deuce commented. “Never seen Idia so happy in a photo before.” 

‘I’m not listening to the bullshit they were trying to push onto me…well the Grandfather, his mom and dad need to take over and the crusty man needs to die,” Yuu deadpanned, his friends snorting. “And they need to be better parents.” 

“Not wrong,” Epel coughed. 

“I saw you where with our gracious queen for most of your two week trip,” Sebek huffed, looking a bit put out before he smiled as Yuu gave him a stare. “Nothing, nothing.” 

“You were there,” Yuu snorted, kicking Sebek who stuck out his tongue in a rare show of teenage tomfoolery and shrugged. 

“Still! She is the queen,” he grinned, as if he basically didn‘t have her doting over him as well and asking about his throat with how much he screamed. 

“She’s intimidating for sure, more so than Queen Urbi…” Yuu trailed off as he thought about the only living great seven member. 

Maleficent. 

She was insistent on helping open up his magical pathways, even if he might not have it…She was very kind and Yuu saw where Malleus got it from. She showed him tombs, grimoires and texts that would make Azul, Jamil and Vil pass out, helping him open up magic pathways and try to get him to do more than make potions and maybe hover on the broom. 

She was scary, she was intimidating, she was powerful and she was all mighty.  

But…in the end she was a very nice woman. 

The farewell tea party the day before they left was a bit much, but he enjoyed it nonetheless even with her yelling at Malleus to not be upset and take that tone with her when she wanted Yuu to sit with her for the Tea Party. 

He did and Malleus threw a fit since he wasn’t allowed to sit at the table either, since he had to make relations with advisors. 

It was funny and an interesting last day to say the least. 

“Well, Night Raven Restart Begin, right,” Epel spoke up, all of them turning to him at the entrance to the school. “No new students have been accepted since the whole school, aside from the fourth years, had to retake the school year. It would be too disproportionate,” he shrugged, looking a bit put out. 

“But then we don’t have to worry about others mocking us, you know? And…well Crowley is under investigation and no one wanted to send their kids here,” Ace rolled his eyes as everyone chuckled. 

“He’ll find a way to weasel out of it,” they all deadpanned before bursting out laughing. 

“Well, looks like I’m sharing Ramshackle with the Ghosts and Grim again,” Yuu seemed very happy about that. 

“Rub it out faces why don’t you,” Ace grumbled as Yuu entered the school, the 11 year old smirking as they all walked through the newly rebuilt, but familiar halls. 

“Heya! It’s the prefect,” a Pomefiore student, Lorian, smirked as he waved from beside a few other students. 

“Heya! I’m back!” He smiled, giving a thumbs up as the first year group walked through the halls. 

“I heard you got bumped up to 4th year Alchemy, Potions and Bio,” he commented, crossing his arms as Yuu giggled. “Man, geniuses,” he snorted, Yuu waving as the infamous “First Year Group’ made their way to the cafeteria where a mass of people were waiting for them. 

“~SHRIMPY~!” 

Not even a minute into entering the cafeteria he was hounded upon by a certain leech brother. 

‘Hey Floyd,” he whined, the leech mer grinning as he picked up the younger Night Raven Student as his friends sighed. “Come on! Not now,” he whined as the moray mer laughed and bounded over to Azul and his brother. 

“Good to see you again, Prefect. I am sad you couldn’t come to the coral sea-” 

“Yeah, yeah. You just want to promote the fact you know me,” he snorted, staring at a smiling Azul with a bland look of his own. “Beast Tamer of Night Raven College, The Blot Strategist, Prefect of Ramshackle Dorm and whatever else people are calling me,” he snorted, Azul humming as Vil huffed and came over. 

“Nothing happened right,” he asked Jack, who looked confused and unsure of what he meant.  

“What,” he asked, forgetting to address his senior who pet his head and shook his own, moving to Yuu gripping his chin to get a better look at his skin. 

“You need to moisturize more,” he commented, taking out a small jar and globbing some onto his face. 

“Hai, hai,” Yuu sighed, rubbing the product in as more and more of their unusual friend group entered. 

Haa…every single dorm leader, vice dorm leader and accompanying friends…across all years and crossing boundaries between what was normal and what was not.  

They made an interesting group for sure. 

“Yuu! Yuu!” They all turned to see Kalim come forward with a bundle of gifts, the boy sweat dropping as he was handed the gifts; Jamil smirking as he placed a little box on top of it all with a wink before he let Kalim begin his breathless rant. 

“I was so happy that you decided to come with me to my homeland and stay a week! You're so good with kids! And I saw you on the promotionals! Did you know that our country wants to strike a deal with Vil’s company! Will you please, please, please be the model! You would be so good and-and-and! We might even be able to do a shoot together, it would be great! We can get Jamil and Najima in on it! It would be so fun-” 

Everyone chuckled as Vil interrupted, explaining it’s a complicated process and they needed to strike a contract first before they even thought about making a line and then the shades and the names. Yuu commented that it might not be alright for him to be in the ad which Kalim started to pout at and soon they were all thrown into the legalities of a Scalding Sands themed line and Yuu being a model in it. 

It got complicated when Kalim said Jamil, Najima and him could be the main faces and his family backing it with ease, and putting Yuu and Vil in should not be a problem since he considered them friends. 

Then Leona and Malleus put in their 2 cents in wanting a Afterglow Savana Line and Valley of Thorns line with Yuu promoting it, smiles on their faces as Vil sighed and realized he would actually have to do it. Ortho was speaking eagerly to his brother about getting revenue for himself not dependent on the Shroud Family name that he could use to propel himself forward! 

Azul also wanted to pitch in something for the Coral Sea that Yuu laughed at, shaking his head as he asked if Azul would go back into his true form for the sake of the promotion which had the octomer scowling at him as Vil was writing down the makeup collaborations that they would HAVE to do. 

Because knowing this group they would push him into doing it and might as well since it would be easy to stay in the public eye AND gain revenue. 

Rose Kingdom with the Heartslabyul group. 

Afterglow Savana with the Savanaclaw Trio. 

Coral Sea with the Octavinelle Trio. 

Scalding Sands with the Scarabia Duo. 

Shaftlands with the Pomefiore Trio, but of course. 

The Isle of Woe with the Iginhyde duo. 

Valley of Thorns with the Diasomnia group…

And Yuu was to be in every single one of them…that much is a given. 

“It will be very complicated, but if all of you were to agree to it, as not only are these lands where we live, but also where the great seven once resided,” Vil muttered, others nodding as they all spoke eagerly. 

``You little imps better not forget the Port O’ Bliss!” Sam’s infectious voice broke through their arguments as he smiled, winking at them all with his usual ready to sell grin. 

“Heya! But it’s already so much, conceptually. Who knows if it will get done,” Yuu commented as Lilia was texting the queen and Leona had gotten confirmation from his brother’s wife that it was fine so long as Yuu was in the promotionals. 

That woman loved Yuu more than her own husband at times, but then again she loved all children so it made sense. 

“Man, all of you running before we have a starting point,’ Yuu whined as Epel snorted into his pudding, Yuu glowering at him as Floyd sang out loud that it was going to be so fun to dress up with Shrimpy and Azul. 

They were a…VERY interesting group for sure.

But it’s what made them work after all. 

“Hey that was mine!” 

“Should have gotten to it first!” 

‘It was on my plate dumbass!” 

‘As if!’ 

Arguments and disagreements flowed through the cafeterias as everyone rolled their eyes, shook their heads and laughed as if nothing or the last year had not happened at all. The only difference is that a certain dorm leader was now more open, more accepted and had many more friends than he could ever think to have. 

“Malleus,” Kalim grimmed, the Dragon fae turning to him with a hum. “What was it like having Yuu in your personal home? He’s a really good house guest!” 

“...Indeed he is. He was very cordial…until he found Sebek that was,” he laughed as Kalim snickered and Jamil snorted into his cup. “Then the castle got…Lively?” 

He hoped that was an adequate description…but it really wasn’t.

He…really didn’t know how to describe it other than entertaining, but he doubted either of them would like that description. 

“Hoo boy,” Lilia smirked, chin resting on his hand as he smiled. “Never saw so much excitement in the castle since years ago. They surely brought some life back into it’s old bricks.” 

“Heh, sounds like it,” Jamil snorted as Azul and Yuu got into some sort of argument as Floyd laughed, lounging on Yuu who was pushing the eel away without even looking at him. “The usual?” 

“Oh yes,” Malleus grinned as they laughed. 

This was very nice, Malleus thought. 

“OI!” 

“Deal with it!” 

“I have more here you two!” 

“Hahaha! They are never going to change, are they huh Trey?” 

Very nice indeed, Malleus nodded as he took his Earl Gray and sipped it, staring at Yuu who looked very happy and very alive at that moment. 

He was thankful to have made it in time, thankful to have stopped the mirror before it took Yuu away. 

Still…he was curious, Yuu had rejected going through the mirror forcefully with lightning trying to keep him out. He had explained it to his grandmother who theorized that it might have been his own magic not wanting to go through the mirror. 

That begged the question…

Did Yuu have magic? 

“Hey! Tsunotaro,” Yuu waved a hand before his eyes, snapping him out of his thoughts and he gave a small cough and placed the teacup down, turning to his first friend with a small smile. 

“Yes Child of Man?” 

“Doesn’t the Valley of Thorns have naturally occurring Black Roses?” 

“Yes, they are often adorned with golden fairy dust as well, making them glow a slight golden hue at night,” he nodded. 

‘Vil!” Yuu turned to the model who nodded. 

“The Golden Bloom,” he muttered, taking out a black color and writing down a note that said ‘add golden glitter’ to it before turning to speak to Jade who was looking at various colors of blue. 

“Heh, I see that we will be having much fun soon…No?” 

“Maybe,” Yuu smiled, Malleus doing so back as they all enjoyed this time together. 

Because nothing was going to ruin this. 

Nothing at all. 

………

Always speaking too soon it seemed. 

It was a bad habit at this point, but they didn’t know that yet. 

“Hey! We need to get to orientation!” 

‘Are you serious,” Ace whined. 

‘Yes, even if we are all repeating we still gotta go!”

“Uggh…” 

Soon they all rushed out, all dressed in their ceremonial robes and headed to the Mirror Chamber, laughing and smiling the whole way as they spoke of the randomest of things, simply enjoying everyone’s presence. 

Most of the students looked away from the mirror, unsure of how to even trust the thing after the whole shit show of it trying to drag Yuu back through the mirror to go back home. 

Yuu stared at it’s empty reflection, simply looking at himself and not the face and he couldn’t help but think back to that day nearly 3 months ago. 

He hated how it made him shiver…but…the mirror would no longer scare him. 

But still…that day…

That day… 

“Haaa, that was a lot,” Yuu breathed as he finished packing up all his gifts and stuff. His presents had gone into a separate compartment, his jewelry and accessories with the dorm items along with the armbands but he was all done. He cracked his neck as he looked around the room and smiled at how much more…livable it was now. 

And now he was going to stay with Trein for a week or two after the closing ceremony before going to Idia’s for a bit. 

Yuu turned the knob on the trunk, shrinking it down to the size of a locket and clipping it on his chain that he wore whenever he was going out with his stuff. It was a gift from the first years after all the sleepovers they had and all the duffle bags he brought. They decided to make it easier on him and Vil lengthened it out so he would be able to travel with ease. 

He had some of the greatest friends. 

He gave a sigh at the lack of Grim, the poor thing still unconscious after his blot battle but on the road to recovery, he was about to get dressed in his uniform before a small piece of paper flew in with the message

“Mirror Chamber now. Emergency Meeting.” 

Yuu blinked before grabbing his keys and rushing out with a call to the ghosts to let Lilia’s Bats know what happened when they came to collect some of his extra clothes for his room in Brair Valley. He ran down the empty path to the Mirror Chamber, he stopped outside to catch his breath before straightening himself out and entering. 

It was empty. 

“Hu…Huh? Is this a joke,” he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he went deeper and deeper into the chamber where the Dark Mirror stood. “Alright, come on guys. Today is not the day for this,” he called out into the chamber, his voice echoing as dread began to pool in his stomach. 

It pooled further when green light suddenly flared up in the room and the Dark Mirror came to life. 

Wasn’t Crowley supposed to bring forth the Man in the Mirror? He said he couldn’t wake on his own? 

“The boy without magic,” he boomed. “I see you have made many bonds within our realm of Twisted Wonderland.” 

“Yeah…I have,” Yuu agreed, taking a cautious step forward. “You can’t send me home…and you're not supposed to be awake…how long have you been tricking Crowley?” 

“I underestimated your intelligence.” 

“Most people do,” Yuu admitted. “But what I don’t get is why you tricked me into coming here? I was going to come anyway with the school for the closing Ceremony.” 

“...Your time is up. You now must go home.” 

“...No.” 

“No?” 

“No,” Yuu snarled. “I’m not going back! You can’t make me! I have a life here! I have friends. I promised Grim!” 

“None of that matters to me. You fulfilled your purpose, you have brought Night Raven together. You are no longer needed.” 

“So what! I want to stay! I can make the bonds stronger.” 

“That was not the deal between Crowley and I.” 

“...What?” 

“He wanted Night Raven to come together, show that we are a united front to the world even if they are nothing more than showoffs that have far too much power. He needed someone that was lesser than them, to prove to them that they could be better.” 

“I…Am not lesser,” Yuu hissed, fists curling up as the Mirror seemingly smirked at him. 

“But you don’t have magic.” 

‘Shut it.” 

“Crowely decided that you were to return once the year had finished. I did not expect him to become human this year…after all these centuries.” 

“I am not leaving. You can’t force me.” 

“You don’t have a choice. Much like how you didn’t have a choice when I brought you here. Now, Crowley might have done some meddling to stop this from happening, but magic must be brought full circle. As I am sure you have learned.”

“Fuck you,” Yuu snarled, he turned to leave, grabbing the handle of the door he pulled. 

Nothing. 

Again. 

It wouldn’t budge. 

“Let me out,” he demanded, turning to the impassive mirror who sighed. 

“You do not belong. I cannot allow you to continue living here. It is time to go home.” 

“I am home. You should have chosen someone else if this was your endgame,’ Yuu hissed, glaring at the Mirror who seemingly smirked at him. 

“Then it wouldn’t have been effective.” 

“LET ME OUT,” Yuu roared, banging on the doors. “RIDDLE! LEONA! AZUL! KALIM! VIL! IDIA! MALLEUS! COME GET ME OUT! PLEASE!!!” He kept banging and banging on the doors of the mirror chamber, the Dark Mirror concentrating its magic and shooting out a dark vine to wrap around Yuu’s wrist. 

“That’s enough time to go home. I am not giving you a choice.” 

“And I’m not going to let you dictate what I should do,’ Yuu spat. “ACE! DEUCE! JACK! SEBEK! EPEL! PLEASE HELP ME!” 

“Ehheh Shrimpy! Is that you,” Floyd’s voice could be heard through the door as Jade murmured something to his brother. 

“JADE! FLOYD! HELP ME! THE MIRROR IS TRYING TO DRAG ME AWAY! I CAN’T GET OUT,” he pleaded, he heard Jade bark at his brother to get Azul as he began pounding away at the door’s lock. 

“Find something to hold onto! Don’t let go,” Jade yelled through the door, Yuu grabbing onto the handle as the grip on the vine got tighter around him. It was a tense few minutes before the door jerked and Jade opened it, eyes wide as he caught sight of Yuu gripping on the handle for dear life as his lower body was in the air, being pulled toward the mirror. “I got you,” he gasped, grabbing onto Yuu’s upper arms before a cosmic beam shot toward Jade and sent him flying back into the hallway where Azul and Floyd rushed into. 

“Jade,” Azul yelped as Floyd caught sight of Yuu. 

“Shrimpy,” he yelled, rushing down the hall as more and more students joined. 

“What’s going on,” some people gasped as Leona and Ruggie rushed in. 

“Get down,” Leona ordered as Floyd went flying through the air much like his brother. “Yuu! Hold on!” 

“Help me please,” he screamed, Leona stilling at the pure fury in his voice before growling.

“Ruggie! Get to Diasomnia! Get Draconia!” He snarled at his friend who jolted at the tone before turning serious. 

‘On it,” he yelped, rushing out as other members of Savanaclaw tensed, ready to pounce into action. 

‘What is…YUU,’ Vil screeched, catching sight of his friend who was struggling to keep his grip on the handle. 

“Trickster,” Rook gasped as his eyes narrowed and he looked at the mirror. “It won’t let us get close…” 

“We’ll need to overwhelm it,” Trey spoke, coming up beside the hunter as Riddle ordered some students to grab the staff and to get the other dorm leaders. “Leona! If you and your fellow dorm mates rush it, we might have a chance to grab Yuu!” 

“Alright then,” Leona smirked before letting out a lion's roar to which they all rushed at the mirror. 

“Floyd, Jade, Rook! You three have the best chance of getting Yuu out of there, go now,’ Azul barked, the three nodding as they ran into the fray as the dorm leaders shot out spells. 

“What’s happening,” Jamil demanded, looking around him as the people were being shot down the hall left and right. 

‘The mirror is trying to do something with Yuu and it’s not letting go,” Cater growled, usual smile gone as he sent more copies of himself into the fray. “The twins and Rook are trying to get to him so they can get him out.” 

“What do you think we should do,” Kalim turned to Jamil who had his brow pinched. 

“I don’t know…does anyone know why the mirror is doing this?” 

“YOU MUST RETURN HOME YUU FUJIMARU. YOU CANNOT STAY HERE.’ 

“GET ME OUT PLEASE,” Yuu wailed just as his grip failed him. “AHAHAH!!!!” 

“NO,” the sounds of Ace and Deuce screaming stilled some people as they rushed in and slammed to the ground, grabbing Yuu’s hand and pulling back. “Someone! Cut the vines!” 

Epel rushed in, unsheathing his whittling knife and began cutting the various vines wrapped around Yuu’s waist. Jack had dropped by Ace and Deuce to hold onto his friend, straining to keep his footing as the mirror pulled them closer to itself. Silver and Sebek joined in, hacking at vines that went to wrap around Yuu again as Lilia and some teachers came onto the scene. 

“Go get Malleus for me! He’s at Ramshackle,” Lilia ordered his bats as Crowley began the incantation to deactivate the mirror. 

“Yuu Chan,” Ortho yelled out as Idia began pulling up records on the mirror only to yelp as vines shot out at them, slamming him into the wall and strangling Crowley. 

“You wanted someone to unite the school, someone that could leave once it is said and done. I am fulfilling the magic,” The mirror said as Yuu looked up to Crowley in betrayal. 

‘I…I did,” he wheezed. “But…I realize…my…mistake! Yuu…Yuu chan…belongs here! He…will..stay! Stop…I…I order you,’ Crowely wheezed, trying to get the vines off of him as they squeezed harder. “I said STOP!” He roared, Yuu’s eyes filled with tears and Epel cursed as more vines showing up. 

“...Sorry, but I can’t do that. He doesn’t belong here. A magicless student does not belong in Night Raven.” 

“Ahhh,” Yuu screamed, vines pushing everyone back into the walls as they pulled him toward the mirror. 

“Yuu!” 

Malleus! 

Malleus was here! Just like he said he would be!

“Yuu,” he roared, his magic burning the vines as Lilia tried to get closer. “I will save you!” 

“Arrrggghh,” Yuu screamed in agony as his body connected with the mirror, searing pain coursed through him, as if his body was rejecting going through the mirror. 

As if his wish to go home at the beginning of the year was not his wish anymore. 

“TSUNOTARO,” he screeched, voice pure agony as lightning crackled around him. ‘SAVE ME! HELP ME PLEASE! I’M BEGGING YOU! DON’T LET IT TAKE ME BACK! TSUNOTARO!!!” 

“Yuu!” He rushed forward, his magic burning or redirecting any magic as he leaped forward, hand out as Yuu did the same, tears running down his face as he looked at him with hope. 

“He must leave.”

“...I…Said…NO,” Malleus screamed out, everyone gasping as it shook the very foundations of the school, the mirror shaking in it’s stand. It’s jostling weakened the bonds he had on Yuu, allowing the boy to slam onto the ground as Malleus’ magic continued to shake the foundations. 

“Yuu,” Sebek gasped as he slid on his knees, grabbing his friend as pushing him to Epel who covered him as they rushed out of the Mirror Chamber. 

“HE MUST LEAVE!” 

“YOU WILL NOT DICTATE IF MY FRIEND LEAVE OR NOT! IT IS NOT HIS WISH SO HE WILL NOT LEAVE,” Malleus boomed, eyes glowing as Crowley slammed his cane into the mirror cracking it and making the man within it vanish. 

“Enough Lord Draconia,” Crowley whispered, but the magic in his tone sent shivers down his spine. 

His grandmother mentioned Crowley was more than he appeared to be. 

“...Forgive me,” Malleus whispered, allowing his magic to recede. 

“I have some things to do with the mirror…I believe Yuu needs you,” he coughed, sending them all out of the chamber room with a scowl. 

“Come along Malleus,” Lilia murmured, ushering him and the rest of their little merry band of misfits out to where the first years were on their knees, hugging Yuu tightly as they sobbing into his shoulder, Yuu doing the same. 

“I’m such a fuckin wimp,’ Epel whimpered, holding Yuu tight. “I couldn’t even cut all the vines!” 

“...Sorry for letting go,” Jack whimpered, closing his eyes and he leaned his head on Yuu’s shoulder blade. 

“It’s fine…it’s fine,’ Yuu assured them, voice choking with emotion as he looked around and gave them all a watery smile. 

Malleus was silent until the gaze landed on him. 

“...Tsunotaro,” Yuu whispered. “...Thank you.” 

“...Of course,” Malleus nodded, kneeling down but not dislodging any of the younger ones. “...Because you are one of my truest friends,” he promised. 

“...You too.” 

  The other students of Night Raven stood back as the group broke down, knowing they had no say in helping them but they would be there for their juniors for when they did need to go back to their dorms. They owed them that much for not only saving their lives, but for never giving up on the school that seemed hopeless...and for what happened that day. 

Because all of Night Raven won this day, but they also lost as well. 

But they could have lost a lot more....

“Yuu?” 

Yuu jolted, turning to look at a concerned Ace who gave him a smile.

“Yeah,” yuu asked, voice thick as he swallowed the lump in his throat. 

‘You wanna sit this one out,” he asked, the others turning to him in a bit of worry as Yuu shook his head. 

‘No…I’ll deal with it and do it in full. I’m a dorm leader, remember,” he winked, the others chuckling as Crowley turned to them all. 

“Ahem! Now, Night Raven Students. Seeing as the Mirror is shut down unless for the purpose of an emergency visit home, I will be conducting the opening ceremon-” 

He cut off once the fire around them, a nice calming blue soon turned into a sickly green that the mirror once used, everyone gasping as all the flames turned from blue to green, everyone taking a defensive stance as the man in the mirror appeared. 

“Shit,” Ace yelped as he and Deuce pushed Yuu behind them, Jack growling in warning as Floyd threw all pretenses out the window and rushed over to grab onto Yuu in a protective hug. 

He hissed in warning, eyes dilating in warning as Lilia took a warning step forward, eyes glowing as his sword appeared in hand. 

“...What do you want,” he demanded, his voice sending fear down all their spines as he leveled the sword at the mirror. “I have no pretenses of smashing you now if you do anything,” he warned. 

“He must go back.” 

“That’s it,” Lilia decided, bringing his sword up to swing until the mirror spoke again. 

‘If he cannot then I must bring forth those capable of teaching him,” the mirror spoke once more. 

“What?” 

“If I do not his life is forfeit,” was all the mirror said before it began to glow. 

“Wha-I am smashing it! Crowley!” 

‘You have my permission!” 

‘Where is Yuu,’ Crewel wailed out, fear gripping his heart as he rushed to his son who was huddled in Floyd’s grip, unsure of what was going to happen. 

“Ahhhh!” Lilia screamed as he brought his sword upon the surface of the mirror. 

It connected just as a large flash of light enveloped them as the magical pressure became too much. 

Once the light and pressure faded…they were faced with something…very different from what they expected. 

“...You have got to be kidding me,” Jamil spoke first before chaos erupted. 

Harry was at his wits end, right at the moment. 

Umbridge was currently speaking to the whole school in the great hall, including Dumbledore who was obviously blanking out, about the proper behavior in the classroom. 

Not sexual assault or anything, but how you should always be looking at your teacher and only write when needed, giving a glance toward Hermione who silently fumed.

Harry and Ron slid away from her as her hair crackled with power, unsure if they should let her fume or calm her down.   

Let her fume, less likely to get hurt that way. 

Many of the first and second years were either falling asleep or merely ignoring the pink toad as she droned on and on, the teachers rolling their eyes and huffing in displeasure as she continued. Harry could observe his head of house about to hex the woman when a tremor suddenly went through the school. 

“Earthquake,” Ron asked, turning to Hermione who looked just as confused as him. 

“No…” 

“It has to be,” Fred yelped as it happened again. 

‘Not only are we far enough from tectonic plates to experience it-” Hermione began before another happened and a few students were thrown to the ground. 

‘It has to be Hermione,” Ron yelped as he grabbed onto his sister who looked scared. 

“If that was true then the ministry would have sent a missive, and the magic of Hogwarts should have prevented us from feeling a tremor,” she explained. “That and the magnitude of it would have made Hogsmeade crumble and we would be able to hear their screams.” 

“Then it’s internal,” Fred asked as another tremor went through the school, people holding onto the table for support. “It has to be!” 

“I...I think so,” She gulped, then they all yelled as a blinding flash of light happened before them. 

Suddenly they all found themselves within a large chamber room filled with blue fire and other people dressed in rather stylish uniforms, a man within a crowmask and a boy with a sword in his hand before a broken mirror staring at them like they were mythical creatures. 

“...You have got to be kidding me,” a middle eastern boy with rather long hair deadpanned. 

“Oh my,” Crowmask commented as the mirror chamber was filled to the brim with…other people. 

“What have you done now,’ a man with black and white hair demanded, turning on Crow who raised his hands in defense. “I cannot…I need something to drink,” he bemoaned. 

“Wh..WHERE ARE WE,”Umbridge screeched as she whipped out her wand, pointing it at them all as Dumbledore approached with cautious steps. 

‘Calm yourself Dolores, I believe we have landed in another magic school,” he grabbed her wand hand and lowered it, eyes searching until they locked with the Crow mask and he approached. “The Headmaster of this Institution?” 

“Dire Crowley,” he held out a hand, the two shaking as many strained to look at the new students in their r-robes? 

“What are they wearing,” a beautiful teen gagged, shaking his head as the teachers on both sides stood in front of their students. 

“I think it best if we take this somewhere private…Yuu-chan? Mind taking them to the cafeteria and have the chefs whip up something for them all,” Crowl asked, Yuu coming out from the circle of his friends to the sight of the other school. 

He looked far younger than any of them..in fact he looked like a first year student! 

Many people looked between him and the rest of Night Raven, confused but unsure if they should speak up. 

“Yeah,” he nodded, giving a small smile to them all before motioning for them to follow. 

“Take them to the outer courtyard,” Crewel told him. “Not the cafeteria….Vice Dorm Leaders follow him!” 

‘Right,” Yuu nodded, opening the mirror chamber doors and letting them all go out. 

As he watched them go by, a single thought went through his head. 

Night Raven wasn’t going to get a calm school year it seemed. 

Great.